Ireland’s Paul Dunne will have to cope with pressure, pre-tournament for the first time as he looks to be better than last year in the Hassan trophy.
Dunn lost in the playoffs with Edoardo Molinari at the Royal Golf Dar-es-Salaam 12 months ago, but went on to win his first title of European champion in the British tour masters at the end of the season.
This 25-year-old boy from Dublin has recorded back to back top 10 finishes in the PGA tour in 2018 and finished Runner-up to home favourite John Rahm last week’s Spanish open.
All this means that 68 of the world is the bookies favourite to go with a superb victory in Rabat, where he was in last year’s birdie-eagle finish from Molinari to force extra holes.
“I think it was the first time I was really in a position with three or four holes to play,” Dunn, who was still an Amateur when he shared the lead after 54 holes at the 2015 open in St Andrews, said.
“I think I just learned about how best I can handle it. Then I did a good job, which come in English masters [to win with a closing 61 in close house, but it was a great experience.
“It was great to know that on a hard course like this I could play well and let them lead. Obviously, this year is very different with the greens has changed, but it’s still the same layout from tee to green visually, so I hope for another week.
Molinari win was his first since 2010 and he’s not listed in the TOP 10 at the finish, but the former Ryder Cup player believes his game is moving in the right direction.
“Obviously, I have great memories from this place and I remember most of the pictures, especially on Sunday, and it is fantastic to be back here,” said Molinari.
“I would have gone in a couple of years, a couple of injuries in the wrists. At some point, you think that you can never get back to that level, and it was great.
“Last year was not particularly good, not only to win, but I’m starting to play better, so I hope I do good this week and try to protect him.
“I play much better. I feel, especially in the practice rounds and Pro-AM days, I hit the ball as good as ever, I guess. It’s just a matter of patience and hoping that sooner or later the game will be released in the tournament, but I feel very close.”
PA
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
