Club Life magazine November 2018

Club Life November 2018 Issue 82

Editor: Jacqui Barry jaxdubai@gmail.com

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I Editorial

t’s November already and, dare I say it, only 50 days to Christmas!! Just saying!

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB SENIOR MANAGEMENT

October was packed with events… and major ones at that! Seniors Championships, Al Dobowi Mixed Amateur Open, Pink Ball, (Breast Cancer Charity Day) and, the BIG event…the Mixed Season Opener when the two Captains officially ‘drive-in’ to office!

Christopher May

The Mixed Season Opener was certainly a sampler of what the season ahead has to offer…a fun-filled day from start to finish, thoroughly enjoyed by all and especially by the two Captains, Paul Byrne and Sulafa Hamdan. Congratulations to you both on a hugely successful day and evening!

Chief Executive Officer cmay@dubaigolf.com

The Pink Ball competition was equally as successful with just over AED 82,000 having been raised for the charity. Well done to everyone involved in this, particularly Sulafa and Yana for their tremendous effort in securing raffle prizes for the day.

Barney Coleman

Club Manager bcoleman@dubaigolf.com

Ganesh Mangathil

I know that Christmas has been mentioned already in this editorial but it comes around very quickly so please take a look at all the Christmas events taking place as well as New Year’s Eve and make your bookings early to avoid disappointment as these get booked up very quickly.

All our events so far this season have been well supported and prize presentations have also been well attended; on the social side, all outlets at the Club have been extremely busy so the club is ‘buzzing’ from morning until night. What a great hub it is and it’s fantastic to see so many people using the different facilities too. Enjoy it all and enjoy your golf in this wonderful weather on our magnificent courses!

Jacqui

Andy Meech

Head of Sport and Leisure ameech@dubaigolf.com

Adele Cowgill

Matthew Perry

Dubai Golf Publishing Manager gmangathil@dubaigolf.com

Head of Marketing & Communications acowgill@dubaigolf.com

Golf Course Superintendent mperry@dubaigolf.com

Steen Simon

Pansy Gonsalvez

Haridas Palliyalil

Food & Beverage Manager ssimon@dubaigolf.com

The Al Dobowi Mixed Amateur Open has been on the tournament calendar for over twenty years and this has always been sponsored

by Past Captain Surender Kandhari’s company, together with involvement from the Kandhari family. It was such a great result this year when Surender, partnered by Past Lady Captain Mitsuko Emmerson, won the event. What a year for Surender this has been.. he recently celebrated his 70th Birthday, followed a few days later by the release of his autobiography ‘The Temple Of My Dreams’ and then the following week he was awarded the ‘Global Loyolite of the Year 2018’ when his college in Madras honoured him with the Loyola College Student of the Year 2018 after leaving the institution in 1967.

These wonderful events were topped off with him finally winning his own golf event!! Congratulations Surender.

Saeed Ahamed

Financial Controller mahamed@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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Dear Members,

Congratulations to David Waite for clinching the Men’s Seniors Championship and Naima Maya for securing the Ladies’ title. The highlight of the tournament results in October must have been long supporter of the Club and Past Captain Surender Kandhari partnering Mitsuko Emmerson to triumph in the Al Dobowi Emirates Mixed Amateur Open, an event that Surender has sponsored for over two decades. Congratulations to your both!

Finally, the last event in October was the Ladies’ Pink Ball Competition. A massive congratulations to Sulafa and Yana for their hard work and dedication to create such a memorable event for such a great cause. Many thanks to all members who donated raffle prizes and bought tickets to raise over AED 82,000 for Breast Friends.

Majlis Course Overseeding and Walking from 4th November to 6th February Please be informed that we are overseeding the Majlis course much later this year, a process that involves the Golf Course Maintenance team seeding the course with Rye grass. This is a winter grass as opposed to the summer Bermuda turf and it aids us in providing better playing surfaces in the cooler winter months. The process allows us to present the course better throughout the peak golfing season with strong definition between rough and fairway. The process traditionally has been a five-day closure at the beginning of November but this year it will take place on the 3rd and 4th December. We took the decision for a few reasons, some based on experience and some on the playability of the golf course.

Based on learnings from Dubai Creek, the later the seeding is done the more seed actually germinates as there is less chance the seed would struggle under warmer temperatures. This means we will get a nice dense sward quite quickly due to the cooler mornings and evenings in December. Through carrying out the work later we can have three fewer closure days because the preparation does not need to be as aggressive, as the Bermuda growth has slowed down considerably, so we will be closed for only two days to do the overseeding (3rd and 4th December, post National Day).

Please also note that the Majlis course will still be walking only from 4th November 2018 up to the 6th February 2019. This is because the temperatures are slowly decreasing and the wear to the course by carts would be considerable as it cannot recover quickly. We aim to have a great Bermuda golf course during November with some excellent definition throughout.

This year we will not be overseeding the fairways which facilitates definition on the golf course and results in less mud on the ball. The intention is to have fast running fairways so the ball will run a lot more during the winter months, promoting playability of the course.

Top Golf Update

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The popular member Pro-Am series returned at the beginning of the month with a brand new title sponsor; thank you to Vijay Vasu and Golf & Co. for your support of these events. The Season Opener fielded a full turnout of 128 players with our excellent hosts, Paul and Sulafa, as we all witnessed the traditional drive-in following Emirates Golf Club’s version of the ‘thunder clap’ (as seen on the first tee of the Ryder Cup).

In summary, the Majlis course will be closed three fewer days for overseeding, nine fewer days due to the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic moving to Faldo in May. Historically the fairways have been poor for two weeks in November as the new seed grows but this is not the case this year. Neither the fairways nor the greens will go through the over-seeding process, enhancing your playing experience for longer.

Club Mana Report

T

hank you for your support of the events throughout October - it was for sure an action packed start to the season!

The Top Golf contractors have been onsite throughout October and preparation work has commenced. Prior to the main construction period a number of utility lines are being re-routed; they are currently situated underneath the old Faldo driving range and will be moved to a location between the Top Golf site and the Par 3 course. Our intention is to operate the Par 3 hut, the Par 3 car park and the Par 3 course as normal but please note that there may be short periods of disruption in the Par 3 car park and adjacent to holes 2 and 3 of the Par 3 course. We will keep you updated on these as we move forward. Please also follow the new path (zebra crossing) from the Par 3 car park to the Starter Hut and course; this is to help segregate the construction site and the Par 3 course so we have one crossing point on the service road aiding safety on site.

Parking We appreciate that parking has become more challenging recently due to the success of the F&B outlets in particular.

We have plans for the future to increase parking with a members’ only section. In the mean-time, please support the security team by displaying your member sticker.

Additionally, any members with drivers, please ask them to park in the overflow car park as opposed to the main car park near to the clubhouse. This is good etiquette towards your fellow members and we have a small porta-cabin where your drivers can sit as opposed to running your air conditioning in the car for four plus hours! Taxi drivers will also be moved to the overflow area.

Festive Season The Festive season brochure is now out and bookings can be made with the F&B team. Highlights include: • 6th December, 7pm Christmas Tree Lighting with Choir Clubhouse lobby • 25th December, 12-3pm Family Christmas Day Brunch Spike Bar • 1st-30th December Turkey Takeaway!

• New Year’s Eve ‘Have the Time of Your Life’ Gala Dinner, the event Lawn. Live tribute acts from Freddie Mercury and ABBA Enjoy the season ahead!

Barney Coleman Club Manager

Captain’s Message

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Dear Members, Welcome to our November issue and I hope this finds you well.

It has been a very busy October and November is no different with so many tournaments coming thick and fast. We had six tournaments in which the men participated in October so I hope you got to play in some of them.

The big tournament in October was the Season Opener and it was great to see so many members participate on the day. We had a full house and the course was in magnificent condition.

Lady Captain and I had the honour of opening the season with the Captains’ drives. We both succeeded in getting our drives away which was a relief and excitement all in one. Thank you to everyone for the goodwill messages before and on the day and also to the pessimists trying to put me under more pressure on the day. For the record it was a 272 yard drive which I was rather happy with considering the occasion.

I would like to thank the Club for the fantastic day and evening we had.

A special thank you to Steen who provided the Captains’ chosen drinks in a bucket, with our pictures on it. I might have had a couple of buckets before the drive which obviously helped. We also had a special moment on the course with Marcus Caldwell recording a hole-in-one on the fourth hole. Marcus told us he went down the shaft on a pitching wedge…I want whatever he is eating!!

Well done to the Ireland team on successfully defending the title in the Tri-Nations tournament. It was a closely fought 36-hole competition between Ireland, England and Scotland. As usual there were hard luck stories on the day of near misses and ‘what ifs’ and the stunning news that the previously unbeaten pair of Joe and Gary from Scotland got annihilated in

both matches on the day. Back to the drawing board guys!

We were lucky enough to have some Challenge Tour Professionals join us on the Majlis before their big event in Al Hamra. It was a pleasure to watch these future stars of the European Tour play and I was delighted to have had the chance to play with a couple of them.

Congratulations to Grant Forrest who got his European Tour card and I’m sure we will see his name in lights soon.

November has started with a bang with the Diwali scramble opening the month. We had a huge field for this and I’m sure that everyone who participated would agree with me that it was an absolute fantastic day and night. Our wonderful hosts and sponsors on the day were Midcom who provided a superb selection of food and drinks on the course and on the terrace afterwards. They also had a complimentary and stylish polo shirt for all players which will make us all look rather smart on the course when we wear it. Thank you again to Anand, Akash and Anvita for the day.

There are plenty of competitions to sign up for this month so please register early as they fill up quickly.

I hope everyone is enjoying the healthy exercise we are all getting on the Majlis with the walking. This is a wonderful time of the year to walk with the weather just perfect. I would urge all players to utilise the caddies that the club offers. They are members of colleagues who volunteer to caddie on their day off. It is well worth the fee and gives you the freedom to walk and chat with all the players in your group. They are also very good at finding balls that somehow find the rough and bushes.

We have the opportunity to watch the best players on the European Tour at the Race To Dubai this month on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

MEN’S COMPETITION RESULTS

Congratulations to all the ladies, led by the Lady Captain, who raised over AED 82,000 (and still counting) for the Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Day. This is a fantastic achievement and I’m sure the contribution will assist with more research on this as we all know someone who has been touched by this disease. A special mention to our good friends Scott and Carole MacPherson who have gone through this recently and we wish Carole a speedy recovery.

The Christmas booklet is available now at the Club highlighting all the festive activities offered on all three courses.

There is so much for everyone to choose from. Last year’s New Year’s Eve party was stunning and set on the lawn beside the Majlis chipping green area. This year we have Abba and Freddie Mercury tribute acts lined up which should cater for everyone’s musical taste. Book early to avoid disappointment.

As I always mention, we at the Members’ Consultative Committee (MCC) want to hear your ideas and suggestions for making your Emirates Golf Club experience more pleasurable.

We meet on the last Monday of every month and we are always keen to hear from you. Most improvements you see around the Club and on the course have come through the MCC so keep contacting us on the good and not so good aspects of the Club.

Thank you as always for reading our magazine and I hope you have a wonderful golfing month.

Paul Byrne Club Captain 2018-2019

In association with

OMA Emirates OCTOBER Medal 2018 Friday 26th October 2018 A DIVISION (Handicaps 0-10) Winner: Anil Shivanna Runner-up: Anil Kumar Third: Dash Dhawan Best Gross: Ewan Cameron B DIVISION (Handicaps 11-20) Winner: Mandeep Vohra Runner-up: Wookhwan Kim Third: Sudhir Vora C DIVISION (Handicaps 21-28) Winner: Philip D’Abo MEN’S STABLEFORD EVENT Winner: Sanjaya Sood LADIES’ STABLEFORD EVENT Winner: Naima Maya Runner-up: Maura Duggan

It is always a superb event and gets you close to all the players to watch the way the game is supposed to be played. As members we are entitled to clubhouse passes for this year’s event so make sure you get your access pass from Golf Services reception. Best of luck to all the players for the week.

Net 71 Net 72 Net 72 76 Net 69 Net 70 Net 70 Net 73 36 points 40 points 36 points

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SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday 27th October 2018

David Waite Ewan Cameron Paul Byrne Michael Wale

Gross 77 Gross 79 Gross 79

Anand Lakhiani Sekhar Reddy Suresh Shewakramani

Competition Results

Gross 82 Net 69 Net 71 Net 71

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in’s Lady Capta Message

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O

ctober has finished and it’s very clear that this was the busiest month of the year for Yana and I, and for all Past Captains for sure. Not many months can boast four major and equally important tournaments, each special in its own way.

Starting off, we had the two Season Openers, the (elegant) Ladies’ Season Opener and the (explosive) Mixed Season Opener.

The Ladies’ Seniors Championship has just been completed too (I’ll be joining you ladies soon); the most recent event to have been played, and perhaps the tournament that is closest to my heart, was the Pink Ball Tournament.

for me to tee off? Steen and his team went beyond the call of duty and set up an exceptional array of iced drinks, pastries and yoghurts, which was one of the reasons I was able to deliver my first ever drive-in with a decent swing. We played a scramble format and the day panned out at a wonderful pace.

Fine friends, fine food and a fine crowd provided the backdrop to a great day! To top it all, lunch was unbelievably refined…I think the best I’ve had so far. Overlooking the 16th green, Chef Nicholas and his team provided us with a truly memorable meal. There was no better way to start the season which was great on every single count. Thank you to all involved - it is much appreciated.

Monday 8th October this year is a day that will forever be etched into my golfing memory. How can I forget the crowd of ladies, dressed in red, green and white, waving the Lebanese flag waiting

On Friday 12th October we played the Mixed Season Opener, which had a decidedly different taste.

Live 80s music, my rosemary infused gin and tonics, Paul’s vodka and ginger ale on the first tee

LADIES’ COMPETITION RESULTS

Ladies’ Season Opener 2018 Monday 8th October 2018

On Monday October 8th, Emirates Golf Club hosted the Ladies’ Season Opener on the Majlis course. Lady Captain Sulafa Hamdan had her work cut out for her on the first tee with her opening drive-in, but she was well up for the challenge and smashed her tee shot down the middle of the fairway, going an impressive 153 yards! Both Christiane Sprunck and Moira Gowens were the lucky ladies who correctly guessed the total yardage, each winning a bottle of champagne!

The winning team in the Texas Scramble format, with a score of net 60, was Naima Maya, Martha Wong, Amarjeet Radia and Noemy Bertuol. The runners-up, with 60.9 net was the team of Glory Xavier, Cathy Lajotte, Sandra Chia and Kiyono Taniuchi. Third place went to Susan Boni, Caroline Sabbagh, Anne Bouigue and Jane Vail with their very impressive score of 61.1.

The best guest team prize was won by Jackie Eiffe, Evelyn O’ Brien, Banu Gundogdu and Beya Zaafrani with their team total of 63.7 net.

The on-course special event winners were Catherine Convery (nearest the pin on hole 4), Christiane Sprunck (nearest the pin on hole 15), Swati Singh (longest drive on hole 12) and Mieke Slotboom (longest drive on hole 8).

Congratulations to all winners! We wish Lady Captain Sulafa the very best of luck for the season ahead!

Winners

Runners-up

Third

Nearest the Pin - Hole #4 Handicaps 19-36 Nearest the Pin - Hole #15: Handicaps 0 -18 Longest Drive Handicaps 0 -18 Longest Drive Handicaps 19-36 Guess the length of the Lady Captain’s drive: 153 yards

Naema Maya, Martha Wong, Amarjeet Radia & Noemy Bertuol Glory Xavier, Cathy Lajotte, Sandra Chia & Kiyono Taniuchi Susan Boni, Caroline Sabbagh, Anne Bouigue, Jane Vail Catherine Convery

Net 60 Net 60.9 Net 61.1

Christiane Sprunck Swati Singh Mieke Slotboom Christiane Sprunck Moira Gowens

153 yards

and the sound of laughter was a preview as to how the year will pan out for the both of us. It’s going to be fun, that’s for sure. Paul’s first tee shot with the explosive ball couldn’t be better then his ‘baby fade’ real drive-in. Sadly, I cannot say the same for mine - I’m blaming the rosemary drink! I blew my tee shot straight into the left bunker, but at least it is now over!

The day was so much fun, only to be added to by the crazy events on holes 4 and 17.

The party continued and some of us didn’t get home until the early hours of the morning after dancing the night away at the Club. What an amazing Season Opener it was for all us. Thank you all for making this day so much fun and so incredibly memorable!

Sulafa Hamdan Lady Captain 2018-2019

Supported By

Monday 15th October 2018

This Medal was also the qualifier for the Luckiest Ball on Earth DP World competition! Congratulations to overall and Silver B Division winner Anne Bouigue who scored an incredible net score of 61 to win by a clear margin. Anne’s score was good enough to beat Mags Breen, who scored an amazing net 66 on the day, claiming the runner-up spot. Anne will now compete at Jumeirah Golf Estates for the chance to win a spot in the DP World Pro-Am next month.

In Silver A Division, it was Mitsuko Emmerson who picked up first prize with a solid net 74 and finishing in the runner-up spot was Viv Caley, who also scored a net 74. Scoring the best overall gross was Cathy Lajotte, carding a solid 80 gross.

In Bronze Division, Roma Khanna claimed her Medal with a very good score of 71 net.

The final prize of the day went to Elise Hanson, the lucky raffle prize winner!

All winners will now enjoy various lavish experiences courtesy of Palazzo Versace Dubai.

SILVER A DIVISION (HANDICAPS 0–14) Winner Mitsuko Emmerson Runner-up Viv Caley Best Gross Cathy Lajotte SILVER B DIVISION (HANDICAPS 15-23) Winner Anne Gley Bouigue Runner-up Margaret Breen BRONZE DIVISION (HANDICAPS 24-36) Winner Roma Khanna Qualifier for the Luckiest Ball on Earth Winner Anne Gley Bouigue

Net 74 Net 74 80 Net 61 Net 66 Net 71 Net 61

PINK BALL Monday 29th October 2018 Group TEAM PRIZES (WITH THE PINK BALL) Winners: Christiane Sprunck, Yana Jamieson,

Maria Petre & Mitsuko Emmerson 134 Runners-up: Annette Carstanjen, Ingrid Lind,

Marie Benson & Sabine Choudry 125 Third: Shiba Khan, Anvita Kapoor,

Fiona Munro & Swati Singh 121 Fourth: Chantelle De Villiers, Elvira Smith,

Marta Biswas 97 NEAREST THE PIN HOLE # 7 (Division A, handicaps 0-18) Cathy Lajotte HOLE # 11 (Division B, handicaps 19-42) Fiona Munro LONGEST DRIVE HOLE # 12 (Division A, handicaps 0-18) Alison Muirhead HOLE # 3 (Division B, handicaps 19-42) Tina Wiklund 100ft Putting Challenge Jacqueline Byat Hit the Green Hole # 4 Yana Jamieson Hit the Green Hole # 15 Yana Jamieson

Competition Results

Palazzo Versace Ladies’ October Monthly Medal

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Competition Results

7

MIXED COMPETITION RESULTS

Match AT Yas Links Emirates Golf Club - Champions at Yas! Emirates Golf Club 6 - Yas Links 1.5

BMW Open 2018 Friday 5th October 2018

Afzaal Ahmad from Emirates Golf Club emerged victorious in this event with a phenomenal score of 43 points! Afzaal carded his best round of the season at such a perfect time; he will now enjoy the BMW Hospitality for the DP World tournament at Jumeirah Golf Estates which is to be staged next month.

The runner-up was Adam Pryor, an EGF member here in Dubai with a solid score of 39 points. Third place went to Alex Kim from Emirates Golf Club, who scored 37 points. The Lady Champion was Ingrid Lind, from Emirates Golf Club, carding a very solid round of level par net, 36 points.

In A Division, Arjun Manghnani just beat Club Captain Paul Byrne to the title. Both members of EGC, Arjun’s 36 points total was one more than Paul’s in a very tight division of scoring. In B Division, Tom Lind joined his wife on stage when he won this title having carded 33 points. Finishing one point behind Tom, in the runner-up spot, was EGC member Sanjaya Sood with 32 points, Hyeonji Kang claimed the winner’s prize in the Junior Division with her score of 34 points.

A huge thank you goes to our sponsor BMW for another fantastic tournament and for their continued support of Emirates Golf Club.

Champion Afzaal Ahmed (EGC) Runner-up Adam Pryor (EGF) Third Alex Kim (EGC) Lady Champion Ingrid Lind (EGC) A DIVISION (handicaps 0-12) Winner Arjun Manghnani (EGC) Runner-up Paul Byrne (EGC) B DIVISION (handicaps 13-24) Winnner Tom Lind (EGC) Runner-up Sanjaya Sood (EGC) Junior Division Winner Hyeonji Kang (EGC)

43 points 39 points 37 points 36 points 36 points 35 points 33 points 32 points 34 points

DUBAI GOLF PRO-AM SERIES

8

Saturday 6th October 2018

84 points 84 points 81 points

Mixed Season Opener 2018 On Friday October 12th, Emirates Golf Club hosted the Annual Mixed Season Opener on the Majlis Course. Club Captain Paul Byrne and Lady Captain Sulafa Hamdan had their work cut out for them with their opening tee shots of the season on the first tee. Their ‘drive-ins’ were very well attended and anticipated, with all golfers having a guess at their eventual yardage totals. In the build-up to the opening tee shots, we had our very own ‘Emirates Golf Club Thunderclap’, in honour of the successful European team in the Ryder Cup. After an explosive opening drive from Paul Byrne, the day was under way for all to enjoy! For the first time ever, both yardages were correctly guessed by the same person, and Richard Semple took home both bottles of champagne with him!

It was a great day of fun and friendly spirit on the Majlis and the winning team in the Texas Scramble format, with a score of net 59.5, was the team of Fran and Darren Cole, Ninu and Lionel Smith, the only team on the day that managed to break 60! The runners-up, with 60.1 net, were Ewan Cameron, Markus Caldwell, Tom Lind and Colin Jones. Third place went to Michael Kaye, Victoria Johnson, Tauseef and Shiba Khan, with their very impressive score of 60.2, only 0.1 strokes behind second place. Less than a single stroke separated all the prize winners!

It was certainly a fun-fueled day, as Paul Byrne described what is to come for the season ahead. The straightest drive on hole 10 was won by Naresh Bhambaney, whose tee shot was resting against the rope marker! The longest drives went to Glory Xavier for the ladies on hole 8 and Dean Hall for the men on hole 3. The nearest the pins were won by Glory Xavier on hole 11, Bill Ayres on hole 7, Mally Clarke on hole 15 and of course, the major highlight of the day on the golf course, Marcus Caldwell claimed nearest the pin on hole 4 with a Hole-in-One! This was despite a blind draw for club selection hosted by Academy Pro James Williams which meant Marcus and his team all had to hit a pitching wedge from the tee box! A fantastic achievement indeed.

It was great to have everybody stay around for the dinner and prize-giving on the Members’ Terrace. With speeches from Club Manager Barney Coleman, Club Captain Paul Byrne and Lady Captain Sulafa Hamdan, the membership were most certainly set on their way for the season ahead, one that promises to be an enjoyable and an exciting one!

Competition Results

Winners Stephen Deane, Steve Biring,

Rajinder Razdan & Abhinav Chandra Runners-up Mike Kinloch, Mike Butler,

Fatima Zafar Rizvi & Sarah Butler Third Dong Lee, Anil Shivanna,

Jayshree Gupta & Rohitash Gupta NEAREST THE PIN (AMATEURS) Hole # 8: Frank Duggan NEAREST THE PIN (AMATEURS) Hole # 12” Paul Byrne LONGEST DRIVE (AMATEURS) Hole # 16: Amber Waite

Competition Results

9 Champion: Surender Kandhari

Mitsuko Emmerson

Net 69.6 Runners-Up Michael Kaye

Victoria Johnson

Net 70 Third Joe Hanson

Elise Hanson

Net 70.4 Best Gross Paul Byrne

Maura Duggan 77

Al Dobowi Emirates Mixed Amateur Open 2018 On Friday October 19th, Emirates Golf Club hosted the 2018 Mixed Amateur Open, sponsored by Infinity, powered by Al Dobowi, on the Majlis course. On a very enjoyable day for the 23rd staging of this event and the challenging format of Greensomes, there was some very close scoring and very little to separate the winners.

The champions were Surender Kandhari and Mitsuko Emmerson, a formidable partnership for sure. Mr. Kandhari had joked at the beginning of the day that he would only be on the prize giving stage to present the prizes, not to receive them! After some exceptional golf, the pair’s total of 69.6 net saw them claim the winning trophies.

The runners-up were Mike Kaye and Victoria Johnson who carded an impressive 70 net. Only 0.4 strokes behind and finishing in third place, were Elise and Joe Hanson, totaling 70.4 net with some very steady golf! The best gross score was decided by a back nine scorecard playoff, and it was Club Captain Paul Byrne and his partner Maura Duggan who clinched the title!

A fantastic day was shared by all. A huge thank you goes to our sponsor Al Dobowi for another exceptional tournament and for their continued support of Emirates Golf Club. None of this would be possible without Past Captain and long-term member, Mr. Surender Khandari, who commented at the prize-giving how happy he was to pick up a trophy for the very first time in this special tournament!

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JUNIOr Links: SPOTLIGHT ON

Junior

Paul-Henry Darnaul In Scotland with my brother Charles during the European Championship in East Lothian, Scotland

My name is Paul-Henry Darnaul. I am 15 years old and I study at the AFLEC, a French High School in Dubai.

In the past few years I have been able to change mentally to be more focused and calmer during golf competitions.

I was born in Paris and I lived there until last August when my father was relocated to Dubai with his job. This was a great opportunity for me because it represented a dream come true.

Golf is not only a physical activity for your body but also for your brain: when playing golf, one doesn’t need to have big muscles but to be tough mentally to win.

Thanks to my father’s new position in Dubai, I can now play golf every day all year round which was not possible in France since the weather is not as good as it is here, especially throughout the winter and also, my school timetable did not allow for afternoons at the golf course.

I began playing golf when I was three years old. I love golf and my dream is to make a living out of my passion; I hope to play one day on the PGA tour or on the European Tour. To achieve this objective I must work hard, practice intensively, and play very regularly.

I was very young, winter season

The most important thing is to prepare oneself mentally, to be ready to accept a bad shot and the fact that you can always win… even if it is sometimes difficult.

Since coming to Dubai, I have made great progress, thanks to my golf coach Steve Dean. He has changed a few elements of my swing which enables me to play better.

Before joining Emirates Golf Club and the Elite Junior squad, I had a handicap 4.4 and now my handicap is 2.8.

Steve help me to gain self-confidence; as everyone knows, self-confidence

when playing golf is a major asset to win.

One of my best memories when playing golf was in 2015 during the French Junior Championship when I won the strokeplay event against 72 players selected after seven days of competition across France. I finished in the semi-final of the matchplay.

I was very surprised by my great success since I thought that the other players in my category were much better than me.

Another interesting experience was when my former club in Paris offered me the possibility to participate in the USA for the Doral Championship also in 2015.

Would I advise juniors to begin golf? Yes of course, I think that anybody should try once in his life to play golf.

What could motivate a teenager to play golf is to play like me on one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world Emirates Golf Club in Dubai!!!

1 year ago, in Deauville my previous Golf Club not the same weather

STEPHEN DEAN

Alastair Brown

BRYAN SMYTH

JONATHAN CRADDOCK

Stephen is from County Down, Northern Ireland and trained as a PGA Professional at the #1 ranked course in the world - Royal County Down Golf Club. He is proud to be Head Professional of the Peter Cowen Academy Dubai after joining the renowned Emirates Golf Club in 2008. His passion in life is coaching and his mentor, Peter Cowen, has guided his development and knowledge over the past ten years. He gets great pleasure from watching his students improve and his goal is to use his knowledge and passion to help develop some of the world’s best future players.

Alastair is from Portrush, Northern Ireland and grew up playing at the world famous Royal Portrush Golf Club, host of the 2019 Open Championship where he was the assistant Professional 20012007.

Bryan is originally from Newcastle, Northern Ireland, home to the #1 ranked course in the world….Royal County Down Golf Club. He joined the Academy team in September 2012 as a PGA Golf Instructor. He is now an Advanced PGA Golf Professional who specialises in Putting & Performance. His favourite course is Valderrama, Spain and his favourite golfing moment is the Tiger comeback at this year’s PGA Tour Championship…..arguably the greatest comeback of all time. Bryan is married to Elaine and together they have two wonderful children, Sarah (10) and Mark (13). When he is away from the Club Bryan loves to cycle, travel and cook…Jamie Oliver style!!

Jonathan is from Staffordshire

In his free time he enjoys sampling many of Dubai’s culinary delights alongside his partner Maria and developing his second passion in life Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

He has been the Senior Golf Professional at Emirates Golf since 2008 and, having spent these years learning from Peter Cowen, he is now a Master Instructor at the Peter Cowen Golf Academy. He has a vast wealth of golfing knowledge for golfers of all abilities to learn from, specialising in Golf Swing Mechanics and Short Game Performance Schools.

Alastair loves playing golf when he gets the chance and he enjoys watching all sports.

His golf viewing highlights are the Miracle of Medinah and he still watches re-runs of the 2009 Open Championship at Turnberry, still wondering how Tom Watson didn’t win!

England and joined the Peter Cowen Academy in 2010. He is an Advanced PGA Professional and certified Paul Chek Biomechanics Instructor. Jonathan is also a certified Personal Trainer and Titleist Performance Institute Fitness and Golf Mechanics coach. He is passionate about body mechanics and ground force reaction and is constantly deepening his knowledge to further his coaching. Jonathan’s mentor, David Dunk, introduced him to world renowned golf coach Peter Cowen in 2000. David was a retired tour player and his legacy, knowledge, work ethic and life outlook left a lasting impression on Jonathan. Having played many top golf courses around the world, Jonathan finds it difficult to pick a number one and said, “It is always an honour to play the historic Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, but I always like returning to my home course Cannock Park and another local favourite, Beaudesert GC”. Jonathan is known for his energetic passion for golf and hopes to continue spreading this throughout the UAE with his dynamic coaching sessions. In his free time, he enjoys calisthenics, rock climbing, working out in the gym, snow-boarding, paddle boarding and is he also learning Mandarin with his wife Alissa.

DONG LEE

MARK BRUCE

MARC IOWA

Richard Dunsby

James Williams

Dong Lee grew up in New Malden Surrey… known as Korean Town in England. He moved to England when he was 12 years old and his parents still live in Surrey so the extended family still visit them every now and then.

Dong graduated as a PGA at the Belfry after graduating from Wimbledon College.

Dong is married to JY and they have two girls Sarah (4) and Grace (2) and Sarah has just started FS2. Dong still loves to compete and plays golf whenever he gets the chance to play.

He loves the Ernie Els’s swing, his rhythm and tempo. Dong has been in Dubai for eight years now and he generally looks after the Korean Golf Society as well as members of the Club.

Mark was born and raised in Carnoustie Scotland, venue for the 2018 Open Championship. Starting golf at the age of five, he turned Professional aged 20 at Gullane Golf Club on Edinburgh’s golf coast. Mark moved to Dubai in 2011 joining the Academy team at Emirates Golf Club as a qualified PGA instructor. Mark recently married Carnoustie girl Sarah (September 2018) in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Outside of the club Mark enjoys the vibrant life in Dubai and has interests in fashion and travel.

Marc is originally from Tokyo, Japan. He lived in the USA for ten years and turned Pro in 1997.

Marc played several PGA tournaments in the USA, Canada and Asia. He become the first runnerup in the money ranking in California in 2000 and he also became JGTO (Japan Professional Tour) player in 2002 in Japan.

After nine years as a Tour player, Marc moved to South Asia (Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand) and worked as Head Golf Professional, Club Manager and investor in the golf industry. He joined the Academy team in January 2017 and he enjoys life in Dubai at this wonderful Golf Club. He got married to Sue, who is Korean, ten years ago and he is currently learning the Korean language.

Richard is 27 years of age from Nottingham, England. He turned Professional in 2013 and completed his PGA degree through the University of Birmingham at the Belfry. Richard’s passion, since turning professional, is coaching.

He has continuously wanted to develop his knowledge by learning from many experienced coaches from all over the world. He joined the Academy in 2013 as a PGA Teaching Professional. Richard has a great passion for golf-related fitness and practice performance!

James arrived in Dubai as the first Head Golf Professional at the inauguration of Emirates Golf Club, more years ago than he cares to mention! A life-long member of the British Professional Golfers Association James is an avid sports lover and especially enjoys cricket, rugby and football and is currently revelling in the fact that his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers have just returned to the Premiership!

James is very ably supported by ‘the boss’ - his wife Heather, and children Robbie the General Manager of the MENA Golf Tour and daughter Anna Louise a physiotherapist in London, both of whom were born in Dubai and attended JESS and Dubai College.

13 Pro’s Tip of the Month

Pro’s Tip

by PGA Professional Bryan Smyth

It’s a Balancing Act! Last month, PGA Professional James Williams showed us how to set solid swing foundations at address with correct posture.

This month we look at balance and why maintaining your ‘balance points’ will help your ball striking and club-face control

Note the three key balance points highlighted in green (Pic 1) Feet, tailbone and top of spine.

Working your balance points in harmony as the body rotates and your arms swing the club, will help to maintain the relationship between your balance points (Pics 2,3,6,7)

1

2

When the relationship between these points breaks down (Pic 4 & 8) your balance will be compromised, calling for your hands and arms to compensate, leading to inconsistent striking & club-face control.

3

4

Thought for the month……swing in balance to maintain position!

5

6

7

8

14

As many of you will now be playing the opening rounds of the club match play championships, this month I will be discussing the options you have if a scenario arises where you are unsure of the ruling and there is doubt on how to proceed.

In stroke play, a player who is doubtful of his rights or the correct procedure can play out the hole with two balls. He must state which ball he would like to count in his score and report the facts to the committee before submitting his scorecard.

However, in match play you cannot play two balls. You MUST continue the match without delay by proceeding in the manner that you believe is in line with the rules. If your opponent disagrees with this, the opponent can make a claim to be considered by the

committee later. The opponent MUST make the claim in a ‘timely manner’ and MUST notify you that he wants to seek a ruling. The claim MUST be made before any player plays from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the match, before all players leave the putting green.

Once the result of the match has been officially announced, a claim may not be considered by the committee unless: • The claim is based on facts, which were previously unknown to the player making the claim at the time the result was officially announced.

• The player making the claim had been given wrong information by an opponent.

• The opponent knew he was giving wrong information.

2-FOR-1 MEMBER GUEST FALDO COURSE

Sunday 21st October – Sunday 14th November 2018 Enjoy 2-For-1 on Member Guest rates on the Faldo Course from Sunday to Thursday, day or night Invite two guests and pay for one Invite three guests and pay for two

04 417 9999 ereservations@dubaigolf.com dubaigolf.com

hys

M at c h P l ay

Rules By R

BY RHYS

STATUS OF A LATE CLAIM As mentioned claims MUST be made in a ‘timely manner’, otherwise the committee is unable to consider them. For Example: a player realises that his opponent should have lost the 4th hole when he grounded his club in a bunker. For a claim to be made in a ‘timely manner’, the player would need to raise a claim before either player played a stroke from the 5th tee.

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.

19

Dear Members,

I

Fit Lab

t is fantastic to see so many members involved with the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC). On a personal level, for Fit Lab, the DFC has been a huge success so many thanks for your support. We have had TRX and Zumba classes on offer on a weekly basis and the response has been brilliant; both our TRX & Zumba instructors Parveez and Mac really appreciated your support.

We held a YogaFest on Friday November 2nd and this went down really well as you can see from the

Exercise Tip of the month

by Christopher Mallet GLUTE BRIDGES AND HOW THEY CAN HELP YOU One of the most overlooked aspects of the golf swing is how important a role the glutes play in transferring your weight through the movement. Not only do they help greatly with force production but perhaps, more importantly, when activated correctly, they aleviate pressure on the lumbar spine and the risk of injury while doing so. Fitness professionals will tell you “no glutes no glory” (or at least they should) since they play a pivotal role in most sports and golf is no exception.

ZATA hosted The Breast Cancer Awareness Ladies’ doubles tournament during the month of October and part of the proceeds were donated to the cause. Once again this event proved to be a huge success with everyone competing at the highest level and vying for the prizes, with Alison Graham and Carolyn Thompson taking top honours.

photos below. For those of you who are not aware, Artistic Yoga run numerous classes at Emirates Golf Club on a daily basis and they are extremely popular.

As much as this promotes flexibility, this class really entails a full body workout and is a must-try. This is perfect to help your golf swing!

We are delighted that Fit Lab is to be a partner in the Dubai Dash 2018 Series. Presented by Daman, the Dubai Dash is the UAE’s largest corporate fitness event.

Join the short distance relay race in teams of 10, with each runner covering a 1.5km loop.

Pictured is a kettlebell glute bridge. Start by laying face up on the mat bringing one foot towards your glute and the other extended towards the ceiling. Hold each kettlebell (of course start with a lighter weight) up towards the ceiling and extend the hips up as high as they will go, hold, relax and repeat. While the kettlebells aren’t adding any significant load to the glutes here, they are simultaneously challenging your shoulder stability which is another important aspect of the

Fit Lab is going to put a members’ team into this fun event. If you’re interested please let Andy Meech know. We need 10 people to represent Fit Lab on December 5th at 7.15pm The 2018 event will see and expanded activity village packed full of sports to try, games and challenges and a main stage programme including fitness classes to join, in addition to having motivational speakers there.

Doors and activities open at 4:30pm and the Dubai Dash relay takes place between 7 and 8pm.

Your ticket includes food and drinks after the race as well as corporate branded T-shirts, giveaways and the chance to win some great prizes.

golf swing and one I will be addressing in next month’s issue.

Give these a go next time you visit Fit Lab and should you need any assistance I’m always on hand to offer some guidance.

We look forward to seeing you at Fit Lab Healthy Regards Andy Meech Head of Sports & Leisure

20 Fit Lab

Treating Neck Pain with Osteopath David Eakins Osteopath, David is a member of the rehabilitation team at UPANDRUNNING Emirates Golf Club and neck pain is a common condition presented at our clinic. Our osteopathic team see patients with a variety of neck pain issues ranging from simple neck strain to more complex cervical disc or neurological causes.

Commonly, neck pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as a headache, pins and needles, arm weakness or restricted movement. Some people describe it as an odd sensation or heaviness in the arm.

A common cause for these symptoms includes cervical radiculopathy which is a symptom indicating that some structures in the neck (or close to the neck) are impinging on the nerves which supply the arm. The symptoms will often vary in intensity and frequency and may be related to certain postural positions. These symptoms can be the result of many different factors such as cervical disc pathology, cervical spondylosis or thoracic outlet syndrome for example.

Through a detailed history taking and examination, your Osteopath can help identify the cause of your symptoms and advise you on appropriate treatment or further investigation required. Treatment may include a combination of techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and manipulation, and advice on exercise and postural habits.

Thankfully, many cases only have transient symptoms and can be managed over time with conservative management such as manual therapy, rehabilitation exercises and modification of posture.

For the more complex cases where symptoms are not resolving, we can refer to our in-house sports medicine doctors and pain specialists to discuss further options.

For appointments with Osteopath David, please call 04 518 5400 or walk in and meet the team at the UPANDRUNNING branch located within the Fit Lab building at Emirates Golf Club.

Please note: Your insurance provider may require you to see a medical doctor in order to get a referral for osteopathic treatment.

Reciprocal Clubs

21 SPOTLIGHT ON

REAL CLUB DE GOLF EL PRAT BARCELONA

Real Club de Golf El Prat, already considered as one of the continent’s most prestigious golf courses, has further cause for celebration after making an impressive gain in Golf World magazine’s coveted ‘Top 100 Resorts in Continental Europe 2018’ rankings.

El Prat, which has hosted the Spanish Open on ten occasions, moved up three places to 16th position in the updated list of the continent’s top-rated golfing venues.

The esteemed club offers a mouth-watering choice of 45 holes, while agreements with an array of hotel partners including in the vibrant city of Barcelona makes it the perfect getaway for players who are looking to combine superb golf with a city break.

The Golf World Top 100 judging panel said: “No fewer than 45 holes and almost all require coming to terms with Greg Norman’s penchant for sprawling bunkers. Two of the nine-hole loops comprise our 36th ranked Top 100 Continental Europe course.

Incredible strength in depth.”

El Prat is one of the oldest clubs in Spain dating back to 1912, and has hosted some of the biggest names in the game, including Spanish legends Severiano Ballesteros and José Maria Olazábal, eight-time Major winner Tom Watson and European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn.

Situated just a 35-minute drive from the Catalan capital of Barcelona, the famous Spanish venue is one of only a small number of clubs to have been granted royal status by King Alfonso XIII, with its vast layout stretching across the 518-acre estate of BonVilar since 2002.

And El Prat is going back to its roots from mid-November by offering guests the opportunity to play the highlyacclaimed Pink ‘Open Course’ that was originally designed by Greg Norman, as well as its popular Yellow Course.

For more information visit http://www. realclubdegolfelprat.com/en/the-course/ courses

The iconic ‘Pink Open’ Course is widely regarded as the best layout at El Prat and was ranked fourth in US magazine Golf Digest’s latest list of the best courses in Spain.

The prestigious venue has been home to major Spanish and international amateur tournaments, such as the 2013 European Amateur Championships and has held more than 250 national and international championships.

El Prat was recently named one of the 125 Platinum Clubs of the World – Fivestar Private Club – in recognition of attaining a standard of excellence by an international panel of experts, historians and connoisseurs in a confidential ballot, as well as being granted the Golden Plaque of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit.

The course also offers a modern and lively clubhouse and top-quality practice facilities, in addition to a 300m driving range and a host of specialist short-game areas.

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 • Arabella Golf Club, South Africa

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

al

Internation stival Wildlife Fe

22

Christopher May, CEO of Dubai Golf inaugurating the wildlife photography exhibition.

Nisha Purushothaman and Hermis Haridas, co-founders of Paws Trails Explorers

Mustafa Al Hashimi, Chief Hospitality & Leisure Officer, wasl releasing the book.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ABU DHABI PRESENTS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ABU DHABI PRESENTS “ PAWS TRAILS INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE FESTIVAL ”

“PAWS TRAILS INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE FESTIVAL”

The prestigious Emirates Golf Club played host to the first The prestigious Emirates Golf Club playedWildlife host to the first edition edition of the Paws Trails International Festival from of the Trails International Wildlife from 3rd the 1stPaws to 3rd of November 2018.

ThisFestival was the firstthe of 1st its to kind event for middle and nature of November 2018.east Thisand wasthe thewildlife first of its kind eventlovers for theofMiddle United Arab and Emirates as a community tocame East; wildlife naturecame loverstogether of the United Arab Emirates celebrate the diversity and beauty ofthe nature.

Held under theof together as a community to celebrate diversity and beauty patronage National Geographic Abudhabi, the festival nature. Heldofunder the patronage of National Geographic Abu Dhabi, brought together from thefrom fields offields the festival broughteminent togetherpersonalities eminent personalities the wildlife photography, science from fromaround aroundthe of wildlife photography,conservation conservation and and science the world to shores the shores of Dubai in an environment of world to the of Dubai in an environment of interaction and interaction and knowledge sharing. knowledge sharing.

The hailedfrom fromsuch such diverse geographies as the The speakers speakers hailed diverse geographies as The Poles to poles to theand tropics and Africa,pearls bringing pearls interesting of wisdom,tit-bits the Tropics Africa, bringing of wisdom, interesting tit-bits and amazing techniques to the eager and amazing techniques to the eager and discerning public of Dubai. and discerning public of Dubai. Of particular interest was Of particular interest were the two photographic exhibitions, one on the two photographic exhibitions, one on wildlife from the wildlife from the Arabian Peninsula and another one from around the world. The event kicked off with a glittering start at the Royal Majlis,

Arabian peninsula and another one from around the world. The set in thekicked midst off of the best golf greens thisat side ofRoyal the world. event with a glittering start the Majlis, set Inaugurated byof Christopher May,greens CEO ofthis Dubai Golf, in the midst the best golf side of the function world.

Inaugurated May, CEO Dubai Golf, the saw the launch by of aChristopher Paws Trails coffee tableofbook, a brilliantly function saw the launch Paws Trails coffee table book, a put together compilation ofof 101aimages from around the Arabian brilliantly put together compilation of 101 images from around Peninsula. the Arabian peninsula.

This event is a yet another feather in the glittering cap of Dubai, This event is a yet another feather in the glittering cap of and a statement that this metropolis can be much more Dubai, and a statement that this metropolis can be than muchthe more economic of the region.ofThe effort to conceive than thecapital economic capital thecommunity region. The community effort and this together reflected in the interest in shown in to put conceive and putwas together reflected in the shown interest organising and participation and and it is aistrue reflection of the organizing and participation a true reflection of love the love that the citizens of UAE have towards nature and our cothat the citizens of UAE have towards nature andmany our many inhabitants.

Let usLet be the voice the voiceless and put our co-inhabitants. us be thefor Voice for the voiceless andbest put foot towards a healthier ourforward best foot forward towardsplanet! a healthier planet! www.pawstrails.com/festival www.pawstrails.com/festival

23

What’s Coo

king

WHAT'S COOKING BY

CHEF NICHOLAS CUOMO

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos

INGREDIENTS ROASTED SWEET POTATOES • Sweet potatoes (3 to 4 medium sweet potatoes), peeled and sliced into 1-inch chunks • 2 tablespoons olive oil • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (omit if sensitive to spice) • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt SPICY BLACK BEANS • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 small yellow or white onion, finely chopped • Fine sea salt • 2 teaspoons ground cumin • ¼ teaspoon chili powder • 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained (or 3 cups cooked black beans) • ⅓ cup water • 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar or lime juice • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste AVOCADO-PEPITA DIP • 2 avocados, pitted • 1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro (mostly leaves, some small stems are ok) • ½ cup pepitas • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and roughly chopped, or ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (go easy if sensitive to spice) • 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped • 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 medium lime) or 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar • 2 tablespoons water • ½ teaspoon fine grain sea salt • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste EVERYTHING ELSE • 8 to 10 small corn tortillas • Crumbled feta • Suggested garnishes: Pickled jalapeños or pickled radishes or pickled red onions, torn cilantro, hot sauce, etc.

METHOD 1. Roast the sweet potatoes: Preheat the oven to 220 degrees C and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Toss the prepared sweet potatoes with the olive oil, cayenne pepper (if using) and salt. Arrange in a single layer and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, tossing halfway, until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelizing at the edges.

2. Prepare the black beans: warm the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Add the onions and a sprinkle of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and are turning translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the cumin and chili powder and cook for about 30 seconds while stirring. Pour in the beans and water.

Stir, cover and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

3. Cook for 5 minutes, then remove the lid and use a potato masher or a fork to mash up at least half of the beans. Remove from heat, stir in the vinegar, season with salt (I added over ¼ teaspoon) and pepper, and cover until you’re ready to serve.

4. Make the avocado dip: First, toast the pepitas in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until they are fragrant and starting to make little popping noises, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

5. Scoop the avocado flesh into a food processor or blender. Add the cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, water and salt. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the processor/blender as necessary. Add almost all of the pepitas (reserve a few tablespoons for garnish) and process just until the pepitas are chopped into small pieces (some remaining texture is desirable). Taste, and add more salt if necessary. Transfer the dip to a small bowl for serving.

6. To warm the tortillas, heat a large skillet over medium heat and warm the tortillas in batches, flipping to warm each side.

Alternatively, you can warm them directly over a low flame on a gas range. Stack the warmed tortillas on a plate and cover with a tea towel to keep warm.

7. To assemble the tacos, spread black beans down the middle of each tortilla, then top with some sweet potatoes and avocadopepita dip. Garnish with feta, pepitas, and anything else that strikes your fancy.

Repeat with remaining tortillas and serve

Roasted Beer-Brined Turkey with Onion Gravy and Bacon

ACTIVE TIME 30 mins TOTAL TIME 3 hrs 30 mins YIELD Serves: 12 Adding Guinness, or any dark beer, to the brine gives the turkey a toasty flavor and helps give the skin a dark brown color.

INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup yellow mustard seeds • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns • 8 bay leaves • 1 cup dark brown sugar • 1 cup kosher salt • 2 onions, cut into thick wedges • 450 gms bacon, skin removed and meat sliced 1/3 inch thick • Six 330ml bottles Guinness stout • One 6 -8 kg turkey • 1 cup turkey stock or low-sodium chicken broth • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

HOW TO MAKE IT STEP 1 In a very large pot, combine the mustard seeds, peppercorns and bay leaves and toast over moderate heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the brown sugar and salt and remove from the heat. Add 4 cups of water and stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved; let cool completely.

STEP 2 Add the onions, bacon, Guinness and 16 cups of cold water to the pot. Add the turkey to the brine, breast side down, and top with a heavy lid to keep it submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.

STEP 3 Preheat the oven to 175C° and position a rack on the bottom shelf. Lift the turkey from the brine, pick off any peppercorns, mustard seeds and bay leaves and pat dry. Transfer the turkey to a large roasting pan, breast side up. Scatter the onion wedges in the pan and add 1 cup of water. Using toothpicks, secure the bacon slices over the breast. Roast the turkey for about 2 hours, turning the pan occasionally, until an instantread thermometer inserted deep into the turkey thighs registers 68C°. Remove the bacon and return the turkey to the oven. Roast for about 1 hour longer, until the breast is browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in a thigh registers 78C°. Transfer the turkey to a carving board.

STEP 4 Pour the pan juices and onion wedges into a saucepan and boil until reduced to 3 cups, about 5 minutes. Add the turkey stock and return to a boil. In a small bowl, mash the butter to a paste with the flour. Whisk the paste into the gravy and boil until thickened slightly, about 5 minutes.

STEP 5 Meanwhile, cut the bacon crosswise 1/2 inch thick. In a large skillet, fry the bacon over high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 3 minutes.

STEP 6 Carve the turkey and serve with the gravy and bacon.

SUGGESTED PAIRING Smoky, peppery California Syrah

24

BY

STEEN SIMON

With the weather getting cooler and the skies becoming bluer, we are delighted to once again open our terraces at Jones the Grocer, Carine and Spike Bar for you to enoy all throughout the winter.

At the beginning of October, we launched our new menu at Spike Bar and Jones the Grocer. Please be sure to pass by and try some of our new offerings.

Did you notice? To enhance your on-course experience, we have transformed the sandwiches into tasty and easy wraps, so please give them a try!

Fun Fact :

nes the ike Bar and Jo This month Sp niversary An t rs Fi ate their Grocer celebr g. enin since the reop Golf Club that Emirates Did you know 8 pints of ,78 60 ed um ns guests have co nts of beer pi 9 59 Bar and 17, beer in Spike ary 2018! nu ocer since Ja in Jones the Gr

Book It Now !

6th December 2018 Come and light up the Christmas Tree in the reception area of the club-house followed by a superb dinner with the following options: Festive Cheese and Wine Night with some festive jazz in Jones the Grocer: AED 199 7pm–10pm (booking required) Spike Bar Festive Kickstart Party with special offers on drinks.

8pm–11pm

New Year’s Eve is looming on the horizon and we are waiting for your calls and emails to book a night you will not forget! I can guarantee that you will ‘have the time of your life’ for the last evening of 2018 with more space allocated in the members’ area. Entertainment will include not just one, but two tributes to the greatest singers in the music industry. Get ready to be amazed!

• ABBA by Swede Dreamz who will take you on a journey through some of ABBA’s greatest and most memorable hits • Freddie Mercury (Queen) performed by Dean Richardson the perfect incarnation of Freddie who recreates the image, voice and flamboyancy of the great man himself • These will be followed by DJ Phil Richardson who will ensure to keep you on the dance floor to welcome 2019 Let’s not forget the spectacular fireworks display also to ring in 2019!

Book now to ensure you have premium sitting in the members’ area.

THANK YOU TO NITHIN D’COSTA,

Assistant Restaurant Manager of Jones the Grocer for his 18th year of service at Emirates Golf Club!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MANI MAHALINGHAM, Events Supervisor who recently became a father to a handsome little boy.

Or alternatively dine at Carine (advance reservations required)

Turkey Take Aways Small Turkey Medium Turkey Large Turkey

AED 270 AED 415 AED 595

FAREWELL TO LILI & ANASTASIA F&B Management Trainee

e

It’s a great pleasure to have you all back for this new season at Emirates Golf Club!

F&B Updat

F&B UPDATE

25

SPORT2BUSIN

ESS

OCTOBER 2018 HIGHLIGHTS

* UP! Your Service Seminar • Conares Golf Society League • S2B Sponsors Monday Night Events • DC Aviation Al-Futtaim

UP! YOUR SERVICE EXECUTIVE CONVERSATIONS SEMINAR

On 4th October at Emirates Golf Club, global speaker Ron Kaufman ran an executive conversations seminar on outstanding service to over 45 business leaders.

For more than three decades, Ron Kaufman has helped companies on every continent build a culture of service excellence that delivers outstanding business results year after year. Making transformation his mission, Ron is one of the world’s most sought-after educators, consultants, business thoughtleaders and keynote speakers on the topic of achieving superior service.

We as Sport2Business were proud to help organise such an educating event.

OCTOBER MONDAY NIGHT WINNERS October October

October

October

October

1st 8th

15th 22nd 29th

Suresh Shewakramani 19 points AARO Pairs Texas Scramble Richard Aybar & Michael Andersen Net -7 Barclays Four-Ball Shambles Dave Minchin, Mike Kaye, Jimmy Norfolk & Ben Jones Net -14 Noble Empire Texas Scramble James Yeomans, Ryan Hayward, Akram Skaik and Russ Curtis Net -9.2 EuroTech Blind Pairs Filip Ranebo & Jonathan Duggan, Jorg Muller & Nick Lowes combined score of 37 points each

S2B NEW SPONSOR – DC AVIATION AL FUTTAIM We are delighted to report that DC Aviation-Al Futtaim have become the latest S2B sponsor. They have also committed to be the Gold Sponsor for the Dubai Sports Council CEO Masters that will take place on March 25th 2019.

DC Aviation Al Futtaim (DCAF) is a joint venture between DC Aviation, a leading German business jet operator and previously a subsidiary of Daimler-Chrysler AG, and Al Futtaim, a privately owned UAE business conglomerate.

DCAF is the first and only fully integrated business aviation facility based out of Al Maktoum International Airport located at Dubai South which has a dedicated hangar measuring 5,700 square metres and a 1,300 square metre exclusive VVIP lounge area designed to international standards offering customers the highest levels of comfort and privacy, shower areas and a conference room. Along with the VVIP lounge, 24-hour on-site security, screening facilities, customs and immigration services, customers are assured of a speedy and enjoyable travel experience. A second

hangar was completed in November 2017, with 7500 square metres of covered space, bringing DCAF’s total landside plot area to 24,000 square metres and the apron area to 13,000 square metres.

DCAF’s core areas of business include aircraft management, maintenance, FBO and ground handling services, aircraft hangarage as well as business jet charter.

DCAF has a total of six aircrafts in its managed fleet including two Globals, three Challengers and a Falcon 7X.

26

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

ESS

SPORT2BUSIN

CONARES GOLF SOCIETY LEAGUE Well done to David Pinder and Neal White, Peter Donaldson and Dave Minchin who represented S2B in the Conares Society League on Saturday 20th October in the first game of the new 2018-19 season.

Both pairs beat the Mazimba golfers in the matchplay event and finished second and third overall in the pairs betterball competition!

SPORT2BUSINESS EVENTS FOR THE DIARY S2B Events S2B & Mazimbas - Jebel Ali EuroTech Monday Night Capital Club Series 1 Fairmont Monday Night EuroTech Golf Day Dubai Hills Challenge Touch Gold Racing Monday Night King’s College Hospital Monday Night Meydan Race Night - TGR AOP Monday Night Clestra Hauserman Monday Night Christmas Party Up! Your Service Monday Night DC Aviation - Al Futtaim Monday Night S2B vs Nomads Dubai Hills Challenge S2B Aviation Masters CEO Masters

Key: S2B Mondays S2B Golf Events S2B Other Events

Location Jebel Ali Golf Club Emirates Golf Club - Faldo Els Club Emirates Golf Club - Faldo Jebal Ali Golf Club Dubai Hills Golf Club Emirates Golf Club - Faldo Emirates Golf Club - Faldo Meydan Race Track Emirates Golf Club - Faldo Emirates Golf Club - Faldo TBC Emirates Golf Club - Faldo Emirates Golf Club - Faldo TBC Dubai Hills Golf Club Els Club Dubai Hills Golf Club

Date Friday 26th October Monday 29th October Thursday 1st November Monday 5th November Thursday 8th November Friday 9th November Monday 12th November Monday 19th November Thursday 22nd November Monday 3rd December Monday 10th December Thursday 13th December Monday 7th January 2019 Monday 21st January Friday 11th January Friday 18th January Thursday 6th December Monday 25th March

Please email jyeomans@yeomansexecutive.com if you are interested in joining us for any of the above!

CALL TO ACTION FOR EMIRATES MEMBERS Members, come and check out S2B! We are sure you will enjoy the atmosphere, the people and this will all add to your membership experience. As we say, it’s the most fun you can have on a Monday!

Please contact James for more information!

Email: Phone No.:

jyeomans@yeomansexecutive.com 0504816277

We look forward to welcoming more Emirates Golf Club members to our society.

S2B Facebook and Instagram Check out our social media pages:

Sport2Business Events

sport2business

COLLEAGUE PARTY 2018

ES’

s t e p p i n S e l 19th Ho

Mags Breen with Kay Wright (former member) at her home course in Edinburgh - Morton Hall

Tony & Mags Breen in Castlestewart with Sean Gunn - previously an Intern at the Club

Jackie of Zumba - Dubai Fitness Challenge

Tony & Mags Breen with past member Lorraine Logan at her home course - Aboyne, Scotland

Our PGA Professionals at the Peter Cowen Academy have teamed up with Tender Hearts Arena to help differently-abled children learn the game of golf.

Looking forward to the next session!

There was a great turnout last month for the first session of the Ladies’ Academy Open Day. It was brilliant to see so many ladies trying golf for the first time!

UAE FLAG DAY

YOGA FEST

WHAT’S ON IN NOVEMBER Junior Open (Tee times 8:35 -11:35) Course Date The Faldo Sat, 03 Nov 2018

Time 08:30am

Ladies Monthly Medal Supported by Palazzo Versace Course Date The Faldo Mon, 05 Nov 2018

Time 08:30am

OMA Emirates “Medalford” Championship in Association with I-Insured) - 13:00 SGN - Open to Full Golfing Members Course Date Majlis Course Sat, 10 Nov 2018

Time 01:00pm

OMA Emirates Gents Medal - 8:00 SGN - Open to Full Golfing Members Course Date Majlis Course Sat, 10 Nov 2018

Time 08:00am

Ladies Competition & Past Lady Captain’s Trophy Course Date The Faldo Mon, 12 Nov 2018

Time 08:30am

Ladies Heritage Trophy - Round 1 Course Date The Faldo Mon, 19 Nov 2018

Time 08:30am

Club House Trophy (Full golfing members only) Course Date Majlis Course Fri, 23 Nov 2018

Time 01:00pm

Ladies Heritage Trophy - Final Round Course Date Majlis Course Mon, 26 Nov 2018

Time 08:30am