Affable Irish golf star Damien McGrane intends to hit the ground running at this week’s Africa Open.
After the scare of nearly losing his European Tour card, McGrane commences a 10th straight season at the East London Golf Club where former British Open winner, Louis Oosthuizen defends his title.
Damien McGrane looking to hit the ground running in this week's Africa Open. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
However it had been an anxious few days early last month for McGrane when he missed the halfway cut in the UBS Hong Kong Open.
McGrane posted scores of 76 and 77 and headed home hoping he would still retain full 2012 Race to Dubai membership.
As it eventuated, McGrane held onto his card by ending the season 115th on the money list and securing his card by three places.
“I went back home after missing the Hong Kong Open cut and I have to admit I spent the rest of the weekend checking the scores and seeing whether I’d retain my card,” said McGrane.
“I was quietly confident I would and, in fact, I was more worried for Phil Price who eventually secured the last place, so I was delighted for him and texted him to congratulate him.
“So in my head I knew I had done enough and fortunately that week in Hong Kong a few players who were behind me on the Race to Dubai also missed the cut so that helped my cause.
“I knew I had some breathing space and in the end I was delighted to retain my card.
“I finished 115th and while the money was tight, I never really felt in doubt but one thing it’s taught me is that you can never take full Tour membership for granted.”
McGrane, a former Volvo China Open winner, has never contested the co-sanctioned Joburg Open or next week’s Joburg Open but he’s looking to make the make the most of his opportunities ahead of the lucrative ‘Desert Swing’ commencing later this month in Abu Dhabi.
“I’ve always been very consistent throughout my career but after finishing 41st in 2010 on the money list, it was very disappointing to be 115th last year,” he said.
“I was just very erratic in 2011 and I’m hoping 2012 can be a lot more solid for me.
“Also I’ve never started a new season this early because for the past few years I’ve began a New Year at the end of January in Abu Dhabi.
“So the big goal in playing these two events in South Africa, because I’m also contesting next week’s Joburg Open, is to hit the ground running and get a good start to the New Year before heading to Abu Dhabi.”
