A par five at the 18th on the Majlis course enabled Joel Neale (Dubai Creek) to win the annual Emirates Golf Club Black Tee Challenge, supported by Gulf News.
Neale fired a gross 73 to lead after the first day over the Wadi Course but stuttered at the start of his second round from the tough back tees on the Majlis, bogeying three of the first four holes.
Two quick birdies consolidated his lead but, leading by four shots going into the final two holes, a triple bogey seven on the short par-four 17th nearly cost Neale the tournament until he regained his composure on the last.
Alan Mackenzie (Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club) chased hard and his back nine of three-under-par 34 was just not enough to stop talented junior Neale from scoring a remarkable gross 149 to take the championship by one shot.
Emirates Golf Club's Director of Golf, and 2006 Black Tee Challenge winner, Andrew Whitelaw, scored 80 and 73, for a nine over par 153 total in third. Fourth and fifth were David Wall (Emirates GC) and Nick Oakley (Nad Al Sheba), respectively.
Up and coming junior Daniel Hendry (11 hcap) looks to be one to watch for the future after scoring a superb nett 75 (Wadi) and nett 70 (Majlis) to claim the second Overall Nett prize.
