Champion Blondel backs new format

Out has gone the traditional straight-knockout matchplay format to be replaced by a 36-hole strokeplay qualifier with the top 16 progressing to the knockout stages. There will also be an eight-strong handicap matchplay stage designed to entice more entries.

All of this takes place over three days – starting Friday – at La Grande Mare, which is hosting the men’s championship for the first time.

‘I think it’s a good idea to freshen things up and is definitely worth a try,’ said defending island champion Danny Blondel, who is aiming to make it a hat-trick of titles – and four overall – after back-to-back wins over his home course at L’Ancresse.

‘It will be interesting to see if it generates any more interest in terms of number of entries, given it’s one full day off work for most people for the Friday qualifier opposed to not knowing if you’re playing one day to the next in mid-afternoon, which should make it more attractive.’

Blondel added that he has heard only good things about the condition of La Grande Mare, but is eager to get a practice round in before the event having not played there yet this year.

‘Obviously it plays a lot different to links golf – I know the course pretty much, but it’s really a case of getting used to the how the greens are rolling and reacting to approach shots,’ he said.

‘I was practising a fair bit at the start of the year and putting some good work in with Andy Myers, however recently due to other commitments – work, family etc. – I haven’t had a chance to spend that much time on my game and was disappointed with how I played in Hampshire a few weeks ago.

‘Given the venue the premium won’t be so much on long game or ball striking, which is usually my strong point, I’ll certainly be trying to sharpen up my wedge play and short game over the next week or so.

‘If I can get that part of my game up to scratch, then hopefully I’ll be in with a chance come the weekend.’

• More in Monday's Guernsey Press.