O’Toole the master of the Fire Course

JJ O’Toole (4) won this year’s Jumeirah Golf Estates Masters over a strong field of 100 participants.

O’Toole had an impressive round yesterday (Sunday) to record 41 Stableford Points, winning by 2 points. He only dropped one shot throughout and picked up birdies on holes 9, 10, 13, and 15 and a net eagle on hole 17 which has a stroke index of 2. In true Masters style, the green jacket was presented to O’Toole at the prize presentation.

A two-way dual for second place between Patrick Walton (19) and James Harrison (7) saw Walton the victor by way of a count-back. With a front nine of 18, Walton backed that up with 21 points on his second nine. Both players scored 39 Stableford points. A good performance on the back nine of the Fire course from Walton showed great consistency in his game. Walton only dropped one shot and made four net birdies.

Harrison showed similar form on his front nine. A particular highlight from Harrison’s round was the trio of net birdies he secured, one of which was on one of the most challenging holes on the course (Hole 4).

JGE Club Champion David Bainbridge (+3) continued his run of form, winning the Gross Division with a brilliant score of 71 gross (1 under par). A particular highlight was a superb eagle on hole 13. Narrowly missing out on winning the division was Tom Stephenson (+1), who scored an even par gross 72.

There was a selection of on-course competitions. Winning Nearest the Pin on hole eight was Adam Hodgkins (6), who hit his ball to within 4 feet of the hole. Winning the Nearest the Pin competition on Hole 14 was the JGE Masters Champion, JJ O’Toole.

Whilst concluding the prize-giving presentation, Adam Stastny, Assistant Golf Services Manager, commented, ‘Congratulations to our 2023 JGE Masters champion, JJ O’Toole. Thank you very much to our fantastic sponsors for their involvement which has truly elevated this year’s event, and the prizes were great.’