Lorenzo Scalise has only one thing on his mind as he aims to book his spot in the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A when he tees it up at the English Trophy presented by Rocket Yard Sports Marketing this week.
The Italian, who last year missed out on the season-finale by one place, arrives at Frilford Heath Golf Club in 43rd position on the Road to Mallorca Rankings, just two spots inside the cut-off position for the final event of the year.
The top 20 on the Road to Mallorca Rankings after next month’s curtain closer at Club de Golf Alcanada will earn their playing privileges for the 2023 DP World Tour season and the importance of the final events of the year are not lost on the 27-year-old.
“I’ve given my best every single week," he said. "The result, I don’t know what it’s going to be yet, obviously it could change this week, could change at the Grand Final, could change Final Stage of Q School, so I can’t give myself a grade yet.
“I feel like I’ve given my best every single week to try and perform so I’m happy with the work I’ve done and I’ve progressed no matter what.
“I’m on the bubble to make the Grand Final so it’s going to be key to stay in the moment and to prep as much as I can this week, get some good rest and then first round, hit the first tee shot on the fairway and really go from there.
“I’m changing mindset this week, compared to the last few weeks where I’ve struggled. I think if I can get out of the bit of struggle I’ve been dealing with the last few weeks, I think I’m going to be super prepped and really in a good position for Mallorca.”
The Monza native acknowledges the quality of the competition on the European Challenge Tour and sees making the top 45 as an accomplishment, although his aspirations lie much higher.
“My first year was 2019 and I think a lot of things have changed,” he said. “The cuts are lower on the same golf courses, the golf courses are getting better and the players are getting better. Everyone is more fit to play more events and everyone is taking it a lot more seriously, so it’s only going to get better.
“Getting to the Grand Final, you know it’s going to be a really good week, no matter what. You’re in the top 45 players on the Challenge Tour, it’s a good accomplishment, it’s tough out here and it means you have one good chance again at the end and, if you don’t make it, you’re straight to Final Stage of Q School, so you’ve got another go. It means a lot.”
The top three in the Road to Mallorca Rankings – JC Ritchie, Alex Knappe and Mikael Lindberg – all form part of a strong field in Oxfordshire as 120 players are given one final opportunity to book their places in the end of season Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final.
Scalise gets the first round of the English Trophy under way at 9:10am local time on Thursday October 13 alongside Sweden’s Simon Forsström and Tomas Gouveia of Portugal.
