Aguilar, Coetzee keep it tight

Top Stories

Embracing the bright side: A guide on how to cultivate optimism

The power of solitude: Why you should go on a solo trip

How to get your kids to read: Essential tips for parents

George Coetzee at the Dubai Desert Classic.

Published: Thu 2 Feb 2017, 8:30 PM

Last updated: Fri 3 Feb 2017, 12:30 PM

Chilean Felipe Aguilar felt good after carding a bogey-free round of six-under 66, a round that put him in tied second along with South African George Coetzee, on the opening day of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
The 42-year-old, who has two wins on the European Tour, had six birdies in his round.
"It feels good. Every time you beat the course, it's nice. The course is playing really good. Greens are perfect. I mean, I'm quite happy with the round I played today (Thursday). Not too many mistakes," said Aguilar.
"It was quite an easy round. I made a couple of birdies on the par 5s, so it was a fun day, especially playing with two friends," added Aguilar, who was paired with Coetzee and Spaniard Jorge Campillo and teed off from the par-4 first.
Aguilar, who won the Astro Indonesia Open in Jakarta in 2008, his maiden victory on the European Tour, said there weren't many mistakes in his round.
"I didn't make too many mistakes. I only missed one green, and everything else was around the hole. So let's say, I didn't sweat it too much today (Thursday), which is good.
Meanwhile, Coetzee said that with the strong gusts of wind expected, playing for par early on, was key. Coetzee made seven birdies and a bogey in his round.
"We knew the winds was going to pick up during the round and quite happy to be under par early on and kept it going," said Coetzee.
"I just played some good shots. I kind of waited for my birdies and didn't try to force them. I kind of played my game and luckily they came," he added.
james@khaleejtimes.com

By James Jose

More news from

uae

UAE rains: Some inter-city bus routes resume amid disruptions

Roads and Transport Authority has been working round the clock to carry out maintenance work

uae

kt network

Switzerland’s Partisia Blockchain Foundation backs Moonrig to increase transparency and accessibility in Web3 investing

Through this collaboration, Partisia Blockchain Foundation is set to discover and support the next generation of Web3 innovators

kt network

gulf

'Step backwards': Top official reacts to UN's failure to recognise Palestine's full membership

Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi reiterated the GCC's firm position supporting Palestinian people's right to self-determination and establishment of an independent state

gulf