Nann and Gow Blow Field away at the Al Badia Golf Club
The 10th Qualifier of the 2011-12 Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac was played in gale-force winds at one of Dubai’s premier golfing venues, Al Badia Golf Club on Friday 3rd February. Despite the presence of winds more likely to be found in Scotland, where the eventual winners of the UAE National Final will play the 2012 World Final, scoring was outstanding with no fewer than eight pairs finishing below par in the better-ball format.
When Peter & Corrine Martin returned a superb score of 43 stableford points, it seemed unlikely that it would be bettered but Keith Nann & Colin Gow, who were playing together for the first time, had other ideas. Standing on the 17th tee, effectively seven points behind the clubhouse leaders, Gow finished his round with two birdies, both of which were net eagles, thus securing eight points and victory by a solitary point. The newly formed team put a brilliant card together as they both contributed throughout. Bogey-free all day and with four net birdies before the stunning finish from Gow, their place in June’s National Final is well-deserved. While consistency was the main feature of the winners’ round, in contrast, Peter & Corrine combined holes of brilliance with as many that cost them in the end. Nine net birdies and a net eagle were unfortunately off-set by too many bogeys although with six of those birdies coming in their final seven holes, they gave themselves every chance.
HS Park & Richard Kim played consistently in the conditions but their excellent score of 42 points was only good enough to secure third place. Park & Kim also managed to get round without a bogey but couldn’t find the birdies when they needed them. Yulia Savina and Mark Fitzpatrick won prizes for their long drives on holes 9 and 12 for ladies and gents respectively.
The Al Badia Golf Club International Pairs UAE Qualifier was the 10th in the 2011-12 series. Keith Nann & Colin Gow join representatives from Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Els Club, Yas Links, Emirates Golf Club, Al Hamra Golf Club, Tower Links Golf Club, The Montgomerie Dubai and Al Ghazal 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.
Main Photo: International Pairs UAE Al Badia Golf Club Qualifier winners, Keith Nann & Colin Gow, pictured with Tim Neil.
