Emirates Summer Open: Davis wins playoff

Emirates Summer Open: Davis wins playoff

It was a great day for Christopher Davis (Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club) as he clinched a dramatic playoff win in the Emirates Summer Open from defending champion Matthew Turner (Emirates GC) and Sebastian Heisele (Emirates GC).

The opening round over the Wadi by Faldo course produced three level par scores of 73 from Davis, Turner and Andy Andrews (DCGYC). Sean Thornberry (EGC) carded a 74 to secure a place in the final group over the Majlis course. Heisele recorded a 75 on day one leaving him two shots adrift of the leaders in the 36-hole championship.

The final round was close with only two shots separating the leaders as they headed on to the back nine. Davis kept his nerve as he fired a mid-iron to eight feet to seal the issue on the 18th.

Brush up, or even begin

The best way to brush up your game, or even to start playing if you are an outright beginner, is to take a series of lessons from your local PGA Professional. One of the most affordable places to do this is at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club’s Golf Academy where for example, a package of 10 one-on-one lessons can cost as little as Dh960. The club has deals also for seven- and five-lesson packages, or you can pick from a menu of individual lessons to sort out that nagging swing glitch. Contact head teaching pro David Condon at the club on 06-548 7777 or e-mail info@golfandshootingshj.com. For more details visit the club’s website at : www.golfandshootingshj.com

Corporate team fly uae flag

Four Dubai golfers are currently flying the UAE flag in La Manga, Spain, in the Diners Club World Corporate Golf Challenge.

The Gulf Extrusions team consisting of Martin Lambert, Robert Holtkamp, Sheena Holtkamp and Jacqui Allinson earned their place at the world event by winning the local leg at The Montgomerie Dubai.

But the quartet face an even battle against the best of the corporate world in the two-day tournament which ends today.

Lambert also played at the La Manga event last year. He said: "When we played last year, two of the Portuguese guys had played the year before as well and Portugal went on to beat South Africa on the last day."

"This year one of the things that we’re considering is that we’re going out there to actually try and win the thing rather than just go out there to make up the numbers. We’ve got a very strong side this year and we’re very confident. Sheena and Jacqui are two of the best lady players in the UAE and we’ve got Rob who’s pretty good as well."

Golf radar: on a course near you

UGA move house

The United Arab Emirates Golf Association (UGA) have moved their offices from Emirates Golf Club to the clubhouse at Arabian Ranches Golf Club. The UGA is the governing body for amateur golf and administers the Order of Merits for Men, Women and Juniors. It also runs the highly successful and acclaimed Junior Development Programme and the Handicap Scheme, whereby golfers who are not members of clubs can have a registered handicap and play in tournaments. The UGA hopes to have boxes in all golf clubs soon, where members can drop in scorecards for handicap adjustment. Their new telephone number is 04-368 4988. The e-mail address remains info@ugagolf.com

Top ranches team

The team of Holly Burrow (14) and Myles O’Sullivan (6) scored a nett 68 for the round of the day to win the Mackenzie Macmillan Greensomes Strokeplay Tournament at Arabian Ranches Golf Club. The winning card was the equivalent of a gross 76 with a brilliant back nine of 33, three under, with an eagle on 13 and birdies on 15 and 16.