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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
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
‘Don't count us out yet,' warns Alpha Ninjas co-owner Sanjay Advani ahead of UGC R2
After a tough opening round at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, the Alpha Ninjas found themselves near the bottom of the leaderboard. But co-owner Sanjay Advani has a message for anyone doubting their potential to stage a comeback—'don't count us out yet.' 'Look, the camp is feeling optimistic and still backing themselves,' Sanjay says. 'Round 1 was played at the Creek, not our home course, and it took a while for the players to adjust to the conditions and the format. "But the next two rounds are where we feel right at home, which makes things very interesting. 'In addition, the format for Round 2 suits our style of play and will help our players improve their games." he adds. Round 2 Format In Round 2, which will be played at the Emirates Golf Club's Faldo Course, teams are allowed to nominate five pairs i.e., 10 players who will play best ball Stableford & four out of the five pairs will count towards the team total. Despite sitting in ninth place out of ten teams, the Alpha Ninjas are not letting their current position shake their belief. If anything, they see it as an opportunity to turn things around in a big way. Noble Legacy Masters lead the pack at 292 points, while hot on their heels are, the defending champions, Tristar Gladiators on 27. Just one point behind them, Sultans of Swing remain firmly in contention at 276. Ninjas Resurgent Sanjay remains upbeat, emphasizing that the game can change in an instant and that a strong Round 2 performance could flip the standings completely. 'Everybody is here to enjoy the tournament and play to their potential. If they do that, we'll see some good scores,' he explains. 'Our players are motivated, they know what they have to do. It's just about putting everything in place and keeping the right perspective.' While Round 1 didn't go as planned, Sanjay believes that the key to success lies in analyzing performances and making small but meaningful adjustments. 'Golf is a game of learning and that's a constant process. It's not about teaching; it's about reviewing, improving, and stepping up when it counts,' he says. Confidence the Key As the action tees off at 12.30 on a course which favours their squad, Sanjay is confident that the Ninjas will make their move. His message to the team is simple: Trust your game and play with confidence. 'We have a very talented team in terms of potential ratings and handicaps," he says. "It's just a matter of bringing all our collective skills together. I think we are one of the most underrated teams in the competition. But having said that I do not doubt that we will be in contention for the title this year.' As they take to the Faldo, the Alpha Ninjas are ready to prove that setbacks are just stepping stones to greater achievements. Sanjay's final words resonate with quiet determination: 'We may be underrated, but we are far from out.' ALSO READ
