Raghav Gulati leads after day one of the Faldo Series Middle East Championship with his three-under par at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club.
The 14-year-old’s solid round comprising four birdies and a solitary bogey meant he signed for a 67 total. Raghav holds a three-stroke advantage in the boys Under-16 division over Victor Kofod-Olsen with his total of 70.
In the U18s, it was Al Ain local Peter Whittaker who carded the lowest total with his 71, which sees him hold a five-shot advantage over UAE national Obaid Al Hello. In the U21s, Edoardo Scialanga has a slender lead over Henry Brogan after their 70 and 71 respectively.
Lara El Chaib returned an excellent total of 69 to take the overall lead in the Girls U16 category. Jamie Roselyn Camero sits in second place with her score of 74.
Sakura Kawakami is out in front in the U21s with her 72 giving her a two-stroke lead over Lisa Wahlqvist and Hannah Cheryl Alan.
Keith Wood, Nick Faldo’s coach, said: “It was a tough day in the breezy conditions, but there was still plenty of great golf played, including the excellent three-under from Raghav. The forecast is for the wind to drop tomorrow so I am sure the scoring will improve, and it is setting up nicely for a fantastic event.” The competitors will be back at the AESGC on Wednesday for round two of the 54-hole event.
