The Scottish Saltire flag is flying high in Dubai after Clarke Lutton survived a big test of nerve to win the Golf Citizen Classic by one shot for his maiden success on the MENA Golf Tour at The Els Club on Wednesday.

Four in front overnight, the 27-year-old Aberdeen-born Scot closed with a two-under 70 to reach 13-under for the tournament, seeing off a strong challenge from Trevor Marshall of New Zealand on the home stretch.

Lutton’s playing partner, Stuart Archibald of England carded a final round 69 to finish solo third on 10-under, a good three shots ahead of his compatriot Zane Scotland.

Scotland’s Clarke Lutton receiving the winner’s trophy from Mohamed Juma
Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour, as Mark Chapleski, senior vice
president of Troon Golf, and Chris Brown, General Manager at the Els Club, look on.

Slovakia’s young prodigy Jakub Hrinda provided a new twist to the script, winning the amateur division on four under after Morocco’s overnight leader Ayoub Laguirati stumbled to a four-over 76.

Despite the searing afternoon heat, Lutton kept his cool when it mattered most to seal the deal, becoming the second Scotsman after Paul Doherty, to inscribe his name on a MENA Golf Tour trophy.

“I am just ecstatic. Just can’t describe how I am feeling about my first win as a professional. It wasn’t easy: a big test of nerve indeed,” said the Aberdeen native after receiving the winner’s trophy from Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour, in the presence of Mark Chapleski, senior vice president of Troon Golf, and Chris Brown, General Manager at the Els Club.

“I think playing the tournament with an aggressive mindset did the trick. It was my short game in the final round that really kept me going as I made some good up-and-down pars. The birdie on the 14th was crucial when I holed a long 12-foot putt which kind of steadied my nerves,” said Lutton, who turned professional in 2007.

New Zealand’s Marshall had his chances, but could not capitalize on par-5s, he played at level par.

“When you are chasing down a big four-shot lead, you need to do well on all the par-5s, but that didn’t happen. All credit to Clarke, who really played well and deserved to win,” said Marshall.

Slovakia’s Hrinda attributed his victory in the amateur division to solid golf all week. “I didn’t make silly mistakes, which was the key,” said the 15-year-old, who is a 10th grade student at Doha College.

“I would like to thank college for all their support. Certainly, I would like to play more often on the tour and will do so once I am done with my studies,” said Hrinda.

Morocco’s Mohammed Bellarousia won the MENA Division for professionals on three-over 219 while Saudi Arabia’s Khaled Attieh took the honours in the region’s amateur division.

The MENA Golf Tour travels to Oman next week for the Muscat Hills Golf Citizen Championship, starting on Monday.

Golf Citizen Classic results:

Professionals:

1. Clarke Lutton (Scotland) 13-under

2. Trevor Marshall (New Zealand) 12-under

3. Stuart Archibald (England) 10-under

Leading amateur:

Jakub Hrinda (Slovakia)

MENA Division:

Leading rofessional:

Mohammed Bellaroussia (Morocco)

Leading amateur:

Khaled Attieh (Saudi Arabia)