Callum Nicoll eyes eighth straight Dubai Golf Trophy

Joy Chakravarty 14:58 16/05/2015
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  • Professional approach: Callum Nicoll says sentiments will play no part when they take on the Amateurs.

    Captain Callum Nicoll says it’s a ‘win-win situation’ for the Professionals whichever way the result goes in the Dubai Golf Trophy – but that is not going to stop his side from trying to win one of the most prestigious trophies in the local golf calendar for an eighth straight time.

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    The Dubai Golf Trophy returns this weekend for the 16th edition, and features the 16 leading UAE-based PGA Professionals and the leading 16 Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Amateur golfers in a head-to-head, Ryder Cup-style showdown.

    Since the season-ending tournament began in 2000 at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, the Amateurs have lifted the trophy twice – in 2005 and 2007.

    And yet, a lot is expected from this year’s team which features six players under 18 years of age, led by UAE’s new No1, the 15-year-old Rayhan Thomas.

    Nicoll, who won the UAE PGA Order of Merit crown for the fourth straight year, leads a strong side in his first stint as a captain.

    “I am really excited. I can’t wait for the play to start tomorrow,” said Nicoll, the Head Professional  at The Els Club in Dubai Sports City.

    “Part of the reason is we Professionals rarely get to play team events and I love the team aspect of golf. This is one of the rare chances we get, so we look forward to it.

    “Since only the top-16 players in our Order of Merit make it to the team, the Dubai Golf Trophy becomes a goal for most of us.

    “It’s also a very unique event. I have worked in a few other regions in the world before this, and I have never seen any tournament like the Dubai Golf Trophy.

    "Not even in the UK. It’s competitive, and it is fun.”

    Every member of the Amateurs side is taught by one or the other Professional, which was the reason why Nicoll said their professional pride will not take a beating if their winning streak is finally snapped.

    “As you know, six of the Amateurs are under the age of 18. And players like Rayhan and Tiago Lobo, we have seen them develop and some of us have played a part in them becoming so good. We take great pride in these youngsters doing well.

    As PGA Professionals, we have a responsibility of developing the sport and if these players win, it will give us immense pride.

    “But we won’t be swayed by sentiments. We want to win the tournament as badly as they want to.”

    The two-day event starts today at the Dubai Creek with eight foursomes matches starting at 07:20, followed by eight fourballs at 12:20.

    The action then shifts to the Majlis course of Emirates Golf Club tomorrow, which will host the 16 singles matches.

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