Jumeirah Golf Estates Men’s Amateur Open 2019

(Dubai, UAE) – The regions finest amateurs were present to play the 2019 Men’s Amateur Open at JGE this weekend with Round one being played over the Fire course and the second over the Earth. Bilbo Perrot was crowned champion after a fantastic combined score of 138 (-6) Bilbo who was in the first group of day one started in great fashion with a birdie on the first and third hole and despite a bogey at the 4th hole, he bounced back with another birdie at the par 5, 7th.

Bilbo Perrot

Following brief suspension in play due to the fog Bilbo post a front nine score of 35. Three more birdies on the back nine at holes 12, 15, and 17 and Bilbo made it to the clubhouse posting a round one score of 68.

With a one-shot lead from Pavel Foubik Jr, the stage was set for a cracking 18 holes on the Earth Course and with a solid start from Bilbo with six pars before his first birdie came at the par5 7th. A bogey followed but with another birdie on hole nine Bilbo turned in 35, Pavel with a majestic outward nine of 34 leveled the score with everything to play for over the second half of the round with both players at -4. Pavel birdied the 10th hole and Bilbo the 12th but it was the 14th that was to play pivotal in the final round. Pavel dropped his first shot of the day and with Bilbo making his 10th birdie of the tournament the lead was now 2.

The lead was back to one after the 15th as Bilbo dropped another shot but fired straight back on 16th with birdie number 11. Despite another dropped shot on the 36th hole Bilbo held on and with a score of 138 (68 + 70) was a deserved winner of the JGE Men’s Amateur Open.

Runner up with scores of 73 on day one and the lowest of the tournament on with a 67 on day two over the Earth course was Khalid Yousuf. A round which saw eight birdies helping him to him 67. Khalid quote “ it was a strange round of 3’ and 5’s as I only managed to get a 4 on the card once today”

Third place was won by Mike Mezei, a 73 on day one followed by a 69 on day two. The highlight being an eagle 3 on the 2nd hole of the day.

In the Net Division Pavel Foubik Jr took the spoils with his net score of 139 (-5) and despite missing out on the gross prize he was delighted at securing the net champion for 2019. Runner up with a score of 141 (-3) was Adam Zahri and Alistair Hess picked up the final prize in the third position with a net score of 144 (E)

Stephen Hubner Quote “it’s so nice having this year’s field built up from the region’s best alongside some extremely competitive international visitors, having missed out on the winning position last year Bilbo managed to go one better this time around, and I am delighted to have him as our amateur champion for 2019”

OMEGA Emirates Amateur Open 2019

(Dubai, UAE) – The 29th OMEGA Emirates Amateur Open was held on the Faldo and Majlis courses on the 10th and 11th of January, with a strong field of almost 100 players competing for the championship. Congratulations to the overall winner and defending Champion Rayhan Thomas (DGCYC), who carded fantastic scores of 71 and 68 totaling, 139 (-5). Taking the runner-up spot was Zubair Firdaus (GA) who shot great scores of 74 and 70 totaling 144 (E). Steven Kelbrick (TIGC) came in with a 71 and a 75 to give him a total of 144 strokes which also left him at Even par. In fourth place was Joshua Hill (TIGC) who carded scores of 72 and 73 totaling 145 (+1).

Moving to the Net division, the winning prize went to our Club Captain Paul Byrne, who scored 75 and 70 net strokes, totaling 145 (+1). In second place was Chaher Sakkal (EGC) who came in with 71 and 74, totaling 145 (+1). Pavel Foubik Jnr (EGC) took third place with net scores of 77 and 71 totalling 148 (+4).

 

The Best Gross on Day 1 on the Faldo course was Max Burrow (DGCYC), scoring an excellent 68 (-4). Winning the prize for Best Gross on Day 2 on the Majlis course and winning on better back nine countback, was Bradley Mogire (EGC) scoring a 73 (+1).

 

The Best Net score on Day 1 on the Faldo course, winning on better back nine countback went to David Moody (EGC), who scored a 70 (-2). Barry Pavic (EGF) took the prize for Best Net on day 2 on the Majlis course, also winning on countback with a better back nine, scoring a 72 (E).

 

Congratulations to all players, and to all winners! Our thanks goes to OMEGA for their continued support and exceptional dedication to such successful events. We look forward to the upcoming OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic on the Majlis Course and wish our champion, Rayhan Thomas, the very best of luck in the tournament!

10th Junior Open Golf Championship Supported by Spectrum, Sharjah Grand Hotel & Ajman Academy at SGSC

(Sharjah, UAE) –  On Thursday the 13th of December Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club hosted its 10th Junior Open Golf Championship Supported by Spectrum, Ajman Academy and Sharjah Grand Hotel. 41 Junior Golfer from all across the UAE battled it out to be this year’s SGSC Junior Open Champion. With both boys and girls and ages varying from 8 to 17 including golfers of all abilities, it was set up to be a fantastic Open. Some big names were present including the currents Mens Open Champion Ziang Xu(William).

SGSC Junior Open Winners

And it was the SGSC youngster who claimed the title on the day to complete a fantastic double after just winning the SGSC Mens Open last weekend. Ziang Xu(William) put an excellent round together dropping just 1 shot and picking up 4 birdies along the way to post a very impressive score of 69 to become the 10th SGSC Junior Open Champion. Pushing Ziang all the way was Kate Bibby representing The Els Club who had a very solid 18 holes of golf posting a credible 1 under par 71 to finish 2 shots behind Ziang and picked up the runner-up prize for the day. Third place was Asanka White (TIGC) who had a fantastic front nine of 3 under par before dropping a few shots on the way back to post a score of 73

In the Net Division Jay Pangarkar representing Emirates Golf Club combined 6 net birdies and a net eagle for a sizzling net total of 66 and to be the 2018 Net Champion. SGSC rising star Jamie Camero was runner-up in the Net Division with a great score of 69. Girl net Champion was Fatima Rizvi (EGC) who won the hotly contested girls division with a net score of 72.

Special congratulations also go to Zak Rafique who had a hole in one on the 8th hole after a perfectly struck 5 iron from the 12-year-old.

Youngster Ang claims his First SGSC Men’s Open title

(Sharjah, UAE) – Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club played host to the 11th Men’s Open Golf Championship on the weekend of the 7th & 8th December. As ever the event was fantastically supported by some of the best golfers from across the UAE, with a mixture of young guns bidding to put their mark on the event & the seasoned master craftsmen of the game.

2018 SGSC Men’s Open Winners

The weekend event was hotly contested and the course was in fantastic condition and praised by the competitors. Day one saw eventual champion Nathan Fisher representing Sharjah Golf and Shooting Clubs come hot out of the blocks & posted an impressive score of 72. Nathans round was very steady and consisted of three birdies and three bogies & saw him take the overnight lead. Fisher was closely followed by Jay Mullane and Andrew Smolak who were just one shot behind and would make up the final group on Saturday. Also lurking not too far behind Fisher was some familiar faces including last years champion Michael Harradine, +2 golfer Steve Kelbrick and young starlet William Ang.

It was Craig Vance who flew out the blocks early in the first round being a remarkable 4 under par through 5 holes unfortunately for Craig he dropped a few shots and finished for the day. William Ang was the star of the day posting a superb round of 69 to claim the 11th SGSC Men’s Open Championship. The youngster held his nerve and had a sublime up and down on the last hole to claim victory by a single shot. William only dropped 2 shots and had five birdies which really was fantastic golf in at times was tricky conditions. Ang combined his score of 69 with first round 74 giving him a tournament total of one under par, 143 and win his first and probably not his last Mens Open Championship

Doing all they could to stay in touch with William was regular playing partner and fellow SGSC member Nathan Fisher. Nathan put together another steady round of 72 giving him a Tournament total of 144 but was just one shot short. Stephen Kelbrick (Trump GC) posted a second round score of 71 for a 145 total and enough to claim third place. Andrew Smolak (EGF) picked up the trophy for Day one’s best score with a score of 73. The Day two best score went to Josh Hill representing JGE as he posted 71, 1 under par.

The first place net was also won by an SGSC member Normandy Fedirico with impressive scores of 73 & 72 for a total of 145 and become Net Champion. Taking the runners up trophy was Jumeirah Golf Estates member Ahmed Naim and third place went to Sunny Ramadas (SGSC). Picking up the best day one score was another SGSC member Haneif Sallie as he recorded a Net score of 71. The day two best score went to Sharjah Golf & Shooting club member Sami Butt as he showed his experience around the course to post a level par 70.

The event was played in a great spirit and a record number of competitors for the SGSC Mens Open and was highly competitive all the way to the last putt.

Emirates Junior Open 2018

(Dubai, UAE) – Congratulations to Christopher Jammal (Emirates Golf Club) who scored a fantastic gross 68 on the Faldo Course, to claim this year’s Boys Emirates Junior Open. Chris was on top form during the tournament before eventually shooting a 4 under par 68 to beat Jay Mullane (The Els Club), who shot a two-over-par gross 74, with Louis Viallaneix (Emirates Golf Club) one shot further back on 75 gross. Our 2018 Girls Emirates Junior Open Champion was Sahana Paravantavida (Emirates Golf Club) shooting an impressive 3 under par 69 total. Sahana blitzed the field in the Girls Division, winning comfortably after some fantastic golf on the Faldo Course.

Emirates Junior Open 2018 Winners

In the Boys “A” division it was Aditya Kushalapa (Emirates Golf Club) who emerged victorious shooting a net 1 under, 71 on a tough Faldo Course. The Boys “B” division saw Dilan White (Trump International Golf Club) win, also with a 1 under par net 71 and winning on countback with a better back nine.

In the Girls net division (HCP 0 – 36), winning with a net 65 was Paula Marie Foubikova (Emirates Golf Club), followed by Fatima Zafar Rizvi (Emirates Golf Club) who finished with a net 66.

Congratulations to all participants and winners who made the journey to Emirates Golf Club. We would also like to thank ProSports and especially Titleist for their continued support of the Emirates Junior Open.

SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB PREPARES TO WELCOME WORLD’S BEST AMATEURS

With four events on the horizon, Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Beach Golf Clubs are getting ready to welcome the crowds and players

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will host the first ever Amateur World Ranking Event in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Amateur Championship (15th-19th December), with the champion and leading Emirati player receiving places in the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open in January.

The announcement comes just after Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Beach Golf Clubs also confirmed the dates for the major Tour events they will play host to in 2019, as the world-renowned venues continue to drive their reputation as world class golf destinations.

 

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA returns to Abu Dhabi Golf Club in January, whilst there’s a new date in the calendar for the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open on the Ladies European Tour at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. These events, bolstered by the Gary Player Invitational and the Abu Dhabi Amateur Championship, mean that there’s a feast of golf for fans and Abu Dhabi to look forward to over the course of two months, starting in December.

 

The golf clubs, managed by the world’s leading golf management company, Troon, have become central figures in Abu Dhabi’s evolution into one of the most innovative and progressive cities in the world. This progression is further demonstrated as Abu Dhabi has even more to offer outside of the golf clubs and its events, with highlights in the sporting calendar such as Formula 1’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (22nd-25th November 2018), football’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup (5th January-1st February 2019) and the Red Bull Air Race (2019 dates TBC).

 

Visitors to Abu Dhabi will not only enjoy these events as well as experience playing championship golf courses and staying in luxury hotels, and the opportunity to take in some of the best sites Abu Dhabi has to offer, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Yas Island attractions.

 

Further details on the upcoming golf events:

 

Abu Dhabi Amateur Championship: 15th-19th December 2018

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will play host to the first ever Amateur World Ranking Event in Abu Dhabi, attracting the world’s leading male Amateur Golfers to the region to compete over a 54 Hole Strokeplay Tournament for the chance to earn WAGR points (for those already in the standings). Saadiyat Beach will be sure to provide a stern test for the amateur players, with the champion and the highest placed Emirati both receiving places in the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open.

 

Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open: 10th-12th January 2019

The Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in partnership with the Ladies European Tour, are set to host the third Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open. This event marks a milestone event in the women’s golfing calendar, as it was the first-ever ladies professional golf

 

event to take place in Abu Dhabi. Last year, the tournament was held in November during which a field of 126 Ladies European Tour players competed over the stunning, Gary Player designed ocean-front course at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. The format next January will be different to previous editions, with a new, shortened 54-hole Pro-Am format.

 

Gary Player Invitational: 13th January 2019

The Gary Player Invitational (GPI) in the United Arab Emirates was first launched in Abu Dhabi and historically has been the first leg of the 2019 GPI global series of world-leading charity golf events. Past events have been hugely successful, not just in terms of a world-class experience and high-profile Tour Professional participation, but also in raising funds for charity. A star-studded cast of golf professionals and celebrities will join Gary Player in 2019 at Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Beach Golf Club over two days, to celebrate a ‘Union of Golf and Giving’.

 

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA: 16th – 19th January 2019

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA is often deemed the unofficial start to the European Tour, drawing in massive names every year, with an attractive prize pot of around $2,700,000. Last year eight of the World’s Top 20 played in the early season event, leading to another thrilling championship in Abu Dhabi. Next year’s event is predicted to be no different, as Tommy Fleetwood will be looking to capture an incredible three consecutive wins at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. This

is the largest event on the Abu Dhabi annual golfing calendar and a stop on the European Tour that never disappoints the players or the fans.

 

Commenting on the major events, Ed Edwards, General Manager at Abu Dhabi GC and Saadiyat Beach GC, said: “These four events are driving Abu Dhabi forward, not only as a golfing location but also a fantastic destination with lots more on offer visitors, and we are excited to witness the drama that they promise this year. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA has been highly anticipated over the last 8 months, as everyone is excited to see if Fleetwood can make it three in a row. It will not be an event to miss.

 

“The Abu Dhabi Amateur Championship and the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open should also not be overlooked or put in a shadow of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA. Both these events are at the forefront of growing golf in the UAE, in particular the Fatma Bint Mubarak Ladies Open has caused a spike in Emirati ladies golf because of the quality of the event. With the Gary Player Invitational to follow, the early season events in Abu Dhabi will certainly give golf fans a lot to look forward to.”

 

To find out more about these major golf events, or for group bookings and tourism queries, please contact Clinton Norris on cnorris@adgolfclub.ae

Burrow’s Retains RAK Mens Open Title As Dunn Ties Amateur Course Record

Max Burrow produced another magical performance to win the 13th RAK Men’s Amateur Open and retain his title.

(Ras Al Khaimah, UAE) – The key EGF fixture saw the 13th installment from Al Hamra in which the finest talent from around the UAE competed in a 2 day 36 hole stroke play event. With competitors teeing it up the final two days before the course closed for the prestigious Road To Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final, the course was in immaculate condition with beautiful lush fairways and speedy smooth rolling greens.

RAK Men’s Open Winners

Day 1 saw Max get off to a fast start after firing in a 68 following nines of 35 and 33, in a round which contained just 1 dropped shot. This saw him take a two-shot lead into day 2 from David Guinee who carded 70, closely followed by the duo of past winner Khalid Yousuf and Saif Thabet, who both carded level par rounds of 72.

Max followed up on Day 2 with a 1 under 71 for a 139 total and eventual 3 shot winning margin. Again he dropped just the 1 shot in his round which saw Khalid, Saif, and David all fall away on Day 2 as the trio carded rounds of 76, 76 and 75 respectively. Simon Dunn followed up his first round of 75 with a course record-equalling 67, a feat managed by Challenge Tour player James Allan in the same event 5 years prior, to finish on 142 and once again a second place finish. Third place went to Ahmad Skaik on a score of 145 following rounds of 72 and 73.

The net division saw an outstanding Day 1 performance from Al Hamra member Byung Jin Woo who posted a round of 67 and subsequent 3 shot lead into Day 2. Unfortunately, his second round score of 76 saw him finish second following a card play-off defeat to Ahmed Naim. Ahmed carded rounds of 72 and 71 to take the top net prize. Third place and claiming the last of the main prizes was Adam Zahri on a total of 144.

Tournament Winners

Gross  & Net

1st Place                                 

Max Burrow – 68 + 71 = 139                        Ahmad Naim – 72 + 71 = 143

 

2nd Place                                        

Simon Dunn – 75 + 67 = 142                       Byung Jin Woo – 67 + 76 = 143

 

3rd Place                                     

Ahmad Skaik – 72 + 73 = 145                     Adam Zahri – 71 + 73 = 144

72 YEAR OLD CRAIG TAKES SENIORS BY STORM

(Sharjah, UAE) – Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club Member Tim Craig won the clubs 4th edition of the Senior Summer Open on Friday courtesy of a 39 Stableford point haul.  Craig, from England, previously played off an 8 handicap having taken the game up at 45 at the neighboring Sharjah Wanderers. The now 17 handicapper turned to golf shortly after arriving in 1981, after tennis became too much for his ailing knees,  and described the victory as the biggest of his 27-year golfing career.

Senior Summer Open Winners

Amid an event record field prizes also went to Paul Judson (EGF 38 points) for second place and Arnel Valencia (EGF 38 points) for third.  Other prizes went to former SGSC Captain Vivian Verma, Gary Swann (ARGC) and Rashed Daya (unofficial handicap division).

For more information on events and services at SGSC call 06 5487777, email info@golfandshootingshj.com or whatsapp 050 2283649

HILL SETS A NEW COURSE RECORD AND WINS THE AGMC MEN’S OPEN AT MEYDAN

Josh Hill claimed his 6th victory of the season in the Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit series at the AGMC Men’s Open at Meydan Golf. With two rounds of 68, Hill secured a 4 shot victory from Mike Mezei of Emirates Golf Club.

Winners of the Men’s Open at Meydan Golf

A round of 68 on Day 1 meant that Josh became the new course record holder after Michael Harradine had held the title for a year when he fired a round of 69 in the same event.

The win means that Hill extends his lead in the Order of Merit as the final event takes place at Yas Links on the 20th April 2018. Arjun Gupta (3rd Gross Prize), Nathan Fisher (1st Net Prize), Barry Pavic (2nd Net Prize) and Toby Bishop (3rd Net Prize) completed the group of Prize Winners for the weekend. With the form that is on display this year, the Dubai Golf Trophy will no doubt be difficult for the UAE PGA Professionals to claim back.

During the Prize Presentation, Phil Dobson (Golf Operations Manager) expressed his thanks to all competitors, appreciation to Event Sponsor AGMC and Prize Sponsors Rivoli Group, Ascots & Chapels, and Jazz Lounge Spa.

Cashmore & Kang Claim Slim Victories In 9th RAK Junior Open

Max Cashmore and Hyeonji Kang both claimed the slimmest of victories in the 9th installment of the RAK Junior Open. Max’s 71 and Hyenji’s 73 saw them both finish 1 shot clear of their nearest competitors.

Max headed out in 37 before carding an eagle on hole 14 and a birdie on 17 to finish his inward nine with 34 to finish one clear of Asanka White. Asanka threw away his winning chances with the most unfortunate double-bogey 7 on the 18th. Jay Mullane, who picked up third in the gross division, carded a 1 over 73.

Hyonji’s produced probably one of her most consistent rounds ever with 17 pars and a lonesome bogey on hole 13. Her closest rival Natali Gupta fell just one shot back on a score of 74 following nines of 36 and 38 to finish 4 clear of third place Kate Bibby who carded a round of 78.

The net division produced some outstanding scoring with Sam Mullane and Fatima Rizvi taking top honors with 66 and 65 respectively. Sam carded 7 net birdies and just the one lonesome bogey on hole 11 in what was a beautiful round of golf. Fatima produced 7 birdies, an eagle and 2 bogies for the best round of the day.