Benjamin Hébert is banking on his season-long consistency as he gears up for the Black Desert NI Open presented by Tom McKibbin at Galgorm Castle Golf Club.
The French golfer has shown steady form throughout the first half of the season, currently holding the 13th spot in the Road to Mallorca Rankings after 16 of the 29 scheduled events. His eyes are set on securing a return to the DP World Tour.
At 37, Hébert has notched four top-ten finishes, highlighted by a solo second place at the Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge on home turf last month.
After a few tough years, Hébert is thrilled to see his persistent efforts start paying off.
“I think this season, consistency has been the strongest part of my game,” he remarked. “I did some good work during the winter, and it looks like it’s working.”
Reflecting on his performance over the past couple of years, Hébert noted the stark difference between his previous inconsistent rounds and his current steady play.
“Over the last two years, I had some great rounds but then the day after it was very bad, but I think I’m managing that much better,” he explained.
On the Challenge Tour, top results are crucial for earning a card for the DP World Tour.
“Last month in Pléneuf in France I finished 12th which didn’t give me loads of points, but gave me a lot of confidence going to Le Vaudreuil where I finished solo second which has put me in a good position.”
The Northern Irish weather promises to test the field, but Hébert welcomes the challenge.
“It’s definitely a different game this week to the one we played last week and even at the start of the year in the UAE or India,” he said.
“I like these kinds of conditions though. You have to shape the ball, playing low or high, draws and fades, and you really have to adapt your game based on the conditions. I think that’s what golf is all about.”
Hébert is optimistic about his chances, given his familiarity with the upcoming courses.
“This week and next week, the courses are good for me and I’ve played them before, so hopefully my experience and my consistency will help me get some good results,” he added.
The competition at Galgorm is fierce, featuring the top five players in the Road to Mallorca Rankings, including two-time season winners Dane Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, Englishman John Parry, and Spaniard Joel Moscatel.
The first round kicks off at 7:30 am local time, with Hébert scheduled to tee off alongside Irishman Conor O’Rourke and Welshman Rhys Enoch at 1:40 pm.
