2012 International Pairs UAE heading for thrilling Finale
The 2012 edition of Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac is heading towards another tight finish as teams from 16 clubs around the UAE are preparing for this year’s National Final, which will be played at one of the UAE’s most prestigious venues, Yas Links, in Abu Dhabi. This is the second year of International Pairs UAE after a successful first season that saw Ian Kelly & Denver Farrell from Arabian Ranches Golf Club go through to the 2011 International Pairs World Final in Scotland. Yas Links will provide a stern test of golf and this year’s winners will have to produce their best golf on 8th June when high temperatures will combine with the reputation of the picturesque Kyle Phillips layout as a tough course to master.
In contrast to the inaugural National Final in 2011, juniors will potentially play a prominent role in 2012 as 16-year olds, Ronan Hall and Conor Keegan will look to emphasise the ongoing success of junior golf across the country. Both players boast low handicaps and play most of their golf on courses renowned for their level of difficulty. Ronan, who qualified at Yas Links with his father, Walter, will hope that home advantage is key while Conor’s experience on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club will be invaluable as he and partner, Trevor Varri enter the fray.
The distinct advantage held by ladies will also come to the fore as the teams from The Montgomerie Dubai, Tower Links, Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates are all mixed pairs.
As well as competing in the National Final, the winning pair from each Qualifier will stay at one of the UAE’s newest resorts, the stunning Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, which will also host the International Pairs UAE Awards Dinner that evening. This will be attended by the finalists, sponsors and invited guests. This beautiful resort, which is positioned on a 9-kilometre stretch of environmentally protected beach, opened in November 2011 and has exceeded expectations already. With 306 rooms, suites and villas Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is suited to both leisure and business travellers. With such an illustrious partners as Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac leads the way in competitive amateur golf in the country. General Manager of Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Stuart Deeson commented: “We are very excited about our partnership with International Pairs UAE. Being a golfer myself, I could not have hoped for a better location for our hotel, facing the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club course, surrounded by the majestic wild beauty of a natural island. We are looking forward to welcoming the winning pairs and will ensure that everyone enjoys a memorable stay in our resort”.
2012 National Final Qualifiers
Arabian Ranches Golf Club Bob Fletcher & Andy Grayling
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Hasan Mousa Al Qamzi & Sami Ghandour
The Els Club Mark Thompson & Gerhardt Pretorius
Yas Links Walter & Ronan Hall
Emirates Golf Club Trevor Varri & Conor Keegan
Al Hamra Golf Club Phil Mallinson & Ivan Kraemer
Tower Links Golf Club Johan & Manilyn Buxmann
The Montgomerie Dubai Tom & Pia Johansson
Al Ghazal Golf Club Ramesh Emmanuel & Rene Valencia
Al Badia Golf Club Keith Nann & Colin Gow
Jumeirah Golf Estates Giordano & Tania Gelasini
Emirates Golf Federation Peter Menelaou & Garreth Estment
Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club Jin Man Lee & Young Park
Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club Dave Summerson & Paul Napper
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Joseph Andrade & Vinay Mehra
Al Ain Equestrian, Golf & Shooting Club Carel Nolte & Mike Flemming
