Dubai: In what has become a ground-breaking week for the Dubai-based Mena Tour, five players affiliated with the growing tour have qualified for the final major championship of the year, British Open held in Northern Ireland later this July.
Matthew Baldwin, Callum Shinkwin, Jazz Janewattananond, Robert MacIntyre and amateur Curtis Knipes will tee off at The Open once actions kicks off in just under two weeks’ time. Currently leading the Mena Tour by over two-and-a-half thousand dollars, Baldwin will be keen to do well on a test of true Irish golf.
The course tips out at 7,337 yards, where it will likely sit at for The Open. The length, however, should be no issue for big-hitting Shinkwin. Boasting an average driving distance of more than 315 yards, short game will be key for the young player as Portrush can get tricky around its greens.
Speaking of short game, 52nd ranked player in the world, Jazz, has enjoyed a stellar run recently. Following his Mena Tour win at the Mahasamutr Open, he has maintained and developed his game well. Some of this can be attributed to his deft touch, which has been good enough for 70 per cent scrambling on the Asian Tour this season. The Thai golfer trains with Sheffield-based coach Peter Cowen, who currently maintains three academies in Dubai.
European Tour regular MacIntyre also did well to secure a spot in the historic championship, and a good showing here will be crucial for confidence as the European Tour gears up for its close in November.
Leading Mena Tour amateur, Knipes, will be relishing the opportunity to compete with the best as a strong Mena Tour season has helped him refine his game, making it a prime week for him to show the world what he can do.
The tournament gets under way on July 18, and will be defended by 2018 champion, Francesco Molinari.
