Bernd Wiesberger has atonement on his mind ahead of the 2016 Lyoness Open powered by Sporthlife Cashback Card.
Having missed the cut at his national Open for the first time in five appearances 12 months ago, Wiesberger is determined to make amends when he returns to Diamond Country Club in June.
A second round of 67 in Atzenbrugg was ultimately not enough to prevent a premature exit for the Austrian last year, when Chris Wood prevailed with a 15 under par aggregate total.
But last year was merely a blip as Wiesberger boasts an otherwise formidable record in the event, with three top five finishes to his name since it returned to The European Tour International Schedule in 2006. A fifth place finish in 2011 was bettered by victory in 2012, before he claimed runner-up two years later behind Mikael Lundberg, who triumphed courtesy of a huge birdie putt on the first extra hole of a play-off.
Less than a month after enduring disappointment in Atzenbrugg last year, Wiesberger went on to win his third European Tour title at the Alstom Open de France. The experience the 30 year old has gained since then, combined with his previous success in this event, has Wiesberger believing he is well positioned to right the wrongs of twelve months ago.
“After last year I have a score to settle with the course and I will give my best to be able to play for the victory at the weekend,” said Wiesberger, who will be making his 2016 mainland European debut when he tees off on June 9.
“The past has shown that the course actually suits me, and so far the conditions have been ideal every year.”
This year’s staging sees the tournament celebrate ten years as a European Tour event, having previously been part of the European Challenge Tour, running from 2003 to 2005. Tournament ambassador Wiesberger has been an ever-present since the tournament’s conception, finishing fourth in 2004 when still a teenager.
Wiesberger will also hope to be celebrating three months later with a place on Darren Clarke’s European Ryder Cup team. After experiencing Clarke’s captaincy in Europe’s 18.5 to 5.5 win over Asia in the EURASIA CUP in January, Wiesberger is keen to earn his place on the 12-man team at Hazeltine National in September.
“At the EurAsia Cup I was given the opportunity to play a team event under Darren and experience how great such competitions are for us players.
“But the focus for now obviously remains on the individual tournament weeks. If I am able to get good results at the big events, the qualification should work out automatically. You shouldn’t and can’t hope for a wild card pick.”
