Tie at the top in the first-round of Men’s Pairs Final at The Els Club, while David and Tracy Morris storm ahead in Mixed Pairs.

The Matchplay Championship Grand Final, one of Europe’s largest amateur golf tournaments has got underway today at The Els Club, Dubai, with Jim Bishop and Michael Cunningham from Langdon Hills Golf & Country Club in Essex tied for the first-round lead with Chris Scott-Douglas and Mike Ankers from Bloxwich GC and Darnford Moors GC in the West Midlands. Both teams scored 41 points in the Men’s Pairs event in the better-ball stableford format. Meanwhile, David and Tracy Morris of Collingtree Park Golf Club, Northamptonshire have stormed ahead in the Mixed Pairs with 38, and Stuart James and Craig Sullivan in the non-active event with 35 points. Perfect weather conditions and an immaculate golf course has greeted the players, who entered the tournament for just £25 at www.matchplaychampionship.co.uk. Enjoying luxurious accommodation at the Marriott Dubai Harbour Hotel, the players are battling it out in front of Sky Sports cameras for the right to be named Matchplay Champions 2010/2011.

“We had a great score today and we’re going to give a good go to keep it going over the next two days,” commented Jim Bishop, Langdon Hills Golf & Country Club. Mike made birdie on the first, which got us off to a flying start and we just tried to enjoy it from there. We’re playing well and enjoying the whole experience.”

First launched in 2003, the event has flown out 36 players to Dubai who qualified through Matchplay qualifying rounds and a Regional Final back in the UK. A competitive tournament with an essence of camaraderie has created a unique feel to this years’ Grand Final, as players bask in the delights of Dubai’s first-class hospitality.

“We’re thrilled to host the Matchplay Championships here at the Marriott Dubai Harbour Hotel, commented Jeff Strachan, Marriott’s Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Middle East and Africa. “We’ve got a great bunch of competitors, who are staying in our luxurious apartments with panoramic views of the Dubai Palm and Dubai Marina. With incredible views from the Observatory Bar on the 52nd Floor and exquisite dining in AZ.U.R and Counter Culture restaurants, as well as a host of Spa and leisure facilities, the hotel is the ideal place to wind down after a competitive day on the golf course.”

Via EPR Network
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