Haneef Rabban and Maajid Mushtaq Madni crowned the 2nd SAIF Zone Ultimate Pairs Champions at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club

The pairing of Haneef Rabban and Maajid Mushtaq Madni of the EGF were crowned the 2nd SAIF Zone Ultimate Pairs Champions at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club over the weekend by virtue of a stellar display in the events 4th and final round.

The Indian pair were tied for the overnight lead with the father and daughter combination George and Georgina Lui on net 3 under par having negotiated the Texas Scramble and Greensomes formats in net 32 and 37 respectively.  Close on the two leading pairs heels on 2 under par were PGA Professional Trevor Marshal and low handicapper Hassan Yazdi (both SGSC) and Abdul Moiz Khan and Haneef Sallie (both SGSC) with  the father-in-law and son-in-law combination of John Gould and Mike O’Neil (both SGSC) on -1 and the Arabian Ranches pairing of Daryl Blanchard and Andre Coetzee on level par.
 
On day 2 the format changed to Betterball and Foursomes.  The Lui’s were in strong contention until the last few holes with Khan and Sallie struggling as soon as they switched to Foursomes.  As the leaders approached the last 3 holes the only pairs who could really exert any pressure were Marshal/Yazdi and Gould/ O’Neil.  Gould & O’Neil who have never been more than 1 over par managed to set a 36 hole clubhouse total of 143 (-1) and could only sit and wait to see if the leading pair could negotiate SGSC’s treacherous closing stretch unscathed in order to win.
 
Rabban and Madni showed signs of nerves missing all the greens and fairways over their last 3 holes, including the water on the fearsome par 3 17th hole, but some inspired chipping by Rabani and clutch putting by Madni saw them home in 140 for a 3 shot triumph.

 
At the presentation the Champions praised the events unique format and excellent organisation, the condition of the course and sponsors The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone.