Smith and Kinhult reflect on RAK

Ras Al Khaimah: With just a week to go until the top 45 on the Road to Ras Al Khaimah descend on Al Hamra for the season-ending Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final, former European Challenge Tour players Jordan Smith and Marcus Kinhult have reflected on the event, which acted as a springboard to their European Tour careers.

Smith, who won the series with his 2016 finale win in Ras Al Khaimah, said: “I’ve obviously got very fond memories of Al Hamra Golf Club and Ras Al Khaimah. It was a fantastic place to get my second Challenge Tour win of the season and it helped me top the rankings which was great.

“I’m sure the Challenge Tour class of 2018 will enjoy the challenge as they aim to finish the season in the top 15 and secure their European Tour playing privileges for next season.”

Kinhult, who was Smith’s final round playing partner in 2016, finishing tied for fourth, eventually earned his card the following year with an overall series top-20 finish.

“You have mixed feelings towards the back-end of the season, you’re all challenging for a European Tour card, but only 15 players get their hands on one so you can get nervous and feel the pressure, but I used to get a kick out of it,” he said. “It’s a special feeling and if you play well, you’ll be up there at the end of the season.”

The Swede has enjoyed a strong maiden season on the European Tour and is currently 44th in the Race to Dubai, ensuring his debut for next month’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship. Joining Kinhult in Dubai from the Challenge Tour class of 2017 will be Erik Van Rooyen who has five top tens to his name in 2018, including a second at the Joburg Open to leave him 35th in the rankings, while Jens Dantrop, Aaron Rai, Julien Guerrier, Tapio Pulkkanen and Steven Brown all held onto their cards after finishing inside the top 116. Smith finished 24th in the Race to Dubai last season and is now 42nd with four top 10s.