Vallendar targets Eisenhower top 30

Dubai: UAE golf national team coach Chris Vallendar is eyeing a record-best top-30 finish in The Eisenhower Trophy next month, to help inspire his team for a GCC/Arab treble title attempt come November.

Vallendar’s side travel to Antalya, Turkey for a training camp September 13-20 in preparation for the Eisenhower Trophy, which will be held at the same venue from October 4-7.

The UAE have finished between the top 50-60 mark in previous outings of this world amateur team event, but with a target of top 30, Vallendar believes a good show will prime his side for the Pan Arab Championships, November 24-30 in Bahrain.

Having already won last December’s Arab Games and the GCC Championships in March, a win in the Pan Arabs would complete a grand slam of regional titles and confirm the UAE’s golfing dominance in the region.

“To finish well in a strong international field [like the Eisenhower’s] would lead to more confidence and self-belief heading into the Pan Arabs,” said Vallendar. “Getting the treble is the priority because it’s realistically attainable, but doing well in the Eisenhower is important preparation.”

Vallendar, who has yet to officially announce his squad for Turkey, added: “The guys believe they can do well. Having won the Arab Games and GCC Championship, they’ve realised they can succeed. Top 30 is a big improvement on previous finishes but, with a bit of luck, it’s possible.”

Admitting he was concentrating on short-game improvements for his side at the camp in Turkey next week, Vallendar has also stressed the importance of management around Antalya. He said the course is narrower, with more hazards and greater elevation than the players are used to.

“At the Turkish Amateur Open at Antalya in June we didn’t do so well because of the differing conditions,” said Vallendar. “But there was no consequence to not playing well there. We need to work on getting our sense of occasion back.”

“Although there’s a long time between the Eisenhower and the Pan Arabs, we’ll be looking to keep players braced with the Mena Tour, Asian Amateurs and domestic open involvement. This will make it easier to pick a team and will keep us alert for the must-win Pan Arabs.”