Editor: Jacqui Barry jaxdubai@gmail.com
OCTOBER
2017
ISSUE 71
Editorial
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ith the season well and truly started, don’t forget to check the Members’ Zone for up to date information regarding tournaments and also to enter competitions online. This month sees some big events taking place, namely, the Midcom Diwali Scramble, Men’s and Ladies’ Seniors Championships, Medal and, for the ladies, the annual Pink Ball competition in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness. There are usually maximum numbers of participants for these events so please be sure to sign up well in advance.
EMIRATES GOLF CLUB SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Christopher May
Chief Executive Officer cmay@dubaigolf.com
The courses are both looking in fantastic condition, thanks to Craig Haldane and the entire team at Golf Course Maintenance. Take a look at Craig’s column in this issue for the latest news on maintenance work and preparation for the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters in December and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in January. Please assist our GCM team by repairing pitch marks on the greens (yours and others nearby), filling in divots with the sand provided and ensuring that bunkers are raked properly, leaving them in the condition you would expect to find them when playing your own shots.
Barney Coleman
Club Manager bcoleman@dubaigolf.com
Andy Meech
Craig Haldane
Director - Golf Course Maintenance chaldane@dubaigolf.com
Head of Sport and Leisure ameech@dubaigolf.com
The second Mike Gerbich Cup was held last month in honour of our friend and Past Captain, Mike Gerbich who passed away in July 2016. Mike (‘The Gerb’ as he was affectionately known) touched many lives during his time in Dubai and there was never a dull moment when he was around…always full of smiles, laughter and a funny story to tell. He is still missed by so many; it was good to see that this event attracted a full field.
‘The GERB’
Ganesh Mangathil
Adele Cowgill
Saeed Ahamed
Dubai Golf Publishing Manager gmangathil@dubaigolf.com
Head of Marketing & Communications acowgill@dubaigolf.com
Financial Controller mahamed@dubaigolf.com
Steen Simon
Pansy Gonsalvez
Haridas Palliyalil
Food & Beverage Manager ssimon@dubaigolf.com
Head of Golf Central pgonsalvez@dubaigolf.com
Resident Engineer hpalliyalil@dubaigolf.com
We have a number of new members at the Club so please introduce yourselves if the occasion arises - it’s not easy being a ‘newbie’ and it helps enormously if long term members make the first approach; this, of course, will be easier once we have our own members’ only area. Enjoy the great weather, the wonderful condition of the courses and everything that Emirates Golf Club has to offer..not just golf, but the gym, spa, tennis, squash, Padel tennis, swimming pool, restaurants, Spike Bar and terrace. Make the most of it and…have fun!
Jacqui
CADDIES • Walking season will begin from November 4th on the Majlis course. • To book, please call Ummer (050 6768148) or Jega (055 310 8617) between the hours of 8.00am - 6.00pm. • Caddies are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. • Fee of AED 150 is payable direct to the caddie.
Chef Nicholas Cuomo Executive Chef ncuomo@dubaigolf.com
Stephen Deane
Head Academy Professional sdeane@dubaigolf.com
EGC Key Telephone Numbers Main Switchboard Members Golf Reservations Membership Recreation Accounts SensAsia Urban Spa
04 04 04 04 04 04
Rhys James
Golf Services Manager rjames@dubaigolf.com
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 38,591 likes. Follow us on Twitter @emiratesgc and Instagram @emiratesgc
During September we had a few well attended tournaments; the Legacy Prime Members’ ProAm, the Mike Gerbich Cup and the OMA Monthly Medal, the last two both having been won by one of our juniors, Arjun Gupta. Well done. I was also very pleased to see Mike Tracey winning the B Division Medal, just one day before playing The Tracey Trophy. He said that the last one he won was back in 1992, 25 years ago. Welcome back Mike! I was happy to see a full field competing in the September Monthly Medal and I hope it continues like this through the year. As Captain I will continue with efforts to maintain and, hopefully, even improve golfing etiquette, especially related to the course. I am asking all
members to please rake bunkers, repair pitch marks and maintain pace of play. It is our Club so please help to maintain it and we will all enjoy it more. We are currently waiting for new restaurants to open but in the meantime, the relocated Spike Bar at Le Classique is doing just fine. I am looking forward to the new Spike Bar on the upper floor with our own members’ area which is due to open soon.
Captain’s Message
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he season 2017-2018 has started and it’s good to see that the majority of members are back. I hope you all had a great summer and that you are fresh and ready to start the new golf season in Dubai. The weather is still hot and humid some days, but it’s sure to get better soon.
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October will be a busy month with the BMW Open, Mixed Season Opener, Senior Championship, Diwali Scramble, Monthly Medal and the Al Dobowi Mixed Amateur Open. I have only a few days left to improve my drive for the Season Opener. See you on 6th October! Ivan Fornazaric Club Captain 2017-2018
MEN’S COMPETITION RESULTS THE MIKE GERBICH CUP 2017
Arjun Gupta wins the Mike Gerbich Cup 2017
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ith an incredible round of 38 points, one under par gross from the black tees on the Majlis course, the youngest competitor on the day, Arjun Gupta, emerged victorious for the second annual Mike Gerbich Cup. Arjun carded five birdies in his round to secure the win by a single point! Closely followed in second place was Gokul Mani who carded an impressive 37 points on a tough course set-up. In third place, having the best back 9 score, was Joe Smith after a solid round of 36 points, including a great run on the back 9! Abhinava Chandra won A Division with 36 points and the better
back 9 score, narrowly beating Luiz Bertuol. Similarly, Anand Kapoor won B Division with 36 points, just pipping Sekhar Reddy over a back 9 scorecard playoff. The event was again a fitting tribute to our late member, Mike Gerbich whose spirit was felt on the day and throughout the challenging competition. Thanks to our Club Captain, Ivan Fornazaric, who shared some great memories of ‘The Gerb’ during the prize-giving. Many thanks to those who competed in an event that has certainly kick-started the winter tournament season!
4 OMA MEN’S MEDAL
In association with
29th September 2017
Competition Results
A DIVISION: handicaps 0-10 Winner: Nitin Kripalani Runner-up: Tony Azoulay Third: Sushant Malik Best Gross: Arjun Gupta B DIVISION: handicaps 11-20 Winner: MikeTracey Runner-up: Anil Kumar Parimoo Third: Gaurav Verma C DIVISION: handicaps 21-28 Winner: Kuttan Malattiri STABLEFORD EVENT Winner: Ghanshyam Manghnani JUNIOR MEDAL Winner - boys: Jay Pangarkar Winner - girls: Hannah Alan QUALIFIER FOR Nitin Kripalani LUCKIEST BALL ON EARTH:
68 net 68 net 69 net 73 68 net 70 net 70 net 74 net 37 points 73 net 69 net 68 net
PRIME LEGACY PRO-AM CUP Saturday 16th September 2017 Winners Fredrik From, Jugwinder Brar, Gurinderjit Singh, Gurjit Grewal Runner Up Stephen Deane, Ivan Fornazaric, Walid Al Attar, Rajesh Sethi Third Jordan Garnish, David Formas, Kenny Babcock, Mally Clarke Nearest the pin (amateurs only) Hole # 15 Veneet Mohan Nearest the pin (professionals only) Hole # 4 Chris Van Der Meulen Longest Drive (amateurs only) Hole # 3 Anand Kapoor
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in’s Lady Capta Message
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hat a heartwarming feeling to come back after the summer to the Club and reunite with friends for a cup of coffee or a friendly game of golf. It is always a pleasure, after a long break, to see familiar faces and to meet new ones. After a somewhat slow, hot and sticky start to the season which started with a friendly ‘9 Blind Holes competition, we ended September with our first Medal and Luckiest Ball on Earth qualifier. 42 ladies battled it out, and despite the sizzling temperatures and high humidity, there were some very low scores posted. The overall winner, Jane Vail, ended up with a fantastic net 68, winning on a count-back from Michele Carlson. Congratulations to all the winners! A special mention goes to our Past Lady Captain, Maura Duggan, who won Silver A Division and proved the premonition right that during one’s Captaincy, it is very difficult to keep one’s focus on the game!
October is a very busy month we start with our Ladies’ Season Opener on 2nd October followed by the Mixed Season Opener on 6th October. Ivan and I are both feeling quite worried about our drive-ins and whether we will be able to actually hit the ball and have it airborne with a decent yardage. You will all be allowed to estimate the length of our drives on the day but please be kind on the first tee! We will also have two other very popular tournaments in October, the Midcom Diwali Scramble and Al Dobowi Mixed Amateur Open that, starting this year, will be played over 18 holes only on the Majlis course. Our first Inter-Club challenge takes place on 11th of October at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club where we are hoping to score well to give us a good head start for the season. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month. Our Pink
Ball tournament has become one of our biggest fixtures on the calendar and every year we work hard to raise funds in support of Breast Friends and the Al Jalila Foundation. Last year alone, we raised AED 58,490. The tournament will be held on Monday October 23rd, followed by lunch and a big raffle when many donated prizes can be won. We will start selling raffle tickets from 1st October at all the big events at the Club. We are counting on your support and generosity to make it another success. If you have any prizes to donate please leave them in my name or Sulafa’s name in the ladies’ locker room or at main reception. Wishing you happy golfing and I hope you are looking forward to all the exciting tournaments and events that lie ahead. Najla Bartette Lady Captain 2017-2018
LADIES’ COMPETITION RESULTS LADIES’ BLIND 9 HOLES STABLEFORD Monday 11th September 2017 Overall Winner:
Sandra Chia
22 points
SILVER DIVISION: handicaps 0–15 Winner:
Amarjeet Radia
21 points
BRONZE DIVISION: handicaps 16–36 Winner:
Caroline Granger
20 points
STABLEFORD QUALIFIER FOR GOLDEN BALL CHALLENGE Monday 18th September 2017 Overall Winner Sandra Chia 41 points SILVER DIVISION: handicaps 0-15 Winner Ingrid Lind-Eerligh 39 points Runner up Haide Wright 37 points BRONZE DIVISION: handicaps 16-36 Winner Elvira Smith 39 points Runner up Ellen Johansen 36 points
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LADIES’ MONTHLY MEDAL Monday 25th September 2017
Competition Results
Jane Vail claims the September Ladies’ Medal
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ongratulations to Jane Vail, the overall and Bronze Division winner of the ladies’ September Medal, the first Monthly Medal of the 2017-2018 season. Jane carded an excellent round of 68 net on the Majlis course, earning her victory over Michelle Carlsson who also carded 68, after a very close back 9 scorecard playoff! Jane also won the ‘Luckiest Ball on Earth’ prize, giving her the opportunity to compete for a spot in the pro-am for the upcoming Race to Dubai, DP World tour final at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Topping the Silver A Division was outgoing Lady Captain, Maura Duggan, who scored an excellent net 70, followed closely by Selma Kehoe who shot a net 71, narrowly claiming the runner-up spot. Veronique Rosset won the best gross category with a very solid round of 77, 5 over par. in Silver B Division, Ashley Anderson emerged victorious
with a fantastic net 69. In runner-up spot was Josie Tracey, who carded a net 71, having only just returned from her vacation! Josie narrowly beat Mags Breen, with a better back 6 scorecard play-off. Congratulations to all prize-winners and to all the ladies who took part in a very successful opening Medal which also kick-started the race for Curtisy Cup points!
Best Gross Veronique Rosset SILVER A DIVISION: handicaps 0–14 Winner Maura Duggan Runner-up Selma Kehoe SILVER B DIVISION: handicaps 15-23 Winner Ashley Anderson Runner-up Josie Tracey BRONZE DIVISION: handicaps 24-36 Winner Jane Vail QUALIFIER FOR Jane Vail LUCKIEST BALL ON EARTH
77 70 net 71 net 69 net 71 net 68 net 68 net
LADIES’ SEASON OPENER Monday 2nd October 2017 Winners
Josie Tracey, Jenny Ayres, Elise Hanson, Elvira Smith
61 Net
Runners-Up
Christiane Sprunck, Maggie Neil, Ingrid Lind-Eerligh, Haide Wright
61.7 Net
Third
Rajni Sud, Rena Sethi, Ninu Smith, Connie Sayal
62.5 Net
Guess The Lady Captain’s Drive (163):
April Prestwidge
163 Yards
Nearest the Pin Hole #4
Petra Daman Willems
Nearest the Pin Hole #15
Mags Breen
Longest Drive Hole #12
Ingrid Lind-Eerligh
Longest Drive Hole #8
Kiyono Taniuchi
Almost 80 players participated in the Ladies’ Season Opener who witnessed the opening tee shot of Lady Captain Najla Bartette…163 yards straight down the middle of the first fairway of the Majlis Course - well done Najla! Congratulations to all prize winners of the team scramble. Najla welcomed all ladies with a special mention to - Cheh Ngim who was visiting from England - Life members and friends who travelled from Ras Al Khaimah … Maggie Neil and Jacqui Josephson. - New faces on the Monday, Roma, Yungsuk Lee Jung, Kim Moon and HK Bea - Last season’s beginners who will be joining the Bronze Division on Mondays namely, Natalya, Gemma, Jennie, Sarah, April, Jackie and Danielle.
Jones The Grocer
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he popular Australian food emporium is coming to Emirates Golf Club. The new Jones the Grocer will be located on the ground floor of the iconic clubhouse, offering a choice of inside or al fresco dining in relaxed surroundings. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Jones will be the perfect venue for a family get-together or relaxed dining experience with friends or colleagues. The menu will serve up a selection of Jones’ best loved dishes and healthy options where the focus is on delicious food made with passion, expertly sourced from the best artisanal producers around.
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pike Bar may be getting a new location but its position as the very heart of the Club will not change. The new Spike Bar will provide a relaxed and friendly ambience where members and guests can enjoy a host of international favourites and all of the live sporting action from around the globe from the terrace or inside the brand new restaurant. A dedicated members’ lounge and terrace provides members with privacy and an exclusive space to enjoy. To add some spice to the new menu, Emirates Golf Club has teamed up with famous UK based Chef Hari Ghotra who has designed a series of extra special dishes to bring her unique Indian blend to the Middle East.
In partnership with the Indian/Londoner celebrity chef Hari Ghotra
Spike Bar
SPIKE BAR
Carine
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CARINE COMING JANUARY 2018
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orthern France is synonymous with hearty cuisine, together with a rich culture, heritage and sense of community. Brought to Emirates Golf Club in partnership with the renowned Chef Izu, Carine will deliver all of these in abundance. Chef Izu has well and truly put his culinary stamp on the region; he was the opening Head Chef of Le Petite Maison which made ‘the World’s Best Restaurant’ lists just two years after opening, and he was the driving force behind the prestigious La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie. Carine is a brand new concept that has been designed exclusively for Emirates Golf Club, offering Chef Izu’s exceptional tastes in a warm and homely environment.
In partnership with the celebrity Chef Izu
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Pro’s Tip of the Month
Dialling in to Your Wedge Game
Pro’s Tip
by PGA GOLF Professional Alex Shedden
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any players I see have difficulty in controlling their distance when approaching the green from 100 yards or less. A couple of questions that usually go through your head might be, “What club should I use here?” or “How hard should i hit this shot?” Many golfer will attempt to reach the green with a club selection that only a perfect strike can achieve and unfortunately perfect isn’t a word we use too often in golf… so why not use a more reliable and calculated method?
A very simple approach to helping you hit more greens that many of the world’s best players use is working on controlling the length of your swing with the clock face. Below you can see that I have a 9, 10 and 11 o’clock position with my left arm and how this affects the distances I can hit the ball.
9 O’clock
10 O’clock
11 O’clock
61 yards carry
73 yards carry
82 yards carry
Most people carry three wedges in their bag: if you apply this simple process to your wedge game you will have nine different yardages and see a massive improvement in consistency, confidence and hopefully the number of greens you will hit. If you would like to know more please contact me in the Academy or at ashedden@dubiagolf.com
SPORT2BUSIN
ESS
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S2B SEPTEMBER 2017 HIGHLIGHTS September was a record month again for S2B as we averaged over 45 attendees every Monday night and there was record spend behind the QDs 2.0 bar! With a golf simulator, table football, darts and buffet it is becoming a weekly highlight for all. This month we have had nine S2B regulars commit to membership of Emirates Golf Club so the Club’s support of S2B is also reaping dividends.
September Player of the Month – sponsored by Hawas Gaddafe
Darren Hooker 1st Darren Hooker 2nd Russell Yeomans 3rd Neal White
57 points 54 points 52 points
Darren played some of his best golf during September, highlighted by his first Monday night win with 25 points (-7) for 9 holes! He had a total of 57 points from his top three rounds in September to win the award by three shots. Darren claimed the second Golfer of the Month award, sponsored by Hawas Gaddafe, with Joerg Muller having won in August 2017. Darren is a Market Development Manager for Barclays International, based in DIFC. He has been working in the banking industry for 30 years and moved to Dubai in November 2015. He is married with a 13 year old son called Josh, who has just started playing golf! Well done Darren and thanks for the ongoing sponsorship of Barclays to S2B!
Call to Action for Emirates Golf Club Members Should you be an existing or new member at Emirates Golf Club, and fancy joining us on a Monday night for some competitive rollup golf and socialise in, please contact James for more information! Email: jyeomans@yeomansexecutive.com Phone No.: 0504816277 We look forward to welcoming more Emirates Golf Club members to our society.
Al Ain Weekend Away On 29th and 30th September S2B travelled down to Al Ain for the first time. We stayed at the wonderful Rotana Resort Hotel and played golf on the Friday and Saturday at the newly improved Al Ain course. 19 players managed to make the trip, including partners, who tasted the various tourist attractions Al Ain. Highlights were as follows: • 36 holes on the new 18 hole course – short in length but challenging. Dean Hall dominated with fantastic golf winning both days, the overall stableford and best scratch with scores of 75 on day one and 75 on day two, playing off a handicap of 8. He finished 4 under over 36 holes. • The ladies had a great weekend with Nicola Milton and Carlotta Pretti coming equal second overall with 2 over par after 36 holes. Carlotta was equal winner on Friday with 39 points. • Nick Lowes achieved fourth place with 5 over par net for the weekend. • Friday night was as lively as ever in Trader Vics with total commitment shown by all. • Head Pro, Tom Buchanan, took great care of us and we highly recommend this trip to all members when we return early 2018!
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Thanks to our sponsors
ESS
SPORT2BUSIN
S2B vs Mazimba Golfers at Jumeriah Golf Estates On Friday 22nd September. It was round two of the S2B vs Mazimba golfers. It was an early morning start on the magnificent Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The format was again betterball match play with an individual Stableford competition on the side. The Mazimba golfers, still unbeaten against S2B, kept their winning streak going by showing some great golf against a strong S2B side, coming out on top in the match play with a score of 6 – 3! However it was S2B member Chris Asher who won the individual Stableford, shooting a weekend record 44 points! Chris won by three shots with his nearest competitor, Tommy Jones, shooting a 5 under 41 points to finish runner-up.
September Monday Night Winners September 4th September 11th September 18th September 25th
Tom Lind and James Yeomans Paul Doherty Chet Galpin, Rob Duczenko, Jake Lehner Darren Hooker
20 points 20 points 21 points 25 points
EGC
memorie
s
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30 Years of Emirates Golf Club
MEMORIES EMIRATES GOLF CLUB 1987
10TH HOLE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
THE 7TH AND 13TH GREENS THE 4TH IN THE FOREGROUND 1987
THE MAJLIS IS ALMOST READY
Neil Hunt, now living in Thailand After at least forty years of playing golf I achieved my first hole-in-one at Emirates Golf Club on a busy Thursday afternoon but it was achieved during the holy month of Ramadan, so when I returned to the Clubhouse there were only two people in the bar area. I had always thought that one day I would ‘ring the bell’ in celebration of my achievement. I did ring the bell and shouted “teas all round” What perfect timing after forty years! As a secondary note, my wife Maggie was returning back from London that evening after a British Airways course. I called the Dubai office and asked whether a message could be sent via the pilot. I asked for the pilot to play his part and give an important message to Mrs Hunt in business class! He did and he went personally to her seat and said, “Excuse me Mrs Hunt but I’ve received a message concerning your husband”. Maggie’s reply was, “Oh no, what’s he done now?” Captain’s reply, “He’s just had a hole-in-one!”
vip lounge CHANDELIER IN THE MAIN ENTRANCE
lounge bar the mural spike bar
ORIGINAL EMIRATES GOLF CLUB LOGO
Reciprocal Clubs
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SPOTLIGHT ON Archerfield Golf Club, Scotland
World-Class Courses Fidra Links Above you, the whispering pines. Ahead, the sweeping fairways. Out here, it feels as if it’s just you and the course. Golf has never been more inviting than this: the 18 hole Fidra Links is a unique mixture of pine forest and fast-running links.
Dirleton Links
Clubhouse
On coastal land that has hosted golf for over 100 years, DJ Russell has created the 18 holes of the Dirleton Links. It’s a challenging expression of a traditional Scottish links course with its sweeping fairways, deep, menacing bunkers and undulating dunes bordering the fairways. Already enjoyed by a quartet of Masters Champions, from Gary Player to Ian Woosnam.
From the armchairs to the service, atmosphere to menu, this is a place to kick back and feel truly relaxed. Certainly, it’s a long way from stuffy rule-bound Clubhouses. Elegant, but not overpowering; this is where to meet, greet or just lose yourself in the daily papers in your favourite seat in the sun. In our golf shop you can find the products, the service and the advice that’ll have you better prepared than ever.
RECIPROCAL CLUBS Full golf members at Emirates Golf Club have the privilege of the member’s guest green fee rate when playing the below reciprocal golf courses. - - - - - - - - - -
Albatross Golf Resort, Czech Republic Archerfield Golf Club, Scotland Banyan Golf Club, Thailand Blue Canyon Country Club, Thailand Centurion Club, Hemel Hempstead, UK Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, Hong Kong, China Close House Hotel & Golf, England, UK DLF Golf & Country Club, Gurgaon, India Foxhills Club & Resort, Surrey, UK Huntingdale Golf Club, Victoria, Australia
- Hubbelrath Golf Club, Dusseldorf, Germany - Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, UAE - K Club of Straffan, Kildare, Ireland - The Hong Kong Golf Club, Hong Kong, China - Laguna National Golf & Country Club, Singapore - London Golf Club, UK - Mission Hills, China - Münchener Golf Club, Germany
- Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club, Victoria, Australia - Real Club de Golf el Prat, Barcelona, Spain - Royal Golf Club, Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic - Saujana Golf & Country Club, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Taiheiyo Club, Japan - The Duke’s, St Andrews, Scotland - The Heritage Golf Club, Mauritius - Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tee time reservations need to be made in advance through Membership Services. The current membership card must be produced at the reciprocal club when playing golf upon check in. For further information on the reciprocal clubs please contact our Membership Services team or email egc@dubaigolf.com
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Len & Jackie Chapman W LADIES PROGRAMME
e moved to Brisbane, Australia when I retired from Dubai Ports in 2003. Our son and daughter had previously moved to Brisbane so it was an easy move for us. Soon afterwards, our son moved to Sydney and our daughter to Melbourne! Consequently, we travel interstate on a regular basis both by air and by road. A round trip to Melbourne is about 4,000 kms. We have seen a lot of eastern Australia! We now have a granddaughter in each of those cities (Hope is 4+ and Nadia is 3+) so we became “fly in – fly out” babysitters. Jackie plays golf at Indooroopilly Golf Club but I gave up golf several years ago. We both walk a lot. Brisbane has river walkways which makes for enjoyable walking. Jackie regularly rides her bike to the gym and to Pilates classes – my bike is gathering dust in the garage.
It’s time to sign up for the Ladies Group Programmes!
I enjoy taking photographs and producing travel books – not commercially – just for the family and I also spend time on my website www.dubaiasitusedtobe.com
Learn golf in a fun and relaxed environment with our world-class PGA professionals in the heart of Emirates Hills
Jackie sews and knits for our grandchildren, is a regular visitor to the local cinema plus we enjoy concerts and ballet performances at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
Classes start in mid October For more information please contact The Dubai Golf Academy at Emirates Golf Club on +971 4417 9845 or email emiratesacademy@dubaigolf.com
• 10 x 50 minute group lessons • Levels 1 & 2 from AED 1,400 (maximum six participants) • Levels 3 & 4 from AED 1,900 (maximum four participants) • Complimentary access to the Academy course from Sunday to Thursday before 4pm • Member Guest rate on the Faldo course from Sunday to Thursday before 4pm • Tea and coffee provided after each session • Unlimited range access during the programme
We travel, mostly to Asia and occasionally to New Zealand. Last year we visited Laos, The Plain of Jars and Northern Thailand. Later this year we go to Nagaland and Shan State in Myanmar. Next year it’s an Irrawaddy River Delta cruise and a visit to Arakan in Myanmar. Best wishes to friend s we still know at Emirates Golf Club Jackie and Len Chapman EGC members 1989 – 2003
Where Are They Now
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Rules By R
hys
18 BY RHYS
Recent Rulings at the Club...
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ver the past few weeks I have enjoyed several conversations with members discussing and clarifying certain scenarios that have caused some confusion. Here in this article I will explain two rulings that have lately caused debate on the fairways of Emirates Golf Club.
1. CART PATHS When cart paths are artificially made they are deemed under the rules of golf to be an immovable obstruction (rule 24-2). As always, the player has the option to play the ball as it lies. However, the player may also take relief without penalty if the ball lies on the cart path or when the cart path interferes with the player’s stance or the area of their intended swing. The player should begin this process by firstly finding the nearest point of relief. PLEASE NOTE: • It is NOT correct to simply divide the cart path in half and drop on the side that the ball lies. • The nearest point of relief may be different for a right or left handed golfer. • The rule states the NEAREST point of relief and not the NICEST point of relief. Taking the last point into consideration the nearest point of relief may not be desirable if there is interference from a bush or a hazard etc. In this case the player may choose to play the ball as it lies or deem the ball unplayable (rule 28) HOW TO FIND THE NEAREST POINT OF RELIEF? To do so correctly the player should: 1. Leave the ball where it lies and simulate a stance on either side of the path at the nearest position that avoids any interference from the path, including their stance. 2. From that address position, put a tee in the ground at the spot where it is estimated that the ball would lie and then repeat on the other side. 3. Measure the distance between each tee and the ball that lies on the path. The tee that lies closest to the ball is the correct side to drop. For a demonstration video please visit here: http://usga-rules.com/NPR/
The nearest point of relief must not be in a hazard or on a putting green. When the ball is dropped within one club length of the nearest point of relief, the ball must first strike a part of the course at a spot that avoids interference by the immovable obstruction and is not in a hazard and not on a putting green.
2. BALL IN WATER HAZARD...FACT OR FICTION??? This topic has been raised by a few members over the past few weeks. There seems to be a belief that if a ball is struck towards a water hazard and then not found, it can be automatically ASSUMED that the ball is in the water and they can proceed under rule 26-1. The rule states pretty much the opposite. It must be known or virtually certain that the ball is in the water hazard. Here is the key message: In the absence of knowledge or virtual certainty that the ball is in the hazard, a ball that cannot be found must be considered lost somewhere other than in the water hazard and the player must proceed under the lost ball rule (27-1). KNOWLEDGE AND VIRTUAL CERTAINTY EXPLAINED: Knowledge may be gained that a ball is in a water hazard in a number of ways:
• By the player or his caddie or other members of the match who may actually observe the ball disappear into the water hazard. • Any other reliable witnesses, including a marshal, an observer, spectators or other outside agencies. • It is important that all readily accessible information from the above be considered. Virtual certainty means that, although the ball has not been found, when all readily available information is considered, the conclusion that there is nowhere that the ball could be except in the water hazard would be justified. In determining whether virtual certainty exists, some of the relevant factors in the area of the water hazard to be considered include topography, turf conditions, grass heights, visibility, weather conditions and the proximity of trees, bushes and abnormal ground conditions. If and when there is any doubt on how to proceed the players integrity should lead them to make the correct decision based on all of the above factors. 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
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ollowing last month’s review on the summer maintenance, our aim post-summer, has been setting up the courses for the Season Opener on October 6th! On the Majlis we have managed the greens extremely well through the summer and week on week you will have seen the firmness and speed slowly increase to where we feel will be a maintainable benchmark for the season ahead, suitable for all levels of golf.
The set up for the tournaments will shortly begin as is custom each year. The back of the 9th and 18th has historically always been a challenge for our team, in particular the lack of sunlight towards the end of the day. I include the 16th chalet too, which has been up all year; however, as the daylight hours decrease, the knock-on effect of minimal direct sunlight becomes apparent. What can golfers do to help? Firstly, it would be a massive help if we all minimised the traffic at the back of these areas. We will endeavour to keep the pins away from any potential weak turf and, on occasion, you will see us leaving a blower at the back of the greens to improve air movement and circulation as well.
Overseeding will commence on the Majils at the end of October. Please keep a close eye out on social media for updates on this interesting event done on an annual basis. The Faldo overseeding of rough will go ahead towards the end of November.
r’s Greenkeepe Cuttings
GREENKEEPER’S CUTTINGS
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We thank you for your support throughout the year thus far and we look forward to presenting the courses in tournament shape for the season ahead. Kind regards Craig Haldane Director - Golf Course Maintenance
Azmat topping up the night’s irrigation to hit the numbers ahead of the following morning’s 7.30am shotgun start
Photos by Mario Cadorna Sumanga
GREAT MORNING FOR TAKING PICTURES
Miles’ Mome
nts
20
F&B UPDATE
MILES ENTWHISTLE What’s happening in the F & B Department?
Ladies’ Mondays On Monday 25th September we welcomed the ladies back for their first Monthly Medal of the season and it was great to have the lively Monday lunch atmosphere back in the Club after the summer break. This was followed by the Lady Captain’s Season Opener which saw 76 ladies occupy our temporary Spike Bar throughout the afternoon.
Restaurant Renovations With the planned opening of Jones the Grocer at the end of this month, our F&B colleagues have started their training at Jones’ Al Manara restaurant. The team has been working a few days a week amongst their baristas and waiters learning all about the dishes and their specialist coffees. There are exciting times ahead for the restaurants, and I look forward to being able to share this with you next month. In the meantime, I hope to see you all with a stein at Oktoberfest before the 14th. Prost!
For this coming season, members are being asked to take part in an ‘Adopt a Green’ initiative. The ‘Adopt a Green’ initiative is one that has been suggested by members through the Members’ Consultative Committee (MCC) and is being backed by our Club Management in an attempt to keep our courses in the best possible condition for all to enjoy. Members who wish to take part will be asked to allocate themselves a hole from 1-18 on either the Faldo or the Majlis course. Whilst playing that course we ask that the member takes an extra minute or two to repair a few additional pitchmarks, fill an old divot with sand, or rake any footprints in a bunker. Naturally, the more members who sign up the more impact this initiative will have. Both the men’s and ladies’ locker rooms have the sign-up sheets so that you can allocate your chosen hole. Alternatively if you would like to speak to Rhys or Cian about the initiative, please feel free to do so.
21 Club News
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WHAT S ON? Golf CalendaR
Roseleaf recipe of the month
Crunchy Nut & Seed Granola I was never a fan of cereal, but when I discovered how good crunchy granola could be, I was instantly sold. So if you like to start your day with a little bit of crunch, this recipe is definitely for you. Full of healthy fats and rich in nutrients, my recipe will help to keep you full as well as providing heaps of energy boost. Suitable for any time of the day. Ingredient
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY OCTOBER 2017 Monday 9th October: Ladies Monthly Medal: Strokeplay *Friday 13th: Midcom Diwali Scramble: Full golfing members Monday 16th: Ladies Seniors Championship: Strokeplay *Friday 20th: Men’s Seniors Championship: Strokeplay: Full golfing members Monday 23rd: Ladies Pink Ball Competition:
• ½ cup amaranth • 4 cups whole oats • ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins • ¼ cup sesame seeds • ¼ cup linseed • ¼ cup sunflower seeds • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds • ½ cup almonds • 1 cup desiccated coconut • 1 tablespoon sea salt • 1 cup honey • ½ cup coconut oil
4 Lady Shamble Stableford
Step-by-Step 1. Rinse and soak amaranth overnight in water. 2. Next morning combine all your dry ingredients together with the amaranth and oats leaving the coconut for later 3. In a separate pot warm honey and coconut oil 4. Mix all items together 5. Spread the mixture out on to one or two oven trays and cook at 150C for 40min, mix and put back in the oven at 140C for another 30min or until golden. 6. When cool, break the granola up into chunks, add coconut and store in an airtight container. Serve with yoghurt and fresh berries.
Monday 30th: Ladies Halloween-themed Competition: Pairs better ball TBC
Friday 27th: OMA Emirates Medal in association with Jean-Georges Dubai: Men’s Strokeplay: Full golfing members Saturday 28th: Al Dobowi Emirates Mixed Amateur Open:18 Holes Mixed Greensomes
* Indicates a change to the diary To register for an event, please visit the Members’ Zone. Should you want to modify or cancel, please contact Golf Reservations
Fit Lab
22
Dear Members,
like to say a special thank you for all the hard work Tracy has given Fit Lab - she had a very strong following at the Club. We wish you the best of luck in your new venture.
I
am pleased to say that the final renovations of the gym have been completed and the new flooring really makes the place feel different and re-energised.
For those of you who are regulars at Fit Lab I’m sure you will agree with me that there is a great vibe around the place with the addition of Roseleaf Café - it really has that community feel over here which is what we are trying to create. I really believe we are the best Fitness, Holistic & Wellbeing facility within the UAE and for sure, within a golf club. We have partnered with the best in the business and with the likes of UPANDRUNNING & Hamilton Aquatics recently joining us, it really complements everything we are doing.
They are hard boots to fill but we have found a legend at Zumba with Mac; I welcome you to the Club and to the team and I am sure you will be a huge success. and really do add a different dimension to the facility. Again I believe they are the best at what they do. If you haven’t tried Sensasia recently please get yourself in there as they have some great offers on at the present time. Unfortunately Tracy Marks our wonderful Zumba Instructor had to leave us and move back to Scotland with her family. I would
Sensasia keep on going from strength to strength
Member of the Month goes to Ishu Rupani. Ishu is an avid gym goer and has done amazingly well over the years in keeping his fitness up. It really is admirable to see what Ishu has achieved. In my 15 years at the Club. He has always maintained his health and fitness and credit to him as he is a fantastic example for everyone. Well done Ishu - keep up the great work. Healthy Regards Andy Meech Head of Sports & Leisure
ZUMBA Join my Zumba® Fitness and Strong by Zumba™ classes at Emirates Golf Club for an unforgettable and exhilarating experience. The choreography is designed for everyone to enjoy a fantastic workout. No matter your fitness or dance experience level, you’ll wake up the day after the class with a definitive post-workout feeling. Taking part in Zumba® Fitness and Strong by Zumba™ classes will improve the overall physical condition of your body including your flexibility and stamina. “It’s always great to help others achieve their fitness goals while having fun! Be fit, stay healthy & positive – Mac Ismail”
UP AND RUNNING UPANDRUNNING will get you back to your full sporting peak, or return you to everyday life, pain free and as quickly as possible. Our highly experienced physiotherapists have trained and worked in many countries across the globe and specialise in a variety of areas to ensure you get the best possible care. Whether you have had surgery, an acute sports injury or are in pain, we will fully assess and diagnose your problem during your initial physiotherapy assessment. We will then explain the most effective treatment to get you back to full health and avoid recurrence. Some of the problems our physiotherapists regularly treat include: • Back pain • Sports injuries • Post-surgery • Women’s health and ante/post-natal problems • Running injuries • Work related neck, arm and wrist pain • Headaches Our physiotherapists use hands on treatment, dry needling and taping to alleviate any pain and stiffness to help you move better by taking the load from the site of injury. The UPANDRUNNING rehabilitation center is located within the Fit Lab gym complex. To make an appointment call 04 5185400 or visit www.upandrunningdubai.com
3 2 PADELTENNIS Fit Lab Winners: Mohammed Al Janahi and Sachin Talwar
Mohammed Al Janahi
Finalists: (from left) Amr Hazem, George Green, Mohammed Al Janahi, Sachin Talwar
Fit Lab
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EXERCISE TIP OF THE MONTH
Ball Slams
The ball slam is a great full-body, compound, multi-joint exercise that generates explosive power from your core in a downward direction (most other movements focus on the upward drive), and it builds strength in your legs as you drive the ball back up overhead. 1. Hold a slam ball with both hands and stand with your feet at shoulder width. This will be your starting position. 2. Initiate the countermovement by raising the ball above your head and fully extending your body. 3. Reverse the motion, slamming the ball into the ground directly in front of you as hard as you can. 4. Receive the ball with both hands on the bounce and repeat the movement.
FEELING THE PAIN OF TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME? SENSASIA URBAN SPA WANTS TO FIX YOU! If you’re gripped to an electronic device from morning until night, your body knows about it! But suffer no more, as the experts at SensAsia Urban Spa at Emirates Golf Club have created the perfect treatment for the aches and pains every gadget junkie knows too well. The Digital Detox is a 45-minute upper body massage designed to pull the body back into its natural upright position, lengthen muscles and take away that ‘locked’ feeling that comes with prolonged use of laptops, tablets and mobile phones. Targeting the head, neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, arms and wrists, The Digital Detox is best taken as a package of three or more treatments and SensAsia’s most digitallydrained clients see most significant results when three treatments are taken in one week. Both men and women can be Digitally Detoxed at SensAsia, within its separate male and female spas. Couples can even ‘switch off’ together, in one of its sumptuous mixed spa suites. The Digital Detox at SensAsia Urban Spa is priced at AED 350 per 45-minute treatment or AED 299 when more than one treatment is booked. Emirates Golf Club members can enjoy a 20% discount on signature SensAsia Urban Spa treatments. The spa is open from 10.00am to 10.00pm, seven days a week. For information and bookings, call +971 4 417 9820 or visit www.sensasiaspas.com
Juan Kramer Retail Manager Prosports International Mob: +97150 6685157 email: juan@prosports.ae www.prosports.ae
TEE & SANDWEDGES FROM THE PROSHOP
A new way to roll
25 ProShop
What’s
NEW
Time to get a new putter?
After a sell out in the first half of the year, TaylorMade will be launching the new TaylorMade TP Spider Putter Collection.
ODYSSEY O-WORKS RED RANGE
A New Way to Roll with the Odyssey O works red range! Odyssey’s revolutionary Microhinge Insert Technology have created a new way to roll, and they will change how golfers look at putting forever. The Microhinge Insert Technology provides incredible gains in topspin and roll at impact regardless of your stroke. The stainless steel Microhinge plate is co-moulded into our Thermoplastic Elastomer Feel Layer, providing great feel and the new geometry of the hinges and urethane together help to get the ball into a better roll at impact.
NEW 718 AP IRONS. MORE DISTANCE, MORE FORGIVENESS AND MORE PROVEN PERFORMANCE FOR EVERY PLAYER.
Titleist have released their new 718 irons and 818 hybrids. With six different iron sets and two different hybrids the new range is designed with something to suit everyone so it’s definitely worth attending one of our regular fitting evenings to try them for yourself. Perhaps the most anticipated club is the all new 718 AP3 irons that truly represent the best of both worlds, specialised in speed and formidable in forgiveness. Everything Titleist have learned from creating and advancing their AP1 and AP2 irons merged to create the longest, fastest player’s iron ever: 1+2=3. Retail Price
Price Including Members 20%Discount
Ap1
AED 605
AED 484
Ap1 Graphite
AED 735
AED 588
Ap2
AED 845
AED 676
Ap2 Graphite
AED 980
Ap2 Graphite
Ap3
AED 845
AED 784
Ap3 Graphite
AED 990
AED 676
CB
AED 845
AED 792
MB
AED 845
AED 676
TMB
AED 1,175
AED 676
TMB Graphite
AED 1,335
AED 940
Hybrids 818 H1/H2
Cameron and Crown by Scotty Cameron are precisely crafted at 33 inches and specifically weighted for the player whose setup demands a shorter putter. The 2017 Cameron & Crown line includes popular head styles from Scotty’s tour-proven Select and Futura putter families – Select Newport, Select Mallet 1, Futura 5MB and Futura 6M – providing modern blade, mid-mallet and high-MOI mallet options to satisfy a variety of strokes, styles and preferences of players at every level of the game.
AED 1,068 AED 1,375
AED 1,100
Custom Fitting with Frank:
Can’t make the Demo day…get fitted with Frank. With golf club equipment and golf balls changing so often, it is very important to find the right set that suits your game. Test your clubs with our Senior Custom Fitting Specialist (Frank) to see if your clubs are set up correctly. Using the latest Trackman technology test the newest equipment from the leading brands including Callaway, Ping, TaylorMade and Titleist. For more information on custom fitting or to book your slot please see our Golf Shop Associates and ask for Frank. Warm Regards, Juan Kramer
s t e p p i n S e l 19th Ho Bryan Smyth’s Putting Masterclasses are proving to be very popular
Kish & Rekha Bandopadhyay met up with Jacqui & Tom Barry in The Algarve recently
Cees & Maria Van Dooren met up with Iain & Francoise Everingham recently in France Some of our ladies photographed with former Manchester Untied players, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes
September 4th Quiz Night
Congratulations to our Spike Bar quiz night winners Quizimodo on 4th September, with Yorkshire Puds in second followed by Party Fears! Huge congratulations to Gaurev Verma on winning the Club night accumulator!
September 11th Quiz Night
Congratulations to our quiz night winners on 11th September, Jacobs Crackers with Quizimodo coming in second, followed by Party Fears in third place!
September 18th Quiz Night
Congratulations to Spike Bar Quiz Night winners Quizimodo on 18th September, followed by Make me Go to Riyadh in second place along with Jacobs Crackers in third!
Photo of Tom Barry & Otto Heisele at the Portugal Masters, Vilamoura. (Sebastian is on the green just behind them!)
You are invited to join Advanced PGA Golf Professional Bryan Smyth and the Dubai Golf Academy at Emirates Golf Club for a complimentary putting event on Friday 20th October. Featuring the launch of the #1 putter on the PGA Tour Taylormade Spider Tour putters, Odyssey O-Works Red Series putters and Scotty Cameron Cameron & Crown range, as well as the leading technology for putting performance, Sam Puttlab, this putting event is the perfect opportunity to take your putting skills to the next level. Date: Time: Location: Price: Equipment:
Friday 20th October 10am – 4pm Majlis Putting Green Complimentary Bring your own putter
Advanced registration is recommended. To register and for more information please contact Bryan Smyth on b.smyth@dubaigolf.com
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Al Dobowi Emirates Mixed Amateur Open on Saturday 28th October, 1.00pm Majlis shotgun
ENTRIES ARE OR NOW OPEN F ED S MIX THE EMIRATE EN AMATEUR OP 18 holes Greensomes