Pole Position

Michael Weston finds out more about Adrian Meronk, the first Polish golfer to earn a European Tour card

- Adrian Meronk

You can often tell where a player is in their career by the fuss that surrounds them on the driving range – or the lack of it. As Adrian Meronk slopes towards the practice area at Emirates GC in Dubai, he almost looks lost. Carrying his own bag, he could pass for a regular punter looking for the first tee. The ‘Polish Tiger Woods’ is actually eyeing up a spot to hit some balls. He’s extremely diligent when it comes to practice – and given his talent, it’s unlikely he’ll stay under the radar for too long.

“That’s a good one,” he laughs, referring to the generous nickname which – for the record – he did not conjure up himself. “I’ve heard of this one. I’m proud to be this,” he explains. He’s not so aware of the other label – the ‘Godfather of Polish Golf’ – although he’s well aware of his history-making exploits.

Last September, the 26-year-old became the first Polish player to win a European Tour-operated event. That victory came at the 57° Open de Portugal and it helped secure a top-15 finish on the Challenge Tour’s Road to Mallorca.

A short while later, he became the first Pole to hold a European Tour card. “It’s only a small step,” he says. “Last year was a very solid year. I accomplished almost everything. I’m very excited to compete with the best. I have to keep moving forward, but it’s nice to be the first in the country to achieve this.”