Staff WriterMark Power is bringing serious momentum into the Abu Dhabi Challenge, the second of back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour events in the United Arab Emirates.
Having already spent nearly a month honing his game in the region, the Irishman returns to Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club with high hopes of capitalising on his recent form and local familiarity.
Familiar Territory
Power, 24, got a sneak peek at this week’s venue back in March during the Clutch Pro Tour’s UAE Championship, where he posted a top-ten finish.
“I played here last year and made the cut, and I know the course well,” he said. “I also played it three weeks ago on the Clutch Pro Tour and finished eighth in that. Again, I felt like I was in a good position on the back nine to get it done.”
Confidence is key, and Power believes his course knowledge will serve him well. “Hopefully just getting into contention will stand me in good stead this week. Also playing the course so recently is a big advantage, it’s still so fresh in my mind.”
Strong Showing at the UAE Challenge
Just last week, Power showed his competitive mettle at the UAE Challenge, firing rounds of 67-67-69-71 en route to a tie for sixth.
“I played well on Friday. I didn’t make a whole lot of putts, so to get into the lead when the putter was a bit cold was very encouraging,” he noted.
“On Saturday the putter was good and everything else was a bit average. I still put myself in a good position heading into the final round. I felt like I had a right shot.”
Fine-Tuning the Putting
Looking ahead to the Abu Dhabi Challenge, Power pinpoints putting as his focus. “Putting is something I am working on.
My good rounds are good, but you can’t afford to have a round where you three-putt and miss good birdie chances.
Consistency with putting and feel like I am knocking in those eight, ten-footers when you need them, that will be key for me.”
A Newfound Approach
Having launched his professional career at the Amgen Irish Open in 2023, where he tied for 33rd, Power now takes a more measured approach to each event.
“I am just trying to work out the best way for me to approach an event, whether that’s just focusing on short game or that kind of thing,” he said.
“I felt like I’ve already approached tournaments better than last year and played well last week, so my season will hopefully kickstart from now on.
I’ve been playing nicely, and practice has been going well so it’s one where you hope it translates to the tournament.”
Key Tee Times
The first round of the Abu Dhabi Challenge begins on Thursday at 06:30 local time. Power tees off at 13:10 alongside Dutchman Wil Besseling and Welshman Stuart Manley.
Fresh off his UAE Challenge victory, Renato Paratore will hit the course at 12:20, joined by compatriot Filippo Celli and NTT DATA Pro Am winner Wilco Nienaber.
With a strong run of form and the course still fresh in his mind, Mark Power looks ready to make waves at the Abu Dhabi Challenge—proving once again that preparation, confidence, and a hot putter can take you a long way in the desert heat.
