Wood Wins Play-off to Reclaim Top Spot in MENA Golf Tour Rankings

Former Ryder Cup player Chris Wood clinched a dramatic play-off victory to win the Egypt Golf Series Marassi 1 and reclaim the top position in the MENA Golf Tour rankings.

Wood sealed the title with a composed birdie on the first extra hole at Address Marassi Golf Resort, edging out Charlie Crockett after both players finished regulation play tied at 13 under par.

The two returned to the par-five 18th for the play-off, where Crockett’s birdie attempt narrowly missed the hole. Wood then calmly converted a six-foot downhill birdie putt to secure his second MENA Golf Tour title of the season.

Despite contrasting final rounds—Wood posting a one-under 71 and Crockett firing a three-under 69—the pair were inseparable after 54 holes. The win moved Wood back to the top of the tour standings, overtaking Italy’s Ludovico Addabbo, who finished tied for 22nd at two under par.

Playing in difficult, windy and dusty conditions, Wood credited his experience for helping him through a challenging final day. “It was a really tough day out there, with poor visibility and strong winds,” Wood said. “In play-offs, you usually only get one real chance, and I was glad I could take it.”

Wood’s round was marked by a double bogey on the seventh hole, but he recovered on the back nine with birdies at the 12th and 13th. A crucial par-saving putt on the final hole of regulation proved vital in forcing the play-off.

Crockett appeared on course for victory after birdies on the 10th and an eagle on the 15th moved him to 14 under par. However, a three-putt bogey on the 17th dropped him back into a tie with Wood.

“I felt like I played well enough to win,” Crockett said. “It’s disappointing, but my game is definitely moving in the right direction.”

Ireland’s Alex Maguire finished third at 12 under par. The overnight leader carded a final-round 71 and narrowly missed a long eagle putt on the 18th that could have forced a three-way play-off.

“I gave myself a chance and that’s all you can ask,” Maguire said. “Two top-ten finishes in two weeks is encouraging.”

Wood’s victory underlined his strong form and reinforced his position as the leading player on the MENA Golf Tour this season.