Ulsterman Kevin Barrett wins the Luckiest Ball on Earth competition
Dubai-based Ulsterman Kevin Barrett will line up alongside the biggest names in world golf in next month’s Rolex Pro Am, curtain raiser for the Dubai World Championship, presented by DP World, after winning the Grand Final of the Luckiest Ball on Earth competition.
The nine-handicapper from Arabian Ranches secured his place in the field by scoring 40 Stableford points at the host Earth course, Jumeirah Golf Estates to edge out Dylan Fjellstrom (38 points) representing Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa with Alan Salem of Emirates Golf Club in third on 37.
It’s a win that means the 41 year-old from Belfast will take his place in the Rolex Pro-Am at the Earth course on December 6. And while it will be the first time he has played in such an event, he won’t exactly be among strangers.
“My home golf club in Northern Ireland is actually Hollywood Golf Club, which is also the home course of Rory McIlroy,” said Barrett, after winning the event staged in association with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF). “I played with Rory just once but that was a long time ago.”
Yet despite sharing something in common with the World Number Two, it’s not McIlroy that is Barrett’s ideal professional partner.
“If I could choose anyone to play with it would be Darren Clarke,” he said. “Like me, he’s from Northern Ireland but he’s also the Open Champion so to play with him would be amazing. But I’m just delighted to have qualified and it will be a wonderful experience no matter whose team I’m in.”
An opening back nine of 22 points followed by 18 over the front nine was more than enough to give Barrett a date with the stars but in a twist that befits the name of the tournament, the champion admitted he was lucky to even be in the final.
“I actually finished runner-up in the qualifying event at the Arabian Ranches so I only made it into the Grand Final because our winner Andy Burrow was unable to play. It was unfortunate for him but certainly lucky for me!”
Also among the prizes was Andy Scanlan from Arabian Ranches who won the Nearest the Pin prize on the 17th hole, while Sharjah Wanderers’ Mick Barron claimed Longest Drive on the ninth.
“Everyone enjoyed playing the Earth course in such excellent condition,” said Colin Smith, European Tour Director – International Business Development Middle East and Asia.
“Our congratulations go to all the players who made it to the Grand Final and especially to Kevin who we look forward to seeing in the Rolex Pro-Am when the top 60 players in The Race to Dubai are in Dubai for the grand finale of The European Tour season.”
