Latest news with #Badru
Khaleej Times
09-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
The A Team set for a grandstand finish in the Ultimate Golf Challenge Season 2
With just days to go until the final round of the Ultimate Golf Challenge, The A Team remains full of belief, driven by the unwavering confidence of their mentor, Badru Hilal, and co-owner, Aman Chopra. After a solid performance in Round 2 at the Faldo, the team is gearing up for a strong finish at the Emirates Golf Club's Majlis course, where they hope to deliver a stunning performance—perhaps even lift the coveted trophy. Reflecting on Round 2, Badru was encouraged by the team's showing. 'We had several pretty good holes to score 43 points, which is impressive in a Stableford format,' he said. 'All five of our pairs were in the 40s, showing great consistency. The pairings were clicking, and getting 46s is never easy.' Nonita Chand teamed up with big-hitting Nikhil Kohli to deliver the highest score (46) for The A Team, setting a strong foundation for the final round, where everyone will be going for broke. Nikhil did not take credit for the performance but emphasized the team's collective effort. 'It was a total team effort, and my partnership with Nonita really clicked—that made a big difference,' he said. 'At the end of the day, I'm very happy with what we achieved as a team. I think everyone had a chance to perform, and they did. The support we've received from the team management has been amazing; it really helps improve your game and boosts morale.' As The A Team prepares for the final showdown, the numbers are promising. They are well within striking distance sitting just eight points off second place (Meteora Masters 457 pts) and 18 points behind the leaders (Noble Legacy Masters 467 pts). With approximately 300 points up for grabs at the Majlis, Badru feels anything can happen. 'It's not a big gap,' he pointed out. 'We're hoping the team selected for the final round can deliver. There's everything to play for but we'll be ready.' Success in this format often comes down to putting, something Badru believes will be crucial at Majlis. 'It's all about putting. If you hole your putts, you make the difference. We missed a few shorter ones in Round 2 but holed some lucky ones as well. That's how golf goes.' One advantage The A Team holds is familiarity with the Majlis course. Many of their players are members of Emirates Golf Club, which could give them an edge. 'I'm hoping players like Maura, Sean, Kirtan, and Vikram can cash in on their home advantage,' Badru noted. With six days to go, the final push is all about mindset. As a mentor, Badru knows the importance of striking the right balance between motivation and pressure. 'One thing the team will do is have a get-together with Aman's support, to give it that final push,' he said. 'There's a fine line between being nervous and excited. You don't want to push the players too hard. Keeping it friendly, through team meetings and positivity, will make the difference.' With a united front, a deep belief in their ability, and a course that feels like home, The A Team is ready to give it its all on the Majlis. Come Thursday, they will take to the historic venue not just as competitors, but as a team determined to write their own thrilling final chapter. Team Standings: (Read as Round 1 + 2 & Total score) Noble Legacy Masters (292 + 175) 467 Mateora Masters (271 + 186) 457 Tristar Gladiators (277 – 179) 456 Shershaah Eagles (277 + 183) 454 Aplha Ninjas (255 + 195) 450 The A Team (289 + 180) 449 Sultans Of Swing (276 + 169) 445 Three Comma Master (259 + 173) 432 Desert Knights (258 + 159) 417 The Brain & Performance Centre (229 + 172) 401 ALSO READ Maura Duggan's global path to golfing passion and her role with The A Team
Khaleej Times
09-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
'A team' set for a grandstand finish in the Ultimate Golf Challenge Season 2
With just days to go until the final round of the Ultimate Golf Challenge, The A Team remains full of belief, driven by the unwavering confidence of their mentor, Badru Hilal, and co-owner, Aman Chopra. After a solid performance in Round 2 at the Faldo, the team is gearing up for a strong finish at the Emirates Golf Club's Majlis course, where they hope to deliver a stunning performance—perhaps even lift the coveted trophy. Reflecting on Round 2, Badru was encouraged by the team's showing. 'We had several pretty good holes to score 43 points, which is impressive in a Stableford format,' he said. 'All five of our pairs were in the 40s, showing great consistency. The pairings were clicking, and getting 46s is never easy.' Nonita Chand teamed up with big-hitting Nikhil Kohli to deliver the highest score (46) for The A Team, setting a strong foundation for the final round, where everyone will be going for broke. Nikhil did not take credit for the performance but emphasized the team's collective effort. 'It was a total team effort, and my partnership with Nonita really clicked—that made a big difference,' he said. 'At the end of the day, I'm very happy with what we achieved as a team. I think everyone had a chance to perform, and they did. The support we've received from the team management has been amazing; it really helps improve your game and boosts morale.' As The A Team prepares for the final showdown, the numbers are promising. They are well within striking distance sitting just eight points off second place (Meteora Masters 457 pts) and 18 points behind the leaders (Noble Legacy Masters 467 pts). With approximately 300 points up for grabs at Majlis, Badru feels anything can happen. 'It's not a big gap,' he pointed out. 'We're hoping the team selected for the final round can deliver. There's everything to play for but we'll be ready.' Success in this format often comes down to putting, something Badru believes will be crucial at Majlis. 'It's all about putting. If you hole your putts, you make the difference. We missed a few shorter ones in Round 2 but holed some lucky ones as well. That's how golf goes.' One advantage The A Team holds is familiarity with the Majlis course. Many of their players are members of Emirates Golf Club, which could give them an edge. 'I'm hoping players like Maura, Sean, Kirtan, and Vikram can cash in on their home advantage,' Badru noted. With six days to go, the final push is all about mindset. As a mentor, Badru knows the importance of striking the right balance between motivation and pressure. 'One thing the team will do is have a get-together with Aman's support, to give it that final push,' he said. 'There's a fine line between being nervous and excited. You don't want to push the players too hard. Keeping it friendly, through team meetings and positivity, will make the difference.' With a united front, a deep belief in their ability, and a course that feels like home, The A Team is ready to give it its all on the Majlis course. Come Thursday, they will take to the course not just as competitors, but as a team determined to write their own thrilling final chapter. Team Standings: (Read as Round 1 + 2 & Total score) Noble Legacy Masters (292 + 175) 467 Mateora Masters (271 + 186) 457 Tristar Gladiators (277 – 179) 456 Shershaah Eagles (277 + 183) 454 Aplha Ninjas (255 + 195) 450 The A Team (289 + 180) 449 Sultans Of Swing (276 + 169) 445 Three Comma Master (259 + 173) 432 Desert Knights (258 + 159) 417 The Brain & Performance Centre (229 + 172) 401 ALSO READ Maura Duggan's global path to golfing passion and her role with The A Team
Khaleej Times
26-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Badru Hilal: The guiding force behind The A Team's quest for glory in the UGC
Badru believes it's not just skill that wins championships—it's the strong bonds between teammates that truly make the difference. - Supplied photo As The A Team heads into the highly anticipated Season 2 of the Ultimate Golf Challenge, which tees off on Thursday, January 2025, one man stands at the heart of their preparation and spirit - mentor Badru Hilal. Working hand-in-hand with co-owner Aman Chopra and the 2024 mentor Vivek, Badru has become the team's backbone, helping shape its strategy, strengthening its bond, and motivating players to bring their best game to the greens. Building on a Strong Foundation For Badru, the secret to a winning team isn't just about talent but finding players who can work as one. 'The basics are simple: pick the right players,' he says. 'Aman and I worked closely with the core group, and retaining players from the first season was a priority. That decision gave us a strong base to build on. It made bringing in new talent so much smoother.' This season, the majority of the A Team players consist of players returning from last year while adding fresh faces and blending seasoned expertise with new energy to keep the team dynamic and balanced. Bonding Beyond the Course For Badru, skill alone doesn't win championships—it's the relationships between players that make the difference. 'We've had bonding events that brought the group closer, and Aman has been key to making that happen,' he says. 'The goal is for every player to give their all for the team. In this format, every shot, every hole, counts. 'We ensure our players understand that their contribution, no matter how small, makes a big difference. This focus on unity is what sets The A Team apart.' Lessons from Season 1 Reflecting on their first campaign, Badru sees the experience as invaluable. 'Season 1 was uncharted territory for all of us,' he admits. 'We've learned a lot - how to handle different formats, how to leverage each player's strengths, and how to navigate the pressure. We're taking all those lessons into this season.' Badru's connection to golf dates back to his childhood in Karachi, Pakistan, where he grew up near the Karachi Golf Club. 'That's where I first played golf,' he recalls fondly. 'I loved cricket too and played a fair bit, but golf became my passion.' The Chopra Effect Badru acknowledges the invaluable contributions of The A Team's co-owners Ayesha and Aman, whose enthusiasm helps fuel the team's spirit. 'Aman and Ayesha bring a positive energy that is truly contagious. They genuinely care about the team, and it makes a huge difference,' says Badru. 'Their support inspires the players to give their best.' As The A Team gets ready to tee off at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club on Thursday, Badru's guidance, paired with the players' relentless commitment, promises an exciting start to Season 2 of Dubai's favourite amateur golf tournament. ALSO READ The A Team's Karan Seth values growth and connections above victory in the UGC Nikhil Kohli: From Jabalpur's basketball courts in India to the lush fairways of Dubai
