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 >>

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Nicoll Claims Thrilling Season-Ender

19th May 10 at 11:54pm

Callum Nicoll firmly established himself a force to be reckoned with within the UAE Professional Golfing ranks after carding a 5-over par 149 in the recent season ending 36-hole UAE PGA Championships held at Abu Dhabi’s 7,268-yard Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

Nicoll, The Els Club, returned home on day one of the two-day event in the middle of the field shooting a disappointing 78. After admitting his first round game was a little erratic, Nicoll’s went on to say ‘I felt stronger and steadier in the second round’, which was certainly apparent with Nicoll’s finishing play with three birdies and an outstanding 1-under par 71.

Victory didn’t come easy however, as a play-off was needed between Nicoll’s and Emirate’s Golf Club’s Stephen Deane, whose consistent performance in both days also gave him a total of 149 and a shot at the title. Nicoll birdied the first hole of the shoot-out to take the title, with Deane settling for the runner-up spot. Nicoll’s victory also boosted him into 2nd place overall in the PGA’s Order of Merit rankings.

Palm Sports Resort’s Fraser McLaughlin shot 75 and 76 respectively to finish with 151 and walk away with third place. Current leader, and crowned winner, of the 2009/2010 Order of Merit Simon Payne, of Tower Links, finished in fourth place with a 10-over par 152.

Stephen Hubner, UAE PGA Tournament Director thanked the attending professionals for their support and sportsmanship during the 2009/2010 tournament year, adding ‘we have had outstanding entries for all our tournaments and we thank you, our members for your commitment to the success of the tournament calendar.’ In closing Hubner said, ‘I, and the committee, are extremely honoured and proud of the support we receive from our Patrons, Al Naboodah, Acuma Wealth Management, Auriga and TNT, who are ultimately responsible for these events being held.’

Nicoll’s 2nd place finish in the Order of Merit sees him join winner, Payne and third place Malcolm Young, of Arabian Ranches, in representing the UAE in the annual PGA’s of Europe Team Championship to be held at Murcia, Spain, at the end of November.