DUBAI, Jan 14 - William Watts, Usman Mahmood and Dave Manners, all representing the Nad Al Sheba Club, overcame difficult conditions and a strong field to earn rare tickets to the 2006 Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am to be held at the Emirates Golf Club on February 1.

On a windswept hazy afternoon yesterday (Saturday) which blew the games of many in the field, the three winners held their nerves when it mattered the most to pass the "tough test" with distinction.

Watts, playing off a four handicap, carded 35 stableford points to win the A division by two shots from second-placed Micky Brigg of Emirates Golf Club while Usman Mahmood (17) shot 31 points to take the B division, one shot ahead of Tom Foyer of EGC. Dave Manner (19) called the shots in the C division (19-28), winning by three shots from his nearest rival Paul Marriott.

The winner of each division will be invited to compete in the Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am, sponsored by Emaar. The three winners - and also the runner-up of each division --- will receive complimentary corporate hospitality for all four days of the tournament, starting on February 2.

A quality field, comprising a string of low handicappers, competed in the Grand Final of the event, which was supported by Byrne, Gulf News and Dubai Radio Network.

Two back-to-back gross birdies on the 13th and 14th highlighted Watts's card while Mahmood rolled in five pars in a row - from nine to 13 - to take the honours.

Manners knocked a crisp three iron from 200 yards which hit the pin on 12th for a tap-in birdie which lifted his round. "Well that was my shot of round," he said.

"It's a great feeling to play in the Pro-Am, an experience we all will relish," said Manners, echoing the feeling of other two winners.

In all 31 amateur golfers made it to the final which followed the individual stableford format with ¾ handicap allowance, on the strength of their performances in three different rounds they were required to play during the qualifying period between May 21, 2005 and January 5, 2006.

Mohammed Buamim, vice-chairman of "golf-in-DUBAI" - the organizers and promoters of the Dubai Desert Classic - thanked the players and sponsors for all their support to the tournament which provides a rare opportunity to the winners to rub shoulders with some of the finest golfers from the European Tour.

Francis James Byrne, managing director of Byrne, presented the prizes in the company of Buamim. He said: "We have been involved with junior golf almost from the beginning and we would continue our support in future as well. The JDP presents a fantastic opportunity to junior golfers. It's a feeling to see players like Joel Neale coming through the programme and making a mark on the domestic circuit."

Results:

A division:
1. William Watts (NAS) 33 points
2. Micky Brigg (EGC) 33 points
3. Johnny Aldridge (EGC) 32 points

B division:
1. Usman Mahmmod (NAS) 31 points
2. Tom Foyer (EGC) 30 points

C Division:
1. Dave Manners (NAS) 32 points
2. Paul Marriott (NAS) 29 points
3.Stephen Sanderson (NAS) 28 points

In aid of the UAE JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Click here to view the Dubai Desert Classic 2006 Pro-Am Challenge Photo Gallery