The Clash of the Titans, an annual golf event organized by the Filipino Golfers in the Middle East (FIGME), witnessed a historic moment at its 15th edition as Team of the World triumphed over Team Asia, ending their dominance of the prestigious perpetual trophy. The match, held on September 21, 2024, saw Team of the World clinch victory with a close score of 6.5 points to Asia & South Africa’s 5.5 points, marking a significant shift in the competition. The event showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship from 48 golfing titans representing 21 nationalities and was sponsored by NMC Healthcare, making it a resounding success highlighting the passion and dedication of the players.
The Clash of the Titans remains a signature event for FIGME, bringing together diverse golfing talent in the spirit of friendly rivalry and international camaraderie. Team Captain Marc Smart of the World expressed his satisfaction with the event, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament and praising the exceptional play from his team that led to their victory. The tournament saw standout performances from players like Hendrik Jansevanrensburg from South Africa, who was named the Best Gladiator of COT 2024 after showcasing resilience and exceptional play on the course.
The event also received special attention from Ambassador Ferdinand A. Ver, the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the UAE, who graced the occasion, emphasizing the strong ties between the golfing community and diplomatic engagement. FIGME announced the Gladiator Golf Challenge, inviting all golfers to participate in a unique event featuring individual and team formats while competing in divisions representing Asia, South Africa, and The World, named after Greek mythology gods. The tournament promises to be filled with camaraderie and sportsmanship, reflecting FIGME’s core values of Team Spirit, Responsiveness, and Best Practices.
The tournament saw impressive performances in different divisions, with players like Silvio Liedtke, Mesh Shrikumar, Mo Ramathullah, and Rose Bell emerging as champions in their respective divisions. On-course events like the 2’s Club/Sweep and Nearest the Pin added to the excitement, with Hendrik Jansevanrensburg, Stefan Sickel, and Edward Carter showcasing their skills on specific holes. The commitment and contributions from sponsors, patrons, and FIGME golfers were crucial in making the tournament a grand success, as highlighted by Ramon Navea, Chairman of FIGME. The event marked one of the ten tournaments completed for the 2024 season, showcasing the strength and vibrancy of the golfing community in the region.
