Ross Bain defends title in style the NBAD 38th Men’s Abu Dhabi Open Golf Championship

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

As the day progressed the heat of the day took over and competitors not only had to contend with blustery winds but maintain their stamina against a tough course layout.

Leader in the clubhouse at the half way mark was AGGC’s John Mills with a superb two over par 73 closely followed by Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club’s Professional Chris Davis with a 74.  Both Chris and John carded one over par 36 on the front 9 but John only dropped one shot in the back 9 against Chris’s two over 38.

Photo: Ross Bain in action

Best front 9 score of the day was carded by +3 handicapper Joel Neale [Emirates Golf Club] with a 2 under par gross 33, closely followed by defending champion Pro. Ross Bain on level par 35,
Bain got off to a great birdie start when he pitched from just off the fairway on the first hole to within a few feet of the pin, but Joel also equalled with a 3.  The harder back 9 saw Bain gain the upper hand from Neale when Neale bogeyed 13, 15 and 16, but birdied 17 while Bain played steady par golf and picked up birdies on 16 and 17 to score a two under par 34. Bain’s impressive total 69 puts him 2 shots in the lead ahead of Neale on 71 and 4 shots ahead of Mills on 73.

The second round 2 tee start will begin at 8.00 am with the leaders going out last at 9.00 am at the Al Ghazal Golf Club.