Strong field for National Day golf event

Dubai: Over 100 golfers are expected to tee off at the UAE National Day golf tournament at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club on December 2.

Sponsored by the National Marine Dredging Company for the second year in a row, the tournament is being organised by the Emirates Golf Federation in line with instructions from Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, exhorting all government bodies in the emirate to celebrate the 38th UAE National Day.

The annual event, which is open to all UAE nationals and residents amateurs holding a valid UAE handicap, tees off with a 1pm shot gun start and will follow the team betterball stableford.

Last year, the foursome comprising Craig Finlayson, Simon Shirreffs, Richie Davidson and Craig McLovin won the title, beating the team of Emiliano Bernasconi, Arshad Waheed, Eka Onggo, and M.R. Rajalekha on a countback. Afternoon Shotgun winners were John Fellingham, Tejan Fadl Al Deen, Paul King and Joel Neale

"We are really delighted with the response to the tournament. Like in the previous years, the tournament has been fully subscribed and we expect some great golf befitting the occasion," said Saeed Al Budoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation.

"It's great to see players from differently nationalities living in the UAE signing up in big number, promising a fun-filled day in the sun," he added.

Sponsors lauded

Al Budoor also thanked the sponsors — National Marine Dredging Company — for supporting the event for the second year in a row. "Without their backing it wouldn't have been possible to put together an event of this size and stature," he said, adding: "We hope our association with them will continue in years to come."

Attractive trophies will be presented to the winners in different categories after the tournament. For more information, call Emirates Golf Federation on 04-3684988.