By Kent Gray
Steven Kelbrick works hard at his game and golf continues to reward him richly.

Consistency – as in eight top 5s in 12 starts including a pair of runner-up finishes – saw the Trump International Golf Club Dubai member (pictured centre) capture the 2016-17 Emirates Golf Federation order-of-merit title last season.

His reward was a trip to the Thailand Amateur Golf Championship. After showing the EGF whippersnappers how it’s done, Kelbrick is now looking forward to an even more prestigious prize, a start in the 2nd Sharjah Senior Golf Masters presented by Shurooq next month.

Kelbrick earned the right to tee it up with former European Ryder Cuppers Des Smyth, Ronan Rafferty and Costantino Rocca after winning Sunday’s Amateur and Professional Qualifier at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club.

Mark McNeilly also carded a 75 but Kelbrick’s superior back nine saw him edge the Jumeirah Golf Estates member on count-back. McNeilly needn’t fret – he’s through to the Staysure Tour (formerly European Senior Tour) event from March 8-10 as well, along with SGSC’s Namir Al Naimi who snared the final spot with a 79.

“I’m happy that we have such a prestigious event here in Sharjah,” said Kelbrick of the Sharjah Senior Golf Masters where South African Chris Williams is poised to defend his title.

“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 is excited too.

“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.”

Entry to the Sharjah Senior Golf Masters is free of charge.

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