Dubai based Grenville-Wood ahead in Abu Dhabi
A brace of 65s for the UAE resident as he goes bogey-free on the Challenge Tour
Joshua Grenville-Wood fired a second consecutive bogey-free seven under par round of 65 to take the lead at the halfway point of the Abu Dhabi Challenge, the first of back-to-back Challenge Tour events in the Emirate.
The 25-year-old, who resides in Dubai and plays out of the Els Club Dubai, was delighted to keep the bogeys off his card over the opening 36 holes on the National Course at Abu Dhabi Golf Course and move into pole position on 14 under par.
“I’m buzzing with my round today. A few weeks ago, I didn’t even know if I would be in the event so the last two days have given me a big boost in confidence. To come out here and play this well, I’m over the moon.”
Only missed three greens
“I have made it two rounds without a bogey, and I put that down to my ball striking. I’ve only missed three greens in two days and the greens I have missed I’ve left the ball in the right place and managed to get up and down to save par. ”
Having lived in the UAE for a number of years, Grenville-Wood is taking full advantage of his familiarity with the courses, types of grass and weather in the region.
“I think living here is an advantage. The heat isn’t bothering me this week and for me it’s a nice temperature to play in. I’m not feeling tired towards the end of the round so I think that has played an important factor so far and I know I can finish strong out here.
“I know the grasses well around here and I also know how to play out of the bunkers. I’m able to hit it pretty far and the further you hit it round here the wider the fairways become. ”
Grenville-Wood has only a slim one-shot lead from overnight leader Tom Lewis. The two-time DP World Tour followed up his round one of 64 with a 5 under par 67.
South African duo Brandon Stone and Wilco Nienaber are four off the lead at ten under par with Frenchman Julien Sale, while Spaniard Ivan Cantero Gutierrez is a shot further back in fifth. 2023 Junior Ryder Cup Captain and four-time DP World Tour winner Stephen Gallacher is sitting at eight under par in a tie for sixth.