Worldwide Golf

THE battle for the EGF Order of Merit title is hotting up after two of the main challengers sat out crucial events as the race for the title heads towards its climax.

Khalid Yousuf took advantage of the non-performance of Matthew Turner at the Audi Men's Open at Abu Dhabi Golf Club to move to the top of the EGF Order of Merit.

Yousuf posted rounds of 72 and 75 for a 3-over gross total of 147 to win at Abu Dhabi Golf Club to move above Turner in the rankings with 86 points. Another promising UAE star Ahmed Al Musharrekh matched Yousuf's 147 - the best score by an amateur in the Audi Men's Open - to jump to fifth position with a tally of 51 points, just 8.5 points behind Dino Varkey of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and 6.5 points of Joel Neale, who plays off an impressive plus-1 handicap.

Former Order of Merit champion Vikram Judge posted a 156 to slip to seventh place with 47.5 points.

However, Turner returned to action at the Ras Al Khaimah Men's Open at Al Hamra Golf Club to reclaim his place at the top of the Order of Merit as he took his turn to take advantage of his competitor's absence with rounds of 73 and 71 for a six-shot victory over Joel Neal.

Yousuf could not make it to the RAK Men's Open after a busy schedule in the 29th Arab Golf Championships where he played a key role in guiding the UAE national team to a creditable second-place finish.

With Neale making solid gains after a second place finish in the RAK Men's Open, the race for the Order of Merit title has picked up steam with at least three players in contention for claiming the honours.

Neale, also of Emirates Golf Club, has tallied 81.5 points after the RAK Open, the fifth event on the EGF Order of Merit schedule. Snapping at his heels is seasoned Vikram Judge who has jumped to fourth place from seventh with 67.5 points after a fourth-place finish in Ras Al Khaimah.

Ahmed Al Musharrekh was also absent from Ras Al Khaimah due to his performances alongside Yousuf in the Arab Golf Championships. He remains on 51 points but dropped down to seventh place.

With just two events remaining at Al Ghazal Golf Club in Abu Dhabi and The Montgomerie, Dubai, the race for the EGF Order of Merit title looks like it will go to the wire.

 

 Order of Merit leaders after the RAK Men's Open:

 

1. Matthew Turner             (EGC)              95

2. Khalid Yousuf                         (EGC)              86

3. Joel Neale                            (EGC)              81.5

4. Vikram Judge               (DCGYC)     67.5

5. Paul King                             (DCGYC)     59.8

6. Dino Varkey                         (DCGYC)     59.5

7. Ahmed Al Musharrekh             (SGSC)           51

8. Steve Kelly                           (EGC)              49

9. Alex Charawani                    (ADGC)        46.25

10. Robert Watts               (EGC)              45