Marcus Kinhult is looking to make the most of home comforts and recapture his best form when he tees it up at the Swedish Challenge hosted by Robert Karlsson.
The young Swede burst on to the scene last season, taking the halfway lead at the Nordea Masters as an amateur in his native Malmö after opening rounds of 67 and 68 in only his second European Tour start.
The 20 year old, who went on to earn a card for the 2016 Race to Dubai through Qualifying School, is now competing on the European Challenge Tour, after struggling to find his feet on Europe’s top tier.
And after a solid start to life on Europe’s top developmental tour, the 2014 Junior Ryder Cup star is hopeful he can raise his game at Katrineholms GK in his homeland.
“It was a bit of a struggle at the beginning of the year,” said Kinhult, who turned professional in 2015.
“I didn’t find my game and it was all new getting used to professional life and playing on the European Tour.
“I enjoyed it, of course, it was something I had dreamed about for a couple of years, but it was tough. After a while I felt more comfortable even though I was missing cuts.
“In July we decided that it would be a good thing to go on the Challenge Tour and it has proved to be a really good decision.”
Kinhult, who won a gold and silver medal for Sweden at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, feels that he has benefited from changing competitions, and is confident he is close to putting four good rounds together.
“I have not been in contention yet, but I do feel as though I am not too far away,” he said.
“I enjoy playing on the Challenge Tour because I feel like I have more friends here from my amateur and junior days. It is a nice environment with good courses and I feel comfortable.
“I got off to a good start in Denmark and have gone on to have okay but not great weeks – I have finished in the middle quite often. But it has been nice to play the weekend and have a chance on moving day and not be too far away on the final day.
“The fact that I can compete while not playing my very best gives me confidence.”
The Fiskebäckskil man has made the 208 mile trip from his hometown to Katrineholm for the first time - but has a secret weapon on hand to help him tackle Karlsson’s home course.
“My caddie Adam has played this course four times from when it was a Nordic League event,” he said. “It feels really good having him on the bag as he knows the course pretty well, so am sure we can figure out the best way of playing it.
“I am still searching to find that great form, and this week would be a good time to find it.”
