86 golfers in fray for Gulf News event

Acompetitive field of 86 golfers will tee off at the Emirates Golf Club’s Faldo Course today to vie for top honours in the 23rd Gulf News Merchants Cup Golf Tournament, a popular event where the UAE’s business fraternity soaks up its passion for the sport.

Held annually since 1996, the Merchants Cup is one of the most anticipated social competitions in the country.

The format remains a Pairs Stableford (3/4 Handicap) four-ball, where the best score out of the two players counts on each hole. Skills and style are set to flourish on the signature 7,052-yard course redesigned in 2005 by golf legend and six-time major winner Nick Faldo.

Apart from crystal trophies for the top five finishers, there will be prizes for categories such as Nearest to the Pin, Longest Drive, Most Birdies, Hole-in-One, in addition to several ‘fun’ prizes.

“We are very excited to be hosting this 23rd edition of our annual tournament”, said Rajeev Khanna, commercial director, Al Nisr Group.

Barney Coleman, Emirates Golf Club manager, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the 23rd edition of the Gulf News Golf Tournament on the Faldo course.”