Barker clinches Abu Dhabi Open title
abu dhabi — Kyle Barker showed his flair for the dramatic as he survived a compelling fight-back from rising English amateur Todd Dodd to win the Mena Tour’s Golf Citizen Abu Dhabi Open at Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday.
Starting the final round a good four shots in front, the 19-yearold South African closed with a 68, highlighted by a hole-in-one on the fourth, to reach 14-under for the tournament, beating Dodd, who carded the day’s best score of a 66, by two shots for his maiden victory since turning professional last year.
England’s Jamie Elson returned a final round 68 to finish third on nine under, one clear of compatriot Christopher Cannon who signed for a flawless 67 as Darren Clarke, the Mena Tour patron, settled for tied 26th on level-par after a final round 73.
“I am really so happy. Words can’t really express it. Feeling a proud South African at the moment, proud because the last two events on the Mena Tour were also won by a South African (MG Keyser). So, this win is a bit special too,” said Barker after receiving the winner’s trophy from Howie Roberts, general manager of Yas Links, Abu Dhabi.
“Certainly, it’s week I won’t forget in a hurry, though it wasn’t easy in the end. I think making a hole in one and holing a 50-footer for birdie on the 17th swung the issue in my favour,” he said.
“When Todd birdied the 13th, 15th and 16th, I needed do something special and hitting my threewood approach on the final hole to within four feet did the trick,” added the South African, who was playing the event on a special Mena Tour invitation.
England’s Clements, who won English Amateur Championship at The Berkshire in August earlier this year, had his chances, but as he said: “Kyle played brilliantly all week and deserved to win.