Christofer Blomstrand is hoping he can guarantee a European Challenge Tour card for next season with an impressive performance at this week’s Hainan Open.
The Swede has caught the eye during his rookie season on Europe’s top developmental tour, with two top five finishes in the Czech Republic and La Gomera during the current campaign.
But the 24 year old, who won the 2016 Zambia Sugar Open on South Africa’s Sunshine Tour in April, is looking to earn his playing rights for next year with a good result at Sanya Luhuitou GC this week.
“My season so far has been quite good actually,” said Blomstrand, who currently lies in 69thplace in the Road to Oman Rankings.
“I played well at the beginning of the year and although over the last few months I haven’t played as well as like to think I could have I am happy with my year overall.
“My category is not the best one, so I couldn’t plan for the whole year, so I am quite happy with where I am. It was a really big confidence boost to win on the Sunshine Tour. It was a fantastic last day for me, absolutely.
“I went ten under par on the last day after being three shots behind going into the final round. I came up to the 16thtee and saw that I was leading by five shots – so I stopped and thought ‘woah, what happened?’ I played really good that day and it was a great feeling to get that win.
“I know that I am now on the edge of keeping my Challenge Tour card. The only thing I can do is to accept it and do what I can do and just play golf. We will just see what happens, I will go out and play my own game and not think too much about the Rankings.
“It is my first time in China and I am really enjoying it so far. It is a really nice place and the course here is fantastic as well, so it will be a fun week absolutely.”
Working with the young Swede is the legendary Fanny Sunesson, who is a former caddie to Sir Nick Faldo and Henrik Stenson, and currently works as a mental coach for Martin Kaymer.
“I started working with Fanny two years ago and when I started with her it was very basic,” he said.
“In the beginning we worked on everything both inside and outside of the course. I have really benefited from her expertise and I think we have a good plan for the future.”
