A right ‘Royal’ result in Bahrain
British Greenkeepers triumph in the Kingdom of Bahrain
DURING the course of 2009, Groundsmen and Greenkeepers purchasing products through Environmental Turf Technology (ETT) and Pitchcare gained entry into a free qualifying golf tournament. The qualifier played out in August on the world famous Brabazon Course at Warwickshire’s Belfry, provided three winners, one from each handicap section.
In October the three lucky section winners, Alec Macindoe (Newbury & Crookham GC), Danny Simpson (Rockliffe Hall GC) and Dave Goodchild (Ellesborough GC), were flown over on Gulf Air to play in the Captain’s Pro-Am Classic at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain. Staying at a five star hotel and treated to silver service throughout, the three British greenkeepers enjoyed a first day of practice around the 18-hole Montgomerie Course to get a feel for their surroundings and the hot Middle Eastern weather.
The course, which is made up of 100% Paspalum warm season grass, was constructed in the heart of a 1,000 holiday property complex and this green oasis is surrounded by desert sand. The rolling links style fairways and large undulating greens were beautifully maintained, providing a perfect layout for both strategic and ‘risk and reward’ players. It all made for a very challenging and exciting experience for all the golfers.
At the clubhouse the players congregated for evening drinks, the entertainment was provided by the resort staff, who conducted the auction of the professional golfers, flown in from all over the world, one to play with each of the twenty- four teams.
On the second day all teams were given a full breakfast at the club, before enjoying a shotgun start around the course. Playing Stableford rules, the two British greenkeeping teams played their way around the immaculately laid out course.
When all the teams were in and freshened up, dinner was laid on in the clubhouse and the results were announced. The team consisting of Alec Macindoe, Danny Simpson, Mark Hooker (Course Agronomist, Royal GC) and Saudi Arabian Pro, Othman Almulla, played a very respectable round.
But, to the British contingent’s surprise, our other team, consisting of Dave Goodchild, Richard Fortmuller (ETT Sales), Matthew Perry (Deputy Greenkeeper Royal GC) and Pro, Michael Braidwood, beat off all challengers to take the prize money and coveted trophy with a score of 87.
L-r: Dave Goodchild, Richard Fortmuller, Michael Braidwood and Matthew Perry
To play in such a prestigious competition, against ex-footballers and the rich and famous, was a fantastic experience; to come away as winners of the competition was the icing on the cake for everyone involved in the year’s competition.
In 2010 the competition will be running again and the top prize looks to be even better than last year. The entry fee to the qualifier is the cost of a 1000 litre (IBC) of liquid fertiliser that is tailored to the club’s needs and based on a free soil analysis and report.
For further information, please contact Pitchcare about your Green Solutions entry to the golfing trip of a lifetime. Email:
mail@pitchcare.com Website:
www.pitchcare.com
To view more about the Royal Golf Club log on to
www.theroyalgolfclub.com
Grounds Maintenance Equipment for Professionals
+44 (0)1332 824777
www.dennisuk.com PROUDLY BRITISH 5
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