New records set in the RAK Mixed Golf Open

The 4th annual RAK Mixed Open took centre stage at Al Hamra Golf Club on the first weekend in May. A fantastic weekend of weather and golf prevailed as some of the finest men and women golfers in the region battled it out over the links in very blustery conditions.

The two day tournament was kindly sponsored and supported by Al Hamra Golf Club’s new management company Banyan Tree who provided player gift packs, many tremendous prizes for the winners and a sumptuous presentation buffet and Scorpio Golf who co-sponsored the event.

The Mixed Open’s format was Betterball Strokeplay with the team who carded the best overall net score being crowned the 2010 Champions. The three previous Mixed Open’s had been won by Al Hamra team pairings, which was a run that was going to be ended by the close of play on the second day.

Winners of the Gross Division, Craig McGuire and Leslie Mullen battled hard over the two days to record two rounds of 74 and 73 which gave them a 147 total. Their superb display not only allowed them to claim the Overall Gross Title but gave them 10 shot victory over their nearest rivals. For their efforts Mullen and McGuire were each rewarded with a voucher for the newly opened Saffron restaurant at Banyan Tree Al Wadi. For the second year running Eric Engelbrecht and Rita Hicks claimed second place in the Gross Division after two very good rounds that gave them a 157 gross total. Six shots further back and finishing in third place was Karen and Phil Mallinson after two consistent rounds gave them a 163 total.

Third place in the Net Division was resolved on a count back between the teams of Victor Husband and Angel Kammer, and Kelly and Susie Dagless with the latter just coming out trumps by warrant of final day 63. Both teams finished with a final total of 129 net which was testament to the quality of golf produce by the field over the weekend. In second place and finishing as tournament runners-up was the Al Hamra pairing of Donnie and Cindy Rials who finished 1 shot better off with a net total of 128. Team Rials had started day two as the outright tournament leaders following an awesome 61 net on day 1 which was duely helped by Donnie’s best ever round of 87 on the Al Hamra course, however, unfortunately it was not meant to be for the couple who are set to leave the UAE in early June to head back to America.

The overall winners and 4th RAK Mixed Open Champions 2010, Paul and Annie Marriot, claimed their award and the accolades in style as they beat the rest of the field by a clear 4 shots. Following on from a 62 net on day 1 the former Al Hamra members repeated the feat on day 2 by finishing with two 62’s and an outstanding net total of 124 for the two days, which by far eclipses any previous winning scores in RAK Mixed Open. As reward for their endeavors and hard work out on the golf course they were presented with a complimentary 1 nights stay at the Banyan Tree Al Wadi resort.

The team gross and net day awards were collected on day 1 by Louis and Muriel Gosselin for their steady 83 gross and Victor and Angela Kammer for a superb 65 net. On day 2, Cathy and Jeff Feron claimed the gross award with a strong score of 82 and James and Diane Brown took the net award with an excellent 63.

Upon claiming the Mixed Open crown former Al Hamra member PJ Marriot said: “The golf course was in incredible condition this weekend, the best I have personally seen it and for that great credit must go to Blair Smith and his team. My thanks must go to our playing partners over the weekend who kept us going towards the end and to Banyan Tree the sponsors of the tournament, whose contributions have made it a thoroughly enjoyable and exciting couple of days.”  

“Al Hamra Golf Club is exceptionally proud to hold yet another successful Mixed Open and to have Banyan Tree onboard to sponsor and support the event,” said Andrew Pilfold, Al Hamra’s Director of Golf. “Congratulations must go to Annie and Paul Marriot for such a splendid and consistent weekend of golf, and also to everybody who took part and making the event such as success.”