Van Veen and Ritchie ride the early wave at Al Zorah

Dutch and South African duo surge into UAE Challenge lead with matching 64s on calm opening day

Augusta, Georgia - Vince van Veen and JC Ritchie made hay while the Ajman sun shone, carding sublime rounds of 64 to share the lead after day one of the UAE Challenge at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club.

Van Veen, starting on the back nine, pounced on tranquil morning conditions to fire eight birdies without a blemish. Ritchie, equally imperious in the afternoon, matched the Dutchman shot for shot, his lone bogey smoothed over by nine birdies of his own.

“I’m rolling it nicely,” said Van Veen, who credited a recent tune-up with his putting coach. “When you start seeing them drop early, confidence just builds. Some of these pins are really tucked, so I’ve got to keep hitting those tiny spots on the green.”

Ritchie, a four-time HotelPlanner Tour winner, echoed the mood: “That’s what dreams are made of. The game’s been in a good place. I’ve just had to get out of my own way and let it happen.”

Trailing by one are George Bloor of England and France’s Romain Wattel, while Euan Walker, David Law, Saptak Talwar and Julian Perico share fifth at six under.

The second round begins at 6.30am local time. Ritchie tees off at 7.20am, while Van Veen returns to action at 12.20pm, both hoping to keep the putts dropping under Ajman’s clear skies.