Guillamoundeguy Ignites UAE Challenge in Three-Way Tie
French rising star thrills with birdie-birdie finish to join Ritchie and Power atop Ajman leaderboard
Augusta, Georgia - Oihan Guillamoundeguy, the fearless 20-year-old from France, surged into a share of the lead at the halfway mark of the UAE Challenge with a rollercoaster 67 that showcased both his flair and fire.
The action unfolded under breezy skies at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, where Guillamoundeguy’s nine birdies—despite a double and two bogeys—matched Ireland’s Mark Power and South Africa’s JC Ritchie at ten under par. The trio will head into the weekend with a one-shot cushion over a chasing pack led by Will Hopkins and Danish duo John Axelsen and Christoffer Bring.
Guillamoundeguy lit up the leaderboard late with a pair of closing birdies, raising his arms to applause from friends in the crowd. “I hit two good shots and made two birdies in a row to finish so that’s really good,” he beamed. “I love the place. I’m feeling good and I’m ready for this weekend.”
Ritchie, the seasoned four-time HotelPlanner Tour winner, wasn’t at his crispest, but clawed his way to a steady 70. After a stumble on 17, he signed off with a moment of class—an exquisite bunker shot on 18 that set up a birdie tap-in. “That’s one of those shots you mess around with on days off,” he chuckled. “Luckily, I managed to knock it close and make the putt.”
Power, playing his first HotelPlanner event of the season, overcame an edgy start to post a tidy 67, built on three birdies after the turn. “It started off quite windy… it was a bit of a grind,” he said. “Luckily the wind dropped and it was target golf towards the end.”
The top three might have a narrow lead, but a packed leaderboard is poised just behind. Among them: Belgium’s James Meyer Beco, Scotland’s Euan Walker and a trio of Spaniards—Adri Arnaus, Albert Boneta and Victor Pastor—all just two shots off the pace.
With the greens firming, the fairways drying and the wind showing no signs of calming, the UAE Challenge promises a lively finish. And if Guillamoundeguy keeps finding birdies in bunches, he might just find himself lifting a first professional trophy before the weekend is done.