Judge aims to bolster lead in Order of Merit

Dubai: Vikram Judge will be aiming to consolidate his lead in the Emirates Golf Federation's Order of Merit when the Dubai Creek Men's Open tees off at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club tomorrow.

The seasoned golfer who plays off a scratch handicap, seized the early initiative in the Gulf News-sponsored Order of Merit by winning the Men's Open at the Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club in November last year.

The impressive victory earned him a maximum 30 points. With the Dubai Creek Open attracting one of the strongest fields this year, it will be interesting to see how the players negotiate their way around the challenging layout of the Creek.

Included in the field are a number of single digit handicappers led by Emirates Golf Club's trio of J.J. Hong (plus 2), Khalid Yousuf (plus one) and Sebastian Heisele, who also plays of plus one. Besides Vikram Judge, Bayhaan Lakdawala and Miki Mirza are the other two scratch handicappers in the field.

"I wish all players vying for Order of Merit points the very best," said Saeed Albudoor, general manager of the UAE Golf Association.

Order of Merit leaders after first event (Men's Open at the Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club): Vikram Judge (DCGYC) 30 points, Matthew Turner (EGC) 24, Joel Neale (EGC) 22, John Fellingham (DCGYC) 18.5, Malcolm Tennat (SWGC) 18.5, Purna Sharma (SWGC) 18.5, Kouroche Achtari (EGC) 18.5, Khalid Yousuf (EGC) 16, Stewart Cranston (SWGC) 15, Peter Shah (DCGYC) 14.