Alexander Belt might have his sights set on more distant challenges but at the moment his main focus is on the Costa del Sol and The Gecko Tour. And his decision has certainly proven to be rewarding.
Attracted by the coastal sun and the Gecko’s growing reputation as Europe’s premier winter circuit, the 31-year-old Briton saw the Coast as the ideal destination to prepare for this season and a new career challenge. “I’m going to play on the PGA Tour China from May and I thought The Gecko Tour and Andalucía were the best option to work and practise. I’ve been to Spain several times and the sun is a blessing at this time of the year. At home I couldn’t practise or compete like I can here.”
Last year he played in two EuroPro Tour events, and went on to win his card at the PGA Tour China qualifying school. “!t’s an important change but I’m really keen and looking forward to the challenge. It’s not the first time I’ve had to travel a long way from home to play golf. The truth is it’s a fact of life for a professional golfer.”
In the meantime, his confidence has received a timely boost with victory in the 10th event of the 2016-17 Gecko Tour, played at Baviera in Vélez Málaga in the eastern part of the Costa del Sol. He was the only player to beat par (one-under 141) over the two days, winning by two shots from Swede Christopher Sahlström, with Gabriel Cañizares (son of the course designer and European Tour stalwart José María Cañizares) and Sam Connor third another stroke back.
