The Road to Mallorca lands in Portugal with just five weeks left of the 2023 season. Here's everything you need to know before play begins on Thursday.
Seve’s touch
The course at Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort is the masterpiece of the great Severiano Ballesteros, and will this week host a European Challenge Tour event for the fourth time in successive years. The Spaniard has created a testing layout that uses the natural surroundings and takes advantage of the undulating terrain. This is evident on several holes. The par three third sees players hit into an island green with the Óbidos lagoon in the background, while the 18th is the perfect closer with panoramic views of the back nine, the clubhouse and the Atlantic Ocean.
Grandstand finishes
In it’s three editions to date, the Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos has a history of final day drama. In 2020 Garrick Higgo became the first winner of the event as he triumphed by one stroke thanks to a bogey-free final round 65 that included a birdie at the last to make sure of a maiden title. One year later and it was Marcel Schneider who came out on top. Needing a birdie at the last to take it to a playoff, the German went one better, holing a huge eagle putt to win by one. Last year didn’t disappoint either. Pierre Pineau was one of three Frenchman tied at the top after 72 holes, but a stunning 40-foot eagle putt at the first playoff hole ensured a memorable victory.
Five to go
There are just five events to go before we find out who from the class of 2023 will earn promotion to the DP World Tour. The top 20 players in the Road to Mallorca Rankings at the conclusion of the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final at Club de Golf Alcanada, Mallorca will do just that. With Casey Jarvis holding his spot as the Number One and several others inside the top ten edging close to securing promotion, there are still plenty of spots available as the season draws to a thrilling conclusion.
