England’s Harry Ellis (above) continued his strong showing on this year’s MENA Tour by Arena with an opening round of six-under par 64 to take a share of the lead after the first round of the Al Ain Open by Arena at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club.
The 24-year-old from Southampton, who finished tied second in the Abu Dhabi Open by Arena, was bogey-free for his round and was later joined at the top by Germany’s Constantin Schwierz, who made just one bogey and seven birdies.
Ellis, who is attached to Wentworth Club, eagled the drivable par-4 fourth hole and never looked in trouble. He got to five-under par at the turn but failed to convert a few opportunities on the back nine to take the solo lead ahead of Schwierz.
“The fourth hole really kickstarted my round,” he said. “I hit a three-wood to about eight feet and made the putt. I then picked up three more birdies to go out in 30, but did not give myself too many chances on the back nine. I added one more birdie and did not drop any shots. So, just looking now to take this momentum into tomorrow’s round. Today was solid, but nothing special really. I have been playing well these last few weeks, and when you start shooting in the 60s, it becomes a bit of a habit. I hope it can continue.”
Schwierz started from the 10th tee and was three-under par through the turn. A bogey on the second hole was his only hiccup of the day, but he finished strongly with four birdies in five holes from the fourth to eighth.
15-year-olds
A group of six players sit one stroke back on five-under-par including Abu Dhabi Open winner James Allan. Alongside him were two members of the ‘Three Musketeers’ gang of 15-years-old Dubai-based amateurs – England’s Josh Hill and India’s Arjun Gupta – while there were also 65s for England’s Jacob Oakley, American Ben Schlottman and Sweden’s Jesper Alm.
Hole-in-one
Egypt’s Issa Abou El Ela, who is making his first start on the MENA Tour by Arena, fired a 66 to sit alongside six others players two stroke off the lead. The 24-year-old had a day to remember after making his first ever ace in competitive play with a beautifully struck wedge on the 144-yard 15th hole.
Reigning professional Journey To Jordan leader, South Africa’s MG Keyser, opened with a 67.
