Nicoll wins Sharjah Open in a tense play off in the UAE PGA Order of Merit

Callum Nicoll cemented his place on top of the 2013/14 UAEPGA Order of Merit following a tense playoff win in the Sharjah PGA Open held at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club yesterday.

Having reached the turn in two under par, alongside Ed Chapman, Callum looked on course for a comfortable victory.  However an uneventful back nine holes for Callum left the door open for others to catch up.
 
While Chapman faulted, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club pro Craig Waddell played a solid back nine of two under par 34 to force a sudden death playoff with Nicoll.
Playing Sharjah tough final hole first Nicoll safely found the green in two shots, while Waddell was left with a 12ft putt for par.  Nicoll’s put agonisingly lipped out, leaving Waddell with a chance to continue the playoff.  He calmly rolled the putt into the centre of the cup.  On the 2nd playoff hole Waddell looked odds on to win,  however a costly three putt kept Nicoll’s hopes alive.  Unfortunately for Waddell a poorly played 3rd extra hole, gifted the title to Callum, with a bogey five.
 
Third place was shared between Al Ains Tom Buchanan and UAEPGA pro Steven Munro who both carded impressive back nines to move up the field with level par rounds of 72. 5th place was shared between Alan Johnson, Steve Chambers, Alistair Brown, Martyn Hamer and Ed Chapman on 73.
 
Nicoll’s win increases the gap to 2nd place Steven Munro in the OOM by 120 points, making him strong favourite to retain his OOM title.