Johan Edfors is among the 44 players chasing one of 15 European Tour cards on offer as the European Challenge Tour season reaches its exciting climax at this week’s Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final hosted by Al Badia Golf Club.
The three-time European Tour winner launched himself into contention for a return to European golf’s top table when he claimed a third career Challenge Tour victory, and his first title since claiming the Scottish Open eight years ago, at the Shankai Classic presented by IDG.
Edfors enters this week’s thrilling season finale just one place outside the cut-off point in 16th position so a big finish in his former city of residence in the Middle East would complete his remarkable comeback from the golfing doldrums.
Having entered the Challenge Tour’s four-tournament ‘Final Swing’ in 59th position and outside the frame for the limited-field final event of the season, for which only the top 45 in the Rankings qualify, the 39 year old is relishing the opportunity to return to The European Tour – where he has won over €5 million, having first graduated from the Challenge Tour back in 2003.
“If you had offered me a place in the Grand Final three weeks ago I definitely would have taken it,” said the Swede. “I was hoping I could be a bit more relaxed going into Dubai but it looks like I’m going to have to play well out there.
“At least I’m still up there in a position, where if I have a good tournament I can climb into that top 15. At least I’ve given myself a chance.
“I was disappointed to miss the cut in the second tournament in China, and unfortunately I didn’t play very well last week in Oman, so it looks like it’s going to come down to the last week for me. Hopefully I can find some of the game I had in China this week.
“I used to live in Dubai for five years so I definitely feel good out here, I feel at home. I’ve never played the course so I look forward to getting there and playing it.”
Edfors certainly has some good memories to feed off when it comes to the Challenge Tour’s most prestigious event - his runner-up finish at the Grand Final in 2003, following a play-off defeat, meant he topped the Rankings that year.
“I was lying third or fourth in the Rankings going into the final tournament,” he said. “So it was great that a good finish there got me to the Number One position, although I was disappointed not to win the tournament. Winning the Rankings definitely made up for it though.”
Andrew Johnston, meanwhile, is in pole position to be crowned Challenge Tour Number One this year and returns to the fold after a long hiatus from life on the second tier. A runner-up finish in his last appearance at the lucrative Kazakhstan Open moved the Englishman into a commanding lead at the summit of the Rankings on €181,115.
Moritz Lampert of Germany and Korean Byeong-hun An are still in with a chance of catching the 25 year old, but it will take something special in the stunning surrounds of Al Badia Golf Club.
Against the fittingly dramatic backdrop of the Dubai skyline, every player in the field has an opportunity to fulfil their European Tour dreams this week, with even 45th placed Belgian Hugues Joannes in with a chance if he can secure at least a runner-up finish.
