SAFRIYA team were crowned winners of the championship division while EK Kanoo emerged triumphant in the premiership category as the 13th American Mission Hospital (AMH) Island Classic charity golf tournament came to a close yesterday at His Majesty King Hamad's private golf course in Safriya.
Safriya, who were in action on the second day of the three-day Texas Scramble event, took first place with a score of 52.3. They were led by Bahraini international golfer Sultan Abdulla, and also comprised of Mohammed Khalifa Al Fadallah, Abdulla Hassan Jalal and Mahram Mohammed.
Bahrain Confidential and Avis came second and third, respectively, in the championship. Both teams had identical scores of 53.3, but Bahrain Confidential claimed the runner-up spot on count back. Their team featured Barry Hobday, Kevin Howarth, David Axtell and Oliver Brown; while Avis consisted of Phil Jones, David Wales, Jeffrey Barrett and Steve Wagstaff.
Both Bahrain Confidential and Avis were among six teams in their division who took to the fairways yesterday.
Meanwhile, EK Kanoo came away with first place in the premier category. They narrowly beat out AMH 'C' and DHL 'A' for the top prize.
The winners, who were one of seven premiership squads on the greens on the final day, had a winning score of 55.4. They comprised Murtaz Zamanly, Dr Helmut Alexander Franek, Yvonne Newall and Bijan Majidi.
AMH 'C' were the overnight leaders heading into yesterday's play. They were in action on day two, when they had a 55.6 score. Their squad was composed of AMH chief executive and chief medical officer Dr Paul Armerding, Dr Stanley Kwik, Hilde Kwik and visiting international golfer Iain Pyman, who was flown into the kingdom by Air France KLM just for the AMH Island Classic.
DHL 'A' were in play on opening day, and they had a score of 55.8 which earned them third place. Pyman was also part of their squad. He played alongside Andy Broughton, Steve Rutter and Phil Bowell.
Following yesterday's play, the winners of each group were awarded their respective prizes by General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. Shaikh Fawaz also presented prizes to the winners of yesterday's various side-contests.
After the prize-giving, Dr Armerding commented: "On behalf of AMH and the organising committee of the AMH Island Classic, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty the King for once again generously lending us his prestigious golf course for this year's tournament.
Grateful
"We are also grateful to the sponsors who have trusted us with their donation and support in reaching our goals and mission.
"The AMH Island Classic is the major fund-raising charitable activity of the year. With all the unending support extended to us, we will be able to meet and deliver the broad range of healthcare needs in this community.
"This year's tournament has been a success, and I hope to see you all again next year for fun and enjoyment."
AMH marketing and development manager and AMH Island Classic organiser Bahnaz Abbas added: "Once again, this year's event was a success. It has been a pleasure to conclude this three-day activity with such fun and excitement. Again I would like to give my gratitude to His Majesty the King.
"To all the players, who have shown sportsmanship and a spirit of competitiveness, thank you for entertaining us with your play. To our sponsors and volunteers, my big thanks too; you have contributed a great deal to make this event materialise. All the backing extended to our cause will be of great help in delivering our goal which is to help the needy patients of Bahrain."
SPONSORS
Platinum sponsor: BBK
Emerald sponsors: Al Hawaj Group, Chevron, Ebrahim K Kanoo, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Spa, TAIB Bank.
Gold sponsors: AVIS, Al Osra Supermarket, Bahrain Confidential, Bahrain Television, Bapco, DHL, Gulf Daily News, Air France, KLM Bahrain, United Gulf Bank, Xerox.
Silver sponsors: Bank Muscat International, MoFakro, Securities and Investment Company, Standard Chartered Bank, The Royal Golf Club, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain.
Hole sponsors: AerRianta International (Middle East), African and Eastern, AXA Insurance, Asry, Bahrain Duty Free, Caesar's, Contax, Deeko Bahrain Ltd, FP7, Future Hotel Management, Gulf Translations, JP Morgan Chase Bank, McDonald's, Mazin Computer Centre, Mohammed Jalal Catering, Merrill Lynch International Bank, Ministry of Information, National Photo Services, Riviera Flowers, Swiss Food Specialties, Yateem Oxygen.
In-kind supporters: King's Golf Course, Crowne Worldwide Movers, Jalal Ionics, Radio Bahrain, GP Zachariades, Hol-N-One.
