Wolverhampton golf star Aaron Rai returns in impressive style
Rising golf star Aaron Rai finished with an eagle on the 18th hole at the Abu Dhabi Championship – leaving him six shots behind early leader Shane Lowry.
Former Shropshire & Herefordshire junior Rai carded an opening round four under par which leaves him tied for 14th, one shot ahead of defending champion Tommy Fleetwood, writes Bradley Rice.
The 24-year-old’s round included back-to-back birdies on the third and fourth as well as on the ninth and tenth.
He dropped two shots on the back nine but picked them back up with an impressive eagle on the last.
Patshull Park’s Rai’s last appearance on the European Tour ended in victory at the Hong Kong Open in November.
His win in Hong Kong confirmed him as one of golf’s most promising stars and came in only his 46th European Tour appearance.
He took a break over the festive period but his first round showing in Abu Dhabi hints that he is right back in the swing of things.
Lowry carded 62, equalling the course record. The Irishman is three shots clear of Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal, France’s Mike Lorenzo-Vera and the South African pair of Louis Oosthuizen and Richard Sterne.
Hawkstone Park’s Ashley Chesters finished day one in a tie for 96th after carding a round of 73 that left him one over par.
