Max Orrin moved into contention for a second victory in Oman in the space of 12 months and the Englishman believes that his fond memories of tat career-changing win buoyed him to the best round of the second day at the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final.
The 21 year old claimed a shock victory at Almouj Golf, The Wave last year when the stunning coastal lay-out hosted the penultimate event of the 2014 season.
The Greg Norman-designed course this year hosts the Challenge Tour’s season finale for the first time, a happy coincidence for Orrin as he attempts to force his way into the top 15 of the Road to Oman Rankings from 21st and earn a rookie season on The European Tour.
His second successive bogey-free round in Muscat moved him to within three shots of the lead in third place outright and he was loving his return to the place where he claimed a first professional title.
“I played very solid all day today,” he said. “I don’t think I missed a single green all day and it was much the same as yesterday, just keep trying to hit good shots and keep it in the present. There’s a lot going on which I try not to think about too much, but just concentrate on playing golf.
“It’s very good to be back here in Oman. I’ve obviously got really fond memories of playing here, and it’s great to have my brother with me on the bag this year as well. It’s great to have his support and it’s just been a nice week so far, all the vibes have been really good out here.
“It’s tough to put to the back of your mind how much is at stake this week, with those 15 European Tour cards there to be won. As much as you try to ignore it all there’s reminders everywhere and people talking about it.
“I’m trying to push my way up and into the top 15, and each day I get closer to finishing there so it’s definitely something that keeps pushing me on and keeps me focused.”
