Seasoned Judge rules SWGC Men's Open

Dubai: Vikram Judge seized the early initiative in the Emirates Golf Federation's Order of Merit race when he won the SWGC Men's Open held at the Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club.

The seasoned golfer, who plays off a scratch handicap, put together gross rounds of 75 and 73 to beat his nearest challenger and defending Order of Merit champion Joel Neale by one shot.

Judge of Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club won maximum 30 points for his efforts to lead the Order of Merit table, six points ahead of his fellow club members Neale and eight of Paul King, who finished third at the SWGC Men's Open with a 36-hole gross score of 151.

The SWGC Men's Open once again attracted a top-class field with top amateur and professional golfers lining up for honours.

Among the notable participants were UAE national golfer Khalid Yousuf, who plays off a plus two handicap like Neale.

He finished 11th with rounds of 83 and 76 while Ahmad Al Musharrekh (plus one) shot 81 and 75 for a respectable ninth-place finish.

Order of merit table after first round:

1. Vikram Judge (DCGYC) 30 points
2. Joel Neale (DCGYC) 24
3. Paul King (DCGYC) 22
4. Tom Green (SWGC) 20
5. Abdulla Al Musharrekh (DCGYC) 19
6. Doug Cameron (SWGC) 18
7. T-7. Peter Shaw (DCGYC) 16.5
8. T-7 Malcolm Tennant (SWGC) 16.5
9.  Ahmed Al Musharrekh (DCGYC) 15
10. Nick Brewaeys (EGF)14.