Sport - Golf - Mike Gerbich Cup
Sanjay Raina - 2023 Mike Gerbich Cup winner alongside new Emirates Golf Club Mens Captain Frank Duggan Image Credit: Emirates Golf Club

In Memory of Mike Gerbich, long-standing member and former Captain of the Emirates Golf Club, the Majilis Course was recently host to 55 players competing in the Mike Gerbich Cup to commemorate an invaluable past member who is sadly no longer with us.

The overall winner of the 18-hole stableford event was Sanjay Raina who scored 38 points. Even though Sanjay started with a triple bogey on his opening hole, he rallied together and carded an impressive six net birdies to give him a two point victory.

Second spot went to Ken Newell on 36 points. Two gross birdies and two net birdies on his back nine were in Ken’s favour as his second place had to be confirmed via countback from Anil Shivanna, who also scored 36 points.

In ‘Division A’ (HCP 0-15) the champion was Jake Carney, who scored 35 points, again via countback from Vivek Chand, who had to settle for second in Division A. Despite a net eagle on the 18th hole!

Best Gross was won by Paul Byrne with 31 points, a one point victory over his closest competitor.

Sport - Golf - 2023 Mike Gerbich Cup
Deepak Nicholas - Division B Winner Image Credit: Emirates Golf Club

While in ‘Division B’ (HCP 16-24) Deepak Nicholas walked away with top spot thanks to their 35 points. Six net birdies on for a two point victory from closest competitor and runner-up Nalin Sayal who scored 33 points.

Mike, who sadly passed away in July 2016 just five days before his great friend Henrik Stenson outplayed Phil Mickelson in an epic Open Championship final round at Royal Troon to lift the Claret Jug for the first time. Henrik kindly dedicated his win to the great man with the statement, “This one’s for you Mike” to conclude his acceptance speech on the 18th green.

Sport - Golf - Henrik Stenson
Stenson (r) with Gerbich, Stathis Stathis and Rai Legnar Image Credit: Omega Dubai Desert Classic