Harradine wins Meydan Men’s Open

Dubai: Michael Harradine clinched the inaugural Meydan Golf Men’s Open title at The Track, but insists he did not have an advantage in the competition despite the course being designed by his family business.

Harradine, whose victory means he now tops the Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit, has only played The Track twice, but has knowledge of the course from his exposure during its construction. He said, however, that familiarity may have lulled him into a false sense of security.

“It was designed by the company in collaboration with Meydan, but I don’t think it helped me,” said Harradine, who is part of the third generation to play golf in a family synonymous with the sport. His grandfather, Donald, launched Harradine Golf — a course design company — in 1929 and Michael’s father, Peter, is one of the most respected course architects in the world.

“I thought it would be easier that it was [built by the family company] because I walked around it plenty of times when it was being built. I remember thinking that the fairways were wide and it wouldn’t be too much of a challenge, so I was surprised how tough it was.

“If I’m honest, I was surprised that I won, because I was poor,” added Harradine, who carded 156 over the two-day event. “Everyone had a shocker though, I think I just played less badly than everyone else.

“I was eight over after the first round and then four over after the second and I didn’t think I’d even be in the top three.”

Craig Forrest came second with a score of 163, followed by Ricky Dominguez with 164. The lowest net scores were by Nicolas Reincke (148) and Alban Des Brest (163). Alistair Purves won the nearest the pin on day one and Harradine on day two.

The next event to be held at The Track will be the Ladies Open, which takes place on Saturday, March 16. To register, contact info@meydangolf.com.