Alvaro Velasco is excited to return to a happy hunting ground in Zhailjau Golf Resort this week, knowing first-hand how important a Kazakhstan Open win can be for a European Challenge Tour player’s season.
The Spaniard romped to a stunning five-shot victory in Almaty six years ago, setting a new tournament record score after he reached a remarkable 21 under par total with four sub 70 rounds.
The 35 year old, who also finished in tied fourth place at Zhailjau two years ago, has rediscovered his golden touch on the 2016 Road to Oman after shooting an eight under par final round of 62 to climb up the leaderboard and triumph at the Cordon Golf Open.
Buoyed by his victory earlier this month, the Barcelona-born player is confident he can recapture the form which secured him a European Tour card in 2010 after he pocketed €64,000 in the Challenge Tour’s most lucrative event.
“My win in Cordon has had a huge impact on me,” said Velasco, who is a three-time champion on Europe’s top developmental tour.
“Before that I was not having a very good season, so that win has put me back in contention for the last few events of the year. Now with Kazakhstan round the corner, and with some big weeks also coming up, everything has worked out for me and I can’t wait to get going.
“I am really looking forward to going back to Kazakhstan. I really like the course, the conditions, the weather and the people, so it will be great to play there once again.
“I am quite confident at the moment and feel good about the end of the year. It was very tough for a few weeks but a win has filled me with confidence and I believe I am on the right path.
“I know I can get my game in good shape, and I am feeling very good, so I will try to do my best and make a late season charge up the rankings.”
Joining Velasco in Almaty are Scotland’s Scott Henry and England’s Sam Hutsby who have both conquered Kazakhstan with victories at Zhailjau in 2012 and 2014 respectively.
Looking to carry on his red hot streak on Europe’s top developmental tour is four-time Challenge Tour champion Sam Walker. Since winning in Finland in August, the Englishman has moved up 75 places on the Road to Oman and into the top 15, making him the tour’s form player.
