Dubai: Khalid Yousuf fired a career-best round of eight-under-par 64 to set a new course record at the Els Course Dubai, eclipsing the previous best of 65 posted by European number one Lee Westwood.
Playing in the UAE National Monthly Medal, the ace UAE golfer produced almost a flawless game, rattling up seven gross birdies and an eagle to finish on top of the leaderboard — a staggering nine shots ahead of his nearest rival Abdullah Al Musharrakh.
Saeed Malek, the winner of a recent monthly medal event, took third place on a gross 82.
Controlled game
The day simply belonged to Yousuf who is a key member of the UAE national team.
Striking the ball effectively, he looked very much in control of his game. He wasted no time in setting the tone of his round by going four under after nine holes.
Yousuf produced the shot of the day and probably of his career when he smashed his three wood from 235 yards close to pin for an eagle on the 13th.
He kept the momentum rolling with a smart tee-to-green game to finish the day with a big smile lighting up his face.
"I think the key to my (great) round was a solid start," said Yousuf, who recently represented the UAE team in the GCC Championship held in Doha.
"When I was four under after nine holes, I knew I could do well if I maintained the focus.
"I managed to do that, thanks to my playing partners (Saeed Al Budoor and Adel Al Zarouni), who kept me going with some encouraging words during the round. I did hit some very good shots, but the one on the 13th was special."
