Sebastian Heisele: 'I felt like I was sat next to a ghost of myself'

There was the faintest false start to the first day of Ras Al Khaimah’s debut in golf's big league, as the DP World Tour arrived in the northern emirate on Thursday morning.

With the sun still yet to make a full appearance from behind the houses of Al Hamra Village, the first three-ball of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship presented by Phoenix Capital was ready to get started.

“On the tee from Austria, Lucas Nemecz,” said the announcer. Cue some awkward glances and wry grins. “No? OK, Marcel Schneider.”

The mistaken identity was forgivable. Some of the faces at the tour’s newest venue this week might not be quite as recognisable as those on show at That Other Tournament happening elsewhere in the Middle East at present.

The third player in the opening match was, though, familiar. At least for keen observers of the sport in the UAE. Even if he has been missing from the tour for the best part of five months due to a worrying health issue.

Sebastian Heisele is a German professional who was brought up in the UAE. The former Emirates Golf Club member brought his local knowledge to bear with a flawless opening round.

By the time he signed for a 7-under-par 65, Heisele was leading the tournament at Al Hamra Golf Club. It was an uplifting return to action for a player who has endured a problematic recent past.

Heisele’s star had appeared to be in the ascendant when he started the 2020 season by finishing in a tie for 21st at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, followed by a fine opening two rounds at the Dubai Desert Classic, played at his former home club.

He slumped over the final two days, though, and he traces back his ensuing problems to that tournament.

“I was there on Sunday in Dubai, thinking I had a decent week to start the