Dubai’s Oscar Craig, with his famous stepfather Tommy Fleetwood on his bag, made a promising start at the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi. The 17-year-old amateur golfer shot a first-round 69, showcasing his talent and potential in the sport.
Three players, Joshua Berry from England, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen from Denmark, and Wilco Nienaber from South Africa, set the pace at the top of the leaderboard with impressive rounds of 65. Neergaard-Petersen, the current leader of the Road to Mallorca Challenge Tour Order of Merit Rankings, had a stellar round with nine birdies and two bogeys. Berry and Nienaber also displayed excellent form with a mix of birdies and eagles.
Despite tough competition from seasoned professionals, Oscar Craig held his own with a solid round of 15 pars and three birdies. His performance earned him the title of the leading amateur in the tournament, tied for 13th place overall. Craig’s qualification for the event came through his victory at the Al Hamra Golf Club Men’s Amateur Open, which secured him an invite from the Emirates Golf Federation.
What makes Craig’s performance even more special is the fact that his stepfather, Tommy Fleetwood, a renowned professional golfer and Dubai resident, is caddying for him throughout the tournament. Fleetwood, who has a history with the Challenge Tour, winning the season-long Rankings in 2011, provided valuable support and guidance to Craig on the course.
Reflecting on his round, Craig expressed satisfaction with his performance, highlighting his confidence and solid play. With Fleetwood by his side, Craig is determined to continue his strong showing in the upcoming rounds of the tournament. The duo’s partnership and shared passion for golf have created a unique dynamic on the course, drawing attention and admiration from fans and fellow competitors.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Craig and Fleetwood as they aim to make their mark in the competitive field. With the support of his stepfather and the experience gained from competing against top professionals, Craig is poised to make a lasting impression in the world of golf. The second round of the UAE Challenge promises more excitement and drama as the players battle for supremacy on the picturesque greens of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.