Dubai Creek and Yacht Club pro Stephen Hubner shot a scintillating three-under-par 68 on his home course to win the seventh UAE PGA Order of Merit Event, sponsored by Al Naboodah, Rotana Hotels, IHP and Spengler Fox.
The win means Hubner, following second and third-place finishes in the previous two events, has leapt into second place in the UAE PGA Order of Merit table and is now just 77.5 points behind leader and reigning champion Simon Payne (The Palm Resort, Al Ain) who could only manage tied sixth in this tournament.
Hubner said: "I played well today, everything came together nicely. On the back nine I got into a nice groove and managed three birdies in a row at 11, 12, and 13. It means a lot to win on my home course and I'm delighted my game is in good shape for the upcoming Desert Classic qualifying."
Nick Oakley finished in sensational style with threes at the final three holes to finish on one-under par 70 in second place. He said: "I thought if I could birdie the last two I might be in with a chance. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough".
- SEVENTH UAE PGA Order of Merit event (Dubai Creek GYC, par 71): 1 Stephen Hubner 68 (DCGYC); 2 Nick Oakley (Emirates GC) 70; 3 Luke Cantelo (Montgomerie) 73; 4 James Bowring (Al Naboodah) 74, Alan MacKenzie (DCGYC) 74; 6 Simon Payne (Palm, Al Ain) 75, Richard Sheridan (Four Seasons GC) 75.
- UAE PGA Order of Merit leaders after seven events: 1 Simon Payne 412.5pts; 2 Stephen Hubner 335pts; 3 Graeme Bell (Four Seasons) 325pts.
