Irish trio shine but miss out on Dubai Desert Classic spot
![Irish trio shine but miss out on Dubai Desert Classic spot](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52780078e4b0782c048f31cb/1579157496572-5DGVJ0ZJ7G73IHM5BXYL/Portmarnock_Press13.jpg)
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
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