Dutchman Vince van Veen and South Africa’s JC Ritchie share the first-round lead at the HotelPlanner Tour’s UAE Challenge after impressive opening rounds of 64 at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club.
Van Veen took advantage of calm morning conditions to card an eight-under-par round, before Ritchie matched the feat in the afternoon. The duo sit one stroke ahead of France’s Romain Wattel and England’s George Bloor, tied for second on seven under.
CLICK HERE FOR LEADERBOARD
Starting on the 10th, Van Veen made a fast start with three birdies in his first five holes, then picked up four consecutive shots from the 18th to the 3rd. He closed with a stress-free par on the 9th to sign for 64.
Putter running hot
“It was a good one to start with,” said the 28-year-old. “I’d seen Jamie, my putting coach, before the event and I’m rolling it nicely. I hit a couple close but also made a few from range—on the third I holed one from about 15–18 feet.”
Ritchie, a four-time winner on the HotelPlanner Tour, matched Van Veen’s total with nine birdies, including one on the 9th—his final hole of the day.
“That’s what dreams are made of,” said the 31-year-old. “The game’s been in a great place recently and I came in feeling confident. It’s always nice to open with a strong round.”
Despite a lone bogey on the par-four 7th, Ritchie was particularly pleased with his finish.
“I hit a nice nine-iron into 12 feet on the last and rolled it in,” he said. “I’ve been battling a few demons over the past year—mentally more than anything. The game has been there, it’s just about staying out of my own way.”
Chasing pack
One shot further back on six under are Scots Euan Walker and David Law, alongside India’s Saptak Talwar and Peru’s Julian Perico. England’s Chris Paisley and France’s Oihan Guillamoundeguy are among a large group tied at five under.
Among UAE-based players, Spain’s Adri Arnaus led the way with a four-under 68, thanks to a late surge that saw him birdie three of his final holes. Joshua Grenville-Wood followed with a two-under round, while leading UAE amateur Ahmad Skaik carded a one-over 73, highlighted by a back-nine 33. Fellow Emirati Rayan Ahmed ended the day on two-over.
