UAE PGA's Al Naboodah Junior Series Bags New Initiative Award
The Middle East Golfer Awards, hosted by ITP and Middle East Golfer magazine, recently recognised the UAE PGA's efforts in developing the regions' Junior Golfers by awarding the UAE PGA's Al Naboodah Junior Series with Best New Initiative of 2009.
"On behalf of the UAE PGA Committee, its members and the Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group we are exceptionally proud of the Junior Series, and are honoured to receive this award in acknowledgement of the implementation and management of this programme for the benefit of our Junior Golfers" said Stephen Hubner, UAE PGA Tournament Director.
Launched in 2009, the Junior Series is open to all budding golfers aged between 6 to 14 years who are currently enrolled in golf clinics and golf schools run by UAE Golf Clubs. Each tour... read more >>
 |
 |
 |
News > Tournament
2010 Al Naboodah Junior series ends with a climactic finish
20th Apr 10 at 07:13pm
Since its start in November of last year, the Al Naboodah sponsored UAE PGA 2010 Junior Par 3 series has proven to be a firm Friday favourite with UAE's Golfers of tomorrow.
The 5-part series was hosted on various par 3 golf courses stretching Al Ain and Dubai, and culminated in the Grand Final on Friday April 9th at Abu Dhabi's City Golf Club. Encouraging golfers, between the ages of 6 to 14 years who are currently enrolled in golf clinics and golf schools in the UAE, to play in a stroke-play format following the PGA's highly-coveted and successful Order of Merit format the Par 3 series provided the next generation to taste what participation in a professionally run PGA tournament is like.
Over 80 juniors started the 2010 season, all vying for the series title and one last shot to secure the winners mantle in the Grand Final. Unfortunately only 36 would qualify to play in the final and only 1 would stand on the podium and receive the accolade of the 2010 Series winner.
Setting the scene for an exciting and determined days play, Order of Merit leader, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club’s Rayhan John Thomas sat on 367.5 points, a mere 15 points ahead of Jack Novack, of Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, with 352.5 points who, no doubt was hoping for a strong home-town advantage. Last year’s victor, and fellow Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Clubber, Aryan Chordia lagged behind Thomas by 47.5 points.
Also walking into Friday's tournament, leader of the Girls' Order of Merit category, Amelia McKee, maintained her confidence and composure, equivalent to her accumulated 160 points that gave her a slight lead of 5 points over Anastasia Bakal, both of The Address Montgomerie Dubai.
The opportunity for one last shot to take victories and places, offered through the final day's play, was taken very seriously. Eivind Kjolberg of The Address Montgomerie Dubai grasped the Grand Final winner's title carding 40. Palm Sports Resorts Eoin Cunnife's 41 pipped Aryan Chordia via a count-back to be rewarded with Grand Final Runner-Up title. Chordia secured Boy's Under 12 division. Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club's Aashka Desai's 46 saw her walk away with the Girls under 12 division with Boushra Dalile of Arabian Ranches Golf Club's 53 enough to tightly clasp onto the Over 13 Girls division title.
The main feature of the day, however, remained with deciding who the 2010 Junior Series title and accolade belongs to.
Maintaining her slight overall lead saw Amelie McKee successfully add the 2010 Junior Series Girls Champion to her growing trophy cabinet.
At the end of the day's play the 2 main contenders for the 2010 Junior Series Champion title were tied on 380 points, resulting in the winner being decided based over total points. A thrilled Rayhan John Thomas quickly rose to accept the privilege of holding the 2010 Junior Series Champion trophy and accolade. Thomas' contender, Jack Novak's didn't walk away empty handed securing the day's Boys over 13 division title.
"We are exceptionally grateful and pleased with the support Abu Dhabi City Golf Club has extended through hosting today's Grand Final, as well as to the participants and their parents for embracing the journey to the 6 UAE Golf Clubs who supported the 2010 series. We have immensely enjoyed bringing this series to the Juniors and we look forward to building on its success and launching the 2011 Junior Series in the coming months" said Stephen Hubner UAE PGA Tournament Director. "It is, and remains, an important goal of the UAE PGA to bring such initiatives to grow our future golfers, subsequently growing the understanding of the PGA's role in the game. We are very proud to have had support from Callaway, who provided the well-received series prizes, and of our patron and title sponsor Al Naboodah, who stands alongside us with this goal" added UAE PGA Chief Executive Julian Danby.
 |
|
 |