Fixture 1 of the Dubai Golf Summer Series 2013

The first round of the Dubai Golf Summer Series was played today at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. 

The series consists of four fixtures which are played between two of the local clubs in the Dubai Golf portfolio; Dubai Creek and Emirates. The stableford format always produces some fun competition and despite the ever increasing summer conditions the event was again a great success and boasted a full field of over 100 players.

The stunning Creek course was as ever in great condition and gave the players a chance to make a solid start to the series ahead of the 2nd fixture which will be on Friday 12th July over the Faldo course at EGC.  Dubai Creek member John Fellingham made the most of a home course advantage and took 1st place with a superb 37 stableford points.  After being presented his prize Fellingham commented; “The old boy did it.  I overcame the heat and humidity and am happy to have come out with a win.  I would like to say the usual thanks to everyone involved and I look forward to the upcoming fixtures.”  Finishing closely behind Fellingham in 2nd place with a solid 36 points was EGF member, Makita Takamasa. A further one shot back finishing 3rd was Creek member Dhruv Chopra, who made a very respectable 35 points to finish in the prizes.
Picking up the best gross prize was another Creek member Shezad Lakdawala, who made a superb gross points score of 38.  The ladies prize was won by young Aashaka Desai who put in a great performance and made 33 points to finish in top spot.  The junior division was slightly closer contested as two juniors, Mark Baxter & Montgomerie Stapleton finished tied on 37 points.  The winner was to be decided on a count-back and in the end it was Baxter who was just victorious over Stapleton on a better inward half.
John Fellingham also picked up the nearest the pin prize for his accurate tee shot into the tough par-3 8th hole.  Crag Strydom followed suit and picked up the nearest the pin prize on the par-3 14th.   
After conducting the prize presentation Dubai Creek’s Head Golf Professional Stephen Hubner commented; “It’s is extremely encouraging to be enjoying full fields for our events even in the summer.  It is a clear indication from our members and guests that they are enjoying their golf at Dubai Creek and I must thank today’s sponsor Ping for helping us deliver another successful competition.”