Jonathan Craddock has emerged from a sudden-death playoff with reigning UAE PGA champion Cennydd Mills to claim his maiden title on the regional circuit.

The Emirates Golf Club pro edged Mills with a par in extra time on the 1st hole at Arabian Ranches after matching the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club teaching pro and serial UAE PGA Tour winner’s four-under-par 68.

“I’m delighted to pick up my first win on the UAE PGA Order of Merit, its been a long time coming and I’m looking forward to having a run at the Dubai Golf Trophy team this season [now],” said Craddock who is up to 13th on the order of merit.

Craddock rode a hot putter at Ranches, rolling in three successive birdies from the 8th before picking up further gains on the 13th  and 15th holes in regulation. Mills’ Creek colleague Joe Way was third with a 70, a shot clear of Dubai Golf Trophy captain Ryan Smith (The Montgomerie) and host club head pro Malcolm Young who shared fourth.

Al Zorah’s Stefan Wears Taylor, a two-time winner already this season, finished T-6 to extend his lead atop the OOM standings from Mike Bolt (Trump), Smith, Joe Way (Dubai Creek) and Welshman Mills whose OOM title defence is off to a good start despite the playoff disappointment.

Trump International Golf Club Dubai hosts the next event on December 4.