Amateur DeChambeau Leads the Way in Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

This morning the 2016 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship went underway, where the high profile field was set to provide a day full of action.

Surprisingly, amateur Bryson DeChambeau is in top spot heading into the second day, after he tied the lowest amateur opening round record of 64.

 
The American’s card was only spoiled by one bogey on the third, which was quickly rectified by two consecutive birdies, along with an eagle on the eighth, which set him on his way to his current one shot lead.

Talking to Sky Sports about his game, he said: “I’m a golfing scientist, in a sense, and I’m trying to analyse and understand each and every aspect of the golf course and the way I played, as well.

“I’ll analyse today and see what I can do better at tomorrow and we’ll go from there.”

There are some major names in pursuit of the 22-year old, with Henrik Stenson only one shot behind, and McIlroy currently sitting in tied third at six under.

World number one Jordan Spieth, who was playing with the Irishman, shot a 68, while Rickie Fowler, part of the featured morning group, only finished the round at -2.

Although Spieth has claimed to be disappointed with his opening round of four under, he believes that rival Rory McIlroy is on top form.

 
He said: “It was a masterclass, the Rory that I have seen win major championships.”

The pack is still wide open with many in contention, with the likes of tournament back-to-back winner Martin Kaymer in tied 12th, along with the likes of Belgian Thomas Pieters and South Korea’s Byeong Hun An.

Cover Photo via Twitter