DUBAI - Neil Webb took advantage of a last-gasp slip by leader Stephen Hubner to lift the UAE PGA Championship at Emirates Golf Club's Faldo course.
Hubner, of Dubai Creek, had stormed into a six-stroke lead when he shattered the course record by two strokes with an immaculately compiled 67 on the first day's play on the par-73 Nick Faldo-designed layout.
Hubner held on to his lead throughout the second day and despite dropping a shot to par, stood on the 18th with a two-stroke lead. But disaster struck the affable Scot as his final hole became his worst of the entire tournament, a double bogey six, which allowed Webb, who had compiled rounds of 73 and 70 to tie and the pair headed back to the 18th tee for a sudden-death play-off in which Webb triumphed.
“This is my first tournament since I won the PGA Championship in 2001 so obviously I'm very happy with the result,'' said Webb, of Promo Sport. “I only decided to enter three days ago and I was very nervous before the start yesterday. I had a steady first round and just decided to come out and put a bit of pressure on Stephen today.
“Despite missing out so dramatically, Stephen's been an absolute gentleman and was the first to congratulate me.''
A disappointed Hubner said: “All credit to Neil, he played an extremely solid round today. I am very happy with my performance over the two days though, especially my six-under-par yesterday on what was a very difficult course. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the Wadi course which posed a real challenge with some tough pin positions.''
The top six
2009 UAE PGA Championship, Faldo course, Emirates GC
1 N Webb (Promo Sport) 143
2 S Hubner (Creek) 143
3 R Sheridan (Four Seasons) 149
4 A Flaherty (Golf in Dubai) 151
4 S Payne (Tower Links) 151
6 D Gray (Creek) 155
