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Garrick Porteous stormed to victory at the Emirates PGA Tour Championship at Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club, delivering a stunning nine-under-par tournament total and a commanding six-shot win.
The Englishman, coming into the final event of the Emirates PGA Tour season off a tied 11th finish at the HotelPlanner Tour’s Abu Dhabi Challenge in Al Ain, opened with a solid two-under-par first round, before firing a sensational seven-under in the second round, which featured eight birdies and just a single dropped shot in the 36-hole event.
“I got off to a really good start,” said Porteous. “I holed a really long putt on the second to build some momentum, and then holed a great birdie putt on the fourth.
“I just kept knocking it close and giving myself plenty of opportunities.
Garrick Porteous – Abu Dhabi Challenge – Octavio Passos / Getty Images
“We played here a couple of weeks ago on the HotelPlanner Tour, so the set-up has been quite challenging over the past two days. That preparation has definitely helped,” said the Trump International Dubai member.
“I’m really happy to finish on top because there’s a lot of quality among the Emirates PGA lads, so yeah, really excited.”
Top 10 Final Leaderboard
Finishing in a tie for second were Argentinian Joaquin Estevez of 5i Golf and Sujjan Singh from the Claude Harmon III Academy, both ending on three under par.
Czech Republic’s Jan Hejna, representing The Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai, finished in fourth place on two under, while rounding out the top five was Jackson Bell of the Tommy Fleetwood Academy Dubai, finishing level par.
Jackson Bell – Emirates PGA
It was double delight for Bell, as the Scot also secured the overall Order of Merit title for the season. Despite undergoing three hand surgeries and spending over a year on the sidelines, he now finds himself at the top of the rankings.
“Delighted to have won the Emirates PGA Order of Merit today and to finish No. 1 in the UAE PGA rankings,” said Bell.
“It’s been a very long road back, but all worth it. Thanks for the support. This game is mad.”
Next up for the Emirates PGA is the 26th edition of the Dubai Golf Trophy, taking place from 11th–12th May, where the country’s top male and female professionals will face off against the best male and female amateurs in a Ryder Cup-style showdown. Final team selections will be announced soon.
Main Image: Emirates PGA
