Sebastian Garcia fired a flawless seven-under-par 63 to take the first-round lead at the Abu Dhabi Challenge held at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club.
The Spaniard, who is currently 85th on the HotelPlanner Tour’s Road to Mallorca Rankings, produced a bogey-free round to sit one shot clear at the top in the Garden City.
Flying Start for the Spaniard
Garcia set the tone with a birdie at the first and followed it up with an eagle on the driveable par-four fourth. He then added three birdies around the turn before a run of pars and a final gain at the 16th.
“It was a solid round, especially in the tougher afternoon conditions,” said the 36-year-old. “I had two or three tricky up-and-downs and was very consistent from the tee.”
Highlight at the Fourth
The standout moment came early in Garcia’s round when he capitalised on the fourth hole.
“I hit a hybrid to around nine metres and holed the putt for eagle,” he explained. “It was a good moment in what was a difficult afternoon. I haven’t seen the leaderboard yet, but I imagine the scores are higher in our wave.”
Calm Conditions Await
Garcia will tee off early in Friday’s second round and hopes to build on his strong start.
“It’ll be perfect in the morning with no wind,” he said. “This course suits an aggressive approach, both from the tee and into the greens, so I won’t change much.”
Chasing Pack Just One Back
Four players sit one shot adrift on six-under-par: Victor Sidal Svendsen (Denmark), Freddy Schott (Germany), Robin Sciot-Siegrist (France), and fellow Spaniard Albert Boneta.
Scotland’s Daniel Young, Dutchman Daan Huizing, France’s Felix Mory, and American Chase Hanna are two shots back at five-under.
A further five players, including England’s Callum Farr, share tenth place on four-under-par.
Porteous Impresses on Return
Former champion Garrick Porteous, now a Dubai resident, posted an impressive three-under-par 67 in his return to competitive golf.
The 35-year-old stepped away from full-time tour life last year but showed glimpses of his best form.
“If someone had offered me three under this morning, I’d have taken it,” he said. “I felt relaxed out there – I’ll just keep chasing birdies and see where it leads.”
Skaik Continues Momentum
There was also a solid showing from the UAE’s Ahmad Skaik, who made history last week as the first Emirati to make a cut in a European Tour group event. He carded a level-par 70.
“It was a tough back nine in the wind, and the firm conditions made it tricky,” said Skaik. “Level par isn’t what I hoped for, but it keeps me in the mix.”
Fans Welcome – Free Entry All Week
The Abu Dhabi Challenge is supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Arena, Al Laith, and eGolf Megastore. Spectators are welcome free of charge, with top-class golf on show throughout the week.
