Mike Lorenzo-Vera may just be getting back into the swing of competitive action, but he says he is feeling “extra pressure” to perform at the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship.
The Frenchman is making his third start in a row on the DP World Tour since returning to competitive action at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic after a six-month break to protect his mental health.
And while teeing it up again competitively earlier this month brought a tear to his eye, this event carries its own significance as he carries the Bahraini flag on his bag after forging ties with the country over the last 12 months.
"[It] is a special week for me because I have some special relationships with people here," he said,
"I want to do well, so it’s a bit of extra pressure. I feel like the heart is pumping a bit harder than usual."
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Reflecting on the friendships he has formed, he added: “Last year I had the chance to meet Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa (a son of the Bahrain King), and we built a really great relationship, because he comes on holiday to my hometown of Biarritz, and we started to speak about that.
“We spent some more time together last year, and I had the chance to see Shaikh Nasser’s victory in France in the world competition for long distance horse racing. He was world champion.
“All those moments create fantastic memories. And the way they welcome me when I come to practise here or just spend some time to rest is fantastic.
“Just to thank them for the way they welcome me, I put the Bahrain flag on my bag.”
While Lorenzo-Vera openly admits he has a long way to go to learn Arabic, he is in a good mindset after celebrating his 40th birthday on Tuesday.
“The opening ceremony was fantastic, plus celebrating my birthday in a great restaurant,” he said. “It could be worse!”
After making the cut in both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah last week, he is expecting a stern test at Royal Golf Club.
With some tees extended as part of course alterations and the potential for windy conditions, Lorenzo-Vera does not envisage low scoring will come easily after South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli won with a score of 13 under par last year.
"It depends on the wind. If the wind is blowing, it’s going to be a really hard challenge," he explained.
"If the wind stays down, you may see about 18 under. But if it’s blowing and they manage to have the greens fast, like I saw yesterday, I will be very impressed if it’s a double digit (for the winner)."
