Mark McNeilly of Jumeirah Golf Estates and Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club's Namir Al Naimi booked their places in the Sharjah Senior Golf Masters presented by Shurooq after a triumphant display at the Amateur and Professional Qualifier on February 13, joining the Staysure Tour's elite at the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club from March 8-10.
Kelbrick and McNeilly each scored a total gross of 75, with the Trump International Golf Club man coming out on top courtesy of a better back nine as McNeilly had to settle for the runner-up spot, while Al Naimi claimed third spot after scoring a total gross of 79.
The three local golfers will now play with golfing legends such as Des Smyth, Ronan Rafferty, Costantino Rocca and last year's winner Chris Williams.
Kelbrick, who won last year's UAE Order of Merit, said: "I’m happy that we have such a prestigious event here in Sharjah. Shurooq is doing an incredible job to attract 13 Ryder Cup players here and a very good quality of field. The facilities in the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club are excellent for the tournament to take place so I'd say that I am extremely excited to take part in such a great event with a lot of golfing greats."
McNeilly enjoyed his maiden Senior qualifier appearance and he is looking forward to next month's Staysure Tour event. "This was a great experience for me," said McNeilly.
"This is my first time in a Senior qualifier and I have been working hard for a long time to be where I am today. The course was in great shape, the greens were immaculate and everyone here is doing a great job so I am very impressed. Now that I am going to play with the shining names of the Staysure Tour I am just going to enjoy my time in the Sharjah Senior Golf Masters and do my best."
Martin Duff, Director of Golf at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club: “We are building on the success we achieved in last year's edition and we aim to grow bigger and better every year now. It is a slow but steady process and one of the main goals is to increase the crowd and attract more attention to this event as I believe it is perfect for the community in Sharjah.
“Golf will continue to grow among the people in this region and we are glad to be a part of that. The players seem to have enjoyed themselves and I would like to congratulate Kelbrick, McNeilly and Al Naimi for booking their place in next month's Sharjah Senior Golf Masters.”
Entry to see the former Ryder Cup legends in action at the Sharjah Senior Golf Masters presented by Shurooq, is free of charge.
