Baljet triumphs as Dubai Duty Free golf defies the sceptics

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Weitnauer Tuxedo Sharjah general manager Jan Baljet headed a strong field to scoop this year's Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup played in Dubai last week.

The event, now in its ninth year, was a triumph for the organisers, who had vowed to continue with the event despite the post-September 11 crisis.

"Some people felt we should postpone it but we didn't," said Dubai Duty Free managing director Colm McLoughlin. "It's business as usual in Dubai."

Earlier McLoughlin had told visitors that the civil aviation authorities had just confirmed a $2.5bn expansion of Dubai airport. And he highlighted the recent $15bn aircraft order placed by national carrier Emirates. "By 2010, revenue at Dubai Duty Free will be close to $1bn."

Baljet beat off stiff competition from some 50 international duty-free executives, including perennial winner Aer Rianta International's Noel Fox (who won the senior's division), plus a strong local line-up. Sprightly veteran Bruce McGuire won the super senior award and Joan Legnar the ladies' competition.