The annual Duke of Edinburgh Cup returned to Dubai on the 30th of April 2008 and was held this year at the Emirates Golf Club.

The tournament is known as the Mark Bettsworth Memorial. Mark tragically passed away in 2007 after a fatal car accident. It is a wonderful way to remember him as he was the backbone and inspiration in bringing golf for youth to Dubai and the Jebel Ali Golf Club. Mark will be sadly missed by us all.

The funds raised by the annual Duke of Edinburgh Cup International amateur golf series support established charities that help young people all over the world. It helps them overcome isolation and helps those who are in need of special help to turn their lives around, those who are in physical danger or oppression and those who have been scarred by war, and often, those who need medical care.

It is mainly for the above mentioned reasons that the golf for youth tournament is receiving such support throughout the world. In Dubai, many teams entered and sponsored this year’s event. Two qualifiers from each event are invited to go to England in the autumn to take part in the world finals of the Duke of Edinburgh Cup.

This year’s event was held on the Wadi course. The condition of the course was excellent and the tough pin positions ensured the making or breaking of many a scorecard.

Anthony Hodgson of Harradine Golf took first place for a consecutive year with a score of level handicap 78 to make 36 Stableford points. Anthony was extremely pleased with himself considering how tough the course was playing.

Harradine Golf just missed out on the team prize by only1 point. Unfortunately too many putts just missed the cup and marginly slipped by.

The charity gala dinner wrapped the day up in fine style at the Royal Mirage One and Only, with fantastic food and fine wine. The auction ensured more hearty contributions to the charity.