A dream practice round with Sir Nick Faldo is proving to be the secret to success for Castle Hill Country Club’s Daniel Gale who holds a commanding five-shot lead with just one round remaining at the Faldo Series Grand Final at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates.
Gale followed up his scorching four under par 66 with a sublime 65 in a round that included six birdies to establish a dominant lead in the 21 years and under boys division.
The 21-year-old’s only blemish during the second round was a three-putt on the last which he put down to a simple misread. He said the conditions were tough due to the heat, but his shot-making was better than his first round.
“I hit it really solid tee to green, with no real sprays which was nice,” Gale said.
“I felt like I putted solidly but left a few out there.”
“If you’d have said I’d shoot five under at the start of the day I’d definitely have taken it!”
Despite seeming to have one hand on the trophy with a five-shot lead, the 21-year-old is determined to finish the tournament off strong.
“I’m going in positive and ready to extend it!” Gale smiled.
57 golfers have assembled at AESGC in the UAE for the first Faldo Series Grand Final held in the Middle East in the tournament’s 21-year history. Past winners of the event include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Oliver Fisher, and Jordan Smith.