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Experienced Dodd wins Dubai Open tourney

The script finally held good as Stephen Dodd dug deep into his experience to win the Shaikh Maktoum Dubai Open, the fifth and the penultimate event on the Mena Golf Tour, at Al Badia Golf Club on Wednesday.

Starting the final round one behind, the three-time winner on the European Tour closed with a 69 to go 11-under for the tournament, winning the title – his first since the 2011 Welsh National PGA Championship — by a good two shots ahead of English duo of Zane Scotland and Martin LeMesurier.

Stephen Dodd receiving the winner’s trophy from Ebhraim Abdul Malik at Al Badia Golf Club. — Supplied photo

Overnight leader Mohammed Munir of Pakistan stumbled to a disappointing 75, finishing tied fourth at six-under along with Sebastian Heisele (Germany), Fredrik Quicker (Sweden) and Lindsay Renolds.

England’s Max Williams, who put together rounds of 72, 69 and 71, emerged as the leading amateur on four-under 212, five strokes clear of Morocco’s Mustapha El Maouas and Peter Stagonavski of Macedonia.

Dodd, who dropped shots on the first and the third hole, needed to overcome what he called a “tricky start” with three birdies in a row, starting from the 13th.

“Patience was the key out there. I managed to hole some great putts when I needed to and that made all the difference,” said Dodd after receiving the winner’s trophy and a cheque for $9,000 from Ebhraim Abdul Malik, secretary-general of the General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare.

Adel Zarouni, vice chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, and Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the Mena Golf Tour, were also present.

“It feels nice to have a victory under your belt. It will give me enough confidence boost going into the European Tour qualifying School in November,” said the Welshman.