One Dubai-based club pro had a last-minute dash to compete at the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club after his clubs got stuck in his flood-stricken car.
Tom Ogilvie, who is a PGA Professional at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, is making his Challenge Tour debut this week after winning the Emirates PGA Play-Offs to secure an invitation into the seventh event on the Road to Mallorca schedule.
But that dream of rubbing shoulders with DP World Tour winners and the game’s rising stars was nearly left in tatters when the UAE saw record rainfall fall on the country earlier this week.
“I tried to get up here yesterday but the rain in Dubai was horrendous,” said Ogilvie.
“I only managed to get my clubs out of my car last night as there was flooding all around it, so it was a proper last-minute job.
“Got up here late last night, then straight onto the tee his morning.”
So, you didn’t manage to play a practice round?
“No, straight into the tournament!” he replied.
Despite not having a chance to play the course prior to the tournament starting, the Scotsman shot a commendable 74 in today’s opening round, where he played alongside Danish duo Søren Brohold Lind and Sebastian Friedchsen.
That three-ball ensured Ogilvie got a front row seat to the talent that emerges from the Challenge Tour, with Friedchsen carding a sublime bogey-free 63, carding seven bogeys in the process.
“It just sounds different when they (Challenge Tour regulars) hit it,” said Ogilvie.
“Around the green and stuff, it’s something I look at and know that’s where I need to improve. The boys I played with today were phenomenal, especially Seb, he made seven under look very easy!”
While there is plenty of work to be done if Ogilvie is to make the weekend on his first Challenge Tour start, he remains determined to enjoy the experience of going head-to-head with the next generation of golf stars.
“I have to go out there and push a bit harder,” he said.
“Try and roll a few more putts at the hole and go for it. Just go an enjoy it.”
