March 17, 2019: After 54 golf rounds across 34 countries across the world, 60 top amateurs and industry stalwarts came together for the World Final of GEC Open in Dubai- golf haven of the Middle East.
The world final – Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup – is being held over two days at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Fire and Earth Course. Testing their mettle at two very different layouts that are home to few of the most reputed professional tournaments on the European Tour, the amateurs displayed grit and determination in their endeavour for the coveted trophy on the opening day.
Played in the individual Stableford format with ¾ handicap index allowance, the player with the best total stableford score of two days, in a single best Nett category, will be crowned World Champion with prizes also presented to 2nd and 3rd place finishes.
As the first day came to a close, playing off a five handicap, Thai golfer Phum Ketkham carded 43 Stableford points. Phum had qualified from the national qualifying round at Nikanti Golf Club in Thailand. Following him with 38 stableford points is Neeharika Thangamma from Bengaluru, India with 10 handicap.
Third position is currently occupied by Benja Rattanaphan who also hails from Thailand and is the second qualifier from the South Asian nation along with Phum. Playing off a 19 handicap, Benja scored 37 points on the opening day.
In the evening, the players attended a networking and camaraderie-building dinner at the Jumeirah Golf Estates ballroom. The intimate affair presented the amateurs with an opportunity to get to know each other and build new friendships and business relations.
Tushar Sahoo, Founder & Managing Director, GEC Open commented: “We are thankful to all participants for making this journey to be with us in celebration of another year of outstanding golf, networking and new friendships. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent your country on the world stage against likeminded competitors from across the world. We are confident that the golfers will truly enjoy the GEC experience for a long time as true ambassadors of Global Enterprise Connect. We recognise our sponsors, OMA Emirates, bizgolf, Chase54, African+Eastern, Egypt Air, Andromeda and Callaway for their continued support and patronage for the event. We are thankful to the management and golf operations team at Jumeirah Golf Estates for a seamless execution of the competition.”
About GEC Open
GEC Open is an amateur corporate golf tournament held annually across the world. The tournament attracts participation from CXO’s, HNI’s and key decision makers of various industries. It is also the fastest growing golf tournament in the modern history of corporate golf. GEC Open made its debut in 2014 with just one golf round in Dubai. In 2015 and 2016, the event grew in popularity and was played in six and eight countries respectively connecting over 1100 corporates in the GEC ecosystem. Since then, GEC Open has matured into a global platform for networking, forging everlasting friendships and business relations. The 2017 edition held 29 golf rounds in 18 countries reaching over 2400 corporate leaders under the aegis of 800+ global organizations! GEC Open 2018 hosted 54 qualifying rounds in 34 countries making it one of the biggest corporate golf tournament all around the world. Engaging over 3700 corporate leaders and industry stakeholders, the GEC Open is a unique blend of sporting excellence and networking opportunities for partners and players alike.
GEC envisions to be the unrivaled platform for leading corporates and industry leaders across the globe to share best practices and nurture future growth. We wish to build a bond, connect the best minds, honor excellence and inspire innovation while helping the ones who need it the most. Link to the website: www.gecopen.com
About Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup
The annual GEC Open global golf tour culminates in Dubai at the World Final – Dubai Corporate Golf World Final 2018-19. To be played over two days in March, the 36-hole tournament will see national qualifying winners from all over the world competing under their national colors for the coveted championship at two of the world-class venues in Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth and Fire Course.
Dubai Corporate Golf World Final provides amateur and club golfers with a unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the thrill and excitement akin to a professional player.
GEC Open breathed a new wave of change in which this elite sport was played. With a lot of downtime to talk and accessibility for all ages, it’s a unique blend of sports and networking. GEC brings together leading global organizations and executives on a common platform through golf. GEC works to improve the lives of others through charitable causes while growing the bond & strength of business between corporate leaders.