The European Challenge Tour heads to Finland this week for the Vierumäki Finnish Challenge. Here are our Three to Watch at Vierumäki Resort…
Matias Honkala
Matias Honkala has shown signs of promise during his first full season on the European Challenge Tour. The Finn finished in a tie for third place at the Euram Bank Open in Austria after playing all four rounds under par, including an opening day 64 and also sat in pole position heading into the final round. The 22-year-old will be hoping that a return to home soil can be the catalyst for a maiden Challenge Tour victory and climb up the Road to Mallorca Rankings.
Yannik Paul
Yannik Paul has enjoyed a fine season on the Challenge Tour. The German has seven top 25 finishes in nine starts, including a tie for fourth place at the Irish Challenge and a tie for sixth at the recent Italian Challenge at Margara Golf Club. Paul attended the University of Colorado and became the seventh player in their history to play in four NCAA Championships and his average of 72.11 is second only to his twin brother Jeremy’s average of 71.72. The 27-year-old currently sits in 25th place on the Road to Mallorca Rankings and will be hoping to take his strong form into the Vierumäki Finnish Challenge and break into the top 20.
Lukas Nemecz
Lukas Nemecz had not finished inside the top 20 this year until a brilliant performance at the Italian Challenge saw him claim second place. The Austrian played all four rounds under par and was tied for the lead heading into round four with Road to Mallorca Number One Santiago Tarrio, however Ricardo Gouveia carded a seven under par round of 64 on the final day to win his fourth Challenge Tour title. Nemecz catapulted to 19th on the Road to Mallorca Rankings after his fine showing in Italy and will be looking to maintain that position and subsequently earn European Tour playing rights for the 2022 season.
