Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño feels his game is hitting top form in time for a tremendous finish to The Race to Dubai after claiming the BMW Italian Open presented by CartaSi.
The Spaniard narrowly missed out on qualification for the European Ryder Cup Team, but is hopeful his victory on Sunday, where he captured his sixth European Tour title at Royal Park I Roveri in Turin with a magnificent 24 under par total, will provide the springboard for individual success as his season builds towards a climax at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai from November 22-25.
The €250,000 first prize cheque in Italy propelled him up 14 places to 19th in The Race to Dubai with season earnings of €831,951, and the 31 year old is confident he can finish in the top ten and claim a slice of the US$3.75million Bonus Pool at the end of the season.
“I can’t wait to get to Dubai for the DP World Tour Championship,” said Fernandez-Castaño. “To be in that elite field for the end-of-year event means you have had a great year. I’ve jumped up many spots with this win, and now I have a chance of finishing in the top ten.
“I feel as though my game is hitting top form just at the right time of the season to enjoy an excellent finish.
“My record hasn’t been that good on the Earth Course, so that’s something I’m hoping to put right this season.
“This year I’ll be taking my family, and I can’t wait to show them what Dubai is all about and enjoy a fantastic week.”
South African Garth Mulroy claimed second place in Italy and with it secured his card for 2013. The 34 year old was 113th before the tournament but rose to 68th place and boosted his chances of being in Dubai for the season-ending climax, for which only the top 60 in The Race to Dubai qualify.
