Ajman: Luke Joy will be hoping to make it third time lucky at this week’s Mena Tour Championship at Al Zorah Golf Club in Ajman from Monday after twice having to settle for second in the past two events.
The 29-year-old Englishman, who is currently second in the Order of Merit, lost in a play-off to Order of Merit leader and fellow Englishman Jamie Elson in Jordan and then finished second to Robert MacIntyre by two strokes in Kuwait. From the past nine starts he now has four seconds and a third.
Elson is odds on to win the Order of Merit with eight top 10s, including one win, a second and three thirds from 13 events this season, but victory for Joy in Ajman could still hand him the overall title. Elson on the other hand just needs to finish third.
The finale carries a larger than usual prize fund of US$100,000 with the winner taking home a cheque for US$18,000.
Sweden’s Fredrik From and England’s Andrew Marshall also have a mathematical chance, ensuring a thrilling finish to the season-ending event that features the top 50 professionals and leading 10 amateurs from their respective Orders of Merit.
“Even though I didn’t get the win in Kuwait, it was great to be in contention again for the second consecutive week and put some more money on the OOM board going into the Tour Championship,” said Joy, a two-time winner on tour.
“I’m very happy with how the game is holding up and very much looking forward to getting stuck in this week to see if we can build on the past two weeks.”
The race for the leading amateur is all but decided with England’s Todd Clements enjoying a massive lead over his nearest challengers, thanks to an incredible run, studded with five wins in a row in his division.
The 21-year-old, who won the English Amateur Championship in August, has 311 points to his credit with Switzerland’s Michael Harradine (238) trailing in a distant second.
Mena Tour chairman, Mohammad Juma Bu Amim, thanked all clubs and players for their support over the season.
“They have all been wonderful partners as we strive to stimulate the overall development of the game in the region and beyond,” he said.
“We are excited to be making our first visit to Al Zorah for the season-finale which, for the first time, is a 72-hole affair.
“Their support is a reflection on the strides being made by the tour in putting the region on the sporting map.
“I would also like to thanks Jordan’s Ayla Golf Club and Pattana Golf Club and Resort in Thailand that hosted MENA Tour events for the first time this season. I see this as another positive development for the tour and hope they become a popular and permanent stop on the Tour in the future.
“The fact that most of the events this season threw up first-time winners in addition to producing improved scores is a reflection on the growing strength of the tour. I wish all players competing in the Tour Championship the very best.”
