Dunn Takes Black Tee Challenge Crown at Emirates Golf Club

Simon Dunn carded a one under par 71 to clinch the Black Tee Challenge sponsored by Jumeirah. Trailing defending champion Joel Neale by three strokes heading into the final round Dunn, the 2003 and 2008 champion had his work cut out from the Championship tees of the Majlis course.

Commencing his round in the penultimate group of the match he started in the worst way possible with a double bogey six. He bounced back immediately with birdies on the second and third holes before giving a further shot back on the 5th to see him out in 36 strokes. A near flawless inward half saw him pick up birdies on the 10th, 13th and 18th with a bogey on the 425 yard 16th. His round of 71 following a 76 on the Faldo course saw him post a 147 winning tally of two over par.

Neale matched Dunn on the outward stretch in 36 blows but two lost balls on the 10th and 12th resulted in double bogeys. Despite birdies on the 14th and 17th he still needed an eagle on the last to force a play off but could only manage a par for a runners-up finish. Looking for a hat trick of victories Neale was pleased with his effort but a little disappointed.

Craig Forest signed for rounds of 73 and 76 for a 149 total, 4-over par, for a third place finish. Two further back was Philip Waine after consistent rounds of 77 and 75.

The Black Tee Challenge in its 14th year welcomed new sponsors Jumeirah. Christian Pertl the Vice President for Sales & Marketing of the Jumeirah Group, Dubai, added ‘The Black Tee Challenge has been a fantastic tournament and Jumeirah are proud to have been associated with this event’.

Other Prizes – Overall Net
1st    Sidney D’Souza (EGF)            72 & 75     147

2nd     John Gavin (Bandung Expat GC)    73 & 72    145

3rd    Connor Keegan (EGC)            70 & 74    144

Best Gross Round 1    Carl Palmlund        76

Best Gross Round 2    Pontus Fredriksson    74