In an exhilarating showdown at the 15th edition of the Clash of the Titans, Team of the World emerged victorious over Team Asia, ending their reign over the esteemed perpetual trophy in one of the most eagerly awaited events on the Filipino Golfers in the Middle East (FIGME) calendar. The intensely competitive match, held on September 21, 2024, saw Team of the World secure a narrow win with a score of 6.5 points to Asia & South Africa’s 5.5 points. This victory marked a significant milestone, as Team of the World finally ended Asia’s long-standing dominance in the competition.
The event brought together 48 golfing legends from 21 countries, displaying remarkable skill, sportsmanship, and thrilling performances on the fairways and greens. Sponsored by NMC Healthcare, the tournament was a grand success, underscoring the commitment and enthusiasm of the participants. The Clash of the Titans remains a cornerstone event for FIGME, fostering a platform for diverse golfing talents to unite in the spirit of friendly competition and international fellowship.
Marc Smart (HCP 6), Team Captain of the World, remarked, “The Clash of the Titans lived up to its reputation as one of the signature events on the FIGME calendar.” Despite his own struggles with partner David Devine, the exceptional play from Team World Gladiators, particularly the pairings of Richard Broadey / Hendrik Jansevanrensburg and Dave Roberson / Dan Coad, secured the team’s victory.
Team Captain General Jacques Blaauw of Asia & South Africa gracefully acknowledged defeat as the coveted trophy was presented to Team of the World, led by General Marc Smart, following a fiercely contested finale at the Clash of the Titans 2024. A notable performance was delivered by Hendrik Jansevanrensburg (handicap 3), a new member from South Africa, who was crowned Best Gladiator of COT 2024. His resilience and outstanding play were pivotal in making this tournament unforgettable.
Ambassador Ferdinand A. Ver, an avid golfer and the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the UAE, attended the special occasion of FIGME's 4th Order of Merit tournament, highlighting the strong connections between the golfing community and diplomatic relations. FIGME’s Chairman, Ramon Navea, expressed gratitude to the title sponsor, NMC, and other valued patrons, emphasizing that the tournament is a celebration of the golfing spirit and FIGME’s core values.
