Dubai-based Grenville-Wood leads the way in Abu Dhabi

Joshua Grenville-Wood Abu Dhabi Challenge: Second straight 7-under par bogey-free 65 to take the lead halfway through the Abu Dhabi Challenge, the first of consecutive Challenge Tour events in the emirate field.

The 25-year-old, who lives in Dubai and plays at Dubai’s Ayres Club, was happy not to bogey-free his opening 36 holes at the Abu Dhabi National and went into par on the 14th hole.

“I had my hands full today. A few weeks ago, I didn’t even know if I was going to play, so the last two days have given me a lot of confidence. I’m ecstatic to be here and play so well.”

“I played two rounds without a bogey and I attribute that to my hitting. I only missed three greens in two days and the greens I missed were I left the ball in the right place and Try to get up and down for par.”

After living in the United Arab Emirates for many years, Grenville-Wood took advantage of his familiarity with the area’s pitches, grass types and weather.

“I think it’s an advantage to live here. The heat hasn’t bothered me this week, it’s been a good temperature for me. I wasn’t tired at the end of the round, so I think it’s been good so far. A big factor, I know I can finish here strong.

“I know the grass here well, and I know how to hit the bunkers. I can hit the ball really far, and the farther you go out here, the wider the fairways get.”

Grenville-Wood just one shot ahead of overnight leader tom lewis. After two appearances on the DP World Tour, he shot a 5-under 67 with a first-round 64.

south african duo brandon stone and wil kninable 4 shots ahead of the Frenchman at 10 under Julian Searlewhile the Spaniards Ivan Cantero Gutierrez behind fifth place. 2023 Junior Ryder Cup Captain and four-time DP World Tour Champion Stephen Gallagher Tied for sixth at eight under par.