The European Challenge Tour visits Spain for the third time this season for the Empordà Challenge and here are our Three to Watch at Empordà Golf this week.
Nicolai Kristensen
Nicolai Kristensen is searching for his maiden Challenge Tour title after coming close in the most recent event at the Swiss Challenge, where he finished tied second behind compatriot Marcus Helligkilde. The Dane has recently found form on the Road to Mallorca, also finishing in a tie for tenth place at the Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos, and that coupled with his runner-up finish at the Swiss Challenge has seen him leap 34 places on the Road to Mallorca Rankings into 27th position, giving him a shot at earning a European Tour card for 2022 with three events remaining.
Angel Hidalgo
Angel Hidalgo is back on home soil this week having competed in 12 events on the 2021 Road to Mallorca, including his maiden victory at the Big Green Egg German Challenge powered by VcG in which he posted four consecutive rounds of 68 to prevail at Wittelsbacher Golfclub. The 23-year-old who was competing on the Alps Tour before making it to the Challenge Tour having won on two separate occasions will be looking to replicate his success in the final events of the regular season at Empordà Golf. The Spaniard currently occupies the final spot in the Road to Mallorca top 20 and will be looking to cement his spot in the graduation places to earn his European Tour playing privileges for next year.
Frederic Lacroix
Frederic Lacroix will be looking to capitalise on his recent purple patch at the Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos, where he finished in second place, after it looked like he would go to a play-off with Marcel Schneider however the German held a 30-foot putt to make eagle on the final hole. Lacroix also most recently competed at the Swiss Challenge, which yielded a fourth place finish. The Frenchman currently sits in 14th position on the Road to Mallorca Rankings and with confidence and consistency on his side, he will be looking to have a solid finish in the Spanish Swing with the European Tour at touching distance.
