Graeme Bell made home-course advantage count as he fired six birdies to win the fourth UAE PGA Order of Merit 2007-08 event, supported by UAE PGA Patrons - Al Naboodah, IHP and Rotana Hotels at Four Seasons Golf Club.

Resident pro Bell opened with four consecutive threes, including three birdies, as he shot a four-under par 68 to take the honours by a single shot from Malcolm Young (Arabian Ranches), who was playing in his first UAE PGA Order of Merit tournament. Bell’s only blemishes were bogeys at the 10th and 16th holes.

A delighted Bell said: “My putting has improved a great deal since I started using a futuristic putter, and I’ve been working really hard on my game. I’m very happy to win at my home course.”

Young was delighted with his effort for second place, though rued a missed putt to force a play-off at the final hole. “Having only arrived in Dubai recently it was very rewarding to play in my first UAE PGA event at the Four Seasons Golf Club and have such a strong finish,” Young said. “The round was very steady for me, I holed a good strong birdie putt at the 9th hole to get me under par for the round and from there I was able to finish the round strongly with three birdies in the last 5 holes. A strong shot into the par-5 18th set-up a good eagle chance, which narrowly missed and, as it turned out, would have made a play-off with Graeme, so it could have been a perfect start for me. All in all I was very happy with the way I played and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season now.”

Three other pros in the 23-man field managed to shoot rounds under par on the Al Badia layout, which was in fantastic condition. Dubai Creek professional Stephen Hubner said: “It’s the best I’ve ever seen it. Most of the players are talking about just how good the course is.” Julius Pohjola (Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa) continued his fine run of consistency with a 71 in joint third place with David Gray (Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club) and Greg Holmes (Inspired Trading).

Pohjola has now amassed 225 Merit Table points from just three events and lies second in the standings behind Simon Payne (Dubai Country Club), who is on 260 points, though has played in all four Order of Merit events to date. Meanwhile Bell’s victory has propelled him up the table to third place on 215 points from three events.