Barnes 10 birdie blast takes a one shot lead National Bank of Oman Golf Classic
England’s Jason Barnes produced a blistering final round of 7-under-par 65 to lead the opening day of the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic by just one shot from Denmark’s Lasse Jensen.
Barnes three-putted the 18th for his third bogey of the day but he wasn’t complaining after scoring a remarkable 10 birdies. “I’m over the moon. If you had offered me seven under at the start of the day I would have ripped your hand off. It’s always a bit disappointing having played it really well but all in all I’m really happy.
“I got a little bit lucky out there at times. I chipped in twice, which always helps! It was just solid golf, so same again tomorrow please. When I was warming up there was a storm coming and it got really windy.
“I had to grit my teeth just thinking I was going to have to grind my way through it. Then when we teed off there wasn’t a breath of wind for the opening six holes, so we definitely got the lucky side of the draw.
“The wind picked up for the last nine holes but probably not as bad as the morning groups had it – so we were pretty fortunate.”
Azaan Al Rumhy, Captain of the Oman National Team, was the first player to start the opening day off the 10th tee, as England’s young star Matthew Fitzpatrick hit the first ball off the 1st tee.
Azaan began well, making the half way turn in level par, but came unstuck when a brief sandstorm blew, followed by a shower of rain.
“I was pleased with my start until I got to the par 4 sixth hole,” said Azaan. “The wind was behind me so I took a five wood but misjudged the distance and put it my ball in the ocean. I guess I should have taken a three wood.
“Overall, I was pleased with my game and I was hitting the ball well but I didn’t take my chances, although 4-over par 76 was an improvement on my first round at last year’s inaugural event. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s second round.”
Azaan’s other National Team colleagues Ali Hameed shot 17 over par and 16 year old Hamood Al Harthy was 12 over after 14 holes.
Hamad Mubarak from Bahrain, a sponsor’s invitee of the National Bank of Oman via the GCC Championship, parred the first 9 holes but dropped shots over the back nine to slip back down the field. His fellow Bahraini GCC Championship invitee from NBO, matched Azaan Al Rumhy’s score of 4-over par.
Jay Townsend, the PGA Pro at Ghala Valley GC shot 14 over par and David Hon shot 19 over par. Ahmed Al Musharekh, the UAE’s only Arab National golf professional was 2-under par after 15 holes. Joel Sjoholm, from Atlantis, Dubai produced a creditable 2-under par.
The National Bank of Oman Golf Classic receives excellent support from both the private and public sectors, including the Ministries of Sports, Information, Tourism and Health, the Royal Oman Police and the Muscat Municipality. Premium sponsors include Oman Air, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Al Jenaibi International Automobiles BMW and The Wave Muscat while local, regional and international partners include Y&R, WSP Global, Zeehan events,Talentz, Gloria Jeans coffee, Tanuf Water, Pocari Sweat, See Muscat and the stunning venue, Almouj Golf.
The second round of the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic gets underway tomorrow (Friday) at the stunning Almouj Golf, The Wave 6.30am. Entrance is free of charge for spectators.
