The 100 World Legends, in partnership with the Al Noor Training Centre, gathered at Arabian Ranches Golf Club for an unforgettable golf day to raise awareness and funds for an important cause, supported by Golf Digest Middle East and Motivate Media Group.
Made up of high-profile former international rugby stars from over 20 countries, the 100 World Legends is an organisation dedicated to creating lasting change for People of Determination by championing the core values of rugby union.
Respect, hard work, and integrity are at the heart of their mission as the Legends positively impact communities worldwide through a variety of charitable initiatives, youth programmes, and sustainable rugby-for-life projects. This time around, it was golf!
In collaboration with Al Noor, the Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination, the centre opened its doors in Dubai on 21st November 1981, initially serving just eight children. Today, the centre supports over 260 children at its purpose-built facility in Al Barsha, offering personalised programmes for young people with diverse physical and cognitive challenges.
With global rugby icons—including over 20 former international players such as Ireland’s Shane Byrne, England’s Delon Armitage and Tamara Taylor, as well as more than half a dozen former All Blacks—guests competed in fourball teams alongside a rugby legend in the Texas Scramble Format. The action was closely observed by Paul Waring, the recent 2024 Abu Dhabi HSBC Champion, who also participated in the event.
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The day was a resounding success on the newly revamped Arabian Ranches, with more than AED 160,000 raised at the charity event in favour of Al Noor, with participants bidding on unique rugby memorabilia combined with all tournament entry fees and sponsorships.
As for the competition, the podium spots were as follows:
- Third place: Team Byrne, led by captain Shane Byrne, alongside Mark Chatten, Ken Owiti, and Paul Byrne, with an impressive score of 15-under-par score, 57.
- Second place: Team Waring, comprising Brian Thomas Smith, Hader Nashie, and Richard Bernans, finished with a score of 16-under-par, 56.
- First place: Team Betsen, the inaugural winners of the Al Noor and 100 World Legends Golf Day were Serge Betsen, Tillmann Kloss, Ofisa Tonu’u, and Karl Te Nana, who triumphed by the narrowest of margins.
Experiences like this aren’t possible without the generous support and help from sponsors. A special mention must go to Al Noor, 100 World Legends, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Egolf Megastore, Emirates Golf Federation, Esus, Maersk, Media One Hotel, MMI, MyGovindas, Nezesaussi Grill and Wasl.
Here’s to an even bigger event in 2025!
Click through the gallery of photos of the day.
Images: Harry Grimshaw
