Driver and Warburton too Hot at International Pairs Sharjah Wanderers debut
In its first visit to the Northern Emirates, the latest Tech Access International Pairs Qualifier took place in steamy conditions at Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club on Saturday 25th March. As members of of the historic club, renowned for its challenging sand course, took to the links in pleasant morning temperatures, these didn’t last long and they soon found themselves struggling in summer-like weather. Struggling that is, except for Bob Driver and Claire Warburton who played unbeatable golf as they returned the best score in the 2010-11 International Pairs UAE series so far.
Apparently not put off by the soaring temperatures, Driver and Warburton turned that heat on their rivals as they came home with an amazing better-ball stableford score of 49 points. An outstanding score anywhere, this was especially good on a course that has brought many better golfers to their knees over the last 40 years. Although Driver modestly lauded his partner, his score was required on almost half their card, which featured four net eagles and six net birdies. Warburton was most impressive however and if she can maintain her form, this could be the pair to look out for in the inaugural International Pairs UAE National Final in May when they will compete with players from every club in the UAE for an all-expenses luxury trip to Scotland for the International Pairs World Final.
With only second place to play for, wily veteran Malcolm Tennant and his talented wife, Marion, played superbly for 43 points, which, interestingly, would have been good enough to win seven of the previous eight qualifiers in the series. The Tennant’s card was a model of consistency with nines of 21 and 22 points and no score worse than a net par but they will have to wait another year for their chance! In nine Tech Access International Pairs UAE events this season, a husband / wife combination is yet to claim the top prize but Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club produced one in third to go with the Tennants in second. Steve and Jane Higson played excellent golf and returned a score of 41 points, edging Euan Smyile and Susan Baron by countback over the last six holes when Steve’s birdie on the long 14th proved the difference.
As usual, there were two Nearest-the-Pin prizes on offer, on the 8th and 11th holes and these went to Greg Hosking and Claire Warburton, who both went on to make their birdies as well!
This was the ninth Qualifying event in the 2010-11 Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac. Bob Driver and Claire Warburton join representatives from Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, The Montgomerie Dubai, Al Ghazal Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, The Els Club and Emirates Golf Club whose names are already in the National Final draw. The next Qualifying event is on 8th April when International Pairs UAE pays its final visit to the capital and members of Tas Links will have the opportunity to be involved in the only Club Members’ international event in the UAE. International Pairs UAE is sponsored by Tech Access, Cadillac, Diamond Developers, Emirates Healthcare Ltd. and partnered by Park Hyatt Dubai, Delwood, Nike Golf, Sport 360, Worldwide Golf and UAE Golf Online.
