ELSON WINS DRAMATIC AQABA MENA TOUR EVENT

England’s Jamie Elson has won the inaugural Jordan Ayla Golf Championship following a play-off in Aqaba in Saturday. On a dramatic final day, Elson and compatriot Luke Joy finished tied on seven-under-par at the top of the quality field, and Elson held his nerve in the extra holes to take the title. After two tough days on the Greg Norman-designed course, low scoring rounds were recorded on Day Three, with Elson shooting a five-under 68 to pull level at the top with long-time leader, Joy, who carded a steady one-under final round. But it was Elson who came through in the play-off to take the title as the MENA Tour visited Jordan for the first time.

Former Ryder Cup hero Darren Clarke saved his best to last with a final round 71 to finish four-over, 11 shots behind the winner.

Round of the week though came from Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre whose 64 will stand as an impressive course record. He finished in the chasing pack on six-under.

Jordan’s young sensation Shergo Kurdi, the youngest player in the field at just 13, shot a level par 73 on Day Three to finish on a respectable 13-over, and tied as top Arab finisher with Othman Almulla.