Ferguson Slowly Getting To Grips With The Experience Of Tackling The Earth Course.

…. Jumeirah Estates, Dubai 

As Ewen Ferguson will attest. There is spectatular eagles, fabulous birdies and just as impressive par-saves.

The double DP World Tour winning Scot pulled off what was a great par-save up the par-5 18th that hit the hole on route to eventual level par score of 72 to remain at four-over in his first showing at the DP World Tour Championship here in Dubai.

Ferguson’s final hole par was a great reward after he and his caddy looked very undecided on the final tee, and with the forward tee being used for the second round of the US$10m season-ender. The pair were clearly unsure what option to take with the water hazard running down the lenght of the hole, and is so common in Greg Norman-designed golf courses including the final hole at TPC San Antonio and venue each year for the Valero Texas Open.

Ewen Ferguson superly saving par at the last

The tee shot present players with the option of either driving to the left side of the hazard or to the right. Disappointing for the Scot his drive found the water hazard and then after taking a penalty drop he pulled-off a great third shot, some 244-yards to pin, and with his shot just rolling off the back left edge of the green from his putt, and his 14-yard fourth shot hitting the cup, leaving him a four-footer to save par which he did.

“It was a great par on the last though the thing is, I’ve not played the course before this week and they moved the tees around while the wind has changed and for the most part you really don’t know what you’re doing,” he said.

“Take the last tee, as we’re standing there not sure what was the best option.  I’ve not played off that tee before and hit a drive I thought a little bit too far left, as I was aiming down the left side of the water.   I was thinking after taking the drop, if I can make a ‘5’ from here and finish level par so that at least I can go into the weekend and get something going.

“So, it was nice to walk off with the par.

Ewen Ferguson happy to delight his fans

Ferguson’s second round was a mix of two hard-earned bogeys at the 16th and 17th holes but also a pair of bogeys, first at the 7th and the 11th.

The young Scot arrived into Dubai lying 13th on the Race to Dubai standings and after his second round is projected to drop to 16th but he’s looking to change that script over the weekend.

“I can’t believe how hard the course is with the rough so different what we’re usually used to while the greens are firm and fast, so it is a tough course to shoot a good under-par score,” he said.

“In saying that, I do feel I know the course a lot better and hopefully I can try and get better and better.”

And looking back to Thursday, and stepping onto the first time, he was asked his thoughts in playing alongside former Dubai No. 1 and last year’s US Open champ, Jon Rahm.

“Jon was so nice as he was congratulating me on the good season I’ve had which was really nice of him to say,” said Ferguson.

“What a golfer he is and if was good for me to play alongside someone of his stature in the game, so I can see where I need to get better and better.  From 150-yards in it looks as though he’s always going to make birdie. That part of his game is phenomenal.

“I know he would have been nervous like each of us when we step onto the first tee in any tournament but he was superb in welcoming himself.  He’s a really nice guy.”

 

 



Comments are closed.