FELIX NAVIDAD

Interview at the Dawn of the 2025 Season

By Inesis

July 2^nd, 2025

On retrouve Félix après sa saison haletante sur le Challenge Tour et la finale des cartes européennes. L'occasion de faire le bilan de cette année 2024 et surtout, déjà, de se projeter sur 2025.

How did the end of the season go on the Challenge Tour?

Objectively, I had a solid finish to the season. In Portugal, I was second before the final round. Unfortunately, I didn't have a good final round (+4). I wasn't in the right mindset, a bit too defensive, and I couldn't capitalize on that winning opportunity. In China, I had a great week, finishing in fifth place. I played very well from the 1st to the 17th hole but made a bogey on the 18th. A par would probably have been enough to move up to the DP World Tour; it's frustrating.

Can you tell us about that Challenge Tour Grand Final?

The top 45 players of the season qualify for the final in Mallorca. I arrived in 26th place, and the top 22 earn their card for the DP World Tour. So, I needed a big result, probably a Top 5, to move up those 4 spots. I know the course well; it's not easy, the greens are very fast with a lot of slopes. In retrospect, I think I putted a bit too defensively, even within 5 meters. But it's not easy to find the right balance, because an overly aggressive putt can cost you dearly. I was still in contention on the 15th hole of the fourth round. At that moment, I told myself I needed to make at least 2 birdies on the last 4 holes. I birdied 15 and 16, parred 17. I missed a 2-meter putt on the 18th for birdie. But everyone finished strong, and ultimately, I needed 2 shots less to get into the final Top 22.

So, you immediately followed up with the European Q-School Final?

Yes, I had to shake off the disappointment and immediately focus on the Q-School Final. It's a very demanding tournament with a field of 150 players, 6 rounds, and a cut after 4 rounds. You need to finish in the top 20 to get a card for the DP World Tour. I started very strong with a -10, my best career score. I was leading after the first round. We played on 2 distant courses: Lake is a bit easier while Hills is trickier, with a lot of trees. A dangerous course. I followed up with a -2 on the second round. I was in the final group with Edoardo Molinari, who eventually won. We had a good battle, and unfortunately, everything changed on the seventh hole. My drive ended up in the rough, I hit a flyer* and my ball landed in high grass. Molinari found my ball, I couldn't get it out, so I ended up taking a drop, 2 putts. Quadruple bogey. It was a strategic error; everything happened so fast. It definitely hit me hard, even though I was still in the race. Ultimately, my biggest regret is not having recovered fast enough from that hole. The next day, I had an average round with a +1. In 29th place, I was against the wall at the start of the final round. I played a great round, -6. At that point, I was virtually qualified. Unfortunately, no one faltered, and the following groups made me drop in the rankings to 23rd place, just one shot shy of qualification.

*a shot with no spin that goes too far and doesn't stop on the green

What’s your assessment of your 2024 season?

The assessment is mixed. On one hand, it's a disappointment because I didn't achieve my main objective. But on the other hand, I continue to progress. My average score for the year dropped below 70, which is one shot better than in 2023. I know I have the level to play at the next tier. I will further improve my concentration. In complicated moments, I think about the danger and I'm no longer focused on the present moment. In terms of putting, I need to be a bit more aggressive; every putt needs to be given a chance to go in. The Challenge Tour's points system favors performance; you have to be aggressive. It's a different management style on the DP World Tour, which rewards consistency more.

When will your 2025 season start?

I'm going to play the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open in Mauritius from December 19th to 22nd. After that, I'll enjoy time with my family for the end-of-year holidays. In January, I'll go train in Dubai with other Tour players like Ugo Coussaud before flying to South Africa. The season resumes on January 23rd.

What are your goals for 2025?

I'm aiming for the top 5 on the Road to Mallorca and, of course, promotion. I also want to continue progressing, to be the best I can be, leaving nothing to chance in terms of nutrition and recovery. I want to give my best and give myself the chance to finish my tournaments well.