Filipino golfers hailing from various corners of the Gulf region converged at the esteemed Arabian Ranches Golf Club in Dubai, UAE on September 28-29, 2023, to partake in the highly anticipated 2nd GCC Filipino Golfers Club Tournament.
The annual tournament, inaugurated in Oman the previous year, witnessed an enthusiastic assembly of Filipinos and guests from Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The event served as a splendid platform for golf aficionados to unite, fostering a sense of sportsmanship and camaraderie within the community.
The UAE Filipino Golfers Club orchestrated this thrilling two-day affair, drawing the participation of 68 players hailing from the six Gulf nations, including distinguished figures such as the Philippine Ambassador to UAE and officials from the Philippine Consulate in UAE.
Representatives from Qatar, led by Eugene Bautista, President of the Philippine Golf Association Qatar (PGAQ), and Team Captain Francis Gaspar, showcased their golf prowess at the event. The Qatar delegation fielded two teams, showcasing the talents of esteemed members like Rolando Valencia, Winston Agcon, Dean Ball, Sam Roseman, Jade Roseman, Betty Faniega, Mara Jansuy, Mark Lagat, Chris Corcelles, and Marlon Canonizano.
The first day of the tournament witnessed intense competition amid scorching temperatures, as Qatar's Team A secured a narrow lead of one point over the host UAE Team A. The evening turned into a lively affair of fun and traditional videoke, with players showcasing their vocal talents. As the second day unfolded, teams delivered exceptional performances, and the tournament's champion remained uncertain until the very last hole. Ultimately, Qatar Team A maintained their lead over UAE Team A, clinching the championship with a single-point advantage.
In addition to the team victory, Qatar also swept most of the individual awards, including Best Stableford Men (Day 1) - Winston Agcon, Best Stableford Ladies (Day 1) - Mara Jansuy, Best Stableford Men (Day 2) - Eugene Bautista, Longest Drive Men (Day 1) - Dean Ball, Longest Drive Ladies (Day 1) - Mara Jansuy, 2s (Day 1) - Winston Agcon, 2s (Day 2) - Dean Ball, Overall Men (3rd) - Chris Corcelles, Overall Men (2nd) - Dean Ball, and Overall Ladies (2nd) - Jade Roseman.
Looking ahead, PGAQ eagerly anticipates defending their title in the coming year's tournament, set to take place in Bahrain. The 2nd GCC Filipino Golfers Club Tournament was a grand success, uniting golf enthusiasts and promoting friendly competition within the Filipino community across the Gulf region.
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