Dubai Creek Open the first date on junior calendar for new year

The Dubai Creek Junior Open, scheduled for October 9, will mark the opening qualifying round for the 2003-'04 UAE Junior Order of Merit, supported by Gulf News.

Upon the completion of the eight qualifying rounds, the leading eight players from the boys gross will qualify for a Matchplay Championship.

Favourites for this season's titles include boys gross champion Jonathan Jeffrey (AGGC) and reigning champion Rami Belaid (ADGCS). The rapidly improving Andy Andrews (DCGYC) is also expected to mount a serious challenge.

The Boys Net category is always unpredictable but as in the case of the two previous champions Abdullah Al Mosharrekh (DCGYC) and Shezad Lakdawala (NASC) both have already developed into golfers of assured quality and grit.

With the Girls Order of Merit defending champion Nasha Sarkari and Alexandra De Smet (both DCGYC) look set to continue their rivalry. Natasha Robinson (EGC) and Seechelle Boehner (DCGYC) are rated as long shots for the title.

The Gulf News Order of Merit points system has the winner receiving 30 points, second place receives 24 points, third place 22 points, fourth 20 then a one point decrease per position down to 20th place who is awarded 4 points.

2003-04 Gulf News Junior Order of Merit schedule: October 9: Dubai Creek Junior Open: December 18: The Montgomerie Dubai Junior Open: January 9: Al Ghazal Junior Open; January 22-23: Emirates Golf Club Junior Open; February 20: Dubai Country Club Junior Open; February 26-27: Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton Junior Open; March 25: Abu Dhabi Golf and Equestrian Club Junior Open; April 29: UGA Junior Open (NASC); May 13-14: UGA Junior Matchplay (TMD).