Erickson’s Hot Hand Sets Stage for Final-Round Fireworks in Ajman
American ties course record with sizzling 63 to grab UAE Challenge lead
Augusta, Georgia - Dan Erickson found his groove at just the right time, shooting a course-record-equalling 63 to seize a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the UAE Challenge at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club.
The 26-year-old American was untouchable on moving day, reeling off five birdies on the front nine—including a hat-trick from the fourth—before keeping the pedal down with four more after the turn. His nine-under round vaulted him to 16-under overall, edging ahead of Italian Renato Paratore and South African JC Ritchie.
“I am very pleased. I hit it nicely and putted nicely,” Erickson said. “I didn’t really have a good warm-up but once I got going, I found something and stuck with it.”
Erickson, who earned his DP World Tour card through Q School last year and recently posted a T6 at the Porsche Singapore Classic, credited recent swing changes for his sharp iron play—a department he admits has needed work.
With a return to the final group, just as he experienced in Singapore, the American believes the timing of his recent progress is ideal. “I want to stick to the process, get a little better day by day, and see where we are at the end of the year,” he added.
Paratore, a former Betfred British Masters champion, matched the fireworks with a 64 of his own, while Ritchie’s steady 67 kept him well in the frame on 15-under. Ireland’s Mark Power sits two shots back, with Filippo Celli and Oihan Guillamoundeguy another stroke adrift.
The leaderboard remains tightly packed, with 13 players within five shots of the lead, including England’s Joshua Berry and George Bloor on 10-under. The final group—Erickson, Paratore and Ritchie—will tee off at 9:40am local time on Sunday, as the UAE Challenge promises a thrilling finish under Ajman’s morning sun.