Flemming and Nolte Clinch last available Berth in UAE International Pairs National Final
The Qualifying series for the 2011-12 Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac came to a conclusion on Friday 4th May as a full field of members at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club battled for the last berth in this year’s National Final.
As summer began in earnest at one of the UAE’s best kept golfing secrets, the going was tough as temperatures reached 45 degrees and the competition came down to endurance. Eventually, it was the pairing of Mike Flemming & Carel Nolte who emerged victorious, albeit by a solitary point.
The better-ball stableford format obviously suited the experienced duo as they came in with a stunning score of 46. This was thanks mainly to a back-9 of 25, which was easily the best of the day. With the UAE National Final fast approaching, Flemming & Nolte will arrive in good form although a more difficult test of golf at Yas Links will be waiting for them.
Two pairs finished tied on 45 points but Stephen Thornton & Robert Shedden’s back-9 of 24 points clinched the runners-up spot for them from Richard Ellis & Jason Generally who fired a brilliant 23 on their front-9 but couldn’t match it on the inward half.
Adam Suski and Ruth Langer won prizes for ‘Nearest-the-Pin’ on holes 7 and 17 respectively.
Last year’s winners at Al Ain, Andre Heyns & Larry Benson scored a commendable 42 points, which gave them a finish of tied-8th but in the end, the 2012 National Final will feature only player who played in the inaugural event as Phil Mallinson from Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras al Khaimah will try to take advantage of his experience in the event. The National Final will feature mixed pairings and two juniors.
The Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club was the 16th and final qualifier in the 2011-12 series. Mike Flemming & Carel Nolte join representatives from Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Els Club, Yas Links, Emirates Golf Club, Al Hamra Golf Club, Tower Links Golf Club, The Montgomerie Dubai, Al Ghazal Golf Club, Al Badia Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Emirates Golf Federation, Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club, Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club and Dubai Creek who have already secured berths in the National Final.
Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac is also supported by Diamond Developers, Acuma Wealth Management, Cansco, Rivoli Group, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, City & Welcare Hospitals, Royal Caribbean International, Nike Golf, 7Days, Worldwide Golf and UAE Golf Online.
Photo: Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club Qualifier winners, Mike Flemming & Carel Nolte pictured with Club Captain, Jim Muirhead.
