The 2012 UAE PGA Matchplay Championship concluded yesterday at the Majilis course, Emirates Golf Club with Simon Payne of Tower Links GC taking this years honour as the UAE PGA Matchplay Champion.
With a tight contest between the players and never more than a hole separating the finalists the match was forced into extra holes and with a half at the 19th it took a special effort from Simon to overcome Calllum Nicoll. Faced with a 250+shot over water and into a stiff breeze a stunning fairway wood across the water into the breeze set-up a two putt birdie which would prove sufficient to win the match at the 20th hole.
In the consolation match for 3rd & 4th place the match was just as tight with 3 birdies traded in the last 4 holes. The match stood all square on the 18th tee and with a 60 yard pitch to 3 ft to set up a birdie Malcolm Young claimed third place with a 1 up victory over Ryan Smith
Â
Our sincerest thanks to Andrew Whitelaw Emirates Golf Club Manager and Barney Coleman for the support of this years championship the course was in excellent condition for the Finals matches and our thanks also go to Craig Haldane and his team for the course condition.
Â
2012 UAE PGA Matchplay Championship
Champion                   Simon Payne                Tower Links Golf Club
Runner Up                  Callum Nicoll                The Els Club
3rd Place                    Malcolm Young             Arabian Ranches Golf Club
4th Place                    Ryan Smith                  The Montgomerie -Dubai
Â
Match results
·   S Payne V C Nicoll – Payne wins at 20th hole
·   M Young V R Smith – Young wins 1 U