Having made the weekend for the second successive time at the D+D REAL Czech Masters, young local hope Filip Mruzek believes that the invaluable experience he is gaining alongside some of the world’s best players is having hugely positive effects on his own game.
The 24 year old is attached to the host venue this week, Albatross Golf Resort, and is managed by the tournament promoters Relmost, so there was plenty of pressure on his inexperienced shoulders this week – especially after he made history last year as the first Czech player to make the cut.
But he has taken the responsibility in his stride this week and, having played the first two rounds alongside two-time Major winner John Daly and five-time European Tour winner David Howell, he made the cut on the mark.
Mruzek has been relishing the experience once again and, with some European Challenge Tour starts to follow this season as well as a crack at Qualifying School, he believes he will reap the benefits of proving his worth among the stars of the European Tour.
“I have enjoyed the week a lot,” he said. “The first two days with John Daly were amazing and today I played with Paul Lawrie, so two Major Champions and two great guys.
“I’m happy that I made the cut again and it could have been a better score than level par but I’m pretty happy so I’m looking to next year now.
“I definitely learn a lot. The players’ ball striking – they aren’t just hitting straight, they’re shaping the ball all the time, so I have to watch those guys and I’ll definitely learn a lot.
“I was nervous the first three holes on the first day with all the crowds but after that I just want to show my worth, and the last three days there were no nerves, just enjoying it.”
Mruzek will go straight to England for next week’s Bridgestone Challenge on the Challenge Tour, and he thinks there have been recent signs that Czech golf is definitely on the rise, while he hopes he can lead the new generation of players from his home nation.
“There are so many things I need to learn from these guys out here,” he said. “It’s a big school here playing with these guys.
“To play these tournaments and Challenge Tour tournaments really helps and my game is growing, definitely.
“I think Czech golf is definitely getting better. Jan Cafourek has made three cuts in a row on Challenge Tour, and two weeks ago I finished 24th on that tour too, so the game is getting better here which is great.”
