On Saturday, 7th December 2024, Jumeirah Golf Estates hosted its annual Captains’ Day, a heartfelt celebration of the achievements of Club Captains Noel O’Leary and Anna-Retha Rafferty. Over 180 members competed across a composite course of both the Earth and Fire courses in a Pairs Texas Scramble competition, with prizes up for grabs across the two composite courses.
The day’s standout performance came from Annabel Ayres and Bradley Webb, who delivered a masterclass of skill and precision to claim victory as the Overall 2024 Captains’ Day Winners. With an impressive score of 13 under-par, net 59 (gross 64), the duo’s exceptional performance was solidified through a dramatic back-nine countback. Their dominance was evident with back-to-back net eagles on holes 17 and 18 of the Fire course, a remarkable finish that not only secured their countback victory but also set them apart from a highly competitive field. Reflecting on their win, Bradley Webb shared his thoughts after the prize presentation:
“We played incredibly well and putted beautifully on the fantastically maintained greens,” Webb remarked. “We dovetailed nicely all day, which was crucial to our success. It’s been a spectacular day here at Jumeirah Golf Estates – the Club, the Captains Noel and Anna-Retha, and the sponsors have made it all so special. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment.”
In the Noel O’Leary Composite Course Division, combining the front-nine of the Fire course with the back-nine of the Earth course, Chris Hoskin and his partner, Callum Smithson, delivered an exceptional performance. The pair shot a bogey-free 13 under-par, netting a stellar 59, showcasing precision, teamwork, and unwavering focus. Their outstanding performance earned them victory in the division by an impressive two-stroke margin.
Paul McGee and Benjamin Wise finished as runners-up in this division, posting an 11 under-par, net 61 (net 63), narrowly missing out on both the divisional and overall win by just two strokes. The competitive nature of the field was underscored by the low scoring.
Following a dramatic three-way back-nine countback, Mark Schoombie and James Harrison secured third place in Noel’s division with a strong 8 under-par, gross 64. The pair’s bogey-free round included six birdies and a chip-in eagle from Schoombie on the difficult par-five 14th hole, a display of ball-striking and short-game expertise.
In Anna-Retha Rafferty’s composite course division, played over the front-nine of the Earth course and the back-nine of the Fire course, Luke Gregory and George Murray claimed victory with an impressive 11 under-par, net 61. The pair dropped just one shot on the short par-four 16th hole of the Fire course but remained focused and composed, clinching victory by showcasing their resilience.
The runners-up in Anna-Retha’s division were Robert Standing and David Bainbridge, who posted a bogey-free round of 10 under-par, net 62 (gross 61). Despite their exceptional play, they were edged out by just one stroke. Standing commented, “It was disappointing not to get the win with such a good display of golf today, but this disappointment was short-lived thanks to the fantastic event organised by our Captains and sponsors. We’ve had such a great day.”
The event saw some exciting pre-golf activations, sponsored by The Richmond Group. The Men’s Longest Drive competition on the driving range was won by Louis Thorne with a remarkable 321-yard drive. The Ladies Longest Drive was claimed by 2025 Lady Captain Tanya Harrison, whose drive measured 246 yards.
‘Iserviceanycar’ sponsored the Seniors Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin competitions. Steve Cashmore won the Seniors Longest Drive with a 266-yard shot, while Mark Schoombie, who finished third in Noel O’Leary’s division, claimed the Nearest the Pin prize with a shot to 3 feet from the pin.
The Devere-sponsored Longest Putt Challenge saw Werner Rooseboom emerge victorious, winning the 10,000-dirham prize and a golf lesson with Tommy Fleetwood.
On-course Nearest the Pin competitions on the 6th hole of the Earth course and Longest Drive on the Fire course were won by June Choi and Nick Whiteford, respectively. Both were sponsored by Hansard Global PLC.
The Black Sheep also sponsored the Longest Drive on the Earth course and Nearest the Pin on the 2nd hole of the Fire course, with Dan Tong and Ed Janes taking home the prizes.
Other notable on-course winners included Rob Hofman (Nearest the Pin on the 13th hole of the Earth course) and Reece Malcom (Nearest the Pin on the 14th hole of the Fire course), both sponsored by API Global.
Fairway Homes added extra value to the event with a 1,000-dirham lucky draw at the Prize Presentation Dinner. They also sponsored the Par 3 competitions on the 17th hole of the Earth course and the 11th hole of the Fire course, with Jamie Snowdon and Steve Punch taking the prizes.
Main Image: JGE
