MyGolf Dubai

THE

SOCIAL NETWORK BY MATT SMITH

MyGolf founder Michael Zhao looks to create a whole new experience for the game and beyond

as the game of golf continues to expand across the UAE, despite the ever-growing portfolio of world-class clubs and courses on offer to golfers of all abilities, there was always one drawback in this part of the world — the summer heat.

Now there is a one-stop, state-of-the-art venue for all your golfing needs while the sun cooks the courses.

Introducing MyGolf: Dubai’s first premium indoor golf and entertainment lounge where golf and community meet.

The venue is a little slice of luxury away from the glaring sun and drenching humidity — but as founder Michael Zhao explains, it offers much more besides.

While there is fine dining, live sporting action on big-screen TVs and professional coaching on hand, Zhao is attempting to create more than just another indoor simulator zone. He is aiming to build a social network where friendships can be discovered and businesses can blossom. “We are here to build a community among golfers and non-golfers alike — especially during the summer months where traditional golf courses and clubhouses are at their most quiet here in the UAE,” explains Zhao.

Following MyGolf opening its doors in April, the venue at DragonMart 2 has seen more and more visitors come through the doors as word gets around.

“It is going great as we grow our reputation and become more and more popular,” says Zhao. “We have had so much positive feedback, with so many suggestions and requests from groups and societies — I can’t remember the last time I had a day off,” Zhao laughs.

The graft seems to be paying off, but there was no lack of hurdles in the preparation stages as Zhao attempted to get his take on the golfing environment off the ground.

“It was far from easy to get here,” says Zhao. “It was a lot of hard work. It is never easy to introduce a new concept to any environment — especially golf, where there is so much tradition, but we are getting people understanding and appreciating where we fit in. “The concept of indoor golfing areas is far from new and have been available across the globe, especially in Malaysia and the Far East where, like here, it can get too hot and humid to play outdoors.

“I arrived here two years ago and I was shocked to find there was nowhere like that indoors here where you could meet like-minded people like you would on the course.

“In Asia, golf is seen as a social network and, wow, it struck me to create this leisure option where business, socialising and, of course, golf could all overlap.

“This concept works elsewhere, so why not here? Especially with the heat!”

Zhao admits he is no expert at the game, given his business background, hectic schedule and a less-than-flattering handicap — but he knew his vision went far beyond the game itself.

a place for all

MyGolf Dubai, the concept of Michael Zhao, left, offers comfort, fun and networking for golfers and nongolfers alike

How to get there

Located in International City, the store is easily accessible from Dubai city centre to the west and Sharjah and beyond from the north. MyGolf is located at GD55-62, Dragon Mart 2.

Timings

Monday to Thursday: 10am to 10pm Friday to Sunday: 10am to midnight

How it works

GolfZon — the world leader in cutting-edge golf simulation — is 98 per cent accurate in re-creating ball flight and individual analytical insights to improve their game after each swing. Seasoned golfers, recreational players and children can all benefit from the comprehensive experience backed by precise technology — all comfortably away from the outside heat.

While you are practising or competing, the simulator gives you a constant feedback of statistics including ball speed, angle of launch, left or right deviation, and distance hit. It also comes with interactive scoreboards to always track your and your friends’ game.

swing in style

MyGolf offers guests the chance to relax in private bays where up to six players can compete on the simulators

MyGolf Academy

No golf club is complete without an academy and MyGolf is no different to help golfers reach their full potential. Not only are there the PGA-certified instructors, MyGolf gives you instant analysis on every stroke in real time. Lessons are available on a one-to-one basis and also in groups, catering to golfers of all ages and abilities — from beginners picking up the basics to the singlehandicappers looking to go even lower.

“I am not great at golf and I just go to play 18 holes and have some fun,” he admits. “I love playing at Emirates Golf Club and Montgomerie, but I cannot stand the heat, and due to work constraints, I could not afford four or five hours at a time out on the fairways.

“COVID-19 helped us in one way as people were stuck indoors a lot more, and we came up with the concept of a place where you could play, meet, hold conferences and socialise in controlled numbers and private spaces.

“We have 14 indoor golfing bays that can each hold up to six players at one time. From the open bays, private bays, all the way up to VVIP rooms, we can accommodate all skill levels and requirements, be it a gathering of friends, birthday party or corporate meeting-cum-tournament.”

But back to those early hurdles…

“We had plenty of doubters to begin with who thought we did not have the resources, and we said: ‘Just give us a chance and we will prove it.’ That is what we are doing now.”

The social aspect is already taking hold, as Zhao explains: “We have a few golf societies such as the Filipino Golf Society joining us and embracing the community feel.

We have also had contact with the Emirates Golf Federation about bringing in the National Team for training when it is too hot outside. They will have all the access to our stats and telemetries to help them improve their game with our professionals.

“As I keep stressing, this is not just a golf establishment, it is a social network, just like a real club — but without the nasty weather, tee-time hassles or long hours — where people can meet, relate and create future friendships and business opportunities.”

BONDS

“Dubai is such a happening place and I wanted a society where we can all meet like-minded, interesting people,” Zhao continues: “MyGolf is a connecting tool for those who love life and want to create an interactive network.

“Golf creates that connection. You could get grouped on a course with some strangers but within a few holes — ‘Good shot!’, ‘What do you play off?’, ‘Where are you from?’ — you have this bond with your fellow players.

“We are aiming to do the same in a relaxing way: create lasting bonds for relationships or business.

“Whatever the connection, it could be on the simulator, in the boardroom, over a snack or even singing karaoke, it can all happen here. Non-golfers, elite golfers, beginners, mid-level players … they are all coming.”

GETTING TECHNICAL

Thanks to technological advances, MyGolf’s virtual arena offers golfers the opportunity to work out any problems with their game. The simulators are not just a ‘whack-it-at-the-screen-and-hope’ affair, with multiple high-speed cameras analysing every aspect of every shot, all under the watchful eyes of the fully trained PGA-certified professionals.

Visitors can experience more than 190 world famous courses — from St Andrews to Sawgrass, Wentworth to Augusta — thanks to the worldleading Golfzon technology.

“We are holding a tournament for the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews, where our guests could play the same course set-up, lay-out and pin position as the likes of Tiger Woods and see if they can beat the pros on a specific hole or over the entire 18,” Zhao says.

“We plan to take this global where, instead of 60 competitors in-house, we could have 600 or 6,000 globally all connected through our GolfZon interactive facilities, hooking up with other venues across the world. We are also looking at celebrity events, much like you see in other eSports arenas.”

EXPANSION

Not one to rest on his laurels, Zhao is already looking to the future and further expansion in the UAE and beyond.

“My Golf has had calls from other places in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and as far afield as Belgium with requests to open a franchise, and hopefully we can grow the game to the next level and we aim to open possibly 20-30 branches in the next two or three years,” he explains.

As for where MyGolf fits into the bigger golfing picture in the UAE, Zhao sums it up himself.

“We are not competing with the well-established, wonderful courses and clubs across the UAE, rather we are helping complete the jigsaw to give visitors a full experience year-round,” he says. “We can never replace the real thing but we are a different animal. But if we all hold hands we can provide so much more to offer these full-on facilities to everyone.”