It’s been a difficult season for Dubai resident Rafa Cabrera Bello. The Spanish star only has one top 10 to his name in 2021 which saw him lose his PGA Tour card last month after failing to finish inside the top 125 of the FedEx Cup Standings.
The 37-year-old is hoping to kick start his season on home soil this weekend at the Open de Espana as he looks to play his way into the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
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“It’s been a hard two years,” said the 2012 Dubai Desert Classic champion. “Obviously I’ve dropped down a lot on the world rankings and the scores haven’t been going the way I want.
“There have been some moments where I’ve really felt a little lost and not understanding why. I don’t feel like that right now.
“I know my game is much better, I know I’m hitting the ball much better and I know the good scores are right around the corner.
“I just have to be patient, it’s something I hate to do but that’s the only way, just be patient, keep working, keep working on building my confidence again and trusting myself and I know the scores will come.”
Cabrera Bello comes into the event ranked 72nd in the European Tour’s Race to Dubai with only the top 50 players making it to the fourth and final Rolex Series event of the year in Dubai.
The three-time European Tour winner had his best result in the last staging of the Open de Espana two years ago when he finished second to countryman and now world No. 1 Jon Rahm. That result moved him to 34th on the world rankings but he has not been that high since, currently sitting at 231st.
A trip back to his homeland could well be the catalyst for a return to those former heights.
“I always enjoy a lot playing in Spain. I always feel the support of the crowd, Madrid is one of my favourite cities and the fans always come out in big numbers here so you always feel the love and their encouragement,” he said.
“I have good memories from a few years back and hopefully I can find it within me to play my best golf.
“I’ve had some success in the past in this event, it has a special place in my heart and hopefully I can lift the trophy some day.”
Fans in the UAE can follow all the action live on Dubai Sports.
