Dubai: Dubai Creek long-standing member John Fellingham achieved the remarkable feat of shooting a gross score of 70 (-1) at the fine age of 70, one of the games rarest achievements.
Shooting at that age in golf is one of the games toughest tasks, with less than 1 per cent of golfers managing to achieve such a challenge, but the experienced Dubai Creek Scratch Team Captain did so in sensational style, compiling a round of 70 (-1), consisting of 3 birdies on holes 8, 11 and the challenging 18th
At 6,849 yards, from the Blue Tournament Tees, Dubai Creek is well known for its challenging tee shots and tricky course design, and so this accomplishment is an impressive score to add to a golfing CV at any age.
Nervous finish
“This one of my greatest golfing rounds and something I’ve always wanted to achieve,” said John.
“I was nervous with a few holes to go, as it’s so hard thing to achieve this in golf and, of course, you have to be a certain age to do it. I had a three-foot putt on my final hole to finish off the round, thankfully it went in.
“I’ve had a few rounds in the 60s, but I was a lot younger then!”
Dream come true
John’s handicap was 7.9 when he played this round, which meant his course handicap of 11 added up to an astounding net 59! It’s safe to say John ran away with any of the clubs’ competitions happening on that day.
John has been a member of the club since 1995, his best round coming in his 2013 Summer Open victory, firing a superb gross score of 67. In spite being 3 shots better, eight years later this round of 70 certainly takes pole position in John’s most impressive rounds.
Michael Major, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Director of Golf said: “John has been knocking on the door of this achievement for some time! As Golfers, shooting your age is something we all dream of and so it’s fantastic to see John triumph in this challenge.”
