Dylan Frittelli arrives in Geneva for this week’s prestigious Rolex Trophy as arguably the form player on the European Challenge Tour after four top 15 finishes in his last five events.
The South African has not played in the Swiss event since 2013, but his performances this season have taken him to 13thspot in the Road to Oman Rankings and earned him a much-desired place in this week’s exclusive tournament, where just 42 players compete.
Uniquely on the Challenge Tour, the entire event is a Pro-Am format, and though he did could only manage a 41stplace finish three years ago, the 26 year old has fond memories of his previous experience at Golf Club de Genève.
It's a wonderful event - it's the marquee tournament of the year, it's a beautiful place
“It’s a wonderful event,” he said. “It’s almost the marquee tournament of the year for us and going back to Switzerland is always nice, it’s a beautiful place this time of year.
“I didn’t play too great the last time I was there but I do remember the course to some degree so I have good memories from last time and I’m looking forward to the week.
“The format is a bit of a tricky one. A lot of the guys may not enjoy playing with the amateurs but I just try to get my head around it and make as many birdies as I can – a few guys would prefer to just play with professionals but I find playing with the amateurs fun, and it’s good for the game, good for the sponsors and something that we probably need to do more of.
“I wasn’t in contention last time, but obviously if you’re coming down the stretch it might be tricky, trying to look at leaderboards. But it’s a fun week, it’s a week that everyone tries to get into and now that I’m in I’m looking forward to it.”
Frittelli is no stranger to success on the Challenge Tour, having tasted victory at the Kӓrnten Open in 2013 on his way to earning a European Tour card, and with his performances this season he is intent on cementing his place in the top 15 on the Road to Oman and graduating once again.
“My game is in great shape, for sure,” he said. “I’ve played well the last six or seven weeks, top tens, top fives, and I’m really just trying to keep that form going now – this will now be 11 weeks in a row for me, England then 12, so I’ve got the form but it’s a case of getting ready and having enough energy.
“It can be hard, but I’ve been really good at getting in the gym, staying fit, staying healthy and seeing the physios we have out here, so I’ll be keeping that up these next two weeks.
“You can’t ever say a win is overdue, especially when there’s so many good players on the Challenge Tour, no-one deserves it over any other guy. But I’ve definitely been knocking on the door lately and if I keep knocking, hopefully by the end of the season I’ll get that win.
“A win will take care of most of my troubles getting into the top 15 and getting onto the European Tour next year, but a few good results will do that too so I’m not too worried about getting that win, just continuing to play good golf and make birdies like I am.”
