Rival captains ooze confidence ahead of Dubai Golf Trophy
With thanks to The National, story by Euan Megson
The battle-lines for the annual Dubai Golf Trophy were drawn up yesterday, with both captains predicting the fight for domestic supremacy is too close to call.
In 10 previous stagings of the competition, a two-day Ryder Cup format contest that pits the Emirate’s leading amateurs and professionals against each other in team and singles matchplay, the professionals have dominated, winning eight times.
But in recent years, the amateurs – who generally play more competitive golf than the tuition-focused professionals – have closed the gap. And while the amateurs are some way from levelling the score, John Mills, the underdogs’ captain, insisted his team was ready to pounce.
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News > Tournament
Amateur Mirza holds the Professionals at bay to hold aloft inaugural Al Naboodah's Cup
1st Jan 10 at 11:29am
Miki Mirza shot a 1-under 71 to take the overall honours in today's inaugural Al Naboodah Cup, the 2nd in the UAE PGA's Patrons' Cup series, hosted at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.
Mirza's steady and consistent game kept him ahead of both the Professional and Amateur field with David Gray, of Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, the closest professional to challenge the skilled amateur and by carding an even-par 72 claimed first place amongst the Professionals and 2nd place overall.
Steven Munro and Malcolm Young tied for runner-up in the Professionals division scoring a 1-over 73, where Young pipped Munro to take overall 3rd place. Walking away with the runner-up's title in the Amateur division was Matthew Turner scoring 74.
"It was great to see Course Superintendent Rob Gradishar, and his team give our professionals, and amateurs, a course and pin position which both challenged and rewarded today" said Stephen Hubner UAE PGA Tournament Director. "A befitting alignment with today's headline sponsor of Al Naboodah, who we are very proud to have both as a Patron and an extremely active supporter of our game". He added
The 3rd tournament, in this 4-part Patrons' Cup series, is the Auriga Event which will be held on January 13th at The Els Club.
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