Lexus UAE Junior Golf Championship produces a rich fare

DUBAI, Jan 3 – Ahmed Al Mazrui produced a blistering run of birdies to win the Lexus UAE Junior Golf Championship in style at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club's Par-3 course on Wednesday afternoon.

The super-hot prodigy from Abu Dhabi shot an amazing eight-under-par 46 during his sparkling journey around the elegantly-laid out course to beat hot-favourite Ahmed Al Mosharrekh by a staggering four shots for his maiden victory in the country's premier junior championship.

Ahmed Al Mosharrekh's younger brother Hassan played one-over-par 55 to finish third, but it was Al Mazrui who held the centre-stage with some breathtaking golf.

Played twice over the par-3 course, the championship, sponsored by Al Futtaim Motors and organised by the UAE Golf Association, presented some of the junior players with an opportunity to warm up for the 36-hole senior championship which gets under way at the Dubai Creek today (Jan 4).

Al Mazrui fired five birdies and a bogey (on the seventh) en route to completing his front nine four-under-par 23 and was equally solid on the back nine which he also finished with an identical four under par.

"Things fell in places right from the start and I am really pleased with my overall efforts," said Al Mazrui, who plays off six handicap. "The big test, of course, will be to do well in the senior championship. If I can carry on with the same momentum, I can expect some good results," he said.

"At the moment, however, I would like to enjoy this victory – my first in the Lexus Junior Championship," he added.

Ahmed Al Mosharrekh never missed greens with his tee shots and holed some solid putts. His card contained no bogeys, something which amply reflects on his consistency during the 18-hole championship.

"I think I played really well. No regrets," said Ahmed Al Mosharrekh, who won the junior championship in 2005. "I am really looking forward to the main championship," said Ahmed, who has just returned from the United States after honing his skills at the famed David Leadbetter Academy, thanks to a scholarship awarded to him by the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation for being the most promising junior in the UAE.

The honour of producing the shot of the day went to Sohail Al Marzouqi, who aced the 79-yard seventh with a perfect pitching wedge. Hassan Al Mosharrekh nearly matched the feat, incidentally on the same hole, but his wedge missed the target by just a centimentre.

The championship also featured four PC (playing certificate) holders and Sohail Al Marzouqi produced the best effort, finishing 10 over par 64.

Khaled Fayad, national sales manager (Lexus), and Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, secretary-general of the UAE Golf Association, presented the prizes.

Results:

1. Ahmed Al Mazrui gross 46
2. Ahmed Al Mosharrekh 50
3. Hassan Al Mosharrekh 55

Nearest to the pin: Ahmed Al Mosharrekh (hole 5) and Faisal Al Marzouqi (8).
Hole-in-one: Sohail Al Marzouqi (seventh).

Ends….