The Els Club’s talented scratch team has etched their name in history by securing their first-ever UAE Scratch League title after a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Dubai Creek in a thrilling two-legged final.
Road to the Final
The team’s journey to the final was nothing short of impressive, securing dominant wins against strong opponents, including Trump International Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Montgomerie Golf Club. Their consistent performance saw them top their group, setting the stage for a dramatic knockout phase.
In the semifinal, The Els Club faced Emirates Golf Club in a nail-biting contest. The first leg at home ended in a tense 2-2 draw, while the second leg at the Faldo course witnessed a closely fought battle that concluded on the 18th green. The Els Club emerged victorious on the day with a 3-1 win, securing an overall 5-3 aggregate victory and a place in the final.
A Historic Final Showdown
The final took place over two legs on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd February. The first leg at Dubai Creek was played in challenging, windy conditions, testing the team’s resilience. Despite a 2.5-1.5 defeat, The Els Club kept their title hopes alive with an inspired back-nine performance that saw them sink crucial pressure putts to stay in the contest.
Returning to home soil, the team knew that a 3-1 win would be enough to claim the championship. Rising to the occasion, The Els Club delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing their skill and composure under pressure. Their stunning 3.5-0.5 victory in the second leg sealed an overall 5-3 triumph and crowned them UAE Scratch League champions.
Reactions from the Champions
The Els Club Scratch Team Captain, Michael Herb, expressed his pride in the squad’s achievement:
“I’m incredibly proud of our team’s achievement. This victory is a collective effort, and it feels even sweeter sharing it with such an amazing group of people. We’ll savour this moment and look forward to defending our title next season.”
Tom Rourke, General Manager of The Els Club, also shared his excitement:
“The Els Club are extremely proud of this achievement in a league that showcases the best scratch golfers in the UAE. Testament to the condition of The Els Club, regular members’ competitions, and the opportunity to compete alongside tour professionals in The Lion’s Den, the squad has set a new benchmark for golf at our facility. We look forward to continued success in the future.”