The rare feat and bragging rights belonged to Thai H. Phajon who shot an 82 in a steady round that was sullied only by a double bogey on seven and triple bogey on No. 10.

A birdie on the first hole set Phajon on the way, as he carded nines of 40-42. Phajon never had to pull his driver out of the bag, making do with a three-wood on his tee shots around the flat but challenging course.

With a 17 handicap Phajon’s score of 7-under 65 was the low net of the day but he had to yield the prize because only one major prize per player is allowed under tournament rules.

The Best Net crown instead went to Radisson Blu top honcho Mohammad Benamar, who signed for a 68 from his gross of 88 (43-45).

Benamar, who swims daily to stay fit though he plays golf only on weekends, enjoyed a tidy round the highlight of which was when he rattled in three straight pars from the sixth hole.

“I was surprised by myself.  I made some mistakes but overall my game was good,” said Benamar who added even the weather was a challenge and “I couldn’t see the ball when the sandstorm lashed the course midway through the round.”

Indeed, the calm conditions at the start of the day gave way to the swirling dusts that affected visibility for the players.

Richard Gaas, a 2-handicap Filipino golfer and one of the favorites for Best Gross crown, failed to break 80 this time and settled for third place on 83 in the First Division (handicap 0-9) won by another Thai 8-handicap player Vinij Singhanont who posted 79 from his gross score of 87.

Lebanese Rabie Fares, with a 9 handicap, took the second position on 82.

Morgan Mead claimed the Second Division (10-18) title after shooting an even par 72 with Ray Chaplow and Alistair McIllroy rounding out the first three winners on 74 and 75. Mead, who  played off 13 handicap, had a gross score of 85 Chaplow 86 and McIllroy 90.

Winning the Third Division (19-28) was Marku Karriainen who returned 71. Jim Kennedy and Seitaro Tsukuda came in second and third on countback after both players tied on 75.

Dirab Ladies Group captain Flore Bouzanne won her second straight tournament, hitting a 77. Ganet Bertha was second in the Ladies Division on 81.

Greg Green took home the award for the longest drive and Mead received the nearest to the pin plum.

The tournament sponsored by Dirab Golf & Country Club attracted more than 80 players. Fahad Abunayyan, vice-general manager at Abunayyan Group, and Golf Club Director Bouchaib El Jadiani, handed over the prizes to the winners.