SCOTS BEAT UAE NATIONAL TEAM 7-0 IN ABU DHABI

FROM THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION WEBSITE

Scotland’s leading amateurs today highlighted their warm winter training programme in Abu Dhabi with a 7-0 win over the UAE national team.

Played over 18 holes in singles format at Yas Links Golf Club, the Scots eased to success with impressive victories.

Competing off the championship tees in a strong wind, the visitors were in excellent form. Aberdour’s Scott Crichton was the biggest winner, triumphing 6 and 5, while Lawrence Allan (Alva) posted a 5 and 4 victory.

The five other games all ended in 4 and 3 winning margins for the Scots, thanks to the efforts of Fraser McKenna (Balmore), James White (Lundin), Adam Dunton (McDonald Ellon), Conor O’Neil (Pollok) and Ross Bell (Downfield).

“The UAE are still a developing nation in golf terms, but it was still a valuable lesson for both teams,” said National Coach Ian Rae, who has been working with the players in Abu Dhabi.

“It was also great to pay back the kindness we have been shown in Abu Dhabi.”

Thanks to the support of Aberdeen Asset Management, Centro Hotel and Yas Links, Scotland’s amateurs have been reaping the rewards of winter play and practice in a better climate at this time of year.

Rae added: “It was a good to test the work the players have done over the last three-and-a-half weeks. They have all worked really hard and taken a lot on board during the trip so I'm optimistic for the 2013 season.”