By Matt Smith
The Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest event returned to The Els Club in Dubai on Friday, and went down a storm with all 72 competitors who took part in the shotgun-start competition.

Following the success of last year’s Oktoberfest at The Els Club, Golf Digest returned for Round 2 — with bigger and better prizes on offer during the party-atmosphere event.

Proudly sponsored by African + Eastern, Erdinger, Adidas, Baker’s Kitchen, Birkenstock, Al Rostamani Travel & Holidays, MyGolf Dubai, Luxury Supercar Rentals, USEO, The Els Club’s agronomy team had the course in top condition for the 18-hole individual stableford event.

Competitions on the course included longest drive and nearest the pin on holes 2 and 4, plus a nearest the pin in 2 on the long par-4 ninth hole — along with a spot in the Dubai Desert Classic pro-am for the best gross score, which went to Michael Harradine and Division A and B winners received invitations to the Dubai Desert Classic hospitality chalet.

Following the action, the party continued with the prize presentation and a MyGolf simulator experience.

Winners

Nearest The Pin — Hole 2
Peter Norris
Nearest The Pin — Hole 4
Sean Haynes

Nearest The Pin in 2 — Hole 9
Nicolas Hymas
Longest Drive
Sean Haynes
Division B
Winner: Nick Hymas (44 points)
Runner-up: Kneal Brown (39 points)

Division A
Winner: Sean Haynes (39 points)
Runner-up: Kyle McKellar (37 points)

Best Gross
Michael Harridine (-1)