Worldwide Golf October 2021

T H E M I D D L E E A S T ’ S N O .1 G O L F M A G A Z I N E

EST

1999

Worldwide Golf

OCTOBER

2021

E X C LU SI VE

BILLY FOSTER

FROM SLEEPING IN BUSHES TO CADDYING FOR THE BEST IN THE GAME

Niall

E X C LU S I V E

Horan The boy band superstar’s Modest! Golf is only going in one direction

DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

FANS ARE BACK AND WE COULDN’T BE MORE EXCITED

FEATURE

FOCUS

SIMON CORKILL

A NEW ERA FOR THE DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC BEGINS

RICHARD BLAND

DISSECTS WHY HIS CAREER KICK STARTED AT THE AGE OF 48

Worldwide Golf is the Official Media partner to the European Tour in the Middle East and the official magazine of the Emirates Golf Federation

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR SINCE 1999

GARY PLAYER

Europe needs to involve the rest of the world to take on the Americans in the Ryder Cup to protect the event’s appeal.

T

he runaway victory of the USA Team over the Europeans in The Ryder Cup was only to be expected, but I was very impressed and proud of the way the European players handled their loss with such dignity. At the presentation they put their arms around the American players and spoke most eloquently in congratulating them, looking eye to eye. It’s easy to be a good winner but it’s never easy to be a good loser.

The outcome of The Ryder Cup was always going to be in the Americans’ favour with so few European spectators in the galleries to cheer on their team, due to the Covid pandemic. But there’s nothing that can be done about the behaviour of the American fans. Unfortunately, all the shouting, screaming and boos, go with the territory in the USA. It’s a different world and a different game these days, and whether you like it or not it’s here to stay. You’ve just got accept the behaviour of the noise and the atmosphere and learn to take it or leave it. Certainly, it would be very difficult to try and do anything about it in the USA. The Europeans have virtually dominated The Ryder Cup over the past 12 years, but the tide has now changed. Something big has got to happen to improve European golf over the next two years to make it an evenly matched tournament. The Europeans will have to pull a rabbit out of the hat before they go to Italy for the next encounter. The Americans have produced a world-class team and there’s nothing to predict that it will be any different in Italy.

The Ryder Cup will have to change with the times if it’s going to prolong its popularity as the most exciting team event in the world golf. The fans want to see the best players globally battling it out in a team format, along with the worldwide television networks.

There’s a simple solution. Change the format of the event into the USA against the rest of the world. It’s the only chance I can see

“WE DON’T WANT THE RYDER CUP TO LOSE ITS GREAT FASCINATION”

that would make The Ryder Cup a truly competitive tournament, just as it used to be.

We don’t want The Ryder Cup to lose its great fascination. I was watching the action with some friends on television when several of them said: ‘Let’s go and play golf - the event is all over,’ but it was way before it was over. We don’t want to see that happening. It’s how it used to be in the old days. I never used to look on a Monday morning who had won The Ryder Cup. Now, over the last 12 years the excitement has returned but all that could change if we are not careful.

The public want to see the best in all aspects of the tournament.

If it becomes a one-way stretch it may have to become a contest between the USA and the rest of the world. It could certainly happen, sooner than we think.

Bryson DeChambeau attracted a great deal of interest at Whistling Straits with his prodigious big-hitting, but believe me, we are in the infancy of ever-increasing driving distances. Longdriving challenges have already reached 464 yards yet there’s simply no limit to how far they can go. The authorities need to do something about reducing yardages. We are frequently witnessing drives of 400-yards-plus and it won’t be too long before we see 450-yard drives-plus. It’s making many of our historic golf courses redundant.

It’s ludicrous that six holes of the Old Course at St.Andrews, the Home of Golf, can be reached by most of the players in the field.

We can expect to see tournament rounds of around 60,61,62 on a regular basis, which is ridiculous. If you can’t protect the course, you’ve got a serious problem.

I have often used a range finder when I’m practicing. It’s a useful time-saver. When Ben Hogan played, he knew the yardages merely from sight. He didn’t need to look at a Green Book or a yardage chart - they didn’t exist. We all learned to play with insight, instinct and feel to judge things. If you can’t read the course naturally, you’ve got a serious problem. When you’ve got the benefit of two or three practice rounds before you tee-off you don’t need a book.

More and more youngsters rely on distance guides, but the authorities should ban them altogether.

During the Ryder Cup I was in Arizona with Bob Parsons, founder of PXG. His set-up is at Scottsdale National is phenomenal. He must have spent millions on the gymnasium, spa, and cottages, which must be seen to be believed. It’s little wonder that he charges $500,000 for membership. The PXG brand has become well know for its high-end golf clubs, but he’s now got a more affordable line, which has really taken-off. Bob is very passionate about the game and PXG, which is great to see, as most manufacturers are now owned by investment firms - and it’s all about the money. ■

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CONTENTS 24

COVER Niall Horan might be one of the hottest pop stars in the business but his passion for golf has opened up a new career as one of the most influential figures in the game right now.

FEATURES 19 GOLF SAUDI September saw two huge annoucements coming out of the Kingdom for the men’s and women’s game.

28 SIMON CORKILL The British-born adopted Aussie who is steering an exciting new course for the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai Moonlight Classic.

19

30 RICHARD BLAND

The journeyman European Tour player with close to 500 starts and no wins coming into 2021 has become the fairtale story of the season, but what has enabled him to turn his career around in such dramatic fashion?

36 BILLY FOSTER

Not many caddies can boast a CV like Billy’s.

From Seve to Tiger this straight talking Yorkshrieman has seen it all., Read about his time on the bag with the best in the business and how he once slept at the side of a motorway.

DAVID HOWELL

26

34

PETE COWEN

EUROPE CAN TAKE POSITIVES FROM LOSS

RYDER CUP WASN’T WON OFF THE TEE

It’s not all doom and gloom for Europe despite the historic thrashing. Jon Rahm reminded me of Seve with the way he linked with Garcia. We all know what Seve alone did for European hopes!

That’s right - before you all think the American’s bullied Europe off the tee and should the losing team need to down the protein shakes and hit the gym more, just look at the stats. So what is the answer?

40

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41

Three Times The Fun !

Now @ 3 Locations !

Arabian Ranches Golf Club Umm Suqeim Street

Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club

CONTENTS 42

SWING Pete Cowen looks at Jack Nicklaus’ swing and explains why the greatest golfer of all time managed to drive the 18th at St. Andrews in 1970 for all four rounds during the The Open with a Persimmon driver and super soft balata ball.

It’s a technique no one has been able to master!

46

48

INSTRUCTION Jamie Coughlin, PGA Professional at Topgolf, Dubai, shows us how to correct one of the most common faults in beginners’ swings.

50 MAJILIS REOPENING The iconic course resplendent with new greens.

GEAR When a product is launched with the name Jaws, you automatically expect sharp teeth, and in the wedge world that surely equates to spin. So does the latest Callaway Jaws Full Toe wedge bite like a Great White or is it just a marketing spin?

52

54

ASIA PACIFIC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP The leading amateurs in the world join the UAE’s best at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

EAGL BUSINESS SERIES Shiv Kapur discusses the latest new launch from the Emirates Amateur Golf League.

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56 GEM INTERNATIONAL The region’s top amatuers compete for World Amateur Golf Ranking points at Arabian Ranches.

EDITOR’S LETTER

RYDER CUP HANGOVER

I

was one of the many European hopefuls that had fingers and other things crossed hoping we could at least push the USA close at Whistling Straits, but the outcome was a worrying sign of things to come.

Steve Stricker could have fielded a B team and still beaten the best of Europe. With 13 American players inside the top 20 in the Official World Golf Ranking and Europe fielding just four, the form gap between the two sides was too great.

Every member of team USA had a steller season and they could even afford to leave out Billy Horschel, who is second on the Race to Dubai and the WGC Match Play champion. Only four members from Europe have topped a leaderboard this season and two of those came at the start of the year at Abu Dhabi and Dubai (Tyrrell Hatton and Paul Casey).

You can’t take anything away from the American team, they were top class, and just demolished Europe with better golf.

Europe will need to hope the likes of Robert McIntyre and the Hojgaard twins continue to develop on the world stage.

As the likes of Westwood, Garcia, Rose, Casey and Poulter will struggle to make it to Italy in 2023. All of a sudden, the legendary European Ryder Cup front line will be missing, and team USA could dominate for the foreseeable future like they did in the 1970s and early 80s.

Europe need the Ryder Cup to draw huge global viewing figures to keep the money rolling in and if the Ryder Cup becomes uncontested the numbers will drop, hitting them financially.

Gary Player in his column this month talks about uniting the Presidents Cup with the Ryder Cup, making it the rest of

the world versus America. Even if Harrington had the rest of the world to choose from to take on America who would you add? Oosthuizen, Ancer and Matsuyama would have been a huge boost but even with them in the team, I could not see the outcome being any different.

It was interesting to chat to legendary caddy, Billy Foster about the game for this issue, as he explains just how things have changed and the master craftsmen have been replaced with straight hitting power players.

That is the main issue with the game. PGA TOUR courses are, in general, set up for the power game as that is the platform designed for the TV audience, who tune in to see Bryson and Koepka smash the living daylights out of the ball.

It doesn’t come as a surprise to see the game turning into a variation of a long drive championship. When you look at Europe’s Ryder Cup triumphs over recent decades, many of their victories have come at courses such as Gleneagles, The Belfry and Valderrama where accuracy overcomes power.

Fingers crossed Italy will follow the same set up.

We can now look forward to the DP World Tour Championship and seeing crowds line the fairways once more.

The pandemic will no doubt prevent some of the big names from attending but there needs to be a little more flexibility with regards to who can enter. This year a limited number of invitations should be made available, or we run the risk of not having the defending Race to Dubai champion, Lee Westwood, in the field.

Alex Gallemo�e

ISSUE No.239 OCTOBER 2021 • Published by: Worldwide Sporting Publications Ltd • Published in Dubai by: Prografix • PO Box 24677 • Dubai, UAE (Tel) +9714 340 3785 Editor-in-Chief: Mike Gallemore • Executive Editor: Gary Player • Editor: Alex Gallemore (alex@wspglobal.com) Publisher: Mike Gallemore (mike@wspglobal.com) • General Manager Dubai: Richard Bevan (rick@wspglobal.com) • Editors: Todd Staszko, Thomas Wragg, Ashraf Ahmed • Production/Design Editor: Thameem Rayyan • Editorial Panel: Gary Player, Mike Gallemore, Alex Gallemore, Richard Bevan, Todd Staszko • Photography: Getty Images • June 2009 SSN 1- 46805671 • Approval UAE National Media Council: Ref.816 30/5/2007 Trade Licence No. 1/104375/15280 • Worldwide Golf specifies that post-press changes may occur to any information given in this publication and takes no responsibility for goods or services advertised.

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Printed by: Raidy, Dubai Distributed by: Al Nisr Distribution LLC, PO Box 6519, Dubai, UAE

SOCIETY SHOWDOWN

Al Hamra Golf Club Friday 15th October 1pm shotgun

EAT, DRINK, STAY & PLAY FOR JUST

AED 595!

Let battle commence to decide the UAE’s best golf society…

Format: Four-player teams. Best Two Stableford Scores on each hole count.

Price: AED 595* per person based upon two golfers sharing a twin room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island including 3-hour drinks package (inclusive of all taxes) and bacon butty. AED 805 per person for single occupancy (or shared double with non-golfer).

To register your team please email: Attie.vw@alhamragolf.com For more information please contact: events@WorldwideGolfMe.com

WIN

Non-golf society members are also free to enter a four-player team.

Friday night stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island and unlimited weekend golf at Al Hamra for the winning team!

*Published rates only available until October 1st, 2021 after which amended hotel rates will be calculated according to room availability.

Scan the QR Code to book your spot

Coming soon...

Yas Acres THE Abu Dhabi golf landscape is set to expand in the coming weeks with the eagerly anticipated opening of the Yas Acres course.

Situated on Yas Island, the Fry/ Straka-designed par-36, 9-hole layout will feature floodlights, a

series of lakes with interconnecting streams and the world’s first fully 3D printed building! We’ll be bringing you a full-blown course review once we get the chance to play it but here’s what we’ve been told to expect:

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YAS ACRES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Course designer: Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design Grass type: • Greens - Paspalum Platinum • Tees, fairways, rough - Pure Dynasty Paspalum Number of Lakes: 4 with interconnecting streams.

Number of bunkers: 32 Eco-friendly features: • No single use plastic water bottles • Bamboo tees utilised to reduce the impact on the environment Innovation: The on-course F&B is the world’s first fully structural 3D printed building!

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Team USA stormed to an emphatic 19-9 victory over the Europeans at Whistling Straight to record the largest winning margin of the modern era, but that wasn’t the only interesting stat to emerge from the demolition job that occurred in Wisconsin.

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RYDER CUP Let’s run the numbers…

2

Dustin Johnson became only the fifth player to close out a 5-0 Ryder Cup clean sweep with a 1-up win over Paul Casey in the singles.

5

6

19

24

1967

The US Team claimed two consecutive victories at home for the first time since 1983.

The 19 total points scored by the Americans is the most for either side in the Ryder Cup since the rest of Europe joined Great Britain and Ireland at the event in 1979.

Down and Out: Paul Casey had the toughest week from a European perspective, going 0-4.

The USA fielded their youngest ever team. Collin Morikawa was the most youthful player on the team, at 24 years old, and already a double Major champion.

Amigos: Spain went 6-2-1, with Jon Rahm (3-1-1) and Sergio Garcia (3-1-0) joining forces to great effect.

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The six American rookies combined for a record of 14-4-3, including three who went undefeated—Collin Morikawa (3-0-1), Patrick Cantlay (3-0-1) and Scottie Scheffler (2-0-1).

The US Team went undefeated (won or tied) through all five sessions for the first time since 1967.

Advantage: The US Team took an 11-5 lead into the final round singles, its biggest advantage entering the final session at the Ryder Cup since 1975.

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HISTORIC MONTH FOR

GOLF SAUDI T

O say it was a busy month for Golf Saudi would be something of an understatement. First up came the news that sent shockwaves through the world of golf as it was announced that the 2022 Saudi International will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour as part of a new 10-year deal that sees the star-studded tournament officially break away from the European Tour.

Then came the announcement that the Kingdom would host the biggest two weeks of professional women’s sport in its history – with 108 players competing for back-to-back $1m tournaments on the Ladies European Tour.

Commenting on the Saudi International’s move CEO of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation, Majed Al-Sorour, said:

“Today marks a significant development for our flagship golf event and our vision to strengthen the depth of world-class golf events, both in the GCC and also on the international stage.

“The importance and potential of Asia’s role in world golf is undeniable, not least due to its position as a global economic powerhouse. This partnership will unlock many opportunities for players, sponsors and fans of the game. Most importantly, we are eager to help build a more inclusive game for all eligible professional golfers that spans borders and cultures by fostering collaboration with major tours and see this as an exciting first step on that journey.”

The tournament, which will continue

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to be held at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, near Jeddah, between February 3-6, 2022, will also feature an increased purse of US$5M – up from US$3.5M. Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Asian Tour, said: “This is an outstanding development for the Asian Tour that will create significant benefits for our membership, key stakeholders, and fans alike.

“The Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers is a worldclass tournament which has become truly global. We are thrilled that it will be the showcase event of the Asian Tour’s season, spearheading our expansion into new frontiers.”

TEAM PEDERSEN, FEATURING MICHELE THOMSON, CASANDRA HALL AND AMATEUR MATT SELBY

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GOLF SAUDI

LANDMARK LADIES

DOUBLE-HEADER B efore the men’s event gets underway, the Ladies European Tour stars will descend on Royal Greens with a bulging prize fund of $2 million up for grabs across two consecutive events.

The Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF returns for a second year – after its watershed debut in 2020 as the first ever professional women’s golf tournament in KSA. The individual stroke play tournament will be followed by the culmination of the inaugural Aramco Team Series – the new four-tournament concept introduced on the LET earlier this year which has already been to London, Sotogrande and New York.

The innovative format sees teams of four, that include three professionals and one amateur, compete as both a team and as individuals.

Last year Danish star Emily Kristine Pedersen stole the headlines and made history by winning both tournaments enroute to the 2020 Race to Costa del Sol crown – awarded to Europe’s leading golfer.

The 25-year-old Solheim Cup player will return to defend her crowns in Jeddah.

“Last year was a pretty incredible experience to be part of two history making events in Saudi Arabia for our sport at a crucial time in the season”, said Pedersen.

“Everything obviously came together and clicked for me over the week in both the individual and team formats in Jeddah.

We’re getting some great support on the LET this year from events like these and it’s giving lots of momentum for more players getting a chance to play with the world’s top names,” she added.

International stars already confirmed for Jeddah are three-time major winner Anna Nordqvist (Sweden), Minjee Lee (Australia),

Anne van Dam (Netherlands) plus English duo Charley Hull and Georgia Hall.

November’s consecutive blockbuster tournaments will see players compete for what will be the LET season’s biggest purses after only Amundi Evian Championship and AIG Women’s Open.

High profile golf events are a feature of Saudi Arabia’s golf strategy which aims introduce more youngsters into the sport and transform the Kingdom into a leading nation in the sport. Female inclusivity is also a key element of Golf Saudi’s development strategy and last year they initiated ‘the Ladies First Club’ which gave1,000 women in Saudi Arabia free golf club memberships.

Al Sorour said: “Our vision is to grow golf across the Kingdom, and make it both accessible and enjoyable to all men, women and children. We know hosting these innovative tournaments and initiatives like the Ladies First Club not only attracts the world’s best players but also inspires a new generation of golfers to take up a sport that can have a huge positive impact in lives. Jeddah will once again mark another step in our journey to put Saudi Arabia on the international golfing map.”

Free tickets are now available for the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by Public Investment Fund (Nov 4-7) followed by the Aramco Team Series – Jeddah (November 10-12) and can be secured via the Aramco Team Series website (www.aramcoteamseries.com) and the Aramco Saudi Ladies International website (www.golfsaudi.com/en-us/asli-2021).

1,000 SAUDI WOMEN AND GIRLS SIGNED-UP FOR THE LADIES FIRST CLUB DURING THE FIRST SAUDI LADEIS INTERNATIONAL

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DP World Tour Championship The fabulous five This year’s DP World Tour Championship is set to be bigger and better than ever before with the top 50 players on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai competing for a mammoth prize fund of US $9 million, with US $3 million going to the champion. Here, the Worldwide Golf team has put together their top five things to look forward to at the fourth and final Rolex Series event of the season.

1

Fans are back!

After missing out on last year’s event due to COVID-19 restrictions, fans are set to return to the European Tour’s season ending event from the 18-21 November. Combining world-class golf with incredible entertainment, fans attending this year’s event can look forward to more variety across the village, hospitality and on-course than ever before, with something for the whole family to enjoy.

A range of hospitality tickets are now available while fans can also pre-register for FREE entry for all four days of the tournament.

2

Ultimate Fan Experience

Remember the Alandalus Lounge from the 2019 DP World Tour Championship? It’s back and better than ever with a brand-new name to boot – Ultimate Fan Experience! As part of the package, spectators can enjoy access to the 16th green hospitality lounge, offering fantastic views of the course as well as access to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Clubhouse and the preferential viewing platform on the 18th Green. Spectators will enjoy a BBQ lunch, snacks, free

flowing hops, grape and soft drinks, as well as enjoying a grab and go breakfast, all of which is provided by the Jumeirah Group.

3

Potential debuts

One of the joys of the DP World Tour Championship is seeing what players make it from the European Tour’s Race to Dubai every season. With only the top 50 players making their way to Dubai for the season-ending event, the field is always a strong one and this year is no different. Masters Tournament runner-up Will Zalatoris looks set to make his debut while BMW PGA Championship winner Billy Horschel will make a first outing on the Earth course as he looks to become the first American to win the Race to Dubai title.

4

Return of the Luckiest Ball on Earth

Amateur golfers up and down the region rejoice, the Luckiest Ball on Earth competition is back! Prizes worth more than AED 300,000 are on offer including premium hospitality tickets and merchandise

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for the DP World Tour Championship.

The overall male, female, and junior winner will receive a coveted place in the DP World Tour Championship ProAm taking place on November 16th.

Qualifying tournaments will be held at 20 golf clubs across the Emirates, with the triumphant golfers booking their spot in the Grand Final at Jumeirah Golf Estates on 29th October 2021.

5

EDGA Dubai Finale

The tournament will once again host the European Disabled Golfers Association (EDGA) Dubai Finale from November 1920, with eight of the leading EDGA golfers having already qualified to battle it out on the Earth course. World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) No.2 Brendan Lawlor will be one of the stars of the show in Dubai with two wins already under his belt this season on the EDGA European Tour Schedule with Chris Biggins and World No.1 Kipp Popert securing silverware at the other two events on the five tournament schedule.

FAN

TASTIC

MOMENTS

We can barely contain our excitement at the news of fans being allowed back at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, with the roar of the crowd sorely missed at last year’s event! To celebrate, we’ve picked out some of our favourite FANtastic moments over the years at Dubai’s greatest sporting spectacle.

to the delight of the packed galleries. Playing alongside Rory McIlroy, a six iron from 183 yards did the job for Lowry, who went on to finish in fifth place as he broke into the world’s top 50 for the first time.

Álvaro Quirós’ Eagle Putt - 2011

Henrik Stenson’s European Tour Shot of the Year - 2013

The best shot to ever be played at the event?

The Iceman hit the European Tour Shot of the Year to the 18th green on the final day of the 2013 season to win both the Race to Dubai and the season-ending tournament itself. His incredible three wood from way back down the fairway came to rest just a couple of feet from the hole, leaving Stenson with a tap-in eagle.

The occasion, the execution and the celebration from the fans – its what dreams are made of.

Shane Lowry Hole-in-One – 2014 Everybody loves a hole-in-one, right? Shane Lowry made his first professional ace at the season-finale on the 13th hole in 2013 much

Álvaro Quirós’ monster eagle putt that won the 2011 edition of the DP World Tour Championship went down in history as one of the greatest endings to the tournament.

With Paul Lawrie applying the pressure on Quirós, many expected the six-time European Tour winner to lag his putt up safely. Quirós however, had other ideas. The amazing moment sent the Spaniard into a crazy celebration with the adoring crowd feeding off his joy to make it a moment to remember.

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Trick Shot Boys

One of the best things about the DP World Tour Championship is the wide-range of entertainment they have available off the course. The Trick Shot Boys have been part of the furniture at the DP World Tour Championship for a number of years and their greatest tricks always involve a member of the audience! Fancy getting one of the Trick Shot Boys to smash a ball from the top of your pocket while they’re bouncing on a giant ball? Of course you do!

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If someone told you that one of the most influential people in golf used to be one fifth of the world’s most famous boyband, you’d probably tell them to go and have a sit down! But former One Direction singer Niall Horan is just that. The Irishman, who founded golf management company Modest! Golf in 2016, has quickly become one of game’s most prominent figures with both the European Tour and R&A joining forces with the global popstar in a bid to make the game more inclusive. Worldwide Golf’s Thomas Wragg caught up with the 28-year-old to find out where the motivation to make the game more inclusive comes from and what’s next for Modest! Golf.

Worldwide Golf: When did you first fall in love with the game?

Niall Horan: I started playing when I was young back in Mullingar, Ireland with my friends. We were addicted and played all the time. I also loved watching the Masters with my dad and I grew up in the Tiger era which got me addicted.

WWG: How does one go from being part of the world’s most influential boy bands to being considered one of the most influential figures in golf?

NH: I’m not sure! My day job is my music, however golf is a massive passion of mine and I just felt I could help some younger golfers coming through. The growth of the business these last few years has been unreal and I’m loving every minute. I have a great team within Modest! Golf and we’ve got some amazing clients – I’m very lucky.

WWG: The innovative World Invitational was a game-changer for golf. How important is to you to give everybody an equal platform?

NH: So important in this day and age. I’m aware I have a large female following and feel I have a responsibility to do my bit and try and make it a more equal platform. The event does exactly that and I hope it inspires more events to do the same in the future. We’re very happy with how the first staging of the tournament went, but of course there is always room for improvement. To put on an event like that during the pandemic was hugely challenging, however we know where we can make improvements and we are already planning 2022 and beyond.

WWG: Where does the motivation come from for making the game more inclusive?

NH: Very simply the love of the game. I think the industry as a whole needs to keep striving towards this goal. Golf is an incredible game and we must continue to break down the barriers that are stopping people from giving the game a try. . Golf has given me a lot and is a massive part of my life. If I can use my platform for good then I am only to delighted to do so.

WWG: You’ve been a huge advocate for disability golf and a lot more opportunities have arisen in the last few years. But what do you think needs to be done to take this to the next level?

NH: Modest! signing Brendan Lawlor (pictured bottom right with Niall) was a huge moment for our business and has taught me so much about disability golf. The industry collectively needs to continue to put golfers with disability on a bigger platform. Hopefully this will attract more sponsors, more investment and more media to back it and help grow it. We have seen first hand the number of people who have struggles reach out to Brendan and tell him how me he is inspiring them. He is a legend and has become a great friend. Brendan has the world at his feet, he is so determined and is so selfless. He wants to use his platform to help others which is very inspiring. Modest! will do all we can to help.

WWG: If it were down to you, what single thing needs to change in golf to make it better?

NH: A big question. I think in short we need to

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make golf more accessible. Dress code, cost, certain rules all must be looked at in order to attract the younger generation.

WWG: What plans do Modest! Golf have for the future?

NH: We want to continue to grow the business, sign great talent and use our company to give back to the game. Disability golf and women’s golf need to be supported more and we will continue to do all we can.

WWG: What golf courses have you played in Dubai?

NH: I played with Rory at Emirates Golf Club and loved it. Dubai is great, the golf courses are amazing and I love the nightlife and restaurants. I enjoyed doing the desert safari which was amazing, I will come back soon to do that again!

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WE WANT TO BE THE BEST EVENT ON TOUR”

By Richard Bevan

Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic Tournament Director Simon Corkill sets out bold vision for the future

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THE UAE

golf community was caught off-guard last month with the huge news that the much-loved Dubai Desert Classic would, from 2022 onwards, welcome a new title sponsor in the shape of international shipping and logistics provider Slync.io. Not only that, the move sees the event take another step up in level to join the prestigious Rolex Series with an $8 million prize fund to boot.

“It was a it was a logical step for the tournament,” says Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of Falcon & Associates, organisers of the newly-named Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic as well as the upcoming Dubai Moonlight Classic, both held at Emirates Golf Club. “The Desert Classic was the pioneering event in the Middle East and with the DP World Tour Championship and Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship being big Rolex Series events, it was a natural progression for us to step up to the Rolex Series.”

Slync.io are making big inroads into golf having signed up big names such as Ryder Cup stars Justin Rose, Viktor Hovland and Bernd Wiesberger among others, as ambassadors.

Corkill therefore believes that the company, which specialises in moving things from A to B, was a natural choice to help Dubai’s longest running Tour event move to the next level.

“Dubai expects the best and we will deliver the best,” he says. “It was the right time for us to make the change and to have a global partner in Slync, who are heavily involved in golf now, they love the sport – it’s a great tool to grow their business.

Corkill believes the pull of the tournament will be greater than ever. It sits directly after fellow $8 million mega event, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the European Tour schedule from Jan 27-28, meaning the world’s best players will have the chance to play for $16 million over a fortnight in the UAE.

Paul Casey celebrates on the 18th green after claiming victory at the 2021 Dubai Desert Classic.

To have an international company of that stature involved is great for us. The Rolex Series tournaments are the premier events on the European Tour and Dubai needs to be in that position as we go forward.”

The Desert Classic’s roll of honour reads like a Who’s Who of modern golf history with such luminaries as Seve Ballesteros, Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, Colin Montgomerie and Rory McIlroy adorning the famous Dallah Trophy. But, after a cash injection which more than doubles the $3.25 million on offer at the last two editions,

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BIG IMPACT “I think that having an $8 million purse guarantees an extremely strong field,” he says. “We still need to work to get a field of the highest quality because a lot of the top players are in demand around the world but certainly with having two Rolex Series events back to back in the region the world’s top players will be here and it’s going to have a big impact.”

The Desert Classic had already built up a reputation as one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the season in the 32 years since the inaugural event was played back in 1989 on a Majlis course that was surrounded on all four sides by desert where Dubai’s sprawling metropolis now stands.

Since then, other Blue Ribband tournaments such the one held in the UAE’s capital, and the DP World Tour Championship, held at nearby Jumeirah Golf Estates, have staked their claim as the region’s leading golf showpiece.

But with all the elements now in place for a strong and stable future, Corkill has laid out a very clear mandate for the Slnc.io Dubai Desert Classic.

“We want to be the best event on Tour and we’ll strive very hard to do that,” he proclaims. “We’ve got some stiff competition,

SIMON CORKILL

was first introduced in 2019 and there are plans to expand the theme this year as well as bringing in a host of new attractions to draw in the wider social crowd in addition to golf lovers and those who want to learn more about the game.

“This year it’s actually going to be a night event only,” reveals Corkill. “The pro-am will be played at night pre-tournament and Wednesday to Friday will be pros only under the lights. We did this for a number of reasons but one of the main factors from a TV product point of view is that there wasn’t actually enough professional golf happening during the TV window, with only 28 players out there. Now, from Wednesday to Friday, the telecast can concentrate on the pro golf with 56 players out there under the lights.

especially locally, but that’s our key objective.

“We also want to make sure that everyone who comes into contact with the event has a great experience and becomes ambassadors for Dubai. Our aim is that everyone who comes through the gates of Emirates Golf Club; players, sponsors, spectators, media, caddies – walks out after they have been to the event having had a great experience and becomes an advocate.

“We also want people who watch the event around the world to be encouraged to come to Dubai.”

One point of interest regarding last month’s seismic announcement, was that the Slync. io title sponsorship does not cover the Dubai Moonlight Classic, which will again take place under the floodlights of Emirates Golf Club’s Faldo Course from 27-29 October.

LIKEMINDED PARTNER “Slync will be a major part of the ladies’ event from 2022 onwards,” says Corkill. “They won’t be title sponsor - a lot of it comes down to the investment side of things and we need investment to run both events.

Slync is concentrating on the men’s event but is also a big investor in the ladies’ event so the title partnership is available and we want to work with a likeminded partner that wants to take that event another level.

“We’ve got aspirations for the ladies’ event to ideally be co sanctioned with the LPGA, but we need funding. We are talking to partners about it but we are not at that stage yet.

We will run the event this year as the Dubai Moonlight Classic and we’ve got great belief in that event. It’s the only professional event that’s played under the lights, goes into primetime television into Europe and to the US in the morning. We believe very strongly that we need to have a strong ladies’ event and we’ll continue to do that, we want to take it to a new level but we need partners to do that.”

The night-golf aspect of the Moonlight Classic proved a huge success since it

We want to be the best event on Tour and we’ll strive very hard to do that. We’ve got some stiff competition, especially locally, but that’s our key objective.

SI M ON C O R K I L L

EXECUTIVE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR OF FALCON & ASSOCIATES

Minjee Lee poses with the trophy after winning the Dubai Moonlight Classic last year.

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TRUCKERS UAE “We’re doing a collaboration with Truckers UAE for a food and beverage partnership to encourage people to come along and have a good time during the weekend with family and friends. We’re also going to have a ‘come and try’ element from a golf point of view so once the players are on the course, from 5pm onwards the range will be open and a professional will be there to help people wanting to get into the game.

It’s certainly aimed at juniors and ladies but it’s also for men and we want them to touch and feel golf for the first time and have a good night out with the food and beverage. It will be free entry for all to enjoy the facilities, have a great time at Emirates Golf Club and watch world class golf.

So, we’re really trying to introduce it to new markets as well as the golf fans, who we hope will come anyway because there will be some great golfers competing!”

It’s been quite a ride for Corkill since the Englishman, who spent 20 years in Australia before coming to the UAE, took up his post with Falcon in April 2019.

He had built up a wealth of experience organising Tour events for IMG in London before moving Down Under where he added music, fashion, outdoor cinema and even surfing events to his extensive resume.

But nothing could have prepared him for the task of organising two international events in the midst of a global pandemic.

“It’s been a rollercoaster for everyone,” he says. “In 2020 we managed to run a very successful Desert Classic and then we moved into pandemic world very quickly after that. It’s been tough. We managed to run the ladies’ event last year in the middle of the pandemic and we managed to run the men’s event whilst the cases were on the rise in 2021. But, touch wood, I think we’ve come through it. The industry and Dubai handled the pandemic amazingly and we’re very lucky to live here and to be in that position.”

Falcon & Associates are equally lucky to have someone as surefooted and forward thinking as Corkill at the helm of two of Dubai’s flagship events as he steers a course into what promises to be a very exciting future. ■

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RICHARD BLAND

MEMORABLE MOMENTS are few and far between in the golfing world but when Richard Bland, universally known as ‘Blandy,’ became the oldest first time-winner on the European Tour at the age of 48 he created widespread rejoicing among his colleagues. After 487 starts on the Tour ‘Blandy’s’ determination and never-say-die enthusiasm to succeed won through. The Englishman proved that age is no barrier with a 30-foot birdie putt on the 18th at The Belfry and a three-foot putt in the play-off to win the Betfred British Masters for the moment of a lifetime. He went on to finish fifth in the Italian Open and third in the Cazoo Classic at The London Club. He also had the honour of hitting the opening tee-shot to get The Open underway at Royal St. George’s Golf Club. Having proved his point that consistency can work wonders, Blandy has now got his sights set on the DP World Tour Championship. We caught up with him to find out where the resurgence in his game has come from.

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RICHARD BLAND

Talk us through that winning moment at the Betfred British Masters and what did it mean to have Tim Barter by your side?

Blandy: To have Tim there made the experience all the more sweeter. He’s been with me since I first got on Tour, especially as we couldn’t have family and friends there because of the pandemic.

For Tim to be interviewing me at the trophy presentation was very special for me.

It’s well known how hard you have worked on dialling in your yardages in recent years. Was there a reason why you didn’t focus on this aspect earlier?

Blandy: Yes, I’ve worked hard on yardages and it has certainly made a big difference.

I wish I had worked more on it earlier - but we live and learn. My usual day would be to work on all aspects of my game, especially on within 150 yards, and also with my short game and my putting. I try and play a few rounds during the week if I’m not at tournaments.

You’ve managed to continue your run of form but how hard is it to not just relax and reflect on what has been a truly remarkable season?

Blandy: There’s always something to play for during the season. So it was important to try and carry on playing well and attempting to make Majors and achieve higher Race to Dubai positions for big tournaments such as the DP World Championship during next year, too.

What was it like to lead the US Open going into Saturday and how did you prepare?

Blandy: After the media commitments I had to do on Friday, I did a little bit of practice and then I just relaxed and rested as much as possible before playing Saturday.

How has technology helped you in terms of being able to compete against the fearless teenage ‘bombers’?

Blandy: I guess everyone hits the ball a lot further these days, so it has helped, of course. But with all may experience and knowing my own game is a big plus.

Over the years on Tour you must have made some great friends and colleagues.

How hard is it when you see them miss their playing cards or have to retire due to lack of form or injury, and do you still manage to stay in touch with them?

Blandy: Certainly, over the years I’ve got to know a lot of good guys and when they lose their card it’s tough to see. Although, this is all part of the game we play and the standard is so high. But at the end of the day you have to focus on yourself and concentrate on playing the best you can.

Is there a club in your bag that you would never contemplate selling?

Blandy: Yes, my trusty 5-wood. It’s been in the bag for the past 12+ years now.

What advice would you give a talented youngster who is looking to turn professional?

Blandy: My advice, of course, would be to work hard and find a coach that you understand, and know your golf swing inside out, so you’re not completely reliant on the coach. Work hard, particularly from within 150 yards because that’s where you can make the most gains in regards to lowering your scores.

If you went on a road trip for a week and could only take three passengers, who would you take?

Blandy: I’d take my brother, former footballer, Matt Le Tissier and Jason Prewitt.

The latter two are close friends and to my brother also. So we’d be certain to enjoy the best time we could have. ■

FAVOURITES: GOLFERS: Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan SPORTS STAR: Ronnie O’Sullivan CAR: Lamborghini Aventodor HOLIDAY RESORT: Maldives GOLF COURSE: Augusta National ACTORS: Tom Hanks and Kate Winslet MUSIC ALBUM: Oasis, What’s The Story Morning Glory FILM: Gladiator RESTAURANT: Nobu

What are your goals when you tee it up at the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates towards the end of the year?

Blandy: My goal will be to win the event, as is always the case in any event I play. But I will strive to finish as high as I can in the Race to Dubai.

Since you joined the European Tour, how do you think your game has changed?

Blandy: Over many years I guess my game has just become more consistent. Knowing more about what works for me and what doesn’t I feel I can work in a smarter way and I certainly believe I now have more quality than quantity.

What course or tournament is on your professional bucket list, and why?

Blandy: I’d love to play the Masters at Augusta National. It’s one of the Majors I’d love to win and the venue is so special.

Did Phil Mickelson’s PGA win gave you a fresh outlook on the game?

Blandy: No, not really. Of course, it’s great that at the age of 51 he can still win a Major.

But I’ve always believed I could win one, too.

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LIFE ON THE BAG

From sleeping in bushes at the side of a motorway to becoming one of the best caddies in the world of golf, we caught up with Billy Foster just before he headed off to Whistling Straits to find out more about his four decades in the job.

How do you become one of the greatest caddies in golf? Having a dry sense of humour and a no nonsense out -look on life has certain been a benefit for Billy Foster. The unassuming Yorkshireman has worked for some of the best in the business over his 40 years on Tour and no other could put Seve and Tiger down on their CV. But before any of you failing golfers out there opt for a career change, life on the bag isn’t all about private jets and fast living. Most caddies earn five to 10 percent of their player’s winnings and have to fund the travel expenses out of their own pocket. So when your man misses the cut you get ten percent of nothing!

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How do you manage all the travelling during the year?

Billy: It’s just been part and parcel of life, I’ve been doing this since I was 16 years old.

I started off getting busses from Bradford to London and sleeping on the bus, then you’d get on a train for two days to get to Portugal or southern Spain. You just learned to sleep on a washing line! You have to learn how to eat any food and sleep in any bed. I slept in a bush on the side of a motorway once trying to hitch a lift to Biarritz one year. It was a hard upbringing, those first few years caddying, because you couldn’t afford to do anything. You didn’t earn a lot. You just did it to travel and learn a bit more about the game. So, regarding flying on planes and getting your head down and then getting off and doing a job – it’s just part and parcel of what I’ve grown up to do. I don’t need your private jets and first-class cabins, I just get my head down, have a couple of G&Ts to knock myself out, get some sleep and then wake up and get on with it.

You have been traveling to Dubai since the Desert Classic started but what are your standout memories?

The two standouts would be Seve winning the Desert Classic at Emirates in 1992 and obviously Westwood winning the inaugural DP World Tour Championship and the Race to Dubai – it was like winning two tourna-

ments on the same day. Dubai’s always been a special place to me and one of my best mates, John Goodwin, who sadly died a couple of years ago, he always used to be there in front of the Emirates clubhouse playing the guitar and singing Neil Diamond songs. So,there’s lots of special memories and every time I go there I can still see him there singing ‘Sweet Caroline’.

From a playing perspective, how have the courses changes in those intervening years?

The Majlis at Emirates hasn’t really changed that much at all. It’s still the same layout. It’s one of those courses that isn’t really a bombers course because you’re hitting across a lot of fairways, with a lot of dog-legs, so it still plays very similarly to how it always has, to be quite honest.

If Seve was a better driver of the ball, do you think his chipping and short game wouldn’t have been as good?

Probably not, but he did grow up with just the one club and he used his imagination to feel shots. There is an argument to say that if he never missed greens he wouldn’t be chipping as much, obviously, but he had imagination like no other player I’ve ever worked for. He could see the shots and feel the shots, and, regardless, he would always be an unbelievable chipper.

You have managed to get Westwood and Fitzpatrick over the line at the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates but how does it play compared to the Majlis?

Earth is one of those courses you need to play a few times. A lot of the greens you can’t see from the fairway – you can only see the top of the flag. So it plays different. If you play in the morning it’s hard to catch up, especially at the DP World Tour Championship. In the morning there’s a bit of dew on the ground and it’s colder, so it plays a lot longer than when the leaders tee off at lunchtime. So you need to try and get off to a decent start in that tournament, otherwise you’re behind the 8-ball a little bit.

What was your first memory of Dubai?

I think it was 1988, the first one. I was on the bag of Gordon Brand Jnr. We stayed downtown, right in the middle of town, which was obviously about 20 miles away from the golf course and it was just a two-lane highway full of camels and desert, with no buildings the whole way there. It’s incredible the way it’s changed.

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Do you have to recalculate yardages and the way you read the greens depending on whether it’s morning or afternoon play?

Yeah for sure, if the temperature is a lot hotter in the afternoon the ball is going to fly a bit

BILLY FOSTER

further. In the morning it’s a bit colder there’s a bit of dew around so the ball could certainly go a club less. From the high heat of the afternoon to first thing in the morning could be two clubs difference.

Can you pre-calculate this or is it something you adapt to using your experience?

You get a natural feel for it through experience. You will get lads on the range using laser rangefinders or using the Trackman to see what numbers it’s throwing out, so they’ve got an idea of how many yards less the ball is flying. So it’s one or the other, and you just know through experience that it’s going to go less in the morning. If you’re in between clubs, you can always hit the longer one because in the morning it’s not flying as far.

Have you found Trackman a help, from your perspective?

I don’t read it, I’ve been out there 40 years now so I don’t get wrapped up in all the technology of it all and the terminology with it’s ‘uphills’ and ‘downhills’ that people allow for. People will say ‘oh this is 11 yards downhill’ but in my head it’s half a club downhill, I don’t tend to read too much into ups and downs so I don’t get too wrapped up in it, I leave that to Fitz because he’s clued up on it.

Is technology a hindrance for players, in some respects?

I think it’s helped a lot in certain ways but I think players read far too much into a lot of things as well, so it’s a bit of a Clint Eastwood movie really, it’s the Good, the Bad and the Ugly – it’s a bit of everything. There’s certainly been a lot of good, but I think you can read too much, with too many figures and facts being thrown at you. You’ve got to get back to playing the game and feeling the shots.

Do you think green books and maybe yardage books being taken away would challenge the players more to be creative?

Absolutely, yeah. The yardage books and green books now are so magnificent and so brilliant that you could turn up at a course and probably play it without having seen the course before, they’re that good. And it’s taken away the necessity to have a top caddy as such, because the information is so brilliant. That’s why you’re seeing a lot of friends or ex-players, managers, girlfriends, wives, brothers, all coming out caddying because – do you need a caddy in the same way that you used to?

No you probably don’t. You still need a decent caddy for certain situations. But certainly, with what we’ve been through with Covid, some guys are sometimes trying to save a few quid by taking friends on to be caddies, I can see that. And they can do that because the information is so brilliant – it allows them to do that.

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Funniest memory of golf in the UAE? That’s a good question. Nothing specific about Dubai off the top of my head, but there’s lot of funny things happening to us all around the world really. I’m struggling to think of one – I’ve a lot of good memories of Dubai obviously.

How’s your game?

I don’t play. Because I’m involved in it all the time the last thing I want to do when I come home is carry a golf bag around the golf course. I’ve only been playing three or four times a year for the last 15 years, and this year I haven’t had a round yet! I was a decent player as an amateur, I got offered a job as an assistant pro in 1990, and I accepted it. I’d been caddying for around eight years at the time and I thought ‘enough is enough now with the traveling’, so I accepted the role at Ilkley Golf Club, and then about four weeks before I started Seve asked me to work for him... so assistant pro or Seve Ballesteros, that wasn’t really much of a decision for me! And now 30 years later I’m still caddying.

You must have a strong bond with Pete Cowen being from Yorkshire but when do you first get to know each other?

I’ve known Pete going on 40 years because Pete was still playing when I started caddying, so I’ve known him what seems like forever.

We’re similar! Both straight-talkers. We’re

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BILLY FOSTER

not there to be a players’ best friend, we’re there to do a job. And if you think something is wrong you’ve got to not be afraid to tell them what you think. It’s not a question of being blunt, you’re just being honest and saying what you think. If there’s a problem then you need to voice it and say if something isn’t good enough. It might come across as being a bit harsh at times but at the end of the day you’re there trying to help and make them be as good as they possibly can be. There’s no point in saying everything’s great and lovely if there’s problems, so you’ve got to address the situation. Take it by the scruff of the neck.

Any plans to hang the bag up, or do see yourself continuing for a while?

It’s in my blood! I’m a bit of a gypsy, obviously really. It’s a part of my life, going away and having your own space. So as long as I’m healthy and can command a decent job I’d like to think I could do another 4 or 5 years, and I’ll be 60 then and that would be enough I’d imagine.

Because it goes without saying that 40 years of carrying that bag around has delivered plenty of arthritis and aches and pains and what have you. So I’ve still got to have a bit of quality life with my missus when I hang my boots up.

I don’t want to be like Fluff Cowan out there caddying at 70-odd! I’d like to do another 3/4/5 years at the top level if I can. But once I lose the opportunity of caddying for a top player that’ll be me done.

Where would you retire to?

I’ve never moved from Yorkshire, so it’d be there! I do have a little apartment in Austria in the mountains so I’d probably spend a bit of time there – a few weeks in the winter and a few in the summer.

When you get away from the game, how do you unwind?

You’re obviously away for weeks on end and when you come home there’s always stuff to do – you’re catching up on everything, answering emails that sort of thing. I do a bit of after dinner speaking, so I might organise a couple of those and there’s always a garden to sort out or the dogs to walk or a garage to sort out. There’s always something. I keep myself busy. I might go down to the local club for a couple of pints and a game of snooker, that sort of thing. My missus is the Lady Captain of the golf club next year so that’ll keep her busy.

Have you ever missed a tee time?

Touch wood, not yet! I was very close in Macao, off Hong Kong around 15 years ago with Darren Clarke. We both slept in. And I actually dragged him out of bed and just managed to scramble our way to the tee in time. But no, touch wood, I’ve never been late!

If you could change any rule in golf, what would it be?

The golf ball, because shot-making is finished and it’s really a bug-bear of mine. With technology, the golf clubs are too forgiving and the golf ball goes too far and you can’t shape it as much as you used to. So if you slice one, it

might slice a few yards. Whereas 20 years ago it would slice 25 yards. You can’t shape shots, the great shotmakers over the years, like Fred Couples, Greg Norman, Ian Woosnam, Seve, the shots they used to hit, to shape them into flags – those days are gone. Now it’s just tee up and bomb it 300-350 yards and gouge a wedge 150 yards. It’s a shadow of the game it used to be, and it upsets me, to see how the game’s been destroyed. So the ball would be the one thing that needs arresting. Even if it doesn’t go quite as far, I’m not saying strip it back miles and miles, but you need to be able to shape it more. I’m not sure if it’s something to do with the dimples – the technology is beyond me, but certainly we need more shotmaking involved because it’s made the great players and the average players so much closer together. Before, the great players were the great players and now you get average players winning massive tournaments and Majors. That rarely used to happen.

How do you feel about shortening courses but making them more challenging?

Yes I’d get behind that all day long. Golf courses don’t need to be 8,000 yards.

Is there a course that stands out to you when you arrive there which is more aligned to course management, rather than just bombing it off the tee?

Hilton Head and Valderrama. Those are two that immediately come to mind.

TPC Southwind in Memphis is a great golf course – not massively long but there’s a lot of trouble around and you can’t be bombing it 360 yards because you have to hit it to certain spots and shape shots into greens.

Also, TPC Sawgrass, a brilliant golf course because you’ve got to get the ball in the right spot off the tee. For example favouring hitting it to one side of the fairway to give yourself a better angle to the green. The greens are small and it’s a shotmakers golf course.

From a work perspective, if you could pick one course in the world that you enjoy being on year after year, is there one that jumps to mind?

It’s TPC Sawgrass. First time I went there would have been in 1991 with Seve, so I’ve been going there for about 30 years. And it’s a testament to its greatness that is hasn’t had to change much over that span of time. With all the technology that’s evolving, you don’t need to change this course. And Valderrama is the same. It’s not everybody’s cup of tea because there’s trees in certain places that there probably shouldn’t be, but again, it’s about hitting it in the right spots and having the discipline to do that and stick to that course management.

Hilton Head is a fantastic golf course with short par-3s which are very, very challenging.

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We played the US Open at Oakmont in 2016 and on the Saturday, there was a par-3 that was 300 yards. There’d never been a par-3 like it, and it was rubbish. Four weeks later we’re at The Open Championship at Royal Troon and the Postage Stamp on the Saturday played 99 yards. And these guys are scratching their head on the tee, trying to chip a 9-iron into a 25mph wind to a tiny green – but they have to play a shot, and they’re making doubles and triples yet it’s only 99 yards. Yet a month earlier we’re hitting drivers and 3-woods to a 300 yard par-3 – it was absolute rubbish.

The Earth course is sometimes referred to as a bombers course, but Fitzpatrick has won there twice and you wouldn’t call him a bomber?

No, that comes down to course management and hitting the greens in the right spots and not getting too greedy and short-siding yourself, and being disciplined. Obviously Matt is a pretty good putter and when he got his chances he rolled a few in. But Matt isn’t overly short, he does get it out there with the average player, I would say. You also wouldn’t have Westy down as a bomber and he features on the leaderboard at that tournament every year, he was second last year at age 47.

Do you still stay in touch with players who you’ve worked for in the past?

Yeah I went to watch Newcastle play Leeds the other month with Westy.

Given the success you’ve had on the bag with players over the years, have you ever treated yourself to anything?

I’m not a flamboyant character, I don’t go out buying big flash cars or watches, I’m still fairly humble. At the end of the day I’ve got a nice house. I think the little apartment in Austria is probably the most extravagant thing.

How come you picked Austria?

I just love skiing, I love the mountains and the little village ambience. When you go to this village where my apartment is, it’s like turning your watch back 60 years, it’s just really rustic and full of quiet, respectful people. I like the quietness of the place, it’s not a busy resort.

It’s almost like having my own private mountain on some days, you can take in the views, ski to a little cabin and have a goulash soup and a pint of the local brew. It’s just where I love to be.

Finally, if you were travelling and found yourself on the wrong side of town which player would you want by your side and why?

Probably Ernie Els, because he’s a massive unit and if there’s any trouble he’d sort them out I would imagine! You wouldn’t mess with Ernie. ■

COLUMN

DAVID HOWELL Jon Rahm reminded me of Seve and that’s great news for Europe.

All is not lost for Europe Despite the outcome it was reassuring to see Europe’s players full of passion and fight but more importantly gracious in defeat to a team that was just too strong.

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ELL, it has been a long time since a Ryder Cup failed to deliver the kind of nail-biting finish that we have been accustomed to, but one has to be honest and say that this year’s edition was more akin to Goliath wandering into the arena and smashing David around the head before a stone was launched in anger than the miraculous tales of the underdogs beating the odds that we have witnessed over the years.

Steve Stricker, the humble American Team Captain didn't put a foot wrong, which was exactly what the European Team didn't need. A miss-step here and a bad-pick there may just have made a slight difference to the flow of these matches, played out on the spectacular Whistling Straits, the canvass that the legendary Pete Dye designed some 20 years ago on the banks of Lake Michigan, alas even then, I fear, it would only have made a slight difference to the outcome.

To a man, the US team were simply brilliant.

Dustin Johnson became a leader in the absence of the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Michelson; Bryson DeChambeau played golf in a manner that has not been seen before. His drive on the par five-5th hole was simply incredible. He was left with a mere 71 yards to the pin, so what did he do from there, he pitched it stone dead. That was unreal and totally unbeatable.

Scottie Scheffler came in as perhaps the least well-known player on the US Team and left the week having shown the world just what a great player he is. With no exception, they just put together the greatest Ryder Cup performance from an American Team, ‘period’ - as the say in the States.

Optimism, we have aplenty when it comes to The Ryder Cup in Europe can only stretch so far and it was incredibly sad to see Padraig Harrington, who, by all accounts from within the

team, was a superb captain, standing on the sidelines helplessly watching match after match fall the wrong way.

Alas, in a two-horse race it’s always possible that if the stars align for one side then a runaway victory is possible. It’s fallen in the Europeans’ favour many a time. The K Club in Ireland in 2006 springs to mind. I remember seeing Padraig crowd-surfing in the tented village after that match, a memory that will live with him for a lifetime.

This 2021 loss will, of course, hurt but Padraig can stand tall knowing that he created a superb atmosphere within his Team, spoke with class and lost with dignity, all important aspects of defeat. Simply put, for many a reason, his twelve players were just not as good as Steve Stricker’s twelve this time around. No amount of captaining could have turned that around, the cycle had turned in the USA’s favour and boy did they take full advantage.

Time to prepare for Rome

Of course, Italy will soon come around, and from a European perspective there were some positives to take from Lake Michigan. Jon Rahm revelled in his role as on-course team leader and forged a solid partnership with Sergio Garcia that resembled Ballesteros and Olazabal at their best.

Lowry brought passion, intensity and, quite frankly, a superb game to the matches and was a joy to watch; Hovland looks set to become a Ryder Cup regular after a performance that whilst not gaining the points it may have deserved, brought him many plaudits, not least for his ability to play with intensity and with a smile. Plus Sergio looked like a player who could go on forever, in this team format.

So all is not lost. This Match might be, but

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Europe will put up more of a fight in two year’s time for sure. Players from previous years will come back into the fold – Kaymer, Rose, Molinari to name but three, and, of course, new youngsters will forge their way to the top of the game over the next two years also with the likes of Canter, Hogaard and Wallace all possibles.

But whoever makes the European Team, make no mistake, this US Team isn't going anywhere.

They are the new generation. They will be just as tough to beat in Italy, but with a home crowd, preferably one that doesn't ‘boo’ I should add, and a team that is in form, hopefully, things will return to normal and once more, come Sunday night we will all be on the edge of our seats again hoping for a nail-biter.

Soon enough, new captains on both sides will be selected, and The Ryder Cup will slip from our consciousness for a few months.

Europe has a host of options with Lee Westwood heading the list, but having just made the Team, Lee may well feel his playing days are not yet over and having witnessed first-hand what a helpless job being captain can be, it may not appeal to him as much as he thought it would right now.

Being captain certainly seems to take its toll on all who take it on from a playing perspective.

So, best let the dust settle for a while. Give the USA Team the time and space to enjoy their stellar victory and take a little time to reflect, not just on what could have been different, but to reflect on the fact that this game of golf can make or break a person on any given day, and all those who go into battle with their reputations on the line in the biggest golf event of all, deserve our admiration.

Win or lose, we know with absolute certainly that they are giving it their all, and when you are watching sport that’s all you can ask for. ■

COLUMN

PETE COWEN Europe’s talent is coming from America

Ryder Cup wasn’t won off the tee Before panic sets in and you all think the USA will dominate the Ryder Cup for decades to come due to their 400 yards power hitters, look at the statistics, you will be shocked!

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aving just come back from the Ryder Cup and hearing everyone bang on about how Europe got demolished and the Americans were just too powerful was just complete rubbish. A lot of sports fans who watch events from the comfort of their sofas with the sound turned up you cannot get a true reflection of an atmosphere or what is going on behind the scenes unless you are physically present at the event.

Too many have been sucked in by the likes of Bryson driving it 412 yards and then jump to conclusions that the bombers overpowered Europe. The Americans did overpower Europe 100 per cent, but it wasn’t off the tee but on and around the greens.

That’s right, Europe led the stats from tee to green but with the greens running at 13 on the Stimp metre, the Europeans who are used to speeds closer to 10, just could not see the lines, unlike team USA. In addition, the atmosphere was awful.

With no European spectators and being heckled on the tee boxes, it was always going to be a tough ask playing away from home. I even got abuse for ruining Rory’s swing!

Harrington told all the team members, including myself, not to rise to any taunts.

But if anyone knows me...let’s just say, the fans got a firm Yorkshire response.

That’s not sportsmanship and we have grown to anticipate what is going to come from the American galleries. But with no European balance, it felt even worse this time round.

The wind also caught Europe off guard, as it had switched 180 degrees from the practice days and the players had to adjust

on the fly, whereas the Americans had been there for close to a week and might have practiced in similar conditions.

Having said all that, you cannot take it away from Steve Stricker and his players, they were just too good, especially around the greens. With the European stalwarts fading, a new breed of European stars is needed, as the American’s appeared to be finding talent for fun. Just look at the world ranking - it is a sea of stars and stripes.

American college stars are the answer for Europe

The answer for Europe is not from Golf England or the club system. We just need to see where the current stars are appearing from, and it is the American college golf scene. Rahm, Hovland, Casey, and Fitzpatrick all came through the system in the States, where they competed all the time against the best amateurs throughout the season. So that is where we need to look. Thomas Pieters and Thomas Detry should be up there more given their talents and the fact they have also come through the American system.

Other players coming through to keep an eye on are Germany’s Matti Schmid and Alex Fitzpatrick – you guessed it, both coming out of the American college system. I’ve seen Matti in Orlando for a day and was meant to see him at the Alfred Dunhill Links but the petrol crisis in the UK meant I was unable to make the trip. What I have seen of him is impressive and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in Rome in 2023. He has the complete game and reminds me of Langer and Kaymer, which is a great thing. Both are Major

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champions and like all great players have that special ingredient you just can’t teach.

Obviously, I know Alex Fitzpatrick well, as he’s grown up at our range in Rotherham and if he maintains a top five college ranking will earn a Korn Ferry Tour card in 2022. That is where both Morikawa and Hovland made their way on to the PGA Tour, so worth keeping an eye out for the European stars of the future on that tour as opposed to the Challenge Tour.

It was good to catch up with my players at the Ryder Cup on both sides. Rory is making good progress with his swing and Brooks should have been a Yorkshireman. I joked with him and said he was one of Europe’s highest points-scorers, with two losses in the Saturday foursomes and fourballs. As always, he laughed it off and gave some banter back in return. But to be up for 36 holes on the Saturday goes to show he’s coming back well from his injuries. Not that he would let on if he was in pain. He just gets on with the job.

What many people were unaware of was he nearly played with Bryson. He was trying Bryson’s Bridgestone ball on the range and the two appeared to be getting on fine. The pairing never happened, much to the disappointment of the fans and the PGA Tour. Imagine if these two teamed up, the viewing figures would rocket. It just goes to show how much hype is put out there with these two through the media.

It will be great to see Billy Horschel at the DP World Tour Championship, although doesn’t it go to show how strong that American Ryder Cup team was when he didn’t take the line-up! ■

BEA P O W E R

O F

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VER THE DECADES MANY PROFESSIONALS HAVE TRIED TO EMULATE JACK NICKLAUS’ SWING AND COME UP SHORT OR DEVELOPED A BAD BACK. PETE COWEN TAKES A CLOSE LOOK AT ONE OF THE GAME’S GREATEST SWINGS AND EXPLAINS WHY JACK’S MECHANICS GENERATED SO MUCH POWER AND HOW THE LIKES OF BROOKS KOEPKA, DUSTIN JOHNSON AND JON RAHM DELIVER THE CLUB THROUGH IMPACT IN A SIMILAR WAY. BUT THE GOLDEN BEAR REMAINS UNIQUE.

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T H E

AR G O L D E N

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BY PETE COWEN

M

any have believed that Jack Nicklaus’ swing was a reverse C but what they failed to see was it was a hip and shoulder angle tilt which did not stress the lower back. What players back in the day failed to appreciate either was just how big and strong Jack was in his prime. He could hold positions others could only dream of due to his size and strength. You need to remember that in 1970 at The Open at St Andrews he drove the 18th green all four rounds with a Persimmon driver and a balata ball. Even players today fail to achieve that, and the hole has not changed in 51 years! Jack was by far the biggest hitter of his era.

Today we hear all about the bowed left wrist of Brooks and Johnson where the face appears stronger. Jack shared the same bowed left wrist but unlike the power hitters of today Nicklaus’s left wrist was bowed due to his right wrist being set on top. He was able to have a flat left wrist in the same position as Brooks and company because of his signature right elbow. He has a strong left wrist when it comes to the change of direction and at impact even though he did not go back with one.

In the takeaway, most players are trying to get that position on their backswing, where the club is strong and in the primary plane. The right wrist on top of the left and the clubface appears to be slightly closed but we all know it is square. He is also so strong in the legs, and you can see how he is winding up.

As he continues to wind up more in the legs, the right wrist is still on top, and the club face still appears strong relative to what other players look for, but I like to see a strong face and always have done.

The right arm is starting to fly on top of the left and as we start top get to the top Jack’s signature flying right arm comes out. Though his right arm is flying the right wrist is supporting and his wrist positions are classical for strong hitting.

On the way down he has created a mini Matthew Wolff swing. Where the right arm remains on top and then it comes under the left in the transition.

He’s still got the straight left arm at impact and the shaft extended with the right arm and wrist in the pressure position

Let’s take a closer look at what is actually going on in the swing: You can see at the address position he’s got extended arms and shaft, very similar to Bryson.

He doesn’t have any sweep angle in his arm or the shaft, so he is almost pre-setting the impact position.

Jack has got very rounded shoulders that forces the arms away and gives him a little more extension and a lot of people say that is a very powerful shoulder position.

He’s continuing to extend the arms as the body starts to open.

The hips and shoulders are angled open but not too early and the extension of the right arm remains on top of the left.

Tiger v Jack The one thing these two great players have in common is their ability to adapt. If either player has to play in the different eras, they would have found a way to win. Both can hit it high or knock it down and work the ball in either direction. I doubt we will see another player dominate the game as these two have done.

APPLYING THE PRESSURE AT IMPACT

CHANGE OF DIRECTION BUT LOOK AT THE WRIST POSITIONS!

THE SIGNATURE FLYING ELBOW

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JACK NICKLAUS

THE RIGHT WRIST SET THAT CONTROLS EVERYTHING

PRE-REHERESED IMPACT POSITION

THE TAKE AWAY EVERYONE WANTS!

RIGHT HAND REMAINS ON TOP HIPS AND SHOULDERS OPENING UPWARDS

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TO SWING E ver been to Topgolf and seen people hitting nice shots and wondered why you can’t do the same? One of the biggest mistakes I see at Topgolf is a player trying to lift the ball up in the air. The intention to make something go in the air makes the body hang back. If you feel yourself leaning back then you most likely struggle to hit clean golf shots.

BY

JAMIE COUGHLIN

PGA PROFESSIONAL, TOPGOLF, DUBAI

golfprojamie

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INSTRUCTION

QUICK FIX

NEXT TIME YOU GO TO TOPGOLF THINK OF THE PROCESS OF THROWING A BALL. THE NATURAL MOVEMENT FROM THE BACK FOOT TO THE FRONT FOOT ALLOWS THE CORRECT SEQUENCING TO PLAY BETTER GOLF SHOTS.

Instead of trying to get the ball up in the air, change your intention to throwing and your body will automatically know what to do. The result will be a golf swing that

follows the same body sequence where the lower body initiates the movement.

The club can then swing through and in to the finish.

If you want to learn golf in a fun and relaxed environment then book in for a lesson at Topgolf Dubai.

Tel: +971 4 371 9960 | Email: academy@topgolfdubai.ae www.topgolfdubai.ae

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LOOK OUT FOR THE VIDEO AT WorldwideGolf Worldwide.Golf

C AL L AWAY JAWS H I GH TO E

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When a product is launched with the name Jaws, you automatically expect sharp teeth, and in the wedge world that surely equates to spin. So does the latest Callaway Jaws Full Toe wedge bite like a Great White or is it just a marketing spin?

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irst off, this club is not new with its radical high toe groove design. Its predecessor first hit the shelves in 2019 and was known as the PM (Phil Mickelson ) grind wedge.

Phil, like many old-time pros was very reluctant in letting go of his historic Ping Eye2 lob wedge. The Eye2 was popular back in its day as you could open it up for fun and play a wide variety of shots while dialling in the spin control. So, it came as no surprise that the PM Grind shared many characteristics of the Ping Eye 2 lob wedge.

The latest Jaws High Toe wedges appear to have evolved from the PM grind and just gone that bit further in terms of how the club sits and positions the centre of gravity.

As the name suggests the technology is in the Jaws / grooves. This is better explained

by Callaway’s Senior R&D Manager, Patrick Dawson: “The Jaws Groove is the most aggressive groove in golf. It is right up to the edge of USGA limitations. We’ve read the rules back and forth and really tried to make something that is right there, at the limit.

“The offset groove-in-groove is intended to be at an angle so that when you open up your club it is still perpendicular to your shot direction so you’re still getting a groove that is grabbing the ball and not hitting an oblique angle. We found in our testing, especially on those open shots, that it added more spin and was a natural addition to this model.”

Callaway says the Full Toe shape provides more face area with an enhanced toe peak. The shaping works with their specialised CÐGrind to make short shots around the green easy to hit, especially bunker shots and high flops. This wedge is built to perform on mid and full wedge shots too, with great turf interaction through the ball so you can stick it close.

The Full Toe also pushes the centre of gravity higher, for a design that creates a lower, more controlled trajectory. Their Variable Weight Port System helps locate the CG away from the heel, for solid contact and enhanced feel.

Review

What the Jaws High Toe wedge does for all levels of golfer is provide versatility, once you get over the unconvetional look of all those grooves and the high toe.

It’s been very well designed, and you just need to believe in it, especially if playing a flop shot isn’t in your repertoire. The straighter leading edge over the PM Grind will also make you feel more aware through impact when you open the club face up. Previously you could knife the ball with the leading edge and that flop shot over a greenside bunker did not look so enticing.

As for the grooves, they do grip so be careful when playing in the UAE. If you play a ProV1 or similar soft ball, expect a little more action. Spin is only an advantage if you can control it.

Peeling it back 20 feet from the pin might look cool, until you take the putter’s head cover off.

With lofts going up to 64 degrees this is a great utility wedge that could fit in with any set, just like Mickelson did with that Ping lob wedge for so many years.

Premium Components and Finishes

JAWS Full Toe Wedges come stock with a premium Lamkin UTX grip, True Temper’s newest Dynamic Gold Spinner shaft in steel, or a Project X Catalyst wedge shaft in graphite. Available in two finishes: Raw Face Chrome and Raw Black.

Tech

Lofts: 54, 56, 58, 60 & 64 degrees Grind: C Grind Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Golf Spinner (Steel) S200, 115g Project X Catalyst (Graphite) wedge flex, 80g

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TRENDING

MAJLIS RE-OPENS! It’s been a long wait over the summer months…but it’s officially over. And we’re not just talking about the end of the searing heat, the eagerly anticipated re-opening of the iconic Majlis course at Emirates Golf, resplendent with brand new greens, finally happened last month and we couldn’t wait to catch up with Golf Course Superintendent Matt Perry to discuss the new and improved dance floors.

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Worldwide Golf: Talk to us through the process of building new greens.

Matt Perry: The process started on the May 2nd, when the course closed. We dug out all the existing greens that were there and then the process of putting drainage, gravel layer and sand took place up until June 13th when we had our sprigs flown in from Georgia, USA, and we put them down. Now, three months later, we are at the point of having full coverage on the greens and we are happy with the position we’re in.

WWG: What are the advantages of having new greens in place?

MP: We’ve actually extended the greens, they’re a lot bigger, and this will help us with wear and pin positions. But, also, having the drainage is a huge thing because we never had drainage before and we do have an issue in this part of the world where we have high salt and we want to get that water out of the system of the greens. Now, with the drainage in place, we’re able to do that and we’re able to sustain the quality of the greens.

WWG: How much of the greens have expanded?

MP: As a whole, the greens are 33% bigger – they were around 7,500 square metres and we’re up to just over 10,500 square meters, so it’s a really good size. Some greens have dramatically increased because they got so small over the years. But now I think players are going to enjoy it a lot more, they’re going to have pin positions that they never had before and it’s going to be great for tournaments that come to the course as well.

WWG: How do you think this will add to the experience of playing in the Majlis?

MP: The Majlis is iconic, not just in the Middle East but around the world. To be able to do this project and getting people to come and experience that special feeling playing the Majlis and having these greens, pin positions and sizes… it’s going to be a new experience. It’s like we’re starting all over again, it’s great.

WWG: How excited are you for the members to get back and experience this?

MP: I’m not going to lie, it’s been quite nice without players! (Laughs) My job is a lot easier without players but I’m really excited. The golf course maintenance team has been working so hard and it’s really good to present it to people and show the fruits of our labour. I just can’t wait and I’m really looking forward to the feedback, not just from the members but also from the pros who come for Desert Classic in January. ■

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Local stars set to shine at

Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship Dubai is set to welcome an abundance of the next generation of talent at November’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) with a host of Emirati players joining the likes of World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) No.1, Keita Nakajima, at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

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ASIA-PACIFIC AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Ahmad Skaik

Keita Nakajima

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he Japanese star followed in the footsteps of countryman Takumi Kanaya earlier this year in winning the McCormack Medal, which is awarded to the leading player in the WAGR after the final elite event of the year, and will be hoping to emulate his success in the AAC with Kanaya securing the 2018 trophy thanks to a two-stroke win over Nakajima and Dubai-born Rayhan Thomas.

The 21-year-old also joined Kanaya in winning on the Japan Golf Tour as an amateur - only the fifth player to do so - with a play-off victory at last month’s Panasonic Open, while two-time APAC champion and 2020 Masters Tournament winner, Hideki Matsuyama, achieved the same feat in 2011.

While Nakajima comes into the event as the man to beat, it won’t be an easy prospect with a plethora of top-class amateurs vying to be crowned champion and reap the rewards that come with it. One man who knows all about that is two-time, and defending, champion Lin Yuxin, who secured invites to both The Open

Shergo Al Kurdi

Takumi Kanaya

Championship and Masters Tournament after winning the AAC in 2017 and 2019.

“It’sa wonderful tournament that has given me the opportunity to play in both the Masters and The Open, forwhich I’m very grateful,” said the left-hander.

The Chinese star is back to defend his title and will be joined by countryman Bo Jin, Republic of Korea’s Sam Choi and Thailand’s Puwit Anupansuebsai as the four next bestranked players after Nakajima.

The Middle East will have plenty of players in the prestigious event with Jordan’s Shergo Al Kurdi leading the line in terms of WAGR in 364th position, closely followed by Saudi Arabia’s Saud Al Sharif in 433rd.

“I’m really looking forward to the AsiaPacific Amateur Championship,” said Al Kurdi.

“I’m really proud to be representing Jordan and the Arab region in such a prestigious event and I’m really happy it being held in the UAE. Hopefully more countries in the Middle East will follow in hosting the event in years to come.

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Lin Yuxin

“My game is in good place right which has been showed by some good results recently including a third-place finish on a TP Tour event, which is for professionals. I’m working hard and hopefully I’ll be in a great position to compete for the AAC title.”

Emirati representation will come in the form of the UAE’s No.1 golfer Ahmad Skaik, Hugo Garcia and Saif Thabet, who played in the 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after finishing second at the Abu Dhabi Amateur Championship.

“I am very excited, I am looking forward to travel because I haven’t travelled in a while but having it in your home is very nice and hosting it in a course that we know well,” said Sakik. “It’s just eight minutes from my house!

I’m just ready to start the season and play in tournaments again.

“It’s always fun to play there because it’s a very big amateur event and they make us feel special with the way they treat the players there, and for me to represent the UAE is an honour.”

Gulati and Camero triumph on

GEM International Amateur Golf Tour Raghav Gulati and Jamie Camero banked themselves precious World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points after triumphing at the first event on the Golf Events Management International Amateur Golf Tour at Arabian Ranches Golf Club.

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he Tour, which is home to numerous WAGR events across the year, welcomed some of the region’s top amateur golfers to the 54-hole tournament, which was played in extreme conditions with the searing summer heat making it a challenging affair.

Gulati and Camero both rose to the challenge to top the men’s and women’s divisions respectively after producing the goods on all three days.

Gulati was in fine form throughout with rounds of 74, 69 and 70 leaving him on -3 after three days, two shots ahead of

Denmark’s Valdemar Kofod-Olsen in second with Scotland’s Gordon Munro completing to top three on level par.

“It felt great to get the win,” said Gulati.

“The course is in good condition; the greens and fairways are really nice so it felt really good. My first round wasn’t great, but the second round really sparked me into life because my putter was hot and everything just worked together to form a really good round of three under par. This is actually my first event so it really feels nice to win your first one!

“The team at Golf Events Management did

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a great job of putting on this WAGR event, it was all setup really well, everyone knew what they were doing, everyone went everywhere they had to so it was great.”

Camero’s impressive victory came courtesy of a three-stroke triumph over Aasiya Saleem after carding rounds of 75, 73 and 78 for a +10 total after 54 holes.

“It was a big battle over the three days,” said the Filipino. “The greens were really fast, so it was a good experience and I managed to keep it together throughout the tournament. It means a lot to win a WAGR event, not a lot of tournaments in Dubai or

GEM INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR GOLF TOUR

Abedallah Shana’ah,

Managing Director Golf Events Management

in the UAE actually have WAGR points so it’s exciting to win this one. It’s an awesome event!”

Along with the two champions, Mousa Shana’ah also got his hands on some WAGR points due to the youngster being a ranked player after victory at the JA Amateur Golf

Championship earlier this year.

“It’s a great opportunity and experience for everyone,” said Shana’ah. “There hasn’t been many WAGR events held in the past so to see more of them being held in Dubai is great.

The organisation has been top notch, the past three days have been really enjoyable.”

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We are motivated to put on these WAGR events because we noticed that the Middle East region does not have enough of them. We want to give amateur men, women and juniors the chance to earn ranking points and compete with their peers from around the world. So that’s the motivation for us, we want to give the opportunity to all of these amateurs, especially in the Middle East, to get more points and climb up the WAGR.

EAGL Business-Series set to be a game changer in corporate and junior landscapes

On the back of the resounding success of the EAGL Mini-Series at Jumeirah Golf Estate’s Fire course, the Emirates Amateur Golf League (EAGL) is set to light up the Dubai golf scene yet again with the announcement of the ‘EAGL Business-Series’, with the EAGL Corporate Invitational event to kickstart the innovative corporate series in December.

T

he event invites companies to sponsor a team and be part of the ever-growing initiative to develop new clients, enlarge their business database, increase brand exposure and awareness and networking with some of the bigwigs in the business and financial sphere in the region at a relatively low cost.

The organisers are hosting the 9-hole Corporate Invitational with eight-man teams going head-to-head followed by a Gala Dinner at The Meydan Hotel and prize presentation against the backdrop of “Racing at Meydan”.

EAGL’s ambassador, European Tour pro Shiv Kapur, reflected on his experience at the EAGL Mini-Series in June and how he’s

The Business-Series will also have junior series which will be a regular feature. I feel that a lot has been done at the corporate level and grassroots level but in terms of competition with juniors we thought it would be a great platform to give alongside the business angle of it to promote junior golf and the women’s game in the region.

Shiv Kapur

EAGL’s ambassador, European Tour pro

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excited to see the impact the project will have on the amateur golf scene in the UAE. “When I first came on board as an advisor and ambassador to EAGL the concept was very exciting, it was to bring the business community and the local golfing community together under one roof, to make it a networking platform and to go beyond that,” said Kapur “At the first event I was lucky enough to commentate for it and I saw firsthand the nerves on the first tee that all the amateurs experienced because playing golf live on TV is very different to playing a regular corporate event and I thought that was a lovely experience for them, to experience what a

EMIRATES AMATEUR GOLF LEAGUE

The winning MENA Golfers team: (L-R) Craig Vance, Deepak Jain, Captain Rick Bevan, Ashok Kumar and Zubair Firdaus.

professional golf team event looks like. We all witnessed the Ryder Cup recently and you see how team events bring people together a lot closer than individual events. So, I think the unique selling proposition of EAGL being a team event is it brings people together in a team format. It’s a great opportunity for networking and business and also bringing the local Emirati community and the expat community together.

The three-time Asian Tour winner discussed what the EAGL Business-Series has to offer for everyone involved and for the companies interested in upping their profile and brand exposure among the corporate world.

“You’re going to have over 100 people playing in different teams,” he said. “You’ll also have the social opportunities with the dinners, and you’re looking to bring 250 to

300 people under one roof, which is great for financial institutions such as banks.

Anyone that has a client-driven business will have access to a database which they would normal not get. I think the wonderful thing with golf is it’s not a formal setting, it’s not a boardroom or a lunch, you’re out there for four to five hours with someone and it’s a very personal feeling. I think that has been the great success of golf; if you’re looking at the pro-ams around the world, we’ve done very well as professionals because of the success of pro-ams and I think that EAGL is an extension of that where you’re bringing amateurs in one team playing for something that means something to them but at the same time you’re making new friends, new business contacts and you’re expanding your database.

“When I first came on board as an advisor and ambassador to EAGL the concept was very exciting, it was to bring the business community and the local golfing community together under one roof, to make it a networking platform and to go beyond that.”

Shiv Kapur

EAGL’s ambassador, European Tour pro

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Kapur disclosed that a junior series will be added as a part of the Business-Series to promote and encourage youngsters to play and enjoy the game of golf, and also promote the junior golf scene in the country.

He said: “The Business-Series will also have a junior series which will be a regular feature. I feel that there a lot has been done at the corporate level and grassroots level but in terms of competition with juniors we thought it would be a great platform to give alongside the business angle of it to promote junior golf and the women’s game in the region. I think a lot happens in Dubai at professional level but at the amateur level this is probably the grandest event that you’re going to see in the amateur golf landscape in Dubai.”

Sudesh Aggarwal, the mastermind behind the Emirates Amateur Golf League, inspired Kapur to come aboard and be part of the EAGL family after sharing his great ambition and vision of the project.

“I think that Sudesh is a very exceptional businessman,” said Kapur. “He has been very successful in what he’s done, his ideas are grand and that’s what made me come on as an ambassador. To me, the biggest USP of this event is the fact that it’s going to be live on TV, you’re bringing teams and individuals together and the format is very exciting when you’re playing across the year over four or five different events under one team banner. There’s something that brings everyone together, which no other golf tournament does. So I think it’s great that he’s doing it. He’s very ambitious, and when you come up with such an ambitious platform, normally people are a bit skeptical but I think the response we got so far has been excellent, especially the first MiniSeries that we did, I was personally blown away myself.

Golfers or prospective team owners, interested in getting involved in the Emirates Amateur Golf League should visit www.eagl.ae and follow the EAGL social media pages for updates. ■

ARABIAN GOLF EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

Khanna on top in Ladies Hidden Holes

Lind and Choudry clinch Ladies Scotch Fouresomes win

Roma Khanna was the overall winner at the Ladies Hidden Holes Competition on the Faldo course with 33 points. In the Silver Division Monica Palao was victorious with 31 points while Glory Xavier took second place with 29 points on a countback.

Sue Hopwood romped to victory with 31 points on a countback as Sonak Gandhi narrowly missed out to claim second.

Ingrid Lind and Sabine Choudry came out on top as the overall winners at the Ladies Scotch Foursomes with 36 points while Jayshree Gupta Anne GelyBouigue came in second place with only two points behind and in third place was Genie Owiti and NicshaRussouw, who scored 32 points.

AL GHAZAL GOLF CLUB

Heinz and Subia seal date with Fire

Lady Captain Radia leads by example

Ingrid Lind and Sabine Choudry came out on top as the overall winners at the Ladies Scotch Foursomes with 36 points while Jayshree Gupta Anne GelyBouigue came in second place with only two points behind and in third place was Genie Owiti and NicshaRussouw, who scored 32 points.

New Lady Captain Amarjeet Radia won the Ladies Individual Stableford with 38 points, Mitsuko Emmerson won the Silver Division (0-19) with 35 points with a better back nine of 21 points while the Bronze Division (20-28) was won by Josie Tracey with a score of 37 points.

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB, DUBAI

AL AIN EQUESTRIAN, SHOOTING & GOLF CLUB

King and Boucher clinch After Summer Open

O’Mahony secures the Medal

The pair of Kenny King and Jean Boucher was crowned as 2021 After Summer Open champions with an impressive 64 net score total, while Mick and Martine Garbutt claimed second place with a great total net score of 65. Third place went to the pair of Joe Coppinger and Dave Kerr, who finished the round with an excellent total net score of 66.

Wayne O’Mahony took the top spot in the Monthly Medal’s Division A with a total net score of 7 while Mick Garbutt finished second with net score of 72.

In Division B Joe Coppinger claimed top spot with a net score of 68, whereas Kenny King finished second with a total net score of 71 and Richard Hillard clinched third place on a countback with a 74 total net score. Dave Steel took first place in Division C after carding an impressive total net score of 64, while Ian Watson propelled to second place with a total net score of 66 on a countback, beating Phil Purnell who ended in third. Five birdies in his round helped Nic Poisat to a gross total of 70 and claimed the Best Gross score prize, which comprised of 35 gross scores on both nines.

Members victorious again over Staff The Members team gained the bragging rights at the annual Staff vs Members Matchplay with a convincing 7 ½ - 3 ½ over the Staff team to retain their title.

SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB

ABU DHABI CITY GOLF CLUB

Sean steals the show at Luckiest Ball On Earth Qualifier

MONTGOMERIE GOLF CLUB DUBAI

White, Hasnaoui and Ahmed first to qualify for Grand Final

Sean O’Callaghan produced some brilliant golf to claim his spot in the Luckiest Ball On Earth Grand Final after carding 37 points on a countback. He will be joined by Hashem Shanaah, who was the best Junior Male Division on the day with a score of 35 points, while Jamie Camero also booked her spot after securing 33 points and triumph in the Ladies Division.

Nigel White, Sophia Hasnaoui and Rayan Ahmed were the first after taking home the top prize in the respective Men’s, Ladies and Junior Division at Montgomerie Golf Club. White secured the Men’s spot with 36 points, while Hasnaoui booked her place with a net 39 and Ahmed qualified after carding 33 points.

Sen Had wins first Monthly Medal in 2021 Chandra Sen Had played some outstanding golf to win the overall net on the first Monthly Medal of the year with net score of 66 on a countback, while Pallav Chavan was the gross winner with a gross score of 70. In Division A Yash Chavan carded net 68 to claim the win while Division B saw Reslie Yap triumph with net and Division C was won by Stephen McCaig with net 66.

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EUROPEAN TOUR DESTINATIONS

VENUES

LE GOLF NATIONAL PARIS, FRANCE DIAMOND COUNTRY CLUB VIENNA, AUSTRIA PGA CATALUNYA RESORT BARCELONA, SPAIN JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES LIGHTHOUSE GOLF & SPA RESORT CAPE KALIAKRA, BULGARIA SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA LONDON GOLF CLUB LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM TERRE BLANCHE HOTEL SPA GOLF RESORT***** PROVENCE, FRANCE GOLF CLUB ST. LEON-ROT HEIDELBERG, GERMANY THE DUTCH AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB & RESORT HUA HIN, THAILAND ALBATROSS GOLF RESORT PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC BOM SUCESSO OBIDOS, PORTUGAL CONSTANCE BELLE MARE PLAGE POSTE DE FLACQ, MAURITIUS MARCO SIMONE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB ROME, ITALY VERDURA RESORT SICILY, ITALY

TRA

FINCA CORTESIN HOTEL GOLF & SPA MARBELLA, SPAIN VILLAVERDE HOTEL & RESORT VENICE, ITALY QUINTA DO LAGO ALGARVE, PORTUGAL LINNA GOLF HÄMEENLINNA, FINLAND GOLF SON MUNTANER PALMA, SPAIN TBILISI HILLS TBILISI, GEORGIA ESTONIAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB TALLINN, ESTONIA PIRIN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB SOFIA, BULGARIA CONSTANCE LEMURIA PRASLIN, SEYCHELLES DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB DUBAI, UAE EMIRATES GOLF CLUB DUBAI, UAE GENZON GOLF CLUB SHENZHEN, CHINA

UNDER DEVELOPMENT:

ROSSINGTON HALL DONCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM SPARBEN GOLF RESORT BORDEAUX, FRANCE

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MALLORCA

AVEL GOLF SON MUNTANER

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GOLF TRAVEL

I

deally situated near Palma, Golf Son Muntaner is one of the island’s most stunning courses, surrounded by a variety of Mediterranean flora and fauna, which is home to a beautiful 18-hole course along with the oldest olive tree ‘Na Capitana’ in Mallorca.

The course, which opened in 2000, underwent an ambitious project five years ago with the seeding of new varieties of grass with new Bermuda Celebration sown on every fairway and Agrostis V8 on every green.

The end product has made it one of Europe’s must-visit courses thanks to its extraordinary design, greens that propose continuous challenges and attention to detail on course maintenance.

The project not only enhanced the course, but demonstrated the club’s commitment to environmental change, with savings on water usage and a decrease in chemical products.

This helped Golf Son Muntaner achieve EMAS certification, which represents the most important distinction related to environmental management that can be achieved by a company in the European Union.

At the 15th, golfers will witness a piece of history in the form of ‘Na Capitana’, the oldest millenary olive tree on the island,

which also features on the club’s logo. The main restaurant at the course shares the same name as the historic tree and has recently undergone renovations with a fresh look and new concept focusing on serving fresh, seasonal produce. The spacious outdoor terrace, set in natural surroundings with splendid views out onto the course, make it the perfect destination to tuck into a dish bursting with local favour or simply sit back and take in the breathtaking vistas while enjoying a cold beverage.

Golf Son Muntaner also boasts the largest putting green on the island, an illuminated driving range, the Arabella Golf Academy, which is available to adults and children alike, along with two more eateries -

Restaurant Son Vida and Restaurant Son Quint.

The course is one of four on the island’s leading golf resort, Arabella Golf Mallorca, which is also the biggest golf resort in Spain with 63 holes to challenge your handicap. Guests can enjoy the picturesque Mediterranean landscape while playing Golf Son Vida and Golf Son Quint with the latter also offering a 9-hole Pitch + Putt course that provides fun to golfers who want to improve their short game. Away from the course, the resort is home to three stunning hotels in the form of the Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel, Castillo Hotel Son Vida and St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, which can all be paired with an unlimited golf package. ■

FACILITIES Palma de Mallorca Airport (13 KM)

WEBSITE: www.arabellagolfmallorca.com/en/our-camps/golf-son-muntaner

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IN THE BAG

STUART TAYLOR

GENERAL MANAGER - GOLF PROSPORTS INTERNATIONAL

Driver:

Titleist TSi 3 8 Degree Tour AD 60 X Woods: Titleist TSi 3 15 degree Ventus 70 X Irons: 2,4,5 Titleist T200 6-9 Titleist T100 S Project X Wedges: Vokey SM8 RAW 48,52,56, 60 Putter: Scotty Cameron Circle T Newport Favourite club in the bag and why?

Scotty Cameron Circle T Newport. Best looking and feeling putter I’ve ever had.

It’s like butter!

Favourite golf event in UAE: Dubai Desert Classic. I remember watching it as kid with Tiger Woods playing and all these big stars.

SPOTLIGHT Favourite player: Nick Faldo

Best course in the UAE: Emirates Golf Club, Majlis

Favourite clubhouse: Tough one… Pebble Beach is up there but has to be Augusta National, they have no menu and you can order what you want!

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Course you’d love to play: Bandon Dunes

Toughest Par 3 in the UAE: 4th hole, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Earth course from the back tee.