Sandelin makes an impression
Jarmo Sandelin set about rebuilding his career in the European Tour’s qualifying school final in Spain today after spending more than a decade employing a do-it-yourself approach to the game.
The 38-year-old Swede, a five-time winner on the main circuit and a member of the European Ryder Cup side involved in the infamous Battle of Brookline in 1999, carved out a first round three-under-par 69 over San Roque’s Old course to lurk three shots behind early pacesetter and compatriot Anders Sjostrand.
For the first time in his professional career, Sandelin is working with a coach, Robert Baker, and the Swede admitted that he hopes his new mentor – a former coach to Ernie Els – can help him return to the winners’ podium and recapture former glories.
“For the first time I’m working with a coach,” said Sandelin, who lst his tour card this season after finishing 140th on the order of merit.
“I have a totally new swing and a new set up to the game. For almost 10 years I have been doing my own thing.
“Now I am more educated about the golf swing I want to play with and I hope that it is going to bring me good fortune and help me win more tournaments.”
Sandelin was joined on the three-under mark by England’s Robert Rock, on a testing opening day which saw only 25 players in the 156-strong field dip below par.
Early leader Sjostrand harnessed the breezy conditions to good effect over the new course, offsetting a pair of bogeys with a haul of six birdies and an eagle-three as he carded a six-under 66.
The Swede leads the way by two strokes from countryman Alexander Noren and Spanish amateur Rafal Cabrera Bello. Scotsman David Drysdale set about making up for the disappointment of losing his European Tour card this year with an opening one-under 71.
The 30-year-old, who finished 117th on the money list – one place and £400 (€595.40) short of the safety mark – engineered a spirited late rally, picking up a hat-trick of birdies on the closing three holes on the old course to dip below par.
Former European Tour winners Van Phillips (74), Sven Struver (75) and Roger Chapman (75) all had to settle for over-par finishes while European Ryder Cup vice-captain Peter Baker endured a horrendous day as he finished at the foot of the standings.
The 38-year-old, a two-time tour winner, never recovered from a dreadful start which spawned seven dropped shots on the opening four holes and eventually trudged home with an 11-over 83.
