Sebastian Soderberg is searching for his first consistent four rounds on the European Challenge Tour this year after his comeback from injury.
The Swede saw his 2018 preparations suffer a setback with a shoulder injury during the winter but is not letting that affect him on his quest for a place in the top 15 on the Road to Ras Al Khaimah.
He finished tied sixth at the Barclays Kenya Open in March but knows he could have placed even higher if he had that consistency in his rounds of 70-65-66-74.
Next up for Soderberg is the Turkish Airlines Challenge which he has fond memories of from 2016 when he carded 15 under par for a share of third place.
The 27 year old knows the importance of a good putting game at Gloria Golf Club, and while his shoulder may not be 100 per cent, it is the work he was able to do during the off-season which may help the Challenge Tour winner on his quest for a first victory in 2018.
“My shoulder has been giving me some troubles, so hopefully it will get better. It’s not good yet but I can play,” said Soderberg, whose sole Challenge Tour triumph came at the 2016 Barclays Kenya Open.
“I’m still not able to hit the balls as I’d like to, but it gives me more time to focus on my chipping and putting which isn’t a bad thing.
“It’s one of the best places to go. They have a great golf course there, plus the hotel is great and the food is really good – everything about the tournament is really good.
“I think two years ago when I went there I was playing really well. At the golf course you can shoot low if you have a good feeling with the putter, and that’s what I did.
“It’s not too hard if the wind doesn’t blow. If you putt really well you can shoot low without hitting crazy good shots. If you have a lot of wedges into the greens you can take advantage on some of the easier par fives.”
Soderberg will be making his fourth appearance at the Turkish Airlines Challenge this season and will need all his experience from the Antalya course to help put together the four rounds he has been looking for.
“It’s tough to say. I feel like I’m not that far behind to get four good rounds in, but at the same time I don’t know when that is going to happen. I need to really get myself into better shape.
“I haven’t really practised all winter, as I’ve been injured and battling that – that’s why I feel I’ve been a little inconsistent. I feel good mentally but haven’t really put in the hours during the winter to be consistent with my ball striking, and sometimes that shows up.”
