Golf Care Matchplay Championship Grand Final underway

Golfers from across the UK and Ireland have made the trip to the Els Club in Dubai to take part in the final of the Golf Care Matchplay Championship - the UK's biggest amateur golf event.

The three-day Grand Final got underway on Monday and scores from the first round of the Men's Pairs, Mixed Pairs and Men's Singles competitions have been impressive.

All competitors entered the tournament for just £30 and qualified for the final by coming through a series of knock-out rounds, including a Regional Final at the Marriott Forest of Arden.

The event - which is being filmed by Sky Sports - gives competitors the chance to play golf in one of the Emirate's best courses and stay in the renowned 5-star Marriott Marquis Dubai.

"We're delighted to be back in Dubai. The hospitality at The Els Club and the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel is truly first class - I can't think of anywhere better to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the event," said John Woosey, Managing Director.

"The course is looking immaculate and all the players have praised the condition of it."

In the Men's Singles, four-handicapper Maartens van Rensburg currently leads defending champion Paul Llewellyn after compiling 32 points on day one.

"It's been great so far. I've played well today and my wife is relaxing by the pool back at the hotel, so everybody's happy! I'm looking forward to the next couple of days," said Maartens.

In the Men's Pairs, Robert Leonard and Kevin Mannering opened with an impressive 42-point total in the betterball stableford competition to lead defending champions Martin Firth and Andrew Taylor by a single point.

In the Mixed Pairs, Martin Pyke and Anne Wheble are tied with husband-and-wife pairing David and Tracey Morris after round one.

The Golf Care Matchplay Champinship was launched in 2003 and has grown into the UK's biggest amateur tournament over the last decade.

For live scoring and to enter the the 2013/2014 tournament, visit www.matchplaychampionship.co.uk