Apr 16, 2018: Defending champion Alexander Levy will have a unique hat-trick in sight when he tees up for his title defence at the prestigious Volvo China Open which will be held at the Beijing Topwin Golf & Country Club from April 26 to 29.
The 27-year-old Frenchman, who represented Team Europe at the 2018 EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM in January, claimed his fourth European Tour title in the event last year after defeating South Africa’s Dylan Fritelli in a play-off.
Levy will return to his winning ground looking to create a unique piece of golfing history in the CNY 20 million (approximately US$3,178,000) event, tri-sanctioned by the China Golf Association, Asian Tour and the European Tour.
“Playing in China obviously agrees with me,” said Levy. “It’s a lucky country for me and not only at the Volvo China Open as I’ve also finished seventh, third and fourth at other tournaments here so there’s no doubt that I like the place. Winning last year in China was definitely a different feeling from 2014 because your first win is always special.
“After you’ve got that first title, you always feel the same when you are under pressure – and the pressure is much easier to handle if you’ve already won a tournament. You just need to remember that feeling.”
Levy shot a course record 62 on the way to his first professional victory at the 2014 Volvo China Open where he won by four shots over England’s Tommy Fleetwood at the Genzon Golf Club. He also set a course record of 63 at the Beijing Topwin Golf & Country Club when he played alongside European captain Thomas Bjorn last year.
“I’ve played well since the start of the season,” he said. “I’m happy with the way I’m working, the way I’m swinging and the way I’m playing. It’s a good time for me. I think it’s the best I’ve been swinging in my career, so I just enjoy it and try to hit the best shots I can.”
Levy will be targeting a coveted spot on the European Team when the Ryder Cup makes its debut in Paris at Le Golf National in September. Every French professional will want to be one of the 12 players representing Europe in Paris this year.
“I will be lying if I said the Ryder Cup isn’t a target for me,” added Levy. “It would be a dream to play in the Ryder Cup in France and I will be doing all I can to make the team.”
If Levy were to pick up the famous Volvo China Open Scandinavian Horizon trophy for an unprecedented third time, he would be well on course for a 2018 Ryder Cup charge.
Asian Tour Release
