Sandelin keen to get a headstart in Sharjah

Sweden’s former Ryder Cup player Jarmo Sandelin is aiming to make a fast start in the opening event of the 20-stage Staysure Tour at the Sharjah Senior Masters at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club from March 8 to 10.

“I have very good memories from playing in the UAE in the past,” said Sandelin, who missed last year’s inaugural event in Sharjah because he wasn’t yet the required 50 years of age, but went on to make seven top tens in his rookie season on the senior tour thereafter.

“I held the course record at Dubai Creek and enjoyed a few low rounds at the Dubai Desert Classic. I haven’t played the course at Sharjah before, but it’s always interesting to come to a new venue, and with it being a ninehole course it will be a great way to begin the season.

“I’ve been doing a lot of work on my flexibility with a personal trainer recently and I’m touching down in Dubai early to hit some balls at the European Tour Performance Institute at Jumeirah Golf Estates,” added the five-event European Tour winner, who played in the 1999 Ryder Cup.

“It was a great feeling to turn 50 and get back out there again and enjoy all those feelings and refresh those memories of tournament play.”

Entry is free to the event, which includes a host of former Ryder Cup players like Ronan Rafferty and Des Smyth.