Director leads team to fine victory

The BANZ Group team clinched first place in the Royal Golf Club’s (RGC) 2016 Pro Am tournament with an excellent score of eight under par.

The team, led by the club’s director of golf and PGA Professional Philip Waine, comprised 2016 men’s club captain Jason Smith along with John Boland and Peter O’Brien.

A team from Wadi Al Saeed Golf Club in Saudi Arabia, comprising professional Paul Stent along with Joshua Olson, Gregory Kortzman and Nadir Youssif were close runners-up, just one shot behind on seven under par.

RGC teaching professional Juan Fuentes led the Seef Dental team of Mike McKinzie, Mel Knotts and Hanne Hansen to third place with six under par.

A total of eight teams took part in the annual golf tournament representing the following companies: Banz Group, Mercedes Benz, Seef Dental, Hot-Hed, Al Wadi Saeed Golf Club, AXA, Aker Solutions and Champs & Corners. The competition was played in the best two from four strokeplay format and featured nine side contests.

All the competitors enjoyed a light breakfast prior to teeing off and the tournament was followed by a prize-giving ceremony and dinner.

“On behalf of the Royal Golf Club I would like to thank everyone who participated in this event,” said Ben Stimson, the club’s golf sales manager.

The tournament raised B350 for The Palm Association, the club captains’ chosen charity for 2016. Another pro-am tournament is planned for later in the year which will be on an even larger scale and organisers hope it will see teams entering from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Results:
1st Philip Waine (Pro), Jason Smith, Peter O’Brien & John Boland (-8), 2nd Paul Stent, Joshua Olson, Gregory Kortzman & Nadir Youssif (-7), 3rd Juan Fuentes (Pro), Mike McKinzie, Mel Knotts & Hanne Hansen (-6). Nearest the pins: Keith Watson (hole 2), Stephen Wagstaff (hole 7). Nearest the pin in 2: Phil Sadler (hole 6), Sam Kobeissi (hole 10), Tim Billa (hole 18). Longest drives: Keith Watson (holes 3 & 15).