‘The Rest of the World’ Team Takes Titles in the President’s Cup Challenge at Al Badia Golf Club

Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City held ‘The Presidents Cup’. This was the first one to be played with both teams fighting it out to have their name engraved on the beautiful crystal cup. The two teams were America & Europe vs The Rest of the World. It was a tightly fought contest and certainly came down to the wire.

With both teams fielding 30 players it was crucial that each pair did what they could for the team. The format for the day was Pairs Betterball Matchplay. The golf course was set up in fine condition for the event and with the wind up it would prove to be a good test.
There were a few standout pairings with Sulafa and Adel Hamdan winning their match 7 and 5 for Rest of the World and Steve Kelshaw and Mike Groves winning 8 and 7. Jon and Lynn Cimino who are normally an unbeatable pairing were surprisingly beaten 5 and 4 by Mark Adams and Ian Milligan.
The final result was America & Europe 7 ½ - Rest of the World 8 ½ . There was a huge roar in Spikes restaurant at the presentation as the winning team was announced. The trophy was then received by the winning team.
There were on course prizes for both men and ladies. The men’s division winners on the day were Andrew Frost for his longest drive. He made a drive of 75 yards in the 12th green. Adel Hamden won nearest the pin on the 7th hole hitting to 7 ft.
Janine Hadley took the Ladies longest drive down the 9th with an impressive hit which surpassed a huge drive from Lynn Cimino. The Ladies Nearest the Pin was won by Sulafa Hamden on the 11th. It was also Sulafa’s birthday so an all-round good day for the birthday girl.

Picture: The Rest of the World Team