Abu Dhabi delight for Dube
Golf director and club professional at the Royal Oak Country Club, Kenneth Dube, has every reason to smile after he and his compatriots claimed victory at a prestigious annual golf event, which attracts players from all around the world.
Teaming up with amateur players Gustav Botes, John Papademetriou and Michael Haramis, Dube and his teammates claimed a stupendous victory for Team Diners Club South Africa, by winning the 2013 Diners Club Pro-Am Classic title, in Abu Dhabi, on November 20.
South Africa claimed the 2012 title as well.
The event, in its 22nd year, is held at various first-class golfing resorts around the globe and the achievement by the South Africans marked the fourth victory for the country.
South Africa triumphed in Portugal in 2008, at Fancourt, in George, in 2009, and on Mauritius in 2012.
The 2013 Diners Club Pro-Am Classic was hosted at the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa, with the first round played at the strikingly different Yas Links, a course designed by renowned golf course designer Kyle Phillips.
The course is ranks in the top 100 courses in the world and provides a tough challenge, with dramatic and scenic views of the Arabian Gulf.
The final round was played at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
The par 72 championship course features pockets of palm trees, ornamental trees and shrubs, as well as seven spectacular saltwater lakes.
It was here that Dube and the team defeated the second-placed USA with an 88-point score.
“They were definitely two of the best golf courses that I have had the privilege to play,” said Dube.
“My aim was always to just go out there and have fun, play nicely and enjoy the environment around me.”
He added that he had an impressive three rounds during the tournament, shooting 68, 68 and 69.
“It was an unbelievable and magnificent achievement and I am proud to be a part of the team,” he added.
The local professional has enjoyed a good year and has been further bolstered by his recent election as the Professional Golfers Association of South Africa’s (PGA SA) Professional of the Year.
“It is an excellent achievement for me and probably the biggest thing I have earned in my career,” he said.
“The PGA SA has acknowledged the work that we have done at the club in terms of the development of youngsters and growth of our club.”
