Dubai: He flew in from Spain on holiday and now talented youngster James Paul Martin will have some extra cabin baggage to take home in the shape of the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club's 2010 Men's Amateur Open Trophy sponsored by Omega.
Martin, who plays at San Roque off a plus two handicap won by three shots from a quality field after carding an immaculate second round two-under par 70 in testing windy conditions to add to his opening 78.
"It has been an amazing few days and thank you to Omega for sponsoring this event," Martin said. "The course was in awesome condition and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is a superb place to come and play golf."
Pro-am invitation
He now faces a tricky decision as he has been invited by Omega, sponsors of the Dubai Desert Classic, to play in the pro-am preceding the showpiece European Tour event at Emirates Golf Club on Wednesday, February 3, despite boarding a plane back to Spain this week.
But Martin is hoping he will be able to make the return journey in time to line up alongside the likes of Lee Westwood and Tom Watson in Dubai.
Meanwhile Emirates Golf Club's Pontus Fredriksson made a terrific fightback of his own to shoot 72 in the final round and leapfrog the day one leaders into second place on a 151 total.
Finishing in third place on his home course was six times former champion and joint overnight leader Vikram Judge with 154 (73 and 81). In fourth on a last-18 hole countback from four other players was Joel Neale (Emirates GC) with 156 (79 and 77). His total was equalled by Dino Varkey (Dubai Creek GC) who was placed fifth after rounds of 76 and 80.
First round leader Miki Mirza, despite struggling on day two, won the prize for best first day gross courtesy of his 73.
Ahdip Shankar (Dubai Creek) won the overall nett prize with two consistent scores of nett 72 and 71, for 143, from Suhail Al Marzouqi (Emirates GC) on 145 (73 and 72). Stuart Cameron won the day two best gross with 78.
Day one best nett was won by Jamal Saab with a superb 69 and day two Francisco Giles by virtue of his better last nine holes with nett 75. DANIEL HICKS
Ranches anniversary
Arabian Ranches have announced six great deals for EGF members to mark six years of golf at the club:
Sundays it is two-for-one green fees at Dh595.
Monday Madness sees an 18-hole round, cart and range balls cost Dh250.
Tuesdays have an all-day twilight rate of Dh350.
Wednesdays are again two-for-one green fees at Dh595.
Thursday is four-players special at Dh995 for tour fourball.
And the final offer is two-for one on the par three course at Dh95. All are available from now until the end of March. Call the club on 04-366 3000 or visit www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com for details.
