It is set to be yet another dramatic finale at the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final by Al Badia Golf Club, and none more so than for Jason Barnes, Antonio Hortal and Max Orrin, just three of the men in with a chance of joining this season’s graduating class come Saturday afternoon.
Currently occupying the final two qualifying places in the top 15, and in position to move up to The European Tour in 2015 as it stands, both Barnes and Hortal will hope to hold station over four tense rounds in the desert.
Orrin on the other hand has nothing to lose and everything to gain after a maiden triumph last week earned him his place this week, and with it, a chance at earning his place amongst European golf’s elite next season.
Two very different scenarios. Just one goal in mind.
Jason Barnes
Ranking:14
Best result this season:2 (Aegean Airlines Challenge Tour by Hartl Resort)
Form:T40 – T3 – T3
“I was really happy with last week. I got off to a great start in the first round, but then struggled in the wind after that, before a final round which was one of the best I have ever played. I didn’t miss a green, which was great in that wind, and now I’ve crept into the top 15, so I just need to hold position this week – I’m really excited.
“You can’t think about the position as you’ll drive yourself nuts, you’ll become a mess out there, so you just need to play as well as you can and see what happens. There is no point in worrying about it.
“I’m desperate to take advantage of the position I’m in though as it is so difficult to get there, but whatever happens it has been a big step forward in my career – but top 15 is what we’re after.
“I’m just going to try and attack it this week the way I have every other golf course, and I’ve got no idea where I need to finish to guarantee my card, so I’ll just go out and see what I can do.”
Antonio Hortal
Ranking:15
Best result this season:1 (Challenge de Catalunya)
Form:T13 – T14 – T44
“I have got to play well if I am going to stay in the top 15, and I don’t know how much money I will need to stay there, but I can’t think about that. I just need to play well, hit every shot like it is my last one, and trust in my game.
“This course is good for me, so I will try and take it easy, and see what happens. You can’t think about it too much, because it will make you crazy all week, which is of no help to you.
“You need to play aggressive on the easy holes, and focus on making a par on the more difficult ones as the scoring will be low this week, so you will need to make lots of birdies. I feel confident though as I have played well in practice.
“Whatever happens though, this has been a great season as I had nothing at the start, so it is either going to be good or very good. (Joking with Pedro Oriol as he walked away) I’m definitely going to make it!”
Max Orrin
Ranking:17
Best result this season:1 (National Bank of Oman Golf Classic)
Form:T34 – T19 - 1
“Last week I was just focused on getting a category for next year, so to have a chance at a European Tour card this week is crazy. It was never on my mind, but now I’m here I just need to move on to the next job and try and get my card.
“I’ll use last week to my advantage, just try and keep the confidence up, and have the same mind set. It sounds like it is going to be windy at times this week, similar to Oman, so I will just try and have fun as the more I enjoy it the better I play.
“When you’re chasing you are freewheeling a little bit, whereas when you are protecting you can focus on just staying there and not pushing on. There are a lot of great golfers here this week so I will need a great week if I am to do anything.
“Getting into this week is a massive bonus for me, so I’m just enjoying every minute really, and from the start of last week things have changed rapidly. It’s so exciting, and my family and friends have been watching back home which has spurred me on, but to know I’m sorted for next year is a good feeling.”
