Record Day at The Address Montgomerie Dubai International Pairs UAE Qualifier
The fifth Qualifier of the Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac 2012-13 season took place at The Address Montgomerie on Saturday with some notable firsts in the only series of it’s type in the region. This was the 39th tournament since International Pairs arrived in the UAE in 2010 and a field of 96 golfers ensured the biggest entry to date. It was only fitting that a stunning score of 48 points in the better-ball stableford format won the day, with so many pairs competing for a coveted spot in the 2013 National Final at Yas links in June. That was the standard set by Michael Thompson and James Haupt who both found their best form at the right time and produced the highest winning score since Bob Driver & Claire Warburton won at Sharjah Wanderers with 49 points in the 2010-11 series.
Haupt, who was playing in his first ever members event at The Address Montgomerie Dubai proved the perfect foil for Thompson. A mediocre start on their first hole, the tough 9th was soon put behind them as the duo, who only met each other on the day, produced a staggering back-9. A combination of two net eagles, five net birdies and two net pars gave them 27 points on the inward nine. They consolidated this with a solid return home to set their huge total of 48 points. Haupt was particularly impressive as the 16-handicapper fired no fewer than 4 gross birdies on the day. If this pair can find such form in the National Final, they will certainly be difficult to beat.
Four teams finished with 43 points and a countback was required to determine the runners-up spot. Thanks to 16 points in their last six holes, Paul Pitman & Keith Stacey emerged from the pack just edging Charlie Simpson & Kevin Thorley into 3rd. Unlucky to miss out on the overall prizes were Eun Joon & Ji Hun Song and Samantha & Richard Barron.
Richard Barron did have the consolation of winning nearest-the-pin on hole 8 where, had he been any closer, he would have made an ace while Keith Stacey’s effort on the ever-tricky 13th was the best of the day.
As usual, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Official Hotel partner of Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac, gave away a night’s stay at their stunning resort and this was won by Yang Yong Kyu while Graeme Henderson, Mark Calvert and Alexander Westwood all won a pair of Crocs golf shoes ensuring that the rest of their season will be extremely comfortable!
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.
