Dave Coupland sets top-60 target for 2021 European Tour

Dave Coupland has set his sights on a top-60 finish on this year's European Tour.

Following a Covid-affected debut year competing in Europe's top tier, the Boston golfer - who is attached to Woodhall Spa GC - is hoping to take the lessons learned from 2020 into the new year.

"I'd like to get into the top 60 on the Order of Merit to get to the Tour Final," he told The Standard.

"If you can do that you're in a great place. Not only do you keep your card but your World Ranking goes up and you're in a really good position if you can achieve that.

"If you can aim high and just fall short then you're keeping your card and all's well."

Coupland is on the reserve list for the Tour's opening events of 2021, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, which begins on Thursday, and the upcoming Omega Dubai Desert Classic, but expects to return to action for the first time in March, beginning with the Oman Open and Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

However, his bags remain packed in case he gets a call - even if things are no-longer as simple as booking a flight and getting to the airport.

"You've got to be prepared to travel but you require a test 72 hours before you fly and, if you get in on the Monday, you need to rush everything through," Coupland explained.

"It's a bit of a pain but if you've got the opportunity you've got to travel.

"My first event is realistically Oman in the beginning of March and across to Qatar after that."

The 34-year-old began life on the Tour challenging himself to make continued improvements to his game.

And Coupland is happy with the progress made so far.

He added: "I was looking over the stats last week with my performance coach and comparing it to other players.

"It's where we want it to be. I think it's just a case of gaining experience and improving the odd aspect of your game where you can.

"We have a plan this year for that, so I'm quite optimistic and hopefully the pandemic slows down a bit and we can get another go at it."