The first Malta Golf Association Shield sponsored by Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, was played in splendid weather over last weekend at the Royal Malta Golf Club in Marsa.

The two-day tournament was played on stroke play format (Stableford on day 1 and medal on day 2).

After 36 holes of play the winner was Tony Vella who passed Kim Borg on a count back consideration over the last 18 holes. Tony and Kim are considered to be “experienced hands” at Royal Malta Golf Club and this helped them achieve and maintain their grip on this competition.

“We thank Emirates Airline for sponsoring the first National Golf Competition. We extend our thanks to Aphrodite Hills Golf and Resort from Cyprus who offered an additional prizes to our participants. We anticipate that the Malta Golf Association will continue to grow and next year we will be able to hold a bigger competition,” said William Beck, President of the Malta Golf Association

Paul Fleri Soler, Emirates Manager for Malta and Cyprus, who presented the prizes to the winner and runner up of the Malta Golf Association Shield, said: “Emirates has a close association with golf. Our airline is the official carrier of the Dubai Desert Classic, which is held annually in March, as well as the official carrier of 10 other major golf tournaments. In the past years, Emirates has also supported annual golf competitions in Malta.”

Prizes were distributed during a well-attended buffet dinner organised to round off the tournament.

Mrs Beverly Hall, Lady Captain, presented prizes to Eileen Borg, Debbie Guillaumier, Maureen Borg and Per Bergedahl respectively for the best net score from the Ladies on day 1 and day 2, for the Ladies best gross score and for the best score from a senior player.

Club Captain Nigel Hall presented prizes to the male winners. Kim Borg and Peter Addison had the best net score on day 1 and 2, whilst Ruud Critien returned the best gross score from the men and JJ Micallef had the best youth score.