A Stellar Two Days As Jumeirah Golf Estates' Club Champions Are Crowned
Jumeirah Golf Estates proudly hosted its 2024 Club Championship over the weekend, drawing a total of 132 Members, vying for glory across two days of intense competition. The Fire Course set the stage for the first round on Saturday, with players navigating its challenging layout to position themselves favourably for the final showdown on the renowned DP World Tour Championship, Earth Course, on Sunday.
Thomas Stephenson emerged as Club Champion, securing his first-ever title with a combined gross score of 141 (69/72). Despite a slow start in the initial round, he surged ahead with a stellar performance on the back nine, earning a one-stroke lead over Oscar Craig heading into Sunday. Despite facing challenges, including a crucial double bogey on the eighth hole, Thomas maintained his composure. With birdies on holes 12, 13, and 15, coupled with a crucial par save on the 18th from 12 feet, he fended off any late charges from competitors like Marcus Dutton to clinch the Championship.
Marcus Dutton secured the second spot with a combined score of 144 (74/70). Despite starting the day five strokes behind, Dutton mounted a late charge, reaching (-3) at one stage. However, bogeys on holes 16, 17, and 18 dashed his hopes of clinching the title. In third place, Oscar Craig posted a score of 147 (70/77). Craig remained in contention throughout the day until a critical three-putt bogey on the par five, 14th hole, took him out of a chance for the win.
Aalaa Somji clinched the victory in the Ladies Club Championship with a combined score of 155 (77/78), securing a comfortable 10-stroke lead over the second-place finisher, Michelle Walsh-Hall. Walsh-Hall, who was tied for the lead heading into the second round, posted a score of 165 (77/88) to finish in second place.
James Finnigan successfully defended his Seniors Club Championship title with a score of 156 (78/78). In his final round, Finnigan showcased his skill with three birdies on holes two, 11, and the par five, 14th hole, securing his victory and reaffirming his position as the champion.
Jay Chinchankar clinched the Junior Club Championship with a score of 150 (75/75), securing victory by three strokes over Seth Hopkinson, who finished second with a score of 153.
Dorin Mateiu claimed victory in the Men's net division with impressive net scores of 70 and 70, totalling 140 for the Championship. His consistent performance secured him a three-stroke win over Lewis Delaney and Jonathan Brown, who finished with a combined score of 143.
Jane Vorster secured victory in the ladies’ net division with a commanding score of 146, shooting 69 in the first round and 77 in the second. Her consistent performance earned her a comfortable seven-stroke win over Anna-Retha Rafferty, the 2024 Lady Captain, who finished with a total score of 153.
Irum Kim clinched victory in the Junior net category with impressive consistency, carding rounds of 70 and 70. Her steady play secured her the win, while Aayan Dadabhoy finished as the runner-up.
Oliver Collis emerged as the stableford winner, showcasing a remarkable surge from 33 points on day one to an impressive 43 points on day two, securing a total of 76 points overall. Jonathan Brown appeared to have a strong grip on the division, but a late stumble with a bogey on the 17th and a double bogey on the 18th took him out of contention for the title.
Richard Aybar and Mohammed Hamed clinched the nearest the pins on day one, triumphing on holes eight and 14 respectively. On the second day, Matthew Broderick and the 2023 Club Champion, David Bainbridge, secured victories on holes six and 17, showcasing their precision and skill on the course.
2024 Club Champion, Thomas Stephenson, thanked the team and Agronomy for their efforts over the two days, “I would personally like to thank Adam and his team for all their efforts over the two days to ensure an amazing event! Furthermore, a big thank you needs to go to Stuart, Oli and Jesus for setting up two incredible golf courses for us to play on.”