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

Young's Convincing Matchplay Win!

15th May 10 at 01:32pm

Malcolm Young, Arabian Ranches Golf Club's favourite professional, claimed the UAE's Professional Golfers' Association's Matchplay title convincingly over Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club's Head Academy Professional, Stephen Hubner, 5 and 4.

33 professionals, all vying for the title, started tee-ing up against each other from October 2009, where each match saw a fellow UAE PGA member eliminated culminating in the final which was played at Al Badia Golf Club on May 13^th.

"I played very well, to be fair, tee to green and I had a great start hitting it to about 6-feet at the 1^st" said Young. After halving the first hole, Young went on to win the 4^th, 6^th and 7^th holes to be 4-up at the 8^th tee.  

Both were in good positions to birdie the 8^th, however Young sent his chip too far past the hole with Hubner standing up to hole an 8-foot putt for a birdie subsequently winning the hole. Hubner continued his momentum winning the 9^th with an outstanding putt for par reducing his deficit against Young.

The 11^th was halved, then on his second shot into the 12^th Young hit his 7-iron to 5-feet and with Hubner short of the green in two, Young won the hole to go back to 4-up. 13^th was also halved and then Young won the 14^th and the match.

"Stephen is a great friend of mine and an outstanding competitor" claims Young, "anyone who reaches the final has played well for the past 7 months, and I am delighted to have come through some tough games and be the overall winner" he added. "I felt very comfortable with my game and feel like I learned something in each match to help me in the next one mentally, so on that side I am pleased to see my game has continually progressed through the season".

Callum Nicoll, of The Els Club, secured 3^rd spot ahead of Jumeirah Golf Estate's Steven Munro finishing their match with an incredibly strong 8 and 6.

The UAE PGAs' tournament season is soon to close through the climactic and prestigious PGA Championships to be hosted at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.