Editor: Paula Savage
Autumn - Issue # 10
Editorial, by Paula Savage….. Welcome to the new golfing season. Hopefully you had a good summer, whether you braved it here in Dubai or travelled further afield. The good news is the heat and humidity is easing and winter is on its way. Congratulations to Matthew Perry and his team with the work they have put in to the golf course over the summer months, and with the overseeding taking place at the moment, we will soon be seeing and enjoying the benefits of all this hard work. Despite the heat of the summer, competitions did continue here at Dubai Creek as you will see from our golfing round up. There have been plenty of changes happening over the summer both inside the Club and with personnel in the various departments. The splendid new look Lakeview has reopened, with the extended terrace area due to open shortly. All the food and beverage outlets have some exciting promotions for the coming months, and the festive season is almost upon us, so I do hope you will take advantage and enjoy the social side of the Club. The new golfing season brings a packed calendar of competitions so be sure to check with reception or on the website and sign up for some fun, competitive golf. I look forward to seeing you out on the fairways enjoying a cooler round of golf, play well, until next time.
Hole in Ones
31st July - Congratulations to our Vice Club Captain, Patrick Morrow, on his hole in one on the 16th here at Dubai Creek using his 6-iron. Pat tells me it’s his first hole in one in 43 years of playing this game – so there’s hope for us all! (But I thought he was only 35?)
29th August - Congratulations to three times Dubai Creek Seniors Open Champion John Fellingham on making his second hole-in-one on the tough 8th hole using his trusty 7-iron! It’s John’s third hole-in-one, having also aced the 16th here - well done John, hope the skins money paid off the bar bill!
Happy Nappy News from our Pros Many congratulations to our Pro Jack Woods and his wife Chantal on the arrival of their first baby. Oliver George Woods was welcomed into the world on 29th August, weighing in at 8lb/3.6kg. No doubt Dad, Jack, has already got Oliver signed up as a Tottenham season ticket holder – good luck with that Oliver!!
Getting to know you….. Cennydd Mills, our new teaching Pro down at the Academy. Cen has joined us from the Ridgeway Golf Club, Cardiff, he has played on several different professional tours as well as our own MENA tour. He has also had the honour to represent Wales at every level of amateur golf. Cen tells me he doesn’t have much of a singing voice, but I’m yet to meet a Welshman who can’t sing – guess we’ll just have to wait until the members party to decide for ourselves! Andrew Walls recently joined Dubai Creek as the new Sport and Leisure Executive in the gym. Hailing from Dundee in Scotland, Andrew has been a personal trainer and sports coach for over 10 years, 6 of which were here in Dubai. As well as offering PT sessions to help you achieve your health and fitness goals, Andrew is currently working on developing a golf specific training program designed to improve player’s game – whatever your ability level. More details to follow. Mark Bautista, from the Philippines, is the new bar supervisor for Lakeview – and is a man of many talents! Mark is a Flair bartender (think Tom Cruise in the movie Cocktail!) and is representing The Creek in Singapore this month in the Asia versus the World Flair bartending/mixology competition! Can’t wait to see him in action – wonder if he’ll let me have a go?!
Golf Round Up Dubai Golf Summer Series 2015 Saturday 7th June saw the first round of the Summer Series held at Dubai Creek. The series consists of four fixtures alternating between Dubai Creek and Emirates Golf Club. The stableford format always produces some fun competition and despite the ever increasing summer conditions this opening event was a huge success boasting a full field of over 80 players. Getting off to a flying start with a superb performance was EGF member Ghazi Aurangzeb who carded an amazing 44 points to claim top honours. Finishing closely behind Ghazi in 2nd place with an equally impressive 42 points was Emirates Golf Club lady member Sandra Chia. Best gross prize went to Dubai Creek member Max Burrow, who made a solid gross score of 31 points.
OMA Emirates Creek Pairs Series Friday 17th July Despite the hot and humid conditions, many of our Creek members and their guests turned out to enjoy the popular OMA Emirates Creek Pairs which started earlier in the year. As always the format was Pairs Betterball Stableford with a ¾ course handicap allowance. It was the all Creek members team of Russell Yoemans and Simon Earl who came out on top after their solid performance scoring 38 points. Losing out by just a single point and finishing in the runner-up position with a score of 37 was Creek member Paul Woutersen and his guest Lyndon Richards. The third place position was tied on 36 points and so was decided by countback which in the end was won by Creek members Ishwar Jodha and Dhruv Chopra.
Titleist Dubai Creek Red Hot Open Saturday 25th July was the Titleist Dubai Creek Red Hot Open. This popular event is in its fourth year and is played from the shorter red course allowing both males and females to compete from the same tees and providing a very different challenge. Creek member Bharat Godkhindi came out on top after firing an amazing 43 stableford points to win by two points over Dubai Creek’s men’s Vice-Captain Pat Morrow. Pat, however, won the Men’s division beating Gary Swan and Fraser Dawson who managed 40 and 39 points respectively. In the ladies division it was Anushka Bhargava who scored 40 points to claim the trophy and beat into the runner-up spot her younger sister Eshna who made 35 points. The junior division champion was Creek junior club champion Aarkesh Bhatia who shot a gross 68 to make 40 points. Kabir Nanda finished second with 36 points.
Mashreq Monthly Medal Championship Saturday 1st August saw the eighth event of the year taking place at Dubai Creek - the July and August events are always extra special as it allows all Dubai Golf (Dubai Creek and Emirates Golf Club) members to compete together and win points in their respective order-of-merits. The popular medal event enjoyed another large field of players despite the hot summer weather. The champion on the day was new member Paul Khoo who fired a superb net score of four-under par 67 to win by three strokes over junior Alex Nielsen who scored a 70 to win the Men’s A Division. The runner-up in the same division was Jignesh Sangani who shot level-par 71. In Men’s Division B it was popular member Mike Estafanous who claimed top spot with 77 beating Zoff Khan by a single shot. The best gross score of the day was a 72 by Michael McGinley. The winner of the ladies category was young Kavita Sehmi who is back in Dubai for the summer after being in the States on a golfing scholarship. Winning the Senior’s Division was Pradeep Havaldar who scored 76.
Dubai Golf Summer Series 2015 Saturday 15th August The third out of four fixtures in the Dubai Golf Summer Series took place at the Creek on Saturday 15th August. Another full field of 100 players braved the hot summer conditions and it was promising junior golfer Miss Tatyana Mogire who finished on top after scoring 43 stableford points, one ahead of runner-up Aurangzed Ghazi who managed 42 points. Winning on a countback and collecting the prize for third place was Stuart Connor who finished a further shot back on 41 points. Dubai Golf Trophy Amateur Team member Andrew Smolak was on form to win the best gross with 33 points.
OMA Emirates Creek Pairs Series Friday 21st August Winning this month’s event with a superb score of 45 Stableford points was 2014 Men’s Club Captain Tejan Fadlu-Deen and his partner and fellow member Adonis Nasr. Tying for the runner-up spot on 42 points were Francisco Giles and Lee Deakin along with Glory Xavier and promising youngster Asanka White. Finishing a further shot back was the pairing of Vikram Judge and Adhip Shankar.
Dubai Golf Summer Series 2015 - Final Saturday 29th August saw the final leg of the Dubai Golf Summer Series take place over the Faldo course producing some excellent scoring despite the high humidity and mercury level. The two standout performers were Stuart Murray (Emirates Golf Federation) and Tatyana Mogire (Emirates Golf Club) both firing rounds of 46 stableford points, however, it was Tatyana who took first place winning on a countback with a better back nine. EGF member Ashish Arora claimed third place with a superb 44 points. Best gross of the day went to youngster Suvansh Arora who carded a level par 72. The Order of Merit for the whole Summer Series (best three scores to count) was won by Ghazi Aurangzeb from the Emirates Golf Federation who produced rounds of 44 points, 37 and 42 for a 123 point tally. Runner-up place went to Ashish Arora who played in all 4 events, producing scores of 38, 35 and 44 for a 117 total.
September Monthly Medal The September 2015 monthly medal is particularly special since it is part of the Luckiest Ball on Earth initiative run by the European Tour. This means that the winner will join other September medal winners from all over the UAE to battle for a place in the Pro-Am at the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November. A field of nearly 100 golfers turned out to play and the champion for this month was junior member Aashaka Desai who’s net score of 1-under par 70 won on a count-back over Kate Duffy who collected the prize for ladies category winner. Men’s Division B for the 15-28 handicappers was won by Abdul Meeran who scored 71 and won by a single shot over Praveen Kalia. There was a tie at the top of Men’s Division A and after the count-back it was young Kabir Nanda who beat into second place Dhruv Chopra after both players finished on 72. The best gross score of the day was a 72 by Max Burrow and the Senior Division winner was won by Dave Gowans who scored a solid level par 71.
Dubai Duty Free Medal Championship Thursday 24th September Samuel De Souza climbed a few places on the board after a superb performance and a winning score of 29.5, which saw him lift this month’s title. Toby Bishop claimed the Boy’s Division title in his 1st event of the series with a score of 32.5. Scoring was very tight on the day with all of the juniors performing very well. Finishing just behind Toby was Ayub Sethi, who was home in 33 to take the Boy’s runner up spot. Kabir Nanda was amongst the winners again this month and picked up exactly where he left off winning the best gross prize after making a solid level par 35. Aashaka Desai also got back to winning ways and claimed the Girl’s Division prize with a superb 2 under par 33. As well as gaining some valuable experience from a competitive atmosphere, there was also a prize available for the best JDP performer. This was won by 8 year old Mousa Shannah who showed great promise in his performance with a score of 28.
OMA Emirates Creek Pairs Friday 25th September Producing another fine performance and continuing somewhat of a dominance in this event was the team of Warren Panting and Vanessa North. The pair produced another winning performance and finished with a total of 42 points to pick up their 4th title in this event series. There were plenty of good performances throughout the field and the scoring was very tight. So tight in fact that the team of Jamal Saab and Bilal Belaid, who finished runners-up on the day, did so only by way of count back after they finished with a total of 42 points as well. Dubai Creek Lady Captain Harini White and her son Asanka also showed great teamwork and put in a great performance to finish in 3rd place with a team score of 40 points. Michael McGinley had his eye on the target yet again and claimed the nearest the pin prize on the par 3 8th hole, and fellow Dubai Creek member Stephen Barker did the same on the par 3 16th.
Big Brands Ladies Medal Wednesday 30th September Getting off to a flying start and producing a superb performance was Vijaya Brahmachary, who claimed top spot in this launch event with a 2 under par 69. Glory Xavier was also back to winning ways. With an eagle on the scorecard, Glory finished with a score of 71 to claim 2nd place. Daniella Sacchini picked up exactly where she left of before the summer break, continuing a fine run of form in the series and finished in 3rd place after a round of 71 also, after narrowly missing out on 2nd place on a count back to 2nd place winner Glory. Naema Maya produced arguably the finest performance of the day, also adding an eagle to her scorecard on her way to making a 78 to claim the Best Gross prize.
Mashreq Medal Championship Saturday 3rd October Mark Bishop got back to winning ways and claimed top honours in this month’s event after a solid round and 4 under par net 67. In the Men’s A Division Adhip Shankar and Patrick Morrow also produced great performances on the day, however it was Shankar who prevailed by 3 shots with a fantastic 1 under par 70. The same 3 shot winning margin was also seen in the Men’s B Division with Ashok Kumar, who narrowly missed out on the overall prize by 1 shot, carding a superb 3 under par 68 swooping the winning prize. Jamal Bin Marghoob claimed the division’s runner-up prize with a solid level par 71. Michael McGinley was almost without fault and carded a 2 over par round of 73 to pick up the Best Gross prize. George Varghese finished with a 1 over par 72 to claim the Senior Division, whilst Glory Xavier produced a level par 71 to clinch the Ladies Division. Bilel Belaid, Adhip Shankar, Mark Jolliffe and Imran Qayyum all made birdies and were the 2’s club winners on the day.
Jaermann & Stübi Dubai Creek Seniors Open 9th and 10th October The players set out on a Friday afternoon all in hope of a solid round to put themselves in contention ahead of day 2. No more so than Dubai Creek member and reigning champion of three years, John Fellingham who was looking for a 4th consecutive victory. Final round: With 18 holes of the challenging Dubai Creek course to be played and just 4 shots separating the top 4 players, there was everything to play for in the final round. Things were still very close at the turn, but Larsen had managed to open up a 2 shot lead. On the back 9 Larsen gradually opened up his lead even more, eventually coming out on top by 6 shots after another superb round of 73, bringing his 36 hole total to 146 (+4). After a final round of 76, Gowans finished with a total 152 (+10), closely followed by Fellingham and Judge who were both 8 shots back on 154 (+12). In the net division it was Hyo Choong Kim who stormed to victory after a stunning final round of 63, bringing her two day total to a very impressive 131 (-11). In second and third position, George Varghese and Aziz Al Hakim both finished with very credible net 68’s to finish with totals of 138 (-4) and 140 (-2) respectfully.
OMA Emirates Creek Pairs Friday 16th October The format of the OMA Emirates Creek Pairs gives the members a great chance to play and socialize with fellow members of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. The pairing of Ashok Sindhu & Suresh Shewakramani got back to winning ways with a superb betterball stableford score of 45 points!! There were plenty of good performances throughout the field and the scoring was very tight. So tight in fact that the team of Anish Bhatia & Swati Singh, who finished runners-up on the day, did so only by way of a count back over the 3rd placed team David Gowans & Joy Lirio. Both teams managed a very respectable score of 42 points, a fantastic score for Gowans & Lirio who were playing in their first ever competition together! The nearest the pin prize on the 8th hole was won by Dubai Creek’s previous Lady Captain, Paula Savage. Fellow Dubai Creek member Sami Eldin also did the same on the par 3 16th.
Dubai Creek UAE PGA Pro-Am Monday 19th October On the 19th October, 108 players set out on a hot Monday afternoon for the Dubai Creek UAE PGA Pro-Am. Dubai Creek Golf Professional, Cennydd Mills, and his team of Owain Mills, Khalifa Al Masaood and Graham Pascal, came out as winners. Mills and his team thought they managed to get to the magical -13, after Pascal made a gross birdie on their final hole, however his +2 handicap and high stroke index of their final hole; meant his birdie turned into a net par. This event is something Dubai Creek would like to do on an annual basis, and so look forward to hosting the event once again next year!
Big Brands Ladies Monthly Medal Wednesday 21st October A field of 16 ladies ventured out on to the Championship Course here at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club for October’s edition of the Big Brands Ladies Monthly Medal. Despite being towards the end of the month, the weather still had very much of a summer feel, with temperatures and humidity levels high for this time of year. Scoring however, was still very good, with Haide Wright leading the way after an impeccable level par net round of 71. This level par round, ensured a 2 shot winning margin over fellow Dubai Creek member, Daniella Sacchini. In third place, a further 1 shot back, after a net score of 74, was Kuson Waimer. Playing partner Glory Xavier also managed to swoop a major prize, winning the best gross with a score of 87. Both Waimer and Xavier added more prizes to their group, with Waimer picking up the longest drive on the fourth hole, and Xavier the nearest the pin on the eighth.
Lakeview to Re-Open in the Heart of the Creek
Special Events at Lakeview
Don’t miss one of our special theme night buffets Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Man Up! It’s Guys Night Out Juke Box Hump Day in Heels Quiz Night featuring Big Rossi Finally It’s Thirstday! Friday Spirit Jack of All Trades
For more information please call Lakeview on +971 4 295 6000 or email creekdining@dubaigolf.com
Upcoming Members Events NOVEMBER 2015
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club has now re-launched the new Lakeview, restaurant located at the iconic Dubai Creek Golf Clubhouse, following an extensive refurbishment which includes innovative themed nights, cider garden and live entertainment. The modern space, designed entirely in neutral earth tones, now offers guests intimate indoor surroundings and a stunning terrace, overlooking Dubai Creek and the championship golf course. A chic European influence runs throughout Lakeview with a historic 900 year olive tree transported all the way from Italy taking centre position, alongside the cider garden, which serves 15 different brews. Dinners offer an innovative selection of themed buffet menus throughout the week, which will feature international cuisine, signature favourites and a live BBQ. Lakeview will also offer 14 types of shisha, alongside its contemporary drinks menu and cider garden. Lakeview’s live entertainment schedule is set to offer something for everyone, with a signature themed night being held every day. With its unique, hidden setting and relaxed ambience, Lakeview offers convenient escapism in a vibrant and accessible location for all of the family. Opening Times: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Sunday - Saturday, 6.30am - 2am A la carte, Sunday - Thursday, 6.30am - 11am Buffet, Friday and Saturday, 6.30am - 10.30am A la Carte served daily from 11.30am - 7pm Themed night buffet dinner served daily from 7pm - 11pm from just AED 125 per person
Thu 5th Junior Medal Championship Tee Times Sat 7th Medal Championship 12.45pm Sgn Wed 11th Ladies Strokeplay Tee Times 19th - 22nd Nov - Dubai World Championship, Jumeirah Golf Estates Fri 27th Creek Pairs 12.45pm Sgn
DECEMBER 2015 Sat 5th Wed 9th Sat 12th Thu 17th Fri 18th Fri 18th Sat 19th
Medal Championship Ladies Strokeplay Captain’s Day Junior Medal Championship Junior Par 3 Event Creek Pairs Generations Day
12.45pm Sgn Tee Times 12.45pm Sgn Tee Times 9am & 11am Sgn 12.45pm Sgn 12.45pm Sgn
Have you downloaded the official Dubai Golf App? It is a great way to easily view comprehensive course information, GPS positioning, digital scorecard and many more useful features for both Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club that are easy to use and interactive! Available to download in the App Store and Google Play
Free Consultation and Personal Training Session with Andrew Walls Fit Lab at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club are offering members a free consultation and personal training session with Andrew Walls. This offer is valid until the end of December for all Golf and Fit Lab members. For more information and to book your sessions, please contact Andrew on 050 101 3927 or Fit Lab at Dubai Creek on +971 4 205 4567, email fitlab@dubaigolf.com.
This is why we offer not one but two brunches on Fridays! Join us between 12 noon to 3.30pm for our Friday Brunch or visit from 7pm to 10.30pm for our Evening Brunch. Our Legendary Brunch offers an endless starter and dessert buffet along with your selection from the a la carte menu, with a choice of seating inside or on the terrace overlooking the Dubai Creek. Happy hour is available from 3.30pm to 5.30pm AED 275 for food and soft beverages AED 395 for food and selected beverages AED 440 for food and sparkling AED 595 for food and preium bubble AED 85 for children between 7 and 12 years For reservations please contact Legends at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club on +971 4 295 6000 or email creekdining@dubaigolf.com
Join the festive fun
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is happy to announce a range of festive experiences. Everything from an intimate festive gathering to welcoming the New Year in our impressive surroundings – even lending you a culinary hand at home, we guarantee festivities you’ll savour. • Indulge in an elegant seasonal celebration across Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club • Enjoy our festive family brunches at Boardwalk, Legends and Lakeview • Treat yourself to our culinary delights at home with our takeaway turkey and festive menu • Welcome 2016 in style with our spectacular New Year’s Eve packages For more information or to make a reservation, please contact +971 4 295 6000 or email: creekdining@dubaigolf.com, www.dubaigolf.com Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is happy to announce a range of festive experiences. Everything from an intimate festive gathering to welcoming the New Year in our impressive surroundings – even lending you a culinary hand at home, we guarantee festivities you’ll savour.
Extra Large Holes on the Palm Par 3 Course • Indulge in an elegant seasonal celebration across Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
• Enjoy our festive family brunches at Boardwalk, Legends and Lakeview Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club have now made playing the game of golf even more fun with the introduction of • Treat yourself to our culinary delights at home with our takeaway turkey festive extra large golf holesand to the Palmmenu Par 3 course. • Welcome 2016 in style with our spectacular New Year’s Eve packages
The Par 3 course at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is already renowned as one of the best introductory courses in
For more information or to make a reservation, please +971 295 6000 creekdining@dubaigolf.com, thecontact region and the4 addition ofor theemail: new holes 15 inch holes, that are overwww.dubaigolf.com three times larger than a standard golf hole, mean that the course is now even more accessible to beginners and younger players learning the game.
The standard 4¼ inch holes are still available, ensuring a great course for more experienced golfers to practice their short game. These holes will be indicated by a white and black flag with the new larger holes clearly indicated by a yellow flag. Golfers can also enjoy a risk and reward style game by playing with both flags and deduct half a point of the score when making a shot in the standard hole. The fully floodlit Par 3 course at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm. For more information and bookings, please call + 971 4 205 4666, email areservations@dubaigolf.com or visit www.dubaigolf.com.