RIYADH, 25 January 2007 — Filipino Alex Arellano and Dr. Amir Sheikh from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center scored victories in the season-opening event at the Riyadh Golf Course here.
Arellano claimed the title in Division A (0-15 handicap) and Sheikh took the Division B (16-28 ) crown in the New Year Open golf tournament sponsored by Kruathai Seafood Restaurant through its president Preecha Srijan.
The long-hitting Arellano tallied 34 points in the Stableford format competition with Saudi Golf Committee’s Saad Al-Otaibi taking the first runner-up position with 30 points. The second runner-up and third runner-up that was decided on countback were Banyat Siripreecha, of Thailand Embassy, and Nadeem Mirza, who both carded 29 points.
Dr. Amir, a 24-handicap who thrived very well with a good short game, put together 36 points, the equivalent of even par 72 in stroke play, to win the division.
Another Filipino, lefty Edwin Ignacio, assembled 34 points for fist runner-up honors followed by Dr. Arif Hussain on 33 and Jun Bantug on 30 points.
Korean Park Young-hee clinched the ladies division title.
Sixty players of various nationalities teed off in freezing cold and windy conditions.
The awards for longest drives in Division A and Division B went to Mujeeb Minas and Nicky Aukistino and for nearest to pin to Pedy Lualhati and Ben Torrefiel.
Prizes of trophies and golf merchandise including Callaway golf bag and travel case were presented to the winners during the awards ceremony. Course owner Prince Faisal ibn Mohammed Al-Saud handed out the prizes assisted by RGC manager V.T. Mohammed Rafi.
The players were each given RGC logoed T-shirts donated by Rhonda Otaibi.
Up next in the tournament schedule is the February Monthly Medal, according to Rafi.
