The European Challenge Tour might be breaking new ground at this week’s Ras Al Khaimah 2016 Golf Challenge, the first major sporting event in the northernmost of the United Arab Emirates, but Johan Edfors is one man in a familiar environment.
The Swede lived in Dubai for five years so is more used than most to the relentless heat the players will have to battle at Al Hamra Golf Club in the penultimate event on the Road to Oman.
The top 46 in the Rankings come Saturday evening will qualify for next week’s NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, and Edfors needs a strong showing in Ras Al Khaimah to secure his spot, with a win in the Terre dei Consoli Open three weeks ago taking him to 41ston the Road to Oman.
“I need at least one really good finish in these last two tournaments so that’s the aim,” said the 41 year old. “It would be a good place to start right here this week.
“It was a few years ago now but this was definitely home for four or five years. You never know how it will go, but hopefully that gives me a bit of an advantage, with the conditions.
“I haven’t been here to Ras Al Khaimah before so that’s going to be nice – I’ve heard some good things about it so I’m looking forward to that, it should be a good week.
“I’m feeling good with my game, obviously with the win in Italy not too long ago. I missed the cut last week in China but I worked hard over the weekend and I think I’m in pretty good shape.
“This week is a level playing field. I don’t think anyone has played here before so it’s going to be a first for everyone so you never really know what scores are going to be like. I’m just going to try to play my best golf out there and see how far that takes me.
“Golf here in the United Arab Emirates can be a bit different, different grass to usual, but I like it and am used to it. The weather’s going to be nice out here and I’m just looking forward to the week.”
