Fresh from securing his second top ten finish of the season at the KPMG Trophy last week, Thomas Linard is relishing the chance to return home when the European Challenge Tour visits Saint Omer for the Hauts de France Golf Open.
The Frenchman finished tied seventh on 18 under par at L’Empereur Golf & Country Club, four shots behind eventual play-off winner Pedro Figueiredo, who defeated Anton Karlsson and Stuart Manley on the first extra hole.
Linard’s previous best finish this season was at the Turkish Airlines Challenge when he ended the week in a tie for ninth place on 12 under par.
The 30 year old now turns his attention to the Hauts de France Golf Open, a tournament where he feels at home with those closest to him set to attend in support.
“It’s all good to play in France,” he said. “The course in Saint Omer is special and I’ve played there three or four times and I’ve played well two or three times.
“I have good memories there. My parents and girlfriend will come with me so I think it’ll be a good week. It’s going to be a family affair.
“I feel very confident with my family there because they’re people who are very close to me, so it’s going to be good.”
Linard, whose only Challenge Tour win was at the 2014 D+D Real Czech Challenge, was pleased with how he played in Belgium last week, but was disappointed with certain dropped shots.
“To be 18 under after four rounds is good but I’m very disappointed because I two-putted three times on the back nine of the last round and on Saturday I hit my drive on ten out of bounds so I lost what I see as stupid strokes,” Linard said.
“That’s golf and I’m playing good golf at the moment so I just need to stay patient. I’ve been very happy for the last three months.
“It’s more consistent this year. My putting is better so when you put consistency and good putting together, it makes for a good game.”
