Gulf News met up with Dubai resident, 29 year-old Adrian Meronk (Poland), who plays on the DP World Tour, as we interrupted his down time, on holiday in Thailand.
Sponsored by Dubai-based White Eagle Sport, through fellow Pole Marta Biswas and husband Subho, Adrian is now placed in 60th on the OWGR and eighth on the DP World Tour Rankings.
Gulf News: What was the reaction from everyone to your win in the Horizon Irish Open on the DP World Tour?
Meronk: I received a great reception in Ireland immediately after my win, the Irish people are very friendly people. Then I travelled to Scotland for both the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open, and for the first time I was being recognised and everyone seemed to want a photo and selfie with me. There also still seem to be people who want autographs, which I obliged with. I have always wondered what people do with autographs when they take them home?
The golfing community back home in Poland is small, I have hardly been there since my win, I am back there on Tuesday this week, so we will see what happens when I get there.
Gulf News: The Open was your last tournament. Are you still practicing and hitting balls since playing there?
Meronk: No! I decided to take a complete one month break after The Open. That means a ‘complete’ break with my clubs locked away with not a ball being hit nor any exercise or even gym work.
I am now back to work on Tuesday with 10 days or so preparations: hitting golf balls and lots of gym work, ready for my return to the DP World Tour at the OMEGA European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Switzerland Thursday 25th – Sunday 28th August, 2022.
Gulf News: How are you enjoying Thailand and what do you do on your holidays?
Meronk: I have been on holiday with my girlfriend for 10 days in Thailand on the island of Ko Samui.
We have been just chilling. We have spent a lot of time on the beach, as well as a bit more active stuff both jet skiing and snorkelling. We have also rented scooters to see the island. I am mindful of the safety element as I am an elite athlete and health and fitness is everything. But at the end of the day, we all have to have some fun in life, which we are having.
Gulf News: Now you are eighth in the DP World Tour Rankings and number 60 in the OWGR what are your short and long-term golfing plans?
Meronk: In the short-term we have some big tournaments coming up on the DP World Tour, especially the $8 million BMW PGA Championship, A Rolex Series Event, at Wentworth, England in a few week’s time. In the bigger picture of life I want to stay healthy and I have ambitions to get into the World’s Top 50 as soon as possible. This will ensure I get more opportunities to play in Majors. So far in my career I have only played in two Majors: the 2021 US Open and last month’s Open at St Andrews. I intend to add to this record as soon as possible.
I also have The Ryder Cup in Italy in 2023 on my radar as well as becoming more of a global player and playing more on the PGA Tour with invites etc.
Gulf News: As a Dubai resident when will see you back home in Dubai?
Meronk: I will be back home in Dubai at the end of October. I will be playing the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai on Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November.
I will pop home to Poland between Christmas and back in Dubai just after New Year and then play the Desert Swing events and be based there until the end of April, as was my 2022 schedule.
Gulf News: Tell us about your partnership with Dubai-based Marta Biswas, husband Subho and White Eagle Sport?
Meronk: Marta and Subho have been super supportive and are one of my main sponsors, with their White Eagle Sport logo on both my clothing and golf bag. With Marta being a fellow Pole and us all together in Dubai it made our partnership a ‘no brainer.’
It was extra special that they followed me in Ireland when I won, they were special memories that I will always cherish.
