Javier Ballesteros will make his first European Challenge Tour appearance in two years when he tees it up at the Hopps Open de Provence on a course designed by his father.

“It’s special to be here as the course was designed by my Dad,” he said. “The golf club contacted me and invited me to play here and I said yes, and I’m very happy to be here at this special course.

“I think the design of the course depends on what type of ground you build it on. I’ve played other courses which my Dad designed, and they are different to this one because the ground is different.

“It’s a tricky course. It’s not very long. You have to be straight off the tee and I think that’s the key. If you can hit the fairways, then you can go for the flags and shoot a good a score.”

“I’ve been working hard on my game and I’ve seen an improvement, so I’m very happy to be playing on the Challenge Tour this week,” he said.

“I started with a new coach in Spain at the start of the year and I’ve seen some improvements with my swing, so I’m looking forward to a good week.

“My Dad always told me to try and enjoy each course. If you enjoy playing the course then you’re probably making birdies and hitting good shots, so my aim is to enjoy it and make a good score here.”