Dubai: Riding on a creditable joint third in the Ascorp Golf Citizen Abu Dhabi Open last week, South Africa’s Tyler Hogarty has moved into fourth spot in the Mena Golf Tour’s Order of Merit.
The talented 22-year-old has been a model of consistency on the tour this season, picking up three top-10 finishes and taking his earnings from the first five events on the tour to $10,136 (Dh37,229), behind the English trio of Luke Joy ($24,000), Ross McGowan ($13,290) and Joshua White ($10,790).
“I am getting close, really close to win my first event on the tour. I have got the experience, belief and knowledge to put myself in contention on any given week. I’m heading in the right direction and, hopefully, that breakthrough will come soon,” said Hogarty, who turned professional just ahead of the 2013 Dubai Creek Open.
England’s James Allan continues to lead the Order of Merit in the amateur division, accumulating 141 points, well ahead of compatriots Craig Vance (81) and James Yeomans (72)
Moroccan players dominate the Mena Division for the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation Award that recognises the performance of the region’s top three professionals and amateurs from their respective divisions in each event.
With back-to-back wins, Younes Al Hassani has closed the gap on Faycal Serghini at the top, but will require another strong finish if he is to catch the runway leader, while rising star Ayoub Lguirati maintained his top position in the amateur division.
The top three professionals and the leading amateur from their respective Orders of Merit will receive invitations to compete in the 2015 Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
The Mena Tour next travels to Ras Al Khaimah for the RAK Classic at Tower Links Golf Club, where England’s Zane Scotland will be defending his title.
