The much-loved Worldwide Golf Society Showdown moved to the stunning surrounds of the Els Club Dubai at the end of April and it was a typically high-spirited affair.
The course is revered as one of the UAE’s finest and it didn’t disappoint, providing a stern yet highly enjoyable challenge on the day as the Dubai Swingers team of Jamie Graham, Sean Hayes, Mark Wade and Lukas Mortimer III came out of the pile with a hugely impressive team total of 90 Stableford points, with the best two scores from four on each hole counting. They were awarded a summer membership for indoor golf facility MyGolf Dubai as well as receiving a team trophy and individual trophies that had been expertly 3D printed by event sponsor 3D Hub.
“Thanks to Rick and the Worldwide Golf team team for organising such a great event,” said Graham. “The Els Club were fantastic hosts, as always, and the on-course activations from various key sponsors made the day even more competitive. Great to see so many societies come together and battle it out. Looking forward to being part of the next event!”
Losing out by the narrowest of margins was the Social Golf Society team of Tony Hunter, Sven Brooks, Umer Saleem and Matt Astill who came home with 89 points and were awarded a 4-ball and F&B voucher for The Els Club while the Zindy Golf Society team of Captain Fantastic Andy Zindilis, Alex MacRae, Paul Cochlin and Matthew Harper took the bronze medal place on the podium with 88 points. They received four vouchers to the Els Club Country Club along with Spa treatments at the Rerotti Spa.
“As Team Captain for the event representing Social Golf Society, I was really looking forward to the Worldwide Golf Society Showdown event, as was the rest of the team,” said Saleem. “From sign in, to pace of play, beat the pro and the end of event BBQ and presentation, the entire event was a pleasure to participate in.
“Since no one remembers second place, SGS hope to participate in future Worldwide Golf events and hopefully go one better next time! We recommend this event for all societies, and golfers in the UAE!”
Zindilis said: “This is the third edition of the WWG Society Showdown we’ve played in and we love it! It’s really well organised, great fun, insanely good value and some great prizes up for grabs. It was great to finish on the podium this time but we’ll be going all out for the win next time around!”
Aside from those on the podium, there were plenty of on-course prizes to compete for, provided by the event’s wonderful stable of sponsors, one of whom, Mediclinic Perform, gave all players state-of-the-art water bottles to keep them hydrated during the round.
Craig Vance won nearest the pin on hole two to bag himself a complete new golfing wardrobe courtesy of Adidas Golf.
MyGolf Dubai, in addition to providing the event’s main prize, ran a ‘Beat the Pro’ competition on the fourth hole with each player who achieved the feat given a voucher for a free 30 minute lesson.
And it was one of MyGolf’s very own pros, Divan Ehmke who won Longest Drive sponsored by Luxury Carts Arabia, with a monster tee shot on the ninth. The South African bomber was awarded a pair of Oakley sunglasses for his achievement.
Maria Dunkel was the winner of the Nearest the Pin competition on the tricky 11th hole, taking home a pair of Jondo sunglasses while Nathan Fisher of Adidas smashed the Longest Drive on the 15th to win a voucher for eGolf Megastore.
After play, the fun continued back at the clubhouse where the Els Club laid on a sumptuous BBQ as the prizes were awarded.
“At The Els Club, we were thrilled to see such a large gathering of passionate golf enthusiasts for this event,” said Ashley Ross, Sales & Marketing Manager at The Els Club. “It was a day brimming with excitement and friendly competition and proved to be an unforgettable experience for all. Our meticulously manicured fairways and impeccable service stood as a testament to our immense pride in hosting the esteemed Worldwide Golf Society Showdown.
“I’d like to extend our thanks to our valued partner, Worldwide Golf, for entrusting us with such a momentous occasion. Our unwavering commitment to surpassing expectations and creating lasting memories for every attendee is at the forefront of our endeavours and we’re already looking forward to our next hosting of this great event.”
Watch this space for the next edition of the Worldwide Golf Society Showdown…
