GOLF Keyser corrects course in time to hold off Thomas at Mena Tour’s Dubai Creek Open
MG Keyser survived a shaky start and a late wobble to claim victory in the Mena’s Tour’s Dubai Creek Open yesterday.
The 30-year-old South African, two in front overnight, closed with a level-par 71 to finish on 13-under, beating his nearest rival Rayhan Thomas of India by two shots for his maiden win on the Mena Tour.
Keyser, who is now based in Dubai, made a bogey-double bogey start, but showed his resilience, picking up three shots in his next four holes to regain the lead.
Just when he appeared to be cruising home, Keyser double-bogeyed the 17th after hitting his drive into the Dubai Creek. Standing on the final hole with a one-shot lead, he managed a par four as Thomas was unable to recreate his second-round 61, which was highlighted by a world record-equalling nine birdies in a row, and three-putted from 15 yards to settle for tied second.
Keyser, who received his winners’ trophy from Mena Tour patron Darren Clarke, said: “It feels great to get the job done.
“I am really enjoying my golf for the last six months or so. Just keep working hard on my game and just keep smiling is what I strive to do.
“It was some battle out there after that nightmarish start, but I played well in the middle and kept it going, though Rayhan, who is a good friend, did put some pressure.”
Thomas said he had his chances to become the first amateur to retain his title but made too many mistakes during the final round to take advantage of the wobbles by Keyser.
“Missing at least three closerange birdie putts, especially a four-footer on the 15th, cost me dearly,” the 17-year-old said. “MG is probably the best player I have ever played with on the Mena Tour. He thoroughly deserved to win.”
Playing in the company of Clarke, Englishman Todd Clements shot a bogey-free 66 to move into a tie for second with Thomas.
The 2011 British Open champion Clarke carded a final round 74 to settle for a share of 16th, while Fredrik From of Sweden and India’s Abhishek Jha were tied for fourth on seven-under.