On Sunday, 15th December 2024, Jumeirah Golf Estates hosted the final OMA Emirates Medalford of the year, in association with Unique Holding. The event, played on the challenging Earth course, saw 92 members gather for the grand finale of this year’s series.
During the prize presentation, Cameron McWhinnie, Assistant Golf Services Manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates, expressed his gratitude: “We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors, OMA Emirates and Unique Holding, for their invaluable support in elevating these monthly events throughout the year. Their contributions have been instrumental in delivering exceptional experiences for our members. I would also like to acknowledge the unwavering efforts of our greenskeeping team. Their dedication to maintaining the course in pristine condition has greatly enhanced the enjoyment of our members throughout 2024.”
The star of the day was Ian Mellows, who claimed victory as the December 2024 OMA Emirates Medalford Champion, in association with Unique Holding, with a score of one under-par, net 71. This remarkable performance marked the highest winning score in recent events, emphasising the demanding nature of the Earth course.
Mellows was the only player in the field to score below his handicap. “Winning today on the Earth course is an achievement I’ll cherish, especially being the only player to outperform my handicap,” said Mellows. “I’d like to thank the entire Jumeirah Golf Estates team for their dedication throughout the year in making these monthly events so enjoyable.” His round featured four net birdies, with dropped shots on the challenging par-three 6th and the strategically bunkered 15th hole.
In the Gross Medal Division, David Bainbridge claimed victory with an impressive level-par, gross 72, despite dropping shots on the second and fourteenth holes, two of the Earth course’s most demanding par fives. Bainbridge’s performance included birdies on the fifth, tenth, and fifteenth holes, earning him the best-gross prize. Edward East, narrowly missing out on the Gross Medal, posted a steady round of three over-par, 75, featuring 14 pars and a single birdie.
Division A, for golfers with a handicap index of 10.4 and below, was fiercely contested. Tom Neale emerged as the champion with a round of level-par, gross 72, including back-to-back birdies on holes 14 and 15. Adam Kane secured second place with a one over-par, net 73, while Gerhard Vorster claimed third on a back-nine countback after posting a two over-par, net 74.
Division B, open to golfers with a handicap index of 10.5 and over, was won by Steve Noon, who triumphed with a score of one over-par, net 73, a four-shot margin ahead of his nearest rival. Nigel Flint finished in second place with a score of five over-par, net 77, beating Martin Ayrton into third place on a back-nine countback.
The Champion Lady of the day was Aalaa Somji, who posted a fantastic round of even par, net 72. Somji’s standout performance included a gross birdie four on the long par-five second hole, demonstrating her impressive skills.
The Junior Division saw strong participation, with prizes awarded for both Gross and Net scores. Sam Robinson claimed victory in the Junior Gross Division, while Ryder Eatson triumphed in the Junior Net Division with a score of three over-par, net 75.
James Finnigan took top honours in the Seniors Division, posting a solid three over-par, gross 75, which included three birdies on the front nine.
In the Stableford Division, a back-nine countback was needed to separate the top two players. Tanya Harrison, the 2025 Lady Captain, emerged victorious with 35 Stableford points, edging out runner-up Reece Malcom, also on 35 points, after a closely contested finish on the back nine. Both competitors displayed excellent form, particularly given the challenging setup of the Earth course.
With the divisional prizes all awarded, attention turned to the OMA Emirates Medalford 2024 Order of Merit, in association with Unique Holding. Following a year of exceptional golf, Jane Vorster dominated the Ladies’ Net and Gross Order of Merit, winning both prizes by a significant margin. In the Men’s Net category, Steve Noon claimed the top spot, having been a regular presence on the prize stage throughout the year. Jayson Hilton emerged as the winner of the Men’s Gross Order of Merit, showcasing his consistent form and impressive scoring ability across the year.
Main Image: Jumeirah Golf Estates
