Rami Samawi (The Els Club) shot a two under par 70 to lead by three shots in the 36 hole Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Men’s Open today (Saturday).
The event is a qualifier for the 2022 – 2023 Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Men’s Order of Merit.
Samawi impressed on the front nine with an eagle two on the par four fifth hole, measuring 428 yards, stroke index two hole, and birdies followed on holes eight and nine to be out in 33. Another birdie on hole 11, was followed by bogeys on 12 and 14, to come home in 37 shots.
Tied second three shots back on one over par 73 are current leader of the Order of Merit Sam Mullane (JGE) along with Ahmed Waheed Naim (The Els Club).
Leading local player representing Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is Sasi Nathan with a 74 to be tied fourth.
Defending champion Jay Mullane (JGE), winner of The Els Club Men’s Open last weekend shot an 80 to be tied 19th. Jay had a card containing six threes, two sixes and an 11 on the par five second – a card wrecker for Mullane.
60 players completed their first rounds, with 18 players breaking 80.
The second round tomorrow (Sunday) will be played with the leaders out last in gross order, all from the first tee.
Tee times are from 7 am until 10.20 am when the group of Naim, Mullane and Samawi tee off.
Round One Leaders (7,052 Yards, Par 72)
R. Samawi (The Els Club) 70
S. Mullane (JGE) 73
A. Waheed Naim (The Els Club) 73
J. Selvaraj (Trump International) 74
D. Kirkwood (Yas Links Abu Dhabi) 74
S. Nathan (Saadiyat Beach GC) 74
