Back-to-Back Victories for Rashid Hamood at The UAE Presidents Cup sponsored by HSBC

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted the most represented Emirati golf tournament in the United Arab of Emirates (UAE), on February 10-11, 2017 at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Sponsored by HSBC, the 5^th edition of the UAE Presidents Cup saw it’s largest field with 81 players. After winning in 2016 Rashid Hamood successfully defended his title in a stunning fashion.

Winning by four strokes and victories for back-to-back years, Rashid Hamood shot rounds of 77-74 for an event total of 151. Helping his cause and the shot of the tournament came on the final hole when he holed out on the famous 18^th – hole [par 5] at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. From 145 yards, Hamood hit a knockdown 7-iron into the wind, which found the bottom of the cup for an eagle.

After the event, Rashid Hamood was asked about the 2017 UAE Presidents Cup. “It’s an amazing feeling defending the title at the UAE Presidents Cup. I didn’t start the weekend very well but managed to pick up a few shots on the inward half of today’s [final] round. I held my game together and holing out on the 18^th was a bonus and topped off the day, which was a true tale of two halves. I would like to thank the Emirates Golf Federation, HSBC, and Yas Links for another great edition of this event. I’d also like to thank my playing partners [for the final round] Khalid Yousuf and Abdulla Al Musharrekh. We all pushed each other to play our best. With the GCC Golf Championships coming up this will be a good win heading into that event.”

Taking the Runner-Up prize with rounds of 73-83 for an event total of 156 was Khalid Yousuf. Khalid Yousuf now has three Runner-Up finished and two wins at the UAE Presidents Cup.

Rounding out the Top-3 and coming in Third Place, was Ahmed Skaik with rounds of 80-77 for a total of 157. Ahmed fought hard all weekend and will be looking to leave his footprint on this event next year.

The Overall Net Winner for the event was Abdulla Al Muharrami. Al Muharrami was playing off a 26 Handicap and finished with a Net Total of 135, 9-under-par.

This year’s Ladies Champion was Reema Al Heloo. Reema had a very strong 2016 and was recently recognized at the 2016 MEGAs as the National Player of the Year. Reema shot an event total of 171 Gross score for 27-over-par.

The Ladies Overall Net winner was Hamda Al Suwaidi with a Net score of 150, 6-over-par. Hamda is recently coming off a victory at last week’s Abu Dhabi Gary Player Invitational.

In the Junior Division, Rashid Al Emadi stole the show with a winning total of 169. Rashid also successfully defended his title after winning the Junior Division last year. This year he improved his score by 16 strokes and continues to get better with every event he plays in.

Winning the Runner-Up prize in the Junior Division was Obaid Al Heloo and taking home the Best Junior Net prize was Rashid Al Qubaisi.

“It’s is great to see so many players support this event. It is also good to point out that the event is growing every year. On behalf of the Emirates Golf Federation, we would like to thank HSBC for their sponsorship and Yas Links for host our event. Congratulations to our winners, I know that many of them have been working hard this season and that work is paying off,” said Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi the Secretary General of the EGF.

The 2017 Presidents Cup was sponsored by HSBC. HSBC is a globally recognized organization in banking with an event management sector that has a purpose to be where the growth is. With impressive golf events like the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and worldwide influence on junior golf programs, HSBC was an easy fit for the EGF and this event.

To close the event the award ceremony was graced with HH Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Social Development, along with other dignitaries, including EGF board members.

Scored by VPAR you can see the full results by clicking here. To view all photos from this event find the Emirates Golf Federation on Facebook and Social Media.

The EGF will be back in action when the National Team travels to Bahrain for the GCC Golf Championship February 18-23, 2017 and next month at the National Monthly Medal on March 25, 2017, at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club.