Club Life February 2018 by Jacqui Barry

Club Life February 2018 Issue 75

Editor: Jacqui Barry jaxdubai@gmail.com

HAOTONG LI 2018 OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC WINNER

04 417 9842

SPIKE@DUBAIGOLF.COM

USQ

ULTIMATE SPORTS QUIZ HOSTED BY CHRIS McHARDY & ROBBIE V

GREENFIELD

S U N DAY S - Q U I Z S TA R T S AT 7. 0 0 P M JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

14th

4th

1st

21st

11th

8th

18th

GRAND FINAL

25th

WATC H L I V E P R E M I E R L E AG U E F OOT B A L L ON THE BIG SCREEN EXCLUSIVE OFFERS ON FOOD & BEVERAGES TOP SIX WEEKLY SCORES QUALIFY FOR THE GRAND FINAL ON APRIL 8TH WHERE TWO FLIGHTS TO NEW YORK CAN BE WON

@SPIKEBARDUBAI WATC H L I V E S P O R T | E XC L U S I V E

MENU | CLUBHOUSE TERRACE

ongratulations to our newly crowned Omega Dubai Desert Classic Champion. Haotong Li and what an exciting finish it was. Rory McIlroy looked like he had it in the bag but a couple of mistakes by him on the back nine opened the door for Li.

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB SENIOR MANAGEMENT3

As usual this was another successful Omega Dubai Desert Classic and a thoroughly enjoyable few days of golf for spectators; the Dallahdrome created a great atmosphere again at the first tee and, of course, we had the membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; only chalet at the 16th green so two fantastic spots to watch all the action! Congratulations to the organisers and to Craig Haldane and his team at Golf Course Maintenance.

Christopher May

Chief Executive Officer cmay@dubaigolf.com

Barney Coleman

Club Manager bcoleman@dubaigolf.com

There were a number of past members visiting during the Desert Classic - good to see Rai Legnar, Bob and Angela Connor, Cheh Ngim and Steven Ratcliffe, Roger and Pam Wortley, Barbara Fotheringham. Jay and Lyn Hodgins, Stacey Walton and Sean Thornberry. Apologies to anyone I missed. It was great to be able to play the Majlis the day after the Desert Classic with the same pin positions as for the final day of the tournament. Anyone who played that day was able to experience the same conditions as the Tour payers had - fast greens, some tricky pin positions, as well as the difficult thick rough! Next month sees the 30th Anniversary of Emirates Golf Club. The official opening date was 8th March 1988 and some members were there on the opening day with their application forms and cheques at the ready. In those days the Club was, as we considered it, the furthest point away from the hub of Dubai but at the same time, having the first grassed golf course in the UAE was a major milestone. If one considers how it has evolved in the last 30 years and the events that have happened, the visitors we have had both in terms of tourists and famous people, it really is amazing. The iconic clubhouse, representing Bedouin tents looks as impressive as ever and the course, designed by Karl Litten is still, for me, the best in the UAE...but then again, I may be biased on that one! So next month we will be celebrating at the Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 30th Anniversary Party on 8th March which is sure to be a great night so save the date in your diaries! Now that the two Classics tournaments are over, we can look forward to enjoying our courses in pristine condition with no interruptions. Enjoy the golf and the wonderful seasonal weather.

Jacqui

Ganesh Mangathil

Andy Meech

Craig Haldane

Director - Golf Course Maintenance chaldane@dubaigolf.com

Adele Cowgill

Head of Sport and Leisure ameech@dubaigolf.com

Saeed Ahamed

Dubai Golf Publishing Manager gmangathil@dubaigolf.com

Head of Marketing & Communications acowgill@dubaigolf.com

Financial Controller mahamed@dubaigolf.com

Steen Simon

Pansy Gonsalvez

Haridas Palliyalil

Food & Beverage Manager ssimon@dubaigolf.com

Chef Nicholas Cuomo Executive Chef ncuomo@dubaigolf.com

Head of Golf Central pgonsalvez@dubaigolf.com

Stephen Deane

Head Academy Professional sdeane@dubaigolf.com

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

04 04 04 04 04 04

Resident Engineer hpalliyalil@dubaigolf.com

Rhys James

Golf Services Manager rjames@dubaigolf.com

417 417 417 417 417 417

9999 9800 9801 9850 9875 9820

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ger’s Club Mana letter

Dear Member

hope you all enjoyed a fantastic 29th staging of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic! A superbly tense finish produced our first Asian winner of our illustrious trophy as Haotong Li from China holed a nervy birdie putt on the final green to see off the challenge from two-time champion Rory McIlroy. Following the opening of Jones the Grocer and Spike Sports Bar and Terrace back in November the new bathroom facility adjacent to the pool is now open. We eagerly anticipate the opening of Carine to complete the renovations and we would like to thank you for your support and patience throughout the process. The Ultimate Sports Quiz has started well on Sunday nights with Dubai Eye’s sports presenters Robbie Greenfield and Chris McHardy hosting a sportthemed quiz from 7pm every Sunday night on our Spike Terrace. Fourteen teams competed in the last event and remember, flights to NEW YORK are up for grabs! Our Grape, Cheese & Jazz Thursdays ‘teed off’ at the beginning of February with over 80 guests attending so don’t miss this relaxed evening in Jones the Grocer. In my last update, prior to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, I mentioned proudly that the Majlis course had been voted number one in the Middle East by Golf Digest’s expert panel and its readers. Subsequently, the Golf Digest global ranking of the Top 100 courses outside the USA has been released and our Majlis course has made a big move up the rankings from #95 to #52. This is another fantastic achievement for the ‘Desert Miracle’ and hats off once more to Craig, Mario and his team for their care and dedication towards the first grass course in the Middle East. Members’ Questionnaire Prior to the opening of our new outlets, we distributed our members’ questionnaire; thank you to the 262 members who took the time to complete the feedback which is much appreciated. Throughout my time as Club Manager, I have been committed to listening to feedback and I have worked with the Members’ Consultative Committee to promote positive change where applicable, to benefit the membership as a whole. Please find below some of the frequently raised points with my responses. If you feel any specific feedback that you forwarded through the questionnaire has not been addressed please do not hesitate to contact me and we can talk it through at the Club. 1. Availability of weekend tee times – Majlis course We understand that the majority of members would prefer to play the Majlis at weekends. By hosting shotgun starts, it allows us to maximise the number of 18 hole rounds a day. Two full shotguns for example at 8am and 1pm can accommodate 208 golfers. Based on this number being the maximum, not every member can be guaranteed a weekend game on the Majlis and will have to book on the Faldo. We recognise that we still allow a member to play with guests at weekends; the reason for this is that we feel it is a membership benefit to be able to invite three friends to your Club. However, the percentage of Member/Guest play on weekends (as below) is less than 10%. Member play on the Majlis course on weekends (Friday/Saturday) for the past two seasons from 1st October to 31st May is 86% with another 9% member/guest rounds. This is largely due to a Club policy adopted in December 2013 that Friday and

Saturday tee times were allocated to members and their guests in peak season periods ensuring as many tee times are available as possible for members at the weekends, reflected in the Majlis statistic above. If you are unfortunate not to secure a tee time then always ask Francis’s team at reservations to put you on the waitlist. Also, entering member tournaments (e.g. Monthly Medals) will guarantee you a tee time and you will avoid the 10-day booking. 2. Slow play and poor etiquette - marshals have no power and need to be given more authority? Slow play has been discussed more and more within the Club over the past few seasons. I would like to confirm that the marshals have the full support of the Club management and have full authority on the course. However, on many occasions they are not always given the respect they deserve. Ultimately, by the rules of golf, it is the responsibility of the golfer to play without any undue delay, to rake bunkers and to repair pitch marks. However, if a course marshal speaks to you regarding any of the above, please grant them the level of respect they deserve, knowing that the decisions they make are being backed and supported by the Club management. 3. Challenges of booking weekend tee times online at 6am? As mentioned in point 1, there is a large number of members logging on at 6am on a Tuesday and Wednesday to book for the weekend ahead 10 days in advance. Our feeling is that members within the same four-ball are logging in to give themselves the best opportunity to get their desired tee time. If, for example, three of the members are successful, they will need to cancel two bookings. Please bear this in mind and if unsuccessful, please call the reservation team and ask to be put on the waiting list and you will be called as soon as a vacancy becomes available. 4. Why don’t you show all the tee times and players on the online booking system? This is possible but impractical. Online booking was originally introduced to counteract the queuing system whereby members lined up in person to book popular weekend times. The main frustration surrounding online booking are for Fridays and Saturdays 10 days in advance. Over 40 tee times can be booked in less than five minutes but showing all the times and the names booked would impact the speed and efficiency of the system. By the time the screen shows all the times and your fellow members’ names it would have already changed as it is in constant transition. Once you consider the screen, it will be out-dated by the time you are ready to book. This is also the reason why we are showing and blocking one tee time as opposed to showing six tee times as we did in the past. 5. Handicaps during competitions? The handicap committee is committed to providing enough education within the Club to remind members of the importance of abiding by the rules of the USGA Handicapping System. Along with providing information, we feel it is important to take action if we are to uphold the integrity of our Club events. As we do our checks at each monthly meeting, predominantly on regular winners of the Medals, Scrambles and other known Society or Open events, any members who are not abiding by the rules will be written to with an initial warning. Handicap reductions are made based on breaches of the USGA rules. Breaches that we are currently experiencing are general scores being recorded higher than tournament scores and general games not being recorded; however, this is easily comparable with the number of checked out games on our booking system.

7. Still many non-members are seen at the weekend; there is a perception that certain individuals have preferred booking rights. The only non-members, particularly on the Majlis course, will be members’ guests. Certain members do have preferred booking rights as below: • Current Captains and Vice-Captains may book 14 days in advance • Past Captains may book 14 days in advance on six occasions during the season • Any member competing in a matchplay competition may book 11 days in advance 8. Tee times are held back/blocked from members on weekends. The only time this happens is for member/ open tournaments. There are occasions, if the entries are lower than expected, that times are released back to members after the 10-day booking window. When this occurs, members on the waitlist are contacted first. Many cancellations give the impression that times are held back but this is not the case. 9. Late cancellations resulting in gaps on course. The weekend cancellation period of 48 hours is actively enforced; constant offenders are now also monitored. 10. It is impossible to book on short notice. This is correct, particularly for weekends as your fellow members will have booked up to 10 days in advance. 11. Online booking should open later than 6am. In the past, we have had a number of members request not to move this later due to conflict with school, work and other commitments. 12. Majlis course is closed for corporate events. A number of corporate events are staged on weekdays, generally a 1pm shotgun start. No corporate events are hosted on weekends. Thursday is a popular afternoon but we generally host only two corporate events per month on the Majlis on a Thursday. 13. There are not enough members’ lockers and there is inadequate space for members’ guests to change in the visitors’ area. The male locker room does need to be increased in size. We introduced ten new lockers this year but with time, we plan to increase the capacity by knocking through

to the bag storage area which will increase lockers by 100. Dining renovations were prioritised over the past 12 months. However, the plan is to increase the locker room capacity in the future. 14. Why do wild card holders have to show the card at check-in All wild card usage needs to be controlled. The only way the Club can be certain that an individual has been given permission to use a Wild Card is if they have it on them in person. It also ensures that only one card is used per day and if your guest shows the card in the dining outlet then discount is applicable so there is a benefit to your client/guest. 15.Can we have fewer shotgun starts? Particularly during peak season when daylight hours are short, shotgun starts maximise the capacity of the Majlis course. This is essential due to the main complaint of poor availability of the Majlis on weekends. Whenever we host an afternoon member or guest tournament we have a morning shotgun preceding it. A two-tee start prior to an afternoon weekday shotgun is another option. This will give members the option of teeing off between 6:40am-8:20am as opposed to 8am. 16. The period of restrictions for tournaments is too long This has been reduced over the years, including the Member Pro-Am taking place on 13th January this year; reducing the Omega Dubai Desert Classic closure by an extra day. We are working closely with Golf in Dubai, the promoters, to increase access to the Majlis course for our membership. 17. It’s sometimes difficult to book because of many tournaments The tournament calendar is busy and full of events but this has been reduced over the years to maintain the most popular events and to free up weekends for members not interested in participating in tournaments. Please note that all tournaments on the Majlis course over weekends are members’ events or the occasional Open Championship. 18. There are no weekday tournaments This will change and weekday tournaments will be trialed once more. Rhys will release information on these in the coming weeks. 19. After it becomes a bit dark, it is almost impossible to see the ball from the members’ driving range. Once the construction of Top Golf commences, some of the lighting from the Faldo range will be relocated to improve the Majlis driving range experience. 20. We also need an upgraded short game practice area. Correct and this will be included in the scope for future Academy developments. FOOD & BEVERAGE Most of the survey comments were received based on previous experience prior to the renovations; however, the following are still applicable: • We have actively improved the house wines selection including the removal

of False Bay. In addition, we have added a special members’ beverage menu for the Members’ Lounge and Terrace to include recommended wines from members, plus we have included the 25% members’ discount on the price. Please note a new beverage menu will also go live in March 2018. • We price all our menu items competitively with other restaurants/bars/golf clubs in the region before the members’ discount is applied. • The new on-course menu launched early December has produced positive feedback so far. However, I will be working with Chef Nicholas to find the ‘perfect’ menu and also, food ordering through GPS is on the horizon. Hot dogs have been introduced at the huts along with soup in the Majlis starter hut. Feedback on coffee is welcome and under review as coffee is up for tender this month. Ice pops are for the summer period only. • Attentiveness of the F&B team has been mentioned on numerous occasions; we will work with the team to improve this area so you are not wasting time trying to get the attention of a waiter. The service to outdoor areas has also been highlighted and we will strive to improve.

ger’s Club Mana letter

6. Visitors have more rights; members should have priority at weekends! Members have a 10-day booking window. Non-members (e.g. through tour operators) are able to book a specific allocation of tee times in advance; other visitors, including Emirates Golf Federation members, may book seven days in advance. Also note, as above, there has been no advanced visitor allocation on the weekends since December 2013 (prior to this, six tee times were reserved for visitors on a weekend day)

RECREATION 1. The gym needs updating, particularly the changing rooms. This is correct - the Fit Lab changing rooms are small and this issue will be addressed in future development of the clubhouse. Note the new swimming pool bathroom and family cubicle should take some of the pressure off the Fit Lab changing rooms. 2. Pool furniture is very old We have planned investment in the pool and furniture during 2018 3. I would like to see a dedicated stretching area in a safe place in the gym. This has been requested previously but space is limited. This will be prioritised during future development GENERAL 1. Car parking during peak periods is a challenge. We will soon be introducing a campaign encouraging members to put their member stickers on car windows so that security can control the main car park at weekends. Non-members can then be actively instructed to park in the overflow car park. I welcome further feedback on the above points and any additional topics not covered, to improve your member experience. Please drop me an email on bcoleman@dubaigolf. com or we can catch up in person at the Club. Kind regards Barney Coleman Club Manager

Time is flying by and it just doesn’t seem possible that we are already in February.

Captain’s Message

he Omega Dubai Desert Classic has just finished, won by Haotong Li, the first Asian winner, with a record tournament score of 23 under par. Congratulations! Probably the Club’s favourite player, Rory McIlroy came second, had his chances, but he made a few mistakes on the back nine. However, we are glad that he is back into his game and I feel we will have an exciting US Masters this year. We had a fantastic field of great players for this year’s event which resulted in a very exciting tournament. Congratulations to Senior Management and especially to Craig and his team for the Majlis course having being voted No 1 in the Middle East. I don’t remember the it to have been in such excellent condition for years. Maybe we should continue walking on the Majlis for some more time to keep it like this. I would be interested to hear your feedback. Congratulations to our winners of the January tournaments. Firstly to the winner of the Omega Emirates Amateur Open 2018, Rayhan Thomas, who then played in the Desert Classic. It was a shame that there were not more entries from Emirates Golf Club as we have so many excellent

golfers. Congratulations to the OMA Emirates Medalford January winner, Sudhir Vora. I know I have mentioned this several times but I would really like to see more participants in the Monthly Medals. On 8th April, the final day of the US Masters, we will also have a tournament when we will play a Ryder Cup format between the golf professionals living in Dubai and our members. Members will qualify through last year’s Order of Merit and there will be a few slots also for the Order of Merit leaders from the first three Monthly Medals of this year. Qualify, come, participate! Congratulations to Senior Management, colleagues and members of Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on the 25th Anniversary of their Club. At Emirates Golf Club we are also preparing to celebrate our 30th Anniversary in March. Perhaps February will be a bit quieter after the few hectic months we have had - it will be for me anyway as I will be a travelling quite a bit and getting prepared for the busy schedule in March. Ivan Fornazaric Club Captain 2017-2018

MEN’S COMPETITION RESULTS OMA MEDAL

In association with

Friday 5th January 2018

Vora wins January Medal 2018

ongratulations to Sudhir Vora who won the first of this year’s OMA Emirates Medalford Championships, in association with iInsured, by claiming a four shot victory with a net 69. Sudhir’s fantastic score also saw him win the top prize within C Division.

In A Division, it was David Waite who finished on top, winning with a net 73. Runner-up was decided by virtue of a better inward half, in which Anil Shivanna won, narrowly beating Christian Klynge who finished third. Best overall gross on the day went to Veneet Mohan scoring a very good 77 on the Majlis course. In B Division, Jesper Kjaedegaard finished first, shooting a better inward nine to beat Kish Bandopadhyay who finished in second place. In third place was Pascal de Garrigues, with a net 74. In the Medalford tournament, where players can compete in an adjoining stableford event, Lav Kataria claimed the prize with 34 points. Thank you to all players who took part in this year’s first Medal and congratulations to all prize-winners.

A DIVISION: HANDICAPS 0-10 Winner:

David Waite

73 net

Runner-up:

Anil Shivanna

75 net

Third:

Christian Klynge

75 net

Best Gross:

Veneet Mohan

77 gross

B DIVISION: HANDICAPS 11-20 Winner:

Jesper Kjaedegaard

73 net BB9

Runner-up:

Kish Bandopadhyay

73 net

Third:

Pascal de Garrigues

74 net

C DIVISION: HANDICAPS 21-28 Winner:

Sudhir Vora

69 net

STABLEFORD EVENT Winner:

Lav Kataria

34 points

OMEGA EMIRATES AMATEUR OPEN 2018 Thursday 11th and Friday 12th January 2018

Heading into the final round 6 shots behind overnight leader Stephen Loftus, Rayhan produced a sublime 69 to post a clubhouse score of +1. Stephen Loftus and Max Burrows, having both played very well in round 1 on the Faldo Course, were able to match Rayhanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s score to force a play-off. After pars all round on the first play-off hole, the 17th on the Majlis, it was Rayhan who emerged victorious with a birdie on the the 18th, edging out Stephen Loftus and Max Burrows. Finishing in fourth place was Mikhail Pinto with scores of 71 & 77. In the net prizes it was Graeme Braybrooke who won first place with net scores of 74 & 73 for a 147 total to win by a shot. Second place was settled by a better second round score when Adam Zahri beat Nick Pomeroy with his final day net 69, but both shooting 148 total net. Daily prizes went to Ahmad Skaik for best gross on Day 1, shooting 73 on the Faldo with a better back 9 score. Best gross on Day 2 was claimed by Maximilian Grieb with a fantastic one under par 71 on the Majlis. Day 1 best net went to Ramsey Yassin, with 73 and a better back 9 score, whilst Day 2 best net was claimed by Chris Alderman, also with 73 and a victory through a back 9 scorecard-play-off! Congratulations to all players for taking part, from across the region and internationally, and well done to all winners! Also, we would like to specially thank Omega for their continued support of the very successful Emirates Amateur Open.

CoMpetition results

ongratulations to the winner of the 2018 Emirates Amateur Open, Rayhan Thomas, who won by virtue of a dramatic sudden death play-off after round 2 on the Majlis Course.

in’s lady Capta Message

had initially started writing my Club Life article before the outstanding finish of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic! I have now had to rewrite it, as I was so impressed by the tournament quality, the thrill and the nail-biting finish that it deserves to be mentioned first. What an amazing weekend we had, enjoying some of the best golf played by the top players on the European tour. It all started with unbelievable low scoring on day one due to ideal weather and pristine course conditions. The second day saw Rory McIlroy producing some amazing scoring (five birdies in seven holes), a round that ended on the Saturday early morning with a 170 minute delay due to thick fog. The third day was there to set the stage for an amazing finish with the leader Haotong Li at only one shot ahead of Rory which made it all the more exciting on the Sunday! Gōngxi nǐ (congratulations) to Li who, despite playing against a former world number one and a two-time winner here, held his nerve until the last putt and produced some top quality golf which led to a well-deserved win. As for us keen amateurs, and after a long festive break, which lasted three weeks, we played our first Medal of the year on the Majlis. Congratulations to the winners who proved that, in spite of thick rough and fast greens, it could be done. We all nevertheless enjoyed playing the

course which was in tremendous condition. I would like to pass on my appreciation and thanks to Craig and his team who work tirelessly to deliver such high course standards. Our traditional Lady Captain vs. Lady Vice-Captain matchplay competition was held on the Faldo course the following Monday. We unfortunately suffered a two hour delay due to thick fog and we managed to play only 12 holes. This gave my team and me a valid excuse for not winning on the day, as we surely didn’t have enough holes to make a come back! I doubt that Sulafa and her team, who won by a staggering score of 9½– 5½, would agree with me. Congratulations are in order as they played some amazing golf; well done to all the ladies who participated in the tournament and, despite the competitiveness during the matches, good sportsmanship and camaraderie were present throughout! Our third Inter-Club match was played at Jumeirah Golf Estates Fire Course. We unfortunately came third behind Jumeirah Golf Estates and Abu Dhabi City. This puts us in second place in our pool. We will however try to make it up when we play at Yas Links in March. The closure of both our courses for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic allowed us to venture out and play different courses. Our

first trip was on Monday 22nd January which saw over 50 of our ladies participate in a friendly competition on the Trump Course. It was a fun morning that was enjoyed by all as the course was in great condition. We then all enjoyed a very tasty lunch served impeccably by the food and beverage team. Huge thanks to Andrew Whitelaw and Luke who gave us a very warm welcome, organised an amazing morning and donated all the prizes to the winners. Well done to Phyilis Schulte, Kiyono Taniuchi, Elise Hanson and Cathy Lajotte who played exceptionally well. Our second golfing trip was to Jumeirah Golf Estates to play the Fire course on Wednesday 24th January. 28 ladies participated on the day. Congratulations to Mags Breen, Fiona Berry, Yana Jamieson and Viv Caley who had some amazing scores! Thanks to our past Lady Captain Mitsuko Emmerson who organised the competition and donated the lovely prizes. Golfing at Emirates Golf Club in February is a privilege to be enjoyed by all members; the weather is ideal and the courses are in excellent condition, in particular the Majlis. Let’s all get out on the courses and enjoy some good golf! Najla Bartette Lady Captain 2017-2018

LADIES’ COMPETITION RESULTS MONTHLY MEDAL Monday 8th January 2018

Cathy Lajotte wins January Medal 2018 Monday 8th January saw the ladies’ section return to competitive play for the first time in 2018 with the January Medal up for grabs. Overall winner on the day was Cathy Lajotte, shooting a net 72 on the Majlis course. Cathy’s score was also good enough to win Silver A Division beating Jenny Ayres who scored a net 76. Best overall gross score was by Veronique Rossett with her fantastic gross 82.

SILVER A DIVISION: HANDICAPS 0 – 14

In Silver B Division it was Lynne Dickinson who claimed her first prize of the year scoring a respectable net 73. Following Lynne into second place was Jane Vail, who scored a net 76.

Overall Winner:

Cathy Lajotte

72 net

Runner-up:

Jenny Ayres

76 net

Best Gross:

Veronique Rossett

82 gross

In the Bronze Division, Kiyono Taniuchi eased her way to first place scoring an impressive net 74.

Winner:

Lynne Dickinson

73 net

Runner-up:

Jane Vail

76 net

Well done to everyone who took part and congratulations to all winners.

SILVER B DIVISION: HANDICAPS 15 –23

BRONZE DIVISION: HANDICAPS 24 –36 Winner:

Kiyono Taniuchi

74 net

LADY CAPTAIN V LADY VICE-CAPTAIN : MATCHPLAY CHALLENGE Monday 15th January 2018

With two extremely competitive teams, it was Sulafa’s team who won the overall match. as they were quick off the mark, gaining the points in the opening three matches; however, Najla’s team did well in the next three matches to bring it back to all square. Sulafa’s team then took control over the last nine matches claiming a whopping 6.5 points out of the 9 that were available to claim an overall victory of 5.5 to 9.5. On the course there were individual prizes up for grabs, with Hilary Wynter claiming the straightest drive on hole 10 and Sang Cavanaugh and Cathy Lajotte winning the longest drives on holes 5 and 16 respectively. The nearest the pin prizes were won by Kiyono Taniuchi, hole #2, Rekha Bandopadhyay hole #8, Rena Sethi hole #12 and Fari Sayeed hole #17. Congratulations to all players and to the winning team. Winners:

Lady Vice-Captain’s Team

MATCH SCORES Lady Vice-Captain’s Team:

9.5

Lady Captain’s Team:

5.5

NEAREST THE PIN Hole No 2: (course handicap 19-36)

Kiyono Taniuchi

Hole No 8: (course handicap 0-18)

Rekha Bandopadhyay

Hole No 12: (course handicap 19-36)

Rena Sethi

Hole No 17: (course handicap 0-18)

Fari Sayeed

LONGEST DRIVE Hole No 5: (course handicap 19-36)

Sang Cavanaugh

Hole No 16: (course handicap 0-18)

Cathy Lajotte

STRAIGHTEST DRIVE (FOR ALL PLAYERS) Hole No 10:

Hilary Wynter

CoMpetition results

onday 15th January saw the ladies take to the Faldo course for the Lady Captain’s team versus the Lady Vice-Captain’s team for their matchplay challenge. The teams were selected by Lady Captain, Najla Bartette, and Lady Vice-Captain Sulafa Hamdan.

MIXED COMPETITION RESULTS

CoMpetition results

PRIME LEGACY PRO-AM CUP Saturday 13th January 2018 Winners:

Jonathan Fransson Byron Kraemer Shane Wilson Sanjay Dhandsa

-14 BB9

Runners-up:

Michael Bolt Josie Tracey Yana Jamieson

-14

Stephen Dean Najla Bartette Pascal Bartette Eric Koeman

-13

Third:

NEAREST THE PIN (AMATEURS ONLY) Hole # 4: Bradley Mogire NEAREST THE PIN (PROFESSIONALS ONLY) Hole # 15: Davy Stevenson LONGEST DRIVE (AMATEURS ONLY) Hole # 3: Veronica Elias

MIDNIGHT MADNESS

Sponsored by

Thursday 1st February 2018 Winners:

Jugwinder Brar Naresh Handa Achal Ghai Rajesh Sethi

Runners-up:

Komal Sharma Naresh Bhambhaney Avinash Pangarkar Rakesh Shah 123

Third:

Aqeel Hemraj Salim Shaikh Shane Yusufali Muzaffar Yusufali

NEAREST THE PINS Hole No 2: all players:

Robin Kadyan

Hole No 12:all players:

Jugwinder Brar

119

123

Winning team with and Anand Kapoor

Bob & Angela Connor

t hardly seems possible that it is now five years since we packed up finally and headed home to Wales after many happy years in Dubai. Bob arrived in 1979 and I first set foot in the UAE in 1983 so we have seen quite a few changes over the years! We were members of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club until 2000 and we had the privilege of playing with Chris May the day after the 1999 Desert Classic there. Chris had just arrived in Dubai and it was his first round of golf at the Creek and he was able to witness Bob’s hole-in-one on the 14th! We are now very settled in Llanelli and we are members of Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club, the only Nicklaus-designed course in Wales. It’s a modern links course with beautiful views of the Loughor Estuary and the Gower Peninsula. Although only opened 12 years ago

Golf Services Manager, Rhys James from the MiDCOM group.

the course has already hosted a number of prestigious golf tournaments including the Ladies European Tour, the EuroPro Tour and it was also a qualifying venue for the Senior Open in 2017. Our house overlooks the 12th fairway and 13th green just a short walk from the clubhouse. Bob is currently the Club Captain and I will become Lady Captain in April. Both posts are held for two years so we will overlap for one year!

Where are they noW?

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

11 We have wonderful neighbours and friends with whom we golf, watch rugby, go to concerts, eat out and generally enjoy ourselves. We do miss our friends at Emirates Golf Club Dubai but, having been back every year for the Desert Classic, we have managed to keep in touch with many of them. We thoroughly enjoyed this years’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic and it was lovely to be able to relax and watch the golf after many years on the first tee. We hope to see you all again this time next year.

reCiproCal Clubs

SPOTLIGHT ON The Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club, hong kong

he Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club was officially inaugurated on 16th December 1982. Although the grand vision to build this three-in-one facility comprising country club, golf and marina facilities actually originated in the mid-1960s, it took a decade to complete feasibility studies and file statutory applications before the vision could be realised. Finally the Club was incorporated as a non-profit making organisation in 1977. After making strenuous efforts to fulfil government

stipulations, a lease was secured, and construction commenced in phases until the final completion in the early 1990s.

and staff that enabled us to overcome all the challenges and become the thriving institution that we are today.

It has been a long and arduous process transforming that barren and hilly site into today’s magnificent resort. Sometimes, the course of the Club’s early development was as rocky as the magnificent scenery that surrounds us.

We now boast a prestigious membership of over 3,000 people of all nationalities. The unsurpassed scenic environment, sophisticated facilities together with our healthy finances make the Club one of the finest in the region and an organisation of which we can all be proud.

It was the unfailing support and hard work of committees, members, management

RECIPROCAL CLUBS Full golf members at Emirates Golf Club have the privilege of the member’s guest green fee rate when playing the below reciprocal golf courses. -

Albatross Golf Resort, Czech Republic Archerfield Golf Club, Scotland Banyan Golf Club, Thailand Blue Canyon Country Club, Thailand Centurion Club, Hemel Hempstead, UK Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, Hong Kong, China Close House Hotel & Golf, England, UK DLF Golf & Country Club, Gurgaon, India Foxhills Club & Resort, Surrey, UK Huntingdale Golf Club, Victoria, Australia

- Hubbelrath Golf Club, Dusseldorf, Germany - Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, UAE - K Club of Straffan, Kildare, Ireland - The Hong Kong Golf Club, Hong Kong, China - Laguna National Golf & Country Club, Singapore - London Golf Club, UK - Mission Hills, China - Münchener Golf Club, Germany

- Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club, Victoria, Australia - Real Club de Golf el Prat, Barcelona, Spain - Royal Golf Club, Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic - Saujana Golf & Country Club, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Taiheiyo Club, Japan - The Duke’s, St Andrews, Scotland - The Heritage Golf Club, Mauritius - Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Tee time reservations need to be made in advance through Membership Services. The current membership card must be produced at the reciprocal club when playing golf upon check in. For further information on the reciprocal clubs please contact our Membership Services team or email egc@dubaigolf.com

FareWell

14 FAREWELL TO

ZARINA & ABBAS CHINCHINWALA S

adly, this month we say farewell to Zarina and Abbas Chinchinwala who are well known and respected in Dubai after their 49 years here. They joined Emirates Golf Club in 1989 and they are very familiar faces here, especially since retirement as they have played nine holes almost every morning. Zarina enjoys her golf so much that, even after breaking her knee at the Dubai Desert Classic last year, she was straight back to her early morning golf as soon as she was on her feet again ten months later. Zarina and Abbas celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in June 2017 and Abbas recently celebrated his 86th Birthday here. Best wishes to you both in your home in London and we hope to see you in Dubai from time to time. Below is a short history of their time in Dubai… I came to Dubai in 1974 as a gynaecologist from Doha, Qatar to join my husband Abbas who was working as a surgeon at Rashid Hospital. I originally came from Mumbai, India where I studied medicine and qualified as a doctor. I met my husband at medical school, got married and subsequently moved to England for further studies where I obtained membership and fellowship of various academic colleges. Abbas came to Dubai in October 1969 as a surgeon. There was, at that time, a very small cottage hospital called Al Maktoum Hospital which catered for medical, surgical and gynaecological patients. Even though Abbas’s main training was in urology, he ended up virtually doing all types of surgery, which was a huge amount of work

because even then there were road accidents! At that time we had two small boys aged five and four who were schooled at, the then, small Dubai English Speaking School; at the age of eight and nine they had to go off to boarding school in England as Dubai did not cater for any further education. This worked well for the boys as Simon studied medicine at Cambridge and is now a hand surgeon

in New Zealand. Rashid, the younger one, opted to study engineering (a wise guy!) at Imperial College London followed by Chartered Accountancy and he lives and works in London. We have two grandchildren in each place and hence, we end up travelling half way round the world each year. The first golf we played in Dubai was at Dubai Country Club, a sand course where the putting ‘greens’ were actually sand packed with oil and called ‘browns’ and the ball was played off a piece of Astroturf on the fairways. Sadly the Club no longer exists as it was closed down to make way for the Meydan project. Though primitive, it was a good golf course, fun to play and to have enjoyable company, mainly that of expatriates. We joined Emirates Golf Club in 1989 but our serious golf only started after retirement as previously it used to take us one and a half hours to drive to the Club from Bur Dubai whereas now, living on the Palm Jumeirah, it takes a mere ten minutes. Our other pastimes are playing bridge and swimming. In 49 years we have seen Dubai grow from a tiny community to a major metropolis. However, we recall the old Dubai where there was a good mixing of all expatriates and local nationals who were friendly, charming and hospitable. We will miss Dubai and especially Emirates Golf Club where we have spent so much of our time and where we have many friends. It has been a fantastic Club of which to be a member and we have enjoyed the whole experience!

have to say that from a surfaces point of view the Omega Dubai Desert Classic was a great success. We presented some of the firmest surfaces in 10 years and, along with the tour agronomy team, we provided the players with what they enjoy most, a tight fairway to hit from into a green that is firm and rolling true and fast. Firm surfaces allow them to have full control into the greens and firm fairways allow them to get additional yardage on their drives. We had benign conditions for the first three days indeed. At the end of the day, it is the same for each player and the cream, as always, rises to the top. I am exceptionally proud of my team this year. Mario completed his first event as Assistant Superintendent and did an outstanding job supporting the team during the week. We had Elmer in his first event as Course Foreman and Francis in his first event taking care of the daily course set-up. Sattar was into his second event as course set-up but this year he managed the back nine solo. Always good to support young aspiring greenkeepers…Derek Daly and Andrew Mckenna are doing a great job with the African Turf Academy at Silver Lakes in Pretoria and its great for us to be able to support their development.

Not many appreciate the scrutiny that goes into changing cups to the precise detail that needs to be achieved and how particular this role is to the success of an event. They have done themselves proud and have represented Emirates Golf Club at the highest level. Each and every member of the team produced the goods under stressful conditions and although, come Sunday, they were visibly tired, the smiles remained constant and that to me shows passion, dedication, teamwork and integrity at the highest level. I am so proud to be part of this amazing team! This year we welcomed some new faces to our operation. Javier Farran joined us from The Els Club where he is the Assistant Superintendent. He simply wanted to be part of the event and helped us with our stimpmeter readings daily on the back nine. Charl Blaauw is the Golf Course Superintendent at St. Francis Links, a Jack Nicklaus designed course on the east coast of South Africa. Charl helped the front nine team in the mornings and has taken a brilliant video diary of his experience during the week. You can follow him on his YouTube Channel and see what he posted. Our student greenkeeper this year from the African Turf Academy was Stephen Schmidt and I have to say that

r’s greenkeepe Cuttings

GREENKEEPER’S CUTTINGS

he was outstanding and he got involved on every level possible, taking full advantage of the opportunity to be here for two weeks learning. Our Golf Course Superintendent at the Creek, Matthew Perry, was my right-hand man through the week, generously giving up his early mornings to lead the back nine crew. Matt has great experience and it was good to have his support throughout. As you can see, it is a big team effort with a lot of additional resources that allow us to present the course in the best possible condition throughout the week. A big thank you to all who supported us through the week and to the well wishes from our membership which were greatly appreciated by all. Now, we continue to push on and provide the best surfaces possible to our membership and guests. We have a great canvas to continue from and as always, we welcome any feedback. Craig Haldane Director - Golf Course Maintenance Welcome to the team Stephen! Second year student Stephen-John Schmidt spent two weeks at Emirates Golf Club Dubai for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

aCadeMy

Article courtesy of Golf DIgest Middle East

LEARN COWEN’S TOUR PRO SECRETS

Need A Golf Lesson? Try The New Peter Cowen Academy Dubai at Dubai Golf Dubai Golf have teamed up with legendary swing guru Pete Cowen to launch the Peter Cowen Golf Academy in Dubai. Having held a long association with Cowen that dates back over a decade, the partnership will enhance the level of teaching opportunities available at both Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Cowen, whose vaunted list of past and present clients includes major winners Henrik Stenson, Louis Oosthuizen, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke, Sergio Garcia and Danny Willett, has some ambitious plans to help grow the sport from a grass roots level. “I want to get more Emiratis and UAE citizens playing and enjoying the game of golf, and hopefully then we can get more players from this region becoming professional golfers,” said the Yorkshireman, who has become regarded as the ‘goto’ option for any European Tour player struggling with his swing mechanics.

The Peter Cowen Golf Academy Dubai marks the first international location of the Academy, progressing from the original facility in Rotherham, UK. Golf professionals of the academies at both Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club will be teaching the ‘Peter Cowen method’ and passing on signature, world-leading Peter Cowen drills.

These are the techniques that players on tour will swear by, and Cowen’s results speak for themselves. As recently as 2016 the veteran instructor enjoyed a vintage year, with his charge Danny Willett upsetting Jordan Spieth to win a green jacket, Henrik Stenson putting on a ball striking clinic to claim the Claret Jug with one of the greatest rounds ever in a major

and both Chris Wood and Matt Fitzpatrick landing huge titles.

Pro’s Tip of the Month by PGA GOLF Professional DONG LEE

STAY ‘IN FRONT’

pro’s tip

The partnership between Dubai Golf and Cowen will bring his tour-proven coaching philosophies and methods to the members and guests of Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

Hi This is PGA Professional Dong Lee, This month I want to share with you some tips if you struggle to hit straight shots... Let’s synchronise arms and body...if you learn this simple tip Im sure you can reduce less curve balls. The most common mistakes I see with students are ‘spinning out’ or ‘stuck behind’ which you see below in picture 1

The yellow alignment stick which I have in my belt hoop represents my lower body. When my lower body starts to rotate in the downswing too quickly, my hands get ‘stuck’ behind; therefore I have only hands and wrist to manipulate to correct my mistake. I think it is then very difficult to square the face of the club every time, especially when you are under the pressure, playing tournament golf. “I have been coming to Dubai and Emirates Golf Club for a number of years now and I am very proud of my association with the club,” adds Cowen. “The launch of the Peter Cowen Golf Academy Dubai will be a place for all to come to get the most out of their golf game, whether they are beginners or elite players. The facilities at Emirates Golf Club are unparalleled to anywhere in the world, and the players who I work with around the time of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic love to use the club and the facilities. It is fantastic that the relationship has now been extended to Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and I look forward to continuing my relationship with Dubai Golf for many years to come.” For Dubai Golf, it represents an opportunity to take the coaching facilities to the next level and inspire growth at grass roots level. “The Peter Cowen Golf Academy Dubai will represent the latest in teaching philosophies that will enhance Dubai Golf’s member and guest experiences at both Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club” said Christopher May, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Golf. “Dubai Golf has always invested in its coaching but the new Peter Cowen Golf Academy will take this to the next level and make the club a destination for world-class lessons and instruction,” added Stephen Deane, Emirates Golf Club Head Golf Professional. “Peter’s reputation as the world’s leading golf coach will greatly benefit the club, its members and its guests. Players who adopt his method see an instant improvement in their game and the knowledge Peter will pass to the professionals here will ensure their skills are cutting edge and world class.”

This correct picture shows my alignment stick is more patient Also my lower body feels more ‘grounded’ allowing my arms to come down and now the hands are ‘in front’ of me. The momentum of the club falling allows the body to hit the ball. I hope this can help you to ‘square’ the face of the club and hit more straight shots.

oddC

STUNNING LI WIN ADDS TO CHINE AT OMEGA DUBAI CLASSICS by Viren Verma

aotong Li barely figured in discussions on the eve of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club, but he became the talk of the town with a sublime one-shot victory that resonated across the golfing word. Going head-to-head with favourite Rory McIlroy, the 22-year-old Chinese prodigy outshone the Northern Irishman coming down the final stretch, his victory bearing a striking resemblance to the 2001 ‘epic duel in the sun’ when Thomas Bjorn beat a red-hot Tiger Woods. Li became the first Asian to hoist the iconic Dallah Trophy and join some golfing greats such as Seve Ballesteros, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie to name a few on an illustrious roll of honours.

His victory with a record 23-under-par score lifted the Hunan native into the world’s top50 in a first for a Chinese male golfer, posing an interesting question: “Can he go on and follow in the footsteps of his compatriot and the top-ranked woman golfer Shanshan Feng?” Only time will tell, but he has already taken the first step in that direction. Seeking a revenge of sorts after missing the cut in Abu Dhabi, Li reeled off 30 birdies against five bogeys and a double-bogey during the week to beat the previous lowest score of the tournament, jointly shared by Thomas Bjorn, Stephen Gallacher and McIlroy himself, by one shot. “My phone has exploded with messages and it’s going to be a very big (reaction) in China,” Li said after this victory, his second

on the European Tour. It is going to give me a lot of confidence for the next few events and the rest of the year, especially The Masters. I have never been there before, so I am looking forward to the big event,” said Li, who was congratulated by McIlroy after he holed the winning birdie putt. Playing in his second tournament in eight weeks after suffering a rib injury, McIlroy posted 40 under par through back-to-back events and that can hardly be classed as a failure. “The competitor in me is very disappointed,” said the 28-year-old, winner here in 2009 and 2015. “But if someone had told me at the start of the year that I would finish third and second in my first two events, I’d take that.”

ESE FLAVOUR

19 oddC

McIlroy headlined a mega field that included 10 major winners and three Ryder Cup captains among other European Tour elites with American Pat Perez making his first appearance and, as the tournament tradition has it, it produced a high-quality spectacle of golf. The last two winners of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, Danny Willett and Sergio Garcia, have gone on to win the US Masters just two short months later. Can Li make it three in a row?

OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC PRO-AM

Congratulations to the winners of the 2018 OMEGA Golf Dubai Pro Am, Pat Perez who led the EGA-VIII team and Henrik Stenson who guided his EGA-1 team. Congratulations to leading UAE national golfer Khalid Yousuf who produced the shot of the day with his second hole-in-one of his career on the 15th tee.

EGA VIII team with Pat Perez

EGA 1 team Henrik Stenson

OUT and ABOUT at THE OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC

GOLF CLINIC

sport2bu

siness

JANUARY 2018 HIGHLIGHTS 2018 so far has started well for S2B with a few of our members powering through dry January, S2B making it on Dubai Eye radio, four wins in the Conares Matchplay and lots more events booked in to look forward to in the coming months.

Omega Dubai Desert Classic S2B had a great week at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, thanks to Emirates Golf Club and Barney Coleman. The hot spot for us was at the 16th green in the Members’ Lounge! Tony Northcott, as well as volunteering as a scorer on the course. managed to shoot seven under in the NBD putting challenge and got himself into the final for the One Million Dirham Putt! Michael Nielsen and Patson Makava also kindly helped out for the week.

Twelve S2B members were lucky enough to play the Majlis the day after the conclusion of the tournament! The tees were back and the pins were in the exact position they were for the final day’s play. The course was playing firm and tough but it was a fantastic experience to play the course under European Tour conditions!

S2B on Dubai Eye 103.8 During the Omega Dubai Desert Classic week, Robbie Greenfield and Chris Mchardy were ‘lucky’ enough to interview Russell Yeomans on Dubai Eye. They talked about the growth of Sport2Business over the last five years, from a small society group to the current weekly turn-out of 45-50 players, the support of Emirates Golf Club and the importance of golf both for tourism and for business networking in Dubai. Russell also subtly promoted the

Eclectic 20 Since the start of Eclectic 20 on 9th October, there have been 143 birdies and 4 eagles made on the Faldo on S2B Monday nights. One man in particular who has made 15 birdies and an eagle is Mr Tony Piccolo who managed to clinch the Eclectic 20 title on 8th January. It was incredibly close in the end with Dave Minchin making a late charge with an eagle on the 3rd and a par on the 7th to draw level with Tony on the final evening. However, Tony won outright with an outstanding 55 gross (17 under par) 1st: 2nd: 3rd:

Tony Piccolo David Minchin Andrew Robinson

(net 59.7) (net 59.7) (net 62.25)

gross 55 gross 60 gross 66

January Monday Night Winners January 1st

Patson Makava Russell Yeomans

19 points

January 8th

David Pinder

21 points

January 15th

Dale Kin-Cleaves

22 points

January 22nd

John Berry

20 points

January 29th

Dan Fields

19 points

Sports Quiz night run at Emirates Golf Club by Chris and Robbie on Sundays for which S2B have been entering up to three teams! This was a fantastic opportunity to promote our Monday night event, weekends away and S2B golf events generally. Check out the Podcast on the Dubai Eye website under Sports Tonight.

Thanks to our sponsors

sport2bu siness

S2B Conares Matchplay

S2B sealed four victories at Sharjah Golf Club on Saturday 13th January, meaning S2B Team 1 and 2 qualify for the 5th round play-offs to then progress to the quarter-finals! Team 1 won both games against our old rivals, The Mazimbas who S2B beat for the first time! The new S2B Dream Teams, (scores for Betterball Stableford): Peter Donaldson & Lee Vincent: Dave Minchin & Fathi Al Busaidy: Russell Yeomans & Rob Duczenko: David Pinder & Neal White:

41 points 39 points 37 points 35 points

Congratulations to the pairing of Peter Donaldson & Lee Vincent winning the day’s prize of AED 300 Pro Shop vouchers each. The next games are on 24th February and 3rd March for the final league games and the 5th round play-offs!

Sport2Business Events for your Diary • February 8th

Meydan Race Night with Touch Gold Racing

• February 16th/17th

Weekend in RAK staying at the Rixos Bab Al Bahr and golf at Al Hamra Golf Club

• March 1st

Meydan Race Night with Touch Golf Racing, Round 2

• March 16th/17th

Weekend in Al Ain staying at The Hilton playing golf at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club

• May (TBC)

2/3 night away trip to Jordan playing two rounds of golf Ayla Golf Club.

2018 New Sponsor Neil Buckley CEO, Middle East at King’s College Hospital London and a new member of our society is looking forward to sponsoring S2B over the coming year to help raise

the awareness of the new hospital that is due to open in 2019. He looks forward to meeting potential clients, service providers and future employees through the network and generally promoting the King’s College Hospital brand. King’s College Hospital UAE already consists of a brand new Medical Centre in Jumeirah, an existing Medical and Surgical

Centre in Abu Dhabi, as well as the new state-of-the-art 100-bed facility at Dubai Hills in Mohammed bin Rashid City which is currently under construction. As part of King’s College Hospital (KCH) in London, the hospital will offer patients local access to world-class treatment and leading medical professionals.

Call to action for Emirates Golf Club members

Should you be an existing or a new member at Emirates Golf Club and you fancy joining us on a Monday night for some competitive roll-up golf and socialising in Spike Bar and Terrace afterwards, please contact James for more information! Email: jyeomans@yeomansexecutive.com Phone No.: 0504816277 We look forward to welcoming more Emirates Golf Club members to our society.

F&B UPDATE

Miles’ MoM

ents

MILES ENTWISTLE

Two Great Nights

ith another Omega Dubai Desert Classic behind us we have two new evenings in the weekly schedule that I’m sure will keep you entertained throughout the rest of this season.

In Spike Bar, the ‘Ultimate Sports Quiz’ will continue each Sunday for the next 10 weeks. The grand prize of two tickets to New York will be won by the team with a combined score of their highest six weeks (so if you can’t make it every week, then you’re still in with a chance). Hosted by Chris McHardy and Robbie Greenfield it is a great evening out even if, like me, trivia is not your forté. Jones the Grocer launched their first ‘Grape & Cheese’ night on February 1st which will continue every Thursday night. Starting at 7.30pm there will be live jazz from Blondie & The Boys and as the name of the evening suggests, we have a selection of five wines which are available on a two-hour package alongside a cheese board, all for a very reasonable AED 199. There were 82 attendees for the opening so booking in advance is recommended!

WHAT’S COOKING? Five Healthy Eating Tips from Chef Nicholas 1. Go beyond quinoa Quinoa has become really popular in recent years, but there are many other healthy whole grains that you can incorporate into your diet. For example, teff flour is easy to find in your health food stores. Think of it as a healthy crouton. Other healthy and tasty whole grains to look out for include amaranth, buckwheat, freekeh, khorasan, and spelt. They can add texture to salads, and the flours work well with baking.

27 4. Make healthy swaps

Serving vegetables as the main course has become such a great trend in restaurants, but it’s so easy to do at home and makes for a great healthy dinner. Instead of chicken or steak, try whole-roasting a cauliflower with herbs, spices, and a bit of olive oil and serving it as the main course alongside some whole grains and a salad.

It’s amazing how many healthy ingredients can take the place of otherwise less nutritious options. For example, lentils can stand in for rice in rich and flavourful risotto. Another one of my favourite substitutions is to make mashed ‘potatoes’ with cauliflower or parsnips instead. Just steam these veggies until soft, whip with a bit of yogurt, and you have a healthy dish at a fraction of the calories.

3. Coconut oil is the new olive oil

5. Sow your seeds

Everyone knows the health benefits of olive oil, but most recently, coconut oil has proven to have many healthy qualities when used in cooking. You can use coconut oil in many dishes at home - to pan-sauté salmon, in a vegetable stirfry, and even to cook your eggs in the morning.

Seeds are commonly known for their nutritional value but they are often hard to incorporate into food. A good way to incorporate healthy seeds into your diet is to use them to supplement a favourite dish. For example, sprinkle some chia or hemp seeds onto a salad or blend them into smoothies, fold pumpkin seeds into a whole wheat pie crust, or mix in with oats, dried fruit, and honey to create a homemade granola.

king

Nicholas Cuomo Executive Chef

Whats Coo

2. Eat your vegetables

rules by r

hys

BY RHYS

KNOW YOUR “DEFINITIONS” TO HELP KNOW THE “RULES”

etween pages 30 - 45 of the Rules of Golf booklet, you will find all of the definitions that form the basis of the rules of golf. It is well believed that golfers who are aware of the definitions will stand a better chance of knowing and playing by the rules. To give you an insight here are a few that I have selected.

Abnormal Ground Condition An “abnormal ground condition” is any casual water, ground under repair or hole, cast or runway on the course made by a burrowing animal, a reptile or a bird.

Holed A ball is “holed” when it is at rest within the circumference of the hole and all of it is below the lip of the hole. NOTE: The ball pictured is NOT holed.

Provisional Ball A “provisional ball” is a ball played under rule 27-2 for a ball that may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds. NOTE: Explains why a provisional ball cannot be hit for a ball that may be in a water hazard.

Rub of the Green

a. the teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played b. all hazards on the course

A “rub of the green” occurs when a ball in motion is accidentally deflected or stopped by an outside agency

Addressing the Ball

NOTE: Refers to the Faldo course flood lights. If a ball strikes the floodlights then it is deemed “rub of the green” and the ball must be played as it lies.

A player has “addressed the ball” when he has grounded his club immediately behind the ball, whether or not he has taken his stance.

Through the Green

If you have any rules queries that you would like to discuss over the coming weeks then please do not hesitate to ask on your next visit to the Club or simply email your query to rjames@dubaigolf.com

“Through the green” is the whole area of the course except:

Dear Members,

It’s always nice to receive positive feedback but when you get it from the likes of Rory Mcllroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Westwood, to name a few, it is fantastic to hear. They honestly believe we are one of the best in the world when

EXERCISE TIP OF THE MONTH by Vincent Maynard

I am very proud and privileged to have been associated with Dubai Golf for so long and we keep on striving to improve. Look out for the new challenge in the gym which we will be tying in with our 30th Anniversary. There are some great prizes to be won so please get involved. Our goal is to generate some fun but also a little competitiveness and we look forward to you joining the challenge. It’s great to see so many of you sticking to your New Year’s resolutions which means that Fit Lab is buzzing these days. As always, if you need any assistance or if you have suggestions on how we can improve, please let me know. Our goal is to maintain the seven star service to our members. Andy Meech Head of Sports & Leisure

Fit lab

What a fantastic Omega Dubai Desert Classic this year. I can’t believe it was my 15th one (showing my age I know) but it just seems to get better year on year. One major difference I have noticed is the majority of players who are using the gym. 15 years ago I would have seen perhaps one or two but there are so many more visiting the gym now.

it comes to the variety and number of facilities within a golf club.

Member of the Month Krista has a very demanding job and two children, and she still manages to find time to go to the gym and train really hard - this lady is an inspiration. Well done Krista and keep up the great work.

Foam rolling, are you being efficient? If you are an avid foam roller user, take a look at this good infographic from The American College of Sports Medicine about what tool to use for different parts of the body. There might be a better and more efficient way of targeting your tight areas!

30 HAMILTON AQUATICS Fit lab

Hamilton Aquatics invites you to join our team at Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht to experience world class, high quality swimming lessons that everyone can access from as young as three months old to adults. Whether you are starting your journey to learn to swim or you have performance aspirations, we offer fun and competitive opportunities for your family, helping you to lead a healthier and safer lifestyle. Currently, we offer the following programmes at Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Yacht & Golf Club: 1. Aquanatal Classes: Our Aquanatal classes are specially designed for prenatal and post-natal mothers. All exercises are tailored to suit the needs of each individual and they focus on building strength, well-being and core stability, as well as breathing and relaxation techniques that help the body prepare for birth and recover following delivery. 2. Adult and Child Classes: Our adult and child classes are a fantastic way to introduce young swimmers (three months and above) to the water. We believe that early foundations in swimming lead to lifelong water enjoyment and our classes provide a developmental journey from the first splash right through to a confident swimmer.

RECOVER TOGETHER OR SPOIL YOUR SWEETIE AT SENSASIA URBAN SPA THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

he couple that trains together, stays together and the couple who pains together... needs to make their way to SensAsia Urban Spa this Valentine’s Day. Responding to a surge in both male and female clients wishing to relieve fitness-related strain, the UAE’s largest spa chain has launched its first post-workout couple’s massage for the month of love. The Recovery For Two is a 75-minute treatment, taken side-by-side in one of SensAsia’s sumptuous couples’ suites, which can be found only at its Emirates Golf Club location. It begins with a 15-minute head, neck and face acupressure massage, targeting the tiny muscles that hold on to so much tension, and preparing the body to enter a true state of tranquility. Then, it’s on to a 60-minute full body massage, using deep pressure and long, penetrating strokes to break down tightlywound muscles and correct posture. SensAsia’s expert therapists tailor each massage to focus on key areas of concern as standard, and The Recovery can include a variety of techniques to really melt away the dull aches, sharp pains, cramping, lactic acid build-up and ‘locked’ feelings

that come with regular and strenuous exercise. The Recovery For Two is a 75-minute treatment, available at SensAsia Urban Spa at Emirates Golf Club throughout February. The price is AED 1,150, with a discounted rate of AED 1,050 if pre-booked and paid before February 14th. If it’s a selfless spa gift you’re seeking, nothing feels sweeter than SensAsia’s Bee My Honey treatment package. Bee My Honey is 120 minutes of top-to-toe decadence, designed to leave the body feeling ultra-soft, soothed and deliciously spoiled. The treatment begins with a honey-based body polish to whip away those dead skin cells and re- energise the skin, followed by a warm milk, honey, black sesame and almond oil body wrap, plus full body massage. Bee My Honey is a 120-minute treatment, available at all SensAsia Urban Spa locations throughout February for a Valentine’s special price of AED 699 (usual price AED 770). Call SensAsia Urban Spa, Emirates Golf Club on 04 417 9820 or visit www.sensasiaspas.com

3. Learn to Swim Programme: Our Learn to Swim programme offers child centric swimming lessons for young swimmers over three years old. The programme works with all swimming abilities – beginner levels are aimed at building water confidence, water safety and core aquatic skills, which forms a strong base to learn the four competitive strokes in the intermediate levels. Term two swimming lessons commence on 18th February and our experienced teachers are looking forward to welcoming new and existing swimmers to the programme! For further information on our swimming lessons, please contact us via Email: Emirates Golf Club: egc@hamiltonaquatics.ae Dubai Creek Yacht & Golf Club: cgc@hamiltonaquatics.ae See you in the pool!

Advance booking is required, email info.dubai@RRApadel.com or call +971 56 179 8324

UPANDRUNNING

e are pleased to announce that UPANDRUNNING has been officially recognised as a PGA European Tour International Clinic. This means we join a small group of international clinics and hospitals who are recognised by the PGA European Tour as facilities that follow the philosophy of the European Tour ET Sports Medical and Physio service and are recognised as having expertise in dealing with golfers, caddies and their families. Dr Anna Zickerman has been a PGA Accredited clinician for several years and last week she worked with players competing in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club. Dr Tom Saw now also holds PGA Accreditation, and will represent UPANDRUNNING at a popular regional international tournament in February. Citing one of his favourite authors, Dr Tom says, “Golf is many things to many people; a way to relax, a corporate day out, a way of life or a good walk spoiled”. “I am immensely proud to join the PGA European Tour Sports Medical Team. It comprises a select group of highly qualified sports medicine professionals, who collectively represent some of the brightest minds and latest thinking. For professional athletes to stay at their best, they are increasingly relying on this expertise to help optimise their performance and ultimately keep them in the game for longer,” said Tom. At UPANDRUNNING we realise that golf is a complex sport involving dramatic biomechanical changes on the wrists, shoulder and lumbar spine. As a result, small niggles can be magnified to create issues elsewhere in the musculoskeletal chain. Whether you’re a recreational golfer, a ‘Trick-shot Master’, or even a Professional on tour, UPANDRUNNING can help. Our golf specialist team includes both Dr Anna and Dr Tom, as well as our Golf Specialist Physiotherapist Michael Mefo. Together they are supported by the whole UPANDRUNNING clinical team who jointly, truly understand the relationship between the human body and the golf swing. If you are failing to reach form or having an issue in overcoming an injury, we can help. Find us at Emirates Golf Club, where you’ll meet our physiotherapy and osteopathy team, or at 675 Al Wasl Road where our complete medical, orthopaedic surgery, clinical and sports performance services are offered.

Call 04 518 5400 to make an appointment with Dr Anna Zickerman, Dr Tom Saw or Physio Michael Mefo.

Back pain in the workplace and how Osteopathy at UPANDRUNNING can help Millions of people worldwide suffer back pain whilst at work, at a great cost to the economy and to their own health and wellbeing. Whether working at a desk/computer or out in the field, repetitive activities can stress the body and cause disorders that can be treated with a visit to an Osteopath. Conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain and headaches, and repetitive strain injuries are some of the common complaints seen by our team. Osteopaths aim to address the main factors involved with low back pain. • Assess – we want to work out what you can and can’t do. • Educate and empower – we want you to know what’s going on, and what we can do about it • Alleviate pain and discomfort – this goes without saying • Restore function – absence of pain is not function • Build resilience – physically and mentally, so it doesn’t happen again UPANDRUNNING’s Osteopath David Eakins is available for appointments at Emirates Golf Club and the overall treatment is aimed at removing imbalances and restrictions throughout your body so that it is given the best opportunity to return to optimal function. Depending on your symptoms, treatment may involve soft tissue massage and stretching to reduce areas of tension or muscular spasm, joint mobilisations or joint manipulations to improve mobility in your joints and will usually involve some form of exercise or lifestyle advice. To book an appointment with UPANDRUNNING’s Osteopath David Eakins at Emirates Golf Club please call 04 518 5400

Fit lab

Sports Medical clinic acknowledged as a PGA European Tour International Clinic

pro shop

TEE & SANDWEDGES FROM THE PROSHOP

Juan Kramer Retail Manager Prosports International Mob: +97150 6685157 email: juan@prosports.ae www.prosports.ae

New Releases

PING G700 IRONS IN STORE 25TH MARCH 2018

TAYLORMADE M3 AND M4 DRIVERS IN STORE 19TH FEBRUARY 2018 In this game-improvement iron, PING engineers put a high priority on power and forgiveness by leveraging the advantages of a hollow-body design and a thin, steel face, creating PING’s longest, highest-flying iron to date. All this comes with the added benefits of playability, tighter dispersion and enhanced sound in a slim, aesthetically pleasing shape.

Powerful Design The hollow-body construction of the 17-4 stainless steel head allows for an internal geometry design that positions weight away from the face, creating a frame for metal-wood-like flexing and high COR to greatly increase ball speed for launching the ball higher and farther.

Maraging Steel Face One of the strongest alloys in the world, C300 maraging steel increases ball speed and distance by generating twice the face flexing. Low and extreme heel-toe perimeter weighting ensures high inertia and tightens dispersion.

Clean Appearance With a sole width and offset similar to the G400 iron, plus a clean cavity, hydropearl plating and polished accent, the address view is confidence inspiring.

TaylorMade M3

TaylorMade M4

TAYLORMADE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED DRIVER EVER

STRAIGHT DISTANCE + ULTIMATE FORGIVENESS TWIST FACE

A radical departure from traditional driverface design, Twist Face is engineered to take you farther and straighter… right down the centre of the fairway.Twist Face presents a revolutionary new face curvature with a corrective face angle on off-centre hits, engineered to reduce side spin and deliver straighter shots. By providing more loft in the high-toe and less loft in the low-heel, this groundbreaking technology produces more consistent side spin in the areas where golfers commonly mis-hit.

A radical departure from traditional driverface design, Twist Face is engineered to take you further and straighter… right down the centre of the fairway.Twist Face presents a revolutionary new face curvature with a corrective face angle on off-centre hits, engineered to reduce side spin and deliver straighter shots. By providing more loft in the high-toe and less loft in the low-heel, this groundbreaking technology produces more consistent side spin in the areas where golfers commonly mis-hit.

HAMMERHEAD SLOT

TWIST FACE

TaylorMade’s new Hammerhead slot creates a massive sweet spot that pushes the limit of ball speed to produce distance and forgiveness across the entire face.The reinforced outer portions of the slot allow for a lighter, more flexible face, while the centre portion of the slot increases ball speed on low-face strikes and drops spin for more distance. The result is a powerful and forgiving driver that delivers exceptional sound and feel.

Y-TRACK

The M3 driver features a new Y-Track, which offers two seamlessly movable weights, allowing golfers to adjust their settings for optimal trajectory, maximum forgiveness, or raw speed.Simple and intuitive, the Y-Track delivers a completely connected track system for the first time, giving golfers unrestricted movement of 22g of mass (two 11g weights).

TaylorMade’s new Hammerhead slot creates a massive sweet spot that pushes the limit of ball speed to produce distance and forgiveness across the entire face. The reinforced outer portions of the slot allow for a lighter, more flexible face, while the centre portion of the slot increases ball speed on low-face strikes and drops spin for more distance. The result is a powerful and forgiving driver that delivers exceptional sound and feel.

GEOCOUSTIC

Taking an imaginative approach to clubhead design, Geocoustic technology utilises advanced sole shaping techniques to deliver a solid and explosive sound with exceptional feel. The recessed sole contour also frees up volume to produce a larger clubface with a 67% larger sweet spot.

FINISHES

It comes in three classic finishes: Tour chrome Brushed steel Jet black

STOCK SHAFT & GRIP

TRUE TEMPER DYNAMIC GOLD

pro shop

VOKEY TOUR VALIDATED GRINDS KNOW YOUR LETTER, HIT YOUR NUMBER.

GOLF PRIDE TOUR VELVET WHITE

Through improved progressive CG, optimised spin milled grooves, and the game’s benchmark for Tour validated grinds, new SM7 wedges offer maximised spin, control, and consistency for more confidence on every shot. Put the highest level of wedge performance in your hands.

Coming Soon

F GRIND

TITLEIST SM7 VOKEY WEDGES IN STORE 9TH MARCH 2018 Retail Price (including VAT)

Members’ Price

SM7 Steel Shaft

AED 709.00

AED 567.20

SM7 Graphite Shaft

AED 814.00

AED 651.20

PROGRESSIVE CENTRE OF GRAVITY

The centre of gravity (CG) can vary slightly between different lofted wedges, based on the bounce and sole grind of the wedge. Vokey Design SM7 wedges feature a progressive centre of gravity, optimised for each loft, bounce and grind for improved distance control, tighter shot dispersion and exceptional feel throughout the wedge set.

Full sole designed primarily for full swings & square face shots. Due to this design, it is the only grind available in 46°-52°, with the 54° and 56° F Grind being the most played SW on the PGA Tour.

Can’t make a the Demo day… get fitted with Phil.

S GRIND

Design based on feedback from Steve Stricker, the S is best for square faced shots with a touch more versatility than the F Grind. Simple mechanics are best with this wedge.

M GRIND

Vokey’s favourite, the M grind is designed for players that like to rotate the club face open and shut to manufacture shots around the green.

D GRIND

The player’s high bounce wedge. High measured bounce with the crescent shape of the M Grind for shot making versatility.

SPIN MILLED GROOVES

Vokey’s Spin Milled process is unique to each finish and loft for the sharpest, most consistent groove edges. Vokey Design SM7 wedges feature a Parallel Face Texture for more consistent groove edges, tighter quality tolerances, and maximum spin. SM7 wedges also feature a distinct groove design between lofts: low lofts (46°-54°) are designed with narrower, deeper grooves, while higher lofts (56°-62°) have wider grooves. The result is superior spin and control on all wedge shots.

Custom Fitting with Phil

K GRIND

The highest bounce wedge in the lineup, the K Grind is the ultimate bunker club and the most forgiving wedge in the lineup for all shots.

L GRIND

The L Grind features a narrow crescent shape allowing maximum green side versatility, but it is the least forgiving wedge in the lineup.

With golf club equipment and golf balls changing so often, it is very important to find the right set that suits your game. Test your clubs with our Senior Custom Fitting Specialist (Phil) to see if your clubs are set up correctly. Using the latest Trackman technology test the newest equipment from the leading brands including Callaway, Ping, TaylorMade and Titleist. For anyone who doesn’t know Phil yet, he recently joined us here at Emirates Golf Club. He understands the needs of golfers and the difference the right club can make. During training PGA Pros are taught not only the fitting process and its benefits but also about club building giving them a vast understanding of the different components that make the finished products, and how each one of these can affect a golfer’s swing and ball flight. To book a custom fit call: +971 4417 9866 in to the pro shop today. Make sure your clubs are keeping your game up to scratch! Warm Regards, Juan Kramer Retail Manager Prosports International

s t e p p i n S e l 19th Ho Yana Jamieson with the winner of the 2018 HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship, Tommy Fleetwood

Bollywood star attends Omega Dubai Desert Classic 82 year-old Vyjayanthimala Bali is an Indian film actress, Bharathanatyam dancer, Carnatic singer, dance choreographer and parliamentarian. She was referred to as the first female superstar of Hindi cinema. She later became one of the most prominent actresses of South Indian cinema and in the golden era of Bollywood and was known as one of the iconic leading actress of all time.

A great photo of some of our ladies enjoying the 2018 Omega Dubai Desert Classic with Bollywood star Vyjayanthimala! Peter & Yana Jamieson with Club Captain Ivan Fornazeric and Steva

Mike Tracey with Gary Player in Abu Dhabi

Jayshree Gupta with Gary Player in Abu Dhabi

Congratulations to Cathy Lajotte on winning the Saturday quiz in the Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chalet at the 16th Posted on FaceBook by Ernie Els.. The skyline has changed over the years but the appeal of Dubai remains the same. Wonderful tournament and venue. Course looks great and the greens are rolling pure. Hats off to everyone @omegaDDC @EuropeanTour #madeforgreatness #omegadubaiclassics @omegagolfdubai

Congratulations to Fiona Berry on winning the Friday quiz in the Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chalet at the 16th during the Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Post by Henrik Stenson on his FaceBook page

A small get-together was held at the Jebel Ali hospitality chalet at the Desert Classic to honour James Williams who is leaving Jebel Ali Golf Resort after 18 years. James was Head Pro at Emirates Golf Club when it openned in 1988 until 2000.

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WHAT S ON IN FEBRUARY? Golf CalendaR

Hole-in-One Walid Al Attar 11th January hole Majlis hole 4

Congrulations to Dubai Golf Management on the 25th Anniversary of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Thomas Bjorn arriving for the 25th Anniversary Party at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club with Heli Dubai

• Friday 9th February:

OMA Emirates Medal in association with i-INSURED Men’s stroke play: Full golfing members

• Saturday 10th February:

Prime Legacy Pro-Am Cup: Four Man Team: Strokeplay Full golfing members

• Monday 12th February:

Palazzo Versace Ladies Monthly Medal Strokeplay

• Monday, 19th February:

Ladies Camel Trophy Stableford

• Friday, 23rd February:

Kohlman Nations Cup Team Stableford

• Sunday 25th February

Ladies Club Championship Round 1: Strokeplay Full golfing members

•Monday 26th February

Ladies Club Championship Final Round: Strokeplay Full golfing members

Zarina and Abbas with Chris May and Barney Coleman at their farewell presentation

Farewell cake and gift presented to Zarina and Abbas Chinchanwala by the ladies’ section

Last year’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic winner, Sergio Garcia, visited the Golf Course Maintenance department and happily chatted with the team there and signed caps

grape & cheese

nights with live jazz

every Thursday from 7.30pm AED 199 per person for a cheese board with unlimited reds and whites for two hours