Club Life May 2013

ISSUE 21 May 2012 Editor: Jacqui Barry egc@dubaigolf.com

Caroline Jones’ Lady Captain’s Day

2012 l i r p A 30th

Majlis Course

2 Wasn’t the Masters exciting again this year? It never fails to be though does it? I was glued to the TV until 4am and had to head for the airport at 5.30am for a flight to Europe…but it was so worth watching live! Who could have imagined it would finish like it did though with Bubba Watson seemingly in an impossible position to go for the green on the 10th hole, the first play-off hole. Louis Oosthuizen was sitting in a good position but he somehow hit it just short of the green. Then followed the incredible shot of Bubba’s from the far right rough while spectators and Oosthuizen looked on in disbelief. See below an aerial view of the path his shot took to the green.

Christopher May

General Manager cmay@dubaigolf.com

Barney Coleman

Louis Oosthuizen in the final round had an superb albatross on the 2nd hole too and a lovely story that emerged from this was that Oosthuizen tossed the albatross ball into the gallery which was caught by an American spectator, Wayne Mitchell. He was later escorted by security and Augusta National members to Butler Cabin where he met Augusta National’s Chairman, Billy Payne. Newspapers have since reported that Mitchell gave the ball to the Club for its archives in the Trophy Room which includes the ball Gene Sarazen holed for an albatross in 1935. It is believed that, in exchange for the ball, Mitchell was offered two lifetime passes to The Masters as well as the opportunity to play a round at Augusta National.

What a great catch that was…and great reward!

Closer to home, at EGC, we have had another incredibly busy month as you will see from all the reports in this issue. Congratulations to all prizewinners and thank you to all sponsors and organisers of the many events last month.

Later this month it’s Captain’s Day which is sure to be oversubscribed so don’t forget to sign up early and support your Captain Mike Sim on the day which is sure to be a good one.

Our fellow member, Keith Stack has been in hospital in Sharjah for the last few weeks after suffering a stroke. He has now been transferred to the new German-Saudi hospital in Al Barsha. He does a gym session for an hour in the morning at 10am and an hour from 4pm each day but it is no problem to be with him when he is doing that. He would obviously be very pleased to see people and visiting times are very relaxed, even early evenings so if you can, do drop in to see him.

Get well soon Keith and hope to see you back at EGC in the near future.

Club Life Issue 21

Andrew Whitelaw

Club Manager awhitelaw@dubaigolf.com

Andy Meech

Golf Services Manager bcoleman@dubaigolf.com

Recreation Manager ameech@dubaigolf.com

Julian Danby

Adele Cowgill

Kate Philips

Steen Simon

Food and Beverage Manager ssimon@dubaigolf.com

Ganesh Mangathil

Executive Chef fporte@dubaigolf.com

In House Publishing Manager gmangathil@dubaigolf.com

Chef Benoit Cart

Executive Sous Chef bcart@dubaigolf.com

Saeed Ahamed Financial Controller

mahamed@dubaigolf.com

EGC Key Telephone Numbers Main Switchboard 04 417 9999 Golf Reservations 04 380 1234 Membership 04 417 9801 Recreation 04 417 9850 Accounts 04 417 9875 SensAsia Urban Spa 04 417 9820

Culinary Director mgrenard@dubaigolf.com

Chef Francois Porte

Senior Manager - Commercial Marketing & Communications & Business Development Manager jdanby@dubaigolf.com acowgill@dubaigolf.com

Membership Manager kphillips@dubaigolf.com

Chef Max Grenard

Craig Haldane

Director - Golf Course Maintenance chaldane@dubaigolf.com

Keith Wilkes

Retail Manager kwilkes@dubaigolf.com

Stephen Deane Head Academy Professional sdeane@dubaigolf.com

Haridas Palliyalil Resident Engineer

hpalliyalil@dubaigolf.com

Follow Emirates Golf Club on Facebook for the latest news, views and special offers. We already have over 4,300 fans Follow us on Twitter @emiratesgc

3 During the members’ party I inadvertently used the wrong name for the gym and as I have got back to working outI saw the correct name on the posters outside. I would like to rectify this and thank all the staff at ‘It Flab’ or maybe it is ‘Fit Lab’.

The reason I am back in the gym is that it really does make a difference to your game when you can turn. The other reason for me going back to the gym is to allow me to keep up the pace of playing mid week golf at a speed that is alien to most. Two weeks ago I played in a three-ball with a past Captain and another member and we finished 18 holes in 2 hours 20 minutes. It would have been quicker but we were held up by a two-ball. The following day we had a four-ball and finished in 2 hours 35 minutes and we all had decent scores. Now I am not saying that every round should be like this but it is an example of playing ready

golf.

thank everyone for their support.

The course has been in magnificent shape since the Desert Classic and only now is the winter grass beginning to die off. Just be patient and it will be back in prime condition before we know it.

Finally I would like to thank the Club for introducing a trainee programme. The next time you are in the Spike Bar check out the dedication of these youngsters.

They are working long hours learning the business before they head off to college.

It has been brought to my attention that carts are being returned damaged. There should be no reason for this if we all take care but accidents do happen and I request all members to own up if they have a little ‘fender-bender’ please tell the boys when you return the cart. Club policy is that the damage must be reported and by doing the right thing you can help the Club and your fellow members.

Congratulations to Carolyn and Nigel Thompson who repeated their success in the Mixed Open by winning the Hankook Greensomes.

It is great to see not only a home side winning but a married couple.

They must have a special bond because greensomes is not an easy format.

It is great to see more people stay for prize presentations and I really

My column would not be complete without the usual complaint about people not raking bunkers and not repairing pitch marks but I am going to add a new one.

The greens are now in amazing condition, probably the best I have seen. Soft spikes are supposed to be better that the old metal spikes but when people scuff their feet along the greens it does make it difficult for other players.

Remember you cannot tap a spike mark if it is on your line of a putt. Check that your spikes are in good shape and if you do tear the surface make sure you repair the damage.

Happy golfing!

Mike Sim Club Captain 2011 – 2012

CAPTAIN v LADY CAPTAIN’S TEAM 6th April 2012 In a hotly contested event around the Majlis course, the honours were shared with 126 points each. The event was played using the modified pairs matchplay format, where 1 point is given for a win and ½ point for a half on a hole-by-hole basis.

With each match needing to play all 18 holes, honours were shared in the match of the two captains with 9 points each. The highest winning margin for the Captain’s team was a 12 to 6 win for the pair of Vice Captain, Moshe Kohli and Naema Maya against Lady Vice-Captain Glynis Hendry and her husband Andy.

The Lady Captain’s team highest points win went to Vaneet Mohan and Vishal Tikku, who managed an 11 to 7 win over Charlie Stricklin and Mike Pearce.

Also on the day there were some special event holes, with Nearest the Pin on hole 7 for ladies being won

by Naema Maya and, on hole 11, by Nina Larm. The gents had hole 4 which was won by Inaan Budhiraja and also hole 15 which was won by Bryan Wilson.

Captain and Lady Captain www.dubaigolf.com

4 20TH INDIAN INVITATION GOLF DAY 6th April 2012 OVERALL PAIRS Overall Winners

OVERALL Runners Up:

Overall Third:

(PAIRS) (GROUP – ‘A’ + WADI FRONT 9) Winners:

Runners Up:

Third:

TEAM PRIZES (BLIND GROUP ‘A’ ) Winners:

Runners Up:

Third:

Anand Kapoor Ashok Odhrani

49

Anvita Kapoor Suneel Aggarwal 48 Stathis Stathis Yasser Refai 44 MAJLIS FRONT 9 Nishith Patel Tony Azoulay 44 Rohit Gupta Mike Tracey 42 Rami Safadi Noemy Bertuol 41 PARTNERS TEAM OF FOUR Manoj Kapur Hal Hemmerich Rohit Amin Maggie Neil Aaron Smith Maria Van Dooren Ishu Rupani Nina Larm Paul Byrne Amr Farghal Himanshu Ghandi Martha Wong

Nearest The Pin Hole # 11 (Majlis): Nearest The Pin Hole # 15 (Majlis): Nearest The Pin Hole # 12 (Faldo): Nearest The Pin Hole # 17 (Faldo): Nearest The Pin Hole # 4 (Majlis ): Nearest The Pin Hole # 7 (Majlis ):

78

77

75

Jayshree Gupta Sharat Seth Amarjeet Radia Janet Curtis Rajesh Verma Cornelia Ulm

Surender Kandhari and Rekha Badopadhyay presenting a cheque to Andrew Whitelaw for the Junior Staff Fund

TEAM PRIZES (BLIND PARTNERS TEAM OF FOUR GROUP ‘B’) Winners: Jayshree Gupta

Tony Hutchinson

Jay Srivastava

Nina Watson 81 Runners Up: Vipen Sethi

Annette Stewart

Vishal Tikku

Trevor Varri 80 Third: Carmel King

Asgar Patel

Amarjeet Radia

Peter Jamieson 79 Nearest The Pin Hole #2 (Faldo): Nearest The Pin Hole #8 (Faldo): Straightest Drive,Hole 16 (Faldo): Straightest Drive, Hole 10 (Majlis): Straightest Drive, Hole 3 (Faldo): Straightest Drive, Hole 5 (Faldo):

Cornelia Ulm Gurmukh Ghuldu Nina Watson Fay D’abo Akash Kumar Kevin Roy

Nexus Open Stableford Tournament 31st March 2012 Winners

Najla Bartette & Martha Wong

46 pts

Runners-Up Patrick Mulligan &

Gurmukh Ghuldu

44 pts

Third

44 pts

Nick Evangelopoulos & Haris Michaelidies

Nearest The Pin, Hole 11:

Naema Maya

Nearest The Pin, Hole 4:

Brian Edwards

Longest Drive, Hole 8: Longest Drive, Hole 16:

Rekha Bandopadhay Naveed Kamal

Patrick Mulligan & Gurmukh Ghuldu Club Life Issue 21

Najla Bartette & Martha Wong

Nick Evangelopoulos & Haris Michaelidies

5

HANKOOK GREENSOMES FRIDAY, 20TH & SATURDAY, 21ST APRIL 2012 Carolyn and Nigel Thompson clinched the Hankook Greensomes Championship to seal an awesome double following their win in the Emirates Mixed Amateur Open sponsored by Al Dobowi back in October.

The Emirates Golf Club husband and wife combination found themselves in the final group over the Majlis course following an opening 4-under par 69 on the Faldo. The pair combined perfectly and they certainly benefited from the experience gained back in October, no more so than on the famous 18th hole of the Dubai Desert Classic layout. The pair of Maajid Mushtaq Madni and Haneef Rabbani had posted a 10-under par tally and held the clubhouse lead as the Thompsons teed up on their final hole. The format allows the pair to pick the best drive and play alternate shots until holing out.

Nigel hit his approach shot on the 18th to about 40 feet right of the pin leaving Carolyn a difficult birdie chance. A good approach putt left Nigel a 6-foot putt up the hill for glory which he duly holed with nerves of steel. A final round 65.5

Surrender Kandhari (Al Dobowi), B.H Kim (Hankook), Carolyn Thompson, Nigel Thompson, Caroline Jones (Lady Captain) and Mike Sim, (Club Captain).

gave them a 134.5 total and 10.5 under par championship score.

Maajid Mushtaq Madni and Haneef Rabbani settled for runners-up place with Kevin Roy and Saeem Rehman in third. Choon Park and Han Soon Shin signed for rounds of 70.5 and 66 for a 136.5 total.

Mathys Oberholster and Nick Evangelopolous claimed best gross with a 162 total, one shot clear of Ashley Anderson and Tony

Result Net Champions: Carolyn Thompson (Egc)

Nigel Thompson (Egc) 69 +65.5 = 134.5 Runners Up: Maajid Mushtaq Madni (Egf)

Haneef Rabbani (Egf) 71 + 64 = 135 Third Place: Kevin Roy (Egc)

Saeem Rehman (Egf) 69.5 + 66 = 135.5 Fouth Place: Choon Park (Egc)

Jam Sppm Sjom (Egc) 70.5 + 66 136.5 Gross Overall Best Gross 1St Place: Mathys Oberholster (Egc) Nick Evangelopoulos (Egc) 162

Azoulay. Some fantastic scoring over the Majlis saw Trevor Varri and Jenny Ayres pick up the crystal for their 64 and best net over the Majlis. Rabih Sfeila and Rami Safadi’s 68.5 did likewise for day one on the Faldo.

The 166 competitors enjoyed fantastic hospitality from Hankook Greensomes over the weekend proving yet again this Championship to be a highlight on the UAE golfing Calendar.

Overall Best Gross 2nd Place:

Ashley Anderson (Egc)

Tony Azoulay (Egc) 163 Best Net Day - 1: Rabih Sfeila (Egc)

Rami Safadi (Egc) 68.5 Best Net Day - 2: Jenny Ayres (Egc)

Trevor Varri (Egc) 64 Day 1 Nearest The Pin Hole # 2: Inaan Budhiraja Nearest The Pin Hole # 12: Simon Miller Longest Drive Hole # 16: Ruth Hatton Day 2 Nearest The Pin Hole # 11: Gibbon Human Nearest The Pin Hole # 15: Jehanzeb Awan Longest Drive Hole # 12: Abizher Mohammed

BMW/Rivoli Medal April 2012 Division ‘A’ (H’cap 0-10) Winner Paul Byrne Runner-Up Rohit Gupta Third David Richardson Best Gross Daniel Hendry

70 70 70 70

Division ‘B’(H’cap 11-20) Winner Andrew Robinson Runner-Up Sungku Kim Third Tony Hutchinson

67 Net 68 Net 69 Net

Division ‘C’ (H’cap 21-34) Winner Umar Quereshi

65 Net

Net Net Net Gross

Paul Byrne with Club Captain, Mike Sim www.dubaigolf.com

6 April has been a busy month, starting with the medal on April 2nd.

Congratulations to winners Najla Bartette, Lorraine Logan and Annette Carstanjen. My thanks to Paul Bryan Haircare for donating prizes on the day and for turning M’s restaurant into a hairdressing salon! After the hair treatment and the fashion advice from Image Consultant Nina Iskander we definitely have the best looking ladies’ section in town!

My thanks to the ladies who participated in the Easter Scramble, despite many people having visitors in town and having children off school. There were some very inventive Easter bonnets and the Easter bunnies were spotted once again, though they were obviously just on their way to the beach.

Emirates hosted the Ladies’ Amateur Open on 12th - 13th April with teenager Sana Tufail producing a great performance and taking the title. Congratulations to Sana and other prizewinners, Kavita Sehmi, Carolyn Thompson, Martha Wong and Nina Larm. Of course Nina also had her first Hole-inOne on the 15th of the Majlis and, needless to say, she celebrated in style! The Amateur Open is a great event but unfortunately only thirty-six ladies participated, twenty

Emirates ladies and sixteen from other clubs. In past years this event was one of the highlights of the golfing calendar, with ladies from all over the world coming to play so we used to have a full field. What is happening with the Ladies Amateur Open events? I think the other clubs have the same problem and in many cases have changed their competition to a one-day event or have had to cancel it because of low entries. I really think that this is a shame and the EGF should investigate ways to promote these events and women’s golf!

Club matchplays are reaching their final stages and we had two exciting matchplay club events this month. The Captain versus Lady Captain mixed event which was very close with the result coming down to the last putt. Happily for all, the result was a tie - well played to both teams! On 16th April we had the Lady Captain v Lady Vice Captain team match and I am delighted to say that my team claimed the trophy – sorry Glynis!

The Indian members did us proud on 6th April with the Indian Invitational tournament; well done to organisers Surender and Rekha.

It was a very enjoyable format and the teams were a great mix of nationalities.

The final mixed event of the month was the Hankook Greensomes; again, compliments to Surrender Kandhari and team.

Congratulations to winners Nigel and Carolyn Thompson who have won both Greensome events this

year which is fantastic! Who says that husband and wife pairings lead to divorce – obviously not in this case!

The April Stableford competition was won by Viv Caley with 40 points in Silver Division and newcomer Elaine Belcher with 41 points in Bronze Division.

Congratulations also to Jenny Ayres who took the Surprise 9 prize with 21 points.

The Grand Final for the Interclub Challenge was held at Al Ain Golf Club on April 25th. It was a fantastic day with ten teams participating and one hundred ladies in total. Although all teams played, the main final was between our Emirates ladies, Abu Dhabi and The Montgomerie. Out of ten team members, the top eight stableford scores with ¾ handicap were added together and this year I have to report that Abu Dhabi Golf Club walked away with the trophy. Never mind ladies, better luck next year and thank you for all your effort throughout the season.

As I write this, my Captain’s Day is in a few days time and it’s unbelievable how quickly the season has gone by! Where has the year gone? I am looking forward to a fun day on the course and off; no doubt there will be some surprises in store - see you there!

Caroline Jones Lady Captain 2011-2012

LADIES’ MEDAL MONDAY 2ND APRIL 2012 SILVER ‘A’ DIVISION (HCP. 0 – 14) Winner: Najla Bartette Runner-up: Caroline Jones Best Gross: Glynis Hendry

71 net 71 net 84

SILVER ‘B’ DIVISION (HCP. 15 –23) Winner: Lorraine Logan Runner-up: Lynne Dickinson

69 net 71 net

BRONZE DIVISION (HCP. 24 –42) Winner: Annette Carstanjen Runner-up: Janet Curtis

66 net 69 net Najla Bartette

Club Life Issue 21

Lynne Dickinson

Annette Carstanjen

7 Winner: Riitta Saarinen

Paula Foubikova

Nina Watson

Lyn Born 61.5 Runners Up: Maria Van Dooren

Viv Caley

Elise Hanson

Noemy Bertuol 62.5 Third: Caroline Jones

Jenny Ayres

Najla Bartette

Naema Maya 64.1 Easter Bonnet Winners: Janine Dols

Susan Westman Nearest the Chick, Hole # 16 Lyn Born Nearest to Bunny, Hole # 5: Miriam Wormser Nearest The Pin Hole # 17 Angela Connor Hole # 2 Najla Bartette

LADIES EASTER SCRAMBLE Monday, 9th April 2012

Ladies Easter Scramble Winners

Thursday 12th & Friday 13th April 2012

Champion: Sana Tufail (Yas Links) 72 Runner Up: Kavita Sehmi (Egc) 79 Third: Sharon Hall (Yas Links) 80 Daily Gross Best Gross Day 1: Yuko Tsukiori (Dcgyc) 82 Best Gross Day 2: Nina Larm (Egc) 84 Net Overall Over 36 Holes Best Net: Aashaka Desai (Dcgyc) 68 Daily Net Best Net Day 1: Carolyn Thompson (Egc) 70 Best Net Day 2: Martha Wong (Egc) 68

71 143 76 155 87 167

74 142

Emirates Ladies Amateur Open Winners

Stableford Competition MONDAY 23RD APRIL 2012 SILVER DIVISION (HCP. 0 – 23) Winner Viv Caley 40 pts BRONZE DIVISION (HCP. 24 –42) Winner Elaine Belcher 41 pts SUPRISE 9 HOLE PRIZES (1,4,7,8, 12,13,14,15 & 18) Winner: Jenny Ayres 21 pts Runner Up: Josie Tracey 21 pts Third: Maura Duggan 21 pts

Elaine Belcher

8 LADY CAPTAIN v LADY VICE-CAPTAIN’S TEAM MONDAY, 16TH APRIL 2012 Winners: Lady Captain’s Team Match Scores: Lady Vice Captain’s Team: Lady Captain’s Team:

2.5 7.5

Nearest The Pin Hole No 4: Naima Maya Hole No 7: Chris Dyball Hole No 11: Sandra Broedelet Hole No 15: Caroline Jones Longest Drive Hole No 3:

Lady Captain & Lady Vice-Captain

Naima Maya

Hole No 10: Naima Maya

CAROLINE JONES LADY CAPTAIN’S DAY Monday 30th April 2012 results SILVER DIVISION (HCP. 0 – 23) Winner: Barbara Head Runner Up: Viv Caley Third: Fay d’Abo

Barbara Head

Viv Caley

45 Pts 44 Pts 44 Pts

ROSEBOWL COMPETITION Winner: Sue Hopwood Runner Up: Caroline Parker

Fay d’Abo

BRONZE DIVISION (HCP. 24 –42) Winner: Nicola Turnbull Runner Up: Claudia Bollerslev Third: Margaret Breen

51 Pts 51 Pts 48Pts Sue Hopwood and Caroline Parker with Caroline and Glynis

Nicola Turnbull

Claudia Bollerslev

64 Bb9 64

Net Best Net Winner: Best Net Runner Up:

56.6 57.8

Jenny Isles Glynis Hendry

Margaret Breen

Best Past Captain: Angela Connor

43 Pts

Most Golf: Salina Shrofel

20Pts

Lady Captain’s Drive: Angela Conner & Christine Sargeant:

Eclectic Competition Gross Best Gross Winner: Glynis Hendry Bestgross Runner Up: Rosemary Turlik

187Yds.

Nearest The Pin Nearest The Pin Hole # 4: Christine Sargeant Nearest The Pin Hole # 9: Sue Hopwood Nearest The Pin Hole # 17: Christine Sargeant Longest Drive Hole # 12: Rosemary Turlik Birdie Tree Winner: Nancy Wingate Rosemary Turlik

Club Life Issue 21

Glynis Hendry

Jenny Isles

9

Girls’ and Boys’ Junior Open Champions

Junior Open Eoin Cunniffe became the new Emirates Junior Open Champion after shooting a great 78 gross around the Faldo course to take home the title. The winds and temperature didn’t cause a problem for young Eoin Cunniffe, who had a 3-shot lead which placed James Sayer who shot a 81 in second place. Rory Blincow took third place after shooting 82 gross.

The new champion in the Girls’ Division was Kavita Sehmi, who shot an outstanding 74 gross consisting of 3 birdies on holes 4, 6 and 13 to give her a 4 shot lead to win the title.

The best net in Boys’ Division A (handicap 0-14) was won by Arkesh Bhatia who shot 75 net, winning on a count back with a better back nine.

Boys’ Division B (handicap 15-28) was won by Ahmed Skaik who shot a 70 net.

The Girls Net Division (handicap 0-36) was won by Aashaka Desai with a 71 net. www.dubaigolf.com

LADY CAPTAIN’S DAY

MONDAY 30TH APRIL 2012

12 BARBARA & RONNIE FOTHERINGHAM

Members of Emirates since January 2000, Barbara and Ronnie moved back to Scotland with their daughters, Georgia and Morag in July 2009 to Leven, thirteen miles down the Fife coast from St Andrews, The girls attend St Leonard’s School and, although they miss their Dubai friends they have thoroughly enjoyed being in Scotland and representing the school at hockey and lacrosse and they even took part in a memorable production of Grease recently. Instead of camping in the desert with their Dad while their Mum plays golf they have been skiing at Glenshee with him while Mum shops, not much golf in winter!

Golf Tournament Calendar For May 2012 Monday, 7th

BMW/Rivoli Medal Ladies’Stableford & Past Captains’ Trophy

Friday, 11th

Black Tee Challenge

Friday 4th

Saturday, 12th Black Tee Challenge Monday, 14th Ladies’ Monthly Medal

13.00 Majlis 08.30 Faldo 06.35 -13.35 Faldo 06.40 -13.40 Majlis 08.30 Faldo

Majlis Wednesday, 16th Ladies’ Curtisy Cup 13.00 Majlis Captain’s Day Friday, 18th 13.00 Faldo Saturday, 19th World Golf Day Event 08.30 Majlis pions Cham of t Monday, 21st Ladies’ Tournamen pions 13.00 Majlis Friday, 25th Gents’ Tournament of Cham 08.30 Majlis Monday, 28th Ladies’ Competition

LE CLASSIQUE STAFF

L-R Shafraez, Naresh, Edgar, Acel, Christelle (Restaurant Manager) and Yoli Club Life Issue 21

Barbara has joined three local golf clubs: the one next to their house Leven Links, Lundin Ladies and St Regulus, one of two ladies’ clubs in St Andrews. The courses are all fantastic, especially when the wind dies down and you can actually stand upright!

She has also been able to fit in games with other Emirates’ friends Miriam and Frank Rooney, who are members of Blairgowrie Club, about an hour’s drive away.

Ronnie is still with TE and responsible for sales in UKMEA so don’t be surprised if you bump into him transiting in Dubai or at Emirates Golf Club.

Barbara has been present for every Lady Captain’s Day at EGC since returning to Scotland and this year will be no exception. She will arrive the week before and is looking forward to meeting up with all her dear friends and re-acquainting herself with the joys of the Majlis, delicious beautifully presented food in Le Classique and the morning cappuccino in the Spike Bar - though not necessarily in that order.

Best wishes to all our friends at EGC

HANDICAP COMMITTEE

The handicap committee meets on the first Monday of every month and it is their responsibility to review tournament results, general play scores and monitor handicap index manipulation amongst other things.

The committee members are Moshe Kohli, Glynis Hendry, Lynne Dickinson, Andrew Matthews and Barney Coleman. If you wish the committee to observe a member or a golfer from another club for handicap review please e-mail egchcpcommittee@ dubaigolf.com Please note that only communication in writing will be considered by the committee.

Any information provided to the committee will be considered and actioned upon if necessary following the monthly meetings.

The handicap committee is acting under the guidance of the Emirates Golf Federation and the USGA. Any member who would like to be part of the Handicap Committee from September 2012 should please contact Barney Coleman at bcoleman@dubaigolf. com.

13 ASK T HE RULES EXPERT by Barney Coleman

Do you have any questions about the rules. If so, please email your questions 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.

Matthew teed up his ball and aimed left to try and cut the corner of the famous 18th hole. His tee shot went straight left and hit a tree, the ball came bouncing back towards the tee and struck the golf cart of Mathew’s opponents Mike and Tom.

Mike, a great sportsmen and scholar of the rules told Matthew that under the rules of golf he was entitled to replay the shot? Is this correct?

According to the definitions in the Rules of Golf, equipment includes a golf cart, whether or not motorised. If a player’s ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by an opponent, his caddie or his equipment, there is no penalty. The player may cancel the stroke and play a ball, without penalty, as close as possible to the spot from which the original ball was last played, or he may play the ball as it lies.

Matthew was delighted with the opportunity to replay the stroke and thanked Mike for offering information on the rules.

Additional Local Rule regarding the Irrigation System Upgrade

Due to the ongoing upgrade of the irrigation system please take note of the following additional local rules: Irrigation pipe/tubing: to be treated as an immovable obstruction (Rule 24-2) Drop the ball, without penalty, within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest point of relief.

Trenches, piled earth and deep tyre ruts made by maintenance vehicles are to be treated as ground under repair (Rule 25-1).

Drop the ball, without penalty, within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest point of relief.

Almouj Golf - On course for the full 18 holes The Green Keepers at Almouj Golf have been a busy bunch cutting, preening and manicuring their lush pride and joy from dawn to dusk. It’s an endless task but one that is paying dividends. Both members and visitors are full of compliments for the condition of the course and with the opening of the additional holes the Championship Course is starting to live up to its name.

Since early April, 14 of the 18 holes are now in play - seven on the front nine and seven on the back, with some skirting the stunning ocean. Holes 10 and 18 have now also been introduced making a total of 16 holes now in play.

Construction of the final two holes is now complete but before they can open the Green Keepers are patiently waiting for nature to take its course as the grass matures. The rising temperatures will help speed things along, so at least there is one group of people in Muscat who are looking forward to the warmer weather.

The floodlit Par 3 course is also well on its way to opening. Almouj Golf will have this up and running by the second half of the year. For the seasoned golfer this course will help hone their short game, which is always a crucial part of getting that handicap down a stroke or two, and the ability to play once the sun has gone down is a true blessing.

However, more than that, the Par 3 course is the perfect place for juniors or those that are new to the sport to get to grips with what can sometimes be an intimidating and frustrating game. Building a players confidence early on will stand them in good stead for the day they are ready take on the Championship Course.

The PGA Professionals are always on the lookout for people they can convert to the game, so if you fancy taking up a new hobby there are excellent rates for anyone who lives or owns a home at The Wave, Muscat.

www.dubaigolf.com

14 Fitness Activity Schedule

SensAsia Urban Spa at Emirates Golf Club would like to introduce Sara Pirzad- our new Spa Supervisor. Sara joins our spa family after training and working within Dubai’s Health and Beauty industry, along with previously also working in Real Estate.

Sara will be coordinating and scheduling your appointments, offering you advice on treatment plans and packages, along with top industry tips to managing stress, looking after your body, and advice for a flawless skin (and who doesn’t want that)?

Below are Sara’s MUST TRY Treatment Picks…

GOLF AND SPA- after a long day on the course you should definitely try our best selling golfers treatment known as ‘The Driver’ 60min/415dhs, it’s a deep tissue massage, great for winding down, de-stressing while loosening all those knots!

SOMETHING DIFFERENT- my favourite is the Warm Candle Massage 60 min/420dhs. It’s super skin smoothing, and sooooooo relaxing with all that Vitamin E in the oils. Choose from Serene, Vanilla, Signature Blend (smells like SensAsia), Green Tea with Gold Leaf or Ylang Ylang Shea Butter Candles.

NEED A POWER GLOW BOOST?Want that sun-kissed summer glow? You must try the DR. Dennis Gross Super Booster Face Treatment 60 min/600dhs, which delivers immediate results leaving your skin feeling firmer, helps to plump fine lines, excellent antiaging facial. A result driven facial treatment with real time results.

Suitable for all skin types!.

TOP SPA TIP- The skin around our eyes is thin and fragile and lacks oil glands, this is the first place we start to see signs of aging - an eye cream is a must! Try what’s labelled ‘botox in a jar’ from Dr Dennis Gross- lifting, firming and fabulous.

Call 04 417 2865 or walk- in, we’re open 10-10pm daily. Members receive a 20% discount.

Club Life Issue 21

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

STUDIO

STUDIO

STUDIO

STUDIO

STUDIO

STUDIO

STUDIO

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

06.00 - 07.00 Boot Camp Outdoor (Peter) 07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

06.00 - 07.00 Boot Camp Outdoor (Peter) 07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

08.45 - 09.45 Zumba Toning (Tracy)

08.45 - 09.45 Zumba Circuit (Tracy) 10.00 - 11.00 Zumba Toning (Tracy)

09.40 – 10.40 Fatburner (Stoyka)

08.45 - 09.45 Pilates Reformer Intermediate/ Advanced (Amanda) 10.00 - 11.00 Pilates Mat (Amanda)

12.30 – 13.00 Fit Express (Stoyka)

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga 08.30 - 09.30 TRX Body Blast Outdoor (Stoyka) 08.45 - 09.45 Spinning (Alan)

06.00 - 07.00 Boot Camp Outdoor (Peter) 07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga 08.45 -09.45 Grade 3 TAP Dance

08.45 - 09.45 Zumba (Tracy)

09.45 -10.30 Pre Primary Ballet

08.45 - 09.45 09.00 - 10.00 10.30 - 11.00 Pilates Reformer Kettlebell Training Beginner Intermediate/ Intermediate/ Ballerinas Advanced (Amanda) Advanced 10.00 - 11.00 10.00 - 11.00 09.00 - 12.00 11.00 - 12.00 Pilates Reformer Pilates Mat Cavekids Evolution Grade 1 TAP Dance (Kirsty) (Amanda) (Studio) 12.30 – 13.00 12.00 - 13.00 Fit Express (Stoyka) Primary Ballet 13:00-15:00 Grade 5 14.00 -15.00 15.15 - 16.15 Pilates Reformer Jazz Dance (Khadija) 09.45 - 10.45 Kick Boxing (Stoyka)

15.00 -16.00 Pilates Mat (Khadija) 18.00 - 18.45 Spinning (Alan) 19.00 - 20.00 Kettlebell Training Intermediate/ Advanced 19.15 – 20.15 TRX Team Camp Outdoor (Amber) 20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss

18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga 19.00 - 20.00 Artistic Yoga 19.15 – 20.15 TRX Body Blast Outdoor (Stoyka) 20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss

19.00 – 20.00 Pilates Reformer (Khadija) 19.00 - 20.00 Kettlebell Training Intermediate/ Advanced 19.15 – 20.15 TRX Team Camp Outdoor (Amber) 20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss

18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga 19.00 - 20.00 Artistic Yoga 19.15 – 20.15 TRX Body Blast Outdoor (Stoyka) 20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss

Exercise Tip of the Month

by Alan Walters dubaigolf.com

19.00 – 20.00 Artistic Yoga 18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga 20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss

For reservations, please call +971 4 417 9850 or email egcfitlab@dubaigolf.com

Toed in Hamstring Stretch One of the more common areas of tightness in most people, regardless of age, gender, or activity levels, is the outer legs. By this I am referring to the outer calf, outer hamstring and the glutes (bum). Stretching and improving flexibility in these areas will improve, gait (walking and running), aches and pains, and sporting performance due to increased ability to load the glutes.

To perform the stretch do the following - get a raise object such as a bench, and square your hips up to it then put your left foot on it - stick your bum out slightly so a stretch is felt on your left hamstring - slide your hips to your left so that your left hip is wider than your torso - keeping your left hip still, rotate your right hip and shoulder round to your left - a stretch should be felt all down the left side of your leg - hold for 40-60 seconds - repeat on the other side

15

The 2012 Talker Cup

The 2012 Talker Cup took place at the end of April when Team Europe (captained by Alistair McMillan) took on Team North America (captained by Stephen Jones) in a 36-hole matchplay event. The Europeans have dominated this annual event for a number of years but it was North America who were victorious this year with a convincing win over Europe.

Congratulations

Nina Larm and Elise Hanson defeated Carmel King and Sam Argui in the Ladies’ Pairs Matchplay final

e, adin r r a ael H 2012 Mich he 2011- f Merit t o won s Order s Gro EGF

Congr match atulations to pla our Clu b and Tr y winners, J enny A evor V a yres rri who Moshe d Kohli a nd Naim efeated a Maya Rosemary Turlik won the Ladies’ Singles Matchplay defeating Noemy Bertoul

Hole In One

Iain Everingham Hole No. 11, Majlis 9th April 2012

Miriam Wormser Hole No. 11, Majlis 4th April 2012

Jeff Severin Hole No. 8, Faldo 7th April 2012

Nina Larm Hole No. 15, Majlis 14th April 2012 www.dubaigolf.com

16

Member Profile

Surender Kandhari What brought you to Dubai and when?

It seems only yesterday that I arrived in Dubai! I still remember when I took up golf playing on the browns of the Country Club sand course.

Thirty-six years later I am still here and still consider Dubai to be my home.

How has life in Dubai been for you in all that time?

Dubai has been very good to us and God has allowed us to build a global tyre and battery business based here. We started with the tyre business in Dubai and today sitting in the UAE, we are in over 65 countries and have for example 3% market share in the UK tyre market. In 2011 we set up the most modern industrial battery plant in the world based in RAK. The rulers of this country have afforded us tremendous opportunities and we are always genuinely grateful to them.

What other dreams have you relaised in your time here?

The most important opportunity that we have been given is to allow mine and my wife’s dream to come true. On 17th of January 2012 we opened the first official Sikh Temple (Gurudwara) in the Middle East in Jebel Ali Village. It took us five Club Life Issue 21

years to build and has turned out to be the most modern Gurudwara in the world. As per our traditions we serve free food from 06.00 to 21.00 everyday to all who come to the temple. On Friday 13th of April we served over 40,000 meals in one day. Everybody, whatever their faith, is welcome to there and I would recommend to all our members to visit the Gurudwara in Jebel Ali Village and enjoy a spiritual experience along with a tasty vegetarian meal.

Tell us about your family?

I have been lucky to have been supported in my life in Dubai by my family. They say that behind every successful man is a woman telling him he is wrong! In my case this is only partially true. Standing shoulder to shoulder with me is definitely a strong woman but she is not telling me that I am wrong.

Instead she is strong enough to be my rock and gentle enough to be the wind beneath my wings.

She has given me two wonderful sons Jasjeev and Harjeev who, in turn, have brought into my life two beautiful daughters Anju and Manika and four amazing grandsons.

Jasjeev and Anju have three sons; Sahej, Sumair and Karam.

Harjeev and Manika has one son, Siraj (I am now waiting patiently

for the fifth!) We are all very happy living and enjoying life in Dubai.

What does Emirates Golf Club mean for you?

I am known by my Company’s name AL DOBOWI (Man from Dubai) and I am very proud of it.

God has also been kind enough to give me an extended family at Emirates Golf Club. I have been part of the EGC family from the first day in 1987 that the Club opened. I have been fortunate enough to have been Captain in 2008-2009 and I have also been lucky enough to organise and sponsor several tournaments there. The Infinity Al Dobowi Emirates Mixed Amateur Open will be in its fourteenth year this year and the Hankook Greensomes has just completed its thirteenth year. Most importantly though this year was the 20th year for the Indian Invitational Tournament and I am happy that we could raise AED20,000 for the Junior Staff fund.

I am very proud to be a member of one the best Golf Clubs in the world.

Thank you to all the EGC family for making this not only one of the best courses in world but one of the best clubs in the world, one where everyone knows your name and you can feel at home!

17 PRO’S TIP OF THE MONTH Awkward Lies?

When a ball is on a sloping lie you need to think differently about how you play the shot. There are a number of factors involved in this including club choice, ball position, ball flight and alignment.

There are four main variations of slope that your golf ball can be on and below are the details of how to approach each shot for each lie of the golf ball.

However, it is often difficult to remember exactly what to do on these golf shots so I have devised a method that I hope will help you as it has me.

Golf Ball is on an Uphill Slope

As you are looking at the golf ball (assuming you are right handed), the slope goes up from right to left so you are playing over the top of the hill.

The ball is going to fly higher so you will need to take a longer club to reach the same distance. Think of the angle that you are hitting the ball at and you will see that the ball flight will be higher than if you are hitting on the flat. The ball will also fly slightly from right to left so compensate for this by aiming slightly right. Put more weight on your right side to counter the slope and position the golf ball slightly further forward in your stance So the “CAWB” code for the uphill golf shot is: “LRRF” - maybe remember this by saying ‘I have to LaRRF at my uphill shots’!

Golf Ball is on a Sidehill with the Ball Below Your Feet

Depending on how severe the slope is, the ball is likely to fly from left to right and fade, due to the fact that you compensate for the slope by standing more upright. Therefore you will need to aim left and take a longer club to compensate.

Ball position and weight distribution are normal but hold the club slightly higher and be sure to keep your head still.

“CAWB” code for this shot is “LL--” (no change required for weight and ball) - So you could say that it is ‘aLL nearly normal’ with the ball below your feet.

Codes for Remembering Shots

It is very easy to read this but not to remember it when you are standing in front of the golf ball on the fairway!

So to remember how to play each shot I suggest using some acronyms. Firstly we need to build the ‘code’ for our stance - in this case it is: Club, Aim, Weight, Ball or “CAWB”. Each type of shot will have its own “CAWB” code that you will need to remember.

Club - do you use a longer or shorter club?

Aim - which direction should you aim to compensate?

Weight - should your weight be distributed differently towards your right or left foot?

Ball - where should the ball be in your stance?

Golf Ball is on a Downhill Slope

This time the ball is going to fly lower (again think of the angle you are hitting it from) and the ball flight will be slightly left to right and will run on landing. So you will need a shorter club and will have to aim slightly left. You will also need the weight more on your left side and the ball slightly back in your stance.

So the “CAWB” code for this shot is “SLLB” perhaps ‘don’t be a SLLoB’ when hitting downhill?

Golf Ball is on a Sidehill with the Ball Above Your Feet

So with this golf shot you will naturally draw the shot and it will run to the left on landing. So you will need to aim well right of the target and take a shorter club.

Make sure you aim short of the target and hold down on the grip.

“CAWB” code for this shot is “SR--” - Maybe ‘the ball SoaRs’ when it is above? In any case you could make up your own acronyms for the shots to enable you to remember better how to play the shots and hopefully this will improve your golf game a little bit! Obviously you will need to change these codes if you are a left-handed player!

www.dubaigolf.com

19th HOLE Haven’t we had strange weather in Dubai. Mark Gregson-Walters snapped this photo during April in Dubai

A St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Dubai last month.

Photograph courtesy of Declan O’Sullivan, aka Paddyman, singer and entertainer in Dubai

CHARITY GOLF DAY ON PAR 3

This event was organised by Sharon Rijkmans and Maura Duggan. to raise funds for “Breast Cancer Arabia” which is headed up by Liz Ryers.

Lindt very kindly sponsored two enormous hampers as well as providing mini chocolates which were enjoyed on the course

Stephanie Wilson very kindly made some delicious cup cakes as well as a lovely “Breast Cancer” cake.

Paul Bryan spent the morning doing the ladies’ hair which was a real treat sitting under the palm tree enjoying the pampering!

The Easter bunnies on holiday!

Club Life Issue 21

Past members John and Cass Watts’ daughter, Jess, recently ran the London Marathon to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support (there were numerous donations form EGC members) She completed the run in 4 hrs 8mins, even when she was suffering from a chest infection! Well done Jess!

19 Staff party: Pirates of the Caribbean theme

Josie Tracey had a hole-in-one on the 15th of the Majlis on Lady Captain’s Day....but it was played as a 60-yard hole on a modified course that day.

Tom and Jacqui Barry celebrated their 21st Wedding Anniversary in Le Classique last month (their wedding reception was held at EGC in 1991)

A few of our ‘junior’ members of the Club have been celebrating their milestone 21st Birthdays in various parts of the world and many of us remember them when they were mere toddlers at the Club

Sean Thornberry in Las Vegas, USA

Rory Convery, in Chicago, USA

Eugene Inso from IHP and Roel (ex-Spike Bar) now have a beautiful daughter, Carmel Jo, born on 7th April 2012

Former EGC F & B manager, Stacey Walton recently became a father to his second daughter, Emma, born in Hua Him, Thailand

Mike, ex-barman at EGC Spike Bar and Maureen, ex-EGC chef are the proud parents of a son, Gideon.

Congratulations to you both.

Former EGC Pro,James Shippey, now Director of Golf at Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai is a very proud Dad after his wife Helen gave birth to their daughter Emma last month

Matthew Turner, in Ohio, USA

Robert Legnar, in Manchester UK

www.dubaigolf.com

Savour traditional tastes at the M’s Food and Beverage Fair Indulge in a relaxed evening of rustic flavours with reds and whites from around the globe on Thursday 24th May at M’s restaurant from 8pm to 11pm.

The M’s Food and Beverage Fair will feature a host of homestyle traditional dishes, hand carved meats, delicious cheeses and a selection of beverages, all complemented by live jazz on the terrace from vocalist Andrea Brown.

Our experienced sommeliers will be on hand to guide you through the varieties available alongside our bar tenders who will be shaking up a selection of refreshing cocktails.

Price: Member AED 250 Member’s Guest AED 285 Guest AED 320 Dress code: Smart Casual For reservations, contact M’s restaurant +971 4 417 9999 or email ms@dubaigolf.com dubaigolf.com