Mark Power’s talent has never been in question, he has just been itching for an opportunity to showcase it. This summer could be that stage as he hopes regular playing time can help him find the groove he needs to kickstart his professional dream.
At least somebody from Kilkenny is hurling well at the moment and Power took just 65 pucks around Isla Canela Links during the opening round of the Challenge de Espana to sit just one shot off the lead on six-under after a bogey-free start.
“I was delighted with that, I wanted to get off to a good start I played great and stayed patient, it’s blustery out there, it’s tricky so I knew patient and steady golf would be good and I putted really nicely,” said the two-time Walker Cup player who carded birdies on the 15th, 18th, 1st, 4th, 5th and 8th.
“I feel like this course requires all sorts of shot shaping so I love that sort of golf. 5 and 8 you need a nice low ball flight down there and that’s what I did so the wind is similar back home.”
It’s been a truncated season to date for the Mount Juliet star, playing in just five tournaments. Having won his HotelPlanner Tour card at Q-School last November he was disappointed to learn that he wouldn’t be featuring in any of the four South African events to start the year.
So far this season he has carded seven rounds of 67 or lower including two 65s. The birdies have been plentiful and now in his fourth event in a row he feels his game is finally starting to come together around the greens as he looks to match sharpness with his imperious ball striking ability.
“After having that rollercoaster of a first round last week it was nice to bounce back with a low one in the second round to make the cut. I was really close to making it the week before, played great just missed a few putts at the wrong time so I knew the good golf has been there it’s just around the greens if I can capitalise. I’ve had so many times where I’m green side in two at a par five or short of a par four in one and not making birdies from those chances so I did those things very well today.
“The game has been very solid it’s just converting around the greens which has been holding me back a bit so it was nice for everything to click.”
Power will play in Switzerland next week for his fifth event on the spin before skipping Austria and getting back on the horse for four successive events again before taking another break and going on another run towards the Irish Challenge in August.
He is excited to see where the season takes him.
“I played in India, my first HotelPlanner Tour event of the year, finished 16th and came away thinking that could have been a better week. Didn’t play again for a while which was a little frustrating then hadn’t quite been on it the last couple of weeks but not far away at all.
“It’s nice to get that run of events under the belt which I’ve never really had in my pro career too much, I’ve had it a few times but it’s nice to feel good in my game with a run of events to come, I’m playing next week so it’s nice to feed off some good play.
“It’s not ideal when you don’t know where you’re playing next so it is nice to be able to prepare properly and control things. I feel like I am close to some good finishes so hopefully this week can set me off on the right foot.”
Meanwhile, JR Galbraith has also started well thanks to a sparkling finish where he eagled the 15th and birdied 17 and 18 for a remarkable four-under 67 to share 6th place and three off the lead.
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