Dubai Mixed Pairs

Just an hour down the coast from Abu Dhabi is the sprawling futuristic city of Dubai, renowned for its gravity-defying skyscrapers & superb weather. Playing golf here is a special experience with immaculate conditioned courses and the sandy desert environment alongside the often wonderful and luxurious clubhouses.  Our home for the week was the Ocean View Hotel, situated on Dubai’s famous Jumeirah Beach and close to the marina.

Round 1

Our first day’s play took us the newly ranked No.1 course in Dubai, Trump International. Routed on over 500 acres and forged from what was previously flat and barren desert, the playing surfaces here are superb with generous landing areas from the tee, but devilishly difficult run-offs around the greens. 

This proved to be the case, as each couple that returned to the sanctuary of the clubhouse told the story of how tricky the  putting surfaces were proving. Abu Dhabi winners, Greg & Marie Shelton continued their fine form and posted a solid 36pts. Newly arrived couple, Andy & Barbara Babbage started their campaign in fine form signing for a brilliant 39pts. But it would be last weeks 3rd placed couple, David & Linda Roberts who would take the spoils in the opening round. Also shooting 39pts they finished the day on top of the leaderboard by the closest of margins winning on countback.

Round 2

The following day we arrived at one of the oldest courses in Dubai, Dubai Creek. Having held the Dubai Desert Classic on many occasions and with its famous “sail” shaped clubhouse it is also one of the most recognisable. The group were greeted by another stunning day as they teed off on an immaculately prepared layout.

First couple to return set the pace, when Ian & Caryn James-Bailey recaptured their form firing a wonderful 39pts. Ever present at the top of the leaderboard, Luffenham Heath duo, Greg & Marie Shelton continued their great golf by being the first couple of the week to shoot in the forties, when they signed for a marvellous 41pts.

But there would be one couple who would “tame” the Creek. Matt & Angie Harrison had “clicked” and together they combined to put together a wonderful round of golf and win the day on 43pts. This result would make the top of the leaderboard extremely congested as we headed into our final round.

Round 3

Every year the DP World Tour comes to a climax with its final event where the “Race to Dubai” champion is crowned. This takes place at Jumeriah Estates and played over the Earth Course. It seemed only fitting that after a fabulous two weeks in the Middle East, we should do the same. Designed by Greg Norman, the sharply defined, sculptured course has quickly garnered a strong reputation as a top class championship layout and is regarded as one of the most iconic courses on the European Tour schedule.

Playing together and both close to the top of the leaderboard, Greg & Marie & Matt & Angie had a great tussle. They would only be separated when Greg rolled in a birdie putt at the last. The Shelton’s would score 38pts with the Harrison’s just one point back. Not knowing how everyone stood after two rounds it was going to be a waiting game until the evening presentation. 

John & Alison Moss would sign off with their best score of the week with a brilliant 40pts. This was largely due to a scintillating 22pts on the back nine with John setting the course alight! But late in the day and slightly under the radar all week, Andy & Barbara Babbage produced a brilliant round to bring the “Earth Course” to its knees and card a “best of the day” 42pts. This certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons and produced an incredibly close final leaderboard.

When the dust settled and all the scores were calculated, the top 3 couples were separated by just 1 point. With the closest finish recorded, Matt & Angie (114pts) Greg & Marie and Andy & Barbara would finish with 115pts. It could only be decided by countback and the better score from the final day. Andy & Barbara would claim this decision and after a fabulous final group dinner, were crowned Dubai Mixed Pairs champions. A special mention to Greg & Marie who by the tightest of margins just failed to complete the “double” of winning both events in the Middle East.