Pavan on Course for perfect finish in Dubai
CHALLENGE Tour Rankings leader Andrea Pavan got off to the perfect start in his bid to finish the season as No.1 by firing an opening round 6-under 66 to share the lead with American Brinson Paolini in the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final.
The Italian, who won the Grand Final two years ago, carded an impressive seven birdies with just one bogey on the par 3 15th. Having already guaranteed one of the European Tour cards up for grabs for the top 15 players on the Challenge Tour Rankings following the conclusion of the €330,000 event, Pavan is relishing the opportunity to cap a memorable season by topping the money list.
“It was a good day, I started off well with a birdie at the first, and my game has been OK lately” said Pavan. “I played well in China but didn’t hole many putts, but then last week it was better but my long game wasn’t. Today was a combination as I hit a lot of good shots and rolled some nice putts, and I felt like I really had a good feeling on the greens so that was good.
“There is more pressure here being No.1 than when I won this event two years ago, honestly, as I knew I wanted to do well today and this week so it was a little more pressure than the last few events on the opening holes, but I knew that no matter how this week goes I have had a good season, and I would like to finish it off in style, but it is important that I truly get my game going and my consistency for next year as that is where my main goals are.”
Paolini enjoyed a wonderful blemish free front nine with five birdies before making three more on the homeward stretch along with two bogeys, while Edouard Dubois, Johan Carlsson, Jamie McLeary and Lloyd Kennedy shot matching rounds of 4-under 68 to share third place.
Entry for spectators is free of charge while complementary F&B vouchers can be obtained in the latest issues of Worldwide Golf and Middle East Golfer.
The second round tees off at 9am tomorrow with the final group due out at 11.45am.
Free Golf Lessons will also be available while visitors are invited to take part in the Al Badia Golf Club Nearest the Pin Golf Challenge.
Spectators can register in person at designated areas on the four tournament days to be entered into a draw for a chance to win one of 55 prizes totalling over Dhs 100,000 including full golf membership of Al Badia Golf Club, a fantastic range of TaylorMade equipment, golf academy packages, performance lab sessions and lavish dining experiences.
Golfers, non-golfers and families all are welcome for what will be a fantastic week of golf and fun. There will be Children’s play areas and a crèche on Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm, for ages 4 and above.
