Garcia Grabs Early Glory at Abu Dhabi Challenge
Spaniard sizzles with eagle in flawless opener to lead by one
Seoul, Korea - Sebastian Garcia lit up the desert greens at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, delivering a bogey-free masterpiece to seize a one-shot lead after a stunning seven-under-par 63 in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Challenge.
The 36-year-old Spaniard, languishing at 85th in the HotelPlanner Tour’s Road to Mallorca rankings, ignited his round with a confident birdie on the first hole. His moment of brilliance soon followed at the drivable par-four fourth, where he crafted an exquisite hybrid shot to nine meters, setting up an eagle putt he confidently drained.
"I am feeling very good," said Garcia, reflecting his delight after battling tougher afternoon winds. "I was solid, and in these challenging conditions, that really pleases me."
Garcia's round sparkled further around the turn with three more birdies before steadying through a series of pars, punctuated by a final birdie on the 16th.
Looking ahead to his early start on Friday, Garcia aims to build momentum in calmer morning conditions. "It will be perfect because there will be no wind," he noted eagerly. "On this course, you need to remain aggressive from tee to green, and I intend to keep it that way."
Breathing down Garcia’s neck, just one shot adrift, is a hungry pack featuring Dane Victor Sidal Svendsen, Germany's Freddy Schott, France’s Robin Sciot-Siegrist, and fellow Spaniard Albert Boneta.
Meanwhile, fresh from his UAE Challenge triumph, Renato Paratore sits comfortably at one under, eyeing another weekend of contention.
As the sun rises again over Abu Dhabi, Garcia, buoyed by his electrifying start, will tee off at 07:40, determined to sustain his lead and carve out a decisive advantage in his quest for glory.