James Ritchie fired a remarkable 44 points to claim the Dubai Duty Free—Mark Fahy Memorial Golf Tournament, hosted by the Dubai Irish Golf Society (DIGS) at Dubai Hills Golf Club.

Dubai Duty Free have supported this event since the first one in 2005 and have supported the Dubai Irish Golf Society event which runs in memory of Mark Fahy, a prominent figure within the Irish community here in Dubai before sadly losing his battle with cancer.

In a full-field event that saw 96 participants take on the Dubai Hills challenge, James Ritchie posted nines of 26 and 18 points, respectively, in an impressive scoring event where 13 players carded 36 points or better, with four players returning with 40+ points. James finished one point ahead of the Men’s Division winner, Anthony Stroud, who scored 43 points in an excellent round where he racked up seven net birdies and one net eagle. This would result in a one point winning margin for the runner-up, Eoin Sheridan, who scored 42 points. Jonathan Duggan settled for third place after returning his scorecard with 39 points.

Annual event

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free along with Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President – Marketing, were in attendance to present the winners with their trophies.

Commenting on the success of the tournament, Colm McLoughlin said, ‘We are delighted to see this annual golf event continue to grow and develop year on year. It is also great to see new and existing members playing at an event that remembers Mark Fahy, a good friend of Dubai Duty Free and the Irish community. Thanks to the new DIGS Captain Kieran Harte, my team at Dubai Duty Free, and Dubai Hills Golf Club for making this year’s event so enjoyable.’

Richard Cole took home the Gross Winner’s Trophy and a fine round of 71, which would see him beat Jonathan Duggan on a count-back after returning at level par, 36, for the last 9 holes. Laura Kirkham was crowned champion of the Ladies’ Division after a stellar round of 42 points. This saw Tracey Hempenstall settle for second with 25 points. Kieran Harte, Captain of the Dubai Irish Golf Society, praised the continued support of Dubai Duty Free, the society members, and all participants in the event and looks forward to hosting many more in the future.