The opening Qualifying event of the The Heineken-Ranches Cup Series 2023-2024 began in style with Graeme McCann and Laira Taylor topping their Divisions.
Each competitor used their full course handicap as the Tournament handicap allowance was then taken at the appropriate stroke index holes.
Division A (Handicap + to 12)
Graeme McCann (HCP 1) shot a brilliant 39 Stableford points to win Division A. Starting on the third hole in the shotgun start, McCann reached the 10th with 14 points. And on his back nine an impressive 20 points, this included and eagle two on the par 4 15th. A final birdie on the 1st, his 17th finialised his 39 points.
Paul Siffre (HCP 1) was runner-up with 38 points and in fact winning in a virtue of a count-back against third spot Mike Robson (HCP 0).
Division B (Handicap 13 above)
Laira Taylor (HCP 35) posted one of her best rounds of golf by far with 43 Stableford points. Starting her round on the first hole in the shotgun format, she had an opening nine of 20 points, and superbly backed that up with a back nine of 23 points.
Mel Russ (HCP 16) took second spot, four points back on 39. While Pierre Xu (HCP 19) claimed third place with a Stableford score of 38 points.
On the course competitions:
Nearest the Pin - Hole 2 - Mounzer JouJou
Nearest the Pin - Hole 12 - Christopher Andrews
Longest Drive - Hole 14 - Raymond Logan
Closest to Pin in Three Shots - Hole 16 - Christopher Andrews
Arabian Ranches Golf Club Lady Club Captain Nicola Breeze and Club Vice-Captain Matthew Derrick were on hand to present all the winners with their prizes.
