O'Donovan closing in on Volvo China Open spot

Ireland’s Brian O'Donovan in action during the opening round of the Volvo China Open International Qualifying event in Guangzhou.

Ireland’s Brian O'Donovan has a spot in May’s Volvo China Open in his sights going into the second and final round of the Guangzhou Nansha International Qualifying after opening with a three-under 67 at Nansha Golf Club. 

Despite carding two double bogeys on the par-70 Valley Course, the 31-year old from Cork rolled in seven birdies to lie in fourth place after round one, leaving him just four shots behind leader Andreas Gronkvist of Sweden. 

Chinese Taipei’s Chieh Po Lee and Sueng Jae Maeng of the USA are tied for second on four-under, one shot ahead of O'Donovan,

The top three after Friday’s final round will receive an invitation to compete in the 25th anniversary of the European Tour-sanctioned Volvo China Open in Shenzhen in May.

“I had full status and played China Tour last year but didn’t retain my card or go to Q School,” said O'Donovan, a teaching professional at Mission Hills Shenzhen. 

“PGA America has taken up the academy at my club so I’m focused on my teaching work right now. But with the Volvo China Open being played in Shenzhen less than an hour away, it would be a great experience to qualify and play there for the first time.” 

O'Donovan admits he needs to shed the errors and keep the momentum going if he is to gain one of the three coveted invites. 

“My opening round was pretty good apart from those two bad mistakes on the back nine with double bogeys at 10 and 15 but I recovered quite nicely with three birdies in between. 

“I just need to get rid of the mistakes as my irons and putting were very good. Although the greens slowed up with the heavy rain, they still rolled well and I and felt pretty comfortable overall. I’m in good shape so there’s no need to practice as I am swinging the club well and ready to go tomorrow.”

Play in the final round of the Volvo China Open International Qualifying at Guangzhou Nansha Golf Club Valley Course will get underway on Friday (March 15) at 7.30am (China).