Johnson’s under-par wins on Saadiyat Island beach

Ghantoot Polo Club’s Alan Johnson carded a 2-under 70 to claim the title in the Abu Dubai PGA Open, held at the Gary Player designed 7,100 yard Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on Wednesday April 6th.

Johnson maintained his lead for the duration of the round, shooting a 35 on both the front and back nine finishing the day with 4 birdies, starting with hole 5’s ‘Dolphin View’, a Saadiyat Signature Hole, promptly adding holes 8, 13 and 14 to the list.

A thrilled Johnson knew all too well what lay ahead having played the course a number of times since its opening earlier this year. “If you don’t know the course or control your game you could be penalised for what you think is going to be a good shot” he said.

By securing today’s event Johnson slots himself into 10th position on the UAE PGA’s Order of Merit table.

Finishing 2-shots behind the leader, Els Club’s Callum Nicoll and Tower Links Simon Payne tied for 2nd place with an even 72. Nicoll and Payne mirrored scores on the front and back nine with 38 and 34 respectively.

With 6 events remaining current Order of Merit leader Payne will not be taking any challenges to his lead lightly.  “It’s still anyone’s title to claim” stated Payne, “Malcolm (Young) is sitting a little too close for my liking but that’s what forces you to keep your edge”.

The race to accumulate points continues this weekend with The Address Montgomerie Dubai’s Men’s Open.