Editor: Jacqui Barry egc@dubaigolf.com
arch 2013
ISSUE 29 M
E
Congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who, fortunately, agreed to a proposition put to him by his Chief Engineer, of building the first grass course in the region. Once approved it was remarkable how quickly that idea became reality and the early photographs of the ‘oasis in the desert’ are testament to that.
Christopher May
Andrew Whitelaw
Chief Executive Officer cmay@dubaigolf.com
Barney Coleman
Golf Services Manager bcoleman@dubaigolf.com
Julian Danby
Senior Manager - Commercial & Business Development jdanby@dubaigolf.com
Fun February has seen a few notable changes; the ‘Members’Only’ lounge area on the weekends has proved to be a huge success. Some can agree to disagree, but as an interim, it’s a great step in the right direction. The new kiosk menu tastings were carried out by the MCC and the offerings are already in place. Options are being considered to make the staircase leading to the lower floor from the reception less slippery. Price reductions in the menu will be implemented by 10th March. Tee time bookings on the internet are being made more pro-active. It has been noticed that some members/ nominees make random bookings which they cancel before the deadline. This deprives other members of planning their own golf and there is an unnecessary feeling that tee times are not available. One can understand that we may, for reasons beyond our control, have to cancel our golf, but daily booking as a matter routine should be avoided please.
Club Manager awhitelaw@dubaigolf.com
The Emirates Amateur Open, sponsored by Omega, had over 120 participants. Two things were noticeable at the prize presentation. Firstly, we were good hosts and not many trophies were kept back by EGC members. Secondly, 75% of the prizes were won by youth.…...from Doha, a lad, just 12 years of age, had the best gross score of 72 on the Majlis. Perhaps that is the reason why they make us Captains when we are old and not fit to win, to give away the prizes. Well done youngsters! The world belongs to you. 16 year old EGC Junior, Inaan Budhiraja, did the Club proud when he scored gross 67 at the Al Ain Open recently.
Chef Max Grenard
Andy Meech
Culinary Director mgrenard@dubaigolf.com
Head of Sport and Leisure ameech@dubaigolf.com
Adele Cowgill
We are in Manic March, and it started with the Kohlman Cup. I must thank each participant and all the others who joined us at the after celebrations. As I said at the Season Opener, that as an event manager, programmes can be made, however at
Craig Haldane
Marketing & Director - Golf Course Communications Manager Maintenance acowgill@dubaigolf.com chaldane@dubaigolf.com
3
this it is the participants who raise the bar. I would like to personally thank each one of you for supporting this tournament and words are not enough for all the warmth and affection you gave us, especially my father, General Kohli, who is the Chairman of the Kohlman group. Ed J (Jacqui Barry), Lady Captain Glynis, Lady Vice Captain Barbara and Nina Larm gave up their day to assist on the 7th tee and with taking photographs. Thank you ever so much to all the guests who joined us at dinner. It was indeed a magical setting at the poolside. It is your support that makes us the Premier Club that we are. Andrew and his entire team put up an absolutely outstanding display of course management with 128 players in the shotgun, and the F&B team was brilliant, as always, on course and with 175 guests at dinner. Thank you very much all.
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mirates Golf Club turns 25 on 8th March 2013! What a milestone! Congratulations to present and past management and staff, members and Captains who have all contributed to making this Club what it is today. I don’t think any of us Founder Members could have envisaged the developments and the progress of the Club 25 years ago when the membership was limited to 500 at that time and even then this number seemed as if it would be difficult to achieve. Fast forward to today and we now have approximately 1500 members with a waiting list, two 18 hole golf courses and an excellent Par 3 course, floodlights and an average of 500 players each day.
Captains Co
Editorial
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We have the Anniversary Dinner on 8th March for Founder Members and Past Captains in Le Classique where Chef Francois will weave his cooking magic and I am looking forward to a great gastronomical journey of pure indulgence. The Members’ party is on 18th March so hectic preparations are on and I would strongly recommend that all members and spouses should adjust their diaries to be able to attend. The Anniversary Golf Day on 22nd March will be special too. The ‘Year of Celebration’ just gets better and bigger! Let the party roll on………… and on……. Cheers, Moshe Kohli Captain
AMATEUR OPEN Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd February 2013 Kate Philips
Membership Manager kphillips@dubaigolf.com
Ganesh Mangathil
In House Publishing Manager gmangathil@dubaigolf.com
Keith Wilkes
Retail Manager kwilkes@dubaigolf.com
The Majlis course was designed by Karl Litten, architect of classic courses in America, Australia and Japan. Changing the desert into a world class golf facility was a mammoth task but he really built a masterpiece that has matured over time and is known all over the world. Rod Bogg, our first GM, together with the small start-up team at Emirates Golf Club were responsible for setting up golf operations, securing the Dubai Desert Classic and much more…some major achievements indeed. Rod has been involved with Dubai Golf for almost all of the 25 years; congratulations to him for his most recent achievement of producing a book to commemorate this occasion. I think I am right in saying that it has taken him two years of collating material and interviewing key people but he has produced a tremendous souvenir book which I’m sure everyone will love. There are several special celebratory evenings taking place throughout the month of March, the main one being the Annual Members’ Party, which will take place on 18th March so be sure to put the date in your diaries - an event not to be missed
Jacqui Barry
www.dubaigolf.com
CHAMPION RUNNER UP THIRD FOURTH FIFTH
Michael Saunders (DFGC-UK) Sam Towler (WOGC-UK) Jakub Hrinda (DGC) Chris Alderman (TMD) Craig Forest (EGF)
74+74= 148 79+74= 152 82+72= 154 79+75= 154 79+75= 154
Winners
NET OVERALL OVER 36 HOLES BEST NET Bal Arnaud (RGCB) SECOND NET Mark Davin (AOMGC) THIRD NET Bilel Belaid (ADGC)
72+76 = 148 77+73 = 150 75+76 = 151
DAILY GROSS Steen Simon
Food and Beverage Manager ssimon@dubaigolf.com
Chef Benoit Cart
Executive Sous Chef bcart@dubaigolf.com
BEST GROSS DAY 1 BEST GROSS DAY 2
Financial Controller mahamed@dubaigolf.com
417 417 417 417 417 417
Ashley Rees (ESN) Graham Pascal (JGE)
74 75
Rory Blincow (EGC) Daood Jaffal (ADGC)
71 72
DAILY NET BEST NET DAY 1 BEST NET DAY 2
Saeed Ahamed
EGC Key Telephone Numbers Main Switchboard 04 Members Golf Reservations 04 Membership 04 Recreation 04 Accounts 04 SensAsia Urban Spa 04
Stephen Deane
Head Academy Professional sdeane@dubaigolf.com
Haridas Palliyalil
Resident Engineer hpalliyalil@dubaigolf.com
9999 9800 9801 9850 9875 9820
Follow Emirates Golf Club on Facebook for the latest news, views and special offers. We already have over 7,500 likes. Follow us on Twitter@emiratesgc
Christopher d’Abreo (Group Manager Rivoli Group), Jacklyn Quadras (Marketing & PR Manager Omega), Michael Saunders (Champion) and Club Captain Moshe Kohli
Best attired
2nd best attired
KOHLMAN NATIONS CUP Friday, 1st March 2013 WINNERS: INDIA 4
Jugwinder Brar, Gurjit Grewal Achal Ghai, David Philips
83
RUNNERS-UP: INDIA 13
Tej Chhabra, Gurinder Singh Gurmukh Ghuldu, Nishith Patel
79
THIRD: INDIA 1
Ramesh Prabhakar, Sanjeev Gheewala Mukesh Kochar, Veeneet Mohan 78
FOURTH: AMERICA 1
Micky Brigg, Keith Prosser Johnny Aldridge, Stephen Jones
NEAREST THE PIN HOLE # 4 HOLE # 7 HOLE # 11 HOLE # 15
Micky Brigg Xavier Arnail Keith Prosser Shravan Khanna
LONGEST DRIVE HOLE # 1 HOLE # 8 HOLE #10 HOLE # 14
Shravan Khanna Trevor Hardwick Mathys Oberholster Karan Atwal
BEST ATTIRED TEAM (NORWAY)
Phil Harris, Xavier Arnail Jon Sargeant, Eric Wormser
2nd BEST ATTIRED TEAM (IRELAND)
Paul Byrne, Saeed Fahim Tom Barry, Patrick Mulligan
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Who can believe it’s already March?
H
uge congratulations to Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher, who triumphed in this year’s Desert Classic in such an emphatic manner. I’m sure he will have many, many wins in years to come! With Emirates Golf Club courses being closed for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic tournament, it does give us the opportunity to venture out of our comfort zone and play different courses in the area. With two very varied courses at Emirates, many of us feel challenged enough; however, this time of year gives us the push we need to take on other challenges. A group of us had a very enjoyable round at Al Badia, instead of our usual Monday tournament and I certainly enjoyed the Fire course, at Jumeirah Golf Estates. We also played our Inter-club match at Yas Links, as reported by Barbara. The February Medal was, as usual. the toughest of the season, with the Majlis playing extremely long and challenging straight after the professional tournament. With super slick greens, it certainly lived up to our expectations. However, as usual, some of our ladies appeared to easily negotiate their way around the outstanding 18 holes, with special mention to Kavita Sehmi, with a superb gross 74, net 72............well done! Not all of us had such success, but we did all agree that it was a real pleasure to play the course in such tip top condition. Congratulations to Craig Haldane and his team! The following Monday, it was time for something a little less intense, with a Blind Holes Stableford. With 12 holes to count and not knowing which ones until we had finished, the Faldo as usual kept us occupied. With
a Pairs Betterball on the 25th, February has been varied. Well done to Rena Sethi and Helen Srivastava, who formed a triumphant partnership, scoring an amazing 45 points. Congratulations!
Inter Club Series
Our Ladies’ Club Championship takes place on the 3rd and 4th March, with a round on both the Faldo and the Majlis. To all the ladies who take part, in my mind you are all winners, good luck and you all deserve to play well.
by Barbara Head
A final thank you to Janet Curtis for hosting a coffee morning to showcase Liz Esterl’s latest ‘Dot’ golf fashions and for raising money for my Charity Day. Thank you! A reminder about March 11th, Lady Captain’s Charity Day. After much deliberation, I have decided that this year’s event should appropriately be in aid of ‘Amar Forever’. Amar Radia was a very active member at Emirates Golf Club and it will give me great pleasure to honour his name, while raising funds for disadvantaged children. In lieu of a raffle this year, I am requesting donations towards this deserving cause, prior to, or on the day. Please email me on glynis.hendry1@yahoo.com, or text me on 052 8453937. I hope that all our members really get behind this cause. There will also be pledge forms that you can complete with your Emirates account details, which will be drawn after the tournament. Please sign up in teams of four, for a fun scramble followed by lunch and prize-giving in Le Classique. A huge thank you in advance.
Ä‘Ĺ? 2+1.Ĺ?/,! % (Ĺ? **%2!./ .5Ĺ? %*%*#Ĺ?+Ăť!./Ĺ?%*Ĺ? ,%'!Ĺ? .ÄŒĹ? Le Classique, M’s and in the Huts until 18th April Ä‘Ĺ? *&+5Ĺ? Ĺ?Ä‚Ä†ĹƒĹ? %/ +1*0Ĺ?+*Ĺ? !) !.Ĺ? 1!/0Ĺ?. 0!/Ĺ?".+)Ĺ?ĂĆ0$Ĺ? . $Ĺ? to 18th April Ä‘Ĺ? '!Ĺ? *Ĺ?%* %2% 1 (Ĺ?(!//+*Ĺ? 0Ĺ? $!Ĺ? !)5Ĺ? * Ĺ?.! !!)Ĺ? Ĺ?Ä‚Ä†ĹƒĹ? discount between 25th March and 18th April Ä‘Ĺ? ( 5Ĺ?%*Ĺ?0$!Ĺ?)!)+. (!Ĺ?ĂĆĹ? +(!Ĺ? **%2!./ .5Ĺ? ,!*Ĺ? $ ),%+*/$%,Ĺ? on 18th April Ä‘Ĺ? '!Ĺ?, .0Ĺ?%*Ĺ?0$!Ĺ? **%2!./ .5Ĺ? %0Ĺ? Ĺ? $ ((!*#!Ĺ?3%0$Ĺ? Ĺ?/!.%!/Ĺ?+"Ĺ? circuit training trials Ä‘Ĺ? 2 %(Ĺ? Ĺ?. *#!Ĺ?+"Ĺ?/,! % (Ĺ? %/ +1*0/Ĺ?%*Ĺ?0$!Ĺ? .+Ĺ? $+, Look out for full details of all special Anniversary offers taking place around the Club.
Looking forward to our 25th Anniversary Celebrations on 18th March. See you all there! Glynis Hendry Lady Captain
OVERALL WINNER Christine Hutchinson SILVER DIVISION (HCP. 0 – 23) WINNER Mimi Hosking RUNNER UP Annette Carstanjen BRONZE DIVISION (HCP. 24 –42) WINNER Sue Hopwood
T
TEE TIME AVAILABILITY
here has been much discussion of late regarding the availability of tee times, in particular on the Majlis course. To understand the booking system better and to help us improve the situation some key facts on the system should be shared.
With our online tee time booking system in place since 2007, the percentage of online bookings of member tee times has increased from 1% in July 2007 to 49% in February 2013, with a total number of 157,674 member online bookings since inception. Since the system has been put in place, we have seen a number of upgrades and enhancements including the inclusion of new functionality such as cancellations of tee time bookings, modification of player number and names and improvements in our ability to identify and resolve any errors.
Pts 32 Pts 27 Pts 27 Pts 25
MONTHLY MEDAL Monday 11th February 2013 SILVER ‘A’DIVISION (HCP. 0 – 14) WINNER Kavita Sehmi RUNNER UP Rosemary Turlik OVERALL BEST GROSS Kavita Sehmi SILVER “B� DIVISION (HCP. 15 –23) WINNER Hiromi Ohashi RUNNER UP S.L. Rim BRONZE DIVISION (HCP. 24 –42) WINNER Fiona Munro
n 29th January 2013, ten EGC ladies travelled to Yas Links to play in Round 3 of the Inter Club. Thanks to all those who travelled yet again a fair distance to represent the Club and I am sure that you all enjoyed the sea views, the splendid lattes and hospitality if not the tough holes! Arabian Ranches won the day with some amazing scores especially from their higher handicappers and the position now in league 2 is Arabian Ranches 785, Emirates Golf Club 773, Yas Links 713 and Saadiyat 452. We hope to recover our first place position on Wednesday 27th March when we all play on the Faldo! In League 3, Dubai Creek lead with 542 followed by Abu Dhabi with 489, Al Ain with 440 and Al Badia with 188. Jumeirah Golf Estates leads in League 3 with 722 points, followed by Sharjah with 715, the Montgomerie with 696 and Abu Dhabi City with 681 points. If anyone feels they are playing brilliantly at the moment on the Faldo, please see me or Glynis! The final dates and venues are yet to be decided but will be sometime in April or May. Thanks again to Mags Breen, Lorraine Logan, Janine Dols, Sandy Broedelet, Carolyn Thompson, Jayshree Gupta, Noemy Bertuol, Hiromi Ohashi, Glynis and Barbara.
In celebration of Emirates Golf Club reaching its milestone 25th Anniversary, there will be a host of special Anniversary offers running throughout the Club in March.
BLIND PARTNERS Monday 18th February 2013 Kavita Sehmi with Lady Captain, Glynis Hendry
O
Emirates Golf Club’s 25th Anniversary
5 Club nEws
in’s lady Capta mEssagE
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To better understand how quickly tee times are taken at weekends the following table highlights over three separate Saturdays the speed at which members tee times are booked online. This sample is from 6.40am-14.30pm Saturday 16th February 48 Tee times available 41 Booked in less than 5 mins Fastest tee time booked 16 sec
Saturday 23rd February 48 Tee times available 37 Booked in less than 5 mins Fastest tee time booked 25 sec
Saturday 2nd March 48 Tee times available 35 booked in less than 5 mins Fastest tee time booked 28 sec
These stats quite clearly show the popularity and ease of booking that the system provides. Net 72 Net 73 Gross 74 Net 72 Net 73
However, the availability of tee times is affected by several factors 1. Booking of matchplay tournaments in advance normally results in popular times being secured. For example in the 2nd March sample there are five matchplays booked between 12.40 and 2pm. 2. Cancellation of tee times within 48 hrs, the next table clearly shows that a culture of booking and cancelling prevails, thereby not allowing members to secure their first choice tee time on many occasions
Chris Hutchinson receiving her prize from Lady Captain Glynis Hendry
No of cancellations Faldo Majlis Total Plays on the day
Net 70 PAIRS BETTERBALL 25th February 2013 WINNERS RUNNERS UP THIRD
Saturday 16th February 131 160 619
Saturday 23rd February 123 99 476
Saturday 2nd March 165 118 447
We do operate the waitlist very successfully, however this waitlist is extensive due to the level of cancellations seen above. Helen Srivastava and Rena Sethi Maria Petre and Ivy Bailey Margaret Breen and Lorraine Logan
Pts 45 Pts 43 Pts 43
As a result, we will be reviewing the cancellations carefully and will now generate a report to monitor closely those who continuously book and cancel making tee times unavailable for other members. Those who continuously adopt this practice will have restrictions put on their access to the courses in future, however we sincerely hope that fair play will prevail and tee times will be booked by players who genuinely want to play. Rena Sethi and Helen Srivastava
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www.dubaigolf.com
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Breast Cancer Arabia are running their 3rd Annual Ladies Golf Morning on the Par 3 course at Emirates Golf Club on Sunday 24th March with two shotguns at 8.30am and 11am. This is a great event for a very worthy cause, with a host of great prizes too! See flyer for full details. Hope to see many of you ladies taking part!
Club nEws
A Fun Evening at the EGC Members’/Staff Pro-Am 28th February
Report by Night Golf Operations Executive Andrew Matthews
I
n the first of a series of Members’ Pro Ams to be held throughout 2013, we had a full field of 27 members playing with 9 of our PGA Golf Professionals over the Faldo course under the floodlights. The event was held over 9 holes with half the field playing the front 9 and the other half playing the back 9.
took the honours with a fantastic 45 stableford points (best two from 4 scores). On the back 9 it was the team of Golf Professional Alastair Brown, Peder Vilhelmsson, Mathys Oberholster and Sanchia Oberholster who topped the pile with a very good 41 points. Nearest the Pin prizes were picked up by Nishith Patel (hole 12) and Fiona Berry (Hole 8).
On the front 9 it was the team of Golf Professional Mark Bruce, Mike Pearce, Harold Liedtke and Ross Hopwood who
With an excellent après-golf buffet being hosted at M’s Terrace, there was a great social, relaxed atmosphere that was enjoyed by all. The next Pro-Am event will be held towards the end of March and a sign-up sheet will be put up very soon.
MARSHALS AT EMIRATES GOLF CLUB
WHAT’S ON IN MARCH 2013 GOLF Sun
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SOCIAL
Don’t Miss the Punchline!
on 9th May and Upcoming Comedy Nights
World Famous Comedy Club Comes To Emirates Golf Club
S
ide splitting, tears rolling, jittery giggling and loud laughing... Sounds like an epic night out, doesn’t it? So prepare yourself for a night of world-class comedy and ‘serious’ fun, because Urban Events is bringing the famous Punchline Comedy Club to Emirates Golf Club on Thursday 14th March. The Punchline Comedy Club will feature three exciting comedians on its premier line-up Geoff Boyz, Jeremy O’Donnell and Karl Spain. Fast, funny Scottish comedian and impressionist, Geoff Boyz, began his career on the renowned Edinburgh Festival circuit, where he became a well known face.
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Comedian, writer and presenter, Jeremy O’Connell has written material for all major UK television channels and enjoys success compering at high profile venues such as The Comedy Store. Karl Spain quickly established himself as one of Ireland’s top comedians, going from strength to strength performing in his home country to packed out audiences. Join us for a night of side splitting humour and pub grub on Thursday 14th March at the Media Centre, Emirates Golf Club for only AED 180 per person.
Back row l to r: Daniel, Raja, Rommel, Blas, Henry D, Romeo, Dinesh, Ummer Front row l to r: Henry P, Neri, Joel
20th June
T
he marshal team consists of 15 marshals who are headed up by Neri Battung (Chief Marshal) and supported by Ummer (Golf Operations Supervisor).
The role of the Marshal team is to facilitate the enjoyment of all golfers on the Majlis, Faldo and Par 3 courses. This includes enforcing golf club rules and golfing etiquette as it is known worldwide. Their daily routine consists of: Ä‘Ĺ? '%*#Ĺ?/1.!Ĺ? ((Ĺ?#+("!./Ĺ?0!!Ĺ?+ĂťĹ? 0Ĺ?0$!%.Ĺ? ((+ 0! Ĺ?0!!Ĺ? 0%)!ÄŒĹ?%* (1 %*#Ĺ?0$!Ĺ?) * #!)!*0Ĺ?+"Ĺ?/$+0#1*Ĺ?/0 .0/ Ä‘Ĺ?Ĺ? +*%0+.Ĺ?, !Ĺ?+"Ĺ?,( 5 Ä‘Ĺ? +))1*% 0!Ĺ?0+Ĺ?! $Ĺ?#.+1,Ĺ? 0Ĺ?(! /0Ĺ?03% !Ĺ?,!.Ĺ?ÄŠĹ?$+(!/ Ä‘Ĺ? .!, .!Ĺ?0$!Ĺ?3 0!.Ĺ?%#(++/Ĺ?+*Ĺ?! $Ĺ?0!!Ĺ? +4 Ä‘Ĺ? , 0!Ĺ? Ĺ?/5/0!)Ĺ?3%0$Ĺ? %(5Ĺ?,%*Ĺ?,+/%0%+* Ä‘Ĺ? *"+. !Ĺ? Ĺ? .!//Ĺ? + !Ĺ? * Ĺ?#+(Ăź*#Ĺ?!0%-1!00!Ĺ?Ĩ!Ä‹#Ä‹Ĺ? .!, %.Ĺ?+"Ĺ?,%0 $) .'/ÄŒĹ?. '%*#Ĺ? 1*'!./ÄŠ Ä‘Ĺ? ((+3Ĺ?+*(5Ĺ?Ä‚Ĺ? .0/Ĺ?,!.Ĺ?#.+1,Ĺ?Ĩ1*(!//Ĺ?/,! % (Ĺ? %. 1)/0 * !/Ĺ? ,,(5Ĺ?!Ä‹#Ä‹Ĺ?/! 1.%05ÄŠ The marshal team have one of the hardest tasks if the not the hardest task of all staff at Emirates Golf Club when it comes to monitoring pace of play. The marshals are in charge of the golf courses and have complete backing from the management to show the necessary authority when applicable. Unfortunately they do not get the respect they deserve from golfers (members and guests alike) so please be encouraged to listen to the marshal team and follow their guidance and instructions. With up to 220 golfers on the Majlis and 300 golfers on the Faldo course on a weekend day there are times when the marshal team have to instruct members or guests to improve their pace of play. This is for the benefit of all your fellow members on the course. The management is of the opinion that a quicker pace of play is positively encouraged; however you will be aware that the pace of play can vary from day to day and from group to group. The marshal team follow the below rule: +(Ăź*#Ĺ?!0%-1!00!Ĺ? % 0 0!/Ĺ?0$ 0Ĺ?Ä™%0Ĺ?%/Ĺ? Ĺ?#.+1,Äš/Ĺ? .!/,+*/% %(%05Ĺ?0+Ĺ?'!!,Ĺ?1,Ĺ?3%0$Ĺ?0$!Ĺ?#.+1,Ĺ?%*Ĺ?".+*0Ä‹Ĺ? "Ĺ?5+1Ĺ?(+/!Ĺ? Ĺ? (! .Ĺ?$+(!Ĺ? * Ĺ? .!Ĺ? !( 5%*#Ĺ?0$!Ĺ?#.+1,Ĺ? !$%* ÄŒĹ?5+1Ĺ?/$+1( Ĺ?%*2%0!Ĺ?0$!Ĺ?#.+1,Ĺ? !$%* Ĺ?0+Ĺ?,( 5Ĺ? 0$.+1#$ÄŒĹ?%..!/,! 0%2!Ĺ?+"Ĺ?0$!Ĺ?*1) !.Ĺ?+"Ĺ?,( 5!./Ĺ?%*Ĺ?0$!Ĺ? #.+1,Ěċ THE ABOVE IS IRRESPECTIVE OF YOUR PACE OF PLAY IN RELATION TO TIME (R&A Rules of Golf 2012-2015, page 19)
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25 Anniversary Photos
An early photo
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of the Clubhous
The first Majlis score-card
$!Ĺ? 5 !.Ĺ? 1,Ĺ? 0Ĺ? Ä“ (Ĺ?0+Ĺ?.Ĺ? 'Ĺ?.+3Ä?Ĺ?Elliott Gray, a guest, past Captain, Doris Aycock, Rai Legnar, Breeda, Mira & Colm McLoughlin, Jacqui & Tom Barry, Paul Thornberry, Sandy & Pat MacPherson (Ĺ?0+Ĺ?.Ĺ?".+*0Ĺ?.+3Ä?Ĺ?Nancy Downie, Darius Rakshani, Joan Legnar
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A video in the making: Seve Ballesteros on the short game
The 7th hole of
the Majlis
up! n teeing n Walto 91 Ia : 19 6 le o b Hole N y Scram a D s r’ a New Ye
First Mixed Open winners at EGC, Joan & Rai Legnar
t Philip d’Abo with firs
EGC Captain, John
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Bahrain at the Caddies from eur Open 1993 Emirates Amat
Mike & Mire
ille Sim
Past Captain s. Phil Best an d Ed Bai
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('!.Ĺ? 1,Ĺ?Ä ÄŠÄ‰ÄŠ l to r: Colm McLoughlin, a member, Rita Finlay, Margaret Howlett, Mike Gerbich, Sandy MacPherson !3Ĺ? ! .Äš/Ĺ? 2!Ĺ?Ä ÄŠÄŠÄ€ GM Rod Bog g and F & B Manag er, Pedro Pido
Guess which hole this is on the Majlis?
$.%/0) /Ĺ? . ) (! Mike Gerbich with Pros Steve Hagland and Matthew Gill
l to r: Keith Fernandez, Mike O’Mary, Ed Bain, Ross Bain. Steve Meadows, Bill McBride, Rai Legnar, Bruce Penstone
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Nations Cup
Dubai Golf Junior Series Event No.5
T
he fifth event of the seven-part Dubai Golf Par 3 Series took place at Dubai Creek academy course on Friday 22nd February. Over 60 competitors turned out to take part in another event between the two Golf Academies of Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and Emirates Golf Club. Prizes were awarded to the best gross score winners and runners-up in each of the coaching categories (Master, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Cadets).
Brothers Hoshi and Mikhail Yadav contested for the Bronze category with the eventual winner being older brother Hoshi with a score of 32. In the Cadets category Syraat Arghandiwal was victorious again with a score of 48.
The overall Masters event was won by 8-year old Joshua Hill who managed to pip both Dhruv Nair and Kabir Nanda on the best last 3 holes after all 3 players shot the same score of 27 in the blustery conditions.
All competitors playing received points on the day towards their total Order of Merit position, this being contested over the full seven events of the series.
Gold division was won by Eshna Bhargava with a score of 29, 1 ahead of the ever present Mekayl Maajid. Abbi Sunil won his first ever event in the Silver category with a great score of 34, again only winning with a better last 3-hole score over the talented Ailsa Brannock.
Event number six is due to take place at Emirates Golf Club on April 18th before the final comes back again to Dubai Creek on April 26th. JDP organising professional Kenny Monaghan was very proud of all kids competing on the day but was particularly happy with how close each category was contested by a strong field. “It’s great to see so many children competing together; both Academies seem to be producing potential stars of the future.”
ofilE
eek Juonmiomritltin C
13 mEmbEr pr
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12 Introducing long-term members
Alan & Lorraine
Main
Country of Origin: Scotland Came to Dubai: 1993 Joined Emirates Golf Club: 1993 Current Handicap: Alan 7.2 Lorraine 20.4 Lowest handicap: Alan 3.7 Lorraine 18.2
W
here and when did you start playing golf? ( *č circa 1970 in Inverness & Nairn, Scotland. Played schoolboy golf with Eddie Ramage (now Captain of Arabian Ranches)
+.. %*!čŏ2006 after a few false starts! Now I play more often than Alan!
Delhi - January 2010 Trophy and Gold Medal Winner at Fortrose Golf Club
+.. %*!č Loch Lomond Invitational Mixed; getting a Silver Division handicap! Running the Dubai Marathon and all the HUGE support I got from Club members. We have BOTH been awarded EGC Gym Member of the Month!
Notable achievements? ( *čŏChairman’s Cup, Tournament of Champions, Gross Medal at EGC. Rees-Mackintosh
Favourite player ( *čŏSeve Ballesteros
+.. %*!č Lee Westwood Favourite Pro Tournament to watch? ( *čŏThe Ryder Cup (as well as the Open Championship and the Masters) 2012 Mediterranean Cruise
+.. %*!č The Ryder Cup (and the Dubai Desert Classic) Favourite Golf courses? The Majlis of course, Yas Links, Fancourt Links, Royal Dornoch, Laem Chabang, Gleneagles, Moon Valley. Dream four-ball? ( *čŏErnie Els, Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus
+.. %*!č Alvaro Quiros, Thorbjorn Olesen, Ricky Fowler (all the cuties) Most memorable moments since joining EGC? So many! Captain of the first Scotland team in the Tri-Nations, Alan’s name next to Tiger Woods on the old marble wall (now relegated to the Spike Bar toilet!), the Race to Delhi with Moshe, winning first prize in the members’ party draw, playing with Darren Clarke in the Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am on Alan’s 50th, meeting so many players at the Classic, making so many great friends past and present at EGC, all those Talker Cups and Mixed Opens, we could go on and on ….. we love Emirates Golf Club.
Pattaya 2012
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Pattaya November 2011
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Lady Captain Glynis Hendry visiting Daniel at the Bayou City Collegiate Championship, Houston, Texas.
Ewan Cameron and Captain of the R&A Pierre Bechmann
19th HOLE JUST FOR FUN A ‘gimme’ can best be defined as an agreement between two golfers ... neither of whom can putt very well. Two women were put together as partners in the club tournament and met on the putting green for the first time. After introductions, the first golfer asked, “What’s your handicap?” “Oh, I’m a scratch golfer,” the other replied. “Really!” exclaimed the first woman suitably impressed that she was paired up with her. “Yes, I write down all my good scores and scratch out the bad ones!”
I think these cyclists found the best place in the whole car park to leave their bicycles. I don’t think Club Captain Moshe Kohli was impressed with having to park in the overspill car park!
Clark Francis Tennis organised a special tournament recently and each age group winner got a prize to accompany players onto the court at either the ladies’ or men’s final/semi final at the Dubai World Tennis Championship. EGC member Niklas Korjonen (2nd from right) won the boys’ 9 year age group tournament and was at the ladies’ final.
A group of EGC ladies recently spent an ‘away week-end’ in Ras Al Khaimah to say farewell to Angela Connor and Brenda Cornwell
Congratulations to Naima Maya who won the BMW Regional Final golf event, winning an all expenses paid trip to Fancourt in South Africa to compete in the World Final Clubhouse at night
Congratulations to new and very proud Grand Dad, Dick Purchase whose daughter gave birth to a baby girl named, Hazel Maia on 23rd February 2013 Captain and Lady Captain with this year’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic winner, Stephen Gallacher
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ODDC 2013 presentation
Congratulations to Elise and Joe Hanson who are now the proud grandparents to Drew, who was born on 6th December 2012, a son to Joe’s daughter Kathryn and son-in-law Elliott
HOLE-IN-ONE Ian Scott 9th February, Hole 7, Majlis
During the recent Omega Dubai Desert Classic, one of the players hit his second shot straight into the hole on the 14th. However, it hit the hole with such force that it was very badly damaged; a referee was called and it was decided that a new hole had to be made. Craig and his crew were at hand and did a very quick and slick job…of course!
Someone’s trolley ‘died’ on the golf course last week. Either that, or someone was having a really bad day and decided to go home! (photo courtesy of Barbara Head)
17
GREENKEEPER’S CUTTINGS
I
trust you are all enjoying the great golfing weather we are experiencing at present and also enjoying the playing conditions out there. The team continues to push the boundaries in terms of playing surfaces to give the members tournament conditions day in and day out.
When preparing for a tournament like the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, the plant goes under an immense amount of stress. I was delighted with the presentation of the Majlis course and was ecstatic at how the greens responded in the lead up to the event. As a membership, I think we were all concerned at some stage if we would pull through, with certain greens in particular. With patience and understanding from all of you, we were allowed to do what was required which resulted in consistent greens that we are still enjoying today. Ball roll and firmness of surfaces is and always will be, our primary goal on putting surfaces, not speed! The speed is irrelevant if greens are not smooth, true and firm. The Stimp Meter is a tool that is used by almost all Superintendents for the sole purpose of checking consistency throughout the golf course. Unfortunately, many people focus only on the number. “How fast are the greens?” is a typical question I am asked even by the tour players during the ODDC. My standard answer to the tour players is “tournament speed!” Don’t get confused by a number. I have putted on fantastic greens running at 8.5’ and on horrible greens running at 12’. Believe me, fantastic greens at 8.5’ win hands down every time. If conditions allow us to push the boundaries and as long as the surfaces are extremely true, then yes, we will always aim to have the greens rolling at a faster pace day in and day out. I remember early on in my career, I was managing Bent Grass greens and if we ever got over the 9’ mark the oohs and aah’s about how fast they were rippled through the clubhouse. In most of the turf-grass management literature you read up on, slow is considered 6’, medium is 8’, fast is 9.5 and tournament is 10’- 11’. Going beyond 11’ takes things to a different level in terms of preparation of surfaces not only on a daily basis, but really throughout the entire season’s preparations. You can’t run fast greens without controlling organic matter throughout the year. This comes with regular aeration, regular applications of sand to continuously break down the organic build up, a lot of light and frequent verti-cutting and deep tine aeration throughout the season. We manage to do this during our annual maintenance programmes and as disruptive as this is at the time, it allows us to enjoy the surfaces we have at this time of year. Summer will be upon us before we know it and on the Majlis course, we will go through the annual ‘transition’ phase where the overseeded Rye we are all enjoying today, dies off and we need to get our Bermuda to come back. It is early to start talking about transition but keep this in the forefront of your mind as you enjoy the course. I will go into more detail in the next issue of Club Life with some interesting photographs of before, during and after so we are all well prepared and ready for the challenge. Enjoy the weather while it lasts!! Good golfing Craig Haldane Director - Golf Course Maintenance
EXERCISE TIP OF THE MONTH
LUNGE AND ROTATE
The importance
Add more stability to your golf game with a great core exercise that also improves leg strength, flexibility and balance.
rECrEation
CoursE Con
dition
16
Personal Trainer Peter Sullivan
1. Standing with feet shoulder width apart, extend the medicine ball at arms length. 2. Step your right leg back into a lunge and rotate your shoulders and medicine ball to your left. 3. Step you right leg forward into a lunge and rotate shoulders and medicine ball to your right. Tip: keep your head looking forward to help keep your balance and sink into the ground to feel more stability.
Fitness Activity Schedule March 2013
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
STUDIO
STUDIO
STUDIO
STUDIO
STUDIO
STUDIO
STUDIO
10.00 - 11.00 TRX Team Camp Outdoor (Martha)
7.30 - 8.30 Artistic Yoga
7.30 - 8.30 Artistic Yoga
7.30 - 8.30 Artistic Yoga
7.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga
7.30 - 8.30 Artistic Yoga
7.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga
8.45 - 9.45 Zumba Circuit (Tracy)
9.00 - 10.00 Aqualates (Corrina)
8.45 - 9.45 Zumba Toning (Tracy)
18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga
8.45 - 9.45 Zumba (Tracy)
8.45 - 9.45 Primary Ballet (Lisa)
8.45 - 9.45 Pilates Reformer Intermediate/ Advance (Amanda)
15.15 - 16.00 Grade 1 Tap (Lisa)
8.45 - 9.45 Pilates Reformer Intermediate/ Advance (Amanda)
19.00 - 20.00 Artistic Yoga
8.45 - 9.45 Pilates Reformer Intermediate/ Advance (Amanda)
9.45 - 10.15 Beginner Ballerinas (Lisa)
10.00 - 11.00 Pilates Mat (Amanda)
16.00 - 17.00 Grade 4 Jazz (Lisa)
10.00 - 11.00 Pilates Mat (Amanda)
20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss
10.00 - 11.00 Pilates Mat (Amanda)
10.25 - 11.15 Pre Primary Ballet (Lisa)
19.00 - 20.00 Kettlebell Training (Outdoor) Intemediate to Advance
17.00 - 18.00 Grade 3 Tap (Lisa)
19.00 - 20.00 Zumba (Tracy)
13.30 - 14.30 Private Dance Lesson (Lisa)
11.15 - 13.15 Grade 5 Ballet (Lisa)
20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss
18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga
19.00 - 20.00 Kettlebell Training (Outdoor) Intemediate to Advance
14.30 - 15.30 Grade 2 Tap (Lisa)
13.15 - 14.15 Grade 1 Ballet (Lisa)
19.00 - 20.00 Artistic Yoga
20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss
20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss
14.15 - 15.30 Grade 2 Ballet (Lisa)
20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss
18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga 19.00 - 20.00 Artistic Yoga
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20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss
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18
By
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golf aCadE
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Pro’s Tip of the Month
YOUR WORLD. OUR INSURANCE.
Ma rk Bruce
Hear Your Chips!
I
’m sure you’re familiar with the famous Sam Snead tip, “Hear your putts.” To ensure that he didn’t come out of his putts too early, the ‘Slammer’ held fast in his putting posture until he hopefully heard the ball rattle into the bottom of the cup. When a golfer rises out of the stance prematurely while putting, he or she invariably ruins the path of the stroke. “Hear your putts” has always been one of my favourite quick tips, and I recently discovered an additional use for this good advice to help golfers save strokes during the chipping motion. I see too many golfers rise up and out of the posture too early while chipping. Coming out of your posture too early while chipping will not only destroy the path of your swing, but will increase the likelihood of hitting the chip thin, sending the ball scurrying to the other side of the green. Hear your chips. By that, I mean remain in your chipping posture until you hear the ball land on the green. If you can tune your ear into the sound of the ball hitting the putting surface, you’ll recognize the ‘thump’ sound the ball makes as it finishes its downward arc and strikes the ground. If you wait for this sound, you’ll guarantee staying with the shot well through impact.
by
Ba y rne
Ask
The Rules Wizard
Colem an
Do you have any questions about the rules? If so, please email them to Barney on BColeman@dubaigolf.com with the subject heading ‘Ask the Rules Wizard’ and we will put a selection of questions and answers in ‘Club Life’ magazine each month.
During round one of the Emirates Amateur Open, David over-hit his approach shot to the 16th green of the Faldo course. On reaching his ball he noticed he was in an area of ground under repair. Confidently knowing the rule for free relief from an abnormal ground condition (ground under repair), he dropped his ball within one club length of his nearest point of relief. As the ball hit the ground it bounced backwards and onto the path between the 16th and 12th greens. To David’s amazement, the ball then rolled 50 yards down the path, away from the green and came to rest on a grassed area.
As David had never experienced this ruling before he consulted his playing partners on what to do next. His playing partner mistakenly told him to play the ball as it lies, up to 50 yards from his original position. David ended up recording a 7 on his scorecard and returned a score of 85 for the round. The referee was consulted at the beginning of round 2. What was the ruling? Rule 20-2c states a ball must be re-dropped, without penalty, if it rolls and comes to rest more than two club-lengths from where it first struck a part of the course. As David didn’t re-drop his ball he incurred a penalty of 2 shots for playing from the wrong place. As a result his score for that hole was a 9 and his total 87, therefore he was disqualified for the tournament for submitting an incorrect score.
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10% OFF
travel insurance for Emirates Golf Club members Our travel insurance policy protects your golf clubs and equipment as part of your personal baggage cover as standard. If you need additional protection for your golfing holidays, you can upgrade your policy to include our golf extension, which covers golf equipment, golf equipment hire and green fees.
Call 800 ZURICH (987 424) and quote EGCT10 to claim your discount. Terms and conditions apply. Zurich Insurance Middle East S.A.L is registered under Insurance Companies Register Certificate No. 48 and authorised by the UAE Insurance Authority.
Celebrate
St Patrick’s Day in Spike Bar Come along to Spike Bar to take part in our special evening of celebrations for St Patrick’s Day on Sunday 17th March from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. With live music from Party Pete, delicious food, traditional Irish beverages and ‘find the hidden Leprechaun’, this is one night not to be missed! đŏŏ *&+5ŏ ŏ"1((ŏ 1û!0Čŏ,%*0ŏ+"ŏ 1%**!//ŏ * ŏ *ŏ .%/$ŏ +û!! AED 145 per member and AED 165 per non-member đŏŏ *&+5ŏ0$!ŏ .%/$ŏ 4,!.%!* !Čŏ%* (1 %*#ŏ0$!ŏ"1((ŏ 1û!0ŏ * ŏ unlimited selected house beverages AED 325 per person Bookings are required, please contact Spike Bar on +971 4 417 9999 or email emiratesdining@dubaigolf.com to reserve your table
SENSASIA SPA Spoil a mummy this year at SensAsia Urban Spa with a choice of 4 spa packages. Whether she’s a mummy tobe, mother in-law or SUPER MUM, let us mother HER for a day with some well-earned ‘ME TIME’. Adore mums 399dhs / 60min (usually 495dhs) Eve Lom Ultimate Cleanse Facial
Mummy To Be AED 595
Yummy Mummy-To-Be Massage + SensPolish
My Mum & I AED 650 / 150 min Elemis Facial + Hot Stone Massage Super Mum AED 1,500 / 240-270mins
SensAsia’s Pamper Me Silly with a Mother’s Day twist We are partnering up with Zen Yoga…
M’s Wednesday Wind Down Stop by M’s restaurant every Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm and enjoy a buy one, get one free promotion on selected beverages. The perfect way to unwind after a long day at work or on the golf course!
To make a reservation, please contact M’s restaurant on +971 4 417 9999 or email emiratesdining@dubaigolf.com