When play ended at last year’s Vierumäki Finnish Challenge, Simon Forsström held a one-shot advantage over the field but had to settle for second place – and the Swede is looking to make amends on his return to Finland.
The unusual circumstances occurred when, seven holes into Day Four, play was cancelled as torrential rain pounded the Vierumäki Resort Cooke Course.
Ultimately, the 54-hole leader, England’s Paul Howard, who had dropped out of the lead during those soggy Sunday holes, was crowned champion as the entire final round was cancelled.
For Forsström, this meant having to settle for second place while in the lead.
“Of course I wanted to win but I finished second alone and got into the Rolex Trophy because it was the last tournament to qualify for it,” he said. “So I wasn’t that upset because there were so many players right there.
“Five guys were one shot behind, so you don’t know if you’re going to win, but of course when you’re in the lead you don’t want it to stop.”
Despite the unique finish, the Swede maintains that he has no hard feelings about the way things played out that final day – and believes he can continue his good form at the Graham Cooke-designed layout, having finished tied seventh and second in his two appearances here.
“It was impossible to play so they made the right call,” he said. “This year I want to win, because I usually play good here, I really like the golf course.
“I just feel comfortable out here, I hit driver on almost every hole. I think I like the shape from tee to green, which maybe for some people looks narrow but I like hitting driver here so it’s pretty short for me.”
The return to one of his favourite venues could not come at a better time for the Stockholm resident, who is eager to get his 2018 campaign back on track after a difficult stretch.
“I started off the season very well, but I’ve struggled now for five tournaments,” he said. “I played okay in Sweden last week, so I hope it’s going to bring me back.
“I’ve been hitting the ball pretty bad. I hit it very good earlier in the year, so I’m starting to find the right feeling, the one that I had before.
“I hope to get back in the mix for the top 15. I need to play good now, it’s nice to at least have a chance to finish in the top 15.”
The Vierumäki Finnish Challenge begins tomorrow at 7:30 am local time as 20 Finnish golfers aim to become the first home-winner of the event, while Forsström will look to resume his position on top of the leaderboard when he tees off at 8:20 am.
