Home club pro Phil Waine claimed his first UAE PGA Open title thanks to a play-off at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Waine, looking to find some form to push his way into the elite Dubai Golf Trophy team, knew Abu Dhabi was an excellent opportunity to do so.
After parring all nine of the first nine holes and birdieing 11 and 15, a late dropped shot on the penultimate hole and a nervy par on the last, resulted in a one under par 71 that set up a play-off against reigning champion Steven Munro.
After both players hit excellent tee shots down the 1st playoff hole, both then dumped their approach shots into the greenside bunker.
With Munro in an awkward position he could only chip out to within ten feet, while Waine got on for a three-footer to make par.
Munro was narrowly wide on the right side of the hole, allowing Waine to complete an easy putt to secure his first win as a professional golfer.
A delighted Waine said: “It was great to win my first individual title on the UAE PGA at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, especially after beating Steven Munro in the play-off who has been in excellent form this year.
“The win also gives me a chance to make the Dubai Trophy Team in May which will be tough as the standard has been excellent this year.
“A special thank you also to all the professionals that came down to Abu Dhabi today and to the UAEPGA Patrons Acuma and IP Global for their continued support throughout the year”.
Third place was shared by Callum Nicoll (TEC), Martyn Hamer and Brendan O’Leary who all finished two shots behind Waine and Munro.
The next UAE PGA event takes place in Al Ain on Tuesday 18th March.
