The Emirates Golf Federation player held off a tightly packed Gross field to win the 2026 Summer Open, while Manuel Baierlacher claimed the Net title
David Pendleton-Nash emerged from a tightly contested field to claim the Gross title at the 2026 Summer Open at Jumeirah Golf Estates, with Manuel Baierlacher taking Net honours.
A total of 106 golfers took on the club’s Earth course on Saturday, August 15, with the Dubai summer heat adding another test to a competition that proved particularly close at the top of the leaderboard.
Pendleton-Nash, representing the Emirates Golf Federation, carded 35 Stableford points for a one-over gross round to take the title.
The Gross competition remained wide open deep into the round, with five players sitting at one over gross with three holes still to play. Pendleton-Nash held his nerve, mixing two birdies with three bogeys to finish on top.
James Finnigan of Jumeirah Golf Estates finished runner-up on 34 points after a countback. His second-place finish was decided on the 18th, where a birdie gave him the edge over the chasing field.
Baierlacher takes Net honours
The Net division was every bit as competitive, with Jumeirah Golf Estates member Manuel Baierlacher producing the standout score of the day.
Baierlacher finished with 43 Stableford points, seven under net, to take the Net title. Bradley Valentine was runner-up on 41 points (-5), while Westley Burke claimed third place on countback with 40 points (-4).
There was also success in the nearest-the-pin competitions, with Elvira Khaliullina taking the prize on the fourth hole and Steve Pyle winning on the 13th.
The competition was played in testing summer conditions on the Earth course, before players and members gathered in the Ballroom after the round to mark the end of the event.
For Jumeirah Golf Estates, the Summer Open forms part of an established calendar of competitive events for its members and visitors, with the 2026 edition producing close finishes in both the Gross and Net divisions.
2026 Summer Open results
Gross
1. David Pendleton-Nash – 35 points (+1)
2. James Finnigan – 34 points (+2), countback
Net
1. Manuel Baierlacher – 43 points (-7)
2. Bradley Valentine – 41 points (-5)
3. Westley Burke – 40 points (-4), countback
Nearest the Pin
• Hole 4: Elvira Khaliullina
• Hole 13: Steve Pyle
Summer Open 2026: What you need to know
Who won the 2026 Summer Open at Jumeirah Golf Estates?
David Pendleton-Nash won the Gross title at the 2026 Summer Open at Jumeirah Golf Estates with 35 Stableford points, finishing one over gross.
Who won the Net division at the Summer Open?
Manuel Baierlacher claimed the Net title with 43 Stableford points, finishing seven under net.
Where was the 2026 Summer Open played?
The 2026 Summer Open was played on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai on Saturday, August 15.
How many golfers competed in the Summer Open?
A total of 106 golfers from across the UAE competed in the 2026 Summer Open.
Who finished runner-up in the Gross division?
James Finnigan finished runner-up with 34 Stableford points (+2 gross), securing second place on countback.
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