Latest news with #GarrickPorteous
Khaleej Times
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's Porteous steps into the spotlight as title defense builds to a thrilling climax
Dubai resident Garrick Porteous is just 18 holes away from a remarkable title defence after seizing the third-round lead at the Abu Dhabi Challenge with a composed four-under-par 66 at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. Chasing Porteous closely is Italian Renato Paratore at 13 under, following a five-under 65. Davis Bryant (USA), Sebastian Garcia (Spain), and Robin Sciot-Siegrist (France) are all two shots back at 12 under, with a tightly packed leaderboard promising fireworks in the final round. The 35-year-old, who now calls Dubai home, has been making the most of his local knowledge and comfort in the UAE, navigating the firm greens and fiery fairways to sit one stroke clear at 14 under par heading into Sunday's final round. 'I started off poorly. I was a couple over through five and then managed a few birdies to get one under through nine and then played well on the back,' said Porteous, who stepped back from full-time professional golf last year but clearly still has the firepower to compete at the top. His back nine included three key birdies—none more clutch than the one at the 18th, which nudged him ahead of Paratore and set up a thrilling finale in the Garden City. 'I was just trying to hit greens. The greens are a lot firmer this year and releasing out a lot. If you miss the fairway you've got to try and find the putting surface," Porteous added. 'I've just had one swing thought all week and I got away from that a bit at the start. Obviously, the greens are pure so if you start rolling it well you've got a good chance of it going in.' Backed By Love Last year, Porteous won this very event with a dazzling 24 under par. Now, with his wife joining him on the bag this weekend, he's looking to keep the vibe relaxed while chasing another big win on home soil. 'I am excited. I've got my wife on my bag, she came up last night so it's still a relaxed atmosphere and we are having fun on the course,' he said 'There are so many good guys right behind me. The course sets up for a lot of birdies so if I can create the birdies then people have got to overtake me.' As the leading Dubai-based contender, Porteous is carrying the local hopes into Sunday, with support pouring in from UAE golf fans and sponsors including Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Arena, Al Laith, and eGolf Megastore. Spectators can enjoy the final-round action for free, with world-class competition unfolding in one of the UAE's most scenic golfing settings. Will Porteous go back-to-back in Abu Dhabi and bring home another trophy to Dubai? Sunday promises a dramatic answer.
Khaleej Times
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Porteous comes full circle to Al Ain and tees it up again where it all came together
Dubai-based Garrick Porteous returns to the HotelPlanner Tour's Abu Dhabi Challenge this week, revisiting the site of one of his greatest triumphs at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club last year. However, the Englishman approaches the event from an entirely different perspective to when he put together a flawless final round of 63 to win a second HotelPlanner Tour title finishing e shot clear of Frenchman Alexander Levy. Despite the triumph on home soil and retaining his HotelPlanner Tour playing privileges after the 2024 Road to Mallorca, Porteous decided to call time on his 10-year playing career, which saw him compete on both the HotelPlanner Tour and the DP World Tour. 'All the travel was just wearing away at me,' said Porteous, who continues to work in the golf industry as a brand manager. 'I just kind of fell out of love with playing tournament golf, to be honest. Being away from my wife, friends, and family takes its toll and eats away at you. 'I did my PGA qualification, which opens a lot more doors than just playing. I felt it was the right time for me to call it a day, as I wanted to explore other things instead of playing professional golf all my life. 'At the end of the day, everyone has to retire at some point. For me, the timing was right, and it was the best decision.' Although he stepped away from full-time life on Tour, the 35-year-old couldn't resist the opportunity to compete once again on home soil. Last week, he returned to the DP World Tour's feeder circuit at the UAE Challenge, held at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, with his victory on the HotelPlanner Tour last year securing him a spot in the UAE double-header. Now living a very different life from his days as a touring professional, where a relentless daily grind was essential to staying at the top of his game, Porteous has embraced a new approach to prepare for the defence of his trophy on familiar ground. 'I've been playing the odd Emirates PGA competition as I'm eligible for those because I'm PGA qualified,' he said. 'Kieran Pratt (Championship Director, Emirates Golf Federation) does an amazing job setting up the schedule for all the pros out here to compete and puts a bit of money into it - luckily enough, I've won a couple of them. 'It's great for me, as I've obviously been living here for a couple of years but never really had a chance to meet the other teaching pros or those in the golf industry, so it's been very beneficial for me to play those events.' In the Garden City, Porteous carded rounds of 74 and 70, missing the cut in his first HotelPlanner Tour start since October. Given his decision to step back from the daily grind of life on Tour, the result came as little surprise for the former Amateur Championship winner, who heads into this week's event with similarly modest expectations. That said, his fond memories of the venue and appreciation for a course that complements his game have him quietly aiming to make it through to the weekend. 'I've got great memories of my victory in Al Ain last year,' he said. 'It's very beneficial to be long off the tee, which I usually am, and then you have to be great on the greens because it's a very scorable course, so you need to make a lot of birdies. I'm really looking forward to getting back up there, but honestly, I have no expectations of what I'm going to do this week or how my prep will be. 'I really enjoyed the atmosphere up in Al Ain. It's a lot more chill than Dubai - you can certainly escape from the hustle and bustle! I'm staying up there as well, so it will be nice to just take it all in again and relive some memories. 'I'll be happy if I can make the cut. To string four rounds together would be amazing because it's something I haven't done in a while. Let's see how it goes.' Porteous will compete alongside a host of star names aiming to secure their place on the DP World Tour next season, including last week's champion Renato Paratore, two-time DP World Tour winner Eddie Pepperell, Dubai-based Adri Arnaus, and the UAE's own Joshua Grenville-Wood. Crucial support for the tournament comes from Abu Dhabi Sports Council, UAE-headquartered Arena, Al Laith, and eGolf Megastore. Golf fans can attend the event free of charge, with world-class action on display throughout the week.
Khaleej Times
04-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Porteous thrives in golf and career: ‘The best part is, I get to enjoy both
Garrick Porteous may have stepped away from full-time professional golf, but his competitive fire hasn't dimmed. The two-time HotelPlanner Tour winner continues to make his mark on the course while balancing a career at ProSports International. His recent victory at The Montgomerie Golf Club proves he's still got it. Carding a superb six-under 66, Porteous clinched the 16th round of the Emirates PGA, a confidence boost ahead of next month's HotelPlanner (formerly Challenge Tour) events. Alongside his role as brand manager at ProSports International—the Middle East's leading golf distributor—Porteous remains fully immersed in competitive golf. With the company's backing, he competes in local PGA events while gearing up to defend his Abu Dhabi Challenge title, a tournament he won last year at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. 'It's great to compete still while having the security of a full-time job,' said Porteous, who hails from Colchester, England. 'Winning an event like this and then heading into the office to congratulates from everyone at ProSports is a great feeling. Team support 'There's a real buzz of support from the team. It's also the first time in my life I've had a regular paycheck, which gives me a sense of stability. I haven't really thought about it much, but I guess it's helped me play with a little more freedom.' With the Montgomerie's greens rolling at just over 11.5 on the Stimp Meter and the course in pristine condition, low scores were needed to contend. Porteous delivered, showing the form that saw him win the 2013 Amateur Championship and cruise to a five-shot victory at the 2017 Prague Golf Challenge. 'The Emirates PGA events are really well-run, and Kieran Pratt does a fantastic job organizing them,' Porteous added. 'They fit perfectly into most players' schedules. Getting a scorecard in your hand and competing is a different challenge from just playing a casual round with mates.' Eye on the future As he looks ahead to the upcoming HotelPlanner Tour events, Porteous continues to blend his love for golf with his professional career. His background in graphic design and branding has found a natural home at ProSports, where he stays connected to the sport in more ways than one. 'My days look a little different now, but the hunger to compete is still there,' he said. 'The best part is, I get to enjoy both worlds.' With his game in good shape and confidence high, Porteous is ready to defend his title in Abu Dhabi, determined to make another statement on the HotelPlanner circuit.
