Brinson Paolini returns to the scene of his previous European Challenge Tour triumph this week, at Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge in northern France, confident that he is ready to win again.
The American claimed victory here in France in 2013 in just his third Challenge Tour start before earning a place on The European Tour for 2014 through the Qualifying School, taking the 15th card on offer at the Final Stage in Spain.
Now playing on the Challenge Tour again, the 24 year old last week finished in a tie for fifth at the Fred Olsen Challenge de España, sparking hopes he can claim victory around the Golf PGA France du Vaudreuil course this week.
“I’ve got some really fond memories of this place so it’s great to be back,” he said. “It was my first victory as a professional so it will always mean a lot to me and this will always hold a special place in my heart.
“My goal every event is to win and I don’t know where this season is going to take me. In golf one week can change your life and two years ago this event changed my life.
In golf one week can change your life and two years ago this event changed mine - maybe this week we'll see something special again
“I ended up playing on The European Tour but it all started here, so I’m hoping my form and those memories can help me have another great week here.
“Playing on The European Tour last season was an unbelievable experience. To play every week with the best players in the world, you learn how much it takes to be at that level and stay there, the commitment in all areas of your game and your life.
“I learned a lot and it has definitely improved me as a golfer but I’d love to get back there again. I had a great finish last week and contended to win so I’m very happy with my game.
“It feels like my game is starting to move into good form, I’ve been working on some things and it’s starting to come together, so I think I’m on the right track with it all and who knows, maybe this week we’ll see something special again.”
French hopes will likely focus on Sebastien Gros, currently second in the Road to Oman Rankings and looking to secure a French double after winning the Najeti Open Presented by Neuflize OBC last month.
Another Frenchman in the field and in form is Charles-Edouard Russo, fresh from tying for third at the Fred Olsen Challenge de España, his best result for nearly four years.
Other form players include Geoffrey Drakeford, runner-up last week, as well as Ryan Fox and Scott Arnold, who travel to France straight from their respective Major Championship debuts in The Open Championship at St Andrews.
Jens Fahrbring is also worthy of consideration, the Swede finishing runner-up last year after tying for 20th in 2013 to show his pedigree round this course, and the 31 year old may well be ready to add to his victory at the D+D REAL Czech Challenge earlier in the season.
