Dubai: Richard Sheridan began the defence of his UAE PGA Order of Merit title in style with a two-stroke victory at the season-opening Ras Al Khaimah Open.
Al Badia Golf Club professional Sheridan returned from his outing at the Tower Links course with an even par 72 and was two strokes clear of second-placed Alasdair Danson-Webster, who finished with a 74. Ross McArthur and home favourite Simon Payne were tied third a further stroke adrift on 75.
Sheridan received 200 Order of Merit points for his superb effort, while Danson-Webster received 150 for finishing second. McArthur and Payne each received 125 points.
"The weather was fine [yesterday] morning with a cool breeze and the conditions were good. I made the best possible start and winning by two strokes is nice way to start the defence of the title," said Sheridan, who will next play in a PGA Patrons' Cup event at Arabian Ranches on October 28.
Each of the tournaments in the Order of Merit series will be played on a strokeplay format and the 25-man field will congregate next at Jebel Ali Golf Resort for the PGA Open on November 3.
