Liam Nolan is hoping to continue his consistent form on the 2026 Road to Mallorca when he tees it up at this week’s Challenge de España at Isla Canela Links.
The Irishman, who is embarking on his second full season as a professional, posted his season-best performance at last week’s Danish Golf Challenge, with rounds of 66-70-68-69 seeing the Galwegian end the week in a tie for sixth, three strokes back of eventual winner Tapio Pulkkanen.
Having missed just one cut and currently sitting 31st on the season-long Rankings, the 26-year-old believes his game is in a much better state than this time 12 months ago.
“It’s been a different season to last year. I was either missing the cut or having a top five. It’s a lot less stressful this year,” he said.
“Last year I had to play well to make cuts, this year I can just play solid, plot my way around and I can make cuts.
“Obviously last year the finishes were great, and I had really good adrenaline rushes coming down the last few holes that haven’t really been there this year but I’m building on a really solid start to the season.”
Isla Canela Links will provide a unique test this week, with the layout one of the only links-style venues on the 2026 Road to Mallorca. And Nolan, whose game has been forged on blustery Irish courses, is looking forward to confronting familiar conditions this week.
“You have to know how to flight the ball here,” he added. “There are lots of tough little green complexes as well so it will be a really fun week.
“Growing up in Galway, the low one is your normal shot, so you then have to learn how to hit the higher one to turn pro. I’m lucky that shot comes naturally to me so definitely going to be looking to take advantage of that ball flight this week.”
Nolan impressed during the 2025 season, registering two third place finishes along with one further top ten. The Irishman, however, missed 14 cuts last year on his way to finishing 45th in the Rankings.
Now, having made the weekend in all but one HotelPlanner Tour event since the start of the season, the 26-year-old feels an improved mentality is largely to thank.
“The last few weeks I’ve had a good mentality,” he added. “If I make bogeys, I just keep smiling which is nice for me and my caddie. Focussing on my mindset and whatever score I shoot, I shoot.”
“I’m absolutely loving being out here. Every week is good fun. I don’t really like putting a number in my head when it comes to a week like this.”
Nolan is part of a strong field at this week’s Challenge de España, including Challenge de Catalunya winner Pablo Ereno, former European Ryder Cup star Chris Wood and DP World Tour winner, Tom Lewis.
