Jarand Ekeland Arnoy might seem like the biggest outside bet to earn a European Tour card this week but just by being at the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, he has given himself a chance of graduation come Saturday evening.
The Norwegian is ranked 45th on the Road to Oman, with only the top 45 contesting the season finale at Al Mouj Golf – the lowest-ranked player in the field.
A missed cut at last week’s Ras Al Khaimah 2017 Golf Challenge meant a nervous wait for Arnoy as he was powerless to prevent others potentially overtaking him at the last minute and booking their own trips to Muscat.
Having started the week in 41st spot, Arnoy just held onto a place in the Grand Final, much to his delight and relief.
“It was a very nervous afternoon!” he said. “It did not look like I would make it but a lot of things changed quite late on – I was trying to distract myself but it was hard. It’s so good to be here.
“My dad and coach were impossibly nervous – you couldn’t even talk to them! It all worked out in the end and I’m really happy about that.”
With just 35,000 points between him and Sebastian Heisele in 15th spot, and with the top 15 earning Race to Dubai spots after this week, Arnoy is by no means out of the running for a late charge.
In fact, a top two finish will be sufficient and, given that in September the 20 year old went on a run of three runner-up results in a row, it is by no means an impossibility – and is very much Arnoy’s goal this week.
“I’m always playing to win,” he said. “All I need to do is win, that’s everything that counts and that’s what will get me a European Tour card. I’m just going to put all my cards on the table and see where it takes me.
“I’ve been struggling a little bit with my game in the last few weeks but I had my coach with me last week and I’ve practised really hard and I think the game is coming along nicely now at the right time.
“It’s just so beautiful out there on this course. It’s an awesome course in a great location and I can’t believe I’m here but cannot wait to get started.”
