Forty-six Jumeriah Golf Estates colleagues paired up with members in a Pairs Texas Scramble event over the Earth course. Colleagues represented the food and beverage, agronomy, and golf operations departments.

For many, it was the first time playing a full 18 holes. The event was a great success and a fantastic way for members and colleagues to socialize with one another.

Male golfers played from the signature tee markers, with ladies playing from the orange tee markers. The format was a Pairs Texas Scramble, and handicapping was a combination of 35% from the lowest to 15% of the highest in the pair.

The competition was won for the second year in a row by Marc Begg (member) and golf operations member Abhishek Rana. They scored a great round of net 61 (11 under par). The pair had five birdies on the front nine with a run of three just before the turn. They picked up five birdies and a net eagle on the back nine. A particular scoring highlight of their round was the run of form they had as they passed through the ‘Dubai Amen Corner’, securing birdies on hole 16 and 17, with a net eagle on hole 18.

The runners-up by one shot were Kieran Casey and Bhupendra Thapa. This was determined through a count-back with Daisy Tuliao (member) and Julius Arado (Golf operations team), who scored a net 62. Casey complemented Thupa’s game and highlighted his amazing golfing abilitymfrom 150 yards.

There were several fun on-course special events for the 92 participants to compete for. Daniel Bloodworth won the straightest drive with a monster hiit on hole 7. Nearest the Pin on hole 11 with a stunning shot was Mark Gutlay. The longest drive on hole 14 was won by primary event winner Marc Begg. Nearest the Pin on hole 17 was Lhyn Madula.

Whilst concluding the prize-giving presentation, Stephen Wilson, Golf Services Manager, commented, ‘Congratulations to our winners, Marc and Abhishek, who have gone back-to-back years in this competition. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsor of this event, ProSports International, who offered some extremely generous prizes for this event.’