Mark and Ingrid edge tight event at Tech Access International Pairs UAE Qualifier at Jumeirah Golf Estates
Mark & Ingrid Harris emerged from a condensed pack to claim the 10th berth in the National Final of 2013 Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac series. Mark & Ingrid will represent Jumeirah Golf Estates in the June finale at Yas Links after coming through a three-way tie for honours on the Earth Course thanks to their superior back-9. Just as Alan & Soumaya Salem won a 3-way countback at Emirates Golf Club in November, the Harris’ also scored 41 stableford points. They were matched over the course that hosts the DP World Tour Championship firstly by Jonathan Hall & Michelle Walsh and then by Brad Wylie & Nhoolat Thongdee.
With one of the UAE’s most difficult courses playing even tougher thanks to early morning damp and long rough, competition was destined to be tight. Jake Shepherd, winner of the 2011 MENA Golf Tour and sponsored by Cadillac was a special guest on the day.
As in 2012 when Giordano & Tania Gelasini won at JGE, mixed teams featured strongly at the top of the leaderboard, claiming all three podium places. Mark & Ingrid edged to victory by a solitary point from Jonathan & Michelle however, thanks to a strong homeward nine of 21 points. After an ordinary start that saw the Harris’ 2-over through 8 holes, they found their form and came home with five net birdies and a stunning net eagle from Mark on the difficult 3rd. Jonathan & Michelle’s card was a picture of consistency as they shared the workload evenly but ultimately came up a single stroke short. By contrast, Nhoolat, who was drafted in as a late replacement to partner Brad weighed in with 4 of their 6 birdies. But for a dropped shot at the short 13th, Nhoolat and Brad could have booked their trip to the capital in June.
Ingrid Harris added to her prize haul when she claimed Nearest the Pin on the 6th while Chloe Dillon claimed the same prize on the famous 17th hole. Chloe’s day got even better when she won a pair of Crocs golf shoes by Hank Haney, along with Tania Gelasini and Peter Goddard. David Gray, Managing Partner of DG Golf, regional distributors of Crocs Golf Shoes presented the latest shoes to hit the golf market.
At every event in the 2012-13 Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac series, partner hotel, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, has given away a complimentary stay and this was won by Annie Bauer.
Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac is also supported by Rivoli Group, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Mediclinic Middle East, Nike Golf, Crocs Golf, Sport 360, Worldwide Golf and UAE Golf Online. The winners from Jumeirah Golf Estates join the winners at Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Yas Links, Emirates Golf Club ,The Address Montgomerie Dubai, Al Hamra Golf Club, Tower Links Golf Club, Al Ghazal Golf Club and Al Badia Golf Club in the UAE National Final, to be played at Yas Links in June. The next Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac Qualifier will be played Jebel Ali Golf Resort for Emirates Golf Federation Handicap Scheme members on 7th March.
Main Photo: ‘Runners-up JGE’: International Pairs UAE Jumeirah Golf Estates Runners-up, Jonathan Hall & Michelle Walsh, pictured with PGA Professional, Mark Bull.
