Dubai Golf beat Troon Golf in first match of IP Global Titans Cup

Sport360 staff 20:57 02/03/2016
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  • The second match takes place later in the year.

    Two-time major champion Tony Jacklin, the most successful European captain in the history of Ryder Cup, could not work his magic for Troon Golf, even though he won his own match against Dubai Golf captain Bernard Gallacher.

    In the company of Dubai Golf CEO Chris May, Gallacher fought back to level the match going into the final hole, before Jacklin’s partner, Troon Sr Vice-President Mark Chapleski converted his birdie putt on the 18th to win the top match for their side.

    But that momentum was not maintained down the line, including a 2&1 win for vice-captain Carly Booth and Adel Zarouni over Troon vice-captain Olivia Cowan and Khalfan Al Kaabi.

    Gallacher, who started Europe’s incredible run in the Ryder Cup by beating the USA in their own backyard at Oak Hill in 1995, was delighted with his latest ‘away’ win.

    “This is not over, because we do have to host them at Emirates Golf Club in October. But it has been a fantastic effort from the team. And while it is exciting to have won, I hope all the players had fun. This is not a Ryder Cup, this is a social tournament, and more than winning or losing, it is important that the players enjoyed their day,” said 67-year-old Gallacher.

    “We will think of something to beat them again. I think I will try and get some tips from my nephew Stephen (Gallacher, winner of two of the last four Dubai Desert Classics at Emirates Golf Club) on how to play the Majlis better.”

    May added: “I think everyone involved had fun. The golf course was in brilliant shape and the format of the event (Pairs Texas Scramble) was spot on. It made it so much more interesting for the players.”

    The biggest win of the day was an 8&7 for Walid Al Attar and Elise Hanson of Dubai Golf, but most other matches were extended to at least the 14th hole.

    Jacklin said: “Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the day. I had great company, and we played on a fantastic golf course.

    “Obviously, I am disappointed that our team lost. May be, we will have to swap some of those boys in blue T-shirt with our red T-shirts when we play in October.”

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