Javier Sainz will look to emulate friend, compatriot and winner of last year’s D+D REAL Czech Challenge Santiago Tarrio when he tees it up this week.
Sainz, who won the Farmfoods Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A last week, shared a room with Tarrio when he won at the fourth extra hole at Golf & Spa Kunětická Hora 12 months ago.
Following his victory in Scotland in just his second European Challenge Tour start of the season, Sainz is aiming to keep the momentum going and become the second Spaniard to win the event in its ten year history.
“Last year I had good vibes here with Santiago, so maybe he's the reason I come here again and let’s see what the week brings,” he said. “I was here last year and shared a room with him and have good memories from it.
“Honestly, I didn't expect to win last week. It was my second week of the year, so I'm really happy with that. It has changed my year a little bit, so I'm very happy.
“I was thinking about resting this week, but I spoke with my team and we decided to come here because I have to take advantage of this moment. I will be ready for this week and I only want to enjoy it, so let’s see what happens.”
The D+D REAL Czech Challenge makes its tenth appearance on the Road to Mallorca this week following its debut on the tour in 2012. Sainz’ first visit to the Dříteč layout was 12 months ago, where he missed the cut, but cheered on Tarrio to play-off victory.
Now the 29-year-old is looking to use his knowledge of the course and memories from 2021 to drive him on to successive Challenge Tour titles.
“I like this course because you have to hit drivers and a strike it well. It's no secret you have to be in position all the time,” he said. “If you miss the fairways it is dangerous because the rough is high so you have to play very well from the tee if you're going to score.”
The tenth edition of the D+D REAL Czech Challenge gets underway at 07:30 local time on Thursday June 2, with Sainz teeing it up alongside fellow Spaniard Angel Hidalgo and Italy’s Matteo Manassero.
