Photos: Dubai's Rafa Cabrera Bello gets in swing for US Open

Rafa Cabrera Bello is back in the swing and his regular workouts in Dubai are paying dividends.

Rafa recently went through his final preparations for the season's third major, the US Open, at Jebel Ali Golf Club in Dubai.

The UAE resident - he has lived here for most of his professional career - takes advantage of the year-round sunshine, perfect conditions and numerous Championship-standard courses to keep his game in shape.

The Spaniard from Gran Canaria knows his goals for the rest of the season, with climbing up the rankings top of the agenda along with performing well in the lead up to the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in November.

"I love Dubai, it is a great spot," he recently told Gulf News. "I can avoid the really hot months as I am usually playing in Europe and America during the summer, but the UAE allows me to play and practise for more than eight months of the year. There are very few places that can do that."

Currently 139th in the rankings, Rafa is eager to move up in the world and return to his best form that saw him reach No. 17 in 2017. "I have to get up there, and you have to perform well to do that. I also haven't won yet in America and that would be amazing to do."

Rafa won the 2012 Dubai Desert Classic in his hometown and he knows his game is getting back to its best, thanks to preparations in the UAE.

The popular figure in and around the UAE always has time for his fans.

And it looks like his hard work is paying off as he impressed during the first round of the US Open on Thursday.

Rafa shot a brilliant three-under par 68 in his opening round and sits just off the lead in third place.