DUBAI: The Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup is always one of the most highly anticipated events in the international travel retail golfing calendar and this year’s 26th edition was no exception. The two day event saw 100 players compete in a bid to be crowned the 26th anniversary champion, round 1 was played at Emirates Golf Club and round 2 at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
This two day stableford event organised by Dubai Duty Free allows their industry guests to enjoy two stunning golf courses in a fantastic atmosphere amongst friends, guests and colleagues with a whole host of prizes throughout the respective Men’s, Ladies’ and Senior’s Divisions.
Commenting on the success of the tournament, Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free said: ““The 26th running of the Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup represents another milestone for Dubai Duty Free and we thank Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club for their continuous support. The players enjoyed the atmosphere of friendly competition, and the social interaction made it a good meeting place for those involved in the duty-free industry.”
Cees van Dooren, a former longtime resident of Dubai, was crowned the champion of the 26th edition of the Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup after an outstanding two day stableford points total of 80; a 5 point winning margin! After 39 points on Day 1 on the Faldo course at Emirates Golf Club, Cees produced an exceptional performance of 41 points at Dubai Creek on Day 2. Cees managed to beat overnight leaders Ian Hill and Jihad El Sibai after his superb performance on Day 2. After being presented his trophy, Cees commented; “Firstly I would like thank Colm and Dubai Duty Free for once again putting on a superb competition. My wife (Maria) and I have been coming to this event for many years now and to eventually have won this trophy is a huge honour for me.”
Two consistent rounds of golf, ensured Francisco Giles prevailed in the Men’s Division to be named the overall local champion after rounds of 34 and 35 points. Making the trip from abroad, the overall visitor winner was Dermot Davitt with a 2 day total of 75 points, dragging himself back into contention after his superb final round of 41 points. Elsewhere in the Men’s Division, Day 1 leaders, Ian Hill and Jihad El Sibai finished the overall runner up and 2nd runner up after two day totals of 72 & 69 respectfully.
In the Ladies Division, ensuring a double winning couple of days for the van Dooren Family, Maria prevailed to be crowned the overall local winner with a superb two day total of 48 whilst a total of 55 ensured victory in the overall visitor division for Chairmaine Bruwer. 54 points from Jennie Archer saw her pick up the overall runner-up prize, beating fellow competitor Vicki Smyth by just a single shot. Vicki was then awarded with the overall 2nd runner up prize for her excellent two days of golf.
In the Senior’s Division, Gunther Becker claimed the overall super super senior title after a very respectable two day total of 72 points. A score of 63 points meant Conor Bartley was awarded as the super senior winner whilst Peter Dige claimed the overall senior’s prize after an outstanding total of 73 points.
At Emirates Golf Club on day one, the Men’s Division saw some impressive performances. The most notable performances came from Michael McGinley who was awarded the best gross, Jonathan Holland who claimed day one’s 1st place and Dennis Marnane who claimed day one’s 2nd place. At Dubai Creek on day two, performances were equally as impressive, James Finnigan was awarded the best gross, James Kfouri day two 1st place and Jean-Stefan Camerini day two 2ndplace.
For the Ladies, it was Karen Mounib and Barbara Foley who were awarded the day one ladies title and runner up spot, whilst Imelda Gleeson claimed the day one best gross prize.
Naima Maya found herself at the top on day two and was presented with 1st place, whilst 2nd place on day two was awarded to Joan Legnar. A fantastic second day performance, meant that Amarjeet Radia was presented with the day two best gross prize.
On Day one, Barbara Foley, Gerry Crawford and Patrick Dorais showed great accuracy on the par 3’s and were all awarded in the nearest the pin competitions, whilst in the longest drive contest, Karen Mounib, Charmaine Bruwer, James Kfouri and Antoin Breen were awarded. On Day 2, Naima Maya, Joan Legnar, Michael McGinley and Khalid Al Halyan were awarded for their accurate tee shots in the nearest the pin prizes. Both longest drive prizes for the ladies were claimed by Naima Maya, whilst for the men it was Jean-Stafan Camerini who also claimed both. Sports Desk
