Dubai: The ‘Professionals’ of the UAE held off the ‘Amateurs’ 18.5-13.5 to win the Dubai Golf Trophy over the weekend for the eighth year in a row. The Ryder Cup for local golfers was played over three rounds — the first two at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, followed by the final one at the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club.
On Day I, the pros, captained by Callum Nicoll, claimed the morning foursomes by a 5-3 margin and ended the day with the cushion of a 10-6 lead.
The amateurs, led by stand-in captain Chris Alderman, needed a fast start for the final day singles and, after losing the opening game, they went on to mount a comeback as they won five of the next six games. A comeback that was sparked by young Rayhan Thomas, four down at the turn, suddenly felt at home on the famous Majlis back nine as they won by two holes. Rayhan has enjoyed a record-breaking season that has included 6 major victories including both the Emirates and Dubai Creek Men’s Club Championships.
However, the resurgence of the amateurs was halted by the pros captain Callum Nicoll and Brendan O’Leary, who secured comfortable wins. Miki Mirza and Ryan Hunter gave the amateur team a glimmer of hope as they earned valuable victories over their professional opponents. However, victories for professionals Ruddy, Marshall, Buchanan and Blackadder at the back end of the draw secured yet another victory for the professionals by a 18.5-13.5 margin.
Gavin Sutherland, Steve Munro, captain Callum Nicoll and Anthony Buchanan earned maximum points for the winners, while amateur Christopher Rahm went undefeated in all three rounds.
