20th Dubai Duty Free Golf Cup at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club was the host venue for the 20th edition of the prestigious Dubai Duty Free Golf Cup. Over 100 players made up a competitive field who braved the soaring temperatures which made for tough conditions. Included in the starting line-up were three past champions; Khalid Al Halyan ( 1994), Craig McBride (2002) and Francisco Giles (2008).
In the end it was Italian golfer Marino Chiarentin who was crowned champion after a superb score of 41 stableford points gave him a two shot victory. Chiarentin, who was clearly delighted with his achievement, thanked Dubai Duty Free and Dubai Creek for their efforts and added; “I will become a member here now!”
The battle for the Men’s Division was a closely contested affair with both Mohammad Al Musharrekh and Sergy D’Souza finishing on 39 points. However, it was UAE National player Al Musharrekh who came out on top after the count-back of the back nine holes. Picking up third place was American golfer Patrick Morrow who managed 37 points.
As always with the Dubai Duty Free events there was a category for the senior players (50yrs+). With an excellent performance, scoring 38 points and topping this division was another Creek member Shashi Raghavan.
Commenting on the Dubai Duty Free Golf Cup, Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free said: “The annual Dubai Duty Free Golf Cup has been running for 20 years and the tournament has grown quite popular every year and always attracted golfers from different clubs. Thanks to my team at Dubai Duty Free and to the Dubai Creek for organizing this great event and look forward to seeing you all next year.”
The best gross performance of the day came from one of the junior players. Up and coming Creek talent, 12 year-old Rayhan John Thomas played some wonderful golf to produce 35 gross stableford points. The trophy for the junior category winner went to another on-form Creek youngster Rishi Nair who scored 38 points.
The ladies division produced another multiple winner for the season with Henna Jodha winning yet another trophy at her home club with 36 points. H.H Choi collected the runner-up prize with 34 points and it was Carmel King who finished in third place a further two strokes back with 32 points.
At the awards ceremony Dubai Creek’s Head Golf Professional Stephen Hubner said; “On behalf of Dubai Creek I would like to thank all of you for coming along and spending the day with us. It has been a real pleasure to host you. Of course our thanks as always go to Dubai Duty Free for inviting us to host this wonderful event on the 20th anniversary and for their continued support of golf in the region.”
To mark the 20th anniversary of the tournament, extra prizes were raffled off to all players to win a ticket to Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise promotions, to enter into a draw for a chance to win US$ 1 million and a Luxury Car. A whooping Dubai Duty Free Gift Voucher worth Dhs.2,000 was won by a junior golfer.
