Callum Tarren came close to claiming his first European Challenge Tour title in only his second appearance.
The Darlington-based pro carded a seven under-par round of 65 to lead after the first round of the Foshan Open but had to settle for fifth place as Oliver Farr claimed his second Challenge Tour title and book a return to the European Tour with a five-shot victory.
Tarren, who is a regular on the China Tour, bagged six birdies and one eagle in just his fifth round on Europe’s development tour.
He’s also currently in the top 10 on the China Tour’s Order of Merit after playing in eight events across the country this season.
While he was unable to maintain his first round form with rounds of 71, 70 and 72 in the Foshan event, he did pick up a cheque for €21,043.
He also finished 10th in his first ever Challenge Tour appearance at the Hainan Open the previous week.
“I feel as though I have been playing really well over the last year or so and in particular over the last four weeks. I came third then second on the China Tour then 10th after a bogey-free weekend.
“I only had one bogey in that 65, a three-putt from 20ft on the 16th, but apart from that it was a really good day’s work. I holed out for an eagle from 118 yards at the eighth which is always a bonus.
“I have been competing in China for over a year now. I’m based in Darlington and try and travel out to play there in four week blocks and get as much golf in as I can.”
