I had a good solid round of golf at the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic on Saturday with a three-under-par 69.
A six on the par-5 third was not the start I had planned for, but that was my sole bogey on the day as I managed to get four birdies on six, 10, 13 and 16.
With just 18 holes to play I am in a tie for 33rd. My playing partners on Saturday were Robert Rock (81), who missed the second cut after 54 holes, and Shane Lowry (68) who moved to tied 23rd.
My tee time for the final day for me is 9.40am with China’s Ashun Wu and New Zealander Ryan Fox.
The volunteer scorer who carries our board on the round for Sunday must have thought he had hit the jackpot with Wu and Fox — just five letters between them. I bet my ‘Cabrera Bello’ with 12 letters disappointed him. He probably would have preferred Scotland’s David Law to complete the board, but David is off at 7.15am, and I am not swapping tee times — or places — with him.
Sunday sees 77 players compete over the final 18 holes following a second cut after the third round.
I am 10 shots behind the leader Justin Harding but I have had more than an encouraging couple of weeks and hope to make it even better on Sunday.
A good start to a season is essential for a springboard to gain momentum for the early part of the year.
Rafa Cabrera Bello is an Ambassador for JA Resorts and Hotels and is a Dubai Resident. The 37 year old has four victories on the DP World Tour and represented Europe in The Ryder Cup in 2016.
