JEDDAH: A very green golf course at Desert Lakes Golf Club had members and guests aiming to keep the ball on the fairway at this year’s Raytheon Cup event. The rewards went to those who could keep the ball straight and long – none more so than overall winner, 24-handicap player Steve Ashton.
The recent rains which did so much damage in Jeddah have brought a pleasantly green tinge to the Jeddah’s only golf course which, for most of the time, is a sand course. It may look more like a golf course at the moment but, away from the fairways, the game has suddenly got much tougher. As one regular golfer commented, ‘We’re not used to hunting for lost balls! We usually wear them out.’
However, there were some who did return good scores in the ideal cool, calm conditions. For a while it looked like it would be a three-way battle for the main prize but when the cards from the final group of the day were returned, there was no doubt as Ashton emerged a clear winner with 38 Stableford points.
With 37 points, Jong Min Lee was winner of Division 1 (0-11 handicap), Richard Johnson, also on 37 points, took the prize for Division 2 (12–18 handicap). Special mention must go to South African youngster, Zander Potgeiter, the 14-year-old competing with and beating a field of around 70 older and more experienced golfers. Division 3 was taken by Raytheon’s own Otis Hopkins, returning a score of 36 points.
The tournament was followed by a presentation lunch at which Hopkins, Raytheon’s general manager, Saudi Arabian Programs, presented prizes, assisted by DLGC Committee man, Richard Johnson.
The next major event at Desert Lakes is next month’s Club Championship to be held over two consecutive weekends. DLGC prides itself on its friendly atmosphere and always welcomes new members to its course near the Haj Terminal. More details can be found on the club’s website www.desertlakesgolfcourse.com or from Chairman, Alex Sykes (0506361169).
Winners:
Overall winner: Steve Ashton (38 points)
Division 1 winner: Jong Min Lee (37 points) runner-up: Dae Soo Kim (36 points)
Division 2 winner: Richard Johnson (37 points) runner-up: Zander Potgeiter (37 points)
Division 3 winner: Otis Hopkins (36 points) runner-up: Roy Booth (34 points)
Nearest the pin: JM Lee (1.28m)
Most accurate drive: Il Kyu Lee (1.4m)
