RIYADH: The team of Sam Montgomery, Mark Campbell, Phil Pannell and Gary Richardson won first place at the inaugural RGBB (Riyadh Group British Businessmen) Open Championship at Dirab Golf Club over the weekend.
The Texas Scramble format competition used two shotgun-style tee times — 12 noon on Thursday and 7 a.m. on Friday — in order to accommodate the more than 140 players spread out in teams of four that participated in the fun-filled event.
The players of various skill levels — from the beginners, including those that are new to golf and new to Dirab, to weekend hackers to veterans — were all praise for the excellent conditions of the fairways and greens at Dirab course, a testament to the experience of the club personnel in hosting golf events.
The winning team captained by Montgomery posted a net score of 63 to finish two shots clear of second-place team of Surinder Rajput, Hitesh Valla, K. W. Park and Gudrun Barnden, who combined for 65.
Third place went to the quartet of Patrick Kennedy, Francis Garcia, Neville Reilly and Andrew Davidson that tallied 66 with the team of Dave Cannon, Dan Cagle, Bill Parks and Alison Rogers taking the fourth position on 67. Rounding out the top five teams were Bernard Nolan, Tom Merkel, Mrs. Saito and Bob Mordan, who finished on 68.
Among those that played the charity golf tournament for the benefit of Icing International Children in Need were British Ambassador Sir William Patey and SABB CEO John Coverdale as well as a slew of Saudi golfers including Fahad Al-Mansour, Ahmed Al-Othman and Khaled Al-Othman. The prize distribution ceremony cum dinner was held Friday evening at the garden of Patey's residence. Patey, a veteran diplomat who speaks fluent Arabic, thanked all participants, Dirab golf course owner and Saudi Golf Federation President Khaled Abunayyan, Dirab Golf Club Manager and Marketing Manager Bouchaib El Jadiani and Andrea Corbett, RGBB organizer Gary Richardson and committee members for making the event a success.
All tournament proceeds will go to Icing International Children in Need. The sponsors are SABB, American Express, Almarai, Axa, Olayan, Premium Arcom, Crane, Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers, Hotel Al Khozama, Price Waterhouse, Coopers, SAMA and BMI Airlines.
