Rhys Enoch is staying calm ahead of the 56˚ Open de Portugal @ Morgado Golf Resort as he searches for the perfect four rounds on the European Challenge Tour.
The Welshman displayed several battling performances on the Challenge Tour in 2017 with several stunning rounds of golf, but his inconsistency saw him come up short for a win during his fifth season on the Challenge Tour.
However, before the 2018 season got under way the 29 year old found the perfect formula as he recorded four fantastic rounds on the Sunshine Tour to claim the Cape Town Open presented by Sun International title.
Enoch carded a 19 under par 269 total to win his maiden Sunshine Tour title by one shot ahead of Peter Karmis. He started his final round with back-to-back bogeys but composed himself and added an eagle, five birdies and only two further bogeys to his card for a three under par finish.
@RhysEnoch1 wins the @CapeTownOpen presented by @golfatsun!
— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) February 25, 2018
Scores of 64, 69, 67 and 69 to total 19-under-par! What a way to pick up a first Sunshine Tour win! pic.twitter.com/yiRbFN16HJ
The experience gained from Cape Town, where he recorded rounds of 64-69-67-69, could be pivotal if he is to triumph on the Challenge Tour. However, Enoch is not getting ahead of himself in the early stages of the 2018 season.
“It’s hard to explain how important it was for me,” said Enoch. “I had been trying to get over the line and put four good rounds together for so long so to finally do that is very exciting ahead of the start of the Challenge Tour season.
“I think the key is staying patient. I was in contention a number of times last season and felt as though I was forcing it at points. The fact that I also putted exceptionally, I was holing putts from 20 and 30 feet, goes a long way in any victory but I do think that staying patient was the biggest factor for me.
“I think it is important to keep reassessing your goals throughout the season. I think you need to start with small goals and take each week as it comes but ultimately I think, like everyone on this tour, I am just targeting a place in the top 15.”
The Welshman will make his debut at the 56˚ Open de Portugal @ Morgado Golf Resort after playing in the Challenge de España last week, where he finished tied 23rd, and it is another challenge he is looking forward to.
“It is my first time playing here and I think the course suits my game,” he said. “The rough is up and the wind should play a factor too and make for an interesting week.”
