Celebrating 30 Years: Philip Haine wins Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup
Philip Haine receiving the trophy from Dubai Duty Free officials and golf pro Des Smyth after winning the 30th Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup
The 30th edition of the Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup concluded in spectacular manner with the crowning of Philip Haine, General Manager for JTI Worldwide Duty Free in the Middle East, Africa, UK, and Ireland, as its champion. Haine achieved a remarkable victory with an aggregate score of 76 points, following two rounds of intense competition at Trump International Dubai and the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
On the initial day of the tournament, Amarjeet Radia clinched the top Gross score in the Ladies division while Luke Maga led the Men’s division. Ninu Smith and Art Miller emerged victorious in Day 1’s stableford competition.
The following day's play at the challenging Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club resulted in Linda Cappell and Michael McGinley earning the Best Gross accolades for Day 2. In the stableford category, Satnam Kaur and Chris Blades outperformed the rest.
Other notable performances included Ara Nakhnikian and Naima Maya winning the Overall Local Winners in the Men’s and Ladies Divisions respectively, while Steve Flanagan and Nancy Miller triumphed in the Visitors category. The Senior Golfer categories were also fiercely contested, with Igor Dusutin, John Sutcliffe, and Dickie Pyne winning the Overall Senior, Super Senior, and Super Super Senior categories respectively.
The event also featured challenges for accuracy and power, with the “nearest the pin” and “longest drive” competitions. A special caricature artwork commissioned by friends of Dubai Duty Free was presented to senior management in a surprise gesture.
Organized by Dubai Duty Free, the prestigious event attracted approximately 93 players from the duty-free industry, making it a highlight in the golfing calendar. Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO of Dubai Duty Free, expressed his satisfaction with the tournament's success, noting its significance in the travel retail industry and coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Dubai Duty Free's operations.
McLoughlin stated: “The 30th Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup is an exceptional event to host. I am delighted to see it grow to become one of the most popular and enjoyable social events in the travel retail industry calendar, and to reach this milestone year, which coincides with our operation’s 40th anniversary, is truly remarkable. I’m happy to see familiar and new faces joining us for two days of friendly competition. Our congratulations go to all of our winners. Thanks also to the team at Dubai Duty Free for their efforts and to Trump International and Dubai Creek Golf Club for making this year's event so enjoyable.”
The Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup continues to be a key event for golf enthusiasts in the duty free industry, combining competitive sport with social networking and celebration.
