Sport | Golf
Dunn to defend title at Black Tee Challenge
The Gulf News 12th edition of the Emirates Black Tee Challenge 2009 returns to the pristine Emirates Golf Club, over the Majlis and Faldo courses.
- By Joyce Njeri, Copy Editor
- Published: 22:51 May 7, 2009
Dubai: The Gulf News 12th edition of the Emirates Black Tee Challenge 2009 returns to the pristine Emirates Golf Club, over the Majlis and Faldo courses.
The prestigious two-day Black Tee Challenge, sponsored by Gulf News, will field a record 108 golfers who will test their skills over 14,650 yards of greens during the 36-hole championship. The weather is expected to be fine with a gentle breeze easing out the scorching heat.
Today's opening round will be played over the Faldo course with Simon Dunn out to defend his title after posting a total of 143 last year including an opening 69 in round.
This was a Faldo course record until this week when Stephen Hubner recorded a 67 in the first round of the UAE PGA Championship, proving the Faldo is in top condition at the moment.
Joining Dunn, the Asian tour regular, are two Emirates Golf Club members in great form. Pontus Fredriksson has had a superb season, winning the Emirates Club Championship and more recently the Montgomerie Men's Open. He also fired a 67 off the blue Faldo tees earlier this year and has improved his handicap from 1.6 to +0.5 in a calendar year.
Completing the trio is the 2007 champion and 2008 fourth-place finisher, Joel Neale. Last year's runner up Nick Oakley is also competing and he is paired with local favourite Khalid Yousuf.
Dino Varkey from Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and Steve Kelly from Emirates Golf Club are also expected deliver solid performances as they bid for the prestigious tournament and try to earn a place on the clubhouse marble alongside the Dubai Desert Classic Champions.
The opening round gets under way this morning over the Faldo course at 6.55am and will end tomorrow, with the leaders going out last over the famous Majlis course.
Elsewhere, the Arabian Ranches Golf Club hosts its Adele McKelvey's Lady Captain Golf Day at the Par-72, 18 holes lush green desert-style grass course.
A good field of 112 golfers will be vying for top prizes. There will be a shot-gun start, where all groups of players will tee off simultaneously from different holes.
The format of play will be a Four-Player Scramble, teams can be male, female or mixed. Men will tee off from the blue tees and ladies from the red. The entry fee for golf members is Dh60, Dh295 for club members, while a member's guest will pay Dh420.
These charges include green fees, range balls, tournament prizes, snacks during the presentation of prices. The fee does not include optional cart.
"We are expecting an exciting day of top golf," said Golf Operations Manager Elliott Gray.
Sport Editor's choice
-
Winning Desert Classic close to McIlroy's heart
Joint-leader draws inspiration from girlfriend's personal pursuit of perfection
-
Top teams hold on to their positions
Of the strugglers, Emirates continue their climb up the table after some superb performances while Sharjah drop
-
Staking a claim
Mendip bounces back to his best form to win middle leg of Al Maktoum Challenge
