The HotelPlanner Tour arrives in Al Ain for the second of back-to-back events in partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF). Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club is the venue for the Abu Dhabi Challenge, and here are three players to look out for...
Form horse: Dan Erickson
American Dan Erickson heads into the second leg of the UAE swing fresh off equalling the course record at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club after firing a third round 63 at the UAE Challenge. Erickson, who earned DP World Tour status at Qualifying School last year, held the 54-hole lead in Ajman but could not maintain pace with eventual winner Renato Paratore.
Erickson’s recent outing at the DP World Tour’s Porsche Singapore Classic also provides reason for optimism. The 26-year-old teed it up in the final group and ended the week in a tie for sixth. All signs indicate Erickson’s game is trending in the right direction ahead of the HotelPlanner Tour’s stop in Al Ain.
Local boy: Craig Howie
He may not be a UAE native, but Craig Howie has been an ambassador for Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club for over a decade, and the Scotsman arrives at his local course in fine form. After carding 70-69 in the opening two rounds of the UAE Challenge, Howie fired 66 on moving day to start the final round five shots back of the lead.
Despite signing for a level par closing round, Howie’s uptick in form, combined with his local knowledge, could lead to a sustained push towards the top of the leaderboard this week.
Outsider: Saptak Talwar
Saptak Talwar shot rounds of 66-71-69 to position himself near the top of the UAE Challenge leaderboard heading into the closing 18 holes. Talwar’s two over par 72 on Sunday saw him fall off the pace, however, the Indian’s final round shouldn’t detract from what was another promising performance.
The 22-year-old’s impressive 54 holes in Ajman came after he shot 68-69-75-72 at the Delhi Challenge. If Talwar can put four rounds together, he could be one to watch this week.
