Club Life September 2016

Editor: Jacqui Barry barrydxb@eim.ae

n o s a e s 7 1 / 6 1 0 2 R 2016

SEPTEMBE

n Men’s Vice-Captai

aric Ivan Fornaz

Men’s Captain

Vipen Sethi

ISSUE 61

Lady Captain

an Maura Dugg

Lady Vice-Captain

ette Najla Bart

Editorial

2

I

t seems such a long time since I put together a Club Life issue but there has only been a two month gap for the summer months when it is traditionally very quiet in Dubai and at the Club.

Anyway, it’s the start of the new season and time to say welcome to new Captains Vipen Sethi and Maura Duggan who, I’m sure, will be a formidable team; welcome also to incoming Vice-Captains, Ivan Fornazeric and Najla Bartette, another two who are sure to have a fun and exciting year together. Thank you to outgoing Captains, Walid al Attar and Helen Srivastava who had an excellent year as a result of their input and hard work throughout the season. It was especially difficult for Walid with all his travel plans and the fact that he had no build up as Vice-Captain since he was asked to replace Johnny Aldridge at late notice who had been transferred to USA through his work. Well done to you both and thank you!

We have a tremendous Club membership and it would be wonderful see more people supporting social events and prize presentations, especially for the men’s events. I think the ladies mostly all stay for the prize presentations and longer! In his update, Barney has outlined some of the major events throughout the season for members to put in their diaries so as not to get double-booked. Let’s get some record attendances this season for the events at the Club.

Our Pros have been busy all summer… it’s so wonderful to see their involvement with their fellow colleagues throughout the summer months as they conducted a series of golf lessons which had a big attendance, despite the high temperature and humidity. Well done to all the Pros and to all EGC colleagues for their enthusiasm. Perhaps, as a result of their

clinics, they were able to beat the team from Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club in a series of matches during the summer.

Sadly, this summer a few of our longterm members and friends passed away.

Founder member Saeed Hadi passed away in April, Shravan Kumar, (a friend I knew through squash before either of us ever played golf), passed away on 20th August and Errol Harris passed away in Malta at the end of August. Our much loved friend, past Captain and best member ever, Mike Gerbich, lost his year long battle against cancer on July 13th. Tom and I managed to get to Arizona for the funeral and, despite the sad circumstances, it was great to meet up with with past EGC members Butch and Judy Kamps, George Reuter, Ken Jaynes, Jasjeev Kandhari, Ken Matheson, Michael Logue and of course Francie, Cuyler and Kashe Gerbich. We all felt, as did so many people who knew ‘Gerb’ that he was at Henrik Stenson’s side for the whole of the Open Championship.

How fitting and how emotional it was when Henrik dedicated his win to Mike that was so special and the mark of a true gentleman and a great friend of Mike.

Craig Haldane and the GCM team (Golf Course Maintenance team) have worked incredibly hard over the hot, humid summer to prepare the course for us for the start of the season. Thank you so much to each and every one of you for all the hard work you do throughout the year but especially during the harsh summer temperatures and we look forward to playing on our magnificent courses again.

It’s always amazing to come back to play on the Majlis and on the Faldo to see both courses looking so lush after the summer !

Well, the season starts up soon although it’s usually October before members are throwing themselves into the competitions but enjoy every minute - we really have a special place here and we are lucky to have superb service and fantastic colleagues looking after us…it’s not the same everywhere in the world!

Enjoy your golf

Emirates Golf Club Senior Management

Christopher May

Chief Executive Officer cmay@dubaigolf.com

Craig Haldane

Director - Golf Course Maintenance chaldane@dubaigolf.com

Barney Coleman

Director of Golf bcoleman@dubaigolf.com

Ganesh Mangathil

Dubai Golf Publishing Manager gmangathil@dubaigolf.com

Chef Nicholas Cuomo Executive Chef ncuomo@dubaigolf.com

Andy Meech

Head of Sport and Leisure ameech@dubaigolf.com

Adele Cowgill

Head of Sales and Marketing acowgill@dubaigolf.com

Jacqui

Condolences

SAEED HADI We are saddened to announce that our member Saeed Hadi passed away this April whilst overseas. He had been a loyal member at the Club since it opened and was very well known and popular with many Emirates Golf Club members and colleagues. The Club was always an important part of Saeed’s life with several family wedding and birthday celebrations being held here over the years. Saeed was an accomplished golfer with many victories under his belt, including Golfer of the Year, Club Championship, Club House Trophy and Chairman’s Cup Runner Up. Saeed’s son, Taimur will continue as an Emirates Golf Club member. A bench in memory of Saeed Hadi will be located on the Majlis course.

MIKE GERBICH Sad news that past Captain and member, Mike Gerbich passed away on July 13th in the USA. Mike, who was Captain from 1994-95, was a very popular and active member and a very competitive golfer, representing the Club on many occasions. He was well loved by many of our members and colleagues. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. The team at Emirates Golf Club send their deepest condolences to his wife, Francie, and his sons Cuyler and Kashe.

SHRAVAN KUMAR SWARUP Our long time member and good supporter of the Club, Shravan Kumar, passed away on 20th August. Shravan was an excellent sportsperson having represented his school and University in various sports. After studying at Allahabad University 1951 - 1954, Shrivan secured a place at Cambridge, (Trinity College) 1954 - 1958 where he studied Chemical Engineering and where he gained his squash and tennis Blue (an award earned by athletes for competition at the highest level).

Whilst in Dubai he was involved in the set up of the Dubai Squash league and actively ran it until 2002. He stopped playing squash in 2003 and moved to golf which he played actively until recently.

Our sincere condolences go to his wife Asha, his two children and their spouses and his grandchildren.

Errol Harris Sadly our former member, Errol Harris, who was a regular club night contestant for many years, passed away Tuesday 30th August in Malta. Our deepest condolences to his family for their loss.

Steen Simon

Food & Beverage Manager ssimon@dubaigolf.com

Stephen Deane

Head Academy Professional sdeane@dubaigolf.com

Saeed Ahamed

Financial Controller mahamed@dubaigolf.com

Haridas Palliyalil

Resident Engineer hpalliyalil@dubaigolf.com

EGC Key Telephone Numbers Main Switchboard Members Golf Reservations Membership Recreation Accounts SensAsia Urban Spa

04 04 04 04 04 04

417 417 417 417 417 417

9999 9800 9801 9850 9875 9820

Follow Emirates Golf Club on Facebook for the latest news, views and special offers. We already have over 27,076 likes.

Follow us on Twitter @emiratesgc and Instagram @emiratesgc

Dear friends,

A year ago when I was considered for vice-captaincy, I felt privileged and honoured to one day be the Captain of Emirates Golf Club. Our

The golf season starts towards the end of the month and I hope to meet and play golf with most of you during the season. In case you have a suggestion please feel free to approach me any time.

Before I close I want to thank Helen and Walid for having done such a great job during their tenures as

Captains. Walid, to come to the Club for prize giving after returning from a business trip the same day has been noted. Thank you for your efforts.

Lastly, I welcome the new Vice-Captains Ivan and Najla and look forward to working with them and Maura during the year.

Captain’s Message

I

woke up this morning while on holiday in Marbella inundated with messages wishing me a good captaincy. I must say I was overwhelmed by the support and best wishes from one and all. Thank you all for the best wishes dear friends, and I will try and contribute to the best of my abilities to make the 2016-17 golfing season an enjoyable one.

Club, in my view, is one of the most prestigious clubs in UAE and most importantly the membership base makes it the most sought after in Dubai. We people make the Club and each one of us play our roles to make it a happy place.

3

Happy golfing, Vipen Sethi Club Captain 2016-2017

MENS COMPETITION RESULTS In association with

OMA Emirates Monthly Medal

OMA Emirates June Medal Friday 10th June 2016 Stathis Stathis fired a superb seven-under par net 65 to win the OMA Emirates Monthly Medal series which features a unique end-of-season Porsche shoot-out.

A DIVISION (handicaps 0-15) Winner:

David Formas

Net 67

Stathis’s score saw him top B Division by six shots from Patrick Mulligan in the June Medal event, staged in association with Porsche Centre Dubai and Ascot and Chapels, with Mandeep Vora another shot away in third place.

Runner Up:

Sushant Malik

Net 67

Third:

David Waite

Net 69

BEST GROSS:

Rohit Gupta

Gross 70

David Formas claimed victory in Division A, recording a five-under-par net 67 to edge out Sushant Malik on a count-back, with David Waite in third after returning a net 69.

B DIVISION (handicaps 16-28)

Emirates Scratch Team Captain Rohit Gupta produced a superb performance to win the best gross prize, recording a two-under par 70 which included three birdies, 14 pars and just the one dropped shot.

Each of the Monthly Medal events features a Porsche Centre Dubai nearest-the-pin competition, and David Formas became the third winner on the par 3 seventh hole.

He will be one of eight qualifiers and eight other invited golfers forming two teams led by celebrities who will compete in the season-ending par-3 style Porsche Centre Dubai shootout on the Majlis course’s 18th hole.

A Division Winner David Formas alongside Anshuman Kishore of Porsche (left) and Captain Vipen Sethi (right)

Winner:

Stathis Stathis

Runner Up:

Patrick Mulligan Net 71

Net 65

Third:

Mandeep Vora

Nearest the Pin # 7:

David Formas

Net 72

OMA Emirates Monthly Medal

Competition Results

4

OMA Dubai Golf July Medal Friday 8th July 2016

M

ichael Nielsen fired a fantastic five-under par net 67 to win the Dubai Golf OMA Monthly Medal series held at Emirates Golf Club which features a unique end-ofseason Porsche shoot-out.

The July Dubai Golf Medal featured a Ladies’ Division and the net winner was Glory Xavier who scored a net 74. Another graduate of the Emirates Junior Elite programme, Kavita Sehmi, was the winner of the gross prize with a score of 77.

Nielsen’s score saw him top Division A by a slender one stroke from Vivek Sharma in the July Medal event, staged in association with Porsche Centre Dubai and Ascot and Chapels, with Dubai Creek Captain Patrick Morrow in third place with a net 70.

Each of the Monthly Medal events features a Porsche Centre Dubai nearest-the-pin competition, and Charles Jones became the fourth winner on the par 3 seventh hole.

Manu Mehrotra claimed victory in Division B, recording a oneunder-par net 71. Separated by a count-back was runner-up Kim Wookhwan and third place Patrick Mulligan who both scored net 75.

Bradley Mogire, a talented junior and a member of the Emirates Junior Elite programme, won the best gross score with a two-over par 74.

He will be one of eight qualifiers and eight other invited golfers forming two teams led by celebrities who will compete in the season-ending par-3 style Porsche Centre Dubai shootout on the Majlis course’s 18th hole.

The competitors in this Medal, also witnessed the debut display of the all new mid-engine roadster, the Porsche 718 Boxster by Porsche Centre Dubai.

BARCLAYS SUMMER OPEN

Bhatia Wins Barclays Emirates Summer Open Friday 22nd July 2016

A

rkesh Bhatia of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club scored a level par 72 over the Majlis course to win the Barclays Emirates Summer Open. Bhatia successfully managed to maintain his composure in the incredible humidity to score fourteen pars, with two dropped shots but two birdies on the first and third holes to claim victory by three strokes. His nearest competitors were Kabir Nanda and Arjun Gupta who both scored a 3 over par 75. Nanda claimed the runners-up position following a card count-back, with Gupta finishing in third place.

In the net categories, Dalip Tripathi and Mikhael Pinto tied with net scores of 71. Tripathi claimed first place following a card count-back to win A Division. In B Division, George Riding was the runaway winner following a superb subseventy score of 67. His nearest competitor was Mark Baxter who scored a net 71.

Emirates Golf Club would like to thank title sponsor Barclays for their continued sponsorship of our summer events along with Pro Sports International for supporting the prize-giving.

Winner Michael Nielsen

My sincere thanks to outgoing Lady Captain Helen Srivastava for all her hard work and guidance. She found some very

unusual competition formats for us to play and I will certainly include the popular ones this season. Over the course of the year we have become very good friends (as did our husbands). I would also like to thank outgoing Captain Walid Al Attar who was very supportive of the ladies’ section.

We will start the season with some fun stableford competitions and hopefully, the temperature will not be too unbearable. Our first medal of the season and the start of the race for Curtisy Cup points is on 26th September.

The defence of our Inter-Club Competition title will take us to

Abu Dhabi National Golf Club on 12th October.

We face a very tough challenge this year having been drawn in the same group as all three of last year’s finalists. However, with the strength of our ladies’ section I have no doubt we will do our utmost to retain the Cup.

5 in’s Lady Capta Message

W

elcome back to everyone! With the summer holidays over and a packed 2016/17 golfing season ahead, I’m very excited to be Lady Captain of such a prestigious Club and of such a large active ladies’ section. I look forward to working with ViceCaptain Najla and I wish Captain Vipen and Vice-Captain Ivan every success in the year ahead. I know there will be full collaboration between the ladies’ and men’s sections.

So, I wish you all a very successful season with lots of golfing highlights, great memories, and most importantly good health!

Maura Duggan Lady Captain 2016-2017

COMPETITION RESULTS END OF 2015-2016 SEASON CAPTAIN S TEAM V LADY CAPTAIN S TEAM

’

’

’

Won by Captain Walid Al Attar s team

6

MIXED COMPETITION RESULTS

Competition Results

MEMBER/COLLEAGUE SCRAMBLE Tuesday 7th June 2016

Winners

Ali Yatco, Surya B.k,

Anil Kumar, Kumar

Runners Up

Carolyn Thompson, Jenny Isles,

Jega, Tracey

Third

Sulafa Hamdan, Amarjeet Radia,

Maheswaran S, Nilantha Prabath 57.8

Nearest The Pins Hole # 2 (Colleagues)

Erick

Hole # 17 (Colleagues) Jeffrey Hole # 12 (Members)

Martha Wong

Hole # 8 (Members)

Maria Victoria Arias

Longest Drive Hole # 16 (Colleagues) Fer Manuel Hole # 5 (Colleagues)

BARCLAYS SUMMER SERIES

Dubai Golf Summer Series Fixture 1 held at Emirates Golf CLUB Saturday 11th June 2016

Fran Cole Cruises to Victory in the Dubai Golf Summer Series Opener

F

ran Cole scored an impressive 41 points to win the Dubai Golf Summer Series opener held at Emirates Golf Club. The Summer Series, sponsored by Barclays, hosted over 100 golfers who took part on the Majlis course.

Fran recorded seven net birdies on her way to victory with only two bogeys, putting her ahead of the field by three points.

Amresh Sangani, who misplaced his driver before the game, headed to the golf course with only a hybrid for tee shots but it appears that accuracy over length was the key to his success as he secured second

place with 38 points. A further point adrift in third place with 37 points was Salem Dasmal who also won the nearest the pin prize on hole 11.

Clive Burrows was also a winner of the nearest the pin prize on hole number 7.

The best gross score of the day was won by Max Burrow who carded a one under par 71 with birdies on holes 10, 11 and 13.

Dubai Golf would like to thank Barclays for sponsoring the Summer Series and we thank Pro Sports International for sponsoring Titleist prizes for the above winners.

Kumar

57.4 57.8

BARCLAYS SUMMER SERIES Barclays Summer Series

2016 - Fixture 2

Saturday 30th July 2016

T

he second round of the 2016 Barclays Dubai Golf Summer Series was played in July at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. The series, which is sponsored by Barclays, consists of four fixtures that are played between two of the local clubs in the Dubai Golf portfolio, Dubai Creek and Emirates Golf Club. The stableford format always produces some fun competition and despite the hot and humid summer conditions, the event was a huge success boasting a full field of over 100 players.

solid performance and a winning total of 36 points. Closely behind Razdan, and finishing in runners-up spot with 35 points was Dubai Creek member, Flemming Dalgaard, who just edged out EGF member Michael McGill into third place on a count-back after the pair finished tied on 35 points.

Competition Results

held at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

7

Scoring was very tight on the day and two players finished tied in the Gross Division also. Dubai Creek member Max Burrow, and Emirates Golf Club junior Matthew Baxter, finished tied with 32 gross points, but it was Baxter who claimed the spoils winning on a better inward half. David Gowans and Matthew Baxter were the day’s nearest the pin winners for their tee shots on the par 3 8th and 14th holes.

After conducting the prize presentation, Dubai Creek’s Golf Services Manager Rashid Hamood commented; “Many thanks to all of you for your support and participation today; it’s great to see this event boasting such popularity. A huge thank you must also go to the sponsors of the series, Barclays and lastly, but by no means leas,t congratulations to all of the day’s winners. We look forward to your support with the remainder of the series”.

As well as prizes for the day’s event, players were eager to put in a good performance and stack up some all important order of merit points with the series at the halfway stage. Claiming top honours on the day and boosting up his points total was Emirates Golf Club member, Rajinder Razdan, who produced a

Northcott Triumphs in Barclays Summer Series Fixture 3 held at Emirates Golf Club Saturday 30th August 2016

E

dmund Northcott scored an impressive 39 points to win the Barclays Dubai Golf Summer Series Fixture 3 over the Faldo course at Emirates Golf Club. Northcott’s impressive 3-under par tally on a hot and humid day was enough for a two stroke victory over his closest rival Martin Hunt.

A further point adrift in third place with 36 points was Tommy Jones. The best gross of the day was recorded by Michael Herb who

signed for a gross 75, 3-over par, recording 37 points. Herb also claimed nearest the pin on the short 8th hole with Glory Xavier taking the prize for accuracy on the 12th hole.

The Barclays Summer Series consists of four events and the overall Order of Merit counts the best three scores from the four fixtures; with one event left Rajinder Razdan tops the

James Smith from Barclays presenting Edmund Northcott with the winner’s prize.

table with 102 points (scores of 36, 36 and 30).

Dubai Golf would like to thank Barclays for sponsoring the Summer series; the final fixture takes place at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club on Saturday 17th September.

Also, our thanks go to Pro Sports International for sponsoring Titleist prizes for the above winners.

Introducing Our Two New Captains

Vipen Sethi &

Club Capta

ins

8 M

Vipen Sethi

y name is Vipen Sethi, 58 years old, a Chartered Accountant by profession and presently the Group Director and Board Member of Landmark Group, a company with business in retail. The Group operates in 15 countries through more than 2,000 retail outlets with a team strength of 50,000 people.

I started with the company 25 years ago when we were just four stores. The first five years were in Bahrain managing the business where we started and the next 20 have been in Dubai which have been very exciting times since Dubai has really changed during that period and has presented itself with a lot of opportunities in the country for one and all.

GOLF AND ME

Golf has been my passion since I was 12 or 13 years of age. Golf has been played by nearly every male member in the Sethi family, so much so that my grandfather, who actually introduced me to the game, was the second President of the Delhi Golf Club which today is a 100 year old institution. My uncle, Major P.G.Sethi, popularly known as Bilu Sethi, won the Indian Open six times and was a

formidable golfer in the country for many years between 1970-80.

I have not managed to reach such great heights but I have enjoyed every outing on the golf course. Be it small, I finished third in the Junior Amateur Open Golf Championship in Calcutta in 1976 and won the Junior Amateur Golf Championship in 1977 in Mumbai. The win was a very exciting and cherished one as it was after a four-hole, three-way play off that concluded on the 76th hole. I guess in those days, I had the nerves and the game.

My golf handicap has been single digit since I was 16 or 17 years of age, with the lowest having been a 2 handicap. Today it is 5, predominantly because the short game is not as sharp as it used to be and the putting has let me down on many, many occasions.

I toyed with the idea of professional golf but was offered a job with an accountancy firm after finishing my training. With a job in hand and studying for the Chartered Accountancy exam, I was left with no time for golf except at the weekends.

GOLF

In my opinion golf is a fantastic sport as it teaches you a way of life. The golf course presents you with targets and goals which you try to accomplish every time you go out and play. The game teaches you to be honest to yourself and to face challenges from time to time, and also react suitably.

The game enables you to meet people from different backgrounds and different personalities, and I sincerely believe that you can tell a man’s character on the golf course. You can tell whether a man could be a true friend or not and whether or not he would be the right one to do business with. Thus golf is a very special game.

CLUBS I HAVE PLAYED

Emirates Golf Club is probably the best golf club in Dubai when it comes to the membership, quality of the golf courses, tournaments, etc.

When we first moved to Dubai from Bahrain we became members at Nad Al Sheba, as we were staying in Bur Dubai and the club had a night golf facility. Rena started the game there and I also tried to get both my daughters, Nidhi and Rashi to take a few lessons at Nad al Sheba to see whether they liked the game or not.

Fortunately Rena carried on playing but my daughters had different priorities.

Nad al Sheba was a great place as a golf club while it lasted. I later moved to The Montgomerie as we moved home to The Meadows and I enjoyed golf there too until one day Moshe and I were drawn to play together and during the course of the round, he said, “Vipen, what are you doing here? You need to move on to Emirates Golf Club”.

At that point in time, I put in my application for membership at Emirates Golf Club and I was told by Mr. Chris Turlik, the then membership coordinator, that

MY FAMILY

College life was not only about studies and golf, but there were also a lot of other extra-curricular activities. Rena and I met when we were in college, when I was 19 years old and she was 17, and we’ve been together since. She is the perfect wife and the ‘fun’ in my life. She has a great sense of humour and there is never a dull moment at home.

Maura Duggan

H

ere’s a little information about me for those I haven’t had the opportunity to meet yet.

I come from Ireland, but have spent most of my married life moving around the world with my husband Frank and our two sons. I’m very fortunate to have both of my children in Dubai, Darragh who is working in DIFC and Cian who is attending Jumeirah College. To date Dubai is our seventh posting and we are all very happy here.

I began golfing in Warsaw, Poland in 1997 but due to relocations and young kids I was unable to play regularly until our return to Ireland in 2003. I remain an overseas member of Old Conna Golf Club in Dublin, and take part in all the summer competitions when I return home for annual vacation.

We have two daughters, Nidhi, who is 29 years of age who studied business management and gemology and set up her jewellery business, ‘Liali Signature’ in Dubai in 2012. Rashi is 26 years of age who also studied business management and is working as a buyer with one of our companies Splash Fashion. Both are here in Dubai and live with us.

ins

it would be a four year wait as the Faldo course was being redesigned. I decided to wait my turn as I didn’t have a choice; I secured my membership only seven years ago and I have been very happy since.

We have moved five times in Dubai in the last 20 years and we now live in Emirates Hills. Work commitments keep me very busy during the week and I feel guilty getting out on the golf course on weekdays.

Club Capta

Maura Duggan

9

Frank and I joined Emirates Golf Club in 2008 where we have made many wonderful friends at the Club and it has been a big part of our social life in Dubai. Both of us have been members of various clubs and agree that the courses and services provided by the management and colleagues at Emirates Golf Club are outstanding and we feel very privileged to be members.

It is truly a huge honour to be Lady Captain and I hope I can continue to contribute positively to the Club’s development and support all members through my involvement on the Members’ Consultative Committee.

Junior Link

s

10

The Junior Vision of Dubai Golf

D

ubai Golf has recently promoted Golf Professional Jonathan Craddock to the role of Programme Development.

Jonathan’s involvement in the Junior Programme has taken it to where it is today, the biggest, most successful in the region. Our vision is to expose the game of golf to every child below the age of nine before 2020.

Dubai Golf has been at the forefront of golf and golf related services since its inception in the Emirates. The company is proud of its responsibility and seeks to continue to innovate and lead the industry. The academies are renowned for boasting world-class teaching techniques and are proud to be offering a pathway of golf to over 600 Junior golfers. The success of the Academies is down to the Dubai Golf developmental strategy. Dubai Golf already has a proven track record developing children’s golf from beginner all the way through to college golf in the United States.

first year and all 180 schools by 2020.

We are looking for parents to join the initiative, so if you are keen to become a golf activator and receive the training to provide after-school activities for free, please contact jcraddock@dubaigolf.com.

We are to begin the season by leading an initiative programme named the United Arab Emirates Junior Development Programme. Rebranding our Junior Programme to the United Arab Emirates Junior Development Programme, or JDP for short, is a big step and highlights our intentions to collaborate with all other facilities. The programme will link with all academies and provide children with consistent development strategy no matter which golf club they are taking golf lessons at. For example, our hat colour system will be related to other programmes making it easier for children to move around to compete at other locations. At Dubai Golf our focus is to grow the game and have children compete more regularly on the golf courses.

Dubai Golf has also partnered with the Emirates Golf Federation to offer all UAE Nationals FREE LESSONS and participation in the JDP which is a great opportunity to experience the game or to develop existing skills.

Along with the UAE JDP, Dubai Golf is also launching two other initiatives; one is the Tee It Up school programme. The initiative is to provide each school with a free kit bag and teaching manual to teach teachers how to activate the game. We are aiming to activate two teachers in every school covering 60 schools in the

Our final initiative is our expansion of our Junior Par 3 series. We are going to share the success of the Junior Par 3 series with all golf clubs in the region and create a Junior Tour. The Junior Tour will be known as the Mena Mini Junior Tour and will have two stages. Stage One will be Par 3 competitions and Stage 2 will be 9 hole events for more experienced children.

Our aim is to provide more competitive golf for all developmental levels of junior golfers, thus engaging more children in the game.

We are currently looking for partners for the donation of free kit bags to schools and also the Junior Tour. If you wish to join the initiative please contact jcraddock@dubaigolf.com.

Pro’s Tip of the Month

11

by PGA Teaching Professional

Zen Putting: Learn to Putt Like a Pro

Academy

Richard Dunsby

There are five important parts to putting that make the ball go on line or off line: green speed, slope of the green, distance from the hole, aiming point, speed or pace of the putt.

The coopers take on the world

R

uairi and Sean Cooper, winners of their respective junior levels in last season’s Dubai Golf Junior Par 3 Series, have been travelling the world this summer competing against the world’s finest.

So far they have competed in the European US Kids Golf Tournament and World US Kids Golf Event where they proudly carried the UAE National flag and represented the country. In the 9-year old world category Sean placed 17th and Ruairi a magnificent 7th in the 6-year old category.

They followed this impressive start with a 3rd and 4th in the British Kids Championship and wins in the Irish Junior Open Series, to name a few. They are an inspiration to all children wishing to improve their game here in the region; it is a pleasure to teach both of them.

The best way for you to gain a feel for a putt is to roll the ball at low level towards the hole with your hand whilst looking at the intended target, This will give you a visual perception of how to roll the ball with the correct distance, speed and line. For example, this can be related to many other tasks or sports that you do unconsciously such as when you throw a ball. Do you look at the ground or towards the intended target?

- the intended target!

A great practice drill for you to hole more putts from different distances is to place a towel behind the centre of the hole and try to ensure that your ball reaches the towel to give you the best chance of putting like a pro.

Place the putter in your dominant hand (right hand if you are right-handed) and place your left hand behind your back or on your thigh; at setup and throughout the stroke keep your eyes locked in on the target but don’t focus on the ball.

It’s amazing how quickly using the right hand improves the quality of the strike and distance control. Because the right hand doesn’t ‘drive’ at it, you release the whole of the shaft down the line. That’s what Henrik Stenson does when he putts well - which is pretty much all the time. People perceive that he releases the head, which would mean the butt-end goes backwards and cannot go up. He doesn’t. He releases the whole of the shaft which means the butt-end comes up. So work on this exercise as often as you possibly can. Don’t bother with aiming at a hole, just visually focus on getting the ball onto the towel.

This is all about the quality of the strike and distance control. Work on releasing the putter and focus on the quality of your strike. I guarantee that if you spend some time doing this you will notice a great improvement in the way you roll the ball.

Now its time to put your two hands to the test.

Whilst practising, visually focus on the towel and not the ball. Using the Zen Oracle putting mechanics, simply stroke your ball towards the target to reduce your putts per round.

Academy

12

Colleagues golf lessons summer 2016

D

uring the course of the summer, our Academy team arranged golf lessons for our colleagues at the Club which were well subscribed, despite the high temperatures and humidity

colleague COACHING WITH JONATHAN

It’s been fantastic to see the strong weekly attendance for our Academy Colleagues’ training sessions over the last 11 weeks.

The enthusiasm and talent on display has been infectious and it has been great to witness so much passion for this wonderful game.

The Academy team would like to thank everyone who attended and for giving us the opportunity to pass on our knowledge. We look forward to continuing next summer and trust you will all continue to practice throughout the season.

Emirates Academy Team

DRIVER WITH STEPHEN

woods WITH dong

13

iron and woods with mark putting/ how to read the game with mark

chipping WITH dong

bunker shots with Alastair

on course management / scoring WITH JONATHAN

Academy

Short game using pitching wedge with Alastair

’

Greenkeeper s Cuttings

EPER’S GREENKE CUTTINGS

14

Whilst the cat’s away...

W

e all know the end to this phrase so let’s just say the GCM department are the mice in summer!

In a typical calendar year on most courses, you have two standard times of year when one needs to do the essential maintenance works on course, spring and autumn. In Dubai, this forms part of our peak golfing season so I would likely get shot if we did anything significant to greens surfaces in particular at this time. It means that for us, we need to do our works whilst the cat’s away…mid-summer.

We have posted a number of videos on Facebook showing some of the works that were carried out this year. Aeration is simply the introduction of oxygen into the soil profile. You can achieve this in many different ways, depending on your exact requirements.

Hollow Tine

Like needle tining, hollow tining also punches holes into the greens but on this occasion it in fact removes cores.

You can use a variety of hollow tines on surfaces from as small as 6mm to as large at 16mm. The larger the diameter of the tine, the larger the hole is and the more materials are removed. You decide on size depending on what you are trying to achieve. In our industry we know that we need to affect a certain percentage of the surface area per year to maintain healthy turf. Each tine size will give us a calculation as to what percentage is removed for one event. We can also alter the spacing between the holes. Closer spacing means that we remove more and larger spacing less. So, depending on tine size and spacing, we can be very accurate with our numbers. Small 6mm tines we could do on an evening and be ready for play the following day, no issues. Larger tines mean we need to close for a period of time as the surface disruption does not allow for any smooth surfaces initially.

Needle Tine

If you read that we are going to needle tine the greens, it means we are taking a machine over the greens that will punch smaller holes without removing any material. It uses a solid metal tine that simply drives a small hole into the surface. This is a very standard procedure that happens at least every other week throughout the year. It is non-disruptive, meaning you will seldom know we have even been there. The great thing with this practice is that it gives the plant some relief during a busy season when we can’t do anything more aggressive.

It relieves some compaction, helps keep some channels open to improve water movement throughout and also increases the available oxygen to the plant.

Linear Aeration (Graden)

The Graden is a very different method of aeration and is the most aggressive of all, again depending on depth and spacing.

Here we are introducing rotating blades that drive through the profile in long straight lines to remove material. This is typically done every two to three years depending on the build-up of organics in the profile. The depth will also vary greatly depending on what we are trying to achieve. Shallower aeration is usually performed to remove excessive growth in the canopy whilst a deeper aeration will be to remove a potential thatch issue on older greens that may have been neglected over the years. It is also a great

tool for the end of the season to go in at a medium depth to help level off the surfaces following a season of aggressive aeration with hollow tines.

Topdressing (application of sand)

Applying sand post aeration is essential.

It is this clean material that now fills up the spaces that have been created which allow the free movement of water and nutrition through the profile. If we didn’t apply the sand, we would have very uneven surfaces to putt on and we would lose the benefits from aeration altogether.

The amount of sand is dependent on how deep the aeration has been. The key is always not to under apply sand, ever.

Rather have too much than too little.

We try to apply anything from 60 – 80 metric ton of silica sand per aerification in the summer. In the season when we are unable to apply a large amount of sand at once, we do what is called “dusting” which is simply a light application of sand. We do this once a week on greens and it is done to keep surfaces smooth, firm and, most importantly, to continuously dilute the thatch that builds up over a season.

Verticutting

BIRDS OF THE EMIRATES

15 e

Birds of th Emirates

As the name suggests, this is the vertical cutting of turf by means of using a regular greens mower, but changing the mowing reels with vertical reels. Like the Graden, it cuts down into the canopy but with blades that are a lot thinner and more closely spaced. This is very different to that of aeration, as it is a means of grooming the turf by removing unwanted lateral leaf to promote a more upright growth pattern, allowing the ball roll to improve due to less friction between the ball and the canopy. This is a practice that is done lightly and often. We can set this to be very aggressive (in cases where we just have too much grass on the surface), but we typically like to keep this slightly less aggressive and as a grooming tool. If we have our fertility and amendments in balance, we should not be in a situation where we are ever needing to go too aggressively with this practice. At closure periods and ahead of a hollow tine, we may go a lot deeper as at the end of the season we will naturally have built up a lot more material in the canopy.

Greens have a lifespan of anything from 10 – 15 years. Some greens have been in place for well over 20 – 30 years. It really depends on many factors as to why greens need to be replaced. Newer variety of species is often a reason as technology allows turf breeders to produce better stands of turf that stand up to the hardships of maintenance year on year, whilst producing superior playing surfaces. Other reasons include infestation of foreign grasses to the point where the maintenance practices are affected meaning the putting surfaces are negatively affected too. Finally, water quality may change at a facility and they may require a completely different soil structure to withstand the water that they are receiving, along with a different turf variety better set at handling the pressures.

Smaller projects we took on this year include the extension of the 12th tees on the Majlis. We also did some work up the front of the 11th green to try to improve our ongoing issue with keeping

Photo Courtesy: Akhil Menon, golf in Dubai

by Akhil Menon IT Manager

Western Reef Heron Scientific Name: Egretta gularis Shot: Majilis, Dubai Emirates Golf Club Date shot: January 2016 Wiki link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Western_reef_heron Description: So, what did we do this summer at Emirates Golf Club? Pretty much all of the above! The greens on both courses were aerified at first, with the Graden.

This removed a lot of material. As explained above, this is done every two to three years and it was time for us to get aggressive on both courses. We went directly behind the Graden with the hollow core as well. So, very aggressive indeed. On our second closure, we went with the hollow cores only, but with the larger sized tine. The total surface area disruption on each course this season was 30%. Basically it means that 30% of the total surface area was removed and replaced with sand. Over a period of three to four years we will affect 100% on surfaces and it is for this reason that our greens are now into their 16th year on the Majlis, since being replaced in 2000. So often our industry is under pressure to not do these works as it means having to close the golf courses two to three times a year for four to five days to get this done. However, if you compare this to the need to have to shut down a course for six to twelve months to have to rebuild greens, simply because the essential maintenance practices were not carried out year on year, you can appreciate just how important this becomes.

turf healthy here. This green has it tough as it sits right up against the tree line meaning the morning shade plays a big role. However, we have added some amendments here and may need to go back in and make some additional changes over the coming months to ensure this does not go backwards on us. We continue to enhance our mowing lines, always looking for ways to improve the playability of a golf hole without it becoming a negative experience for the average golfer.

We trust you have had a great summer away playing some other fantastic golf courses around the world. The GCM team have worked tirelessly this summer to get our works out of the way ahead of your return. I am very proud of the team and what they have achieved. Course conditions are very good just now and we hope you get out and enjoy your golf.

It’s been typically hot and humid so be sure to hydrate very well throughout the season ahead.

Good Golfing Craig Haldane Director - Golf Course Maintenance

The bird of the month is the Western Reef Heron which is a medium-sized heron found in southern Europe, Africa, parts of Asia and the UAE. It is mainly seen distributed over the coastal areas and appears in two plumages, namely the white form and a slate-grey form which is depicted in the image captured at the Club.

These birds stalk their prey in shallow water, often running or stirring the water with their feet or flicking their wings to disturb the prey. They are also seen standing still for short moments in time and then making swift moving action to pick the prey out of water. They generally feed on fish, mudskippers, crustaceans and molluscs. Scientific study even suggests that they are able to account for the refraction in water while catching prey to a good extent, thereby making them good hunters. They are generally quiet birds but are seen to make a low kwok or grating sound when disturbed or when someone is approaching near their nests.

At Emirates Golf Club, they are usually spotted in winter months around the water features in the Majilis course. A lot of them take refuge in Ras al Khor wildlife sanctuary also during the other months of the year.

Farewell to our unique and wonderful friend. We will really miss Mike RIP

M a year.

ike Gerbich, Past Captain at Emirates Golf Club, very popular member and friend to many, passed away on 13th July 2016 in Arizona after battling cancer for just less than

He was born in Crosby Minnesota and, during his working life he and the family spent time in Indonesia 1968-1970, Iran 1971-1973, Singapore 1976-1983 and Dubai 1989-2009 before retiring to Arizona USA. He is survived by his wife Francie, and sons Cuyler and Kashe.

Some ‘Gerb’ Anecdotes When I was a very young boy showering with my Dad he gave me a tip. After the water was turned off he told me to wipe the water off my body before I used my towel. It was to dry off easier. This is one of the many tips of life he had for people. I am blessed every morning, for the rest of my life, to think about him while I use his tip. I am even more blessed every morning to look in the mirror and see Mike. So I smile and he smiles right back at me.

Kashe Gerbich

What great times we had at Emirates Golf Club highlighted by our Thursday afternoon ‘Fourball’, which varied from time to time but was more times than not, Bain, Tracey, Kamps and the Gerb. What great afternoons those were. The Gerb would always get the tee time as he had a ‘fairly flexible work schedule”! We would finish the day in the Spike Bar sitting beside Sid, Blakely, Mullins and Thornberry and at times Tom. Great memories!

We always seemed to team up, whether it was the Talker Cup, new Pros in town or friends of Shona’s looking for a “fair game”. The Gerb and I promptly fleeced those youngsters and the next day Gerb would suggest to them perhaps they bring their credit cards; we even thought about putting an AMX card machine on the front of the cart for grins.

Mike was a true friend who was full of life and liberty but most importantly of all, he ensured that all his friends also shared in the pursuit of happiness.

There are so many super special memories out on the course with Gerb and in the Spike Bar, it is hard to recall them all but they blend all together and bring a grin to my face as recall them. He was a great partner, a cherished friend with whom I was fortunate to share a great deal.

Surender Kandhari

Butch & Judy Kamps

Mike was one of the first Emirates Golf Club members I met when I came to Dubai 17 years ago, and from the time I met him he had always been the same........ friendly, positive and always keen to offer his opinion on any subject of conversation!

The Gerb - a passion for life, golf and friendship from the heart

Mike had always been a great ambassador for the Club, from the early days of the Club, through his Captaincy and then as one of the Club’s main characters!

18th green and Club Championship: Surely old lefty should have won this illustrious title but unfortunately during his time at EGC this is one title that got away from him. It should never have, but for a simple two putt at the last; the ‘Gerb’ three putted and went on to lose the play-off which would have given him his name and place on the marble other than just Captain.

Americans are supposed to have the right to “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

Well Mike certainly did that!

We estimated that Mike had played in excess of 2,500 rounds over his 20 years at the Club. To many in Dubai, when they think of Emirates Golf Club, they think of Mike Gerbich, the two go well together. Mike will be missed by all.

Christopher May

The CIA myth: Mike always redefined the art of mixing golf with his daily work, which generally meant spending more time at the Club than the actual management, with many believing he was always working for the American CIA government whilst at the same time selling tyres for a living!

The greatest Texas scramble team which still retains the lowest gross record (I think!) around the Majlis: Gerb, Butch Kamps, Ross Bain and I: we birdied every par 3 and 4 and eagled all the par 5”s.

Miss you Mike

Adrian Flaherty

Bring it in soft with a high cut.......it was the second day of a two-day tournament, could have been the Emirates Open in ’96, if I remember correctly. Gerb and I were paired together somewhere in the middle of the pack, too far back to make a charge, even in our dreams, but nonetheless it was another great day of golf at the Emirates. The third player in our group was not from our Club and neither of us knew him. It was just one of those days for both Gerb and me. After the front nine, both of us just wanted to complete the round with a number that would not be too embarrassing in the Spike Bar. For some reason neither of us could get the ball any more than three feet off the ground and it didn’t matter what club we used. The round was filled with thin shots flying over every green, chili dips rolling three feet, so by the time we reached our second shot on 13, (it could have been our third shot), and after having killed every worm on the fairway getting to this point, as Gerb addressed the ball with his nine-iron I blurted out “I believe I would bring it in high with a soft cut on it”. He looked up at me with one of those smirky little smiles, I smiled, he laughed, I laughed because neither one us had hit the ball over five feet off the ground the whole day.

The giggles set in with both of us. We could not look at each other without breaking out in total giggles and laughter as we walked to our next shot. I bet the third player is still talking about those two crazy dudes at the Emirates.

With all the stories I have on the Gerb, there is an element of being a softie as well; My wife and I had relocated back to the States in ’93 and Kelsey, our first child, was born in July of that year. Only a couple of days after Kelsey was home, we received a big box delivered by DHL. We opened it up to find a limited edition snow white Teddy Bear. To this day, my daughter will not go anywhere without “Teddy”. While it has been repaired countless time, it is the one keepsake that remains at the top of her list.

The stories could go on for days but in taking the time to write this it has really brought back the memories, and what memories they are. In Brazil, the Portuguese language has a word that does not translate to any word in English. The word is “saudade”, which means bitter- sweet memories that exist in the absence of another. The memories of those wonderful times will forever be held by all of us in a special place in our hearts and when we revisit them they will leave us with much “saudade”. Mike, thank you for the memories that will be referred to many of us all as “the best times of our life”.

Ken Jaynes Gerb, as I knew him for the last 27 years, was everything you expect of a big confident American. An opinion on everything, huge confidence, a brashness that didn’t suit everyone’s taste, but a heart of gold for those lucky enough to be close to him.

He was a friend who looked after you, a man in the know, a golf fanatic and the most competitive golfer you could ever hope to meet, but above all he was a man, who cared who went the extra mile for those he liked and a passionate man for people in general.

Our entire family have many fond memories of playing with Gerb, and these memories will last for all time. I can only say that it was a real pleasure to know Mike and we really appreciated his friendship, his humour, his generosity, and especially for his all consuming interest in Ross’s progress on the tour.

Ed Bain

If life at Emirates Golf Club had a face or a personality it would be that of Michael Gerbich (The Gerb ).

No one person over the Club’s history contributed, participated or played more than Mike. He truly was EGC’s ‘Ambassador for golf’ We enjoyed a long friendship with the Gerbich family and we, along with everyone else, will miss Mike so much.

Josie and Mike Tracey

When I think back to my time in Dubai, my thoughts and memories involve The Gerb.

Mike’s putting, Mike’s chipping (?!), Mixed Opens, being asked for a “squeeze-in” every day, legendary cheese cake and being part of the family at Christmas, are just some of the great memories I have.

RIP - miss you so much

Shona McRae I always enjoyed my golf with Mike.. the first tee in a mixed Matchplay was always a tricky one - alternate shots and we decided that I should tee off the odd numbered holes The first couple of times we played together, I put the ball in the trees on the left on the first and Mike always had a great stance because of being left - handed. Since that time, every time we played the Mixed Matchplay I would stand over the ball on the first hole and I would be almost laughing at the thought of putting it in the trees on the left again...always relieved when that shot had been played.

What else....well, by hole two we were usually calling for the marshal because we couldn’t get through the group in front...the marshal would come, speak to the group ahead, who wouldn’t understand that we are playing alternate shots so would refuse to let us through, Mike would have ‘a heated discussion with the marshal for a few holes and eventually we would get through and he would be a true gentleman thanking the group for (eventually) understanding the format we are playing!!!

Other memories,...the great e-mails.. every morning Tom and I would be assured of receiving at least a couple of ‘funnies’ from Mike. ...the times he would ring me to ask something or another and he would say something funny which would start me laughing, he would laugh and before long we wouldn’t even be able to speak because we would be laughing so much over something so trivial. ...being at the Club a lot, one of the members we were always sure to meet on a daily basis would have been Mike...we had many a discussion, many a laugh, many a coffee...the Club has never been the same without him.

Mike always had a smile, some banter, but was always a true gentlemen and so wonderful with everybody from every walk of life. Our son Ross was so fortunate to have been around Mike (Mr. Gerbich to him) to experience his wit, his kindness and his utmost interest in whatever he was doing even keeping in contact through Facebook through his University days and the start of his working life.

A true, unique friend to many and we will miss him so much.

Jacqui & Tom Barry

Some FaceBook comments….

He will never be forgotten. A wonderful, good man, always smiling, laughing, joking!

Loved Mike. RIP

Jim Davidson

.....................................................................................................

What a great guy. Facebook is full of tributes.

We can all only hope to impact a fraction of the number of people Mike touched!

.....................................................................................................

Feeling very sorry to learn that Mike Gerbich is no more! I knew him as very kind and always friendly. May God give eternal peace to his soul.

Steve Meadows

Jitendra Desai

Nova Matheson

.....................................................................................................

He truly was one in a million and will always be remembered by so many who were lucky to have met him.

Gabby Daghestani

.....................................................................................................

Wonderful memories; thanks for the ride Gerb!

Bill Schnier

.....................................................................................................

Sorry to hear the sad news

June & Ian McDonald

.....................................................................................................

Sad news RIP Mike

Moira Gowens

.....................................................................................................

Every golf club has ‘a character’ and Mike was one of the best! RIP

Lynne Hood

.....................................................................................................

I remember playing in a Texas scramble with Mike…on the first tee, he told everybody that we would use my two drives on holes one and two so we would either be out of contention (I was the D player) or not have to rely on me on the 17th and 18th holes!

I nailed (for me) both drives and we won the scramble - that was 25 years ago! RIP my friend and thanks again.

Tom Rollinson

.....................................................................................................

My most vivid memory is playing against Mike and Cindy Brown in the mixed doubles matchplay. Mike sank a 30ft putt on the 7th for the potential win. I had a similar putt, which I also sank to my surprise and we halved the hole. The biggest “goddamn” went up from Mike and I’m not sure that he ever forgave me.

Mike and I had several mutual friends in Singapore before he moved to Dubai so I was pretty much there to greet him. I knew he was an avid golfer so, on arrival. I invited him to play EGC on very hot day. The Majlis was the only course then. He birdied the fifth.

I hit my second shot about 10’ from the cup and proceeded to four putt. We teed up on the sixth and I hit my shot about 80 yards right down the middle.

As we cross the water on both sides of the walkway he asked for my fishing device. There was a ball suspended in the water that he snatched. He said, ”Hey Butchie I’llll let you drop this ball on the next green to putt out, I think you’lll do better.” I kept the ball for these 20 or so years.

Butch Ford

.....................................................................................................

So sad to have just heard this news.

Thoughts with Francie and the boys. He touched so many with his warmth. He will be missed terribly……

Pauline Cunningham

Jean Sullivan

Day of Mike’s funeral in Arizona…

Wish we could have been there (for the funeral)

Emma Stenson

............................................................................................

So nice to see so many Emirates friends there!

Anita Love

........................................................................................Great photo - am sure you all gave the Gerb a great send off. RIP

Malcolm Wood

.........................................................................................

Fantastic to see you all together, I’m with you in mind and spirit!

Jay Townsend

Dubai friends in Arizona

Tom & Jackie Barry, Butch & Judy Kamps, Ken Jaynes, Mike Sim, Jasjeev Kandhari, Francie, Cuyler & Kashe Gerbich, George Reuter, Ken Matheson (not in photo)

.......................................................................................

Many regards to you all,,,and special hug to dear Francie and family from me. Love you all…Kamal Kosta .....................................................................................................

I’m sorry I missed all of you. I’m only a couple of miles north. I’m in Nigeria at present. I would liked to have seen all of you. Let the Gerb stories begin.

Butch Ford

.....................................................................................................

I just gave a tribute to Mike on 5 Live, teared up doing it. It’s a tough day.

Jay Townsend

I am so proud of you all top effort.

Mike Gerbich we’ll all join you soon - let’s have a Corporate Day I know you loved them!

Peter Downie

...................................................................................

A brilliant picture, a great send off to an amazing man Mike Gerbich, a huge heart and bigger sense of humour.

Lovely to see you all there. Condolences to Francie and the boys

James Shippey

.....................................................................................................

What an awesome gathering of Mike’s friends.

I am sure he felt your presence. Love to you all.

Lynn Prochaska

.................................................................................................

What a wonderful effort for a wonderful man.

Lorraine Main

..................................................................................................

What a great picture and I am sure Mike was eavesdropping on all the conversations!

Doris Moore

......................................................................................

We are both honoured and feel very privileged to have shared so many wonderful times with Mike over the years; his smile, one liners and great sense of humour will live on in our hearts forever.

Joan & Rai Legnar

Leaving a space for the Gerb on the first Tee at Desert Highlands Butch Kamps, Ken Jaynes and George Reuter at Desert Highlands Golf Club, the day after the funeral

Meanwhile on the same day, Emirates Golf Club had a small tournament for the Saturday players in memory of Mike.

Final day of the Open Championship Go Big Swede - Mike would have loved this match

Tom Rollinson

.....................................................................................................

Henrik doing it for The Gerb !!!!

Jerry Kilby

.....................................................................................................

Mike would have loved this, comments all over Facebook!! Go Henrik!

Lorraine Main

.....................................................................................................

Fantastic win and a great tribute to Mike!

Miriam Rooney

After Henrik’s win and dedicating the win to Mike…

Magnificent, only way to describe it, just magnificent. Well done Henrik

Heather Totten

Henrik Stenson did it with Mike looking down and guiding him all the way. An unbelievable day of golf. Congratulations Henrik, you are a great Champion!!!!

Cameron Bellman

Rai & Joan Legnar

Angela Scurr

Haris Michaelides

................................................................................................

Henrik. Sheer class ................................................................................................

Wonderful tribute from Henrik to dedicate his superb win to Mike, there were tears…. ................................................................................................

Thank you for all the smiles and fun memories Gerb; rest in peace my friend... we send our love to Francie and the boys.

Bill Schnier

................................................................................................

So lovely to hear Henrik’s remarks about Mike.

Gerald Lawless

................................................................................................

How thoughtful of Henrik to mention Mike after winning the Open.

Mick Brett

................................................................................................

Class act Henrik, great to mention Mike and to play in a final Open day that will be remembered for years.

John Phillips

................................................................................................

Well done Henrik. Great champion, great dedication to Mike RIP ................................................................................................

One of the good guys has left us today.....

Longtime friend Mike Gerbich lost his battle with cancer and will be forever missed.

R.I.P Mike “It was my time. I played some great golf & feel like my great friend Mike Gerbich, who passed away, was watching.”

Henrik

At a weekend event at Centurion Club, Hertfordshire at the end of July, Scott Evans held The Gerb Cup in memory of Mike Gerbich: Peter Downie , Raimund Legnar, Campbell Elliott, Raymond Russell, Ross Bain, Gary McGlinchey and Scott Evans.

Henrik Stenson dedicates his historic Open victory to late friend Mike Gerbich

H

enrik Stenson rewrote the Open record book on an extraordinary afternoon at Royal Troon in July and said: ‘All week, I just knew it was going to be my turn.’

had some amazing players over the years, and I had a nice text from Jesper Parnevik before I started, who told me to go out and finish what he wasn’t able to do.

Stenson dedicated his victory to a close friend, Mike Gerbich, who passed away from cancer on the eve of the tournament.

‘He was one of my biggest supporters, who stuck with me through good times and bad times, who was always sending me notes of encouragement, and I’d like to dedicate this victory to him,’ he said. ‘All week I felt he was here with me.’

Henrik shot a final round 63 featuring ten birdies to not only lower the previous record total by three shots but also become the first man ever to shoot 20 under par in the event’s 145 year history.

‘The sporting Mickelson said he thought before he went out that any round in the sixties would see him lift the Claret Jug. ‘This is definitely the best I have ever played and not won and it’s certainly disappointing to be second, but I’m happy for Henrik, he’s a great champion,’ he said.

Stenson came out on top in what was a titanic duel against Phil Mickelson to win the 145th Open Championship

He won by three strokes from American Phil Mickelson, who shot a fabulous 65 of his own and found it still wasn’t good enough.

‘I’m thrilled to become the first male golfer from Scandinavia to win a major. We’ve

Pro-Am team: Mike Gerbich, Stathis Stathis, Henrik Stenson & Rai Legnar

7th - 10th December, 2016

HOSPITALITY AVAILABLE The OMEGA Dubai Ladies Masters Hospitality Venue, known as the Terrace, is located within the prestigious Emirates Golf Club Clubhouse, overlooking the 1st Tee and Practice Putting Green, generating a hub of social activity and excitement.

PAckAgE IncLuDES

it’s more than just golf!

Continental Breakfast 8.00am - 10.00am

Lunch Buffet 12.00pm - 3.00pm Afternoon teA 4.00pm - 5.30pm Official EvEnt PrOgrammE Soft BeverageS Daily Drawsheet VIP Car ParkIng Live entertainment rATES (PEr PErSOn)

Daily (Wed-Sat) AED 175 Season (Wed-Sat) AED 600 *Children are welcome Hospitality enquiries and bookings: 04 380 2112 or hospitality@golfindubai.org Title Sponsor

Sponsor

Co-Sponsors

Official Bank & Caddy Bib sponsor

Official Newspaper

Official Hotel

Patrons

Promoters & Organisers

Sanctioned by

Venue

Follow us at

Supported by

Official Apparel

dubailadiesmasters

@omegadlm

Official Car

Update from the Golf Office

Club Updat

e

22

by Barney Coleman Director of Golf, Emirates Golf Club

With the new season upon us please join me in welcoming our new Club Captain Vipen Sethi and Lady Captain Maura Duggan. They will commence their ‘term of office’ from 1st September (the day the parking places change!); they have been fine ambassadors of the Club for a number of years so they will represent the Club admirably in the coming season. The tournament calendar for the 2016/2017 season is now finalised so please join us for the official Season Opener on Friday 7th October for the traditional Captains’ Drive-ins. Please note, September is fully packed with events to start the season as we mean to go on.

The event calendar for the coming season is now on the Member Zone section of the website and the pocket versions are available at Golf Reservations so pick up a copy.

With over 27 years of tradition, the tournament calendar includes a number of favourite events but I have highlighted a few of the key tournaments below as well as the odd new event. Dubai is a dynamic country and we are all busy people, particularly in the social months of November to March when the climate is welcoming for outdoor functions and social gatherings. Please be encouraged to pen some of the key events into your diary now which may prevent double-booking yourself on some of the key social nights at the Club.

It is sad to say but during the Captain’s Day dinner last year, there were a handful of members who wanted the prize-giving to get underway so they could dash off to another social commitment. It was Captain’s Day at Emirates Golf Club and as such, a major event! Please be encouraged to book your diary in advance and enjoy the evening and entertainment laid on by our Captain or tournament sponsors.

• 9th September and 21st October:Men’s Singles Matchplay Qualifiers • 24th September: the popular Member Pro-Am’s tee off for a six event series • 30th September – 2nd October: Ryder Cup • 1st October: World Corporate Golf Challenge (EGC Members Pairs Stableford) • 3rd October: Ladies Season Opener • 7th October: Mixed Season Opener • 22nd October: Al Dobowi Emirates Mixed Amateur Open – 36 Hole Foursomes

• 10th November: Midnight Madness • 7th – 10th December: Omega Dubai Ladies Masters • 2nd – 5th February: Omega Dubai Desert Classic • 24th February: Kohlman Nations Cup • 26th – 27th February: Ladies Club Championship • 10th March: 25th Indian Invitational • 17th March: Captain’s Day • 27th March: Lady Captain’s Day 13.00 • 31st March & 1st April: Men’s Club Championship • 7th – 8th April: Hankook Greensomes • 26th April: Curtisy Cup

Champion Golfer of the Year On 1st July 2016 I completed 10 years at Emirates Golf Club filled with fond memories and fabulous experiences.

During my first Dubai Desert Classic I witnessed Henrik Stenson win the 2007 title and it was a pleasure to see him win the Open Championship at Royal Troon and be crowned the ‘Champion Golfer of the Year’.

It was fitting that in Henrik’s winning speech he dedicated his victory to Past Captain of our Club, Mike Gerbich. Mike was Captain in the season 1994 – 1995 and all Club members and colleagues were sad to hear of his loss on 13th July, the day before the Open Championship.

Mike was a ‘Champion Member’, a true gentleman who loved his golf and the camaraderie provided here at Emirates. I have fond memories of Mike, including my first ever game on the Majlis course; we teed up in a shotgun start on the 14th hole and Mike slotted a birdie to put us 1-up in the match! It was clear to see he had a competitive yet infectious personality and was well liked by all who met him. When Mike left the Club to retire back to the States, we hosted a leaving day over the Majlis. His leaving speech will live long in my memory and the standing ovation he received from members and colleagues alike was heartwarming. Mike was the perfect member; he supported the Club, played in the tournaments, respected all colleagues and built rapport with everyone he met. He will be sorely missed and our condolences go to Francie and family.

R&A Update I have always been proud of the average pace of play over both our courses and I believe the marshal team led by Neri does a fantastic job under difficult circumstances. Over the season you see many updates from Rhys and myself regarding slow play and it was pleasing to see the R&A identified the need to educate golfers and administrators alike on the most talked about subject in most Spike bars around the globe. It pleases me to say that the approach we adopt with our team appears to be endorsed by the R&A’s new publication – the R&A Slow Play Guide.

Over the season you will notice me referring to the document on a number of occasions but I thought I would share with you some of the findings from the document as we start our season: • One of the key findings was that 60% of golfers said they would enjoy golf more if they played in less time (56,000 responses from 122 countries) • If each player in a four-ball took an average of 5 seconds less to play each shot, and each player plays 80 shots 80 shots x 5 seconds x 4 players = 26 minutes and 40 seconds That means that, ignoring all other variables, the four-ball would play in 26 minutes and 40 seconds less time simply by shaving off an average of 5 seconds per shot.

• Management practices, course set up and player behaviour are the three main factors contributing to pace of play • Play ‘ready golf’’especially during social games.

Golf Carts I am pleased to say the order for new golf carts has been placed and the expected arrival date is October 2016.

We have also taken delivery of our new rental clubs, Ping G, so if you are to host any guests without clubs then our new hire clubs are fresh out of their wrappers and ready to go. It is highly likely that we will be selling some second hand PING G30 sets off soon, (last season’s rentals), so please contact me or Rhys for further information.

The Golf Operation team will be joined by two new interns who have strong experience in the golf industry already; please join me in welcoming Cian Hurley and William Tickell to the team from September.

WELCOME TO NEW INTERNS

C

ian Hurley joins the team here at Emirates Golf Club from Ireland as a Club Services Executive, to assist the Golf Operations and Membership departments until May 2017. Cian has just completed his three year degree in Applied Golf Management Studies at the University of Birmingham, from which his full PGA

Interns

Cian Hurley

Professional membership is pending. During his studies, Cian’s internships have taken him to Sebonack GC, on Long Island in New York, and to the K Club, a golf resort in Ireland. From these he has gained valuable experience in all facets of each club, which he is excited to bring to our Club. Cian is hugely impressed with what he has experienced so far at the Club, and is now looking forward to becoming a part of the team here during the busy season ahead and is looking forward to meeting the members over the coming weeks.

Please be sure to introduce yourself to Cian at your next visit to the Club!!!

William Tickell

W

illiam is joining the Golf Operations team here at Emirates Golf Club from Sheffield, England.

‘Will’ graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2014 in Applied Golf Management Studies, having completed vocational placements at Trump National

Golf Club Colts Neck in the United States of America, and Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club in England.

Will recently completed his Masters in International Business Management at Sheffield Business School, and is excited to bring his experiences from both his golf and international business backgrounds to Emirates Golf Club. Will is an Everton Football Club fan, and plays tennis regularly.

He is looking forward to getting to know the members and the great team at Emirates, so make yourselves known to him!

Els Club Claim the Tri-Club Summer Series

C

ongratulations to the members of the Els Club for winning the 2016 Summer Tri-Club Series. The event was being played for only the second year running but is already hugely popular between the members of Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates and the Els Club, Dubai.

Twelve players compete from each club with the best nine stableford scores to count. These are then aggregated to find the winning team over the three rounds.

In early August Emirates Golf Club won the opening fixture that was played at the Els Club. However the eventual winners came back strongly to win fixture two that was played at Jumeirah Golf Estates at the end of August. With the final fixture being played recently over the Majlis course, the Emirates team would have been hoping for some home advantage but it was the Els team that performed better on the day to be crowned the 2016 Summer Champions. Emirates Golf Club finished as the runners up with Jumeirah Golf Estates finishing in third place.

23

Club News

24

Rayhan Thomas

D

ubai Creek and Emirates Golf Club member, Rayhan Thomas, the rising MENA Golf Tour star and UAE’s No. 1 amateur, recently won the Scottish Boys’ Open Stroke Play title at Lanark.

The 16-year-old, plus two handicapper, who is supported by the Sheikh Maktoum Golf Foundation, defeated Australia’s Ben Ferguson at the second play-off hole after they both finished tied at the top on five-under.

“This is a good event to win as Scotland has some of the best under-18 players,” said Thomas, who’s been on a five-week tour of the UK. “It’s too hot to play in Dubai in the summer so I thought why not try Scotland? This is one of the biggest events I’ve won. I also won the Qatar Amateur in January and went on to play in the Qatar Masters on the European Tour which was a great experience.”

Thomas is currently ranked 520th in the Amateur World Ranking and this result is expected to take him closer to 400.

Congratulating Thomas on his victory, Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour, said: “Rayhan’s achievement speaks volumes of his immense talent and temperament.

“I am confident his win will motivate emerging youngsters, especially from the MENA region, to work hard on their game and make a name for themselves.

“Our aim is to encourage young talent who have shown great promise by producing some really good performances on the MENA Golf Tour and will continue to do so.

“I wish him the very the best and hope Rayhan has a great future ahead of him.”

Complete the Members’ Survey and Win Brunch for four!

Dear Members, I hope you have had an enjoyable summer and are looking forward to the new season ahead.

To allow you additional time to complete the Annual Members’ Survey, we have extended the deadline until Thursday 15th September 2016. All Members who complete the survey will automatically be entered into a draw to win Friday Brunch at Le Classique for four people or Friday Brunch at Legends for four people. The winners will be announced by Monday 26th September 2016.

Please find below a link that will enable you to complete the Members’ Survey based on the course, facility, service and overall membership experience at Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

The survey will take between 15 - 25 minutes to complete dependent on the amount of comments you may wish to make. Please note that all comments and marks will be anonymous.

Either click on the following link or copy and paste it into your address bar at the top of your internet explorer page:

If you have already completed the survey, we thank you for your time and please disregard this message.

www.59clubleisure.co.uk/survey

Thank you very much in advance for completing this survey, your opinion is very important to us.

This takes you to the 59Club Survey home page. To log in, please enter your email address held by the Club into the box provided in the centre of the page.

Kind regards, Christopher May Chief Executive Officer

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Past Captain Jean Sullivan

I

t’s 17 years since I left Dubai and EGC and moved back to the UK to Newtonle-Willows, a small town/village situated half-way between Liverpool and Manchester.

As well as my annual sojourns to UAE, I’ve managed to fit in several other exotic holidays. I celebrated my 60th birthday in Dubai and South Africa, taking in the wine country (of course) and an up close and personal encounter with a cheetah.

So what have I been doing? After unpacking 150 boxes and trying to cram a large villa’s worth of furniture and stuff into a small detached house, I decided to go back to work as a secretary with the NHS; I retired in August 2011 and just love it. Sadly, I don’t get to play nearly enough golf these days – make that no golf. Apart from the forbidding weather, my golfing buddy had the audacity to move to North Wales a couple of years ago, and, as much as I love my golf, it’s a bit of a trek even for me. So, I tend to get my ‘fix’ with an annual trip to EGC, where I know I am guaranteed sunshine and smiles every time from all my longtime golfing buddies. Needless to say, I miss my ladies’ Monday mornings as well as all the extremely social golf. My handicap, despite my best efforts, has gone ever upwards (as has my weight) and I think my next resolution will be to bring both of them down to manageable figures!

Over the past 17 years my daughter, Amy, as you might expect, has become a fully fledged, and despite my best efforts, non-golfing adult.

She graduated with a degree in History in 2006 and is now working as a Communications and Marketing Manager for Clyde & Co in London. She married Jonathan and they are now living in Harrow, North London.

I try and keep fit by doing Zumba twice a week, and at the ripe old age of 65, I have become a substitute Zumba instructor. I’ve also joined a Rambling Club – that’s walking, not talking – and can manage a regular six mile walk without it taking too much toll on me.

Where Are They Now

Hello there,

25

In addition to the Dominican Republic, I’ve also toured New England in the Fall, the West Coast of America, including California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and we added on Hawaii just for good measure. This year I will be cruising the East and West Caribbean for two weeks.

During my downtime, I’ve also become a Strictly Come Dancing addict, and as a result made some fab-u-lous new friends and rubbed shoulders with the not so rich and famous over the past few years.

Oh yes, and did I mention that I’ve sung live at The Cavern? Life is never dull.

MEET THE TEAM

M

eet Nishanthi, our Golf Operations Administrator at Emirates Golf Club who joined us over 22 years ago! She is a mastermind when it comes to Golf Operations and tournaments! Nishanthi has two children in Dubai and when she is not at work you will find her on the golf course working on her game!

Her favourite dish is lasagne, an all time favourite for a lot of people.

26

Dear Members,

Exercise Tip of the Month – The Glute Raise

e hope you have had a fantastic summer and that you are not overindulging too much! If you have, what better way to get yourself back into shape than at Fit Lab with a variety of ways to you achieve your goals.

Step 1: Lie on your back with your knees bent and arms by your side

Fit Lab

W

Step 2: Push through your heels to raise your hips off the ground. Focus on using your glutes to do this and not your legs (hamstrings) .

Step 3: Hold this position for 7-10 seconds then relax. Repeat 2-3 times.

Your glutes are extremely important for all sports and good posture - give it a go!

Our team of dedicated Personal Trainers are on hand to give you a helping hand in the gym, whether you are looking to shed a few pounds after the summer or improve your overall fitness.

Member of the Month

Personal Training sessions are a great way to get motivated about exercise!

The new September Fitness Timetable is finalised and includes a range of classes, from Artistic and Weightloss Yoga to Zumba, Insanity, PiYo and TRX. For more information or to book a class, please speak to a member of the Fit Lab team.

Member of the Month for July goes to Mrs Sumita.

Sumita is a dedicated user of Fit Lab and thoroughly deserves the award for all her hard work, not just over the last few months but over the last few years. Well done Sumita - keep up the great work.

Healthy Regards, Andy Meech Head of Sports & Leisure

Fitness Activity Schedule September 2016

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY STUDIO

SATURDAY

STUDIO

STUDIO

STUDIO

STUDIO

STUDIO

06.30 - 07.30 Artistic Yoga

06.30 - 07.30 Artistic Yoga

06.30 - 07.30 Artistic Yoga

06.30 - 07.30 Artistic Yoga

06.30 - 07.30 Artistic Yoga

06.30 - 07.30 Artistic Yoga

STUDIO

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga 09.00 - 09.30 Baby Ballet (2.5 - 3.11years)

08.45 - 09.45 PIYO (Tracy)

08.45 - 09.35 Insanity (Tracy)

08.45 - 09.45 Zumba Toning (Tracy)

10.00 - 11.00 Zumba Toning (Tracy)

9.00 - 10.00 BOOTCAMP (Tracy)

10.00 - 11.00 PIYO (Tracy)

15.00 - 15.30 15.00 - 15.30 Beginners Baby Ballet Street Jazz (2.5 - 3.11years) (3 - 4.11years) 15.30 - 16.00 15.30 - 16.15 Beginners Junior Ballet Street Jazz (4 years+) (5 - 8years) 16.15 - 17.00 16.30 - 17.30 Musical Theatre RAD Pre Primary (5 - 9years) Ballet (5years) 16.45 - 17.45 17.00 - 18.00 Contemporary Grade 1 Ballet (7 - 12years) (7years+) 18.30 - 19.00 18.00 - 19.00 METAFIT Artistic Yoga (Tracy)

19.00 - 20.00 TRX (Parveez)

08.45 - 09.45 Zumba (Tracy)

09.30 - 10.00 Beginners (4 years+)

10.00 - 10.50 Insanity 50min (Tracy)

10.00 - 10.30 Gym Tots (3 - 4.11years) 10.30 - 11.30 Gymnastics Juniors (5 - 8years) 11.30 - 12.15 RAD Pre Primary Ballet (5 - 5.11years) 12.15 - 13.00 RAD Primary Ballet (6 - 6.11years)

18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga

19.00 - 20.00 Artistic Yoga 19.00 - 20.00 Circuit Training Outdoor (Michael)

9.30 - 10.30 Head to Toes Ladies Workout (Nikky)

19.00 - 20.00 Artistic Yoga 19.00 - 20.00 Circuit Training Outdoor (Michael)

19.00 - 20.00 TRX (Parveez) 19.30 - 20.30 BOOTCAMP (Nikky)

20.00 - 21.00 20.00 - 21.00 20.00 - 21.00 20.00 - 21.00 Weightloss Yoga Weightloss Yoga Weightloss Yoga Weightloss Yoga

19.00 - 20.00 Circuit Training Outdoor (Michael)

13.00 - 14.00 Juniors, Teenagers Fitness & Squash (Nikky) 14.00 - 15.00 Teenagers Fitness & Squash (Nikky) 18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga 19.00 - 20.00 Artistic Yoga 20.00 - 21.00 Weightloss Yoga

Welcome to Roseleaf Cafe

A

nother new company I would like to welcome to the Club is Roseleaf Cafe who will be heading up our Juice Bar area. Currently located at Dubai Garden Centre, Emirates Golf Club will be another one of their prime locations.

Managed by Rose herself, the menu will consist of many healthy meals, snacks, smoothies & juices to say the least. Roseleaf will add great ambience to the facility at Fit Lab and it should be operational by by mid October.

Roseleaf offers homemade goodness with a special touch, speciality coffee, sourced and roasted locally as well as fresh, quality, healthy, crafted goodness that is kind on your wallet. Add into that a little bit of creativity, innovative touches to traditional recipes and a dedicated kitchen team, you are sure to find something to your taste!

Roseleaf cafe offers an evolving selection of crafted sweets and savoury bakes that are all about reminiscing about family, grandparents, home comforts and special moments shared with loved ones. The Australasian Cafe menu features rustic, wholesome food focused on a kitchen-tocounter philosophy, made with seasonal and locally grown produce where possible, including a range of super salads, healthy bites, sandwiches as well as traditional meals and humble soups.

27 Fit Lab

HAS SUMMER ZAPPED YOUR SKIN? BRING THE SPARKLE BACK FOR SEPTEMBER WITH ELEMIS WHITE BRIGHTENING AT SENSASIA URBAN SPA

S

ensAsia Urban Spa is bringing the sparkle back for September with a brand new menu of fabulous facials, including the Elemis White Brightening Pigment Perfector. This highly effective facial and complete skincare system visibly illuminates the complexion to leave it naturally more even and translucently clear. Using precise, feather-light movements, the 60-minute treatment delicately layers proven, brightening actives onto the skin, which reignite the washed-out melanin and visible dullness that is so common as seasons change.

Winner of Best Elemis Therapist 2015, the SensAsia team tailors every treatment to individual skin needs, and the Elemis White Brightening Pigment Perfector is the ideal choice for those looking to target the reduction of age spots, discolouration and dullness. The treatment also noticeably improves the overall texture of the face, neck, décolleté, arms and hands, and SensAsia clients can enjoy the addition of a relaxing arm and head massage in the sumptuous and intoxicating surrounds of each, unique, SensAsia Urban Spa. In recent independent trials, 81% of people agreed the Elemis White Brightening system left skin super-clean and shine-free, while 83% agreed skin was brighter and clearer. The revolutionary range is also clinically-proven to significantly even skin tone, reduce pigmentation and increase brightness and luminosity after just one treatment, although the most stand out results can be seen following a course of three.

The Elemis White Brightening Pigment Perfector facial is priced at AED 675, with a 20% discount for all Emirates Golf Club members.

Call SensAsia Urban Spa, Emirates Golf Club on 04 417 9820 or visit www.sensasiaspas.com

Welcome to Zata Sports Tennis Academy

I

am pleased to announce that Zata Sports will be the new Tennis provider for Emirates Golf Club and please welcome them to the Club. I am sure they will do a great job.

ZATA SPORTS was the first Tennis Academy founded by an Emirati tennis player, and a former member of the UAE National Team. Located at Dubai’s most prestigious Emirates Golf Club and Al Wasl Sports Club.

ZATA is an elite tennis training academy (Member of Dubai SME, Sheikh Mohammed Establishment for Small & Medium Enterprise”) that provides tennis training programmes to students of various levels.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, ZATA ensures that you will receive cutting-edge training methods. The qualified team has over 10 years of international experience and their aim is to offer a blend

Padeltennis with The Real Racquet Academy

I

f you haven’t already tried your hand at Padeltennis, the new season is the perfect time to take up a new sport! Padeltennis is a relatively new, but increasingly popular sport, involving a stringless racquet on a court smaller than a tennis court. It brings together a combination of other racquet sports, such as tennis, real tennis and squash.

There are three courts on site at Emirates Golf Club and the Real Racquet Academy

provides a dedicated coach for those looking to learn or improve their game.

Padeltennis is available to both members and non-members daily. Free trials are also available on request.

For more information or to book a court, please call +971 56 179 8324 or email info@realracquetacademy.com

of tennis training and character development tools to help students reach their goals and achieve results. They will also offer clinics for adults and different age groups.

For more details on the tennis programmes please contact Zayed Abbas on 050-7855755

28 Rules By R

hys

RULES

BY RHYS Etiquette Reminder:

What the Rules say...

A

s we approach the new 2016/17 season I felt it appropriate to write again on the importance of golfing etiquette which is a much discussed topic in the world of golf and an area that we are aiming to improve throughout the Club.

For those who are familiar with the rule book, you will know that there is a section in the early pages on etiquette.

This section highlights HOW each golfer should behave whilst on the golf course in the best interest of themselves and for all fellow golfers.

Some might say that it’s unfortunate that there are no penalties that apply for general breaches of etiquette. If a ‘serious breach’ occurred the organising committee would be entitled to disqualify a player. Serious breaches are thankfully few and far between but I’m sure there have been plenty of discussions worldwide suggesting that golf would be better off if penalties applied to breaches of etiquette which may include: • Spirit of the game • Consideration for other players • Safety • Pace of play • Care of the course Please Note: Pace of play is covered in the rules of golf and in accordance with Rule 6-7 players MUST play without any undue delay and any pace of play guidelines that the club may establish.

With the new season soon to be in full swing, I thought that this would be a good opportunity to write about what the rule book states on good golfing etiquette combined with a few additions

by Emirates Golf Club.

The Spirit of the Game

For the vast majority of us, golf is played without the supervision of a referee. Here at the Club we have an active team of marshals who are on the course to HELP you and to HELP every other player on the course too. Please respect their instructions and discuss politely if you have any feedback. All players should

conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be.

Consideration for Other Players

No disturbances or distractions - players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making unnecessary noise.

Please don’t mistake this with not being allowed to have some fun and enjoyment amongst your four ball!!

Safety

Players should NEVER play until the players in front are out of range; despite the usual excuses, these will never be enough if someone is actually struck by your ball. If you hit a stray shot and there is a danger of hitting someone you should immediately shout a warning. which traditionally used is “Fore”.

Pace of Play

Play at a good pace and keep up, It is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front.

Always look ahead and not at the group behind!! To help with this each player should ensure that they are ready to play when it is their turn. Where possible, begin your preparations whilst your playing partners are playing their strokes. Lost Ball - if you believe that a ball may be lost outside of a water hazard or is out of bounds, to save time, always play a provisional ball.

Care of the Course

Leave the course as you wish to find it; as you will know, our Golf Course Maintenance Team do a fantastic job in preparing our courses to such a high standard and with YOUR help we could enjoy even better playing conditions.

Bunkers - please rake over any footprints made by yourself OR by any other player.

Divots - by filling in your divots with the sand provided, you are not only helping the turf to recover, but you are also respectfully assisting other golfers

playing behind you, ensuring that they don’t suffer a bad lie caused by your forgetfulness. We can also assist the GCM team and enhance the condition of the course by filling in any others nearby.

Pitch marks - the simplest of tasks on the golf course is to repair the mark on the green caused by your ball. A good pitch mark is mostly caused by a cleanly struck iron shot with good accuracy, so enjoy this moment and repair that pitch-mark with pride as your playing partners look on with envy!

Sand areas - these areas that run parallel with and separate our fairways are a challenge in themselves, but when carts are driven in them leaving tyre tracks it makes the surface even more difficult to play from. Also, on a more serious note, the terrain of these sanded areas is very unpredictable and players who drive their carts into the sand areas do so at a risk to themselves and any other golfers in the cart. For safety, please use the cart paths and fairways at all times.

I hope this article is accepted in the right manner. I understand that it may be a case of preaching to the converted but it felt an appropriate time to publish a reminder - reminder of what is not only expected by Emirates Golf Club but by the governing bodies of golf, namely the R&A and the USPGA. If you have any rules queries that you would like to discuss over the coming weeks then please do not hesitate to ask on your next visit to the club or simply email your query to rjames@dubaigolf.com.

RULES OF GOLF UPDATE

29

WHAT’S ON DURING September?

Golf CalendaR

Please be informed of the following update to the USGA Rules of Golf.

September Monday 5th

Ladies Competition

Majlis

8.30am

Rule 5-1e) Unacceptable Scores

Friday 9th

Single Matchplay Qualifier

Majlis

1.30pm

Monday 12th

Ladies Competition

Majlis

8.30am

Friday 16th

Professional Member Challenge

Majlis

1.30pm

Saturday 17th DG Summer Series Fixture 4

DCGYC

1.30pm

Explanation of ruling:

Monday 19th

Ladies Competition

Majlis

8.30am

Friday 23rd

The Mike Gerbich Cup

Majlis

1.30pm

1. Why will scores made while playing alone no longer be eligible for posting?

Monday 26th

Ladies Competition

Majlis

8.30am

Scores made when a player plays alone are now not acceptable for handicap purposes and must not be entered in the player’s scoring record.

What’s On

Dear Members,

Primarily, to support a key tenet of the USGA Handicap System: peer review. Knowing golfers rely on the integrity of the system to produce an accurate view of playing ability, this change helps golfers form a better basis to support scores that have been posted to a player’s scoring record.

2. What constitutes not playing alone?

As long as someone accompanies the player during the round (e.g., fellow competitor, opponent, caddie, marker for a tournament, friend riding along in a cart) the player is not playing alone.

3. How many holes can a player play alone to post the score?

The player must be accompanied for at least seven holes for a nine-hole score or 13 holes for 18-hole score. This is consistent with Section 5-1 and the minimum number of holes played under the Rules of Golf.

EGC Colleagues

Cocktail Competition

For the holes played alone (not accompanied), the player would treat these as not played under the Rules of Golf and post according to “par plus” any handicap strokes the player is entitled to receive.

(For more information, see Section 4-2).

Congratulations to Prince Peries, winner of the Colleague Cocktail Competition. Look out for ‘Golf Classic’, a new addition to the Spike Bar menu this month. Congratulations also to runners-up Shafraez, Satish and Raymond!

For more information please contact Rhys James at Emirates Golf Club on rjames@dubaigolf.com

EGC vs Dubai Creek Colleagues Summer Tournament Congratulations to Emirates Golf Club who took top honours in this two match summer tournament.

Winning Pair Michael Ignacio & Ralph Nelson

Runners-Up Mohamed Haris & Malik Rubbani

Third Ryan Maquiling & Manny Murillo

s t e p p i n S e l 19th Ho

Reunion for some of our life members in London recently - Brenda Cornwell, Maggie Neil and Annette Stewart

Life members of Emirates Golf Club, Steve and Cheh Ngim Ratcliffe celebrated the wedding of their daughter Jacqueline wedding to Abdelhamid Oraibi in Bali on the 10th May 2016. Their son Alex is also in the photo.

Bob and Angela Connor were on holiday in Cornwall this summer where they visited a few old friends and played golf at Falmouth Golf Club with Lynne Dickinson and her son Neil in the club’s Open Week Texas Scramble.

They came fifth out of a huge field but missed out on a prize.

They also visited Jan Haydn-Evans who took them to have a look at her golf club, Carlyon Bay. They didn’t get to play the course but they did have a very good evening catching up on news and reminiscing about the good old days in Dubai!

We are proud to announce that Emirates Golf Club was recently awarded the prestigious TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, which is awarded to properties that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on the site. Read the recent reviews on our TripAdvisor page https://goo.gl/EGiUSJ

Anand Lakhiani, Nelly Amarrnani, Ishu Rupani and Lalu Mahtani at Pannonia, Albatross and Karstejn courses in Prague

Chairman Mr Joseph Szorad of the outstanding and highly recommended Pannonia Golf Resort welcoming the group

HOLE-IN-ONE Tatyana Mogire Hole 17 on The Faldo 25th June 2016

Craig Haldane and his family were holidaying in Australia this summer and arranged to meet up with Emirates Golf Club member Jenny Isles

Moshe Kohli at the Münchener Golf Club, Germany Moshe Kohli at the Muenchener Golf Club, Germany

What a view from the Majlis course!

Credit @andakulova

One lucky visitor to Football Central won ‘a VIP Emirates Golf Club Experience’.

Here is winner Ray Verweij with Craig Haldane, Director of GCM and Kirsten Ferguson, Asst Marketing Manager

Monday 29th August Congratulations to team Club41 who won the Spike Bar weekly Quiz, followed by teams Norfolk & Chance and Masters of Hindsight!

Farewell to Sudarsan After 20 years at Emirates Golf Club, our starter and marshal, Sudarshan, has decided to go home to Sri Lanka to spend time with his family. Thank you for everything Sudarshan - we will miss you at the Club!

20 years of service award presented by Barney Coleman RIO OLYMPIC GOLF SUMMER 2016

Sudarsan’s last game on the Faldo course

Congratulations to Great Britain’s Justin Rose, who won the first Olympic gold medal in golf in 112 years by two shots over Sweden’s Henrik Stenson. Rose’s tap-in birdie on the closing par 5 at the Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, brought him to 16-under 268.

Matt Kuchar of the United States won the bronze medal for third place, shooting a final round of 63 course record tying the course record and finishing 13 under par for the event.