Lev Grinberg is hoping to create more lasting memories on his return to the Soudal Open, one year on from enjoying a DP World Tour debut to remember on his home course.
The Ukrainian became the second-youngest player to make a cut in the Tour’s history at the age of 14 years, six months and six days after firing opening rounds of 70 and 69 on his way to claiming the low amateur prize.
He will now hope to make the most of his local knowledge again as Rinkven International Golf Club near Antwerp plays host to the 55th edition of Belgium’s national open.
“I still think about it every day,” he reflected on the eve of the tournament.
“All the good shots and good memories I had last year. I would really like to have a lot of them this year, good shots, good memories and enjoy it as much as last year.
“This year I just want to try and hit a lot of good shots and try to focus and give myself little mental goals and things to focus on and get a good score. My game is pretty good and I’m confident and we’ll see what happens.
“It’s going to be amazing. It’s the best week of the year for sure because there will be another huge crowd and seeing all the people cheer you on 18, it’s all very nice.”
Grinberg has been hard at work during the winter and is eager to see how his game has developed as he goes up against some of the best professionals on the DP World Tour.
“It’s an amazing experience because you can repeat the same things you have been practising and put them in competition,” he said.
“Playing the same event twice on the same course, I can learn from what I did last year and put it into place this weekend. You can’t beat that experience or that fun.”
Last year was not the first time he had created headlines after he advanced to the final stage of U.S. Open Qualifying in 2021.
Following on from his impressive showing in Belgium last year, he confidently outlined his desire to become a future World Number One and multiple Major Championship winner.
So far this year, he has registered two top ten finishes in his first four starts at international amateur events and is pleased with the work he put in during the winter months.
“I feel like I’m improving year on year, and I feel like every tournament there’s something better in my game than the last," he said.
“If I put the little bits into place, maybe soon I can have a Green Jacket on my shoulders.”
With the qualifying process for the Junior Ryder Cup in progress, European Captain Stephen Gallacher will have a keen eye on Grinberg as they play alongside each other over the first two rounds this week.
“In the winter I was practising a lot and now I’m super ready for this week," he added.
“I put in a lot of hard work and I’m really excited for what could happen next.
“My season is looking pretty stacked, I have a lot of big amateur events and I can’t wait for the season to start.”
