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Khaleej Times
08-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Jimenez conquers Morocco: 'I have won in my 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and now my 60's'
Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain shot a final round of four under par 69 to finish with a 54-hole total of 11 under par 208, winning the $2.5 million 54-hole Hassan II Golf Trophy at Royal Club Dar Es Salam (Red Course) in Rabat, Morocco, on the PGA Champions Tour. Jimenez entered the final round tied with New Zealand's Steve Alker. After a close contest throughout the day, the turning point came when the 61-year-old Jimenez made an eagle on hole 17, securing his 14th PGA Champions Tour victory. Jimenez, who won the 2010 HERO Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club, said at the Champions' Press Conference, "I have won in my 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and now my 60's." 'That makes me so proud, as well as joining Freddie Couples with win number 14 on the PGA Champions Tour." 'I finished tied second earlier this year to Ernie Els, and this win gives me a great start to my season. It takes me to the top of the 2025 Charles Schwab Cup standings and gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season," he added. "I hadn't won for two years, since the Boeing Classic in August 2022 – so it's nice to be in the winner's circle again. It shows that at 61 years old, I can still compete with the youngsters.' Singh's ace The shot of the day came from Dubai Golden VISA Awardee Jeev Milkha Singh of India, who made a hole-in-one on hole 14 with a 7-iron from 163 yards into a stiff wind. This marked the first-ever hole-in-one in the history of the Hassan II Trophy. The ball caught the slope of the green perfectly and was Milkha Singh's ninth tournament ace and 17th overall in his career. 'I was aiming for the right side of the green from the tee. It was a good shot, and I thought it would set up a birdie chance. To have it go in is a real thrill,' said Milkha Singh. Milkha Singh shot rounds of 74, 72, and 75 to finish at two over par (221), tying for 28th place. Speaking to Khaleej Times after finishing his round, Milkha Singh shared, 'Overall, I was really pleased with my week. It was a tough course, but I liked the layout – very traditional in style. "I took a golf cart today as the flu got to me and I felt very weak at times. Next week, I'm off to Spain for the Legends Tour to kick off the 2025 season, and then I'll take three weeks off. "After that, I'll head to Macau for the International Series on the Asian Tour, followed by more events on the Legends Tour in Europe," he added. "It's been a good start for me in my first Champions Tour event. I hope I get an invite to return to Morocco next year – it's been a very special week for me, and the whole tournament setup, along with the Moroccan hospitality, has created lasting memories for all the players.' Results (7,329 Yards, Par 73) M. A. Jimenez (Spain) 70-69-69—208 S. Alker (NZ) 69-70-71—210 E. Els (RSA) 72-71-69—212 K. J. Choi (Korea) 74-69-70—213 ALSO READ Els, Montgomerie & Jeev set to compete in $2.5m Hassan II Trophy in Morocco
Khaleej Times
08-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Haotong Li surges clear in Qatar Masters on DP World Tour
Haotong Li moved into a two-shot lead at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters with a third-round 67. The three-time DP World Tour winner from China—including the 2018 HERO Dubai Desert Classic—advanced to 13 under at Doha Golf Club, overtaking halfway leader Brandon Robinson Thompson. A one-under 71 saw Robinson Thompson move to 11 under, securing second place and a spot in the final group on Sunday. England's Matthew Jordan and South Africa's Jayden Schaper share third place at nine under after rounds of 67 and 69, respectively. Haotong wasted no time erasing Robinson Thompson's two-shot overnight advantage, birdieing the first hole after a superb second shot into the par five. He added another birdie at the second from five feet. England's Robinson Thompson played a steady round, with his only deviation from par in the first 15 holes being a bogey at the sixth. Haotong took the outright lead with a birdie from three feet at the seventh. Both contenders produced a string of pars up to the 15th before capitalizing on the driveable 16th, where Robinson Thompson recorded his first birdie of the day. Haotong looked poised to extend his lead further when he rolled in a 15-footer at the 17th, but Robinson Thompson responded by getting up and down from the back of the 18th green to keep the gap at two shots. Earlier, Jordan charged up the leaderboard with five consecutive birdies from the 12th. Although he dropped a shot after three-putting the 17th, he made amends by sinking a huge 56-foot birdie putt on the last hole. Schaper also finished strongly, with three birdies in his last four holes to secure a share of third place. Joshua Grenville-Wood, representing the UAE, is tied for 33rd at three under par after rounds of 70, 73, and 70 (213 total). The final round will be played tomorrow (Sunday), with tee times starting at 6:30 a.m. in two-balls, all from tee one. The leaders will tee off last at 12:05 p.m. For LIVE final-round scoring, visit:
Khaleej Times
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai golf fever hits new heights as UGC Season 2 tees off at the Dubai Creek
The long wait is over, and the stage is set for Season 2 of the highly-anticipated Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC), Dubai's premier franchise-based social golf tournament. With 10 formidable teams, 140 passionate players, and three action-packed rounds across some of the UAE's most iconic courses, anticipation is at an all-time high. With 10 formidable teams, 140 passionate players, and three exhilarating rounds across some of the UAE's most iconic courses, excitement is reaching fever pitch. Unmistakable Excitement Brandon de Souza, event curator, summed up the mood perfectly: 'The excitement is unmistakable. In just a year the UGC has evolved into something more than just a golf tournament - it's a celebration of camaraderie, competition, and inclusivity. It brings together golfers of all levels, ages, and backgrounds, and that's what makes it truly special.' The tournament tees off on Thursday January 30, at the scenic Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. The action then moves to the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club on February 7, before culminating in a grand finale on February 13. at the world-renowned Majlis Course, the same venue that hosted the HERO Dubai Desert Classic just two weeks ago. The teams will battle it out in unique formats that reward consistency, teamwork, and mental resilience. On Day 1, each team will nominate two sub-teams of five players each, with the four best Stableford scores from each sub-team counting toward the team total. Teams with a Mission Each of the 10 teams is fuelled by ambition, with franchise owners and mentors playing a pivotal role in shaping their squads. For the Sultans of Swing, this season holds a profound significance. Playing in memory of former teammate Rohan Malhotra, who tragically passed away at a young age, the team is determined to honor his legacy. 'Rohan wasn't just a teammate—he was the heartbeat of our squad, the one who united us with his spirit and energy,' said co-owner Sanjay Pahwa. Unity & Camaraderie The Alpha Ninjas, led by mentor Kabir Luthra, are built on a foundation of camaraderie and competition. Luthra's vision is not just about winning but about shaping Dubai's social golf scene through unity and lasting player relationships. "Golf is tough. If you're not having fun, it becomes even harder," he says. "My message to the team is simple: relax, have a blast, and let the natural camaraderie do the rest. When there's banter and fun, the performance follows naturally." Meanwhile, The A Team, co-owned by Ayesha and Aman Chopra, are looking to build on their impressive third-place finish last season. Newcomer Maura Duggan is eager to make an impact. 'I watched the UGC last year, and everyone looked like they were having the time of their lives. Joining The A Team has been an incredible experience. The energy and positivity Ayesha and Aman bring are infectious. I can't wait for our first game on Thursday.' Champions in the Making The Shershaah Eagles are another squad with unfinished business. After finishing runners-up in Season 1, co-owner Harry Gandhi is confident they have assembled a squad with the hunger to go all the way. 'We've worked hard to build a well-rounded team. It's not just about talent - it's about mental toughness and the drive to compete at the highest level,' says Gandhi. Another exciting entry this season is The Brain & Performance Center, A DP World Compnay. The team that blends golf with a focus on mental and physical resilience and owner Gwillym Poole is excited about the platform UGC provides. 'We see sports, particularly golf, as a perfect alignment with our commitment to well-being. This tournament is about much more than competition- it's about fostering a holistic approach to the game,' Poole says. The Bigger Picture Beyond the action on the course, UGC is on a mission to redefine franchise golf in the UAE and beyond. Tournament commissioner Kunal Seth harbours ambitious plans for its expansion. 'The UGC started with a vision to bring passionate golfers together. Our long-term goal is to take this format global, with UAE teams competing internationally. We're only just getting started.' With teams ready, rivalries brewing, and an electric atmosphere building, Season 2 of the Ultimate Golf Challenge promises to be a spectacle like no other. As the first tee shots are struck, one thing is certain - Dubai's golfing scene is in for an unforgettable ride. When: Thursday, Jan 30 Where: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Tee off time: 12:45 pm Format: Shotgun start Dates Round 1 : 30th January, 2025 @ Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Round 2 : 7th February, 2025 @ Faldo Course, Emirates Golf Club Round 3 : 13th February, 2025 @ Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club (Walking) Teams Number of teams: 10 Number of players per team: 14 100 players on a match day (all 14 must play at least one round) Team composition: Owner may retain/nominate a maximum of eight plyers for their total squad of 14. ALSO READ Unique 'Ultimate Golf Challenge' a certified success in its first season Team Tristar Gladiators power to victory in Ultimate Team Golf Challenge Team Petrochem Condors swoop for glory at inaugural Ultimate Golf Challenge Unforgettable showdowns await as Ultimate Golf Challenge returns for Season 2 Player Auction triggers excitement as Tournament Director declares, 'The UGC is here to stay'
Khaleej Times
28-01-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
'The Asian Tour is my foundation' – Shubhankar Sharma reflects on his journey
Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma, 28, known for his frequent visits to Dubai and the UAE, has returned home to India, compete in the $2 million International Series India, presented by DLF, starting Thursday, 30th January 2025, at DLF Golf & Country Club. Having played recently in the HERO Dubai Desert Classic and the Ras Al Khaimah Championship on the DP World Tour, Sharma is fully aware of the challenges he faces but is excited to play in front of his home crowd. While much of the spotlight this week is on LIV Golf stars like Bryson DeChambeau, the reigning US Open champion, and Chile's Joaquin Niemann, last year's International Series Rankings winner, Sharma is confident the competition will be fierce thanks to the growing strength of the Asian Tour and The International Series. A two-time winner on the Asian Tour, Sharma first made his mark by winning the 2018 Asian Tour Order of Merit. "Indian golf has made tremendous progress over the last decade, and it's been a proud journey for me," he said. "The Asian Tour has been my foundation. It's where I started, and it holds a special place in my heart." Sharma is joined by an impressive roster of Indian golfers this week, including Dubai-based Anirban Lahiri, who plays alongside DeChambeau and England's Paul Casey for Crushers GC. Also in the field are 11-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar, the most successful Indian golfer on the tour, as well as legends like Jeev Milkha Singh and Shiv Kapur, who resides in Dubai. "For me, the Asian Tour has always been a place to hone my skills and compete with the best. It was where I got my first real taste of international golf," said Sharma. "The International Series is a testament to how much the Tour has grown. The fields are deeper, the competition tougher, and the opportunities for players have expanded significantly." Sharma played in the season-ending PIF Saudi International last season, where he witnessed firsthand the increased level of competition in The International Series. "I played in Riyadh, and it was incredible to see the low scoring and high-level play. The competition is fierce, but that's what makes it so exciting," he added. Returning to India and the Asian Tour feels like a homecoming for Sharma. "There's a certain comfort here. It's more relaxed, and I know everyone. It creates a great atmosphere, and I couldn't be happier to be back," he said. This week's $2 million event is the second tournament of the season on the Asian Tour and the first of the year on The International Series. ALSO READ Oman's Al Mouj Golf is joint winner of Player's Choice honour at Asian Tour Awards Night
