There have been encouraging results from a ‘golf in DUBAi’ (giD) initiative, in association with Grass Roots Golf, to make golf a key component of the Emirati school curriculum.

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With the mantra of ‘catching them young’, giD launched the programme in 2013 as part of the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation, and has made significant headway with Dubai’s Rashid School for Boys.

With tuitions provided by Grass Roots Golf, based at The Track in Meydan, the initiative has seen nearly 300 students complete an initial introduction to the game.

Grass Roots Golf have already identified 20 students as having potential to take their game to the next level. Of these young Emiratis, three are set to receive an official handicap while the others are warming up for par-3 events.

Lauding giD’s support, Dean Winders, head of Primary Physical Education, said: “The profile of golf has definitely risen at our school.

“Initially, children aged between 7-11 were given six one-hour sessions and we are excited to see some of these students play against 14 other schools in the Grass Roots Golf inter-school tournament in the Autumn term.”

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of giD, said: “It’s a gradual process and will take time, but it is also important we try and create an environment in which young Emiratis can grow, express themselves and realise their dream of representing their country one day.”

Nepal charity day at Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Abu Dhabi Golf Club has issued an impassioned call to golfers across the UAE in a bid to help the estimated eight million people affected by last month’s devastating earthquake in Nepal.

All proceeds raised during Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s Nepal Charity Golf Day on Saturday, May 16, will be donated to the international relief appeal.

The pairs better ball stableford tournament at the Troon Golf venue, home of the European Tour’s Desert Swing opening Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship each January, includes prizes from Etihad Airways and a win-a-car hole-in-one promotion from Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi Ali & Sons Co LLC.

The Dh620 entry fee includes 18 holes, shared cart, buffet dinner and a number of on-course promotions including a ‘Beat the Pro’ hole and ‘Buy the Pro’s Drive’ fundraiser.

Special rates are available to club members (Dh100) and Troon Executive card holders (Dh520). To enter, call 02 558 8990 or email Jack Emerson at jemerson@adgolfclub.com.

Thabit wins Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup

Omar Thabit clinched top prize with 37 points to win the 21st staging of the Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup. The tournament attracted 38 entries and was played over the Faldo course at Emirates Golf Club.

Thabit’s one-under par tally was just enough to hold off the challenge of Abdulla Al Marzooqi, who was a point back on 36. A card count back decided third place overall with Faisal Al Sayegh producing a better back nine within his 34-point tally.

The gross competition was also keenly contested with Ahmed Skaik and Hassan Musharrekh both signing for scores of 79. But Skaik’s better inward nine gave him the trophy.

In the junior section, Mohammed Abdullah fired a fantastic 43 points to beat Khalil Kashwani (40).

Al Musharrekh, Ashok victorious at Indian event

Mohammed Al Musharrekh and Ashok Kumar saw off a strong field to capture the Indian Golfers Society’s season-ending tournament at Emirates Golf Club.

Combining effectively as a team, the duo rattled up a brilliant 47 points, beating their closest rivals Antoin Breen and Shane O’Neil on a countback as the team of Anil Shivanna and Anil Adnani settled for third a further point adrift.

Three gross birdies highlighted the round of Al Musharrekh and Kumar, who flourished on the back nine with a steady diet of pars and net birdies.

Sponsored by Bentley, the tournament, which followed the two-man scramble format, was well supported by Chivas, Al Darha Kohinoor, Midcom and AIPL. George Duncan, Director, Bentley Emirates, presented the main team prizes.