Abu Dhabi: Stephen Dodd set a new course record with a brilliant six-under-par 66 to surge into a two-shot lead after the first round in the Abu Dhabi Golf Citizen Open — the second event on the 2012 Mena Tour — at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on Monday.
The three-time winner on the European Tour had eight birdies, offset only by bogeys at the eighth and 18th holes. But even more pleasing to him than a superb run of birdies was the way he got to the course record.
“Everything fell into place today. I drove the ball well and hit a lot of good putts. Golf, for a change, was quite easy out there,” said the 46-year-old Welshman, who finished runner-up to England’s Zane Scotland in last week’s Dubai Creek Open.
“It’s a great start to the tournament, but you never know what will happen over the next two days. I have found the early rhythm and am getting close to the form where I want to be. And that’s something quite satisfying,” added Dodd, who heads into Tuesday’s second with a two-shot advantage over English amateur Tyler Hogarty and three shots better off than compatriot Brian Lee.
The chasing pack back on 70 was headed by the English foursome of Steven Munro, Alex Christie, Ian Keenan and Daniel Wardrop, along with Manish Goyal of India and Fredrik Quicker (Sweden).
Defending Abu Dhabi Golf Citizen Open champion Scotland, who previously held the course record with a 67 he shot last year, settled for a 74, while Yasin Ali carded a one-under-par 71 to stay in the mix.
The UAE’s Ahmad Al Musharrekh once again endured a frustrating day on the course, signing off with a disappointing 81. “It wasn’t the start I expected. It was tough out there. Hopefully things will get better tomorrow,” he said.
An initiative of the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation, the Mena Golf Tour is affiliated to the R&A and the Arab Golf Federation. Backed by Omega and Mercedes-Benz, the six-stop tour boasts a combined prize fund of $325,000.
