2011 Grand Final The Els Club, Dubai

Grand Final of the UK’s biggest amateur golf event comes to a close at The Els Club in Dubai

After a stunning display of fearless golf over the back nine at The Els Club in Dubai, the Matchplay Championship Grand Final was won by Andy Billson and Andy Castell from Collingtree Park Golf Club in Northamptonshire. The pair overturned a one-shot deficit going into the final 4 holes to claim the title by 2 shots from overnight leaders Chris Scott-Douglas and Mike Ankers. In the Mixed Pairs event Paul Fell from Clays Golf Centre and Joanne Beddows from Caldy Golf Club in Wrexham produced a dominant performance to take the title by 5 shots from Mike Perry and Samantha Hill. Fell and Beddows added a best-of-the-day 43 points to their existing 78 total in the better-ball stableford format. Meanwhile, in the non-active category, Stuart James and Craig Sullivan from Cardiff are the new Matchplay Champions for 2010/2011

“We’ve had a fantastic experience this week, if you’re an amateur golfer and you don’t enter this tournament you must be mad, everything is so well run it’s like playing in a professional tournament,” commented Andy Billson.

“We got off to a slow start today, perhaps nerves played a part, but we really got it going around the turn making 3 straight birdies from the 7th to the 10th holes. On the 15th when Andy hit it in the hazard but amazingly the ball was playable and he managed to got it greenside. He ended up chipping it in for a birdie and four points, which took us into the lead."

The players have enjoyed luxurious accommodation at the Marriott Dubai Harbour Hotel throughout the week, as well as complimentary flights to Dubai and 4 rounds of golf at the world-renowned Els Club. Perfect weather has been a feature throughout the week as the 36 finalists, who entered for just £25 were whisked off for a truly unique amateur golf experience.

“It’s been a fantastic Matchplay Championship Grand Final. We’ve seen some great golf and experienced superb hospitality, professionalism and courtesy at both the Marriott Dubai Harbour Hotel and The Els Club,” commented John Woosey, Managing Director of The JRW Group, which organises the Matchplay Championship.

“The tournament has been an overwhelming success and we couldn’t be happier. I know the players have had an unbelievable experience, so a big thanks go out to all the sponsors who without their support none of this would be possible.”

“It’s been a pleasure having the Matchplay Championships here at The Els Club this week,” commented Chris Brown, General Manager, The Els Club, Dubai.

“The course is in great shape at the moment and hopefully the players have had fun playing on a championship calibre golf course. We’re looking forward to hosting the tournament again next year.”

View the Dubai Grand Final Gallery