In a thrilling showdown at the 15th edition of the Clash of the Titans, Team of the World triumphed over Team Asia and South Africa, ending their dominance of the prestigious perpetual trophy. The event, held on September 21, 2024, showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship among 48 golfing titans from 21 nationalities.
Key Takeaways
- Team of the World won with a score of 6.5 to 5.5.
- Hendrik Jansevanrensburg was named Best Gladiator of the tournament.
- The event was attended by Ambassador Ferdinand A. Ver, highlighting diplomatic ties.
The Clash of the Titans continues to be a signature event for the Filipino Golfers in the Middle East (FIGME), providing a platform for diverse golfing talent to come together in the spirit of friendly rivalry and international camaraderie.
Marc Smart, the Team Captain of the World, expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, "The Clash of the Titans lived up to its billing as one of the signature events on the FIGME calendar. Although myself & partner David Devine struggled to a half point, some great play from Team World Gladiators highlighted by the pairings of Richard Broadey / Hendrik Jansevanrensburg & Dave Roberson / Dan Coad allowed the team to take home the trophy this year."
General Jacques Blaauw, Team Captain of Asia & South Africa, graciously conceded defeat as the coveted trophy was awarded to Team of the World after an intense finale.
A standout performance came from Hendrik Jansevanrensburg, a new member from South Africa, who earned the title of Best Gladiator of COT 2024. Reflecting on his victory, he said, "I’m thrilled to have won in my first FIGME tournament, despite starting with a double bogey 6 on hole 7. From there, I settled in and made only two birdies & one bogey finishing with a score of Gross 73 on 38 Stableford points in Trump International Golf Club’s Par 71 course."
Ambassador Ferdinand A. Ver, an avid golfer and the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the UAE, graced the occasion, marking one of the ten events already completed for the 2024 season. His presence underscored the strong ties between the golfing community and diplomatic engagement.
Ramon Navea, Chairman of FIGME, expressed gratitude to the title sponsor, NMC Healthcare, and other event patrons. He stated, "This tournament goes beyond competition; it is a celebration of the spirit of golf and reflects FIGME’s core values of Team Spirit, Responsiveness, and Best Practices. We look forward to an unforgettable event filled with camaraderie and sportsmanship!"
Tournament Results
| Division | Champion | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum (Apollo) | Silvio Liedtke (8) | 38 |
| Gold (Hermes) | Mesh Shrikumar (11) | 36 |
| Silver (Poseidon) | Mo Ramathullah (18) | 34 |
Match Results
- Asia & South Africa: 9 Wins | 4 Losses
- The World: 4 Wins | 9 Losses
- Draw: (2015 & 2016)
Note: No tournament was held in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The Clash of the Titans XV not only marked a historic victory for Team of the World but also reinforced the spirit of competition and camaraderie among golfers from different backgrounds. As FIGME turns 16 years since its founding in 2008, the event continues to be a beacon of unity and sportsmanship in the golfing community.