Dubai-born amateur Natalii Gupta finished the Clutch Pro Tour’s Al Hamra Championship with an impressive 70 to finish the tournament as the leading UAE-based player in sixth place on two under par.
It was an impressive outing for the 19-year-old, who beat a number of professionals in the 54-hole event at Al Hamra Golf Club, where the development circuit made its UAE debut before its second event of the series next week at Al Zorah Golf Club.
“I played well all week, I was pleased with my all-round game,” said Gupta, who carded rounds of 71, 73 and 70.
“I have not played here at Al Hamra Golf Club for many years since I was a junior, so I’m happy with the result.
“I will be playing next week at Al Zorah, I have never played there before and I’m looking forward to it.”
Gupta finished seven shots back of champion Callan Barrow, who secured an invite into the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equesrtrian, Golf & Shooting Club next month with the victory.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” said Barrow, who carded rounds of 69, 67 and 72 to top the leaderboard and win £5000.
“I’ve had a good winter prepping, so to come out and get the job done against a strong field feels really good.
“I think my all round my game was pretty good, like nothing was amazing, but nothing was really bad.
“I played in the Abu Dhabi Challenge last year but very badly! Hopefully I do better this year on a different course. At least I won’t have any bad memories playing there!”
This is the first time the Clutch Pro Tour, which is the official feeder Tour to the Challenge Tour, has held an event in the UAE. The circuit prides itself in being an 'open access' pro golf tour, offering high quality tournaments that provide a platform for player development.
The Emirates Golf Federation received 20 invitations into the event and next week’s Al Zorah Masters, the second of two events on the International Series, which have gone to young professionals in the region, local amateurs and UAE National Team players.
