David Gray is the clubhouse leader in the NBAD 38th Men’s Abu Dhabi Open Golf Championship at Al Ghazal Golf Club

The NBAD 38th Men’s Abu Dhabi Open Golf Championship got underway early Friday morning at the Al Ghazal Golf Club (AGGC), in perfect conditions.

Leader in the clubhouse at the half way mark is Professional David Gray representing Recon International with a par round of 71 closely followed by Michael Harradine [Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa] on 73 and Dino Varkey [Jumeirah Golf Estates] on 74.  David’s two under par front nine of 34 birdying the first and third holes looked unmatchable, but past Champion Simon Payne also carded a 34 on the front, but the back nine 13th triple bogey put paid to his aspirations and gave him a total gross 76.  Rookie Professional Joel Neale had difficulty adjusting to the browns and he carded a 75.

Gray although two shots ahead of the pack will have to keep a clear head going in to the second round especially as they have sampled the browns and know what to expect and would have learned how to deal with them.

Best nett of the day came from home golfer Colum Boyce with a par 71 followed closely by Sidney D’Souza [EGF] on 72, in third place are AGGC’s Jan P. Friedmann and Stan Nikau.

Round 2 will be a two tee [1st and 10th] start from 8.00 am Saturday, spectators are most welcome to come and watch the final round of the 39th NBAD Men’s Abu Dhabi Open Championship on the best sand course in the Gulf!

Image: Joel Neale in action