MUNTAZ Haniff and Christine Sukhram won the men’s and ladies’ titles respectively at Wednesday’s European Union (EU) Medal Play Golf tournament played at the Lusignan Golf Club, East Coast Demerara. Haniff was declared the overall winner of  the tournament that attracted 45 players including several overseas golfers, who are already here for this weekend’s Guyana Open championships, and staff of the European Union office.
He shot a net 68 from a gross 80 playing off a 17 handicap to beat into second place  2008 Guyana Open champion Imran Khan who shot a net 68 from a gross 73 playing off a 5 handicap. Khan also had the best gross of 73.
Third place went to Lakeram Ramsundar, while Mohanlall Dinanauth had the longest drive and Brian Hackett, Nearest to the Pin.
Sukhram, the 2009 Guyana Open ladies’ champion shot a net 72 from a gross 82 playing off a 10 handicap to top the female players on show.
Lindsay Jones of the EU was declared the most honest golfer at the tournament.
Geert Heikens, EU Ambassador who was also in action said at the presentation ceremony later that the EU was extremely pleased to sponsor the competition.
Heikens whose tour of duty ends in a few months said he will ensure that the sponsorship continues.
He said that he has seen vast improvement at the Lusignan Golf Course during his tenure in Guyana.
The Ambassador also paid tribute to the caddies, stating that they are a great asset to local golfers.
Secretary of the Lusignan Golf Club William Walker thanked the EU for sponsoring the tournament  and wished the Heikens’ family success in the future.
Meanwhile, Suriname named a 10-member team to take part in the R1 Vodka-sponsored Guyana Open championships this weekend.
The players are: Marcel Chehin, George Brahim, Allan Beedsnijder, Vijay Jaikaran, Freddy Linger, Perry Oemrawsingh, Roy Kaliar, Roel Motjee, Grace Motjee and Lilian Hermelijn.
The Surinamese were expected in Guyana yesterday.