Saint Patrick’s Day was celebrated in style at the Royal Golf Club with a special Irish-themed four person team event. Bijan Majidi, Pauline Jeakings, Murtuz Zamanly and Mureed Nusseir scored an impressive 89 points to clinch the tournament, amassing 20 stableford points on the last two holes alone.
The tournament format saw one score to count on the first six holes, two scores to count on the next six holes and three scores to count on the final six holes. While this led to increased pressure as the game went on, there were plenty of fun-filled, side contests to keep golfers in a jovial mood.
The team of Mikael Leijonberg, Nil Berg, Adam Guy and Simon Brebner took second place with 86 points, beating the three-man team of Sami Al Khayer, Matt Sedgwick and Todd Graham on countback.
'Bijan’s team had a fantastic finish to the competition,' said Irishman Cormac Flannery, the Royal Golf Club’s golf operations & events assistant manager. 'Their score basically equates to beating their handicap by eight shots through six holes which is remarkable scoring.'
The side contests also had an Irish twist with Roy Gardener winning closest to the Irish flag on the sixth hole, Matt Sedgwick winning inside the shamrock and Dena Wales taking the prize for the most appropriately dressed golfer.
There was also a Puc Fada (hurling shot) which gave contestants a feel for this traditional Gaelic sport.
Another Irishman, Paul Crowe, the club’s director of golf operations, said: 'It was a great day. Everyone who participated really enjoyed themselves and the course was fantastic.'