Saddier and Baldwin ride the storm at Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final in Mallorca

Matt Smith — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 04:45:32 +0000

By Matt Smith
Adrien Saddier and Matthew Baldwin were the last men standing on a storm-battered Day 2 in Mollorca at the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final on Friday.

Frenchman Saddier managed to card a seven-under 65 for a share of the lead with Baldwin after 36 holes.

Saddier, who came into this week in 43rd position on the Road to Mallorca Rankings, sits on a total of five-under, while England’s Baldwin carded a three-under 69 including a bogey-free back nine as the winds started to pick up.

The high winds forecast for the afternoon at Club de Golf Alcanada meant tee times were brought forward, with Saddier part of the first group of the day from the 10th and he took advantage of the benign early conditions.

The weather worsened as the day wore on and, at one point, it looked like the final groups may not be able to finish, with the balls rolling on the greens. As it transpired, it was only Baldwin who was able to match Saddier.

Germany’s Nick Bachem is third on four-under, while Frenchman Jeong weon Ko posted a level-par 72 to remain on three-under in fourth place. Englishman John Parry is at two-under to complete the top five.

Road to Mallorca No. 1 Jeremy Freiburghaus is one of five players in a tie for sixth and he is still projected to finish the season on top of the Rankings, while Saddier or Baldwin would earn a spot in the top 20 — and earn a DP World Tour card — if they win in Mallorca.

“It’s a really nice round. I was a bit lucky because we didn’t have much wind for the first six holes so I just took advantage of that. I started really nicely and I just kept going with hitting good shots.

“The pressure for me is quite different because I know I need to win but I really want to be at home next week for my son’s first birthday. I don’t really care about the top 20 because I just want to be at home next week with him, so it’s a different kind of pressure.”

Baldwin added: “It’s been quite blustery so it was nice to get out before the big winds arrived. The gusts, they’re pumping at times, so to judge the right shot is tough but it’s tough for everyone and you’ve got to do the best you can.

“We’re only halfway so there’s still a lot to play for. I’ll try not to get ahead of myself and keep trying to do what I’ve been doing so far.”

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Saddier and Baldwin ride the storm at Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final in Mallorca