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Khaleej Times

Noble Legacy Masters edge The A Team in Ultimate Golf Challenge thriller

Season 2 of the Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) concluded in spectacular style on Thursday evening at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, delivering the kind of high-stakes drama and fierce competition that define franchise sports at their best. Lke the Indian Premier League (IPL) revolutionized cricket with its team-owned format, the UGC has brought that same energy and spirit to golf. The tournament embodied the passion, intensity, and unpredictability that have made the IPL a global phenomenon. And just like its cricketing counterpart, the UGC delivered a thrilling finale, with The Noble Legacy Masters and The A Team pushing the title race to the wire. The competition remained on a knife's edge until the final moments on Thursday evening, ensuring an unforgettable conclusion to a tournament that has truly redefined amateur golf in Dubai. As Season 2 of the Ultimate Golf Challenge reached its electrifying climax just as the sun set on the iconic Dubai Marina skyline in the background the Noble Legacy Masters were declared the 2025 winners, having narrowly edged past The A Team in a contest that will be talked about for years to come. Making their debut, Noble Legacy Masters rose to the occasion, showcasing teamwork and standout performances to claim the title with a team total of 761 points. The A Team produced a strong Round 3 surge, securing the runner-up spot with 743 points, while Alpha Ninjas fought hard to clinch third place after a tense final day. The Noble Legacy Masters and The A Team matched each other, scoring 294 points in Round 3. However, the former prevailed on a higher cumulative score over three rounds, sealing their triumph in dramatic style. 'I was a player last year and then I thought, why not form a team? Together with my partner Saket Kanoi, we formed The Noble Legacy Masters, and we are so happy to win in our debut season,' said Achal Ghai, the elated captain of the victorious Noble Legacy Masters. 'You guys rocked it—you performed exceptionally well. 'I want to congratulate the UGC for putting on a great show. Great format, and great organization from the UGC, Joseph, Kunal, Brandon, and all those who helped make this event happen. The UGC has gone from strength to strength, and I believe it will be even better next year. Can't wait to be part of it again.' Despite the heartbreak of falling just short, The A Team's co-owner Aman Chopra held his head high and said: 'Though we were denied first place, we were the true winners. Our loyalty, honesty, commitment, passion, and never-say-die attitude proved that we played with integrity and in the true spirit of the game. 'I always said we'd challenge for the title—and we did. We're proud of that and nothing can take it away from us.' The UGC's Kunal Seth commented at the prize presentation ceremony and gala dinner: 'A round of applause to all the teams. And thank you for the spirit you have shown in all three rounds of the UGC.' Meanwhile, Brandon de Souza, Tournament Director, reflected on the gripping nature of the finale. 'This is team sport at its best,' he said, 'I want people to walk away saying they are playing the greatest game of all, one that is enjoyed by 55 million golfers worldwide. No other sport can top this, and the beauty of it is that people of any age can compete. And that's what the UGC exemplifies.' The excitement was echoed by Chris May, CEO of Dubai Golf, who hailed the tournament's impact on the region's golfing landscape. 'A big thank you to Joseph, Kunal and Brandon, without whom this event would not have been such a success.,' said May. 'Thank you to the team owners, but most of all to the players. The camaraderie I've seen this year has been amazing. Well done, I hope you enjoyed it. 'Thank you for giving us, the Emirates Golf Club, the opportunity to host the UGC on our golf courses, and we look forward to hosting it once again next season. I wish the UGC all the success in the years to come.' As the sun set on Season 2, the Ultimate Golf Challenge cemented itself as an unmissable spectacle in the UAE's amateur golf landscape. With emotions running high and rivalries growing stronger, one thing is certain—the countdown to Season 3 has already begun. Later that evening, a thrilling post-event auction was held at Emirates Golf Club's Pavilion Ballroom. A coveted golf cap signed by four-time Major champion Rory McIlroy was up for grabs, sparking an intense bidding war. Aman Chopra and Sajal Garg both entered the fray, but Aman's determination saw him place the winning bid, securing the prized memorabilia. Final Leaderboard # Team Name R1 R2 R3 Total 1 Noble Legacy Masters 292 175 294 761 2 The A Team 269 180 294 743 3 Alpha Ninjas 255 195 288 738 4 Meteora Magicians 271 186 276 733 5 Shershaah Eagles 271 183 274 728 6 Tristar Gladiators 277 179 270 726 7 Three Comma Masters 259 173 272 704 8 Sultans of Swing 276 169 258 703 9 Desert Knights 258 159 258 675 10 Brain Dubai 229 172 237 638