Sana Tufail crowned the 28th Ladies Open Champion at Al Ghazal Golf Club

Plus 1 handicapper SANA TUFAIL takes the NBAD Dhow Trophy by an impressive 8 shots from runner up Kavita Sehmi [Emirates Golf Club].  After a disappointing score of 78 on the Friday, Sana came back with a one under par 71 on the final round to blow away the opposition with a total 149.

It was obvious that Sana was on a mission with 4 birdies and 2 bogeys with the remainder playing to par on her card, she proved that the first round score was well in the past and getting down to her usual game was the only way to go!  Kavita was unable to hold Sana, but still held on to second place with a total 157 [77 & 80], ‘we expect great things in the future from Kavita’ said 2010 winner Angela Scurr who managed to scrape in to third place two shots behind on 166.  Fourth place and a further two shots behind on 168 was new comer Sharon Nicoline-Hall from Yas Links Golf Club with AGGC’s Anina Bester on 170 taking fifth place.  Best First Day gross went to Lizette Breytenbach on 82 and best Second Day gross went to Anastasia Bakal [Emirates Golf Federation] on 85.  Most improved gross player over the weekend was AGGC’s Lady Captain Deborah Castle.

The top prize Nett Division went to popular winner Marion Tennant from Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club scoring a total nett 147; second place went to long time supporter of sand golf Anne Hornby from Abu Dhabi Golf Club on 149 winning on count back from third placed Sandra Grenet [Emirates Golf Federation].  Best nett First and Second days went to Heba Wei [AGGC] 73 and Ashley Anderson [EGC] 72.

The subsidiary Stableford competition was once again won by Yvonne Bolton-Grant [SWGC] two shots less than last time with a total of 81 points [43 & 38].  One point behind on 80 points was Susan Baron from Emirates Golf Federation, with Kate Davies from AGGC taking third place on 68 points.  Best First and Second day winners were Anne Fasfous and Mandie Gray both from SWGC on 40 and 31 points respectively.

Other subsidiary prizes went to Sandy Meyer, Anina Bester and Sana Tufail for nearest the pins and longest drives.

Mrs. Dina Al Khoury, Assistant Manager - Events & Communication – Corporate Communications Department kindly presented all the prizes on behalf of National Bank of Abu Dhabi with the assistance of Club Captain Peter McManus with Lady Captain Deborah Castle announcing the prize winners.

Sana in her acceptance speech thanked National Bank of Abu Dhabi for their 27 years of support of Ladies Sand Golf and hoped that they will continue to keep the tradition going and reminded everyone that as the U.A.E. celebrates 40th year, Sand Golf has also been going that long and is very much alive and kicking in the U.A.E!


Photograph: L/C Marion Tenant [Nett Winner], Dina Al Khoury [NBAD Sponsor], Sana Tufail 2011 Champion, Lady Captain Deborah Castle and Stableford Winner Yvonne Bolton-Grant.