Shooting the Lights out

Tackling an underrated course, high tech shooting range and the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Abu Dhabi’s second city
By Robbie Greenfield

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Sore hips, trembling hands and a score of 107. Yes, I could easily be describing one of my recent rounds of golf, but for once I was quietly smug about shooting more than 100. After all, this was the Al Ain Shooting Club rifle range and the targets did seem impossibly far away.

“Could be better. Acceptable if you’re a beginner,” was the verdict from Captain Atef Seoudy, a man who has shot for his country in not one, but two Olympic Games. It seemed that in this instance, 107 was equally as inept in shooting as it is in golf, which left me wondering whether it was time I gave up on target sports that require a steady hand and unwavering concentration.

At least Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club’s PGA professional Tom Buchanan was enjoying himself. The Scot posted a final score of 10-under  par in the MENA Tour Championship to qualify for this month’s Dubai Open, but I still think his one-sided victory in our clay pigeon shootout produced a wider grin of satisfaction.