Scott Campbell wins MENA Tour championship top prize of $13,500

AL AIN, UAE: Scott Campbell held his nerve in demanding windy conditions to win the MENA Golf Tour’s season-ending event, presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, as South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence walked away with the Order of Merit title today.

Starting the day one shot in front, England’s Campbell closed with a two-under 69 to finish at 15-under 198 for his maiden win since turning professional three years ago.

South Africa’s Tyler Hogarty, who returned a 65 – the day’s best score – joined England’s Craig Hinton for a share of second as another Englishman, Stuart Archibald, settled for fourth on 11-under.

“I am delighted to get the job done in tough conditions,” said a delighted Campbell after receiving the winner’s trophy from Mohammed Rashid Al Nasri, general manager of Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club.

“I just concentrated on my game and holed some nice putts, especially the birdie on the 10th was crucial as it helped retain the lead. I managed to control the proceedings thereafter and played some solid golf coming home,” said the 24-year-old from Sheffield, who received a winner’s cheque for $13,500 for the biggest payday of his career.

“Before playing on the tour, I took some lessons from my coach (Pete Cowen) and that lifted my confidence,” said the Englishman, who enjoyed a two-shot cushion standing on the 18th tee.

His playing partner Hinton had his chances, but saw a couple of putts agonisingly lip out. “I think I played okay and it’s just that some of the putts refused to go in,” said the Englishman, who led by one shot at the turn.

“I bogeyed the 10th which gave Scott a two-shot swing and that, in the end, made the difference,” he said.

South Africa’s Lawrence carded a 70 to finish in a tie for sixth on six-under which was good enough for him to win the Order of Merit title with $27,679  (over Dh100,000) in earnings during the season, ahead of Spain’s Gabriel Canizares of Spain ($ 20,379).

England’s James Allan comfortably kept up his dominance in the Amateur Division, closing with a 70 to end the tournament at 10-under, well ahead of India’s Rayhan Thomas who finished at three over.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 213 (3x71)
198 S Campbell (Eng) 65 64 69 
200 T Hogarty (SAf) 71 64 65, C Hinton (Eng) 65 65 70
202 S Archibald (Eng) 66 66 70

SCOTS' TOTALS
210 P Doherty 70 71 69 (T14) ($1,367)
211 C Lutton 68 70 73 (T16th) ($1,204)
213 D Kay 71 70 72 (25th) ($1, 015)
220 B Alexander (am) 70 73 77 (T37)

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