McCarthy and Stahl triumph in Dubai

DUBAI // Mark McCarthy and Ralf Stahl kept their cool in the searing heat to claim the honours in the Handicap Scheme Monthly Medal, organised by the Emirates Golf Federation, at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. McCarthy shot a net 70 to win the Division A title while Stahl carded 37 points to triumph in the Division B, beating Andrew Kenning by one point. The tournament, part of the EGF Summer Series, attracted a full field despite tough conditions and competition was close in all the divisions.

One of the high points was the presence of a number of lady golfers in the field. Katrin Wilke made it on to the podium, winning the ladies' division with 33 points. Xander de Wet played some solid golf to win the prestigious Best Gross prize. The event - the second of a four-event summer series - proved so popular that it had been oversubscribed and organisers had to have additional tee times to accommodate players on the waiting list.

"It's good see to so many players, including lady golfers, responding enthusiastically to our medal event despite hot weather conditions," Saeed Albudoor, the general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, said. "We, at EGF, are committed to making the game more accessible. We are really grateful to all clubs in the UAE for their support in helping us to put together these handicap scheme events".

The medal events are meant exclusively for EGF members, offering an opportunity to players to improve their handicaps while playing a round of golf at reasonable rates. The next EGF Handicap Scheme Monthly Medal tournament will be at Arabian Ranches golf club on August 14. * Agency