Mallinson Defends Al Hamra International Pairs UAE Title at Al Hamra
The Al Hamra Golf Club 2011-12 International Pairs UAE Qualifier witnessed its first successful defence of a club title albeit with only half of the 2010-11 winning team earning a place in this season’s finale.
Phil Mallinson, who won last year’s Al Hamra event with his wife, Karen, joined forces with Ivan Kraemer to guide him to victory by a solitary stableford point from Jae Koh & Andy Spavin. After a creditable showing in the inaugural Tech Access International Pairs UAE National Final Presented by Cadillac, Mallinson’s golf took a backseat due to injury and having only recently returned to the course, his expectations for a repeat of his previous performance were not high. But the adage “beware the injured golfer” proved the case as he & Kraemer stormed home with 24 points on the back-9 for a total of 42. Five net birdies and a net eagle on the inward nine alone were the highlight as the winning duo forced Koh & Spavin into the runners-up position. Koh & Spavin were in fact 4 points clear of Mallinson & Kraemer at the turn but they weren’t able to sustain their front-9 form and came up just short.
Third place was secured by husband & wife pairing Donnie & Cindy Rials who scored 37 points. Unfortunately, steady scoring was never going to be good enough to win but the Rials will doubtless be back for a third attempt next year!
Nearest-the-pin prizes were on offer and veteran Bill Grosser prevailed on hole 7 while overall champion Phil Mallinson took the honours on the 11th.
The Al Hamra Golf Club International Pairs UAE Qualifier was the 6th in the 2011-12 series. Phil Mallinson & Ivan Kraemer join representatives from Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Els Club, Yas Links and Emirates Golf Club 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: International Pairs UAE Al Hamra Golf Club Qualifier winners, Phil Mallinson & Ivan Kraemer, pictured with Karl Rowe.
