Cancer survivor Smith shoots 64 to take Abu Dhabi City Golf Club’s 2022 Men’s Open Title

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Rob Smith, aged 55, beat his own course record at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club in winning the 2022 Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Men’s Open.

Smith’s round included eight birdies and two bogeys to hand in a six under par 64 around the 6,307 yards, 18-hole par 70 course (two loops of the nine holes), designed by the British golf course designer Ian Scott Taylor.

Just five years ago, Rob was diagnosed with lymphoma. At that time the UAE did not have the facility for patients requiring a stem cell transplant as part of their treatment and, as a result, Smith returned to his native Scotland for 10 months leaving his wife and two children in Abu Dhabi.
Smith works at the British School - Al Khubairat who were incredibly supportive.

The school recruited a temporary member of staff to oversee his duties and basically told Smith to get the necessary treatment and return to his job when he was fit and active again. The school was also fully engaged in supporting the family during this difficult time.

He commented last week, how delighted he was to see an article informing the public the treatment he underwent is now available here in Abu Dhabi. “What a difference it will make for patients undergoing this treatment and having their loved ones by their side to help them,” said Smith.

Rhian Lobo, General Manager of Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, said, “Rob (Smith) has been a member for fifteen years at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club. Having represented Scotland at golf in his youth, we were all well aware of Rob’s golfing ability, but his bounce back from his health challenges has been truly remarkable.’

Club Captain of Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Kenny Macaulay went on to say, “Marking Rob’s card and watching him shoot 64 was an absolute honour and everyone at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club is not only proud of his golf achievements, especially this 64, but perhaps even more so, the way he and his family have handled themselves through these very difficult times.”