Putting In April

Issue # 3

Editor: Paula Savage

April 2014

Editorial, by Paula Savage…..

Well, what a great couple of months of competitions we have had in March and April, I do hope that you were able to participate in some of them and enjoy catching up with the results and photos inside this issue. The month of May is looking just as good, especially with the much anticipated Captains Five Club Challenge on 10th May. Do sign up and be prepared to have some fun. Captain Tejan is organizing some fabulous sponsorship so choose your clubs wisely.

As editor of this newsletter I do take my role very seriously and make sure I regularly visit each and every outlet here at Dubai Creek on a regular basis, so that I can report back to you the Members!

My mission this month was to check out Cielo Sky Lounge and Casa de Tapas and what a wonderful experience it turned out to be – catch up with my review inside plus all the Dining Promotions taking place during April and May. However, the downside to all this foodie market research is the effort I have to put in to maintain my enviable model like figure (?!) See the article below to discover my secret. Remember – no pain, no gain!

This month will also see the start of a new feature spotlighting our fabulous Golf Pros, hope you enjoy getting to know them better or even taking advantage of their expertise and take a lesson or two. Jack Nicholas famously once said “Don’t be too proud to take a lesson. I’m not”. If it’s good enough for Jack, it just may work for you!

Thought for the month: Please remember your three R’s – Repair (pitch-marks and divots), Rake (bunkers) and Respect your course and your fellow golfers.

That’s all from me for this issue, enjoy the read and have a good month. Until next time…..

PS: The Savage Gardener (Neil Taylor) is on holiday this month, but will return in the next issue!

Introducing Fit Lab. Hands up if you didn’t even know we had a gym here? Allow me to introduce to you our fitness experts Ashleigh Pawley and Lamar Ellison. Both are highly qualified personal trainers who can design personalized fitness programmes to help you reach your goals, whether it be weight loss, better flexibility, strength and core conditioning or general well-being. The Fit Lab gym has state of the art facilities and Ashleigh and Lamar are always on hand to help guide you through the equipment to get the most out of your exercise. And then after your workout you can relax and recover in the sauna/steam room in the changing rooms to ease out those aches and pains.

Getting to know you…..

The Locker Room Girls and Boys do a fabulous job every day of the week making sure all areas are kept clean, tidy and well stocked. Not an easy job during our busy weekend shotguns but they manage it so efficiently and always with a smile – and a song from the girls. It’s also wonderful to be able to put on clean golf shoes every day! Thank you Roel, Dexter, Ferdie, Bernard, Gerlie, Sheila and Jane.

Ladies Locker Room News

Wednesday 12th March – high winds and blustery conditions did not put off the field of 25 ladies battling it out for the March JW Marriott Monthly Medal title and valuable Order of Merit points. Many congratulations to Yumiko Inoue who took top honours with a tremendous net 68 to win by 2 clear shots from Daniela Sacchini in 2nd place and Kuson Waimer in 3rd place. On course prizes were won by Naema Maya with best gross (83) and nearest the pin on hole 5, whilst Angie Southgate and Mini Philip also collected on course prizes for nearest the pin on 14 and straightest drive on 12 respectively. This win catapults Yumiko into second place on the Order of Merit whilst Daniela’s 2nd place sees her back at the top of the leader board with a clear 32 points after 3 events. Well done Ladies, and many thanks to JW Marriott Marquis for their very generous sponsorship of this event.

The Future Generation Creek Juniors Thursday 20th March 2014 saw the 3rd event in the 2014 Dubai Duty Free Junior Medal Championship played over 9 holes for those all important order of merit points. Jai Bhalla put in a fantastic performance and went under par to claim his first victory of the series with a score of 28.5.

Another great performance came from young Samuel D’Souza who finished just half a shot behind Bhalla on 29 to win the Boys Division. Katherina Nielsen performed extremely well in her debut event and won the girls division after a round of 33.

Aryan Chordia took the best gross prize for his solid round of 2 over par 37. Aryan Chordia also picked up a prize for his tee shot on the par 3, 5th in the nearest the pin competition there whilst Champion Jai Bhalla did the same on the par 3 8th. Many thanks as always to George Horan and his team at Dubai Duty Free for all of their support. It’s a pleasure to see all of the juniors doing so well and really revelling in the competition and atmosphere that this series has produced.

Spotlight on Craig Waddell I think we would all agree that we are incredibly lucky here at the Creek to have such great teaching professionals. Friendly to everyone on and off the course, these guys go a long way for being responsible for the great atmosphere we enjoy here. Most of them grew up playing competitive golf against each other back in Scotland and also did their PGA training together many years before moving to the Middle East. The fact they have all known each other for so long obviously makes for a happy working environment and is definitely reflected in the service they all provide.

I thought it would be good to get to know our Professionals a little better and so have started this new monthly feature with Craig Waddell. Born in Edinburgh, Craig joined us here at Dubai Creek in 2011 after spending four years at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club where he was Head Academy Professional, overseeing all the academy operations, running members events, as well as teaching. Since joining Dubai Creek, as well as helping so many individuals improve their game, Craig has been particularly instrumental in helping to progress the Ladies Section both on the main course and at the Academy, for which we ladies are hugely grateful.

PS: Craig, at what age did you take up golf?

CW: My first game of golf was at a course called Edzil back in Scotland at the age of about six although my first memories of golf were running about the practice putting green at Carnoustie Golf Club with my father and grandmother when I was about four.

PS: Where do you consider as your home course?

CW: I played all my amateur golf at Glencorse Golf Club near Edinburgh and when I turned professional I was based at the Braid Hills Golf Centre, also in Edinburgh.

PS: How old were you when you first broke Par and on which course?

CW: The first time I broke par in competitive golf was at Duddingstone Golf Club where I shot 2 under. I think I was about 16 at the time although my lowest score for 9 holes actually came in a bounce game when I was 13 and I shot 27 (-5). The first time I broke par in a professional event was in the Scottish PGA qualifying event at Crief Golf Club where I shot 3 under par.

PS: How old were you when you turned professional and which tour did you play?

CW: After school I studied for a few years then decided to go down the golf route. I turned professional when I was 21 and completed my PGA training a couple of years later. When back home I played mainly on the Tartan Tour.

PS: When did you decide to become a teaching pro?

CW: As soon as I realised I wasn’t going to make it onto the big stage! Teaching was always the plan and I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in some great clubs where I have met some fantastic people and hopefully improved some swings along the way.

PS: Who is your dream four ball?

CW: When I’m back in Scotland I always look forward to playing golf with my father, brother and one of my close friends Michael McAllen. There is always plenty of banter flying about and we usually end up having close matches.

PS: Which is your favourite golf course?

CW: I have two - Royal Dornoch and Carnoustie Golf Club both in Scotland.

Dornoch is a fantastic test of traditional Scottish links golf and Carnoustie is just an awesome course that will always have a place I’m my heart. My favourite courses in the Middle East are Yas Links, Abu Dhabi National and, of course, Dubai Creek!

PS: Which is your favourite club in your bag?

CW: I’ve always been a fairly decent driver of the ball and with modern club technology improving all the time I feel most comfortable with the long stick in hand.

PS: What is the best piece of advice for all us amateur golfers?

CW: Be realistic in your goals. Many amateurs I teach have over ambitious expectations as to what they can achieve on the course. Most golfers are never happy unless they hit every green in regulation or drive the ball 290 down the middle of the fairway. Golf is not like that and we must be realistic in our goals in order to achieve them.

March Round Up – Congratulations to all our winners and competitors alike Mashreq Monthly Medal

Falcon Thursday

Baniyas Trophy

Audi Creek Men’s Back to Black.

Winner, George Akhras, Miki Mirza (Div A), Barry Henderson (Div B), Max Burrow (Gross), Ara Nakhnikian (Sen Div), Glory Xavier (Ladies)

Al Badia v Dubai Creek. With a home first leg lead of 9pts to 5, the return leg of this tournament saw a very confident Creek Team head over to our neighbours at Al Badia. And I’m happy to report we didn’t disappoint. An 8-4 victory on the day now sees the Creek team with an overall points tally of 17 – 9. A fun and friendly atmosphere was enjoyed all day long by both teams ending with a fabulous evening of food and entertainment and a pool tournament against the Al Badia Pros and team members, which the Creek Team also won!

Winner, George Akhras, Miki Mirza (Div A), Barry Henderson (Div B), Max Burrow (Gross), Ara Nakhnikian (Sen Div), Glory Xavier (Ladies)

Winner, Bayhaan Lakdawala on a count back from Michael McGinley with John Fellingham in 3rd place.

Ladies Club Championship

The Club Championship is the biggest event of the year and this year the Ladies, Men’s and Junior championships were held separately for the first time. The Ladies event was first, and the event boasted a strong field all competing over the 36 hole stroke play event in the hope of victory.

Round 1: A solid day one performance with a 9 over par 80, from former Dubai Creek Ladies Amateur Open Champion, Henna Jodha saw her take the overnight lead by two shots from Kuson Waimer and by 4 over regular contender, Naema Maya. Young Aashka Desai also performed well to post an opening round of 86, along with Jayshree Gupta who finished with 87 to keep themselves in contention going into the final round.

Round 2: Henna got off to a shaky start on day 2 but displayed great nerve and determination to hold off some strong competition from her challengers and closed out with a 2nd round 82, and a 2 day total of 162, to be crowned the 2014 Dubai Creek Ladies Club Champion. A very respectable 2 day total of 166 from Naema Maya saw her take the runner up spot. Mini Philip produced a fantastic net total score of 139 over both days to take the net division title. H H Choi finished just one behind Philip with a net total of 140 to finish runner up.

Men’s Club Championship

This 2 day, 36 hole event which is the most prestigious event of the year in the Men’s club calendar, saw well over 90 players competing for the honour of 2014 Club Champion.

Round 1: Friday afternoon shotgun in somewhat testing conditions - rain and wind providing an additional challenge for scoring on the day. Four time Champion Miki Mirza put on a superb display, shooting a 3 under par 68 to put him in pole position with a 4 shot lead over Edoardo Galeppini, whilst the 2012 Men’s Club Champion Bayhaan Lakdawala was one shot further back. With less than 9 shots separating the top of the table, and such a collection of talent, round 2 was certain to provide a dramatic finish.

Round 2: Sunshine replaced the rain from day 1, but strong, gusting winds on day 2 dried up the greens and provided very tough scoring conditions for the final round. Would Mirza be able to hold off the challengers and claim his 5th Dubai Creek Club Championship title? Lakdawala started strongly and followed a bogey on the 6th with a birdie on the 7th. Mirza was unable to get up and down in the 7th and finished with a bogey, and the lead was down to 2, which is how it stayed at the turn. Galeppini struggled over the front 9 and fell out of contention. Mirza had a 1 shot lead into the final 4 holes. Par’s on 15 and 16 from both players would mean that it would go down to the wire over the traitorous last 2 holes at Dubai Creek. Mirza found the fairway bunker off the tee on 17 and could only manage to put it into the greenside bunker, whilst Lakdawala found the edge of the green.

Mirza made almost his first error of the day and hit his bunker shot through the green and into the hazard, carding a 7, whilst Lakdawala stepped up and rattled in his birdie shot, which meant a 4 shot swing.

Lakdawala was now stood on the 18th with a two shot lead. Both hit perfect drives, Lakdawala on the left side and Mirza on the right side of the fairway. Mirza was to play first and came up slightly short of the green but cleared the water. At this point Lakdawala knew that a pair would be enough for victory. He hit a solid iron shot and was pin high but 25 feet right. A solid 2 putt from Lakdawala earned him victory by 3 shots after Mirza failed to make par. Lakdawala put on a superb display of golf in testing conditions and finished with a two day level par total of 142, and was crowned the 2014 Dubai Creek Men’s Club Champion. With Mirza finishing runner-up with a two day total of 145, it was Dino Varkey who took 3rd after rounds of 75 and 76 for a total of 151. Despite the Club Championship being a gross competition there was also a chance for prizes in the net category. Haridas Kondath took top honours there with rounds of 70 and 74 for a 2 over par total of 144. Arshad Waheed was runner up in the division, just one shot back on 145 with round of 74 and 71. Although he didn’t quite manage to contend for the title Edoardo Galeppini took the best gross prize for day 1 for his solid round of 73, whilst young Rayhaan Thomas took the same for day 2 after his round of 76.

A special prize was awarded to Dubai Creek Vice Captain, Joseph Ghossoub, who had his first ‘Hole In One’ on the par 3 8th on Day 1.

Indulge at the Creek Dining Promotions in LakeView during April and May Sunday – Curry Night and Live Sport Monday – Mexican Night with live music from Emmanuel Tuesday – Asian Buffet plus music from Party Pete Thursday – Seafood Buffet and BBQ Friday – Meat Me at LakeView Saturday – Around the World plus music from Party Pete Friday/Saturday – Breakfast buffet

Cielo Sky Lounge is an exciting new venue which you have to access via an elevator – very VIP! The fabulous white theme of this lounge gives a very Mediterranean feel and the views from the terrace over the Dubai Creek and Burj Khalifa are truly spectacular. This is the place to chill out after work or meet up with friends for drinks and a selection of hot and cold tapas whilst soaking in the sensational sunset. Then, come 10pm every night of the week, Cielo transforms into a high energy Sky Lounge with music and performances from local and international big name celebrity DJs until the early hours of the morning.

If you are looking for something a little quieter after your sundowner; downstairs is the new and very authentic Spanishthemed Casa de Tapas. Replacing the Aquarium down at the Marina, this rustic Bodega style restaurant offers an extensive menu of over 70 dishes, featuring such Spanish favourites of hot and cold tapas plus several different Paellas, ideal for sharing, with a wide selection of wines, sangrias and Spanish & Latin inspired cocktails. With the expertise of genuine Spanish chefs and Spanish speaking staff, Casa de Tapas means a real taste of Spain has come to the middle of Dubai Creek! Open 7 days a week from 6pm weekdays and 12 noon on Fridays and Saturdays. Live bands play Latin and Spanish music every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, whilst 13 TV screens ensure you don’t miss out on your favourite live sporting events.

Members discount applies, so why not transport yourself to Madrid or Barcelona, right here at the Marina!

And Finally……

Dining Promotions in Legends during April and May

Wine Tastings will be held on 24th April, 29th May and 19th June. These fabulous evenings consist of a four course set menu, glass of sparkling wine on arrival, glass of wine in pairing with each course plus the expertise of a key note speaker, all for the exceptional value of AED 320. An evening not to be missed.

sadly this month we have to say au revoir to both Christelle Pourcel (LakeView) and Theodora Esanou (Legends). Theodora will return to France to hopefully pursue her hopes to join an overseas charity programme, whilst Christelle will take up a post with the Ritz Carlton in Oman. We wish both these lovely ladies good luck and much happiness in their new adventures. We will miss you!