Latest news with #TheNobleLegacyMasters
Khaleej Times
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- 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
Khaleej Times
06-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
High stakes at the Faldo as the Ultimate Golf Challenge Season 2 hits pivotal middle round
As the Ultimate Golf Challenge Season 2 reaches its pivotal middle round, all eyes turn to the Emirates Golf Club's Faldo Course on Friday, February 7. With the competition tightening and teams vying for crucial points, Tournament Director Brandon de Souza offers key insights into what to expect from Round 2. 'It's very straightforward—the combinations are going to be key,' said de Souza. 'It's not about everyone thinking they have a chance because the scores will go low. I don't think so. You've got to combine brilliantly. It's only one score per hole that counts.' With 18 players from Round 1 having their handicaps cut, de Souza believes this will level the playing field and bring out the best in the competition." 'The beauty of the format, apart from Day 1 where we had some high scoring, is that now it's going to even out a bit,' he explained. ' Teams will still think they're in with a chance because, on the final day, they'll have eight out of ten scores counting. The event has been curated to keep everyone engaged, ensuring every team has something to play for until the final round." With defending champions Tristar Gladiators eager to keep their title hopes alive, co-owner Mukesh Kochar dismissed the pressure factor despite finishing second best behind The Noble Legacy Masters in Round 1 last week. 'Most of our players are used to pressure,' Mukesh said. 'Any game you play comes with pressure, and it's something you have to cope with, not oppose. The good thing is we're playing on a course we know well, and we're also familiar with the skill levels of our rival players.' Meanwhile, The A Team is looking to capitalize on home comforts at Emirates Golf Club to put themselves into contention. Co-owner Aman Chopra and mentor Badru Hilal have been busy strategizing to ensure the squad heads into Round 2 with confidence. 'We'll put strong pairings together to keep players positive and help them to play their best,' said Badru. 'The Emirates is our home course, so we'll embrace that advantage and use it to our benefit. Everyone has the potential to play well here—we just want them to show up and bring the best versions of themselves.' The Alpha Ninjas, coming off a slow start at Dubai Creek, are determined to make their move in Round 2. 'Look, the camp is feeling optimistic and still backing themselves,' said co-owner Sanjay Advani. 'The format for Round 2 suits our style of play and will help our players improve their games. "Our players are motivated; they know what they have to do. It's just about putting everything in place and keeping the right perspective.' As the action tees off at 12:30 PM, Sanjay is confident his team is ready to step up and give it their best shot. 'I think we're one of the most underrated teams in the competition, but I have no doubt we'll be in contention for the title this year,' he says. One team aiming to soar is the Shershah Eagles. Named after the Bollywood blockbuster Shershah and inspired by the bravery of the late Captain Vikram Batra the protagonist in the film, the team made a strong statement in Round 1. Key performances from Najla Bartette & Prateek Pant (76 points) and Avani Shah & Alireza Haji (75 points) placed them in the top three. With Round 2 tees off on Friday the Eagles will be looking to fly even higher. The Brain & Performance Centre has also been turning heads in its debut UGC appearance. The duo of Nicsha Rodriguez & Yana Jamieson delivered a solid performance at Dubai Creek, tying for third place. Now, as the action moves to the Faldo Course, they'll aim to build on that momentum. With its tight fairways, tricky bunkers, and water hazards testing every shot, the Faldo Course demands precision ensuring this round could be a game-changer.
