Yas Links hosted the penultimate event of the UAEPGA season in perfect conditions recently, in which 32 professionals took part.
With OOM Leader still away on Honeymoon, fellow contenders Steven Munro and Anthony Buchanan were looking for a big day to put pressure on him heading into next week’s PGA Championship in Al Ain. While Buchanan failed to produce any fireworks en route to a three over par 73, Munro was struggling to keep the ball in play off the tee but managed to scramble around in a one over par 73 to claim the clubhouse lead with three groups still on the course, despite a three putt par on the final hole.
On form Jumeirah Golf Estates Professional David Blackadder who, when he plays, always contends in UAEPGA Events, posted a solid and impressive level par round of 72 to overtake Munro at the head of the field. Blackadder could afford the luxury of the three putt on the final hole to claim a one shot victory, and with it an almost guaranteed place in the Dubai Golf Trophy Team next month.
Blackadder was a happy man following his victory, saying “It was nice to claim the all important victory needed to get me into the top 16 in the order of merit and Yas Links is one of my favourite courses in the UAE. The course was set up to really test us today and my man focus was not to make mistakes. I am really looking forward to next week’s PGA championships in Al Ain and obviously go into it in good form”.
Third place was shared by Al Badia pro Ed Chapman, Dubai Golf pro Dong Lee and Jaco Stander representing Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, who all scored 74. Joining Anthony Buchanan on 75 sharing 6th place was another form player Phil Waine from Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
With just the PGA Championships left to play, next week in Al Ain, the race for the order of merit title could not be any closer, with Munro having the most slender of leaders over defending OOM champion Callum Nicoll. They will be paired together on day one in Al Ain and it is sure to be an exciting battle.