Chairman’s Cup at Dirab tees off tomorrow

Dirab Golf & Country Club mounts its second tournament of 2013, the Chairman’s Cup, tomorrow. More than 100 golfers signed up for the 18 holes stroke play event with a shotgun-style start at 8 a.m. Sponsored by the club, the tournament coincides with the turnover of the chairmanship of the Dirab Golf Committee. Prizes are up for grabs in three divisions for men and one for ladies. Outgoing chairman Naseer Uddin Siddiqui is stepping down after five years at the helm of the committee in which he has done a tremendous job. Siddiqui’s successor is to be named during the turnover at the end of the competition. In a statement e-mailed to Arab News Siddiqui said: “Being the chairman of the Dirab Golf Club Management Committe for five years has been nothing less than a thrilling and enjoyable experience. As a golfer, I have always enjoyed playing here and rate this golf club as the best in the Kingdom and one of the best in the MENA region. “All this was possible due to the patronage and dedication of the club owner and president, Sheikh Khaled, his second in command and General Manager, Mr. Bouchaib, who in turn was ably assisted by dedicated souls like Shahid and many others. “When I joined as the Chairman at the end of year 2007, I was welcomed enthusiastically by Mr. Bouchaib and his team, which resulted in formation of a great working unit. We all worked hard to persuade top companies in the Kingdom to sponsor our tournaments. Consequently, the degree of success that followed was astronomical. We maintained a high standard for all tournaments, which were enjoyed thoroughly by our members and guests.” He added: “Maintaining discipline and upkeep of the golf club was another challenge, which was ably accomplished by the Dirab team. Ladies golf also picked up substantially due to the constant encouragement of the club. Saudi national team also benefitted from our club, which helped them to perform creditably in the international tournaments. “Now that I have resigned from the chairmanship of the management committee, due to other commitments, I offer my best wishes to the new chairman. I am quite certain that things will keep on improving due to the dedicated souls engaged in the upkeep of the club. In closing, Siddiqui said: “I would like to offer my thanks to Sheikh Khaled, Bouchaib and his team and all the golfers for their support during my tenure. It has been an honor for me to have been a part of your dedicated team. Thank you very much.” From Arabnews