Young claims the 2012 UAE PGA Championship at Yas Links
The 2012 UAE PGA Championship concluded after two days of rising temperatures at the challenging Yas Links, Abu Dhabi. With the course in excellent condition and a steady breeze ever present through the day the first round lead was held by The Montgomerie – Dubai’s Matthew Naylor with a fine 73 (+1) to lead the field. Immediately behind him after round 1 were his playing partners Malcolm Young (Arabian Ranches GC) and Dong Lee (Sharjah G&SC) on +2 and +3 respectively to set up a tight contest in the 2nd round.
The second round posed it’s difficulties with less breeze but rising heat into the mid 40’s and the ever present rough a factor in scoring, Ryan Smith produced the best of day 2 with a 73 (+1) to fight back for 5th place. In the battle for the championship the leaders changed hands on the front nine on more than one occasion before a 2 stroke gap opened and with solid play on both nine, posting 16 pars and two solitary 3 putt bogeys a second round of 74 (+2) left Arabian Ranches Professional Malcolm Young the eventual winner by 4 shots from the first round leader Matthew Naylor who was joined by Stuart Fee (Jebel Ali) and Tiann Roslee (Saadiyat Beach GC)
We sincerely thank Yas Links and their General Manager Chris White for their hospitality and hosting of the event. The team of Tom Rourke, Steven Morgan and Victoria Hassett should also be thanked for their assistance in running the event and to all the clubhouse and on course staff who looked after the players this week.
In the Patrons Cup Series event the eventual winner of the Amateur section was Dylan Fjellstrom who produced a fine round of 33 points and we congratulate all the amateurs who participated towards the end of the season. The Professional section and recipient of the PGA Patrons Cup was Callum Nicoll who led the Patron’s Cup Series Mini Order of Merit over the last 5 events. Our thanks also go to our patrons from Acuma Wealth Management, IP Global and Skandia International, their continued support and relationship with the UAE PGA is greatly appreciated.
Whilst that rounds up the Order of Merit season we have one more event scheduled for afternoon of Monday the 21st of May which is intended to be the PGA Fourball at Jebel Ali featuring one Professional and their chosen Amateur Partner. Information to be sent shortly.
