Sebastian Garcia holds a one shot lead after the first round of the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club, thanks to a bogey free seven under par round of 63.
After birdieing the first, Spaniard Garcia eagled the drivable par four fourth before picking up three more shots around the turn. A string of back nine pars preceeded one more birdie on the 16th.
The 36-year-old, who sits 85th in the HotelPlanner Tour’s Road to Mallorca Rankings, was delighted with his effort in the tougher afternoon conditions.
“I am feeling very good. I was solid in the tough afternoon conditions, so I am very happy,” he said.
“I had two or three difficult up and downs and I played very well from the tee box.”
The highlight of Garcia’s round came on the fourth after he holed an eagle putt following an exquisite tee shot.
“It was good. I hit a hybrid to nine meters and then hit a nice putt,” he added. “It was difficult out there in the afternoon. I haven’t seen the scores, but I am guessing they are higher.”
With his second round starting early on Friday, Garcia is looking to solidify his position and take advantage of the calmer conditions.
“It will be perfect because there will be no wind, and a little fire will be taken out of the course. I won’t change anything. This course, you need to be aggressive from the tee and second shots.”
Garcia sits one shot clear of four players on six under par - Dane Victor Sidal Svendsen, German Freddy Schott, France’s Robin Sciot-Siegrist and Spaniard Albert Boneta.
Scot Daniel Young is one shot further back alongside Dutchman Daan Huizing, Felix Mory of France and American Chase Hanna. Swede Albin Bergstrom, Thailand’s Denwit David Boriboonsub, Dutchman Lars Van Meijel, England’s Callum Farr and Belgian Matthis Besard share tenth position on four under par.
Last week’s UAE Challenge winner Renato Paratore is one under par after the first round, alongside Road to Mallorca Number four Wilco Nienaber.
The second round of the Abu Dhabi Challenge gets under way at 06:30 on Friday, with Garcia teeing it up alongside Frenchman Oihan Guillamoundeguy and South African Jaco Prinsloo at 07:40.
