Mark Schoombie, Tanya Harrison triumph at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ 2025 Open Scramble

As Scottie Scheffler clinched the 153rd Open Championship with a masterclass at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the spirit of the iconic major came alive thousands of miles away and right in the heart of Dubai.

On Sunday, July 20, Jumeirah Golf Estates hosted its take on golf’s most storied championship, inviting 52 spirited members and guests to take on the Earth Course in a Pairs Texas Scramble format.

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While the pros battled it out in blustery Northern Ireland, the Earth Course in Dubai provided a stunning desert counterpoint to links golf. With the gentlemen playing from the Tournament Tees and the ladies from the Forward Tees, anticipation for this annual event was at an all-time high.

Champions Rise in Dubai

Unlike Scheffler’s dominant display overseas, the leaderboard in Dubai saw a tight contest. Ultimately, it was the dynamic duo of Mark Schoombie and 2025 Lady Captain Tanya Harrison who emerged victorious. Their sizzling round of 11-under-par net 61 (with a gross score of 10-under-par 62) was a showcase of synchronicity and precision.

Reflecting on the win, Schoombie said: “Tanya and I really gelled well out there on the Earth course today. We dovetailed well, which was crucial to posting a good Scramble score, and we are thrilled with the win today. We’ll be boasting our trophy in Crafty Fox [Jumeirah Golf Estates Sports Bar] where we plan to watch the final holes from Portrush amongst other Members and friends.”

Their bogey-free round was highlighted by five consecutive birdies between holes six and ten, a thrilling stretch that set the pace for their win.

Stephenson, Purdy star in Gross Division

In the Gross Pairs Scramble Division, 2025 Club Champion Thomas Stephenson teamed up with Tom Purdy to secure the title with a strong six-under-par 66. Despite a stumble on the challenging par-4 11th, the pair rebounded with birdies to close out their round in style.

Marc Begg and Patrick Walton gave the winners a run for their money, finishing just two strokes behind with a solid 9-under-par net 63, thanks to two spectacular net eagles. Mohamed Hamed and Raza Kakar rounded out the podium in third, carding an 8-under-par net 64 after a back-nine countback, boosted by a birdie-laced finish.

A Celebration of Golf, Community, and Camaraderie

The evening culminated in the vibrant Jumeirah Golf Estates Ballroom, where guests enjoyed a buffet and watched the live climax of The Open unfold from Royal Portrush. It was a perfect blend of local competition and global inspiration, one that captured the unique culture of JGE’s golfing community.

Cameron McWhinnie, Assistant Golf Services Manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates, welcomed participants at the prize presentation, saying: “It has been the utmost pleasure welcoming you all to Jumeirah Golf Estates today for our very own Open Championship.

“It’s a day we always enjoy hosting and one that elevates an already great golfing weekend in our calendar. Whilst we cannot replicate the exact links conditions of Royal Portrush, Stuart Horwood’s Agronomy Team have presented the golf course in such great condition, despite the tough summer weather, so we must all thank them sincerely for their efforts in delivering us excellent playing surfaces.”

With the 2026 edition already being eagerly anticipated, this year’s Scramble once again proved that golf at Jumeirah Golf Estates is all about creating unforgettable memories.