Antoine Rozner is hoping to continue his run of good form as he makes his first regular European Tour start since capturing the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Rozner’s recent form includes an impressive debut at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, where he defeated reigning U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau in his opening match.
"I was really happy with the way I played at the Match Play against Bryson (DeChambeau), the first day of the tournament as well,” reflected Rozner.
“I was a little bit nervous that day, but I just enjoyed it. I had a lot of fun out there on the course, with some crowds as well. It was really fun, great experience for me. Good taste of my first WGC. Hopefully it won’t be my last one, hope to get back out there at the top level again.”
It was just the latest in a string of impressive results for the Frenchman, who earned his first European Tour title at the Golf in Dubai Championship last December before adding a second victory in Qatar.
And now, Rozner is hopeful that he’ll be able to continue that form in Gran Canaria after taking a few weeks off to rest.
”I was at home (the last three weeks),” said Rozner, who hasn’t finished worse than a tie for 36th in any worldwide start since the UK Championship last August.
“Whenever I get the chance to be home I like to stay there. I just enjoy it. I took a week off. I needed that after the win in Qatar and the Match Play. It was a lot of travel. Had a good week off and then practiced.
“I feel that my game is good enough to compete at that level. If I can get out there every time, whenever I can it would be nice for me.
“The game is good. I like when the wind blows. If it blows like it did in Qatar, I think it would suit my game. We’ll see. I don’t have too many expectations week to week. I just want to play well and do my best and we’ll see how that goes.”
Last week’s Austrian Golf Open champion John Catlin is also hoping to build on his recent performances after capturing his third European Tour title in a five hole play-off against Max Kieffer.
“I’m pretty happy,” said Catlin.
“It’s nice to win once, twice is special, three times is kind of putting me over the moon. When you win once you want to win again and it just keeps growing. That’s not going to change for me, I still want to get in that top 50, still want to play all the Majors and hopefully one day win one of them.
“I’m a big believer in staying in the moment so I wasn’t thinking about me winning or him (Max Kieffer) winning, I was just trying to execute golf shots. There were moments where it looked like I had the advantage and times where it looked like he did, but it’s never over until it’s over. I just keep pushing myself, keep trying to hit good golf shots, and see where everything ended up.”
As for how he feels about this week, Catlin was positive about his chances.
“I always fancy my chances,” he said.
“I wouldn’t tee it up if I didn’t. You never know, you just go out, try to execute golf shots, stay as much in the present as you can, and see where everything falls.”
