Rhys Enoch: Welsh golfer feels fresh in race for qualification for European Tour
Rhys Enoch is Wales' highest golfer at 228 in the world
Rhys Enoch believes that a spell of paternity leave will increase his hopes of claiming a place on the European Tour. The golfer in Wales needs a strong finish to the Challenge Tour season to get a European Tour card for the first time.
Enoch took a break after he became a father in August and thinks his golf can benefit.
"At the end of the year, I think I am the freshest of all, which is important," said Henoch.
"People forget how mental a load is on all golfing and traveling. For me to have four or five fewer events under my belt, it can be very important."
The top 15 players of the Challenge Tour rankings at the end of the season play on the European Tour in 2020.
Enoch is currently 17th despite playing in only 10 tournaments this year – less then someone above him.
Cardiff-based Enoch won for the first time on the Challenge Tour in Slovakia in July and finished fifth in the most recent event earlier this month in Portugal.
He is back in action at the Hopps Open de Provence in France this week before moving to Morocco next week.
Enoch has chosen to miss the Stone Irish Challenge the following week to prepare for two big-money events in China before the season-dependent Challenge Tour Grand Final in Mallorca in November.
"Given that I have never played again near as many events as some other people, I am making really nice progress," Enoch told BBC Sport Wales.
"The fifth place in Portugal immediately put me back in the fight for the top 15, which is clearly where I want to end the year.
" I am really looking forward to last capitalize the week and play well in the coming weeks.
"The last three events are double money – our version of the FedEx Cup play-offs – so a lot can happen."
Enoch, who is in 228th place in the world, says that the arrival of son Carter "made it easier to let things go" on the golf course.
He enters confidently into the most important part of the season trying to book a European Tour place for the first time.
"I am in a good place mentally and physically," said Enoch. "Every part of my game is where I want it."
Enoch has won about 70,000 euros (£ 62,000) this season, mainly thanks to his victory in Slovakia and 71st place at the US Open.
"I play five of the last six events, so there is enough time for a good finish or two," he added.
"I can't say for sure, but I know I'm a win away and more than likely a second place away (from the European Tour). It's very close."
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