There was exciting action on the DP World Tour in the middle of January, as the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship was played. It was an event that saw many of the top players involved at Yas Links, and there was an extremely close finish at the conclusion.
Just four shots separated the players between first and fifth, but it was ultimately a famous success for French player Victor Perez. But, could this be the start of a memorable year for the French star?
Perez Holds On To Claim Win
It was an exciting event in the Middle East and one that makes it easy to see why the sport is thriving at present in the region. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship enjoyed record crowds for the 2023 event, and it was among the most popular for bettors at www.a7labet.com. But, it was also a memorable weekend of action for French golf, and in particular Victor Perez. Perez is currently ranked 111th in the world, but he produced a number of wonderful shots to keep his cool and claim the biggest win of his career.
Furthermore, it was the first time that a French player had claimed victory in a Rolex Series event, and it was nothing less than he deserved. The 30-year-old managed to maintain his game throughout the three-day event, holding off challengers from all angles. Perez eventually finished a shot clear in the event, with Min Woo Lee and Sebastian Soderberg finishing in a tie for second. Padraig Harrington also rolled back the years throughout the event to take fourth, just two shots behind the eventual winner.
Ryder Cup Spot In Reach
There was more at stake for the Frenchman than just a victory on the DP World Tour, as the success has put him inside the projected spots for Ryder Cup qualification. Perez was emotional at the conclusion of the event, as he became aware of just how big of a victory this weekend was for him. However, there is still a long way to go before the teams for the Ryder Cup are announced, which means that he will need to maintain the strong form that he has shown over the opening month of 2023.
But, the main goal will be a qualification for the prestigious Ryder Cup later this year. It will be the first time since 2021 that the event has been staged, and Europe will be bidding to regain the title after losing to the United States at Whistling Straits.
This year’s event will get underway on September 29, with the winning team crowned on October 1. The Ryder Cup will be held at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy, meaning that Team Europe, led by Luke Donald, will have a home advantage.
Perez Could Target Historic Major
Before the excitement of the Ryder Cup later in the year, there will be four Majors for golf fans to look forward to. They begin with The Masters in April, before the PGA Championship, U.S. Open and The Open follow later in the year. Perez could have his sights set on another piece of history, as no French player has won one of the big four prices in over 100 years. The last, and only, French player to claim Major success was Arnaud Massy, as he landed success at The Open in 1907.
Perez may be a dark horse in the betting, but he could have a strong chance if he maintains the form that he has shown over the early month of the season. The Frenchman finished in a tie for 34th at The Open last year and has also finished inside the top 50 in both The Masters and PGA Championship so far in his career. However, aside from his performance at The Open last year, Perez had failed to make the cut in each of his previous six appearances at the Major events.
An Exciting Year Ahead
A Ryder Cup year always ensures that there is more excitement than most, as the players involved in the PGA and DP World Tours will be battling for more than just prize money. The official teams that will be competing in the event won’t be named until later in 2023, which means that players will be hoping to maintain their form throughout the season.
Perez may have become the first French player to win a Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour, but his sights will be set on creating more history throughout 2023. But, could he finally end the French curse in Major events?
