Gulati books UAE Challenge Tour start with Men's Open victory at Montgomerie Golf Club

Raghav Gulati booked his spot in one of the two upcoming Challenge Tour events in the UAE after shooting rounds of 69, 70 and 69 for a total of 208, eight under par, to win the Men’s Open at Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai – a World Amateur Golf Ranking event.

The 16 year-old, who plays off a +4 handicap and represents Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, was tied for the lead after the first round with a best of the day opening 69, and followed it up with a 70 to take a two shot lead into the final round.

Another three under par 69 in his final round in damp and drizzly weather saw him win by an impressive seven shots.

The win secures the youngster a start in either the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club or the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in April.

The Challenge Tour returned to UAE shores for the first time since 2018 last year following the DP World Tour and Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) announcing a long-term partnership aimed at developing golf in the UAE for at least a decade.

Last year’s events each had 30 spots allocated to the EGF to provide a pathway for both Emirati golfers and residents of the UAE, with several members of the UAE National Team grabbing the opportunity to play with the stars of the golfing world, including two-time Hero Dubai Desert Classic champion Stephen Gallacher and 2011 DP World Tour Championship winner Alvaro Quiros.