Fisher's French polish in Open

8:16am Thursday 3rd July 2008

GOLF

LOCAL golfer Oliver Fisher believes his maiden win on the European Tour could be 'just around the corner' after a scintillating performance at the French Open last week, where he finished tied for seventh.

The result was the 19-year-old's second-best finish on the tour since he began his career at the top level of the professional game two years ago.

And the Chigwell-based youngster is convinced he is ready to take that extra step, which could be made as early as this week, as he prepares to compete in the prestigious European Open at Kent's London Club, beginning tomorrow.

Fisher admitted he was going into the tournament on a real high after his success in France and feels his game is in the right shape to mount a serious title challenge.

"I was really pleased with how I played (in the French Open). It was a big tournament and that's given me a real boost going into this week," admitted Fisher.

"My first win could be just around the corner. I feel like I'm ready and that I'm moving in the right direction."

Fisher's latest impressive showing has propelled him up the European Order of Merit to 35th, one place below former world number one Ernie Els and ahead of household names such as Luke Donald, last year's US Open champion Angel Cabrera and Sergio Garcia.

But he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground, and has targetted a place inside the Order's top 60 as his over-riding goal for the year, after finishing 109th in his debut season on the tour.

"I just want to keep learning the game, keep working hard and carry on improving," insisted Fisher.

"I'd like to end the year inside the top 60, so I'm really pleased I'm exceeding those expectations at the moment and am a lot better of than I was at this time last year."

Fisher has been drawn to play with world number 59 Nick Dougherty and Thomas Bjorn in the first round of the European Open, and will tee off at 12.30pm.

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