Kelly and Farrell book Dream International Pairs World Final Ticket
Ian Kelly & Denver Farrell of Arabian Ranches booked a dream trip to the International Pairs World Final on Friday with victory in the inaugural UAE National Final. Kelly & Farrell qualified for the Final in the very first Tech Access International Pairs UAE event in October 2010 and waited seven months for their chance to compete against pairs from fifteen other clubs but their patience paid off as they emerged just a point ahead of the chasing pack.
With an all-expenses luxury trip up for grabs, competition on the famous Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club course was fierce and trying to pick a pre-tournament favourite was impossible. Many eyes were on home representatives KJ Singh & Naresh Handa but a solid round tailed off towards the end as they came home with 39 points, two behind the winners but only good enough for fourth place. With high winds affecting all players, the ladies appeared to suffer the most as mixed pairings occupied the bottom three places, with only Claire Warburton and partner Bob Driver mounting a serious challenge that ultimately came up short on the difficult 18th hole.
Difficult weather conditions usually play into the hands of the better players and so it proved. Kelly & Farrell came into the event with the lowest combined handicap and their score of 41 points was a model of consistency throughout. Both players contributed in the better-ball format as they scored six net birdies including one on the 18th – possibly the toughest hole in the UAE. This experienced pair deserves their place in the World Final, which will be played at The Carrick on the shores of Loch Lomond, Scotland.
After finishing with a net eagle on their last hole, JW Choi and Roy Holmes from Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club came home with a commendable 40 points, which although good enough for second, was one behind the winners. Kevin Black and George Gourlay from The Els Club also scored 40 points but lost a countback over the last 6 holes and had to settle for third place.
Nearest-the-Pin prizes were won by Karen Mallinson (Al Hamra) and Geoff Neal (Jumeirah Golf Estates) for their efforts on holes 8 and 16 respectively.
Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac is sponsored by Tech Access, Cadillac, Diamond Developers, Emirates Healthcare Ltd. and partnered by Park Hyatt Dubai, Delwood, Nike Golf, Sport 360, Worldwide Golf and UAE Golf Online.
Photo: Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac 2011 Winners Ian Kelly and Denver Farrell of Arabian Ranches Golf Club
