Staff WriterRenato Paratore turned heads in the UAE Challenge with a dazzling display of golf wizardry that not only thrilled fans but also clinched his maiden HotelPlanner Tour title at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club.
In one of the most memorable moments of the UAE Challenge, the Italian ace fired a faultless seven-under-par round of 65 in Ajman to finish 22 under par for the week, edging out South African JC Ritchie by two strokes.
An Electrifying Final Round
Paratore entered the final round one shot behind the leader. Right from the outset, he set a blistering pace—racking up three birdies and an eagle in his first five holes that shot him straight to the top of the leaderboard.
The two-time DP World Tour winner didn’t stop there; he added two further birdies on the back nine, pulling away from the pack before parring his way through the final holes to secure the title.
Reflecting on his achievement, Paratore said: “The feeling is great,” he said. “I just try to stay in the moment and stay in the hole every time I play because you can get distracted, but I stayed really focused all week.
“I was five under but only leading by one shot after nine. JC played really well so congratulations to him, it was a good fight until the end.
“My putting has been brilliant this week. Of course, the game has been good, but the putter played a really important role.”
Climbing the Rankings and Eyeing Future Challenges
This standout performance in the UAE Challenge marks Paratore’s first win in five years—the last coming at the Betfred British Masters on the DP World Tour—and sends him rocketing to seventh place in the Road to Mallorca Rankings.
With this victory, the Italian not only showcases his ability to seize the moment but also cements his status as a formidable force on golf’s Global Tour.
Paratore is not one to rest on his laurels. He’s already setting his sights on the next test in the region: the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, the second in a thrilling series of back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour events in the UAE.
“I didn’t start the season well so today is a good push forward and I can’t wait to play next week,” he added. “My last win was in 2020 so today was important for me.”
A Competitive Field and Evolving Standings
The UAE Challenge proved to be a battleground of talent. American Dan Erickson, who entered the final day with the overnight lead, concluded the round in solo third on 17 under par.
He was closely followed by Frenchman Oihan Guillamoundeguy and Spaniard Adri Arnaus, who shared fourth place, each trailing by just one stroke.
Ireland’s Mark Power, Germany’s Freddy Schott, and Portugal’s Pedro Figueiredo all finished their rounds one shot further back on 14 under par, joining a competitive mix that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
On the leaderboard, the top five places in the Road to Mallorca Rankings remain unchanged, with Daniel van Tonder keeping his top spot.
JC Ritchie made a significant leap, climbing 12 spots to sixth, while Paratore vaulted an impressive 67 positions to secure seventh. Erickson also enjoyed a boost, moving up 28 places to 12th after his stellar finish at Al Zorah.
A Triumph to Remember
Paratore’s commanding performance in the UAE Challenge has not only added a shining trophy to his cabinet but also reinvigorated his campaign for a swift return to the global stage.
His blend of precise putting and fearless play made this tournament one for the history books, setting the stage for even more thrilling golf action in the weeks ahead.
For those keeping score on the HotelPlanner Tour, the UAE Challenge has once again proven that in the world of golf, passion and performance go hand in hand—and that on any given day, a little bit of magic can turn the game upside down.
