GRANT Forrest and David Drysdale enjoyed solid starts at the first event of the new European Tour season.

The duo were among the 132 players taking part at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championships, which came to a close on Sunday.

England’s Tyrell Hatton was a comfortable winner, finishing on -18 and four shots ahead of Jason Scrivener, with Rory McIlroy one shot further back.

Former Dunbar Grammar School pupil Drysdale finished tied for 35th on four under.

He scored 73 (one over par) on Thursday before impressive rounds of 70 and 68.

However, a round of 73 on Sunday saw him finish in 35th.

Meanwhile, Forrest, of Haddington, finished in 54th on level par.

He was on -4 going into the final round but carded 76 to finish alongside Oliver Wilson and Marcus Armitage.

Both Drysdale and Forrest are back in action today (Thursday) as they play the opening round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.