Following the qualifying event held at the Emirates Golf Club in April, The World Finals took place at the end of September 2008. The tournament spread over four days and based in Windsor England, was without doubt an overwhelming and memorable experience for the finalists.

After qualifying for a second consecutive year Anthony Hodgson representing Dubai and Harradine Golf, was fortunate enough to take part in the finals once again, and to be joined by his girlfriend Katie.

The first round which was played at the Royal Ascot Golf Club was blessed with a beautiful day of sunshine. The Course is routed through the ancient Woodlands of Berkshire which will easily punish the wayward tee shot. The leading scores on the day reflected the good weather, best on the day and leading the tournament overnight was Anthony Hodgson of Harradine Golf with 35 points, four points clear of Mark Carter (Bahamas).

After an intense and competitive opening round, all the players returned to the Castle Hotel on the High Street of Windsor, with the late afternoon to relax and get ready for the evenings Welcome Dinner. All the players, their guests, partners and girlfriends were invited to Wentworth Golf Club for the Welcome Dinner, and were joined by the Charities Trustees and organizers. It was a fantastic dinner with a great atmosphere for everyone to interact and get to know one another.

With bad or should we say typical English weather due to arrive Tuesday morning, the players retired to bed fairly early to visualize their Course records during a good nights sleep. When they woke up!!…to a cold, wet, windy day it was obvious that the Course records were less likely to materialize. The Edinburgh Course at the Wentworth Golf Club is a stern test on most days, but with the wet weather howling into the faces of the players and their caddies it was a brutal test of endurance.

In the difficult conditions, Tony Reid ( England) took advantage of his local knowledge and sealed victory of the 2008 Duke of Edinburgh Cup World Final, with a super score of 62 points, Mark Carter (Bahamas) finished in second place after losing on the count back, with Anthony Hodgson in 3rd  place just 2 points behind the winning score.

The Wednesday was a free day for the players, guided tours were organized around Windsor Castle, and trains into central London provided a day full of exciting exploration. After an exhausting day the players could sleep well to wake to a rather unique round of Golf at the Royal Household Golf Club in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The pairs from each qualifying Country were put together with a member of the Course, which ensured a more flamboyant format of Texas Scramble. From Dubai were Mark Bull (Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa) and Anthony Hodgson (Harraine Golf) who shot a super score only to finish in second place behind the Canadian team. It was an enjoyable round especially as not many get the opportunity to play that Course, Michael Douglas and Catharine Zeta Jones were even denied a game at this one…!!

In the evening, the tournament and the fantastic trip were rounded off with a Royal Champagne Reception and Prize Giving dinner in Windsor Castle, with an electric string quartet for entertainment. This was held in the Grand Reception room in Windsor Castle  in the presence of his Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex. He met all the contestants, their guests and partners at the reception, presented the trophies to the winners and gave his thanks to all involved for their continued support of the Duke of Edinburgh Cup and the Golf for Youth programme.