George Bloor is looking to remain focussed on this week’s D+D Czech Challenge as he prepares to make his maiden Major Championship appearance at The 153rd Open.
The Englishman advanced through Final Qualifying on July 1 to secure his place at Royal Portrush, finishing the gruelling 36 holes at West Lancashire six under par and in solo third behind China’s Sampson Zheng and Australian Lucas Herbert.
Despite having one eye on the final Major of 2025, the 28-year-old is eager to concentrate on the second of two HotelPlanner Tour stops in Czechia this year.
“I picked a schedule at the start of this year, and this was part of it,” he said.
“The Open is heightened compared to these, but I didn’t want to change everything. I’ve spoken to people who’ve given me advice, and they’ve said that playing is a good thing.
“It’s nice to feel like I am out the way doing my work. This is great preparation for next week, we’ve got clouds and waterproofs on, I am definitely prepping for the weather in Northern Ireland.”
Bloor heads into this week’s event at Royal Beroun Golf Club fresh from finishing inside the top 25 at the Interwetten Open having posted four rounds in the 60s at Schladming-Dachstein Golf Club, and the former Clutch Pro Tour Order of Merit winner is feeling positive about where his game is heading.
“I am confident with my golf now after posting four rounds in the red last week,” he added.
“I feel like I am in a good place mentally and the game is trending nicely. I am really pleased with my prep and the way things are going at the moment.”
Although Bloor’s attention is currently centred on the D+D REAL Czech Challenge, the Englishman admitted the prospect of a practice round at Royal Portrush with World Number One Scottie Scheffler was particularly exciting.
“I am down to play with Scottie Scheffler on the Wednesday actually,” Bloor revealed. “I saw there was a slot, and I was like he’s the World Number One; that’s an opportunity that I really want to take.
“I don’t know if some people would shy away from it, but I just want to jump straight in. Playing with him on the Wednesday will give me some feelings that I’ve never felt before and then hopefully it will make Thursday feel more comfortable.
“I know I am going to be super excited and there’s so much that goes on with it that’s a bit like a circus but at the same time I am serious about going there to compete and maximising my performance.”
Bloor joins a strong field at this week’s D+D REAL Czech Challenge that includes Road to Mallorca Number One Renato Paratore, two-time DP World Tour winner James Morrison and Interwetten Open victor, Maximilian Steinlechner.
