BILLY FOSTER

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 fi rst 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 fl ying 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 fi rst-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 tournaments 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’.

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.

What was your fi rst memory of Dubai?

I think it was 1988, the fi rst 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.

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.

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 fl ag. 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.

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 fl y a bit

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 fi rst 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 rangefi nders 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 fl ying. 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 fl ying 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. 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 fi gures 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 magnifi cent 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. Funniest memory of golf in the UAE? That’s a good question. Nothing specifi c 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 fi rst 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

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 fi nished 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 fl ags – 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. 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 fl amboyant character, I don’t go out buying big fl ash 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. ■

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 ght but more importantly gracious in defeat to a team that was just too strong.

WELL, it has been a long time since a Ryder Cup failed to deliver the kind of nail-biting fi nish 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 fl ow 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 fi ve-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 Scheffl er 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-surfi ng 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 Europe will put up more of a fi ght 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 fi rst-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 refl ect, not just on what could have been different, but to refl ect 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. ■

PETE COWEN

Europe’s talent is coming from America

Ryder Cup wasn’t won o 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!

Having 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 refl ection 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 fi rm 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 fl y, 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 fi nding 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 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 fi ve 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! ■

BEAR POWER OF THE GOLDEN BEAR BY PETE COWEN

Many 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 fl at 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.

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. 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 fl y on top of the left and as we start top get to the top Jack’s signature fl ying right arm comes out. Though his right arm is fl ying 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

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.

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 fl y on top of the left and as we start top get to the top Jack’s signature fl ying right arm comes out. Though his right arm is fl ying 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 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

PRE-REHERESED IMPACT POSITION THE RIGHT WRIST SET THAT CONTROLS EVERYTHING

THE TAKE AWAY EVERYONE WANTS!

HIPS AND SHOULDERS OPENING UPWARDS RIGHT HAND REMAINS ON TOP

TO SWING

Ever 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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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.

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.

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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CALLAWAY JAWS HIGH TOE

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?

First off, this club is not new with its radical high toe groove design. Its predecessor fi rst 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 fl ops. 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 fl op 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 fl op 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 fi t 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 fi nishes: 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 fl ex, 80g

MAJLIS RE-OPENS!

It’s been a long wait over the summer months…but it’s o cially 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, nally happened last month and we couldn’t wait to catch up with Golf Course Superintendent Matt Perry to discuss the new and improved dance oors.

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 fl own 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. ■

Local stars set to shine at Asia-Pacifi c 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.

Ahmad Skaik Shergo Al Kurdi

Keita Nakajima Takumi Kanaya Lin Yuxin

The 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 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.

“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.

The 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 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

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.”

Abedallah Shana’ah,

Managing Director Golf Events Management

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.

The 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

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

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

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. ■

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

Lady Captain Radia leads by example

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

Members victorious again over Sta

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

Sean steals the show at Luckiest Ball On Earth Quali er

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.

Khanna on top in Ladies Hidden Holes

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.

AL AIN EQUESTRIAN, SHOOTING & GOLF CLUB

King and Boucher clinch After Summer Open

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 fi nished the round with an excellent total net score of 66.

ABU DHABI CITY GOLF CLUB

Sen Had wins rst Monthly Medal in 2021

Chandra Sen Had played some outstanding golf to win the overall net on the fi rst 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.

Lind and Choudry clinch Ladies Scotch Fouresomes win

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

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.

O’Mahony secures the Medal

Wayne O’Mahony took the top spot in the Monthly Medal’s Division A with a total net score of 7 while Mick Garbutt fi nished second with net score of 72. In Division B Joe Coppinger claimed top spot with a net score of 68, whereas Kenny King fi nished 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 fi rst 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.

MONTGOMERIE GOLF CLUB DUBAI

White, Hasnaoui and Ahmed rst to qualify for Grand Final

Nigel White, Sophia Hasnaoui and Rayan Ahmed were the fi rst 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 qualifi ed after carding 33 points.

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

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

TRAVEL

Ideally 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)

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.

Favourite player:

Nick Faldo

Best course in the UAE:

Emirates Golf Club, Majlis

SPOTLIGHT

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!

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.