Dubai: The 22nd edition of the Emirates Amateur Open teed of for the first time in its illustrious history over the Faldo Course.
The first round of the Championship was keenly contested by 141 competitors over the Faldo-designed course with the following 36 holes taking place on the iconic Majlis course, home to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, over the weekend.
With the greens rolling as fast as they've been since the course re-opened in 2006 only two competitors managed to post sub par rounds. The early pace setter is Michael Saunders, representing Dartford Golf Club in the UK.
Birdie
Commencing his round from the tenth tee he got off to a great start with birdies at the difficult 14th and 16th holes to see him to the turn in 35 strokes, two-under par.
His consistent play continued on the inward half and he picked up another shot on the 427-yard 6th hole to take him to 3-under for the tournament.
He gave one back on the short 8th to post a best of the day 71.
