BAHRAIN international golfer Ali Al Kowari was yesterday crowned champion of the inaugural Bahrain Amateur Open golf championship at Royal Golf Club.
Heading into the final 18 holes in tied-fourth place five shots behind overnight leader Abdulla, Al Kowari had the best outing yesterday with a three-under-par 69 for an even-par gross of 144, including five birdies and two bogeys.
Al Kowari finished four shots ahead of his closest challenger Saud Al Sharif of Saudi Arabia (148, including yesterday’s par 72, including three birdies and three bogeys).
Bahrain’s Fahad Abdulla Sultan was third with a two-under 70 for a 149 total.
Saleh Ali Misbah and overnight leader Abdulla were fourth and fifth with identical scores after finishing on 77 and 79 respectively over the last 18 holes.
Rounding out the top eight were Mohammed Al Noaimi (150), Hamad Mubarak Al Afnan (151) and Ronan Armstrong (153).
Amongst the net scores, Al Kowari was first on 138 with Sultan and Maximillian Kircher tied-second on 145.
Abdulaziz Ahmed finished fourth with a net 146, while tied-fifth on 148 were Andres Echeveste, Mohammed Al Aathem and Abdulla Al Yaqoob. Misbah finished tied-eighth with Paul Fourie on net 149 scores.
The event was organised by Bahrain Golf Association and its president Major General Ali Saqer Al Noaimi presented the prizes to the winners, including a special prize to youngster Ronan Smith.
Platinum sponsors: Reza Hygiene. Gold sponsors: Banz Group, Silver sponsors: Blue Water Investment and Al Dhaen Contracting and Trading.