RIYADH, 19 March 2004 — The Riyadh Golf Club faithful, all 40 of them, gathered one fine Friday morning to bid farewell to military attache Riaz ul-Haq of the Pakistan Embassy, who is leaving for his home country next month.
On the course a drama was unfolding with big Briton Clark Windross in the starring role. The long-hitting Windross shot a new course record of six-under par 67, shattering the long-standing record of 69 which former Filipino golf professional Moises Legaspi, Jr. established more than a decade ago when the course still played to a par-72.
Windross, of BAE Systems took home the Best Gross trophy and the longest drive award as well. The Filipino duo of Val Navarro and Dan Magsino were the winners in the Group A (0-11 handicap) and Group B (12-24) respectively.
The 10-handicappper Navarro fired a net 68 to beat Pakistani Tahir Paul by one stroke, while Magsino, with a 19 handicap, finished with a 66, five clear of runner-up Seng De Torres, who had a 71.
Veteran Stewart Vincent claimed the most pars and most birdies awards and the nearest to pin accolades went to Filipino Rudy Pranga and Paul. The 18-hole Riaz farewell tournament organized by the Pakistani group, Friends Golf Club, was indeed a great day of golfing enjoyed by all.
Riaz made significant contributions to all three clubs (RGC, RIGS, FGC) during his time in Riyadh and, indeed, he will be missed by all his friends in the golf community.
Meanwhile, RGC course manager V.T.M. Rafi said all is set for the annual RGC Open Tournament next Friday, March 26. Tee-off time will be at 7 a.m. for the event sponsored by ABV Rock Group and SACO Hardware.
Prizes ranging from television sets to golf accessories will be up for grabs. Also, trophies await the overall best net, Group A (0-11) and Group B (12-20) winners. Rafi can be contacted at 0530194369 for further details.
