‘I JUST PLAYED REALLY SOLID’
Dubai’s Craig fires bogey-free 69 at UAE Challenge in Abu Dhabi
Dubai resident Oscar Craig got off to a dream start on his Challenge Tour debut, firing an impressive three under par 69 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club during the first round of the UAE Challenge yesterday.
The 17-year-old, who secured an invite into the event after winning the Ras Al Khaimah Men’s Open, told Gulf News earlier this week that he was “nervous” ahead of mixing it with DP World Tour winners and the game’s emerging stars.
But judging by his first round performance, which included birdies on the fourth, eighth and 18, he had nothing to worry about. “The start of the first nine, I just played really solid,” said Craig, who finished the day in a share of 14th, four strokes behind Wilco Nienaber, Joshua Berry and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
“I didn’t miss many shots, I just stayed confident on every single shot. Got to the back nine, again, my long game was strong and I felt confident with it I just didn’t hole many putts. The last few holes I struggled a little bit, but then I holed some good putts so it levelled out a bit. “Overall, I’m really happy.” Craig also has the advantage of having one of the world’s best golfers on his bag this week, with World No 11 Tommy Fleetwood, Craig’s stepdad, providing his wisdom to the youngster, just two weeks after finishing inside the top three at the Masters Tournament.
‘Unbelievable’
“Landed Monday night, we were here Tuesday morning, played 18 and then played 9 on Wednesday morning as well,” said Fleetwood, following Craig’s opening 69. “Unbelievable, keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep playing like that, he’ll be just fine.”
The UAE’s No 1 professional golfer, Joshua Grenville-Wood, who was playing alongside Craig and Gary Hurley, carded his own 69, also going bogey-free over the Gary Player-designed masterpiece in Abu Dhabi.
“Yeah, it was nice, especially nice to stay bogey free which is always good especially around here,” said Grenville-Wood, who is chasing DP World Tour membership this season.
“I had to scramble pretty hard on the back nine, the wind picked up. Got a little bit loose on the last few holes, but had some really, really good up and downs.
I didn’t miss many shots, I just stayed confident on every single shot. Got to the back nine, again, my long game was strong and I felt confident with it I just didn’t hole many putts.”
Oscar Craig » Dubai resident
“Just going to chill out the rest of the day. It’s obviously quite hot out here, so an early morning and early wake up call so go to bed nice and early. I think I’m a bit more acclimatised compared to some other people. You’ve just got to stay hydrated and eat enough food.”
The second round gets under way today at 6.30am.