More than 70 players turned out to play in Awali Golf Club’s Black-Ball Competition in which sharp eyesight counts and wayward strokes could prove more cruelly costly than usual.
The ‘Black-Ball’ format consists ideally of three-member teams, although some teams competed with only two. Each player records a normal individual Stableford scorecard but plays in turn with a black coloured ball on the appropriate hole.
The score for this is recorded both on that player’s individual scorecard and a team scorecard, where only black-ball results appear. However, a lost black ball means immediate elimination from the team contest.
On this occasion, all teams finished with the black ball intact so all scores counted and team winners were Paul Anderson, Sang Oak Nam and Rey Alejandro with 37 points and Jasim Al Qatam, Joan Martin and Paul McLean followed as runners-up with 36 points.
Whether due to the relaxed format or the perfect course conditions, several players recorded high scores. Individual winner Tim Beynon came back with a whopping 47 points earning him a massive 4 shot handicap cut which included an additional reduction due to exceptional scoring.
In second place was Clive Bailey with 43 points. Third place was Ali Al Kowari with 41 points. Fourth and fifth places were decided on countback with seven players on 40 points vying for these positions.
However, Jasim Al Gatam claimed 4th and Jasper Meinema was awarded 5th. Eight players in total received handicap cuts. Five of whom, Salem Khalifa, Maria Carangan JR, Ariette Paul, Les Young and Nicky Park, were in contention for the prizes but unfortunately missed out and had to be content that their performance was at least recognised in some way.
AGC sponsored the fun tournament and African & Eastern provided refreshments in the evening. Side prizes were awarded as follows: Longest drive, for all players, on hole 18 was Hendrik Wessels.
Nearest the pin, for all players, on hole 4 was Tim Beynon and hole 12 was Farooq Ahmed. Nearest the pin, for ladies, on hole 14 was Sang Oak Nam and, for men, on hole 6 was Abdulrahman Amin.
