Irish trio shine but miss out on Dubai Desert Classic spot
Portmarnock Links’ Robin Dawson
Portmarnock Links’ Robin Dawson and Naas’ Conor O’Rourke tied for second in the 2020 Arena Shootout on the MENA Tour but missed out in a place in next week’s OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic.
Winner Romain Wattel shot rounds of 66 and 69 to finish on nine-under par and win the 36-hole event at Al Hamra Beach Resort & Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE to clinch a spot in the field at the Emirates Golf Club.
The French star won by six strokes from a five-strong group featuring Dawson (71-70) and O’Rourke (70-71) while Portmarnock’s Purcell (70-72), who turned professional in December, tied for fifth on two-under.
It’s Official @UnderpinSports 👊🏼
— Conor O' Rourke (@ConorORourke62) January 15, 2020
Finished T2nd at my first event of the 2020 season on @theMENATour today & topping it off by signing my contract to be the first Irish player in the Underpin family ☘️ Looking forward to working with the team on and off the course these season! pic.twitter.com/2U5Rkwjfro
Headfort’s Rory McNamara (77-71) was tied 17th on four-over with The Island’s Paul McBride (73-77) two shots further back in joint 20th.
The MENA Tour Q-School takes place later this month.
Q-school (A) 21 – 23 January
Q-school (B) 27 – 29 January
