Here is a glance at how the three UAE-based amateurs got on in the first round of the Ras Al Khaimah Classic at Al Hamra Golf Club.
Ahmad Skaik (UAE) 74 (+2)
Skaik started poorly with a double-bogey, bogey start for three-over after just two holes, starting on the 10th.
On his ninth hole, he had a putt to turn in one-under after birdies on holes 13, 14 and 17. A back nine of seven pars and two bogeys saw Skaik return a 74.
On completion of his round Skaik had an appointment with the DP World Tour physio to loosen his stiff shoulders. He followed this with some studying online for more than two hours for his final year of university, which ends in May.
Skaik said he still trying to fix his swing following the delofting of all his clubs just before the recent Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, but admitted he is much more confident this week.
Tee time for Day 2: 1.20pm, tee 1
Arjun Gupta (IND) 72 (Par)
Gupta admitted he did not play that well, but found himself two-under with just seven holes to play.
Having started on tee 10, in one of the last groups, Gupta said he was a little disappointed on completing his round. He will reset and is looking forward to improving his score.
Tee time for Day 2: 8.10am, tee 1
Craig Vance (ENG) 73 (+1)
Vance also started from the 10th with a couple of double bogeys on 12 and 18, but a steadier back nine saw him home in 35. A total of five birdies were on Vance’s card, offset by six birdies. Having played many times at Al Hamra in domestic UAE events, Vance said the greens being impressive and somewhat quicker than normal.
Tee time for Day 2: 1.10pm, tee 1
