Picture perfect: Karlsson had seven birdies on Thurdsday.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club has evolved into a golfing test every bit as imposing as its monumental clubhouse (I hear it doubles as the lair of a supervillain hell-bent, naturally, on world domination). A par-72 that clocks in at a frankly ridiculous 7,600 yards, it’s a layout that places its emphasis firmly on powerful, straight hitting.

Unsurprising, then, that the upper echelons of the first round leaderboard should be dominated – and dominated thoroughly – by class ball-strikers.

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Richie Ramsay: realising your US Open dreams FAIL

Richie Ramsay’s path to the US Open had been a painful one. First, owing to completely unnecessary logistical error, he missed out on competing in a play-off for one of the last remaining spots in the event. Then, several day’s later, it was incorrectly reported all over the world that he’d been offered a repreive by the USGA and would be allowed to tee it up at Congressional… (continue reading…)

Suicidal? Not anymore!

Richie Ramsay was left heartbroken last week after missing his play-off at the British leg of US Open qualifying. Afterwards, he described the experience as ‘horrific’, ‘awful’ and claimed to have been left ‘suicidal’ by the ordeal. It looks like someone up there (the USGA’s ivory tower) was listening, however, as Ramsay has just found out that he’ll be teeing it up at Congressional after all. (continue reading…)

Happier Times: Ramsay with the South African Open trophy

Former US Amateur Champion and European Tour winner Richie Ramsay missed out on qualification for next month’s US Open at Congressional in the most painful of circumstances yesterday. (continue reading…)