Bizgolf October Issue 2017 by GEC MEDIA GROUP

OCTOBER 2017

GOLF

OASIS

INTERNATIONAL TEAM GOLF:

7TH PRESIDENTS CUP VICTORY FOR THE AMERICANS /38

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OCTOBER 2017 VOLUME 03 ISSUE 01

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47 OFF COURSE

Make a statement off the

course with these luxury products

48 GEAR UP

Hybrids to the Rescue

LEAD STORY

HAIL STORM, SNOW STORM UNPLAYABLE WEATHER? THESE COURSES ARE ALWAYS OPEN!

CORPORATE GOLF

Race for Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup heat up

MORE GOLF

SOCIAL MEDIA

Ron & Adam on the #thelongesthole

GOLFSCAPES

United Arab Emirates

A brief guide on the top courses from the UAE

38 TEE TIME

Justin Thomas seals FedEx Cup and $10m bonus!

42 INDUSTRY UPDATES

Wally Uihlein to retire from Acushnet

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 EDITOR’S NOTE

PUBLISHER & MANAGING DIRECTOR TUSHAR SAHOO COO

The Evolving Game of Golf Dear Readers, We live in an age where technological marvels are achieved on daily basis and we encounter ever-changing technology in almost all facets of our life. Golf is also evolving with industry professionals, golfers, coaches, equipment manufacturers, all incorporating latest tech to perfect their trade. The golf simulators are one such fantastic piece of technology. Due to its variety of features and long list of benefits, it has tremendous appeal to seasoned golfers and newcomers alike. It is also a great way to attract millennials to the sport. Inside, our lead story explains more on this with a buying guide for all price points to assist you in finding the right one for you and your family. In the upcoming issues, we’ll delve further in the world of virtual reality, artifical inteligence and its massive implications on the sport. In the world of corporate golf, we bring your coverage of GEC Open 2017 golf tour that ran several laps and concluded national qualifying rounds in five countries including the prequalifying round in Bengaluru, India in association with Prestige Masters. bizgolf editorial team will also be closely covering the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player at the Gary Player CC in Sun City, South Africa from 9-12 November and we intend to bring you behind the ropes coverage from that one in upcoming issue. There are quite a few topics of interest that we have lined up for you in this issue as well. Read on and feel free to write to us with your views and feedback!

BHARATH ARVIND MANAGING EDITOR VINEET MANN vineet@gecmediagroup.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT NIKITA SHARMA nikita@gecmediagroup.com GUEST WRITER AMAN MISRA LEAD VISUALIZER NEHA DESIGNER AJAY ARYA SUBSCRIPTIONS info@gecmediagroup.com SALES AND ADVERTISING RONAK SAMANTARAY MARKETING DIRECTOR ronak@gecmediagroup.com GLOBAL EVENT SALES SHOUVICK DUTTA shouvick@gecmediagroup.com VIKRAM SINGH vikram@gecmediagroup.com SOCIAL MARKETING & DIGITAL COMMUNICATION YASOBANT MISHRA yasobant@gecmediagroup.com PRODUCTION & CIRCULATION RICHA SAMANTARAY richa@gecmediagroup.com

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 SOCIAL MEDIA

TRENDING CONGRATULATIONS TO RON AND ADAM! YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME. #THELONGESTHOLE

THROWBACK TO A YOUNG RORY MCIILROY

JUST KIRADECH THINGS

2017 BRITISH MASTERS CHAMPION PAUL DUNNE IS A HAPPY CAMPER

JUSTIN THOMAS A REMARKABLE PLAYER, AN INCREDIBLE SEASON

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 LEAD STORY

HAIL STORM, SNOW STORM

UNPLAYABLE

WEATHER? THESE COURSES ARE ALWAYS OPEN! B Y : V I N E E T M A N N & B H A R AT H A R V I N D

olf is probably one of the longest outdoor sports one can play. By long, yes, we mean an 18-hole round could take anywhere from two and a half to five hours amidst some spectacular scenery and in the lap of nature. However, it is also long for the reason that you can play this game well after retirement and still beat a 16-year-old at it! That’s the beauty of this game. For all its positives, golf is also largely dependent on weather conditions and reasonably large spaces. Even the most die-hard golfers or dew sweepers who will weather most condition to sneak a round in, will at some point have to accept what the weather gods dish out. This puts a bit of a dampener on a golfer’s weekend or midweek plans. However, in several countries across the globe, an indoor solution has been prevalent and is immensely popular too. Golf Simulators are a great piece of

technology that bring the experience of playing on a golf course to your home. With an indoor golf simulator, there’s no amount of wind, rain, snow, or lightning that can keep you from honing your game.Of course, you can mimic outdoor conditions on the simulator to factor in wind, rain etc. without physically being exposed to the elements. And not only can you play year-round, but it provides the necessary feedback to help improve your game and prepare you for world-class golf courses throughout the world. Simulators are also a great way of introducing new comers to the sport in a much cost-effective manner. Take India for example where there are over 200 golf courses with half of them owned by the Armed Forces. The rest of them are either part of a real estate development or privately owned exclusive to members. There are only a handful of golf courses

which the general public can easily access. Obviously, this has been a huge deterrent to the growth of the game in the country. The same is true for a lot of countries in the region barring South Korea and Japan where golf is practically a mainstream sport. There are endless combinations of materials and variety of simulators on the market today. You can spend anywhere from $1000 all the way up to $70,000. There isn’t one solution that fits all, and the purpose of this article is to give you an overview of the technologies and products available, the space required and various price points to enable you to make an informed decision should you wish to purchase one. We also caught up with an expert in the field - Hari Natarajan, CEO of Tee Time Ventures (www.teetimeventures.com)- a company focused on providing golf simulator solutions to corporates and organisa-

LEAD STORY OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

ability to play and practice year-round or within the confines of their locale.

Swing Analysis The next important advantage is the player’s ability to see each facet of their swing. Many golf simulators measure: angle of attack, angle of the club face, club head speed, spin, club path (inside out or outside in), and more. These measurements help both students and teaching professionals identify exactly what a player needs to know to improve their swing.

Just for Fun? Not! The advent of “indoor golf centers” that provide simulators for commercial play, bring many competitive and social aspects into the simulated game.

Space Requirements

tions while encouraging newcomers to take up the sport. TTV setup ‘Golfer’s Edge’ pay and play simulators at various locations in India and also works with hotels, corporate campuses and real estate developers to build indoor golfing facilities. TTV is the exclusive distributor of ProTee golf simulator 2.0 in India, Middle-East and Sri Lanka. Pro Tee simulatorsare one of the most advanced golf simulators in the market today with 3D simulation.

Anatomy of a golf simulator A standardgolf simulator systemconsists of a mat, impact screen/net, projector,a simulator and a computer torun the simulator software. Principally, the simulators in the market today, either track ball flight or club head motion. Ball flight is tracked via wavelength (infrared), audio, cameras and/or laser sensors. These instruments serve as a means by which the ball’s flight properties are tracked- launch angle, ball speed and ball direction. Club motion is similarly tracked via

wavelength/optical sensors or other devices such as tethers, cameras, or lasers, which record the speed and direction of the club’s head as well as the impact point of the ball on the club’s striking surface. The data collected is then extrapolated using a physics engine to provide ball flight trajectory and roll according to certain calculated relationships to the ball’s flight performance as per the tracked motion of the ball or club. The modern simulators are capable of accounting for the environmental aspects through which the ball is projected, including terrain, wind, rain and other such influences or obstacles.

Advantages of Golf Simulators Convenience and accessibility The principal advantage of a golf simulator is the ability to conveniently play and practice in a controlled ambience without any pressure, green fees and tee times. For those who live in wintry climes or urban settings, golf simulators offer the

The amount of space required by a golf simulator is also another important factor to consider. There are three separate components here, and each of them is equally important – ceiling height, room width and depth. In terms of ceiling height, 10 feet is a “safe” distance that can accommodate most golfers’ height and swing type. If you are going to have left and right-handed golfers using the simulator, then 15 feet width could be appropriate. The minimum depth of the room you will need is about 18feet. This includes 1 foot from the wall to the screen, 10feet from the screen to the tee, and finally 8feet of safe distance behind the golfer. Please note: If you are using a radarbased system like Trackman you might require as much as 23 feet. This is an area that will be determined by the kind of simulator you are using.Photometric systems like Skytrak and Foresight are measuring from the side of the ball but catering to both left andright-handed golfers playing a round together may become cumbersome, and room depth is not much of an issue. However, Trackman measures from behind the golfer and it needs to track the ball for a minimum of two revolutions in order to get an accurate reading.

Pricing and types of simulators Owning a golf simulator is now within the reach for many golfers due to advancements in technology and cost reductions. However due to the gamut of products available in this segment, we’ll try and identify few of the available options in three price points – Budget, Mid-range and High end.

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 LEAD STORY

Budget Simulators (Below $10,000)

Pro Golf

The P3 ProX Studio Kit from P3 Pro Golf is an affordable simulator that includes software, ball spin data, stance mat, impact screen, HD projector and 132 courses. The P3™ system uses patented technology to allow Professionals, Golf & Country Clubs, Teaching Pros, Businesses and Home Golfers around the world to play golf on a professional Golf Simulator & Swing Analyzer system that gives extremely accurate data of the club before, at, and after impact with the ball.

Pros: • Excellent value for the price • Decent graphics and swing/ball feedback data including spin data • Impact Screen & HD Projector • Full simulation and game play including golf with putting and driving range • 132 Courses

Cons: • Little-known simulator brand • Sensor mat technology

LEAD STORY OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

Pros: • New on the scene with a low-cost simulator • Known for their popular SkyPro swing analyzer club attachment • Connects wirelessly to your iPad via WiFi • Optional upgrades include WGT courses and competitions • Optional upgrades to include TGC courses

Cons: SkyTrak uses high-speed photography to measure the golf ball and provide you with an accurate reading of your ball speed, launch angle, and spin. It connects wirelessly to your iPad via WiFi. Displays accurate launch data and ball flight in real time. The basic SkyTrak unit with practice driving range software is included. For an additional licensing fee of $99.95/ year you receive the SkyTrak Basic Package which includes: Multi Color Shot Tracers, Numeric Display, Long Drive Competi-

tion, Session History, Target Practice, Club Compare, Closest-to-the-Pin, Environmental Controls, Multiple Camera Angles, SkyGolf 360 Cloud Storage and WGT Closest-to-theHole Challenge on WGT Kiawah Island Ocean Course For another $100/year you receive the Play Real Golf package which includes: WGT Full Course Play on 10 WGT Courses WGT Closest-to-the-Hole Challenge on 18 WGT Courses

• Graphics not as good as some other budget launch monitors/simulators • Requires iPad and WiFi • WGT connectivity requires additional upgrade costs • Will need to add hitting mat, screen/ net, protection/enclosures, projector etc. • Will need to constantly move equipment to cater to left and right-handed golfers

Mid-Range Simulators $15,000-$30,000)

GC Quad GCQuad is a camera-based launch monitor that’s easy to set up. It needs just a few feet of space and offers an in-depth look at everything golfers will want to know about their ball flight by analyzing the ball’s movement over an 18-inch stretch. Four high speed, high resolution cameras - Quadroscopic Vision - deliver unprecedented image clarity with each and every shot. The patented Spherical Correlation™ analytics deliver measured values with greater accuracy – indoors or outdoors. Each of the GCQuad’s four lenses are custom designed and precisely aligned to optimize ball and club capture performance, and each are fitted with their own LED light source. Powerful enough to drive the world’s most cutting-edge commercial simulation studios yet small enough for tight residential spaces, the GC2 is as flexible as it is accurate. The GC2 with HMT (Head Measurement Technology) captures club head data through impact.

Pros: • Popular with instructors, fitters and club manufacturers for their launch monitor feedback • Ideal as a system which can alternate between an indoor simulator and an outdoor launch monitor • Very good indoor system for those with limited space • Smart Camera Technology • Low starting price for those who are satisfied with a television monitor over an impact screen, but optional upgrade supports big-screens

Cons: • A modular approach, as opposed to a fully

integrated solution. A variety of disparate parts such as hitting mat, screen, projector, etc. need to be added • Requires purchase of modular options to give club head data, and only so with floor module on both sides • Integrated swing analysis available as an option • Requires golfer to place the ball within a small circumference (6 inches) versus 3 feet with others such as HD Golf, Full Swing Golf, etc. • Limited course library • Must pay an annual license for software and graphics aren’t as good as alternatives • Will need to move equipment to cater to left and right-handed golfers

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 LEAD STORY

Pro Tee

Considered by many to be the industry’s benchmark in terms of overall performance – the ProTee golf simulator offers an exceptional combination of accuracy and impressive software graphics at an initial price point of around $5,000. ProTee has a dual-track tracking system. It tracks both the club and the ball for its simulation. This compares very favourable to other systems that employ only club-tracking or ball-tracking technologies at this particular price point. The ProTee features high-speed optical sensors built into the mat to track club head and ball speed data.The ProTee’s sensor-mat system utilizes 101 sensors that all but guarantees one of the most

accurate and complete swing analyses available. The ProTee measures 17 different elements of every swing. The sensor mat detects club-head speed, swing path, club face angle, sweet-spot position, swing tempo, ball speed and ball path. In addition, based upon these measurements, it calculates ball launch angle and spin rates. The high-speed camera tracks the ball’s trajectory, and when combined with the information from the sensor pad, delivers very realistic ball-flight trajectory. The baseline ProTee golf simulator comes standard with one high-speed camera, but you have the option of adding a second camera that’s mounted vertically to the sensor mat.

Pros: • Dual-track tracking system • Two software packages – the ProTee Golf 2.0 and The Golf Club Simulator Addition • free online play, tournaments, tours and online sharing • 92,000 pre-designed golf courses • Users of ProTee can also play on TruGolf’s impressive E6 game software for an additional cost • ProTee delivers exceptional ball-flight accuracy and swing analysis

Cons: • The Turf top by a brand called ‘fibrebuilt’ is bit of an eyesore

LEAD STORY OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

High End (Over $30,000)

This is the simulator owned and endorsed by Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods. It features the latest in camerabased 3D technology along with state of the art ball tracking, championship courses, and superior performance products. Full Swing is realistic, smooth and provides a precise ball flight in a fluid and real-time environment. It splits the ball and club head duties between two

technologies – High speed cameras and Infrared light waves – to give faster, more precise measurements. Full Swing Golf’s dedicated high speed camera measures ball spin characteristics such as back spin, side spin, and spin axis without extra marking on the ball.At the speed of light, Full Swing’s infrared tracking system actually measures the golf ball’s speed, launch angle, and direction instantly.

Pros: • A high-quality luxury simulator with superior visual quality • Strong brand recognition • Very precise ball flight due to dual ball-tracking technology (high speed cameras/ Ion2 Vision Technology plus infrared light waves) • Optional balance plates • Optional “Swing Catalyst” video swing analysis

Cons: • Top-of-the-line S8 weighs approximately 2,500 pounds

“The Full Swing Golf simulator is the closest thing to being out on the course.”

- Jordan Spieth “Their new technology is impressive, as it allows me to shape my shots the way I want to.”

- Tiger Woods

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 LEAD STORY

Pros:

More than 50 million rounds of golf are played on 25,000 GOLFZON simulators worldwide annually. GOLFZON VISION is the one of the most advanced golf simulators co-developed with tour professionals and golf instructors, and provides the most realistic golf experience. GOLFZON’s 3D graphics technology vividly captures lifelike details of famous golf courses. Sensors accurately measure club and ball movement

to visually project the most natural ball trajectory. GOLFZON GDR provides the most accurate simulation data by using an ultra-high speed dual camera sensor system. The sensor reads the movement of all brands and types of unmarked balls and calculates and shows ball’s trajectory, direction, and spins. A variety of shots, such as draws, fades and pitch shots can be played.

• #1 in worldwide installations • Strong worldwide brand recognition, especially in Asia • Very realistic ball flight including trajectory, direction, spin, draws, fades and pitch shots • Worldwide competitions available virtually any time

Cons: • A focus on the social aspects of simulators, making them more inclined on commercial applications

LEAD STORY OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

tête-à-tête with Hari Natarajan Founder and CEO Tee Time Ventures

learn golf. Through TTV golf has now percolated down to corporate campuses, housing societies, hotels, etc. This also makes golf lessons more affordable and accessible

Why did you set up tee time ventures? TTV was set up with a view to make golf more accessible in India. If you look at countries where the climate does not allow golfing during certain times of the year, simulators are used to keep the golfers and their leagues going. Likewise, in parts of Asia, shortage of space has pushed people to using simulators. In India since access to golf courses islimited, the thought was to leverage technology to bring better access to golf

How different is a simulator than the real thing? It is actually quite close. What a treadmill is to a runner, a simulator is to a golfer. For someone used to playing on a course, it takes a little bit of getting used to playing in a closed environment

How can the concept of indoor golfing help the game grow in the country? Indoor golfing can bring golf to the masses. This de-couples the need for large real estate and dependency on weather and access to golf courses/driving ranges to

Where all have you set up golf simulators? We have worked with real estate developers like Embassy Group, RMZ Group, Salarpuria Sattva, Peninsula, Corporate campuses like Infosys, Cisco, Hotels like Leela Palace, Pubs etc to set up simulators in their properties. More details are available on our website (www.teetimeventures.com).

Why are companies such as Cisco, Infosys are setting up the simulator in their campuses? What kind of response have you got at these establishments? This is great stress buster and also a great employee engagement tool. It also a great opportunity for employees to pick up a new skill while having fun. The response has been great. We have seen a lot of newcomers get comfortable with golf having learnt on the simulators.

Do you think millennials are more inclined towards trying the game on a simulator than on the golf course? Yes. Since this is also a gamified version of the sport, the novelty factor adds to

it along with all the other advantages of golf being accessible. Also from a time stand-point, this saves commute time and also cuts down on the time taken to finish a round. Also, in locations like corporate campuses, clubhouses, hotels, pub etc.,golf is no longer an isolated activity. Golf is now integrated into a multi-activity space combined with other activities like pool/ billiards, gaming etc. The allows a group of people to participate in multiple activities at the same time while allowing a newcomer to try golf in a familiar environment.

Give us an estimate on the number of newcomers that have been introduced to the game via Golfers Edge? Over the last 3 years, we estimate over 5000 people have had an introduction to the game via Golfer’s Edge

What is your plan to market the product and also to introduce more people to the sport, moving forward? We plan on moving forward with our current strategy of working with sectors we already are engaged in and have also started a series of lessons at all our install locations. We are also looking at introducing India’s first Indoor Golf League soon. Should you have further questions or comments, please feel to contact me at hari@teetimeventures.com

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 GOLFSCAPES

UAE:

GOLF OASIS OF THE MIDDLE EAST BY: VINEET MANN

n 2004, when the world watched Tiger Woods hitting drives off the helipad of the world’s tallest hotel, the Burj Al Arab, it ushered in an era for United Arab Emirates as the most prised and preferred golf destination in the world. Home to Dubai Desert Classic, Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and DP World Tour Championship in Dubai amongst several other golf tournaments of stature, UAE attracts a plethora of golf tourists and industry leaders annually. Golf in UAE is gifted with a warm and humid climate, as well as rolling sand dunes; a designer’s dream when fused with a wealth of resources in the region to deliver first class golf experiences. Read on to find out more on this unique ecosystem has helped golf thrive in the UAE over the last 30 years where all seven Emirates offer diverse character and culture ranging from the capital city of Abu Dhabi to the sandy coastline of the northerly Ras Al Khaimah known for Hajar Mountains.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the only true beach front course in the Arabian Gulf. The Troon-managed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club harnesses the stunning natural beauty of Saadiyat to create an unparalleled experience, made all the more rewarding with spectacular views of the Gulf’s glittering blue waters fringed by pristine white sands. The course has been designed with sensitivity to the surrounding natural

environment and in compliance with strict environmental guidelines.Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has been designed to accommodate all levels of golfers and offers each golfer a ‘Member for a Day’ experience with the optimum level of genuine customer service, from personalized lockers and bag tags to those personal touches from international staff. Every hole in this essentially open, links-like environment enjoys its own unique character. If you are not skirting

directly along the beachfront, you may well be playing a hole flanked by one of three lakes. A threatening array of large, stylish, sprawling bunkers also adds to the course’s obvious challenges. Shaped in a figure eight, the course displays different varieties of native grasses, and a liberal scattering of palm trees, although nothing to disturb its dune-like openness.

Course Architect and Designer Gary Player

GOLFSCAPES OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

CLUB MANAGEMENT SPEAKS Initiative to promote the game to the kids Future falcon programs – Number of kids per program approximately 10 Source of Revenue

20%

Membership fee

24%

Catering and F&B

39% 6%

10%

Guest and Green Fee Driving Range Pro Shop

Any other source of revenue

Green Fees

Get in Touch

18 Holes: AED 895 (Friday, Saturday & Public Holidays); AED 695 (Sunday-Thursday) Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends. Must book in advance.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi UAE Phone: +971 (0)2 557 8000 Email:info@sbgolfclub.ae Website:www.sbgolfclub.ae

Fun Fact

Where to Stay?

The golf course and facilities at Saadiyat Beach are managed and operated by Troon Golf, Troon Golf, a world leader in upscale golf course management.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas 5-star Saadiyat Beach, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE. +971 (0)2 407 1234 www.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

Tourist Friendliness No of international visitors in 2016

6450

Initiatives taken by club to promote the club as golf tourist destination involves preferred hotel and tour operator fees with 365 day booking windows allowing full access to book any time Annual professional/ corporate tournaments hosted at the club Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open | PGA Pro-Am

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 GOLFSCAPES

GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

Trump International Golf Club

Opened in February 2017, Trump International Golf Club - Dubai is home to a highly-rated desert-style layout designed by Gil Hanse. Spread over 500 acres, Trump International Golf Club, Dubai has established itself as a distinguishedgolf destination. Features of the design mixed with the desert climate work together to provide a unique golf experience and a true test of the game. The many layers of the course are key to developing play strategy and increasingly unveil themselves as golfers progress through all 18 holes. The designers utilized a massive and cavernous barranca as the backbone of the routing. As players progressin the course, the barranca strategically provides elevation changes and profound views. The rumpled fairways, inspired by the beautiful and natural desert contours, took shape on top of the pure, endemic red sand. The course sits in the middle of the Damac Hills residential development,

complemented by a 30,000-square foot clubhouse- the largest of its kind in Dubai. Overlooking the 9th and 18th greens, the expansive clubhouse offers four high-end restaurants, state-of-the-art gymnasium and a luxurious infinity swimming pool. The development also includes a golf pro shop, offering the latest in equipment and apparel; a golf academy and a double sided driving range, chipping facility and putting greens that emulate the undulations of the course to accurately reflect the challenges that await

Course Architect and Designer Gil Hanse

Green Fees 18 Holes: AED 995 (Friday, Saturday & Public Holidays); AED 895 (Sunday-Thursday) Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends. Must book in advance.

Fun Fact Trump Golf plans to establish a second golf course in Dubai from 2018. Trump International Golf Club - Dubai will be joined by Trump World Golf Club - Dubai, which will be home to an 18-hole championship course designed by Tiger Woods, built by DAMAC Properties and operated by the Trump Golf organisation.

Get in Touch Trump International Golf Club Damac Hills,Al Hebiah Third District, Dubai, UAE Phone: +971 (0)4 245 3939 Email:info@trumpgolfdubai.com Website: www.trumpgolfdubai.com

Where to Stay? Rixos Premium Dubai Jumeirah Beach Residence, The Walk Dubai - United Arab Emirates +971 4 520 0000 premiumdubai.rixos.com

GOLFSCAPES OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

With the tranquility of the impressively wide Dubai Creek bordering one side of the course, and the hustle and bustle of Deira on the other, this well-renowned golf course provides a challenging, scenic and varied golf experience. The overall feel of the course is generally quite open and wide with palms and other small trees dotted around, though never too densely. Flanking the gently rolling fairways are some sizeable (and well-groomed) sandy waste areas as well as occasional water hazards, which also come dangerously into play around half the greens. The island-green par-5 13th is the most water protected hole. Provided the water hazards are avoided, any wayward drives are likely to be findable and playable. The wonderful short par-4 17th and longer par-4 18th get you right alongside the Creek; the 6th actually puts you in it - on a solidly built teeing platform.

With its iconic “dhow-sailed” clubhouse, strong course layout and usually immaculate conditioning, Dubai Creek is a “must play” course for golf visitors to the UAE.

Course Architect and Designer The front-nine was recently and extensively redesigned by Thomas Bjorn in association with European Golf Design.

Green Fees 18 Holes: AED 875 (Friday, Saturday & Public Holidays); AED 770 (Sunday-Thursday) Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends. Must book in advance.

Fun Fact The stunning clubhouse is designed in the shape of the billowing sails of a traditional Arab dhow. The golf course is a member of Dubai Golf - a government owned group of

four courses (including the Emirates Majlis and Faldo courses, Dubai Creek and Almouj in Oman).

Get in Touch Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club PO Box 6302, Deira (near Al Garhoud Bridge), Dubai, UAE Phone: +971 (0)4 295 6000 Email:booking@dubaigolf.com Website:www.dubaigolf.com

Where to Stay? Park Hyatt Hotel 5-star PO Box 2822, Dubai Creek, Dubai, UAE +971 (0)4 602 1234 www.dubai.park.hyatt.com Sofitel City Centre Hotel 4-star PO Box 61871, Deira, Dubai, UAE. +971 (0)4 294 1222 www.sofitel.com

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 GOLFSCAPES

Emirates Golf Club – Majlis Course

GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

The magnificent Majlis Course is a longtime torch bearer of golf in the Middle east. Unlike its sister layout, the also excellent Faldo course, the Majlis is less exposed to the views of the towering skyline of Dubai Media City and Dubai Marina. The course features hundreds of indigenous species of flora and fauna, beautifully complemented by meandering fairways and seven fresh and saltwater lakes.One of the most prominent features on the course is the Majlis building itself positioned between the 8th and 9th holes and a Dubai landmark since 1988. The bunkering hereis excellent, while the greens are large and often prodigiously sloping. Wayward drives may not be too severely punished given the width of the fairways, but beware the presence of water, not least at the par-3 7th, one of the best short holes you’ll play anywhere. With the par-4 9th and par-5 18th skirting either side of a small lake, and both finishing on the same (double) green, you’ll certainly need a

steady nerve on the tee and approach shots at the close of each nine-hole loop. Booking early to play on the Majlis course is strongly advised; it may be one of Dubai’s most expensive courses to play, but it is far and away the most sought after - most certainly the “crown jewel” of Dubai golf.

Course Architect and Designer Karl Litten

Green Fees 18 Holes: AED 1200 (Friday, Saturday & Public Holidays); AED 995 (Sunday-Thursday) Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends. Must book in advance.

Fun Fact Dubbed the ‘desert miracle’, The Majlis course was the first championship grass golf course to open in the Middle East, and is still arguably the best. It is the regular

venue for the Dubai Desert Classic and the first course in the Middle East to host the Ladies European Tour. The very distinctive clubhouse is modelled on an encampment of Bedouin tents, and is home to a superb 5-star restaurant, Le Classique. | The Majlis course takes its name from the arabic word for “meeting place”.

Get in Touch Emirates Golf Club PO Box 24040,Sheik Zayed Rd (Interchange No.5), Dubai, UAE Phone: +971 (0)4 380 2222 Email:egc@dubaigolf.com Website:www.dubaigolf.com

Where to Stay? Burj Al Arab 7-star PO Box 74147, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, UAE +971 (0)4 301 7777 www.burj-al-arab.com

GOLFSCAPES OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

bizgolf ratings GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

Al Hamra Golf Club

CLUB MANAGEMENT SPEAKS Various initiatives taken by club to appeal to millennials • GPS on carts • GCQuad simulator and teaching/ fitting device. • Working with various online booking platforms to get to as many guests as possible • Introduced Foot golf on our par 3 academy course • 9 holes of the championship course is floodlit Technology at Course • GPS units from Visage for distances etc and refreshment ordering on course • GCQuad simulator and teaching/ fitting device

Al Hamra Golf Club is a stay & play venue in Ras Al Khaimah- the most northerly emirate of the UAE. Designed by Peter Harradine, this 18-hole championship layout is laid out close to the shores of the Arabian Gulf. It provides a unique experience of links-style golf in the region. It meanders around a large open sea water lagoon, with four smaller lagoons being integral to the course’s defenses. The gentle elevation changes were created by moving as much as five million cubic meters of sand. The front-nine makes its way out and away from the club house, while the back-nine returns home around the lagoon to the clubhouse. The opening holes on both nines and the difficult par-5 18th are the most dangerously lagoon-flanked holes while several others are skirted by large, sandy waste bunkers. Measuring 7,325 yards at full length, but with five varying tee options, Al Hamra provides a fun and enjoyable test of golf for the seasoned professional or fledgling enthusiast.

Course Architect and Designer Peter Harradine

Green fee

June to September 18 Holes: AED 350 (Friday, Saturday & Public Holidays); AED300 (Sunday-Thursday) October to December 18 Holes: AED 695 (Friday, Saturday & Public Holidays); AED 590 (Sunday-Thursday) Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends. Must book in advance.

Fun Fact Al Hamra Golf Club uses zero pollution floodlights to offer golfers the ability to play into the night. Using a combination of holes from the front-nine and back-nine championship course, a composite 9-hole floodlit course is created.

Engaging through Social Media The club has Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts that are regularly updated with Posts regarding events, results and pictures of the golf course to engage and appeal to guests Tourist Friendliness Our main business comes from the tourist golf and we are set up to accommodate a large number of guests from many different countries. We have as many as four hotels within walking distance including the Hilton Al Hamra and the Waldorf Astoria Annual professional/ corporate tournaments hosted at the club • European Challenge tour event – RAK Challenge • Golf Digest series • World pairs • Xerox corporate series Grand Final

Get in Touch Al Hamra Golf Club Al Hamra Village, Jazirat Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE Phone: +971 (0)7 244 7474 Email: enquiries@alhamragolf.com Website: www.alhamragolf.com

Where to Stay? Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort 5-star Al Jazeerah Street, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. +971 (0)7 244 6666 www.alhamrafort.com

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 GOLFSCAPES

GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

Abu Dhabi Golf Club An oasis of tranquility carved out of the desert, Abu Dhabi Golf Club offers one of the most luxurious golf resort experiences in the Middle East. The 27-hole championship course weaves through undulating terrain that features pockets of palms, ornamental trees and shrubs, as well as seven spectacular saltwater lakes. The par-72, 7,334-yard Championship course provides a toughbut-fair challenge with 18 holes of lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers and generous greens. The 3,299-yard, par-36 nine is more forgiving, making it an enjoyable experience for all players, especially those new to the game. Within the tree-lined perimeter, its often hard to imagine you are playing a desert course. The overall presentation is immaculate. An excellent array of (not overly penal) water hazards, terrific bunkering and fabulous greens provide all the characteristics you’d expect from a top quality European Tour venue. Nicely rolling

fairways are bordered by quite generous amounts of lush, grassy semi-rough - there isn’t really any deep rough to worry about. Each hole has been wonderfully crafted by Peter Harradine, ensuring your round is full of challenge, interest and regular glimpses of the spectacular “swooping falcon” clubhouse. Without doubt, here is one of the golfing jewels in the Emirates crown.

Course Architect and Designer Peter Harradine

Green Fees 18 Holes: AED 895 (Friday, Saturday & Public Holidays); AED 695 (Sunday-Thursday) Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends. Must book in advance.

Fun Fact Abu Dhabi’s Championship course is now the host venue to an annual European

Tour event, the prestigious Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Get in Touch Abu Dhabi Golf Club PO Box 51234, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi UAE Phone: +971 (0)2 558 8990 Email:info@adgolfclub.com Website:www.adgolfclub.com

Where to Stay? Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa 5-star Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, 126797 UAE. +971 (0)2 616 9999 www.westinabudhabigolfresort.com Al Raha Beach Hotel 5-star PO Box 38616, Channel Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE. +971 (0)2 508 0555 www.preferredhotels.com

SWING FOR LIGHT

Reaching the Green is Tough Going Green is simple. OneEarth OneLight aims to leave an environmental and social impact on the urban and rural parts of the world.

OneLight Solar powered | All-weather | Portable source of light | Lightweight | waterproof Provides light for up to 12 hours once fully charged

How can you help?

Individuals Golfers registering in the GEC Open 2017 can purchase OneLight with the proceeds going to a charity of their choice. They can choose to donate the light as well.

Visit gecopen.com/csr for more details Contact: info@gecmediagroup.com

Corporates OneLight is available for bulk purchase for corporates who want to give the gift of light as part of their own CSR programs.

Help make a difference

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 GEC OPEN

RACE FOR THE GEC OPEN 2017

ABU DHABI

he global golf tour hosts qualifying round in Nepal, Dubai, Botswana, Abu Dhabi, South Africa and pre-qualifying in Bengaluru, India The months of September and October saw the GEC Open 2017 golf tour hit as many as five countries in the eastern hemisphere with 14 amateur golfers sealing world final spots. National qualifying rounds were held at Gokarna Golf Resort in Nepal, Phakalane Golf Estate in Botswana, Saadiyat Beach

National qualifying round Winners COUNTRY

WINNERS

Nepal

S u re n d ra P h u ya l | P r i t h v i M a l l a

Botswana

Tu m e lo S i le k a n e | C o ra m M u s h u ta | K a te S e n ye

Abu Dhabi

B l a n ca R i vo l l i e r | A l a i n R i vo l l i e r | A l b e r ta L a g o r i o-Serra

S o u t h A f r i ca

Fre d d y G re a ve r | D o n a l d K h u s e | B u s i K u b a y i

Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, Ruimsig Country Club in South Africa. The Bengaluru leg of the Indian swing of

GEC Open is being organised in association with the Prestige Masters golf tournament at Prestige Golfshire in Bengaluru.

GEC OPEN OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

WORLD FINAL HEATS UP

SOUTH AFRICA

The events witnessed competitive and gripping golf played by top corporates and industry leaders in the respective regions. With over 450 avid golfers joining the GEC ecosystem, the 18-country GEC Open international golf tour is fast becoming the golf competition of choice in the world. The winners will join the field of national qualifying round winners from Ghana, Turkey and Azerbaijan for the coveted world final- Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup 2017.DCGWC will be held over two days on 13th & 14th December at two world class golf courses in Dubai.

Sidelight In GEC Open South Africa, Zack Rasego who is the caddie for European Tour professional Brendon Grace was present as a guest speaker at the prize presentation. Zack has also caddied for Gary Player and Louis Ooosthuizen in the past.

The winners Dodo Khuse and Freddy Greaver are associated with football clubs Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns FC as former player/coach and a board member respectively. BusiKubayi has learned her golf from the legendary Vincent Tshabalala and also runs a golf development program in Johannesburg’s suburb Alexander. MaleboPhage was instrumental in bringing and organising the GEC Open in South Africa. Malebo was one of the world finalists from Ghana last year. “The Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup offers amateur golfers a rare opportunity they may not get in their lifetime to compete with their equals from other countries. Following the success of the inaugural tournament in South Africa, I am inundate with inquiries from golfers who cannot wait to participate in 2018. After my participation as finalist in Ghana, I promised to bring Botswana and South Africa on board. Next it will be Swaziland and Zimbabwe on me. The Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup just keeps growing phenomenally”

-Malebo Phage

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 GEC OPEN

BOTSWANA

“It has really been a moment of pride to partner with GEC to bring the inaugural qualifying round to Botswana, and I am already preparing and looking forward to the 2018 edition, which is definitely going to be bigger and better. This is surely going to become the most sought-after competition by corporates”

-Billy Sekgororoane GEC Open is an initiative to bring leading global organizations and executives on a unified platform; growing the bond and strength of business while working to improve the lives of others though charitable causes. With humble beginnings in 2014 in just one

country, GEC Open has grown into a global platform for networking and a nursery for everlasting friendships and international business relations. The 2017 edition will see 29 golf rounds played across 18 countries amongst 2400 CXO’s under the aegis of 800+ global organisations.

GEC OPEN OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

NEPAL

“The encouraging feedback of our participants in the previous editions, pushed us organise the 2017 edition of GEC Open at a much larger scale. So far, we are proud to say that GEC Open has been widely celebrated in all the locations. The golfers had a great time and the events were able to deliver a unique blend of competitive golf and networking opportunities. Much thanks to our partners and host clubs for their continuing support in the making it one of the most sought-after events in the world. We will continue to expand this platform and associate GEC Open with more golfers and corporates across the globe.”

-Tushar Sahoo Managing Director, GEC Open

“Great initiative taken by GEC Media together with many partners to bring a majority of corporate golfers together. Excellent platform for fun-filled competition together with business opportunities for all. Most members from the corporate world loved the event and already looking forward to next event. And those who have qualified are looking up to engage with corporate golfers from the other parts of Globe”

-Deepak Acharya, Director, Golf Operations, Gokarna Forest Resort GEC Open brings together leading global organisations and executives on a common platform through golf. GEC works to improve the lives of

others through charitable causes while growing the bond & strength of business between corporate leaders.

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 GEC OPEN

Prestige Masters in association with GEC Open 2017

BENGALURU

The Bengaluru edition of the Indian swing of GEC Open is being organised in association with the reputed Prestige Masters golf tournament. The Prestige Masters is a pre-

Final 10 into the Prestige Masters GEC Open final qualifying 1. Aditya Jamwal 2. Naveen Wahi 3. Gaurav Sirohi 4. Pradeep Balram 5. Graham Butler

6. Umesh N. V 7. DheerajKothaneth 8. Ajit Kumar 9. Nathan Sundram 10. TudorMarchis

mier golfing tournament being contested over six qualifying events that culminates into an exciting grand finale. The grand finale is the official GEC Open Bengaluru qualifying where the Prestige Masters champion will join winners from other Indian legs- Delhi, Mumbai, Jamshedpur and Bhubaneswar to represent India at the world final of GEC Open 2017 – Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup. The prestige masters 2017

series started in May earlier this year with one qualifying round was held each month. The top 10 players from each qualifier gained entry in the Prestige Masters GEC Open national qualifying round, scheduled in November, for the elusive world final berth. The final qualifying round for the grand finale was held recently where over 100 club members and Bengaluru’s golfing elite competed for the final ten slots.

GEC OPEN OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

GEC Open Global Leader board after Bengaluru Pre-qualifying

STATS SO FAR Different Nationalities represented

Unique Corporate entities

54 319

Likeliness of attending GEC OPEN again next year? Extremely likely

Very likely

Somewhat likely

Not so likely

60%

35%

Recommending GEC Open to a friend or colleague? TOTAL PLAYERS

460 Male: 382

83%

Extremely likely

Very likely

Somewhat likely

Not so likely

64%

32%

Overall feedback of the event Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

62%

30%

Female: 78

17%

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 INTERVIEW

Ease of access is the key to

GROWTH OF GOLF IN INDIA M

anisha Dubey is the co-founder of jinkspot.com - an online platform facilitating booking and reservations for various outdoor sports and recreational activities. Manisha, a post masters from Forest Research Institute in Dehradun is a first-generation entrepreneur who wants to promote healthy and active lifestyle across all age groups. After working as an independent consultant with an academic portfolio for 5 years, she decided to setup jinkspot.com in the year 2015 with the support from her husband, Krishna Kant, a banker with over 15 years of experience. With a vision to promote golf to the masses, jinkspot.com is one of the few online platforms India that enables users to get in touch with golf coaches and facilities and book sessions in a much cost-effective manner. bizgolf caught up with Manisha Dubey at the headquarters of jinkspot to talk about the vision of the company and the expected growth points. Excerpts from the interview:

How did the www.jinkspot. com came into being? Please tell us about the company’s vision? The initial idea for Jinkspot.com came when I really wanted to go outside to play casual sports or partake in a recreational activity with my family and we could not find a single website that can give us the required information. I realized that there was a void to be filled and with a bit of research, a huge opportunity presented itself. Halfway through our research and studies, we observed that while a ton of users were looking for sports related activities and

facilities, a huge number of facility providers and coaches, trainers also needed a platform to be marketed to a broader audience. The time that we invested initially in extensive planning and corroborative studies has propelled us to reach to this point. The company’s vision is that we want to connect the users and facility providers, institutions, coaches, trainers etc. under a prolific ecosystem while ensuring highest quality standards of service.

Who are the various partners and equity investors? My first partner was my husband, Krishna Kant, who supported the idea from day one. Our core team also consists of two of our family friends– Abhishek Mohan, an MBA from ICFAI business school with over 15 years of experience in the financial advisory world who joined us as the CFO and our CTO Piyush Tiwari who boasts over eight years of experience at the helm of various tech companies. They contributed to fine tune the entire business process and plan our go-to market strategy. We

INTERVIEW OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

raised our first seed funding of $10,000 in 2016 by an individual investor Harendra Kumar. We are currently in process of raising another round of funding for $2 million to strengthen technology and organizational structure for sustainable growth.

What are the various golf related activities that one can book on the website? We provide options for a wide range of golf related activities to do in couple of metropolitan cities. At present users can book individual golf professionals/ coaches for personalized lessons at various driving ranges. You can customize your lesson type with the instructor. We have also tied up with a few golf simulator facilities. In fact, a lot of newcomers have signed up for golf simulator sessions to experience this elusive sport first-hand. We believe there is a lot of scope in this particular segment.

With almost all the golf courses either being privately owned or under the aegis of armed forces, how do you plan to provide the users with options for golf outings. Our mission statement is to create a system to utilize existing infrastructure to its fullest capacity. When we promote a golf course, we are promoting the entire facility including swimming pool, driving range, restaurants, club house amenities etc. Interestingly, most of the golf courses and other sports, fitness or recreational facilities are struggling to generate sufficient revenue to meet operational cost. So, our business model is a win-win for everyone. For this reason, in the near future we expect the private clubs at least to come on board as well. Alternatively, we constantly try to innovate and bring solutions to support our partners by bringing in on-ground branding and sponsorship opportunities which will eventually help them to remain cost sustainable.

Do you plan to facilitate online tee-time reservations for various golf courses in the near future? How is this envisioned? Yes, we do. Currently, there are many companies who are already doing a great job in tee time booking segment but still there is enough room for improvement. If we are to enter this market, we’ll have to come up a revolutionary idea and a proof of concept.

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 INTERVIEW

spending power of users is increasing and so is the drive to try new things. Golf is a great sport. It has so many advantages- it provides you with a break from the hustle bustle of daily life and brings you closer to the nature in its lush landscape, the entire family can take up the sport and spend time together etc, you can keep playing in your advanced years. After the inclusion of the game in Olympics last year, there is definitely a raised interest in the masses about the game and we can further help grow the game by giving all these people their first introduction to the sport. We are working on three major points: 1. Golf is an everyday affair. It should be played daily and not just on weekends. 2. Work on creating more clusters – Delhi-Gurgaon-Noida, Bangalore-Mysore, Mumbai –Pune, to promote golf facilities 3. Connecting golf courses developed as part of real estate or hotels etc.

What is the current revenue model for enrolled golf coaches and establishments? Our business model is evolving everyday with the feedback of our users and registered partners. At present, we are enrolling coaches on revenue sharing basis akin to our relationship with other facilities and sports experts. We are also exploring opportunities to enroll coaches on retainers.

Where do you www. jinkspot.com in 5 years basis the experiences so far? We are aiming to make jinkspot a platform of choice for anyone interested in living a healthy and active lifestyle using sports as medium. Our expectation is to make us revenue positive in next 24 months. And by the 5th year, we are targeting to generate 10 million bookingsto reach 50 million transactions in a year with an active user base of five million people.

What are the various reasons for which the companies enroll with the service? Also, tell us your biggest roadblock in enrolling more golf facilities.

We are working on something which we feel change the landscape of tee time booking not only in India but across the golf courses globally. More on this soon.

How big do you estimate the market of online booking for golf activities? There is an immense scope of growth. The

We provide our partner facilities/individuals with on-ground support and innovative solutions to enhance their revenues for sustainable operations and growth. This is the biggest pull to partner with us. Biggest hurdle is still people/facilities are hesitant to adopt technology but I am sure this won’t stay a problem for long.

THE PRESTIGE MASTERS SERIES in association with

Grand Finale 11TH NOVEMBER 2017

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 TEE TIME

INTERNATIONAL TEAM GOLF

7th Presidents cup victory for the Americans The United States won their seventh consecutive Presidents Cup over the International team with the final score of 19-11. The 8-point winning margin somewhat disguises the sheer dominance of the International team by the Americans. During what folded out mostly as a one-sided affair, the internationals won six of the 12 singles matches on the final day and halved three more to leave the Liberty National golf course with a little pride. The US team have now claimed the cup 10 times in 12 stagings of the biennial tournament. The next President’s Cup is scheduled to be played at Royal Melbourse golf course in

Australia in 2019. “It’s tough to be on the receiving end of another loss for all of us,” International captain Nick Price said after presiding over his third straight defeat at the helm. “This is a juggernaut of a U.S. team. They’re an overpowering team.” “U.S.A. team golf is in a great spot,” said Steve Stricker, Captain of the US team. “Looks like they could be around together for a long time. They played well all year long and they came here with a lot of confidence. They continued it right through this tournament here.” The International team of players from the rest of the world,

excluding Europe, started the final day needing to sweep every match to snatch victory. A touch embarrassed after performing miserably in the foursomes and four-ball matches, the Internationals performed much better in man-to-man play on Sunday, though it was too little, too late. Among the International winners in singles were former world number ones Jason Day and Adam Scott, as well as Hideki Matsuyama, currently the team’s top-ranked player. American losers included the past three major champions, Jordan Spieth, who has not won a singles match in either Presidents or Ryder Cup events, Justin Thomas and Brooks Koepka.

TEE TIME OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

EUROPEAN TOUR

Paul Dunne wins maiden European Tour title at British Masters

Paul Dunne has secured his maiden PGA European Tour win at the British Masters at Close House. A final round 61 left him with an impressive overall score of 20 under par, seeing off 2nd placed Rory McIlroy who finished three shots behind. The British Masters was Dunne’s 51st appearance on the European Tour and a 51st Irish victory on the Tour. The win earns him £500,000. Ahead of this competition, Dunne was 34th in the latest Race to Dubai standings and ranked 192nd in the world, this win will mean a substantial rise in both standings. This also gives him an exemption on the European Tour for the next two years. The 24-year-old rose to prominence at the 2015 British Open Championship, where playing as an amateur he was tied for the lead after three rounds. He was the first amateur to do so since 1927. “I’ve come close before so it’s nice to get the demon off my back. The highlight of my round was I think the putt I made on the 17th to make a birdie. Once I holed that I knew it was pretty much mine.”, said Dunne. Ryder Cup vice-captain Robert Karlsson, who began the day with a one-shot lead, finished third on 16 under with Graeme Storm, David Lingmerth and Florian Fritsch on 14 under.

PROFESSIONAL GOLF TOUR OF INDIA

Honorary PGTI Membership for Chawrasia, Lahiri Professional Indian golfers Anirban Lahiri and SSP Chawrasia have been presented with Honorary Membership of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). The honour commemorates their outstanding achievements and contribution to sport in the Indian subcontinent.

Before perfecting their craft at the international stage, both Lahiri and Chawrasia started their careers on the PGTI. Lahiri is a winner of seven international titles with two of them on the European Tour. He was seen in action at the President’s Cup

in New Jersey as part of the International team against the Americans, Chawrasia was also honoured with the Arjuna Award recently for his accomplishments and six international titles including the successful defence of Indian Open title this year.

ASIAN TOUR

Gavin Green wins in Taiwan Malaysian golfer Gavin Kyle Green recorded his maiden Asian Tour victory after shooting a 71 at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters for a four-day combined aggregate of nine-under-par 279. Despite three-bogeys on the last day, Gavin’s consistent play of 67-70-71-71 was enough for a two-stroke lead over Brazilian Adilson Da Silva, Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent, Keith Horne of South Africa and Filipino Juvic Pagunsan, who all shared second. The 24-year-old earned a hefty US$160,000 chunk of the US$800,000

prize purse on offer in Taiwan. This puts him in the lead on the Asian Tour Order of Merit with US$527,346. Green, 23, said his thoughts were with his grandfather, who passed away after he finished second at a tournament in South Korea earlier this year. “The defeat in Korea was hard on me. I was trying so hard but this is the game of golf. You can’t force it. He really wanted to see me win and I really tried to win it for him in Korea. I didn’t and he passed away. It was tough because he was in Malaysia. I think his death pushed me to try harder and win. He was definitely with me today.”

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 TEE TIME

EUROPEAN TOUR

Lucas Bjerregaard claims maiden European Tour win at Portugal Masters Lucas Bjerregaard finally claimed a European Tour title with a four-shot victory in the $2.4 million Portugal Masters. The 2010 European Amateur champion began the final round with a slender one-shot lead but notched eight birdies in a closing 6-under 65 to record a 20-under-264 total. He bettered Scotland’s Marc Warren by four strokes to take the $398,000 first-place check. Warren

earned $266,000. Englishmen Eddie Pepperell and Graeme Storm shared third place on 15 under and took home $135,000 each. Bjerregaard arrived in Portugal 114th on the European Tour money list, hoping just to get inside the top 100 to keep his card for next season. He has no worries on that front now. The victory gives him a two-year exemption, and he rises to 47th

on the European pecking order. “It feels really good,” Bjerregaard said. “It’s not been the year I’ve been looking for. To be honest, it’s been really tough. To be in contention again and come out on top feels even better. “I felt really confident. My girlfriend asked me this morning if I was nervous and I said: ‘no, don’t worry, I’ve got this.’ “I’ve been in this position a couple of times before, so to

finally come through and get my first win feels really good. Today is definitely up there with one of my best rounds. Under the pressure, some of the shots I hit today – the two shots I hit on 17 – are some of the best shots I’ve hit in a long time. To hit the shots I did and to come out and make some birdies early felt really good as well. I felt like it was my turn to go out and grab it and not wait for someone else to hand it to me.”

FEDEX CUP

Justin Thomas seals FedEX Cup and $10m While the season ending Tour Championship at East lake, Atlanta saw Xander Schauffele claim the victory but it was the runner up who made all the news. 24-year-old Justin Thomas finished a stroke behind but enough to eclipse countryman Jordan Spieth to the top standings for the season-long point race- FedEx Cup and a $10 million bonus. “It’s a really weird day, getting asked what it’s like to win the FedExCup because as a competitor you’re mad you didn’t win the tournament,” Thomas said in a greenside presentation. “What an unbelievable

honour this is, the fact that you can win something over the course of an entire year. I played really well all season and it was nice to play well in some playoff events finally and have it all pay off.” Thomas started the 2016-17 season last October with a victory on the other side of the world in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, before adding two wins in Hawaii, the PGA Championship in North Carolina and the Dell Technologies Championship in Massachusetts. Thomas also won the PGA of America Player of the Year, which is based on a points system for tournament wins, official prize-money and scoring averages.

TEE TIME OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

EUROPEAN TOUR

Frenchman Romain Wattel wins KLM Golf Open

PGA TOUR Romain Wattel claimed his maiden victory on the European Tour by winning the KLM Open golf tournament in Spijk in the Dutch province of Gelderland. The 26-year-old Frenchman survived a late scare on the golf course when he missed the green in the final match round, but managed to come out on 69 strokes and finish on a total of 269, 15 under par. The win was remarkable because the 24th place was his best result previously this season. Kiradech Aphibarnrat from Thailand, who led after three rounds, had a bad last round of 73 strokes and dropped to the joint 9th place at -12. Canadian Austin Connelly ended second after a final round of 66 and a total of 270 (-14). Title holder and local Dutch favorite Joost Luiten had a disappointing tournament. The winner of 2013 and 2016 did not make the cut and went home after two rounds.

Australian Marc Leishman wins PGA Tour BMW Championship Australia’s Marc Leishman has claimed US PGA Tour’s BMW Championship in Chicago with a superb wire-to-wire victory. Leishman’s total score of 261 was one shot better than the existing 72-hole tournament record of 262 Woods posted in 2007. Starting the final round with a five-shot lead, 33-year-old Leishman carded a fourunder-par 67 at Conway Farms to finish at 23 under par, five strokes

clear of Rickie Fowler (67) and Justin Rose (65) who tied for second. Fellow Australian Jason Day continued his late season resurgence with a 69 to be outright fourth at 16 under. The Warrnambool product’s win also comes with the added bonus of climbing into the top-five seeds for this week’s Tour Championship. The top-five, led by Jordan Spieth, are guaranteed to win the $US10 million FedEx Cup bonus if they win the Tour Champion-

ship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. Leishman would become the first Australian to do so since the FedEx Cup play- offs were created in 2007. Day, who also won the BMW wire-to-wire in 2015, climbed up the FedEx standings to 15th, meaning he is an outside chance of claiming the FedEx Cup. Although Leishman held his five-shot cushion, it was not without drama and several challenges from the 70-man field.

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 BUSINESS NEWS

RETIREMENT

Wally Uihlein retires after 41 years at Acushnet One of the most influential executives in the golf equipment industry, Wally Uihlein has announced his retirement at the end of the year. The President CEO of Titleist and FootJoy parent Acushnet and an industry force for much of the last three decades joined Acushnet in 1976 as a regional sales representative in its Titleist Golf Division.

He has been the company’s senior golf executive since 1995. Among the Acushnet brands are Titleist, FootJoy, Vokey Design and Scotty Cameron. The company is best known for Titleist being the top golf ball on professional tours for more than a half-century. Uihlein has staunchly preserved, defended and enhanced

Titleist’s unrivaled market share and tour presence in golf balls, reinvigorated the company’s club business and maintained the company’s leadership position in shoes and gloves under the FootJoy brand. Acushnet says David Maher, the chief operating officer, will succeed Uihlein as president and CEO.

Wally Uihlein, Acushnet

PARTNERSHIP

GolfBox & PGAs of Europe Join Forces With Tournament and ProPlanner Software Leading golf software providers, GolfBox, and the PGAs of Europe have signed an agreement to work together promoting the GolfBox ProPlanner and utilising the tournament software package that has been so successful around the world. The agreement will see the Association promote the latest addition to

GolfBox’s software suite, ProPlanner, a complete business suite designed specifically for PGA Professionals that gives a complete overview of their administration. The proven GolfBox Tournament software will also be promoted and used at all of the Association’s Championships and Sanctioned Events making

use of the infrastructure and live scoring that serves over 20 major partners in golf, including their native PGA of Denmark, nearby neighbours the PGA of Sweden, and also with the PGA of Germany and their Pro Golf Tour events. Christian Færgemann, CEO of GolfBox, said, “For several reasons, we are very proud of

our new partnership with the PGAs of Europe. First of all, we at GolfBox are pleased to be working with the PGAs of Europe, from managing all PGA of Europe’s tournaments, to offering ProPlanner for its members. On a strategic level we hope this agreement will open up for more work with those national associations.

BUSINESS NEWS OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

AWARD

Jumeirah Golf Estates Sweeps Three at Africa and Arabia Property Awards

Jon Earl Ifield Golf Club

Jon Earl wins PGA Pro’ of the Year Award Jon Earl has gained national recognition by winning the PGA Professional of the Year for his work at Ifield Golf Club in Sussex. Jon took the role of head professional at the age of 25, having progressed through the junior ranks at the club. 20 years on, he was described by numerous members in their nominations as the heartbeat of the club. His work with juniors, ladies and the general development of the club was praised as above and beyond that which should be expected and his service to Ifield recognised by members as

outstanding. American Golf has celebrated the ‘Best of British’ with its inaugural Golf Awards. Jon has won this prestigious award for his service to members and thoroughly deserves this recognition. Jon said: “I couldn’t be prouder to have been awarded the American Golf PGA Professional of the Year with such a lovely trophy especially in its inaugural year. As I stated in my speech it has always been a huge honour to be a PGA member and I have always tried to conduct myself in a manner accordingly.”

Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE), the worldclass residential golf destination offering luxury homes and leisure facilities among two internationally-acclaimed championship golf courses, has bagged three awards at the 26th annual Africa and Arabia Property Awards JGE proudly received the awards for ‘Best Mixed-use Development’, ‘Best Residential Development’, and was honored to receive a 5-star prestigious award for ‘Best Development Marketing’. Each of the categories welcomed more than 200 entries, including some of Dubai’s most renowned projects. Yousuf Kazim, CEO of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: “Jumeirah Golf Estates has established a reputation for bringing the right type of product to the Dubai market at the right price, meeting customer preferences for layout, finishing, design, location, community and lifestyle facilities. JGE’s unique proposition to both investors and homeowners has been clearly endorsed by our sales figures and resident testimonials, and we are proud to have received an equally enthusiastic response by our peers at the Africa and Arabia Property Awards. We look forward to yet another exciting win at the International Property Awards this December.”

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 BUSINESS NEWS

EQUIPMENT

TaylorMade introduces TP Red TaylorMade Golf Company has expanded the TP Collection of putters with the introduction of TP Red. Comprised of 6 performance mallet models, the new collection has been designed for the discerning player who seeks the performance of TaylorMade’s renowned Pure Roll technology in an aesthetically appealing Tour Red colourway that the company became the first to roll out in 2016. Since then, the Tour Red colourway has seen its

demand grow exponentially on global tours following the success of TaylorMade staffers Jason Day, Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia. The TP Red Collection is comprised of five new variations of the Ardmore putter as well as the Chaska model. Each of the six new models feature milled 304 stainless steel heads with Tour Red finish for a premium look and feel with high-contrast colouring and a variety of sightline options to promote improved alignment.

TECHNOLOGY

TaylorMade’s myRoundPro exclusive with Samsung devices TaylorMade and Samsung Electronics announced that TaylorMade’s myRoundPro statistical analysis platform will be available exclusively for the Gear S3 and recently announced Gear Fit2 Pro fitness band. In collaboration with Samsung, TaylorMade’s engineers have co-developed a specific myRoundPro experience that utilizes the features of the compatible Samsung Gear devices to provide consumers with a unique experience aimed at those who would rather leave their phone at home or in their bag during play. With the myRoundPro experience available on the Gear S3 and Gear Fit2 Pro,

golfers of all skill levels can go hands-free and be able to view yardages to the front, middle and back of the green in addition to the total distance of their previous shot. Through the app, the compatible Gear device will keep record of scores on each hole played during the round in addition to providing a summary of key statistics immediately after the round’s completion. Users can also attribute a specific club to each shot, ensuring that they experience optimal statistical analysis when reunited with the myRoundPro App on their phone at the conclusion of play.

BUSINESS NEWS OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

FELICITATION

Hall of Fame for legendary Gary Player Golfing legend Gary Player is set to be inducted in the South African Hall of Fame. In his prime, Player accumulated nine major championships and six championships tour victories, as well as three British Open Championships. At the age of 29, he became the first nonAmerican to win four grand slams and adding another win in the 1965 U.S Open. Player became only the third golfer in history to win the Career Grand Slam, following Ben Hogan and

Gene Sarazen, and only Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have performed the feat since. Player has won 165 tournaments on six continents over six decades and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974. Nicknamed the Black Knight, Mr Fitness, and the International Ambassador of Golf, Player is also a renowned golf course architect with more than 325 design projects on five continents throughout the world.

APPAREL

Bill Murray raises capital for apparel brand William Murray Golf, founded by “Caddyshack” star Bill Murray and his five brothers, has raised more than $1 million from a group of investors that includes Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts, tennis champion Andy Roddick and actor Ed Norton. It’s the first investment round for the apparel company, which launched late last year with the aim of bringing a lighthearted approach to a historically stuffy industry. In spite of the golf industry’s well-documented struggles in

ON THE MOVE

James Cramer joins World Golf Foundation A veteran of 30 years of public relations experience, James Cramer, has joined World Golf Foundation (WGF) as Vice President of Communications. Cramer began his career with PGA Tour in 1989 and most recently served as Vice President of Communications. WGF is golf’s nonprofit organization that unites the industry in support of initiatives

that enhance growth and access to the game worldwide. “With 24 million Americans enjoying the game at 15,000-plus facilities across the nation, I look forward to continuing to help grow the game both domestically and internationally,” said Cramer. “Thirty-two million unique individuals touched the game in 2016, laying the groundwork as we begin to shift

our focus towards 2018 and beyond.” In his new role, Cramer will work closely with Steve Mona, CEO of WGF, on both GOLF 20/20 – a collaboration of leading industry organisations – and WGF public relations programmes, including strategic planning, industry research and WE ARE GOLF – the game’s government affairs coalition.

the post-Tiger Woods era, it’s still a $70 billion industry in the U.S. and the Murrays believe there’s a place for a brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Earlier this year William Murray Golf spun off from Resignation Media, best known as the parent company of The Chive. Other investors in the brand include country singer Jake Owen, jewelry designer Kendra Scott and actors Mark Paul-Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer.

A N E W A P P R OACH TO YOUR HOLIDAY S

30 NOVEMBER - 3 DECEMBER 2017

OFF COURSE OCTOBER 2017 BIZGOLF

Lifestyle To share news on your products or updates on new launches, please email vineet@gecmediagroup.com

Porsche unveils a hybrid superyacht

Penhaligons launches new fragrance New from Penhaligons is the Monsieur Beauregard fragrance for men. The masculine scent is the mysterious and sexy new addition to Penhaligons’ Portraits series. The fragrance opens with citrusy notes of lemon and pink pepper, followed by warm cinnamon, Orris and Benzoin and a seductive heart of Sandalwood, Tonka Bean and patchouli. The fragrance is bottled in a heavy based glass flacon with a gold cap shaped like a rooster head. Price - $240 for 75 ml

After ruling the sportscar market for over half a century, Porsche has decided to try its hand at designing uber-luxurious yachts. Constructed by Dynamiq, a luxury yacht builder, the Porschedesigned superyacht is called the GTT 115 and is being pitched as a Gran Turismo for the seas. It measures in at 115 feet and wears a Rhodium Grey metallic paint. The all-aluminum GT 115 features a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain that can propel it to a top speed of 21 knots. The maximum cruising range is 3,400 nautical miles and Only 7 units will be made. Price - $16,720,000

Limited edition Octopod table clock by MB&F Over the years, MB&F has given us a ton of products to marvel at; this time, co-created with L’Epée 1939, they have launched a table clock called ‘Octopod’. Looking like a robot octopus with spidery legs, Octopod is made up of 468 fine-finished components. It can stand or crouch and its transparent spherical head, the watch mechanisms and movements appear to be completely suspended. The clock’s eight-day movement is a new innovation from L’Epée 1839 and it includes a rotating escapement located on the minute hand. The Octopod is available in 3 limited editions of 50 pieces each (black PVD, blue PVD, and palladium/silver) Price - $36,445

Lamborghini teams up with Roger Dubius for Aventador watches Luxury Swiss watch brand Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini have officially announced the partnership between the two brands. Enter the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Aventador S, the big reveal that beautifully blends Italian design aesthetic and performance with Swiss precision. The development of the watch has also brought to life an all-new caliber, which is claimed to be inspired by the engine of the Aventador S and the new Huracàn Super Trofeo EVO. Available in a limited run of 88 pieces, the new release features a multilayer carbon case. Powered by the all-new double balance hand-wound caliber RD103SQ, which runs at 4Hz, it offers a power reserve of 40-hours. Price: $185,000

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2017 GEAR UP

HYBRIDS TO THE RESCUE

PHOTOS: DOM FURORE

The Ping G Hybrid has a similar set up to Anser in terms of head size and spins that little bit more to make it easier to play for most players. The face comes with a rough finish on it between the grooves which is there to reduce spin by around 200rpm. There is also a thinner section on the sole of the club just behind the PING G face called the Cascading Sole Design PRICE: $230 that enables it to flex a little bit more at impact. It is probably leaning towards the wood end of the hybrid styling scale with its size and shape, so if that is the type of hybrid you want then you won’t go wrong.

Callaway Apex provides more consistent distance while still being fairly forgiving of mishits that allows you to make the shot you need to make. Although there’s no adjustable hosel, the weight in the sole of the club is removable to address a fade or draw. While there might be CALLAWAY APEX better options for players who seek a PRICE: $250 high, straight shooter, the Apex will suit the player who need to shape shots with their hybrids. Itis remarkably easy to play from most lies and is the perfect club for players who like to work the ball and control the trajectory.

Sporting a geocoustic design of the sole where a section of the Stainless-Steel head is recessed into the sole around the toe similar to its predecessor but not as big. The increase in recess size improves the impact sound as the ribs are now on the outside. The Speed Pocket is now longer, thinner and more TAYLORMADE M2 flexible for increase in ball speed on those PRICE: $200 low face strikes- highly likely on this type of club. This club is probably better suited for medium to slow swing speed players who need a club that gets the ball up quickly with a high flight that lands softly.

Limits can be, well, limiting. So we ignored them and created the highest performing iron imaginable – Epic. Precision-crafted in painstaking detail with ultra-premium materials, Epic is the most beautiful and technically advanced iron possible. Powered by 360 Face Cup Technology, you’ll get tremendous ball speed with maximum distance. With Epic, there’s no limit to how far you can take your game.

#1 Irons in Golf claim based on retail sales for Q1 2017 as reported by Golf Datatech across US, UK, Sweden, French & German markets. ©2017 CaAllaway Golf Company. Callaway, the Chevron Device, Epic, Great Big Bertha, Exo-Cage, Speed Step and Jailbreak Technology are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Callaway Golf Company. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.