McLoughlin praises success of memorial Golf Tournament sponsored by DDF
James Ritchie (center) receives trophy from Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman & CEO Colm McLoughlin (second from left), along with Sinead El Sibai, SVP-Marketing DDF (fourth from left)
The annual Dubai Duty Free — Mark Fahy Memorial Golf Tournament, hosted by the Dubai Irish Golf Society (DIGS), came to a close yesterday (March 12) at Dubai Hills Golf Club in Dubai, UAE. James Ritchie fired a remarkable 44 points to claim the winning title.
Dubai Duty Free has supported the event since its inauguration in 2005 and the Dubai Irish Golf Society event which runs in memory of Mark Fahy, a prominent figure within the Irish community in Dubai who lost his battle with cancer.
In a full-field event that saw 96 participants take on the Dubai Hills Challenge, Ritchie posted nines of 26 and 18 points, respectively, in an impressive scoring event where 13 players carded 36 points or better, with four players returning with 40+ points. Ritchie finished one point ahead of the Men’s Division winner, Anthony Stroud, who scored 43 points in an excellent round where he racked up seven net birdies and one net eagle. This would result in a one-point winning margin for the runner-up, Eoin Sheridan, who scored 42 points. Jonathan Duggan settled for third place after returning his scorecard with 39 points.
Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free along with Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President – Marketing, were in attendance to present the winners with their trophies.
Commenting on the success of the tournament, Colm McLoughlin said, “We are delighted to see this annual golf event continue to grow and develop year on year. It is also great to see new and existing members playing at an event that remembers Mark Fahy, a good friend of Dubai Duty Free and the Irish community. Thanks to the new DIGS Captain Kieran Harte, my team at Dubai Duty Free, and Dubai Hills Golf Club for making this year’s event so enjoyable.”
Richard Cole took home the Gross Winner’s Trophy and a fine round of 71, which would see him beat Duggan on a count-back after returning at level par, 36, for the last 9 holes. Laura Kirkham was crowned champion of the Ladies Division after a stellar round of 42 points. This saw Tracey Hempenstall settle for second with 25 points.
Harte, Captain of the Dubai Irish Golf Society, praised the continual support of Dubai Duty Free, the society members, and all participants in the event and looks forward to hosting many more in the future.
