Mark Power is looking to continue his impressive form at this week’s Abu Dhabi Challenge, the second of back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour events in the United Arab Emirates.
Irishman Power has been in the UAE for nearly a month and competed at the Clutch Pro Tour’s UAE Championship in March, which was staged at this week’s venue, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club.
The 24-year-old placed inside the top ten last month and made the cut at the Abu Dhabi Challenge last year. With the course still fresh in his mind, Power is feeling positive about his chances.
“I played here last year and made the cut, and I know the course well,” he said.
“I also played it three weeks ago on the Clutch Pro Tour and finished eighth in that. Again, I felt like I was in a good position on the back nine to get it done.
“Hopefully just getting into contention will stand me in good stead this week. Also playing the course so recently is a big advantage, it’s still so fresh in my mind.”
Power carded rounds of 67-67-69-71 at last week’s UAE Challenge and held a share of the lead heading into the weekend, before eventually finishing in a tie for sixth at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club.
“I played well on Friday. I didn’t make a whole lot of putts, so to get into the lead when the putter was a bit cold was very encouraging,” he added.
“On Saturday the putter was good and everything else was a bit average. I still put myself in a good position heading into the final round. I felt like I had a right shot.
“Putting is something I am working on. My good rounds are good, but you can’t afford to have a round where you three putt and miss good birdie chances. Consistency with putting and feel like I am knocking in those eight, ten footers when you need them, that will be key for me.”
Having made his professional debut at the Amgen Irish Open in 2023, where he tied for 33rd, Power believes a newfound approach to pro events will benefit him heading into this week and beyond.
“I am just trying to work out the best way for me to approach an event, whether that’s just focussing on short game or that kind of thing,” he added.
“I felt like I’ve already approached tournaments better than last year and played well last week, so my season will hopefully kickstart from now on.
“I’ve been playing nicely, and practice has been going well so it’s one where you hope it translates to the tournament.”
The first round of the Abu Dhabi Challenge gets under way on Thursday at 06:30 local time, with Power teeing it up alongside Dutchman Wil Besseling and Welshman Stuart Manley at 13:10.
UAE Challenge winner Renato Paratore will tee off at 12:20 and is joined by his compatriot Filippo Celli and NTT DATA Pro Am winner Wilco Nienaber.
