Salama Dubai Creek Senior’s Open 2012 at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
The Salama Dubai Creek Senior’s Open 2012 took place over the Eid holiday weekend. It was the first time that the event has been contested over 36 holes and it was clear the change was welcomed by the players as over 100 golfers over the age of 50 from all over the UAE and some from abroad took part.
After two difficult days on the stunning creekside course, it was Dubai Creek’s very own John Fellingham who was crowned champion after rounds of 74 and 75 gave him a 36-hole total of 149. In second place was Emirates Golf Club member Rene Larsen who finished just one shot behind, and in third place was another Creek member Mr D Y Yoon who finished on 154.
On the opening day, windy conditions and lightening fast greens made scoring tricky and meant that only four players managed to break the 80 barrier. Fellingham was at the top of the leaderboard after his excellent round of 3-over par 74 which led Larsen and Martin Hunt by three strokes. Fellingham and Larsen were paired together for the final round and it quickly became clear that it was likely to be a two horse race. Larsen played some fine golf to close the gap to just one stroke of a very steady Fellingham with three holes to play. Fellingham faltered for the first time on the 17th with a double bogey 6, but Larsen couldn’t capitalise as his putting let him down with three putts on both the 16th and 17th. When Fellingham hit his drive on the tough 18th into the sandy waste area it looked like Larsen may very well have a chance to force a playoff or even leapfrog into the winner’s position.
However, Fellingham showed nerves of steel by hitting a superb rescue club onto the middle of the green and then two putts was just enough to clinch the title. After being presented his prize Fellingham commented; “I would firstly like to say a big thank you to Salama Islamic Insurance for all of their support in making this event such a success. Also great credit must go to our Club Captain Ara Nakhnikian who has worked very hard in creating this two day event which can only get bigger and better with the same hard work and continued support from Salama. Another big thank you to Matthew Perry and his team who consistently have the course at its best, and this weekend was no exception.”
In the net division, it was Dubai Creek member Balvinder Sindhu who was crowned champion after scores of 71 and 65 gave him a 36-hole total of 136, four strokes ahead of Paul Judson and fellow Creek member Ashok Kumar.
The General Manager of Salama Islamic Insurance Mr Rafiq Halani was on hand to present the prizes and commented; “Salama is the proud sponsor of the Salama Dubai Creek Seniors Open which is the first 36 hole seniors event at Dubai Creek. We are committed to support such events in the future.”
