Amateurs shine in Finland

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<p>Amateurs Sami Välimäki and Robert MacIntyre both put in career-best best performances on a rain-affected second day at the Vierumäki Finnish Challenge.</p>
<p>Scotland’s MacIntyre took the early clubhouse lead with a five under par round of 67, before Välimäki stole the show on his European Challenge Tour debut.</p>
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<p>The 19 year old Finn, carded an eagle and seven birdies on route to a seven under par 65 in only his second round on Europe’s top developmental tour.</p>
<p>With heavy rain causing a four-hour delay, many players were left unable to complete their second rounds, but both Välimäki and MacIntyre go into the weekend full of confidence after excellent 36-hole displays.</p>
<p>“My round was really good,” said Välimäki. “I got off to a perfect start with three birdies and I just built on that from there.</p>
<p>“I didn’t know how well I was doing until we came off for the delay when I just had three holes to play. I got a bit excited when I saw my score, and I came out and made a really bad decision on the eighth – my second last hole.</p>
<p>“I bounced back to make a 12-foot eagle at the last though, which was really good, and it was a great start for my first time on the Challenge Tour.</p>
<p>“I am going to just go and enjoy the rest of the week. This is a special competition for me, and I hope one day this will be my full-time job and I will play on the European Tour.”</p>
<p>MacIntyre, who failed to make the cut in his other two appearances on the Road to Oman this season, was also delighted with how he played – and credited competing on Scottish links courses for helping him tackle the damp conditions.</p>
<p>“Being an amateur you have to play in difficult conditions on links courses – that definitely helped me today,” said the 21 year old, whose appearance this week is just his fifth on the Challenge Tour.</p>
<p>“I had nothing to lose and everything to gain so I made sure that I didn’t get too down on myself about the weather – it was a good day.</p>
<p>“I putted really well. I hit it good as well – you can’t score like that without striking the ball well. Overall my game is in good shape and I’m hoping I can carry it on over the weekend.</p>
<p>“There was a different wind today compared to the last two days. I had to focus more on the wind. Despite the rain I’d say that it was actually a little bit easier out there today.</p>
<p>“Playing at this level is obviously a step up for me, and I’m starting to build up a little bit of experience. The two other events I’ve played in, especially the match play event in Spain, have really helped me.</p>
<p>“Having missed out in both of those tournaments I am now more hungry to go out and try and prove myself."</p>
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