Dubai trip for Capital qualifiers

TWO Capital golfers have earned an all-expenses trip to Dubai after winning the regional final of a nationwide matchplay event.

Kingsknowe members Robert Brown and Brian Williamson are bound for the United Arab Emirates thanks to a success in the North qualifier in the "Matchplay Championship".

They were victorious at Marriott Hollins Hall Hotel & Country Club in Yorkshire and are now into next month's Grand Final. Having reached the final stage of their very own "Race to Dubai", the pair will enjoy seven nights of luxury accommodation at the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel and three days' competition at the Els Club.

Filmed exclusively by Sky Sports cameras, the pair will have the chance to shine in front of a TV audience usually reserved for the world's best players.

"To qualify for this is amazing," said Brown, a 16-handicapper. "The competition was always going to be stiff, as everyone had won five matches to get to this stage.

"However, the course was in fantastic condition and the tournament staff ensured we were involved in a professionally-run event from start to finish, including on-course branding, photographers and Sky Sports cameras.

"We're looking forward to getting out to Dubai with the opportunity to bring the Matchplay Championship back to Scotland."

The remainder of the field for the 2010/11 Matchplay Championship Grand Final will qualify from the South Regional Final which takes place at Marriott St Pierre, near Bristol.

From these events, the final 36 golfers from the mixed and men's pairs will advance to the Els Club to compete from May 7-14.