DUMFRIES TEENAGER GREIG MARCHBANK THIRD IN DUBAI

Scottish Golf Union boys' order of merit winner Greig Marchbank finished third at the weekend in a 54-hole competition organised by the Emirates Golf Federation. Marchank, a Dumfries and County GC member, is in Dubai for warm weather training as a member of the SGU squad of top prospects. Greig shared the lead going into the final round of the Shaikh Rashid Trophy at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa but slipped back to third place as fellow Scot Daniel Hendry, not a member of the SGU squad,  surged to the front with a course record-equalling 69 for a three-under-par final total of 213. Hendry, a member of the SGU Boys Development National Squad last year, is now based in Dubai and plays out of the Emirates Golf Club. The 17-year-old trailed playing partner Marchbank by a stroke going into the final 18 holes, but his great final round gave him a four-stroke winning margin from runner-up, defending champion Michael Harradine. Marchbank had rounds of 73, 70 and 77 for 220. Marchbank, while disappointed with his finish, believes the experience in the United Arab Emirates is serving him well. He said: "Overall, it's been very good and I've enjoyed the experience thoroughly. The first two days I played some great golf so that is very encouraging. "This time in Dubai has been beneficial in life too, as I've had to deal with different situations, which has been interesting. So, overall, I'm very pleased with my experience." ends