Newly turned pro Greg Nicholson scores Hole in One in the second round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Citizen Open
Greg Nicholson produced a “perfect” tee shot to score a hole in one in the second round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Citizen Open, the first event on the MENA Golf Tour, at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old Scot, who incidentally turned professional only on Monday, used a nine iron to ace the 168 yards, par-3 sixth hole. “This is the first ever in my career,” said Nicholson after signing off with a two-under-par 70.
“Mind you, it wasn’t a fluke. I struck it very well and the ball went straight into the hole after one bounce. It certainly was the best shot that I hit all day,” said the Scotsman who carded a disappointing 77 in the first round.
“Today was quite an eventful day. I had my chances to put good numbers, but missed at least six putts. So you can say it was pretty frustrating out there, but that strike on the sixth kind of made my day,” said Nicholson, who took to golf when he was about 17 years old.
“I represented Scotland in field hockey and was equally good at tennis and squash, but I gave up all to focus on golf. I thought I would be as good. The hole in one in my second round as professional proves just that,” he said in a lighter vein.
“I am very happy the way things are shaping up. I will always remember this MENA Golf Tour event. It’s turning out to be quite dramatic for me,” said Nicholson, who is attached with Yas Islands Links Golf Club.
For records, Nicholson is the third player after Joel Neale of the UAE and Ariel Igancio of the Philippines who have chosen this MENA Golf Tour event to turn professionals.
Pic caption: Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour, congratulating Greg Nicholson on his hole-in-one feat at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on Tuesday.
