Smith Returns to Winning Ways at Dubai Creek UAE PGA Medal
On a testing morning at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Ryan Smith claimed his first win of the season as a result of some moments of brilliance en-route to a two shot victory in the Dubai Creek PGA Medal yesterday.
Playing in the middle of the field, the ever consistent Smith, was always going to be a contender in tough conditions due to his quality long game. After starting poorly and being 5 over par after 5 holes, Smiths game came alive on hole 7 when he hit a rescue wood stiff to ignite his round. Reaching the turn in four over par, Smith played a superlative back nine of three under par which included a pitch in on hole 14 for birdie when a bogey or worse was on the cards. Smith followed this up with one further birdie to post a tough target to beat.
Leading for most of the day, Steven Munro faltered late on with bogeys on holes 14,15 & 16 to drop back to three over par. It was enough to claim 2nd place ahead of OOM leader Callum Nicoll who scored 75. There was a welcome return to form for home club professional Stephen Hubner, who birdied two of the last three holes to claim fourth place ahead of Alan Johnson, Malcolm Young and Brodie Macdonald Al Ain pair Fraser Mclaughlin and Tom Buchanan.
A delighted Smith said “A bit of a surprise, but Dubai Creek is one of my favorite courses, I always enjoying playing there, which makes the win even better. The course was in fantastic condition as always, and the hospitality top class”.
With six event completed in the season, the order of merit is starting to shape up nicely with Callum Nicoll leading the way ahead of Steven Munro and Anthony Buchanan, with Malcolm Young in 4th and Smith moving up to 5th place.
The UAEPGA would like to thank our patrons Acuma and IP Global who continue to support the association going forward.
