Sports Reporter/Doha
The inaugural Air Miles Summer League 2012, which began at Doha Golf Club on June 9, 2012, has seen over 100 ladies and gents participating during each of the first three days of golf despite the hot conditions. Three events have now taken place in the ten-round series, which runs until September 21, 2012, sponsored by regional loyalty leader Air Miles Middle East. Winners in each of the four flights – Flight A (0-9), B (10-18), C (19-28) and Ladies – received prizes, with players collecting points towards an overall order of merit and grand prizes presented in October.The opening day’s Flight A competition was extremely close with six players scoring 38 points and Policarpio Porto running out winner. Flight B was also close with Dean Kenneally’s total of 41 points securing the win. Flight C was won by Arnav Jain, who scored 42 points and the Ladies Flight was won by Taddy Dance, who scored an impressive 41 points.The second Air Miles Summer League event on Friday June 15, 2012, attracted a total of 121 players in the medal competition who braved windy and dusty conditions. The victor was junior member Faisal Mir with a gross score of 76 net 70, after he finished with birdie fours and played an outstanding back nine of only 35 strokes. Flight B was won by Mike Flanagan with a gross score of 87 net 70 and Suresh Rebello won Flight C with a net 69. The Ladies Flight was won by Anne Marie Mathiesen who scored a net 72.The third event of the 2012 Air Miles Summer League was held on Saturday June 16, 2012, when 109 players participated in the matchplay competition, with Abdul Aziz Al Boainen beating Mike Cox on count back to secure victory. Mark Lisgo played some superb golf to win Flight B with six over from a host of players on four over. Flight C was won on count back by Ryoto Kashiwa with a score of two over and the Ladies Flight was won by Melanie Chong with a fantastic score of six over.Phil Wright, Events Manager from Doha Golf Club said: “The tournaments have been a big success and we are delighted to welcome Air Miles into our family of sponsors with their commitment to this fantastic summer series of events. The league matches are a wonderful social occasion and the level of golf being played has been remarkably high.”Air Miles CEO, Mark Mortimer-Davies, says: “The competition has started well and the numbers taking part have been very impressive. Qatar is an important market for Air Miles Middle East and it’s great to be able to give something back to the community by supporting this well organised sporting event.”Air Miles Middle East operates throughout Qatar, the UAE and Bahrain with its members able to collect Air Miles at over 120 market-leading companies, including HSBC, Emax, Family Food Centre, Regency Travel and Damas. In addition, Air Miles can now be converted into Privilege Club Qmiles, which enables members to fly to over 100 destinations served by Qatar Airways.