A Col wind is blowing for Nicolas
FORMER Ryder Cup star Nicolas Colsaerts is prepared for “brutal” conditions as he tries to claim his first European Tour title since 2012 in the Afrasia Bank Mauritius Open.
Colsaerts should have “home” advantage on his side after visiting the island for 20 years and being attached to Heritage Golf Club’s sister resort, but surprisingly has never played at this week’s venue.
The 35-year-old Belgian, who was third at the Four Seasons Golf Club at Anahita the last time the event was played in May 2016, said: “It’s quite nice, there is a lot of water that comes in to play.
“There are a lot more undulations onto the greens and it’s windier. I played a few holes on Monday and it was actually pretty brutal. If it blows like this I think we’re in for a decent test.
“I’ll be quite happy to put a low number on the board and get the new season going.”
Colsaerts is currently ranked 102nd in the world and just two members of the top 100, South Africans
Louis Oosthuizen and Dylan Frittelli, are in the field for the tri-sanctioned event.
World number 113 Scott Hend will hope to take advantage of that fact as he looks to avoid a first winless season since 2011.
“I’ve had a bit of a struggle this year since I lost in Crans,” said Hend, who was beaten by Matt Fitzpatrick in a play-off for the European Masters.
“It has been very frustrating. I rate my year based on wins and I’ve been fortunate enough to win every year in the last few years. I’ve got two events left so I’m striving to do that.”