Dubai: Rob Smith (Abu Dhabi City Golf Club),55, beat his own course record at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club in winning the 2022 Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Men’s Open on Thursday.
Smith’s round included eight birdies and two bogeys to hand in a six-under par 64 around the 6,307 yards, 18-hole par 70 course (two loops of the nine holes), designed by the respected British golf course designer Ian Scott Taylor.
Just five years ago, Rob was diagnosed with lymphoma. He returned to his native Scotland for 10 months, leaving his wife and two children in Abu Dhabi, for the stem cell transplant as part of his treatment.
Rob’s employers, the British School - Al Khubairat, were incredibly supportive. The school recruited a temporary member of staff to oversee his duties and told Rob to get the necessary treatment and return to his job when he was fit and active again. The school was also fully engaged in supporting the family during this difficult time.
Difficult times
Rhian Lobo, General Manager of Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, said: ‘‘Rob has been a member for 15 years at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club. Having represented Scotland at golf in his youth, we were all well aware of Rob’s golfing ability, but the way he bounced back from his health challenges has been truly remarkable.’’
Kenny Macaulay, club captain of Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, said: “Marking Rob’s card and watching him shoot 64 was an absolute honour and everyone at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club is not only proud of his golf achievements, especially this 64, but perhaps even more so, at the way he and his family have handled themselves through these very difficult times.’’
