Worldwide Golf October 2022

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VOICE OF THE TOUR

Luke Donald, European Ryder Cup Captain

Luke Donald is among the most successful English players ever to play the game of golf. Winner of seven DP World Tour titles, the 44 year old made history in 2011 when he became the first player to win the money lists on both the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour in the same season, having also reached the top of the Official World Golf Ranking the same year. Donald has a phenomenal record in team and match play formats having played on four winning Ryder Cup teams, scoring 10.5 points, as well as winning the WGC-World Cup as part of Team England in 2004 and the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in 2011. His selection as captain of the European Team for the upcoming 2023 Ryder Cup was therefore an obvious one.

Theremay be another 12 months to go until the first tee shot at the 2023 Ryder Cup, but our preparations are already progressing well for next year’s contest in Rome.

Qualification for Team Europe got under way at the BMW PGA Championship earlier this month, a milestone which I said at the time in many ways represented the true beginning of the Ryder Cup journey, and I could not have been happier with the start we have had so far.

As Captain, it was almost the ideal scenario for me over the first three weeks, with European players winning the BMW PGA Championship, the DS Automobiles Italian Open and Cazoo Open de France, along with other strong performances from a blend of leading stars, those with previous Ryder Cup experience and talented younger players.

At Wentworth, it was great to see Shane Lowry winning one of the DP World Tour’s biggest events, with fellow Ryder Cup players Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and 2018’s record breaker Francesco Molinari all finishing inside the top ten. Similarly in Italy, it was terrific to see Rory and US Open Champion Matt Fitzpatrick contending throughout the week on the Ryder Cup course and one of our impressive emerging European players, Robert MacIntyre, winning his second DP World Tour title.

Along with last year’s Italian Open Champion Nicolai Højgaard and his brother Rasmus, Robert was one of a crop of young, potential Ryder Cup players I was keen to see step up during the qualification campaign. I was therefore pleased to see him do just that so early in proceedings, along with Victor Perez and Aaron Rai who finished third and fifth respectively in Italy.

In terms of the golf course at Marco Simone, we also got a glimpse of the drama it will provide in match play next September, with the risk and reward of the 16th hole coming to the fore on the Sunday, and the 18th hole play-off between Robert and Matt proving decisive in the outcome of the tournament.

The Italian Open was my final leg of three consecutive weeks in action as a player on the DP World Tour, during which time I took the opportunity to spend time with many potential team members and also the staff at Ryder Cup Europe.

Together we took the opportunity to review many of the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of the planning for the Ryder Cup, such as

the team rooms, uniform and hotels, and I’m very grateful to the support team for all they have done. I also used the opportunity to take a closer look at the course with my vice captains, Edoardo Molinari and Thomas Bjørn, and suggest some changes which can be implemented ahead of the next Italian Open there in May.

All of these small details contribute to the overall success of a Ryder Cup team and I am determined to leave no stone unturned. One of the questions I often get in the media is which of the Captains you played under are you most similar to? The reality is, I have written down notes from all the Captains I have had since my very first Ryder Cup, and each one has been slightly different, but I probably match up most with Bernhard Langer as we are both very detailed oriented people.

I’m definitely more of a quiet leader in terms of my style, but at the same time, the Ryder Cup brings out something different in all of us that you don’t perhaps see when we are playing as individuals. I’ve said to many of the younger players who hope to be in Rome that the Ryder Cup is special as you are playing for something bigger than yourself.

So many of my best memories are from Ryder Cups, including the Miracle at Medinah ten years ago this month. Those things stay with you forever, and I hope the opportunity to be part of a Ryder Cup in Rome will provide plenty of motivation for European players over the next 12 months.

That may indeed have been the case for Dubai-based Italian Guido Migliozzi who followed up a solid showing in his national Open by returning to winning ways in the Cazoo Open de France courtesy of a magnificent approach shot into the 18th hole at Le Golf National, the last European course to host a Ryder Cup.

Guido is another hugely talented young European player, as that incredible shot highlighted, and I was delighted to hear him say after his victory in Paris that playing in next year’s Ryder Cup on home soil would be ‘a dream come true’.

I will be back in the Eternal City at the start of next month for the Year to Go celebrations, along with my American counterpart Zach Johnson, whom of course I know well from many years together on Tour. It will be yet another special moment to look forward to now the countdown to next year’s Ryder Cup is well and truly up and running.

CONTENTS

Golf

HERO CUP

Abu

will once again play

FEATURES

26 THOMAS PIETERS

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winner on his bid to win the Harry Vardon Trophy for the first time despite skipping the DP World Tour Championship.

30 PAUL MCGINLEY

The DP World Tour legend reveals all on LIV Golf, Shane Lowry and his hopes for Rory McIlroy.

34 TOBY BISHOP

The former Dubai resident gives us an insight into his first few weeks at the University of Florida.

38 CHIARA NOJA

We catch up with the teenage sensation after she secured her Ladies European Tour playing privileges following a hectic season in Europe and beyond.

42 OLIVER WILSON

The former Ryder Cup player is back in the winner’s circle and on the verge of a return to the final Rolex Series

GOLF CLUB

World Cup Fever at

Golf Club

CONTENTS

46 Jenny Hennessy

The Chicks With Sticks

Founder looks back at her busy September, which included getting her hands on silverware back home in Lahinch.

47 Pete Cowen

The Master PGA Professional tells us why he thinks the DP World Tour should have a Monday Qualifer after the closure of the EuroPro Tour.

Master PGA Professional Pete Cowen walks us through the four-time Major Champion’s iconic swing.

Stephen Hong, PGA Professional at MyGolf Dubai, demonstrates how to gain more spin and distance with your irons.

eGolf Megastore haven’t forgotten their roots after announcing a major expansion of their original store in Al Quoz.

48 Start the season in style at Trump

With the warmer climate coming to an end, Trump International Golf Club, Dubai have a ton of offers and new golf programs to welcome you back after the sizzling summer.

Malcolm Young, PGA Specialist Professional at The Track Meydan, helps us with our driving skills by explaining the set-up process.

Reynard Kleynhans, Senior PGA Professional at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, demonstrates a simple drill to lengthen your drives.

a punch Alex Mickleburgh, custom fit specialist at the Titleist National Fitting Centre, gives us the lowdown on the brand new Titleist TSR range.

250 issues charting the growth of golf in the Middle East

Timeflies when you’re having fun and it doesn’t seem like 249 issues ago when we launched Worldwide Golf with the highly controversial 1999 Brookline Ryder Cup on the cover. At the time people thought we were mad to launch a golf magazine in the region when there were hardly any golf courses. Back then it was a game centred around the expatriate community and the highlight of the year was the Dubai Desert Classic.

Getting the magazine off the ground was a challenge, as our critics at the time didn’t believe we would last a year. Thankfully, the Emirates Golf Federation; Colm McCoughlin at Dubai Duty Free; Rai Legnar at ProGolf and the team at ProSports understood the importance of having a local golfing voice and got behind us. But we were far from being visionaries.

Ever since Dubai first staged the Desert Classic back in 1989 it was apparent that the sport would provide a key tourist attraction and that was the first indication of what was to come. As the cold winter months fell over Europe, the UAE’s climate provided the perfect getaway, but it wasn’t until Tiger came to town in 2001 before things started to boom.

Thomas Bjorn might have stolen Tiger’s limelight at Emirates Golf Club that year, but it certainly drew a huge amount of global attention.

The Dubai Marina was completed along with Emirates Hills and Arabian Ranches, where golf also boosted real estate values. The Dubai World Island project was in full flow and I remember a press trip with Vijah Singh who was going to build a course as part of the luxury development.

Each week we would hear countless stories of big-name golfers designing courses in the some of the weirdest places.

There was even talk of a hole being built underwater!

Golf and housing at that time went hand-in-hand, so the bigger the named golfer the larger the price tag. Dubai and the UAE was flying … until 2007.

Tiger’s course was put on hold, and no one knew the direction the game and the Emirate were heading.

Things started to get moving again and in 2009 as the then European Tour ended their season with the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeriah Golf Estates. Since that moment the UAE has become a fortress for the Tour and this year it has staged three Rolex Series events. If things between the Tour and the UAE couldn’t get any closer, we also saw the European Tour rebranded as the DP World Tour.

2022 has been an interesting year for the game to say the least. LIV Golf has certainly been the main topic along with the alliance between the DP World Tour and the PGA TOUR and I’m sure we are in for more of the same in 2023.

The Hero team event in Abu Dhabi will kick off the start of the ‘Middle East Swing’, which hopefully will give Luke Donald an opportunity to blood some young players. There will also be a focus on which big names are playing and how the PGA TOUR players will support the DP World Tour, not just for those events at the start of the year, but for the full season.

As we gear up for the season ending DP World Tour Championship next month, all of us at Worldwide Golf would like to thank you all for your support and we look forward to bringing you more golfing news from the region and around the world.

Alex

Win two DP World Tour Championship premium experience tickets to watch all the live action from the Earth Lounge on the 16th Green on Thursday 17th November. You will be able to enjoy delicious food, drinks, and unparalleled views of all the live action of the DP World Tour Championship.

To enter the draw, scan the QR code and complete the form.

*Competition closes on 15 October, winner announced on @dpwtc Instagram channel.

COURSE

250TH EDITION JANUARY FEBRUARY

Worldwide Golf takes a trip down memory lane revisiting some of the world’s biggest headlines from the year we launched our very first magazine in 1999.

The Sopranos debuts on HBO wins his seventh DP World Tour title at the Alfred Dunhill South African PGA Championship

Ernie Els wins a first DP World Tour title at the Dubai Desert Classic

David Howell

Eminem releases ‘The Slim Shady LP’

wins The Players Championship

Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones become the first to travel all the way around the world in a hot air balloon

TIGER WOODS

B

PAYNE

TIGER WOODS

SEPTEMBER

THE

AL ARAB

and the

of

OCTOBER

COLIN MONTGOMERIE

World Match Play

James Bond

‘The World is Not Enough’,

second Formula One World

VLADIMIR

Colin Montgomerie wins the Harry Vardon Trophy for a seventh successive season

John

and Laura

win

250 AND GOING STRONG

As we celebrate the milestone of 250 editions, our Chairman H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Hasher Al Maktoum and the whole team at Worldwide Golf would like to thank all of the individuals and organisations who have supported us on what has been one heck of a journey.

Tom Phillips Head of Middle East, DP World Tour

“Worldwide Golf provides golf fans in the Middle East region with in-depth and extensive coverage of the DP World Tour, as well as golf in general, and by doing so, over the past 23 years it has made an important contribution towards the growth of our sport in the region. The Middle East has been a key territory for the Tour since our first Desert Classic in 1989, and as our

Chris May CEO, Dubai Golf

“Congratulations to the team on the 250th edition of Worldwide Golf magazine. Worldwide Golf has been a key voice of golf in the region since its inception and has been part of the growth of the sport in the Middle East. It has remained a relevant authority by keeping up with the progress of change in media from print, to online and across social media, and as such is a valued partner of Dubai Golf. It does

presence and relationships have grown, Worldwide Golf has been there to document all the various developments along the way. Congratulations, therefore, to the team on reaching the milestone of 250 editions, and we look forward to working together in the years ahead as golf’s popularity continues to increase in the Middle East.”

not seem long ago that we were celebrating the 100th edition with a memorable visit of Gary Player to Emirates Golf Club and the region! To have been an important part of the tremendous growth of golf in the region from five grass courses and a few sand courses, when the magazine started, to over 25 courses today is an amazing achievement! Here’s to the next 250!”

Colm McLoughlin Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Dubai Duty Free

“Congratulations on reaching the 250th edition, it is a great achievement. Worldwide Golf has established itself as a leading golf magazine in the region, providing comprehensive coverage of golf at a local and regional level. As a keen golfer and a

supporter of golf for many years, we have seen the sport go from strength to strength and golf has helped drive sports tourism in the region. I think it’s terrific that there are so many worldclass golf events in the UAE and the GCC and long may it continue.”

Nick Tarratt Freelance Golf Consultant

“I can clearly recollect meeting publisher Mike Gallemore in the mid-1990s when I was General Manager of Dubai Golf and Racing Club at Nad al Sheba. Mike was in Dubai looking to discuss all the Dubai World Cup print collateral and Official Programme for the world’s richest horse race with the racing authorities for WSP Global.

We discussed the demand and interest for a commercially viable and sustainable golfing publication for Dubai, the UAE and the Middle East region.

Mike and his son Alex, with significant local support, took that leap of faith to become publishers of Worldwide Golf, as part of the WSP Global.

It has been great to watch the journey of WWG over the years! Is it really 1999 when the first edition rolled out of the Dubai printers?

Highlights for me include all the unique content and their support of the DP World Tour, whether through their WSP media management as well as Worldwide Golf being the platform to showcase all the DP World Tour and especially the DP World Tour Championship activities and initiatives in the region, including the Challenge Tour and Legends Tour when they came into town.

I also recall golfing legend Gary Player attending the celebration function at Emirates Golf Club for the 100th Anniversary edition of Worldwide Golf.

Congratulations to Mike, Alex, Rick and Tom and their extended teams in both the UK and here in Dubai. It is still one of my favourite reads every month.

Keep up the good work guys and here’s to the next 250 editions of Worldwide Golf!”

Stuart Taylor General Manager Golf, Prosports International

“Worldwide golf has been the benchmark for golf media in the UAE and Middle East. Along with golf in the region, Worldwide Golf has grown its readership and

Gary McGlinchey

brought the golfing community together to create something really special. Fantastic achievement by the whole team. Well done!”

General Manager, Doha Golf Club who was one of the original PGA Pros at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club when it launched in 1993

“Worldwide Golf was a breath of fresh air to the regional golf business when it launched 25 years ago. At the time it wasn’t easy to publish articles about golf with the local media as we had to teach them about golf before they could write the article. We’d spend lots of time proofreading which became an onerous

process. We knew the Worldwide Golf team would accurately interpret our words and most often improve them in the articles that were published. They blazed a trail for the golf media that has sprung up in the region over the past three decades since they launched.”

“What an achievement it is to have produced the 250th edition of Worldwide Golf, a publication I have been honoured to contribute to over the last few years. It took great vision to see the growth that golf would see throughout the Middle East region when only a few courses existed, fantastic

though they were, and what has made me proud is to have been able to join some of the amazing contributors that have written for magazine. Many congratulations on the whole team for this tremendous achievement and here is to your continued success.”

David Howell Five-time DP World Tour winner

“A massive congratulations to the whole team at Worldwide Golf on celebrating 250 editions of the magazine! It’s been an awesome journey since they published their first magazine in 1999 and I’m very honoured to have been part of the team for several years as a columnist. Congratulations once again on this brilliant milestone and here’s to the next 250 editions!”

“Worldwide Golf has been invaluable in growing the game in the region since the first edition, continuously supporting all the clubs the UAE has to offer. Their coverage of the courses and their events has truly helped the UAE become a real golfing paradise. Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club congratulates all involved with WWG past and present on this impressive landmark.”

Stuart McMurdo

Director of Golf, JA The Resort Golf Course

“I have had the pleasure of working with Worldwide Golf for the last 19 years and the team has provided JA with an invaluable acess to the golf market in the UAE to showcase what we offer. It has been more than just a client to client relationship, more of a partnership with shared initiatives. Congratulations on reaching this milestone and JA looks forward to being involved in the next 250 editions.”

Sam McLaren, Director of Golf, Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

Rafa Cabrera Bello Four-time DP World Tour winner

“We are excited to be a part of this milestone for Worldwide Golf magazine, who we have had the pleasure to work with since the birth of eGolf Megastore. As firm supporters of the golf industry in the region, they are an important go-to resource to all golfers.”

Dean Cheesley CEO and Founder, eGolf Megastore

The Track, Meydan Golf

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DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP UNVEILS ACTION-PACKED

SOCIAL CALENDAR

Spectators

at the DP World Tour Championship are set to be entertained just as much off the course as they are with the action on it thanks to a range of different theme days at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The tournament will host a Community Day for the first time during the first round of the tournament, inviting schools, junior golfers, and people of determination to experience behind the scenes tours, first-hand introduction to golf clinics, innovative kids’ workshops, and sundowners for the adults.

Ladies Day is also set to return with female guests treated to two complimentary beverages, ladies’ golf clinics, a ‘best dressed’ competition, and much-needed pampering stations, among many other perks on the second day of the tournament.

The final day of the season finale will see the tournament host a dedicated Family Day with a variety of familyfriendly activities to keep little ones entertained, including children’s shows in the Championship Village, interactive activities and splendid family F&B options.

The Rolex Pro-Am will also be open to spectators this year, giving fans the opportunity watch the leading players on the DP World Tour Rankings and celebrities in a relaxed setting, take part in a meet and greet competition, or simply chill out and enjoy the on-course F&B.

The DP World Tour Championship gets underway on November 17 and will welcome the leading 50 players on the DP World Tour Rankings for the fifth and final Rolex Series event of the season.

As well as the likes of Collin Morikawa and Rory McIlroy featuring on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, fans will also be treated to the G4D Tour Series Finale, which will see the world’s eight leading people of determination golfers compete on the same course setup as their DP World Tour counterparts.

MATCH PLAY MAGIC IN ABU DHABI

Abu

Dhabi Golf Club will once again play host to the stars of the DP World Tour with the recently announced Hero Cup, a new team match play contest aimed at giving European players experience in the format, taking place in the capital from January 13-15, 2023.

The former home of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship will welcome two ten-man teams comprising players from Great Britain & Ireland and Continental Europe selected by Luke Donald, who will preside over the event in his capacity as 2023 European Ryder Cup Captain, in consultation with the two team captains, who will be named in due course.

Donald will work with both teams in Abu Dhabi and will keep a close eye on the action inside the ropes across the three days, with the contest consisting of one session of foursomes, one session of fourballs and one session of singles matches, with all 20 players taking part in each session.

He said: “One of the first things I was keen to do when I was appointed as Ryder Cup Captain was to reinstate a team match play contest to give playing and leadership experience to future Ryder Cup players, vice-captains and Captains.

“I spoke to a number of former Ryder Cup Captains who were strong advocates of how similar events in the past have benefitted players who were pushing to make Ryder Cup teams, as well as their own captaincy journey.

“I am therefore grateful to Hero MotoCorp and the DP World Tour for supporting the concept of the Hero Cup and I look forward to seeing the players compete at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in January.”

The two teams will be confirmed following the conclusion of the 2022 DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, with performance on the DP World Tour Rankings taken into account in the player selection process.

The announcement of the new tournament builds on the collaboration between the DP World Tour and Emirates Golf Federation, who announced a long-term partnership earlier in the year which focuses on enhancing golf in the UAE across all levels of the sport, from grassroots initiatives right through to the professional game, building on the Tour’s long-term association with the region which dates back to 1989.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming the next generation of European stars for this exciting new event on the schedule,” said General Abdullah Alhashmi, ViceChairman of the Emirates Golf Federation.

“The Emirates Golf Federation and DP World Tour have a rich history of hosting professional events in this country. As the region’s golf capital, adding an additional event to the three Rolex Series events hosted across Abu Dhabi and Dubai is building on

the creditability of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirates Golf Federation.”

His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, added: “We are delighted to be hosting the Hero Cup at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, adding yet another fantastic tournament to our roster of world class sporting events.

“Team match play is always an exciting format and along with our Rolex Series event the following week at Yas Island, we are thrilled to welcome the DP World Tour players to Abu Dhabi for two consecutive weeks at the start of 2023.”

Abu Dhabi Golf Club also has a significant history with the DP World Tour having played host to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship for 16 years before the tournament moved to Yas Links, Abu Dhabi last season.

Since Tyrrell Hatton won there in 2020, the club has undergone a series of changes under new owner His Excellency Khalfan Al Kaabi, and the Emirati can’t wait to show the world his exciting vision for the future of the club when the Hero Cup rolls into town.

“Abu Dhabi Golf Club and the DP World Tour have enjoyed a fantastic relationship over the years in hosting the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and we’re delighted to once again offer our world class facilities and second to none hospitality to fans and players alike for the Hero Cup,” said Al Kaabi.

“The tournament promises to be one of the most exciting events of the year on the DP World Tour schedule with the next generation of European talent putting on a show for golf fans in the Middle East. The tournament ties in perfectly with the club’s and Abu Dhabi’s vision for an exciting future.”

The Hero Cup extends Hero MotoCorp’s long-term relationship with the European Tour group which began at the 2015 Hero Indian Open. Since then, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles, has also supported the Hero Challenge, a series of fast-paced showpiece events and short form social and digital content, which have taken golf to new audiences, as well as the Hero Open which has featured on the DP World Tour schedule since 2020.

Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said: “We have always supported innovation in golf and this new team match play event on the DP World Tour is certainly an interesting format.

“We are happy to extend our longterm partnership with the European Tour Group. I am sure the Hero Cup will support and provide an opportunity to the talented European players to showcase their incredible skill to a global audience. We are excited to be part of this.”

Guy Kinnings, European Ryder Cup Director and the DP World Tour’s Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The Hero Cup is another example of Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to innovation in golf and to our Tour in general. We are therefore extremely grateful to Dr. Munjal for his continued support and for backing this new event which is an evolution of our proud tradition of team match play events.

“Our thanks also go to Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Emirates Golf Federation for their support of the DP World Tour, and to Abu Dhabi Golf Club for hosting this event which will be a fantastic way to start the 2023 calendar year.”

THOMAS PIETERS BECOMING BELGIUM’S BEST

At just 30 years of age, Thomas Pieters is already Belgium’s most prolific winner in 50 years of the DP World Tour. The big-hitter has won six times which has helped him earn over €10 million in prize money, while also having played in the 2016 Ryder Cup. After claiming the biggest victory of his career in the desert at this year’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Pieters explains to Worldwide Golf why the past 12 months have been so pivotal to the progression of his career.

“M

y putting has improved a lot,” Pieters revealed.

“Titleist gave me a new style of putter at the BMW PGA Championship in 2021 and that has been statistically the biggest change to my game. I’ve gone from losing one and a half shots per round on average on the greens to now breaking even. That is a lot of shots over the course of a year.”

From tee to green, the Belgian has statistically always been one of the best on the DP World Tour. Along with the long-hitter label, he’s ranked inside the top 40 for Greens in Regulation during the last four seasons. The improvement in his putting has placed him on this recent upward trajectory, along with his closest allies assisting more with his progression. “My team have been very good at communicating as well,” Pieters added. “The coaching, everybody is now on the same page. In the past everybody was not sure what their role was. It’s really fine-tuned right now.”

Despite his efficient swing and proven mental fortitude required to win, Pieters has still seemed like an underachiever at times. That’s not to discredit him, but more a compliment; he is just good enough to be contending every week. He drifted outside the top 100 players in the world last year, a long way from his career-best 23rd back in 2017. A surprise for a player of his talent.

Putter earns top Rolex

But the arrival of a new putter really did kickstart Pieters back into gear as he galloped to a two-shot victory at the 2021 Portugal Masters. It was his first triumph in over two years and a sign of things to come. He ended the season strongly before starting 2022 in the Middle East when he claimed the biggest title of his career. "Winning a Rolex Series is as good as it gets in Europe," Pieters said after winning in Abu Dhabi, with the victory soaring him back up the world ranking to 31st. "Top 50 is your strive point and when I jumped out, I took it badly, but I'm happy to be back again. I feel like I've turned the corner and I'm playing really good.”

The Abu Dhabi triumph was a significant moment not just for Pieters, but for all of European golf. The Ryder Cup team is undergoing change, finding itself in a transitional period where most would struggle to predict the next team. Big wins on big stages – like Yas Links – help reaffirm to Captain Luke Donald that he can rely on Pieters to perform if selected. Away from the course, the Belgian has seen an even bigger change in becoming a father to a baby girl named Florence back in 2020. Now two years old, she’s having a continued impact on all of her father’s life. In fact, he had to delay our interview by a few minutes to perform ‘Dad duties’. Despite such situations, Pieters revealed

Florence has had a profound influence on his view of golf which has unquestionably benefitted his performances. “For sure my daughter has had an impact on my game,” he added. “It’s just golf, you remind yourself that. I did remind myself of that five years ago, but it didn’t hit home. When you have a kid it does because there is other stuff to live for. It’s just you and your golf, and when you get home it’s still you and your golf, and it’s difficult sometimes. She has given me more perspective on what matters in life.”

Why missing season finalé?

I first interviewed Pieters seven years ago when he was a relative novice in comparison to what he’s achieved now. The player who spoke to me that day is completely different to the golfer who spoke to me for this piece. He appears more settled and at ease, with years on Tour now under his belt. This more composed character is now set to welcome a second daughter this coming November. It means he will miss the lucrative DP World Tour Championship despite his best-ever chance to win the season-long rankings. However, he’s not ruling out his chances of claiming the Harry Vardon Trophy just yet. “It would be massive to win that,” he added. “I’m going to make the best of the few tournaments I have left to give myself the best chance before my second daughter is born. I will still turn out strongly in the Middle East again next year. I can’t wait for that.”

The DP World Tour’s return to the desert in January will kick-start a huge year in professional golf. Along with a new set of Majors to contend, eyes will turn to Rome in September for the 44th edition of the Ryder Cup. The biennial event is set to be as intriguing as ever with both sides likely to undertake major personnel changes, with Pieters hoping to be one of them. “I really want to play Ryder Cup again,” Pieters explained. “I enjoyed my last one so much in 2016, even in defeat. It was a great learning experience which helped my game. I said after I played the first time ‘I don’t want to miss any of them anymore’ and I got close to qualifying during the last two, but it definitely hurt. I want to be there in Italy. I’m targeting that.”

Major motivation

Despite being on the losing team that week at Hazeltine six years ago, Pieters was the standout performer, earning four points – more than any other European. He was alongside Matt Fitzpatrick in defeat with the Englishman also looking a likely candidate to be part of Donald's team. His U.S. Open win at The Country Club this year has fuelled ambitions of some of European's younger stalwarts, with Pieters himself zoning in on claiming his own Major. “Seeing Fitzy win the U.S. Open motivated me a lot,” Pieters added.

“I definitely want to get my Major within the next four or five years. I think I can do it within the next two years already. My game is good enough to do it right now.”

After a brilliant near-decade as a professional, Pieter has simply come of age over the last 12 months. He’s added two more wins to his CV which now boasts a Rolex Series title to go alongside his star Ryder Cup performance. His résumé isn’t missing much. But the prospect of creating Belgian sporting history is now within his grasp as he chases Major glory next. Flory Van Donck, the 20th Century great from Belgium, couldn’t win a Major despite 60 career victories all across the globe. Pieters is no doubt good enough to go beyond his predecessor in achieving the unprecedented by finally winning their nation’s first title.

The big-hitter has also emerged back to the fore of the European prospects right when the continent needs it the most. He offers a fresher but stilldependable option to a Ryder Cup team which desperately needs reinvigorating. He’s young but experienced, tenacious but composed. The birth of Florence combined with tweaks to his game have introduced new characteristics to a golfer who looks like he has now firmly found his place in the golfing ecosystem. 2023 could well turn out to be a defining year for this new-age star. ■

“I’M GOING TO MAKE THE BEST OF THE FEW TOURNAMENTS I HAVE LEFT TO GIVE MYSELF THE BEST CHANCE BEFORE MY SECOND DAUGHTER IS BORN. I WILL STILL TURN OUT STRONGLY IN THE MIDDLE EAST AGAIN NEXT YEAR. I CAN’T WAIT FOR THAT.” – THOMAS PIETERS

By WILL

WORDSof

MCGINLEY ISDOM

FROM RORY MCILROY’S SECRETS TO THE IMPACT OF LIV GOLF, VICTORIOUS RYDER CUP CAPTAIN PAUL MCGINLEY GIVES HIS INSIGHT ON ALL THINGS PROFESSIONAL GOLF. NOW A NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ON THE BOARD OF THE EUROPEAN TOUR GROUP, MCGINLEY HAS ACCESS TO PEOPLE AND PLACES IN THE SPORT THAT NOT MANY DO. HE TELLS US ALL.

Worldwide Golf: What did you make of your fellow countryman Shane Lowry’s win at the BMW PGA Championship?

Paul McGinley: I’m a great believer in trends and underlying statistics. I do it a lot when I’m working for TV and see the trend that these guys are on. There’s no doubt Shane Lowry has been on a brilliant trend this year, but it hadn’t cumulated in a win. I did tip him at the start of the week as I felt with his form around that golf course, and the fact that his game has gone to another level this year, he’d do well. It was no surprise to see him coming through. Still, he had to do it and he did it against two of the best players in the world in Rahm and McIlroy down the stretch. A lot of credit, another big title to go on his CV. Although he might not have won a huge number of tournaments, he’s won the big ones. He’s won a WGC, a Major and now he’s won our big flagship event in Europe. And of course, he won the Irish Open as an amateur which is no mean feat.

WWG: The tournament had just begun when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away –what was it like working for a broadcaster like Sky in those circumstances?

PM: It was definitely an eerie time for the media. I think Nick Dougherty – the presenter – as well as the producers, they had the biggest burden on them to get the right tone

and to do the right things. All I had to do was turn up and be broadly briefed about what the protocols were. I think other people had much bigger burdens to carry than I did. It was 100 percent the right thing to do in carrying on the event. If the funeral had been over that weekend, I think that would have been a different story. It was a case of being respectful.

WWG: Reflecting on LIV Golfers in the BMW PGA Championship – do you still think those players shouldn’t have played? Or has your opinion changed?

PM: No. My opinion is clear. I think golfers are a collective. The DP World Tour is a collective. If you choose to leave the collective that’s your right and off you go. I don’t think you can play both sides here. I was very clear at the start and I still have that view. At the moment they can play because they won the injunction in the courts. They have a right to come back and play, that’s okay. The underlining feeling is – certainly from a lot of players I’ve spoken to and myself – it’s unfair to try and play both sides here. The correlation of saying they’ve always played the PGA Tour is not fair or correct because the PGA Tour did not go and compete in the European markets. We weren’t direct competitors the way that LIV have become. Another brand is being promoted by players playing in our events. We are ultimately a business and we have to protect our business.

WWG: What did you make of Sergio Garcia’s withdrawal at Wentworth after round one with no explanation?

PM: Players withdraw all the time. Particularly when there’s a delay like there was in unique circumstances. He’s been isolated and picked out because of the obvious connection to LIV that he has and how vocal he has been. Like most things in life it boils to lack of communication. If there had been better communicatio, the situation may not has escalated the way it did. By all accounts the communication was zero and that’s why he’s in the position he was and why he was judged so strongly.

WWG: It was another strong week for McIlroy at Wentworth. Do you think big things are on the horizon for Rory?

PM: If he stays in the mindset that he’s in now, yes. I think weaknesses about his game in the last ten years have been to do with dealing with the weight of expectation and the burden mentally. It’s a heavy load to carry all the time with the talent you are. Heir apparent of Tiger – the crown that he was given very early in his career – that’s a big weight of expectation on his shoulders. I think in some ways that affected his performance. The addition of Bob Rotella into his team has been a very, important one from that point of view in terms of perspective and dealing with the huge pressures that he plays under. Then the other one is Brad Faxon and what he’s

done to his putting. He’s made his putting much more flowing and a lot more natural.

It blends now with his long game which is very natural. I think what Brad has done is brought back the mindset, that mentality, that instinctiveness into his putting and I think the two of them have blended now. I always worry when there is something radical going on with a player’s game. Whether it be his putting, chipping, driving, swing or whether he’s changing something radically. That always is a worry for me, but the changes that Brad has made have not been radical. I think the tweaks mentally in dealing with the huge pressures that he’s under from Rotella. Those two things have brought him to different place as a player.

WWG: What are your early thoughts on the upcoming Ryder Cup for Europe?

PM: A lot depends on the next 12 months. You’re always looking for players to be playing well. You want them to find form in the next 12 months. If you look at the back bone of our team, you’ve got Fitzpatrick, Hovland, McIlroy and Rahm. Then you put in Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry. There are seven very strong players that any team would be happy to have. Then you’re looking for five more. That combination of five more are either guys like Francesco Molinari or Thomas Pieters returning to form who have played Ryder Cups in the past. Along with the young rookies coming through, that’s what we’re

looking for as well. The young Scottish players or Danish players having a really good season. With six picks that Luke Donald has got it gives him a possibility of picking some guys with some good form on the DP World Tour over the next 12 months. I think Luke is a deep thinker, I’ve been speaking to him a little bit. He’s working hard behind the scenes. He’s very analytical and he will have all the ducks in a row. You’re looking for the players to step up to the plate, running into next September with a lot of momentum.

WWG: Are you excited about the upcoming changes to the DP World Tour schedule in 2024? Do you think it is a positive move?

PM: Yes, I do. I think like a lot of businesses in the world, alignments are good. We’re not different in golf. I think the two biggest tours in the world – the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour – coming together and finding common ground. Having this alignment that we have can only be good not just for American golf, but for international golf. That what’s we are certainly concerned about on the DP World Tour, that we have a strong schedule internationally. America’s always going to be strong. It’s a very wealthy market. There’s a lot of longstanding partners in place, whereas internationally it will be a little bit more challenging. That’s why working with the PGA Tour we can come up with a really, really strong international schedule. We’ve got a very strong swing of

tournaments in the Middle East. We want to improve on those and make them better, and then go a little bit more internationally too, including the Far East. Maybe Australia. But we must never forget our better home base in Europe. Not just tournaments like the BMW PGA Championship and Scottish Open, but the Irish Opens, the French Opens, the Danish Opens, the Swedish Opens. All of those tournaments, we’re looking to enhance them and fit them in to what would be a world schedule. We’ve got lots of ideas at the moment. Everything is up in the air.

WWG: How do you expect the golfing landscape to look in 10 years’ time, or is that too hard to predict right now?

PM: Oh boy, that’s so hard to predict. I can’t even predict what it’s going to look like in six months’ time. Who knows where LIV Golf is going to fit into the equation. I’m certainly not going to dismiss LIV as being irrelevant. We’ve got to give them a lot of respect for how far they’ve come and what their plans are for the future. Obviously, the huge amount of money that they’ve got to invest in it. Who knows how that is going to fit into the ecosystem there at the moment. But what we do have to do is – like any business that’s got competitors on the pitch – we have to make our business as strong as it can be. That’s what we are doing. We have to protect our business and one of them is protecting those who play in it. We feel that’s only fair and that’s only right. The second thing is to make our tournaments better and better so that the

top players can make a choice to stay with the DP World Tour as a member. All the commitments that we’ve got from the top players already are going to continue over the next five years. They are continually going to play four events outside of Majors and WGCs. That’s been in place now for

over ten years. Nothing has changed in that way. They are still giving that commitment and we are hoping to entice some of the PGA Tour players to come over to consider playing an extra four events on the DP World Tour in order to become members as well. We have all kinds of ideas up in the air and a lot of things have been discussed. It’s very political at the same time as well. We have to make sure we do things in the right way. The main thing for me as a board member is that we represent 500 people. As much as I might have one opinion on what’s best for the top players, I’ve got to marry that with what’s best for the collective. That’s what the tour is – it’s a collective of 500 people coming together and being represented by executives. That has got a value on it. We have to protect that value.

WWG: Do you still love playing the game and competing at a high level?

PM: Yes. I just wish I had more time to dedicate myself to playing. I still love to play more than anything else I do. I love my other business interests and the things that I’m doing as well. They’re all a lot of fun. But I still love playing more than anything else. Any chance I get to go out and practice I take it. Any chance I get to compete I take it. But I have a very busy schedule, anaging so many different things in my life at the moment. My family’s growing up and going to University as well too, so being there to support them as well is a priority. I’ve got a lot of balls in the air. It’s trying to manage the whole situation.

If he stays in the mindset that’s he’s in now, yes. I think weaknesses about his game in the last ten years have been to do with dealing with the weight of expectation and the burden mentally. It is a heavy load to carry all the time with the talent you are.

Paul McGinley on Rory McIlroy

McGinley

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CAMPUS TOBY BISHOP CHRONICLE

This

summer, the UAE’s golf scene said farewell to one its mostloved and extremely talented players after Toby Bishop ventured to the States to join the collegiate golf system with the Florida Gators. It was the natural move for the talented hotshot, who was offered a scholarship back in 2020, to progress his career with dreams of making it in the professional game at the forefront of his mind.

The road ahead to the professional game will not be an easy one with many talented players from across the globe competing on the talented collegiate circuit. But Bishop knows he is in the perfect place to make those dreams come true with the incredible facilities and coaching at his disposal.

Earlier this year, when he graced our front cover after winning five events from six to top the EGF Order of Merit, Bishop said, “I feel if you go to the University of Florida and you don’t make it onto the Tour or you don’t make your goals, it’s sort of down to you because they provide you with everything you need.” The time is now to make that dream a reality.

Now well and truly settled in his new home, we caught up with the Welshman to find out how he is adjusting to his new life in the States and how well

the courses in Dubai have prepared him for this exciting new chapter.

TOBY ON HIS START TO A NEW ADVENTURE IN AMERICA

The start to life in America has been awesome. I still don’t think I’ve got used to the facilities as everything here is as good as it gets. From luxurious dining halls and leisure centres to first class practice facilities on our doorstep - it’s not been hard to adjust to my new home at all for me! The heat has definitely felt homely; however, the daily afternoon rain showers have been quite the adjustment, the usual 4pm 9 holes in Dubai are no longer part of the routine here in Florida!

TOBY ON THE WELCOME HE HAS RECEIVED FROM COACH DEACON AND THE TEAM

Coach Deacon, Coach Hart and all my teammates could not have been more welcoming. After just a couple weeks I feel like I’ve known them forever. Surrounding myself around some of the best amateur golfers and coaches in the world gives me every opportunity I need to develop as a player, improve areas of my game, and grow as a good human being. I wouldn’t swap any of them for anyone else. This team is going to do something very special this year!

TOBY ON THE SOCIAL SIDE TO COLLEGE

The social side of college isn’t hard to indulge in when you’re alongside over 60,000 other students. I love meeting new people and doing things outside of golf, so it’s been nice talking with fellow athletes from other sport teams as well as normal students on campus (although being an athlete does give you an advantage on the social side!) Regarding crazy stories, you know what they say… “what happens in college stays in college”!

TOBY ON THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES HE HAS FACED SINCE MOVING

The biggest challenge I’ve faced since arriving has actually been my health. Out of the three weeks I’ve been here for, illness has got the better of me for two of them. Playing through heavy sickness in the first week wasn’t ideal for qualifying, and this past week I actually withdrew from qualifying I was so unwell. I’m currently taking some time off to get back to full fitness so I can be certain I’m at 100% health for our next qualifier. Thankfully our medical staff and nutritionist are just the best, so I have all the tools necessary for a speedy recovery to full fitness.

TOBY ON THE ADVANTAGE OF PLAYING GOLF IN DUBAI

I’ve definitely played a lot of golf since arriving here in the States. We are pretty much playing every day whether it be scheduled team practice or our own individual time. The surprising part about golf in Florida is just how similar the courses are to Dubai. The grainy Bermuda grass is a well-known sight for fellow Dubai-bred golfers like myself. The similarity in style and length of courses gives them a sense of familiarity to me, therefore I feel they suit my eye allowing me to feel comfortable playing out here already. That’s just one example of how my upbringing in Dubai has benefited me, acclimatizing me to the grainy lies from a young age, if it’s even possible to ever fully acclimatize to those nasty into-grainers!

TOBY ON THE PROSPECT OF HAVING TO CHANGE HIS GAME

I don’t expect to change any parts of my game as I’m a big believer in sticking to your roots and DNA. However, there are definitely parts of my game that need to be a lot sharper to compete at the top level here. Wedges are the main talking point of our practice here so dialling them in is my main focus right now – there’s really no excuse to not be lethal from 130yards and in. Driving distance is a personal area I want to improve on as it gives such a massive advantage in the modern game and gives

players an automatic advantage over you before you’ve teed off. For now, I need my accuracy and short game to be better than everyone else’s, as that is something I can control and will help me compete, so when I do gain that distance I’m at a huge advantage.

TOBY ON THE PERKS OF THE COLLEGE SYSTEM

The main tangible thing the American college golf system offers which isn’t available anywhere else is a direct path onto professional tours straight

out of College. Currently PGA Tour University offers the top five college seniors a full card on the Korn Ferry Tour, however this is expected to change to PGA Tour starts in the near future. In my opinion, the most valuable aspect of the college golf system in America that no other system comes close to is the competitiveness and topclass quality in every event. Having to balance school-work, personal life, and playing against the best amateurs in the world is the perfect preparation for managing life as a Professional golfer.

TOBY ON THE SEASON AHEAD

The rest of our fall season is very exciting for us. With the team having just won the first event of the season at Notre Dame, confidence is high but the whole team are still working to improve any small margins we can. This week the team travel to Chicago to play Olympia Fields before we play the SEC Match Play the following week. After that the team travel to Texas for the Ben Hogan Colonial, which is quickly followed by one of the most fun weeks on the schedule, Gator Golf Day! During that week we re-qualify for the final event of the fall, the Isleworth Collegiate here in Florida. So a busy next month or so, but when momentum is with you there’s no time to take your foot off the gas. Competing for titles and championships is what every player wants to do, so it only adds to the competitiveness of our qualifying when 15 players are battling it out for anywhere between 1-5 spots.

TOBY ON THE ADVICE HE WOULD GIVE YOUNGSTERS IN THE UAE LOOKING TO FOLLOW IN HIS FOOTSTEPS

If I were to give any advice to younger golfers looking to play college golf in America it would be three things; to play as many competitions as possible (preferably international), start the recruiting process early, and BE YOURSELF. Especially living in Dubai, with the U.A.E being such a small an unknown environment for some of these coaches, you have to make yourself known to these coaches and find something that makes you stand out from the thousands of other kids talking to the same coach. I made my own website with swing videos, tournament schedule and resume, and contact information of my entire golf team and myself. The easier you can make it for coaches to know who you are and find information about you, and the more competitive rounds you can showcase to them, the higher your chances will be. Most importantly, as much as you think being a great golfer gets you into any programme, coaches really value players that fit their teams “mold”. Being a great person is equally as important as being a great golfer, it’s an equal balance of both that will help you reach your recruiting goals.

CHIARA NOJA Comingof

AGE

It is fair to say that Chiara Noja has enjoyed a rather stellar first year as a professional. Making the step up at just 15 years old in October 2021, the Dubai resident has gone on to pick up her first professional win on the Ladies European Tour Access Series, played in every single Aramco Team Series events across the globe and secured her Ladies European Tour playing privileges for next season.

Here, Noja gives us the lowdown on her magnificent maiden professional season, her hopes of playing with one of the giants of the game in New York and how she hopes to inspire the next generation of female golfers as part of her role as a Golf Saudi ambassador.

Worldwide Golf: Firstly, a massive congratulations on securing a LET card at the first time of asking. Just talk us through what that means to you to achieve that at such a young age?

Chiara Noja: Going into the season that was my goal at the start of the year, so every tournament I played –and every shot I played – I had that goal in my mind. I think I finalised securing my card pretty early on but then more events got added to the schedule so I had to continue playing for a little longer than expected, which was frustrating and a bit tough on the mind. It’s been a season of ups and downs – getting my first professional win was amazing and I couldn’t be more grateful for that plus some of the opportunities I’ve had this year. Definitely ending the season on a positive note and looking forward to the two final Aramco Team Series events of the year in New York and Jeddah before focusing on my GCSEs during the off-season!

WWG: How did you find it this year being out on the road for long periods? Did it take some getting used to?

CN: This season was really tough as I wasn’t allowed to go to Qualifying School because of age restrictions so I had to gain my card through playing on the Ladies European Tour Access Series. It was great and a good learning experience for me as I had to fight my way through, which was good for me to help build a bit of character. It’s been a really long season jumping between Tours as I’ve played all the Aramco Team Series events – I’m super grateful to play those so I don’t want that to be misunderstood as being ungrateful because every single one of them has been an absolute blessing! I’ve played around 17 events so far this year and usually that it spread out over the year but for me I had the majority of those events between April and August, which was a lot tighter a schedule than originally planned but we wanted to ensure I had banked my LET card so I didn’t have to fly out for more events after returning home to Dubai.

WWG: How are you feeling about next season on the LET?

CN: Next season I guess I’ll have to take it easy for the first half of the year as I need to complete my GCSEs. I will be playing competitively before and straight after but I do need to make sure my focus is on the correct things while studying for my exams so that’s what I’ll be up to the first half of the year. I’ll be going to tournaments and playing but when I’m back to the hotel the textbooks will be straight out! It’s just something I have to deal with and it will be tough but hopefully not as intimidating as this season was as I’ve already achieved so much of what I set out to do.

WWG:. How much of a help has your dad been on the bag this year and will he continue to be your caddie on the LET next season?

CN: My dad was on basically all season which was really nice because it’s great to have someone on the bag that you trust and who you love no matter what you score out on the course. But at the same time, it is difficult because there is some tough love out on the course and sometimes you do bring those vibes back into the hotel room –it’s just how its is, that’s my dad at the end of the day and he always wants what’s best for me. It’s a blessing to have him around but he’s also done a great job and been a great help to me. I do feel bad a bit for him though as during tournaments in warmer climates I have carried around way more water bottles than necessary, so I kind of tortured him with that! It’s been a great season for the both of us! Going forward I will be using a new caddie next season and I’ll be starting with them at the Team Series event in Jeddah. We’ll use that as prep work for next season as we get back out to competing on the LET.

WWG: What has been the highlight of the season?

CN: Good question! The first thing that comes to mind is getting my first professional win in the Czech Republic –that was really exciting and on my bucket list for this year. It may sound a little silly but when you look at all the greats in the women’s game they are starting to impress on the professional stage around the age that I am now. I wouldn’t say I was under pressure to do it but I wanted to put myself amongst those names so it was really nice to check that off my list. The Saudi International would also be a highlight as it was my first event of the year, the field was strong and it’s a beautiful golf course that was playing in tough conditions – to finish that week 13th in a field like that was really fun and gave me a boost going into the season. All the Team Series events have been highlights to be honest – they all have amazing fields so every time I played I get to say ‘I’m playing in my strongest field yet’ as every event seems to get stronger which is super exciting! The lineup in Sotogrande including the Kordas and Alison Lee and a

Noja’s dad was a regular on the bag this season

couple more LPGA girls which was really cool. Playing in New York this month will probably be the highlight of year as it’s such an iconic statement city so to be able to go there and play professional golf is awesome with the likes of Kordas, Lexi Thompson and Brooke Henderson!

WWG: You’ve spoken before about really improving the mental side of your game after the Dubai Moonlight Classic a few years ago. How is the mental side of the game right now?

CN: Mental health wise the start of the season was pretty easy in the sense of mentality and I didn’t really have any problems. Towards the back-end of the season when I was running on the final bursts of energy you just need to accept sometimes you need to try and make it work and play with your C game as you have nothing else in you. The fuel tanks were almost completely empty playing my final two events on the LET Access Series – my whole team knew it. We were just trying to get that over and done with so we could get back into the process of recovering, prepping and actually being able to practice. I think practice is a necessity that people forget because when you’re on tour you are going from place to place so you don’t really have time to tinker about with things that are going wrong as your always in this go, go, go mindset. The time you do get is mainly focused on hitting the shots you want to his shape wise and the rest of the time is usually spent in a car or a plane so it’s not been easy in that aspect of the mental side.

But I’ve gained so much confidence in the last two years which has been really cool to see as you forget the growth that has happened over such long period. Some of those experience I’ve had I can be forever grateful for and I’m glad that I’ve made good use of them.

WWG: You’re back in Dubai now and preparing for your exams. Just talk us through how you’ve managed to juggle your professional game and your school work?

CN: I think it’s an important message to get out that I’m not home-schooled, I go to a normal school with GCSEs sadly! It’s something I’m going to have to juggle and set my head straight on to get it over and done with doing the best I can. It’s very time-consuming especially when you’re juggling two things that are very important. My parents have been great advocates of the fact that school is very important for me if not for trying to secure a job later on but to be educated and the social aspect of it to. Golf is my main priority.

WWG: You’ve got two more big events this season on the Team Series in New York and Jeddah. How much do you enjoy playing that format and how big have the Team Series events been for the women’s game?

CN: As I mentioned earlier, I think those Team Series events are really fun and seeing the line-up for New York is really exciting! Usually you want to be amongst the top players in these events who are captains but because this line-up is so awesome you sort of want to be a pick as it gives you the opportunity to possibly play with some of these amazing players and watch them. It would be awesome to be in a team with a really experienced player and sort of watch and study a little bit which would be really interesting. It’s a really fun format and I think it makes golf more approachable.

WWG: You were announced as a Golf Saudi ambassador earlier this year - what exactly does your ambassador role involve?

CN: As a professional golfer I’m doing a job that I love and I want to inspire others to grow and love the sport as much as I do. I think being an advocate for golf and women’s golf is sort of my job already. My role as a Golf Saudi ambassador is to grow the game, whether that be in Saudi or internationally, I love having that role and making golf accessible for more people. When I was younger I didn’t really see much of the women’s game, I was always inspired by the men because that’s all I saw so giving women’s golf a platform is part of my role and Golf Saudi have already done such a great job at it.

It was great and a good learning experience for me as I had to fight my way through, which was good for me to help build a bit of character.”

“

Along with an improvement with the big stick, Wilson went searching for further help. “I’ve got a coach, Greg Brodie, that I’ve been working with for a year and a half,” he added. “Greg’s really helped me narrow down and give me some clarity to my game. There’s a long way to go, but I feel like my path has become much clearer now. I’m trying to piece it all together, and it came together in Denmark which was fantastic.”

Still, not many were tipping the then world number 745 to win the Made in HimmerLand this year. Wilson hadn’t secured a top ten finish in his prior 79 starts on the DP World Tour across three seasons, while his unfavourable Category 16B was restricting his schedule. At this point, the sport must have seemed a dark place to the Englishman. His victory alongside Henrik Stenson in the 2008 Ryder Cup foursomes will have seemed a very distant memory.

“For the last few years I just wasn’t happy with my game,” Wilson added. “I was struggling and I just didn’t want to play that kind of golf. I was hanging on to my career. It’s been a rocky road. You never know if you feel like you’re doing the right things. I wasn’t getting a whole lot back from the game. Winning again gave me a massive sense of validation of all the hard work I put in. It was enormously rewarding. It was more about how I won and the quality of golf that I played on that Sunday. I would take a win anywhere I can, but those things that came together that week were how I wanted to play the game.”

You only need to look at Wilson’s recent record to realise how difficult the sport can be. Having lost his card back in 2016, the Englishman was forced to drop down to the Challenge Tour to chase a route back to the elite level. This was a long way from his career-best world ranking of 35th. There are not many golfers who can say they’ve experienced the highs of Ryder Cups and DP World Tour wins, to the stresses of missing cuts and losing a tour card.

PRESSURE IN GOLF

“It’s so hard to compare because they are all so different,” Wilson said when asked to compare the pressures of professional golf. “I played in the Ryder Cup when I was playing well and flying high. I felt invincible as most guys do when you qualify for that team. You’re confident and your game is in good shape. In Denmark, I felt very calm but I was confident. I was in good shape again. But on the flip side, when you’re battling for cuts, you clearly are not playing that great. Confidence isn’t that high and you’re down the bottom end. It’s more a mental thing, more how you perceive the situation that anything. That’s one of the things that I’ve worked hard on in getting a better perspective and not get caught up in the moment so much.”

Next year will mark Wilson’s 20th year as a professional with nearly 500 tournament appearances to his name including 15 starts in Major Championships. His first

career victory was at the Alfred Dunhill Links where he beat Rory McIlroy by a single shot. It’s a credit to 42-year-old’s determination that he is still chasing improvement on the daily basis even after his second DP World Tour victory in Denmark, nearly eight years after winning the first. He remains convinced there’s a lot more left in the tank.

“My game is still not anywhere near where I want to be with it,” Wilson continued. “But I am improving all the time. The win was great in it giving me clarity with my playing schedule so I can plan, but it hasn’t really made a difference with my golf. I’m still trying to get better in each area. It’s just a bump forward in the right direction. I feel like if I continue to drive it better, the rest of the game I’m pretty good at. Hopefully that will help to bring the floor of my game up. When I’m playing well I feel like I can do a lot of good things on any golf course. I need to improve my bad golf which is what is getting better.”

The recent triumph has also propelled Wilson into contention for a spot at the lucrative DP World Tour Championship. He hasn’t featured at the Earth Course since 2014 and is now just a couple of solid

results away from confirming his spot in Dubai. “I’m very excited about the end of the season,” Wilson added. “Hopefully I’ll be good enough to get in the event in Dubai. To go back there in the mix, it’s where you want to be. There’s nothing worse than finishing your season and watching everyone else carry on playing because you’re not eligible. That sucks. I am really thrilled that I could have that opportunity and it will be great place to go and test my game.”

The likeable Englishman continues to chase a position in the top 50 of the DP World Tour Rankings for the first time since 2010. His stats are trending in the right direction, and the deserved Danish triumph has opened doors for bigger playing opportunities. As Wilson frequently mentioned in our interview, golf wasn’t giving him much back. Hours on the range, missed cuts and moments where he will have questioned the purpose of it all. But the outpouring of emotion he displayed in the immediate aftermath of victory in HimmerLand proved that everything was worthwhile. From representing Team Europe, to falling back to the Challenge Tour, to then becoming a champion again –Wilson’s career has had it all. ■

I played in the Ryder Cup when I was playing well and flying high. I felt invincible as most guys do when you qualify for that team.”

September hasbeen a busy month!

Chicks

With Sticks has started its second year in the UAE with over 100 new members signed-up to join our all-female golfing community for our first season, bringing our membership tally to over 500! Now operating in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Chicks With Sticks continues to go from strength to strength. I’m excited to see what’s in store over the coming winter months, the best is yet to come!

On September 4, the Ladies Senior Cup team at Lahinch Golf Club were crowned AllIreland Champions! In Ireland, the Senior Cup is a competitive match play format whereby the lowest five handicaps in each club compete for the distinguished All-Ireland title. Match play between the participating clubs commences in late spring, with regional finalists battling it out for the grand title at the end of the summer. Lahinch ladies overcame Royal County Down GC and Dun Laoghaire GC in the quarter and semi-final respectively before the ultimate showdown in the final against Douglas Golf Club from Cork. Golf is a predominantly solo sport, so having the opportunity to play on a team with my golfing friends and the thrill of playing competitive golf meant the world. A huge thank you to my teammates Aideen Walsh, Sarah Cunningham, Niamh O’Dwyer, Olivia Lucas as well as our team captain Aedin McCarthy and manager Valerie Hassett for leading us all to victory. I personally feel I’m still on a high from the win. It was a weekend to remember with memories that we will cherish for years to come.

On September 15 I travelled to Lough Erne Resort in Northern Ireland to graduate from the Women in Golf Leadership Programme, a programme run by the R&A. It was a wonderful

two days of workshops, seminars, group discussions, guest speakers, and of course some golf! The R&A are making major efforts across the globe to promote women in sport, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the journey. Approximately 30 other like-minded ladies completed the programme, all united in our drive to grow the game of women’s golf. It has provided me with many useful tools to navigate my own personal golfing journey but most importantly provided me with the knowledge and confidence to keep pursuing my dream of growing the game of golf in the UAE and further afield.

The KPMG Women’s Irish Open was held at Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club in late September. This is the first time the event

has appeared in the LET Schedule in the past ten years. Ireland’s National Hero, Leona Maguire headlined the event. She provided her fans with a demonstration of golf on the third day of the tournament, shooting an amazing round of 7 under 65. After birdieing the 18th hole during a one-hole play-off, 27 year old Klara Spilkova from the Czech Republic was crowned the KMPG Women’s Irish Open Champion 2022. This is her second LET win to date. The event was a huge boost for golf in Ireland, showcasing a very high level of women’s golf and inspiring a younger generation to enter the game.

Jenny,

Founder

We need to keep thedreams alive

I

’ve just got back from working with the lads prior to the start of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and I’m glad to be home. The range at St. Andrews must be one of the coldest in the world due to that hard left to right wind. It’s bad enough during The Open let alone the end of September.

While I was there it was sad to hear the EuroPro Tour, run by boxing promotor Eddie Hearn, had closed after 20 years. It’s certainly given plenty of golfers an opportunity to shine over the years, but no doubt other smaller Tours will follow suit, as finding sponsors is getting harder.

Kids trying to live the dream and become a Tour player need to be more realistic. I don’t blame them for trying but making the cut on these mini-Tours shouldn’t guarantee a living. If they can’t regularly make the top 10, making it on the main Tour with the best in the world is never going to happen. Mini Tours have always been a good introduction for players to dip their toes into the professional game. Now, too many kids see the big names earning huge amounts of money and fancy a piece of the action. There are countless talented players but the opportunities to shine are becoming fewer. The potential young stars will have to learn to graft for their dream. In the same way I did

along with other Tour professionals back in the day.

When I first turned pro, I was still working at Marks & Spencer and in a mill during the winter and offseason to make ends meet. When the season got underway in April, we would travel to play the national championships in France, Spain, and Portugal. Sleeping in the car or van was the norm for many of us and the 150-player field would be competing for 35 prizes. So, countless times I would be playing for a huge loss. In many ways you were self-funding your dream and when you consider that Peter Oosterhuis won the Order of Merit five times and pocketed no more than £100,000 during that time you might understand what professional golf was all about back then. It was more like a vocation than a profession and that must be the mindset of the youngsters coming through.

That also breeds hunger which is an essential piece of the puzzle. Hunger makes winners and for some big names the lack of hunger has ended their careers.

I still believe that the DP World Tour is missing a huge opportunity by not offering Monday qualifiers for their events. Hopefully, the closure of the EuroPro Tour will open their eyes so they can see there is a talent pool crying out to have one shot of making

their dream come true. This has been a success for the PGA TOUR over the years and the platform for players such as John Daly to spring on to the scene.

One thing we can’t ignore is the impact of LIV Golf and despite what you read in the press things are starting to calm down a little and it’s clear that things will find a natural path to resolve the situation .

Golf needs to focus more on the young talent and not on the Tours. It’s the golfers people want to follow not the politics. Right now, Europe has the Hojgaard twins and even though Rasmus should have won the French Open last month it was great to see the 25-year-old Italian Migliozzi win with a blistering final round of 62.

Another talented young Italian to keep an eye on is Filippo Celli. He was the leading amateur at The Open this year and led the Italian team to victory last month at the World Amateur Team Championships in France.

With the DP World Tour Championship just round the corner it will be interesting to see which players will make the most of the final Rolex Series tournament of the year.

Having McIlroy, Lowry, and Fitzpatrick in form, it should be a brilliant event, but there is always that unknown player who makes a charge when the pressure is off. ■

START THE SEASON IN STYLE

As the scorching summer comes to an end in the UAE, golfers up and down the country are dusting their clubs off in preparation to hit the range once again, taking advantage of the cooler ‘winter’ climates. So where’s the best spot to get back into the swing of things this season?

JUNIORS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Give your young ones the chance to develop their physical and mental capabilities through the recently restructured Junior Development Program. The PGA professionals aim to create future stars of the game by focusing on various aspects of personal development whilst giving juniors the chance to hone their golf skills on the world-class facilities the club has to offer. There are also an optional two hour per week on course practice sessions to help juniors elevate their game by learning about scoring formats, course management, competition rules and etiquette.

Look no further than Trump International Golf Club, Dubai thanks to their fantastic facilities and new golf programs aimed at juniors and beginners to ladies and intermediate golfers. What’s more, they also have a bunch of fantastic F&B offers and two giant screens for the FIFA World Cup!

GET TO GRIPS WITH THE GAME

Trump’s all new beginner and intermediate programs include a structured process to help you get the best from your training in a fun and relaxed environment in groups of six people. In the beginners’ class you’ll be taught the basic fundamentals of golf and the skills needed to confidently play on the golf course. Move to the next level with intermediate training to master your techniques with close guidance from the club’s PGA professionals.

AED

classes of 60 minutes

Calling all women looking to get into the game in a fun and relaxed environment while making friends along the way. Trump’s Ladies Golf Program is designed for beginners and novice golfers, offering the opportunity to improve your game through an hourly group training lesson each week and timed assessments on the PAR 3 course, followed by a complimentary beverage at the restaurant. Other benefits include complimentary TrackMan range access once per week and midweek PAR 3 green fee rates during the term.

Courses start on 9th October 2022. AED 999 for eight (8) group classes of 60 minutes each. Preferred members rate available.

GIRLS WHO GOLF MANDARIN SPEAKING PGA PROFESSIONAL JOINS

TEAM

Trump has recently hired one of the UAE’s only Mandarin speaking PGA professionals in the form of Lee Elliott. The Englishman has over ten years of coaching experience all across the world having taught in Spain, South Africa and more recently China since completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Golf Management Studies at the University of Birmingham. As well as having the ability to teach lessons in Mandarin, Elliot also specialises in junior golf development having previously worked at performance academies developing young and dedicated players with aspirations of playing professionally.

Away from the course there’s so much delicious F&B to be consumed at 71 Sports Bar, Prato and the Caddy Shack, which all have some cracking deals on in the coming months. For the FIFA World Cup both the Caddy Shack and 71 Sports Bar will be the place to be with the installation of two new giant screens ensuring you don’t miss a minute of the action in Qatar. Before that, families can enjoy a Halloween party at Prato on October 29th with a British Carvery, unlimited beverages, kids’ entertainment and prizes up for grabs for the best dressed. What’s more, one child of 8 years old or younger dines complimentary with every paying adult. Keep an eye out on Trump’s social channels for more up and coming offers including the festive Christmas brunch –this one isn’t to be missed!

“Our all-new structured programs are designed to enhance the already existing packages at e Trump Golf Academy. We look to expand the number of golfers in the region and for this we have designed programs that are accessible at any level. For those wishing to further level up their game, this season

have a

Golfers in the UAE can get their hands on some great prizes at Dubai’s only TrackMan-powered driving range at Trump by entering the TrackMan Bullseye Championship. The object of the game is to score as many points possible with nine shots – points are awarded based on carry distance, so the further away the target, the more you can score. You can play as many times as you wish, but only your best score will count on the leaderboard. The leading player will secure a Shot Scope V3 GPS Watch + Performance Tracking while Shot Scope gift cards will be given to the second and third best finishers. The top five will also receive a limited-edition TrackMan Bullseye Championship bag tag. When the competition ends, all participants will receive a coupon for 10% off products purchased through the Shot Scope website.

BY PETE COWEN

“Static pictures do not do justice to some golf swings because movement creates positions and as you see in these 16 images, you can’t see how hard the body is working. Rory is a rare talent and as a junior on the Irish men’s team he was still able to out drive his peers with ease. Although you will probably never be able to replicate Rory’s swing, there are some key points in these frames that you can implement into your own game to better your consistency and distance off the tee.”

Pete Cowen, Master PGA Professional

classic balanced

of building a wide arc

Continued extension on a good arc

Right hand and right arm extending

to set the right wrist and right elbow

The continuation of balancing the right arm but you can’t see how much work the body is doing in these frames

A classic position with the right arm

the club and left arm

Compressing down through the body at the start of the transition. NOT around but down! This is where the body is starting to work hard to stabilise all that energy he’s built up in the coil.

Right arm is a fraction behind but perfectly on plane.

The left arm is now vertical and turning around the right side.

Turned around the right side through impact. Rory just continues a balanced extension through to the finish. Despite the 180+ mph ball speed and 125 mph swing speed Rory produces, he is always balanced and never appears to be going hard at the ball. Loading the power in the swing and remaining balanced at every key point is essential to maintain consistency through impact. That prevents energy from being wasted and in turn makes your movement efficient and in turn more powerful. There are other great players that also illustrate this: Ernie Els, Fred Couples and Louis Oosthuizen.

professionals are normally swinging at 70-80% of their full swing speed so they can remain balanced and in total control of their yardages.

1

IT LIKE DRIVE Rory 5

STEP YOUR WAY INTO LONGER DRIVES

Step back with your feet together and rotate to the top of your back swing.

Take a step forward and swing through with your hips leading, or ‘winning the race’. If your hips win the race to the ball, it means that you are transferring your energy in the correct sequence.

Mastering this simple drill will free up your swing while maximising your transfer of energy. This will allow you to become faster, more efficient and yield longer drives

more information contact

LOOK OUT FOR THE VIDEO

the tee.

At driving ranges all around Dubai, you will see many amateur golfers presenting extra loft on the club face when swinging their irons in an attempt to launch the ball high. While this may lift the ball in the air, it comes at a cost. As you may have even experienced yourself, these shots will often result in significantly less spin and distance while also being prone to travelling in the wrong direction. It can often lead to a thin strike as well which is also not what we

want. There is not much worse on a golf course than thinning it over the back of the green!

Instead, swing the club to hit down on the golf ball. This is called compression, and is what every professional golfer achieves with their shots. This will elevate the ball in the air much higher and with greater speed which will ultimately result in more yardage. To do this, try to lead with the bodyweight transfer so that the hands are naturally

ahead of the ball at impact. The result will be increased shaft lean at impact which helps to deloft the club – this is what we are after. The clubface should also move downwards in order to add compression to ensure a straight shot. Striking the ball properly like this lets the grooves on the clubface work their magic by adding backspin. A good indicator that you’ve successfully achieved this is by creating a divot on the grass after the ball. Give it a try.

THE DRIVER:

BY MALCOLM YOUNG PGA SPECIALIST PROFESSIONAL THE TRACK MEYDAN malc_younggolf

SET UP FOR SUCCESS

Fewwould argue the driver is one of the most important clubs in the bag. When it all goes well it’s fun to hit, it feels great and it’s the envy of your playing partners. However, the reality is often the very opposite, leading to frustration with the longest club in the bag.

The faults with the driver usually start from the set up position causing issues within the swing motion to find a consistent delivery of the clubface required to master the driver. Focusing on the set up process offers a very clear way for golfers to practice and understand the positions that lead to better driving skills.

1) ROUTINE SETS THE RHYTHM FOR THE SWING

When you watch the best drivers of the ball you’ll notice they rarely step off the same rhythm as they approach the ball to set up and any hint of a distraction they simply break off the routine and start again from the beginning once they re-focus.

Continually work on your personal routine and timing – it’s essential for a consistent set-up.

2) UPPER SEGMENT BEFORE LOWER SEGMENT

In the set up process a very common factor that causes poor driving skills is the connection or lack of between upper and lower body segments. The majority of amateur golfers often step into the ball predominantly with the lower body segment leading to poor posture.

Once you aim the clubface take care of the upper body segment with the correct spine angle allowing the arms to hang naturally and shoulders to align, assisting the turning motion in the backswing.

3) LEAD LEG BEFORE TRAIL LEG

The lower body segment is such an important focus in the set up, connecting the body to the ground to establish ground force to transfer to the ball through the club.

This is often dismissed by golfers as their focus drifts to the swing motion before the body is set, creating poor balance points and body angles.

With the upper segment positioned the lead leg establishes the ideal ball position inside the lead heel while maintaining pressure on the trail leg ready to move into position

Moving the trail leg back into position establishes not only the wider stance needed for the driver but establishes the ideal balance point while also setting an appropriate spine tilt improving the ability to make a better takeaway and powerful swing.

With a clear set up framework and focus, the takeaway motion should then have a clear trigger and timeframe that allows more consistency in your driving. Continually working on these steps will ensure you are set up for success to master the driver.

eGolf

THE DOUBLE IN AL QUOZ Megastore

eGolf Megastore isn’t ignoring its roots, despite expanding into Dubai Mall last year. The founding store in Al Quoz is where it all began and is doubling in size to more than 12,000 square feet.

Dean Cheesley, eGolf Megastore Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re excited to announce the expansion of our first and largest store. Over the past 12 months, we began to modernise our legacy locations and introduce several new apparel and equipment brands to uplift our customers’ shopping experience across all our stores.”

The store expansion will be completed in two phases, the first phase of an additional 1,500 square feet by year end, with work on the larger second phase to be completed in Q1 2023. Both phases involve little to no disruption to the operations of the store.

“As part of our expansion plan, our original offices, which previously formed part of the Al Quoz store, had to be relocated at the end of 2021. Since then, we have been working closely with our design team on the amalgamation of the neighbouring unit, resulting in a doubling of the retail space of the store”, said Dyootiman Pal, General Manager of eGolf Megastore.

The store is set to showcase newly dedicated apparel and footwear zones. The apparel zone features a modern take on the existing ‘shop in shop’ sections and builds upon the existing line up of brands in the store. The footwear zone increases

the number of options by more than 40% and includes exclusive styles from Nike’s Air Jordan collection, along with the latest offerings from Ecco, FootJoy, Puma, Adidas,

“Our goal has always been to supersede our customer’s expectations through continued innovation. Designed as a modern golf retail experience, the new space is maximised through dedicated product displays and customer interaction zones, including wider aisles, larger fitting rooms and a premium family lounge”, said Cheesley.

On the top floor, luxury brands HONMA, XXIO and PXG will each have their own dedicated hardware areas, with the US Kids Golf section relocating to a larger dedicated area for juniors on the ground floor. ■

Under Armour, Cuater, Mizuno and Cole Haan.

GOAL HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO SUPERSEDE OUR CUSTOMER’S

CONTINUED INNOVATION.”

Dean Cheesley, eGolf Megastore Chief Executive Office

TITLEIST TSR PACKS A PUNCH New

Through the many fittings I’ve done so far with the new TSR range I have seen a considerable increase on ball speed with the average customer gaining around 4-6mph which equates to roughly 8-12 yards further carry.

The most well-liked model so far has been the TSR3 as the new Speed Ring Face on this year’s edition really helps towards increased ball speed along with more consistent flight and spin rate on each shot. The CG Adjustable track at the back of the club assists in fine tuning the club to the golfers miss hit on the face. The ability to move the CG point to where the golfers miss hit helps to decrease the curvature on the ball and keep the ball speed high even on poor shots. This coupled with the SureFit sleeve on each of the drivers makes it the most adjustable driver on the market, meaning us custom fitters can really perfect each driver to the specific need of player. The new variable face thickness on the

TSR2 seems to have made this a perfect driver for the higher handicap player with it being the most forgiving TSR in the range.

The extra forgiveness has helped the golfer who sometimes struggles to find the centre of the face while still supplying an increase in ball speed along with reduced curvature.

The TSR4 is one of the biggest improvements from the previous TSI range with much-needed additional forgiveness over the TSI4. This driver is aimed at the better golfer who struggles to control the spin rate. The slightly smaller head will suit the lower handicap player who doesn’t like the big 460 CC head. The nice addition on this year’s model which will make it more applicable to some is the ability to move the

weights from back to front which can help to make the head play more like a TSR3.5. The fairways have also been popular with many of the better players opting for the TSR3 with the more compact head. The moveable weight helps with miss hits and out of the two models this will launch slightly lower and spin less when compared to the TSR2. The TSR2 works nicely for all handicaps and is the more forgiving head out of the two. From my experience, the spin rates have been slightly higher and the launch has been much higher in fittings that I have done with the TSR2. What I’ve taken away from this is there’s a head for every golfer which is really easy to fine tune with the traditional SureFit Hosel.

Viya Golf adds to its portfolio with Abu Dhabi collection

Viya Golf has entered into a management deal with Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties, to manage its golf operations, leisure facilities, and all dining outlets at some of the world’s finest golf courses; Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club.

The new agreement will see Viya Golf look at all aspects of the golf operations; maintaining areas of existing excellence and delivering operational improvements to enhance all golf, leisure and dining experiences for members and visitors.

With the acquisition of the three clubs, Viya Golf adds to its collection of stunning properties which include Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates – home of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

Viya Golf Chief Executive Officer, Christopher May, said: “We are proud to announce the addition of Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club to our golf portfolio. We are excited by our new relationship with Aldar. We will deploy our

best-in-class golf services, dining, leisure and management expertise, alongside industry leading technologies, to not only deliver Abu Dhabi’s very best golf and leisure experiences but to grow the game of golf and help drive tourism in the Emirate.”

Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a true links golf course, perfectly located on the western shores Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Home to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championships and consistently ranking in the Top 50 world’s golf courses, Yas Links is a must-visit golf destination for residents and tourists alike. The Kyle Phillips designed 18-hole course presents a challenging test to all golfers, whilst the 9-hole par 3 course and flood-lit practice facilities, with Toptracer, complete Yas Links.

The Arabian Gulf’s first beach-front golf course, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is a Par 72 links courses set amongst a stunning eco-conscious landscape. Designed by golf legend, Gary Player, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has a total yardage starting at 5,290, although the course can be extended to 7,784 yards for professional tournaments. More

than 60 bunkers, three salt-water lakes and restored sand dunes provide breath-taking on-course hazards.

Yas Acres Golf & Country Club offers both world-class golf and a country club experience, the Fry/Straka-designed 3700 yard nine-hole golf course is nestled across 130 acres within one of the capital’s most in-demand communities, Yas Acres. The floodlit Par-36 course features long holes, large bunkers and water in play on four of the holes to offer fun for golfers of all levels.

Klaus Assmann, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Hotels and Hospitality said: “Our golf portfolio includes some of the world’s best courses and complements our diverse range of leisure and hospitality assets located at two of Abu Dhabi’s most desirable destinations, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. With Viya Golf, we hope to further expand the experience at our courses, attracting even more visitors from local communities, the wider region and overseas.

Tauseef Khan wins dramatic Mike Gerbich Cup on countback

The Mike Gerbich Cup returned this year in high temperatures and humidity, but that didn’t stop quality golf from being played. Despite the conditions and black tee set up, four players came in tied for the lead on 37 points in the Overall Net Event. The winner by countback was Tauseef Khan in a round which saw four net birdies against four net bogeys on the back nine. Division A was won by Dalip Tripathi with 36 points and Division B winner was Robert Staton on 37 points. The overall gross prize was claimed by Sanjay Dhandsa who finished with a 73 despite a triple bogey on the fifth hole.

On what was a hot September day at Emirates Golf Club, Nonita Chand and Ninu Smith claimed the Ladies Scotch Foursomes Competition on the Majlis Course with over 30 ladies competing. The pairing claimed victory on 35 points with useful gross pars on holes four and 11. Second place was Lady Vice Captain Fiona Berry and Sabine Choudry who finished with 32 points.

Tom Rourke and Ashley Ropaie clinch impressive Par 3 victory

59club Middle East & Africa hosted their inaugural networking event at Trump International’s Par 3 course with Tom Rourke and Ashley Ropaie emerging victorious. The Els Club duo were four under par for their last six holes, eventually winning via countback over Michael Zhao and Stephen Hong. A real battle of competitive golf!

The much-anticipated return of the Radisson Blu Hotel Ajman saw the pairing of Connor Freeman and Ciaran O’Brien surface with the victory. Players in teams of two faced the format of foursomes on the front nine and better ball for the closing nine, with Freeman and O’Brien carding a six under 66 ahead of runners up Ramli Sulaiman and Yezen Kannan who carded a 69. The nearest the pin competitions on holes three and 12 were won by Ravi Ae.

George Fitchet claims Summer Open Golf Championship title

The 15th edition of the Summer Open Golf Championship was won by George Fitchet who posted a very impressive 40 Stableford points. He won by a single point over Benjamin Lee and in doing so earnt himself a new Titleist TSI driver as well as vouchers from event sponsor Gargash Autos. Fitchet also claimed the nearest the pin competitions on hole eight and 17 – what a day!

Deirdre Kemp wins the rst Ladies Stableford of the new season

The first Ladies Stableford Competition of the new season welcomed 27 competitors on the Faldo Course with Deirdre Kemp winning overall with 39 points on her return to the club. In the Silver Division, it was Monica Palao who triumphed with 36 points and the Bronze Division was won by Martha Wong on 37 points.

JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES

The annual Titleist Pairs Championship hosted nearly 200 golfers playing in pairs on day one across Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek, and Jumeirah Golf Estates. The top 16 teams from each club then qualified to compete for the grand prize on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club on day two. Taking the top prize on Sunday was Huw Roberts and Dorin Matieu with an outstanding tally of 43 points courtesy of four straight net birdies on the back nine.

SHARJAH GOLF

SHOOTING CLUB

Nonita Chanda and Ninu Smith crowned Ladies Scotch Foursomes Champions

Connor Freeman and Ciaran O’Brien secure midweek special with sublime 66

Huw Roberts and Dorin Matieu battle to outstanding Titleist Dubai Golf Pairs Championship win

Tiger Woods

Vijay Singh

Welcoming three icons of golf in the Middle East to the Viya Golf Abu Dhabi collection.

Play Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club at the best available rates, and earn Viya Rewards on every booking. Exclusively with the Viya app.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Yas Acres Golf & Country Club