Doctor wins Volkswagen Masters Golf Championship

Under clear blue September skies at the legendary St Andrews golf course in Scotland, the 2006 Volkswagen Masters UK Final was decided in one of the greatest days in the event’s history.

Perfect playing conditions, blue skies, a light breeze and sunshine were ideal for the 35-person field to attack the Torrance course –designed by Gene Sarazen and former Ryder Cup Captain Sam Torrance – and set new records for the tournament’s three-year history.

It was Dr. Mohamed Dewji, a nine-handicap general practitioner and a member at Woburn golf club, who scored 39-points and a victory in the A-category, and so secured himself the first seat on the plane to the grand final in South Africa

Dewji qualified from a tense four-person tie and final three-hole countback at the South East regional final at Sandy Lodge Golf Club, and was slightly surprised at his performance at St Andrews. He said: ‘To be honest I haven’t played that much golf. This year I’ve caddied for my 10-year-old son Adam more than I’ve played! He’s a golf fanatic and hits the ball straighter than I do.’

Joining Dewji in South Africa as runner-up in the A-category is forensic science student Niall Walker, from Aberdeenshire. ‘I’m excited about going to the World Final in South Africa. It’s a place I’ve never been to and it’s a great experience to go somewhere new. As for the golfing aspect, I’ll approach it like any other round and just savour every moment,’ commented Walker, who plays off eight.

Craig Reid, an apprentice engineer from Coventry, completes the trio going to the World Final. The 19-year-old sealed his win with a birdie at the last hole.

The Volkswagen Masters is in its third year in the UK and sees golfers from more than 500 golf clubs enter a monthly medal as a qualifier for the select regional finals which take place at prestigious venues across the UK. These include the Open qualifying course, Hillside Golf Club, in Southport and 1929 Ryder Cup venue Moortown in Leeds. The tournament has also gained international acclaim: this year over 20,000 club golfers from 18 countries will compete for the title of World Champion at the Arabella Resort in South Africa in early December.

Vince Kinner, Head of Fleet Services for Volkswagen, who presented the trophies to the UK winners said: ‘The tournament is now in its third year, and I’m impressed that the standard of golf continues to improve, and level of interest keeps on rising. I am proud to be sending the UK winners to the World Final.’

Silke Kladny, Event Manager for Volkswagen said: ‘The high level of competition throughout the tournament has made the achievement for our three finalists even more special. We wish them the best of luck in South Africa and hope that they bring home the trophy for the UK.’