Almouj Golf Mercedes-Benz Matchplay 2013 opens for entries

Almouj Golf is pleased to announce the opening of entries for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Matchplay Championship, the second annual golf tournament for handicap holding Almouj Golf members, sponsored by the exclusive distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Oman and Official Automotive partner for Almouj Golf, Zawawi Trading Co. (ZTC).

Contested in the Matchplay format, the 2013 event is open for entry to any handicap holding Almouj Golf member. Matchplay is a true test of golf where two golfers, or pairs of golfers, compete against one another. The result of each hole is recorded as a win, a loss or a tie; once a golfer is more holes ahead than there are holes remaining, the match is over. All forms of golf involve different strategies and mind sets for play, however Matchplay is a format in which each player is immediately aware of their opponent's actions, encouraging a competitive match from start to finish.

Chris May, Acting General Manager, Almouj Golf, commented:

"We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with Mercedes-Benz Oman through to 2013 in the Matchplay Championship. The 2012 Championship was a resounding success, with impressive matches played in each division, presenting a real challenge for players right down to the last shot.

"I look forward to following the Championship progress and to adding the 2013 champions' names to a growing honours board."

Craig Hardie, CEO Automotive, Zawawi Trading Company (ZTC), said:

"As Official Automotive Sponsor for Almouj Golf we are very pleased to continue our support for the Mercedes-Benz Matchplay Championship in 2013. At Zawawi Mercedes-Benz we strive for The Best or Nothing - a sentiment held through the Matchplay Championship where each golfer aims for the top of their division and to claim their rightful place as Champion."

The draw for the round one fixtures for the 2013 Championship will be made on 1 October. Once the draw has been made the competitors will have an allotted period in which to arrange and play their match, the winners will progress to the next round. This will continue until May 2013 when the final matches will be played and the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Matchplay Champions crowned.

The Men's and Ladies Championships will be singles Matchplay with competitors receiving the difference in course handicaps on the day of the fixture, the Pairs event will be Better Ball Matchplay with the handicaps calculated from the lowest player in the group. The pairs themselves can be made up of two men, two ladies or a mixed pairing.

The 2012 Matchplay Championship saw three divisions of players - men's, ladies and pairs - competing over the course of the season for the coveted title of Mercedes-Benz Matchplay champion. Ultimately the Men's singles title was won by William Welsh, the Ladies singles title by Catherine Shackleton and the Pairs by Edward Daly and Steve Morris, who are all recognised as Matchplay champions on the honours boards in the clubhouse at Almouj Golf.