Judge and Turner set the pace in UGA Order of Merit

Dubai: Vikram Judge of Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and Matthew Turner of Emirates Golf Club set the early pace in the UAE Golf Association's Order of Merit after an impressive showing in the Men's Open held at the Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club.

Seasoned Judge carded tidy rounds of 69 and 76 to win the 10th edition of the event on one-over-par gross 145, just one shot ahead of Turner who was equally solid in shooting 70 and 76 in the 36-hole tournament.

Judge was awarded maximum 30 points for his victory while Turner earned 24 in this the first Order of Merit event on the UGA schedule.

Defending Order of Merit champion Joel Neale (EGC) fired a back-to-back 74 to finish third.

Order of Merit leaders after first event:

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.