Morten Orum Madsen, one of the most consistent performers on the European Challenge Tour this season, is hoping a return to a happy hunting ground in Ravenstein Royal Golf Club in Belgium will yield victory in the Telenet Trophy this week.
The big Dane has put himself in contention at every tournament he has played this year, finishing tied second at the Pacific Rubiales Colombia Classic in March, followed by a positive performance at the Barclays Kenya Open, where he led the field for the first two days before falling behind at the weekend.
His most impressive performance, however, came at the dual-ranking European Tour event two weeks ago, the Madeira Islands Open – Portugal, where an opening round of 66 put him in the shake-up early on before he finished tied for 11th place.
“I’m pretty happy with how I’ve started the season,” said Madsen, who shares the same home club as Thomas Björn. “Kenya was great, but the weekend rounds were really disappointing. Madeira was another great week and showed that I can compete at European Tour level. The third round was a bit frustrating but overall I was very pleased.
“It is all good experience and I’m enjoying it a lot. I feel comfortable on the Challenge Tour and it’s good that there are plenty of other Danes to spend time with. There are several Danish players playing very well this season and we are all just pulling each other along and encouraging one another.
“I lived with Andreas Hartø in Madeira and it was awesome to see him be in contention on the last day. All the Danish guys were out supporting him and there was a great spirit.
“I’ve had a good start and I’m really excited about the rest of the season. I’ll just try to play my best in every tournament and hopefully that will be good enough to finish in the top 20 or even the top ten in the Rankings.”
Madsen notched two victories last season on the satellite tour the Nordic League, and his hopes of claiming a maiden Challenge Tour win this week are boosted by the fact he has fond memories of Ravenstein Royal Golf Club.
“I played a junior tournament at the same venue six years ago and did well there,” said the 24 year old, “I finished fourth and remember playing really well, so it’s a place that holds good memories for me.
“The course is awesome – tree lined with great greens as I recall. It really suits my game. I’m really looking forward to it and excited to return there.”
Madsen’s fine form is reflective of a hugely promising spell for Danish golf and Hartø and Lasse Jensen, currently second and ninth respectively in the Rankings, will also be in Belgium.
Defending champion Andrew Tampion of Australia will make his first Challenge Tour appearance of the season, while the four winners so far in 2012 – Max Kieffer, Phil Archer, Seve Benson and Eddie Pepperell – will all be present to contest the €160,000 prize fund.
Up-and-coming Englishman Chris Lloyd will hope to continue his impressive early-season form, which has elevated him to sixth place in the Rankings.
