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Khaleej Times
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
The Final Showdown: Who will seize the Ultimate Golf Challenge Season 2 crown?
The stakes couldn't be higher as the Ultimate Golf Challenge Season 2 hurtles toward its epic finale this Thursday, February 13, at the Emirates Golf Club's legendary Majlis Course. With two grueling rounds behind them and the leaderboard razor-thin, the top teams are primed for a high-stakes showdown where every shot could make or break their championship dreams. The Noble Legacy Masters, who dominated the opening round at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, still hold the top spot with 467 points. However, their once-comfortable lead has been cut to just 10 points, leaving the door wide open for a dramatic conclusion to Dubai's hugely popular social golf event. Hot on their heels are the Meteora Masters (457) and the defending champions, Tristar Gladiators (456), both within striking distance. With 300 points still up for grabs in the final round, it's truly anyone's title to win. Tournament Director Brandon de Souza praised the rising level of competition and the event's rapid growth in just two years: 'The Ultimate Golf Challenge has grown in leaps and bounds,' said De Sousa a former Champions golf from India. 'The quality of play, the level of engagement from players and team owners, and the sheer excitement surrounding this tournament are remarkable. 'With 37 out of 50 pairs scoring 41 points or better in Round 2, it shows how competitive this event has become. Given the commitment from all involved, the UGC has the potential to evolve into something even bigger in the years to come.' The biggest storyline from Round 2 was the remarkable resurgence of the Alpha Ninjas. Co-owned by Manu Jeswani and Sanjay Advani, the team stormed back from ninth place in Round 1 to finish fifth overall after a dominant showing at the Faldo Course. With four pairs finishing in the top five, the Ninjas have made a bold statement, firmly positioning themselves as serious title contenders. Sanjay Advani captured the team's fighting spirit, saying: 'As we said, don't count us out. We kept our word. The players gave it their all, and this is the result. We were just warming up in Round 1, but now we've found our momentum, and we're carrying it into the finale.' Another team to impress was The A Team, initially finishing third in Round 2. However, a scoring adjustment saw them drop in the standings. Despite the setback, big-hitter Nikhil Kohli Kohli remained upbeat, reflecting on his team's performance: 'It was a total team effort, and my partnership with Nonita (Chand) really clicked—that really helped. At the end of the day, I'm very happy with what we achieved as a whole. I think the format is beautiful because it gives everyone a chance to perform and come back, even if they are down,' he said. Nikhil also highlighted the unwavering support of team owners Aman and Ayesha Chopra and mentor Badru Hilal: 'Their encouragement makes a huge difference. It motivates us, improves our game, and keeps morale high.' The Majlis Awaits The legendary Majlis Course, home to historic moments from the likes of Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, and Seve Ballesteros, will provide the ultimate stage for this dramatic finale. With the championship on the line, expect a display of fearless drives, clutch putts, and high-stakes drama. With the leaderboard stacked and the stakes higher than ever, all eyes are on the Majlis. Who will rise to the occasion and etch their name in Ultimate Golf Challenge history? We're about to find out. Final Round Format Each team nominates 10 players Individual Stableford format Best 8 scores count towards the final team total Current Team Standings (After Round 2) Noble Legacy Masters (292 + 175) - 467 Meteora Masters (271 + 186) - 457 Tristar Gladiators (277 + 179) - 456 Shershaah Eagles (277 + 183) - 454 Alpha Ninjas (255 + 195) - 450 The A Team (289 + 180) - 449 Sultans of Swing (276 + 169) - 445 Three Comma Masters (259 + 173) - 432 Desert Knights (258 + 159) - 417 The Brain & Performance Centre (229 + 172) - 401 Final round details Where: Majlis Course | Emirates Golf Club When: Thursday, February 13 Tee-off: 1:00pm
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
