Hall-mark of Success as Yas Links duo win 2012 International Pairs UAE National Final at home course
The 2012 Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac came to a conclusion on Friday 8th June as pairs representing 16 clubs in the UAE vied for a place in the World Final in Scotland. Playing at one of the country’s most prestigious venues, Yas Links, the National Final was keenly contested and the final result was decided at the last hole. With temperatures soaring into the 40s and humidity levels high, prayers for a cooling breeze eventually amounted to a challenging, hot wind just to test the players even more. Fitness became a key factor and several pairs saw their challenge fade early in the day.
As expected in many quarters, the 2012 series came down to a pair of talented juniors. 16-year old 5-handicapper Ronan Hall held home advantage as he and his father looked to repeat their qualifier success on one of the most difficult courses in the region. Playing alongside the Emirates Golf Club pairing of Trevor Varri and Conor Keegan, who is also 16 and plays to a 4 handicap, these teams embarked on a battle that went to the wire. By the time they reached their last hole, they were tied and the rest of the field was beaten. A courageous net birdie by the experienced Walter settled the duel and the Halls booked their tickets to the home of golf.
Walter and Ronan did not have a comfortable ride however and found themselves behind early in the piece before a stunning run of nine net birdies in ten holes from the fifth led to a 4-shot cushion with four to play, a seemingly unassailable lead. But the notoriously difficult home stretch saw Keegan and Varri storm back into contention while the Halls wobbled a little. The final hole of the day was the first so with tension in the air it all came down to the experience of the man who describes himself as ‘comfortably the worst player in his family’ as his calm par, net birdie settled matters.
Although Varri and Keegan just missed out on the top prize, they should be justifiably proud of their effort. Keegan, in particular was easily the standout player of the day as his gross score of 75 was just reward for the time and effort he puts into his practice.
It was testament to the quality of golf played by the two top pairs that the nearest challengers trailed by four stableford points. 37 was by no means a poor score as Keith Nann and Colin Gow from Al Badia Golf Club claimed 3rd place. Their scorecard was notable for its contrasting halves as they failed to build on their back-9 of 21 points completing the outward nine with 16 points.
Nearest the Pin prizes were contested on holes 8 and 17 and Tania Gelasini (Jumeirah Golf Estates) and Tony Grayling (Arabian Ranches Golf Club) took the honours.
Photo: 2011-12 International Pairs UAE Champions Walter & Ronan Hall, pictured with Chris Cornelius, Senior Vice-President of Sales, TechAccess
