Worldwide Golf April 2023

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VOICE OF THE TOUR

Me k eronk

Two-time DP World Tour winner

P W r winnnner orld Tou

o imp main ain mprove m my wo rld ld y m a ain go als wa s t to i m al or th li me to qua rs. I’ve the Masters alw w ays ys s ualif y ’ of th e year s eve e r s inc nc eI e I e w wa s h e d it on te l e visio n. I h ave so o m a ny gre at t e nt in that respec t, like T ige e r Wood s’ s chi p-i i n v a bl e s h ot a alw ays stan d s out in min d till g - it es o y tim so m any tim o on re peat gi ves me o t opp incredredible The o pp opportunit y pla o p lay ay yea r is i nc oks ad d my own chapte r to the histo ry bo w e e k.

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Last year one of my main goals was to improve my world ranking to enable me to qualify for the Masters. I’ve always been a massive fan of the year’s first Major ever since I was young having watched it on television. I have so many great memories of the event in that respect, like Tiger Woods’ chip-in on 16. That unbelievable shot always stands out in my mind and I’ve watched it so many times on repeat - it still gives me goosebumps now. The opportunity to play this year is incredible and hopefully I can add my own chapter to the history books there with a great week.

However, qualifying for Augusta hasn’t been an easy task. At the start of last year I was ranked 172nd in the world so I knew I needed a good season if I was to qualify for the event in the near future. Fortunately I started the year strong with several top ten finishes before finally getting over the line at the Horizon Irish Open. That really lifted a weight off my shoulders and suddenly the prospect of getting a Masters invite in the near future wasn’t so out of reach. I was full of confidence.

I made the decision at the back end 2022 to then travel down to Australia for two events to help my chances even more. At the time my main goal was to climb even further up the World Ranking, and fortunately I managed to win. Triumphing at the ISPS HANDA Australian Open was an amazing feeling, especially as I was playing alongside home favourites Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee on the final day with huge crowds. I finished the year ranked 48th in the world so just inside the top 50 cut off line –what a result!

The official green invite to play Augusta arrived at my house the day before Christmas so the timing was absolutely perfect. I couldn’t have wished for a better present, and I was very excited. As a professional golfer, playing in the Masters is the pinnacle of our sport and to finally get the opportunity is incredible. The invite itself is now at my parents’ house on their shelf for all the family to see. Everyone is very proud.

I’m also fly i ng fo r Po lish fi rst our co untry exc untry t try to eve th supe r super exc the M as ave ave this hav e this accolade, an , and I spire fu ations e nd inspi r f rom our nation to try t a common sport within he g ame. It’s not Pol a n d, ke popul a r. The helpin g to ma

I’m also flying the flag for Polish golf as the first player from our country to ever play in the Masters. It’s super exciting to have this accolade, and I hope to inspire future generations from our nation to try the game. It’s not a common sport within Poland, but hopefully I’m helping to make it more popular. The support back home’s been great from everyone. I was even recognised in Poland’s Sports Personality of the Year in 2022 as I finished seventh. I hope to keep the momentum I have going and continue making everyone happy.

However, I’m still heading to Augusta to compete with the best along with the aim to win a Green Jacket. It’s one of my greatest achievements to qualify, but I’m there because I earned it. I need to make the most of this opportunity and see if I can now win my first Major. I’ve put the practice in as well as recently spending a few weeks adjusting to life on the PGA Tour competing in some big, iconic events. It’s been a useful experience in getting adjusted to the courses, the environment and just the different way things are over in America, but I’m ready to compete on the biggest stage.

My game is feeling as good as it’s ever felt with two wins under my belt in the last 12 months. I played well in the Middle East at the start of 2023 too, so it’s set to be an interesting year for me with Ryder Cup selection also a possibility. I’m feeling confident going to Augusta and I can’t wait to experience everything that place has to offer. From the azaleas to the fans, I’m honoured to part of another historic tournament. It’s a dream come true and an experience I will never forget, but I’m heading there with a competitive spirit. I’m heading there to win.

Adrian Meronk

While the big stick continues to dominate discussion at all levels of the game, the Paradym irons appear just as impressive.

SPIETH AND SMITH TO SHINE IN AUGUSTA

The long wait is finally over! After nine long months, which has included LIV Golf and PGA Tour drama aplenty, the stars of the golfing world will descend upon Augusta National to compete for the first Major Championship of the season – the Masters.

World renowned as a ‘tournament unlike any other’, this month’s edition truly plays on that slogan with LIV Golf players Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson going head-to-head with Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and co for the first time in nine months. Popcorn at the ready, this is going to be good.

I for one cannot wait to see Smith, who was arguably the hottest golfer in the world before moving to LIV, compete with the big boys of the golfing world once again. But I do have a concern - will LIV’s diluted 54-hole events, with no-cut shotgun starts and guaranteed money, be sufficient preparation for the game’s four Major Championships?

The Australian missed the cut in the last 72-hole event he played in Saudi Arabia, but won the DP World Tour’s Australian PGA Championship just before that, so maybe there’s not much concern to have at all? After all Smith has enjoyed a stellar record at Augusta National, finishing inside the top ten in his last four starts and becoming the first player to shoot four rounds in the 60s in 2020.

I’m often reminded in the office that I put my neck on the line by stating that Smith and his beautiful mullet would slip on the Green Jacket last year. It was a bold

prediction, but one that nearly came true had it not been for that triple bogey on the 12th during the final round, after he had just cut Scheffler’s lead to three strokes. Of course, he would later go on to win the Open Championship after a display of putting perfection on the Old Course’s back nine…I knew he would collect a Major last year, I just picked the wrong one! Anyway, this year, I’m putting my neck on the once again. I believe Smith possesses the game to win the event and I’m pretty confident he will be there or thereabouts come Sunday afternoon. Barring another implosion on the back nine, this year he gets the job done to become just the second Australian to collect a Green Jacket. Having said that, this time around I’m going to be having two horses in the race as I also fancy Jordan Spieth to pick up a second Masters title. His game has been trending in the right direction for some time now and a win seems to be just around the corner. What better place to do it than the Masters, where he has finished inside the top three on five occasions – some record that.

The likes of Scheffler, Rahm and McIlroy will no doubt have something to say about this, along with a host of other star names looking to make a breakthrough on the game’s biggest stage. It’s all set to be a fascinating week of Major Championship golf. Play well boys.

The sharkinfested course

Nestled in the heart of the idyllic Canbrook Golf Club lies a hidden gem that draws visitors from far and wide: a lagoon inhabited by sharks. Yes, you read that right – sharks!

The lagoon is a man-made feature that was created as a water hazard for the golf course, but over the years it has evolved into something much more. It is believed that the sharks arrived during the Brisbane floods of the late 1990s. As the water receded, six bull sharks found themselves trapped inside the course, but they managed to

thrive and reproduce. Today, it seems there are a dozen sharks living in the lake.

“As a kid I used to go with my mates and we used to go looking for balls out on the golf course but that doesn’t happen anymore,” said Scott Wagstaff, Carbrook Golf Course General Manager.

“If the ball goes into the shark lake, it is generally never to be seen again, there would be quite a lot of balls in that lake as no one has been in there in 15 years.”

“It’s hard to explain the feeling of seeing an eight-foot shark cruise past you on

the edge of the lake while your golfing, it’s pretty cool to see. They are beautiful animals to see close, I have become a bit of an admirer in my time here, they have got that reputation of being aggressive and dangerous, and that is probably rightly so, but what I have seen of them is that they are very graceful, far from aggressive.”

So the next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Canbrook Golf Club and take in the beauty of the course – and maybe even catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures that call it home.

This month marks the halfway point for Ryder Cup qualification, with anticipation slowly building as to who will represent Europe in the biennial showdown at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in September.

EUROPEAN POINTS

With the expected loss of some of Team Europe’s most influential figures over the last 20 years, including Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and record points scorer Sergio Garcia, this year’s qualification process, along with Luke Donald’s six Captain’s Picks, could potentially shape the future

RORY MCILROY

of European golf for years to come, with a host of names featuring in the contest for the very first time. Here, we take a look at who is leading the way and who’s on the bubble to qualify as Europe look to avenge their record breaking defeat when they head to the Eternal City.

Despite only playing in five DP World Tour events since qualification started, McIlroy leads the way on the European Points list thanks to a stellar run which has seen him finish inside the top five in each event. One of those tournaments was here in UAE when he came out on top of a thrilling battle with former Ryder Cup rival Patrick Reed at the Dubai Desert Classic, picking up the Dallah Trophy for a record-equaling third time. The Northern Irishman broke down in tears in the last Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, claiming “he should have done more for the team” after finishing the week with the lowest amount of points from any of his outings in the biennial contest. He will no doubt be looking to put things right at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, where he enjoyed a fourth place finish on his first outing there at last year’s Italian Open.

JON RAHM

Rahm has played in fewer qualifying events than McIlroy but still finds himself inside the top three automatic qualifiers having won two events and finished second in the other in his three starts since qualification started. That run begun at the BMW PGA Championship where the Spaniard fired a spellbinding final round 62 to surge up the leaderboard into second, finishing just a stroke behind champion Shane Lowry. In his next start on the European circuit he captured his national Open for a third time, before securing a third DP World Tour Championship crown with a dominant performance in Dubai. In the last Ryder Cup, Europe only managed a measly nine points –Rahm won over a third of those, playing all five matches and teaming up with compatriot Sergio Garcia for three victories in the fourballs and foursomes. Both him and McIlroy will be key figures if Europe are to regain the trophy.

YANNIK PAUL

Arguably the most surprising name who is currently making the team is Yannik Paul. The German only secured his DP World Tour playing privileges just two seasons ago through the Challenge Tour, before enjoying a fine rookie year on the main European circuit, picking up a maiden title at the Mallorca Open and ending the season ranked 20th in the Race to Dubai. That victory, along with back-to-back runner-up finishes at the Thailand Classic and Hero Indian Open in February, has seen Paul rise into the top three of the European Points list. Can count himself unlucky he wasn’t chosen to feature in the Hero Cup earlier this year, given the fact he finished higher on last season’s Rankings than a number of players who did play, but Donald will no doubt be impressed by Paul’s recent form as he looks to show the Captain he belongs on the game’s biggest stage.

WORLD POINTS

TYRRELL HATTON

Rahm and McIlroy lead the way in the World Points list, but as they would have already qualified through the European Points list, Tyrrell Hatton secures the first spot available. The Englishman has played some of his best golf in the States over the last few months, finishing in a share of sixth at the WM Phoenix Open, T4 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and second at the prestigious Players Championship where he picked up $2.7 million, the biggest prize of his career to date. His form will no doubt encourage Ryder Donald, who is looking to mix players with experience with new blood following the expected loss of Ryder Cup stalwarts Poulter, Garcia and Westwood to LIV Golf.

VIKTOR HOVLAND

Having only featured once on the DP World Tour since qualification started, Hovland looks set to play his way in through the World Points list following a decent run of form in the States. The 2022 Dubai Desert Classic champion, who became the first Norwegian to play in the Ryder Cup in 2021, has posted four top tens since the qualification process began, with his best result coming at the Players Championship, finishing in a share of third to bank vital points for both the Ryder Cup and FedExCup. If he is to make this year’s team, he’ll be hoping for a better return on points than his maiden outing where he failed to win any of his five matches, but did still manage to bank a point thanks to a half in both the singles and the Friday fourballs.

SHANE LOWRY

Lowry realised a childhood dream when Padraig Harrington picked him for the team to take on the US at Whistling Straits in 2021, although the week didn’t quite go to plan after a record-breaking loss. Currently, the Irishman is just edging out Tommy Fleetwood for the final automatic qualification spot in the World Points list with his win at last year’s BMW PGA Championship ensuring he got qualification off to a perfect start. Hasn’t played his best stuff since that triumph at Wentworth, with only one top ten finish in his last 11 starts, but his ticket looks set to be punched for a second outing at the biennial contest whether through qualifying or a Captain’s Pick again.

ON THE BUBBLE

Tommy Fleetwood

Victor Perez

Seamus Power

Adrian Otaegui

Justin Rose

Alex Noren

Rasmus Hojgaard

Antoine Rozner

Worldwide GOLF 17

Hall of Famer Padraig Harrington

Last month the World Golf Hall of Fame confirmed former European Number One Padraig Harrington would

The 51-year-old is a three-time Major champion, having won back-to-back Open Championships as well as adding the US PGA Championship during a 13-month spell in 2007 and 2008.

“This is very exciting, obviously huge honour,” said Harrington. “It’s somewhat humbling. At this stage of my life, it gives me some validation to what I’ve done in golf.

“Brings back a flood of memories. This is a deepdown satisfaction, and I’m very proud to be included with the players before me.”

Class of 2024.

“Seeing your name beside the names that I’ve looked up to as a boy and young golfer, it’s very nice.

“Everybody on the ballot deserves to be there. It’s unfortunate that everyone can’t be in, but it’s great to be included in the Class of 2024.”

Here, we take a look at some of the most memorable moments from Harrington’s illustrious career, from winning the Walker Cup as an amateur to securing 36 worldwide titles.

1995

Harrington got his hands on the Walker Cup at the third time of asking after GB&I defeated USA 14-10 at Royal Porthcrawl Golf Club in Wales. The Irishman secured three points that week, including a 2&1 victory over Tiger Woods and John Harris in the Sunday foursomes alongside compatriot Jody Flanagan.

1996

After securing his DP World Tour playing privileges through Qualifying School the year before, Harrington won on just his tenth start at the Spanish Open, beating Gordon Brand Jnr by four strokes. He went on to finish the season ranked 11th in the then Order of Merit, just losing out to Thomas Bjorn for the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award.

1999

With three runner-up finishes in 1999, Harrington qualified for that year’s Ryder Cup in what become known as the ‘Battle of Brookline’. He picked up a half point alongside Miguel Angel Jiménez in the opening foursomes before the duo teamed up again the following day in a defeat to Woods and Stephen Pate. Harrington finished the week by defeating Mark O’Meara on the final day, one of just three European victories, as the Americans secured a 14.5 – 13.5 triumph on home soil.

2000-2002

Harrington returned to the winner’s circle in 2000 with victories in Sau Paulo and Madrid, before picking up his fourth DP World Tour title the following year at the season-ending Volvo Masters in 2001, which saw him finish second on the Order of Merit. In 2002, he once again qualified for the Ryder Cup after winning the Dunhill Links Championship. This time around Harrington ended up on the winning team with Europe securing a three point victory at the Belfry to regain the trophy. Worldwide

become the third Irishman to be inducted as part of its

Hall o f Famer

2005-2006

2003 – 2004

The Irishman won four times on the DP World Tour between the 2002-2003 season opener at the BMW Asian Open and the Linde German Masters in 2004, helping Harrington secure a third consecutive Ryder Cup outing at Oakland Hills Country Club. The European team broke records, defeating the USA by nine points – the largest winning margin by a European team in the event’s history.

Harrington took up PGA Tour membership for the first time in 2005 and was quick to secure his first win at the Honda Classic, overcoming Vijay Singh and Joe Ogilvie in a play-off. He proceeded to pick up a second title in the States later that year at the Barclays Classic, before collecting a tenth DP World Tour title in 2006 with a second victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Harrington went on to win the 2006 Order of Merit in Europe after Sergio Garcia bogeyed the 72nd hole of the season-ending Volvo Masters, ensuring Harrington would finish in a share of second place which earned him enough money to leapfrog Paul Casey in the Rankings. Harrington and the European team also regained the Ryder Cup after equaling their record winning margin of two years earlier.

2007-2008

Harrington enjoyed the best spell of his career between 2007-2008, picking up three Major Championship trophies and being crowned European Tour Golfer of the Year twice. After becoming the first home winner of the Irish Open in 25 years, he went on to pick up the Claret Jug following a four-hole play-off at Carnoustie Golf Links, before successfully defending his Open Championship title the following year at Royal Birkdale. Just three weeks after his second Major title, Harrington added a third at the PGA Championship, becoming the first European to win the tournament in 78 years. He went on to represent Europe for a fourth time at the Ryder Cup but failed to pick up any points as the USA ended the streak of three successive European victories.

2010

Having gone winless since his PGA Championship victory and struggling with inconsistency on the PGA Tour, Harrington was a surprise and controversial Captain’s Pick from Colin Montgomerie for the Ryder Cup. However, Europe reclaimed the trophy with Harrington providing two points en route to a one point victory at Celtic Manor.

2015-2016

Despite a big drop in form and finishing outside the top 60 of the Race to Dubai and outside of the top 130 on the FedExCup in 2013 and 2014, Harrington returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in seven years with a second victory at the 2015 Honda Classic. The following year he represented Ireland at the Olympic Games, finishing in a share of 21st, before picking up a 15th DP World Tour title at the Portugal Masters.

2021

Harrington was named European Ryder Cup Captain in 2019, but would have to wait two years until leading the team out at Whistling Straits following the postponement of the event due to the covid-19 pandemic. He probably wished he had a bit longer after the USA romped to a record ten point triumph to win back-to-back editions on home soil for the time since 1979 and 1983.

2022

After turning 50, Harrington started playing his trade on the PGA Tour Champions, quickly becoming a four-time winner on the circuit. The very first of those was a Senior Major Championship with a one-stroke victory over Steve Stricker at the U.S. Senior Open, before adding three more in the space of four months to finish second in the season-long Charles Schwab Cup.

Worldwide GOLF 21

HOME GROWN Ahmed Skaik HERO

ater this Tour returns to the UAE for the first time in five years events

the next

Nationals to shine on the stage

ater this month, the Challenge Tour returns to the UAE for the first time in five years with back-to-back events in Abu Dhabi showcasing a plethora of the game’s next generation of talent along with a host of UAE Nationals bidding to shine on the big stage.

How has the last year been for you with the injury?

The two events, the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, are part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation, which aims to develop golf in the United Arab Emirates for

The two events, the Abu Dhabi at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and the UAE the with the Emirates Golf which aims in the United Arab Emirates for at least the next decade.

The last 12 months have been very tough and I still get pain now but it’s much better than it was. I’ve been unable to play golf as much as I’d like or hit as many shots as I normally would when practicing – I’m still doing physio once a week and gym work four times a week to get back to where I was before my injury.

to seeing how they will set the course up for a Challenge Tour event. Playing in tournaments like this will help my game, especially coming back from injury. It gives me vital experience of playing in bigger events and under pressure which then helps me deal with pressure in some of the smaller events.

Have you set yourself any goals for the two events?

Thirty spots in each of those tournaments will be allocated to the EGF to help create playing opportunities and provide a pathway for Emirati golfers. It’s worth noting that the EGF can also trade these places with other federations across the world to give their players an opportunity to

those tournaments will be allocated to the EGF to provide for Emirati

You successfully defended your Presidents Cup crown following an 18-hole play-off after a scoring error. How did it feel to get back to winning ways on your first start back after injury?

Although the full field has not yet been confirmed, one man who will definitely be playing is the UAE’s No.1 golfer Ahmed Skaik, who recently returned from a year-long injury to successfully defend his Presidents Cup crown.

It’s worth that the EGF can also federations across the world to play in Challenge Tour events overseas. the full field has not yet been confirmed, one man who will be golfer Ahmed Skaik, defend his Presidents crown.

Skaik, who plans to turn professional in the future, will be aiming to emulate the form that saw him play his way into the history books just four months before injuring a disc in his

form that saw his into the books four months a disc in his lower back while deadlifting.

The UAE national fired the lowest DP World Tour round by an Emirati on the opening day of the 2021 AVIV Dubai Championship with an impressive four under par 68 on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. It was the second successive week the youngster had made the headlines after his heroics at the previous week’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, where he became only the second Emirati to

Tour round an Emirati on opening of the 2021 AVIV Dubai with an four under 68 on the Fire course at successive week youngster had made the headlines after his heroics at the week’s Asia-Pacific Amateur where he became the second Emirati to make the cut.

We caught up with Skaik ahead of the Challenge Tour double-header to find out where his game is at after the long lay-off and how important these

Golf is a crazy sport, and you must be able to adapt to certain things to overcome the hurdles that the sport throws at you. That weekend was a great example of that. It was great to be back on the course full-time. I wanted to use the Championship to show everyone that I’m healthy again and ready for the rest of the year, I think I did that.

You’ve played a few events since that victory, including the GCC Championship – where do you feel your game is at heading into this Challenge Tour double-header?

My game is looking good. I’ve put in a lot of work, it’s obviously tough to transition to tournament golf as I haven’t played in such a long time but I’ve performed a lot better than expected, especially at the GCC Championship where I won a silver medal. I’m happy with where my game is and hopefully I can keep getting better leading up to the Challenge Tour events.

How excited are you to be playing with the stars of tomorrow on the Challenge Tour?

I’m very excited to get out there and play.

Tour double-header to find out where his is at after the events will be in his deveolpment Worldwide

I’ve obviously played at Abu Dhabi Golf Club many times and during the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, so I’m looking forward

I’ve not set any goals for the events just yet. During Ramadan it’s tough to practice every day and stay on top of it and the events are just after Ramadan finishes so I would have liked to have a bit more time. I haven’t played in big events in over a year so I need to be realistic with what I’m setting. Having said that, I also need to set big goals and I believe I can achieve them. Making the cut and playing well in the third and fourth round would be a step in the right direction.

How important is the deal between the EGF and the DP World Tour in helping UAE Nationals play on the big stage?

The deal between the EGF and the DP World Tour is very important and vital for the game out here. It opens so many doors for us and gives us the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the world. It’s definitely helped golf in the UAE take a step forward and evolve as a country for golf.

What does your schedule look like for the rest of the year?

There’s a few more Challenge Tour events that I will be playing and hopefully some DP World Tour tournaments. I’ll also be playing some amateur events in Europe and hopefully the States, so it’s looking like a busy schedule and one I’m really looking forward to after doing nothing for almost a year!

Seအus Power

rime ositionP

Europe’s Ryder Cup team have unearthed a new diamond in Seamus Power right when they need it. Known for his consistent performances and unwavering dedication to the sport, the Irishman is quickly becoming a household name among golf enthusiasts. The 36-year-old claimed his second PGA Tour victory at the 2022 Butterfield Bermuda Championship and recently focused his attention on making Luke Donald’s side this September. Here, the Waterford man gave us the lowdown on his time in the Middle East along with his ambition of representing Europe later this year.

Europe’s team have unearthed a new diamond in Seamus Power when need it . Known for his consistent performances and dedication to the sport , the Irishman is quickly a household name among enthusiasts. The claimed his second PGA Tour victory at the 2022 Butterfield Bermuda Championship and recently focused his attention on Luke Donald’s side this the Waterford man gave us the lowdown on his time in the Middle East with his ambition of later this year.

It’s been an unconventional rise to the top echelons of the sport for Power. The two-time PGA Tour winner hasn’t followed the traditional tried-and-tested route for a European which peaks at the DP World Tour and beyond. Instead, he went to play in America for East Tennessee State University before turning professional in 2011. It’s been a slow climb to the elite level he finds himself at now, but it was worth waiting for. “It’s a dream,” said Power of his ascent to the PGA Tour. “I played four years of mini-tours and you’re playing for nothing. You know, two to three million, whatever a winning cheque is now, that’s a huge life-changing amount of money. At the end of the day, we’re only playing a game of golf. To be able to play for any of those figures that we are talking about, it’s lucky.”

As the Irishman alludes to, the financials of the sport are an ever-present

aspect of golfing headlines right now.

The emergence of LIV Golf and the drastic scheduling changes to the PGA Tour have made it a great time to be a professional player. The money that the game’s best now compete for is mind-boggling, but it still hasn’t come without damages. There have been ruined relationships - like Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia’s - and a potential asterisk over the upcoming Ryder Cup with regards to who should and shouldn’t be there. The long-term future of the sport remains uncertain.

“This game has been around for a long time,” added the 2016 Olympian. “There’s been a lot of incredible people and a lot of incredible players that have really affected the game. Hopefully this generation has the same amount. You see Rory, I feel like he’s really taken the mantle. He’s taken the bull

by the horns and seems to be the one leading that way. I’ve known Rory a long time and he’s a great guy to be on your side and long may it continue. That’s going to be the key. I keep going back to it, it’s for us in this generation to leave golf in a better place. It’s not what we can all get out of it. It’s what we can kind of do for the game and give back for a game that’s given everyone in this field so much already.”

PLAYING IN THE UAE

Despite being one of many US-based Europeans, the Irishman still made the trip over to the Middle East in January to participate in the Hero Cup and Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. In fact, he flew directly from Hawaii’s Sentry Tournament of Champions to Abu Dhabi which was 28 hours on a plane. He’s only played in a handful of DP World Tour events to date, but that journey

Power, 36, partnered fellow Irishman Shane Lowry in January’s Hero Cup at Abu Dhabi Golf Club Worldwide GOLF

alone has proved his strong commitment to the Ryder Cup cause.

“I took a lot from it,” said Power of his Hero Cup week. “We don’t play a lot of match play much anymore, so getting reminded of the difference is the biggest thing to me. I played against guys that were fantastic players and you see the depth of talent. When you talk about Rory, Jon, Viktor, and Fitz not being there; it was amazing to see. I played with Nicolai, an amazing player, huge, talented player. Bob MacIntyre in fourball was a joy to play with, so easy going and a lovely player.”

Despite being on the losing side that week at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, he did follow it up with a top 20 finish at Yas Links a week later. And even despite the long flight, the Middle East appears to have taken a small piece of his heart. “I’m not surprised there are so many guys basing themselves in this part of the world,” added Power. “You couldn’t ask for anything more. It’s gorgeous. You’re in shorts every day possible. It makes a world of difference as golfers. You need good weather and you need good courses.”

But could the 36-year-old ever see himself make the move permanent?

“At the moment I’m happy enough in the US,” he stated. “But I can easily see why the likes of Tommy (Fleetwood) base themselves in the Middle East. You have got everything you could possibly need to be a good professional golfer. And Tommy at

the moment, he plays more of a worldwide schedule than me. Hopefully I can continue playing good golf and maybe I can kind of lean more that way and play some more around the world.”

RYDER CUP HOPES

The biennial team event between the US and Europe will always be the pinnacle of any golfers career, and Power’s debut is firmly in sight. It’s more than just a tournament, but a celebration of the game and the values that it represents: teamwork, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. It brings together players and fans from different backgrounds and cultures, united by their passion for golf. But perhaps more importantly, playing in a Ryder Cup is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of golfers and to leave a lasting legacy that will endure long after the tournament is over. The drama that unfolds during a Ryder Cup week is special, and a chance for players to leave their mark on the game.

“I will never forget Paul McGinley’s putt at The Belfry (in 2002),” recalled Power. “That’s one that hit home. I’ll never forget that moment, seeing Sam Torrance on the side of the green crying. And Ian Poulter for me was the one that was just remarkable. He just turned into the best player in the world on those Ryder Cup weeks. Obviously he had an incredible career and won a lot anyway, but on those weeks, you just couldn’t see him losing, and it was just amazing that

someone could seem rise so much in some of these moments. Some of the fist-pumps, some of the looks on his face.”

As a top 30 player in the world himself, the Irishman has a great chance of adding his own chapter to the history books. Only 12 of the 159 Europeans to participate in a Ryder Cup have hailed from the Republic of Ireland, but his impressive form over the last year and a half have him poised to add to his country’s representation. Even if he doesn’t qualify automatically, his achievements thus far have earned him the potential to be a Captain’s Pick.

“After the win (in Bermuda), I called Luke and I talked to Paul McGinley, just getting their input and their advice, what they would recommend, what would Luke like to see in terms of some of that stuff,” said the 2017 Korn Ferry Tour graduate. “I’ve played well for the last year so I’m on the radar to some extent. So much can happen, there are so many tournaments in the next few months. Hopefully some of my good golf continues.”

While the specifics of that phone conversation with Donald will remain a secret, Power’s name is a prominent topic in the discussion of team selection. Ten years ago, the Irishman was competing on America’s third level of professional golf, the eGolf Professional Tour, and now he is a multiple PGA Tour winner on the brink of making history. It’s been a steady climb so far, but the summit is now in sight.

Power won the 2022 Butterfield Bermuda Championship by one shot ahead of Belgium’s Thomas Detry

DUTTON DELIGHT

Dubai-based talent Marcus Dutton burst to the top of the local amateur scene last month with an eye-catching six-shot victory at the esteemed Yas Links Abu Dhabi Men’s Open. The 21-year-old shot a remarkable round of four under par to emerge victorious on the Kyle Phillips designed track. The Englishman, who also had a brief stint in America playing for North Idaho College, is hoping the triumph is a sign of more success to come in the near future. The Jumeirah Golf Estates member spoke to us about his fledgling amateur career so far which has seen him progress to an astounding plus four handicap.

How did you get into golf?

into

I moved out to Dubai when I was so I’ve been here

I was around 14. I lived for I moved to Jumeirah Golf Estates my Mum like you want to start lessons when I was 14, 15. I fell in love it time in the winter then went back to finish semester, then it fell apart again. So, I decided to come back and try something

I moved out to Dubai when I was 11, so I’ve been here for 10 years now, but I didn’t start playing until I was around 14. I lived at Victory Heights for four years, and when I moved to Jumeirah Golf Estates my Mum was just like ‘do you want to start having lessons?’ and it went from there. I started group lessons when I was 14, 15. I fell in love with it. I played it every winter. Spent a lot of time in the winter working on my swing, and then went back to finish my semester, then different.

You’ve documented all of your swing progression on your Instagram, could you give us an insight into that?

It’s been a grind. I’ve always wanted to get to a point where my swing does the job for me so I can just go out and play. I struggled when I first started playing about getting a perfect swing and perfect photo positions. After getting stuck and spending three years trying to fix everything, now I’m finally getting to a point where I can go out and enjoy playing. I’m now in a zone where I don’t have to think about anything.

What about the influence of two-time DP World Tour winner Tom Lewis, a close friend of yours?

What did you learn about yourself during

What did you learn your stint in the US?

I learnt that there’s a lot to the game. It’s not as simple as spending time on the range and going out to play. When you’re playing different courses that are very different to Dubai and the UAE, like treeline and parkland courses, it’s a very different game. There’s not much time to practice as you’re busy with school and studying. It was a mix of all things. I was on a 12-hour time difference to my coach and my parents, so anytime I wanted hel h p with swing changes it would take ages to come through. I could definitely do it better next time, but it was tough

Back in the UAE now, how would you describe the set-up here?

I saw him in Saudi where I spent a week for the Asian Tour event. He’s been a good friend of mine for years now. I met him at the DP World Tour Championship in 2018. We’ve spoken back and forth, good friends ever since. We were talking about our swings as he’s kind of had some struggles as well. He was like ‘send me a few videos and I’ll take a look’. So I sent him my videos from last winter when I was hitting it well. He just showed me my posture. He just said I can’t get it on plane and up if I’m so steep. So he wanted me to sit back a little bit and stand a little bit taller with my head. Straight away when I got back I played 18 holes with my friends and hit it a million times better.

How often do you practice?

are many courses here and there’s so many

The facilities… you’re not going to get anything better. Every single golf course you go to there are unreal facilities. The courses are always in great condition. There are many courses here and there’s so great players as well. It’s a great place to grow up playing because there’s so many opportunities

How do you reflect on your recent win at Yas Links?

I went to Yas expecting to ‘just play’. I hadn’t played a tournament since the start of the season as I’d just been working on my swing. I wasn’t happy where my swing was, I had no confidence. I didn’t really want to play tournaments because I didn’t want people to see my scores. I went to Yas with the focus of building confidence and getting back into the swing of things of playing tournaments. I ended up winning. It was a big jump in confidence

Did you feel like a good result like that was just around the corner?

If you would ask a few of the guys I play with,

my coach or anyone at JGE, they would say it’s been coming for a while. But looking at my swing and how the last six to eight months have been, I would have never seen the possibly of it coming this soon. It kind of feels like it was a fluke, but at the same time I’m playing better golf and I’m hitting the ball well. My swing’s so much better now. I just need to back it up and continue the form

and how the last six to months have I would have never seen the possibly of it this soon. It kind of feels like it was a at the same time better and I’m the ball so much need to back it and continue the form now.

I have a schedule that I try to stick to every day. I want to balance my practice. I don’t want to hit the same thing every day. Some days I’ll focus on the short game, some days long game, some days it’s the course. I just try to keep a good balance and spread things out a little bit.

And how frequently do you get back to the UK to play?

I haven’t played enough there. The weather’s a bit rubbish, but yeah, I should really play out there more. I think after this season finishes in Dubai, I will see what happens. I will probably go over to Europe to see what there is. I spend most of my summers in Portugal so I’ll mainly look around Spain and Portugal to see what there is. Maybe I’ll go up to the UK to see what events are there.

What advice would you give fellow youngsters chasing their dream like yourself?

Track your progress with swing videos, tests and strokes gained systems or apps. I have a folder on my phone that has swing videos from each month going back to 2020 and it’s so nice to see the progress I’ve made. It’s also great being at Tommy Fleetwood Academy because it allows me to see what a lot of pros do in their practice, especially Tommy himself. You learn a lot seeing how focused they are and how much time they spend on certain situations and parts of their game.

BY WILL KENT

Cooking Up Clubs

Alizaib Malik is a Scottish-Pakistani in Dubai and a growing success story of the local golf scene. The 25-year-old doesn’t play the game besides the odd knock on a par three course, but has dedicated himself to working in the industry over recent years. Spurred on during the COVID-19 pandemic, he started buying and selling second hand clubs in 2020 before expanding into repairs and maintenance in his home workshop. Now the owner of a fully-fledged company ‘Big Dog Golf’, the youngster revealed to Worldwide Golf how everything unexpectedly came about.

“It all started because I was helping my family friend Randy Livingston sell household stuff when he was moving,” said Alizaib. “When I sold used clubs online I saw there was a huge opportunity and a lot of people were enquiring about them. Also with my Dad being a golfer for the last 15 years, he taught me a lot about golf and how there’s a market for used clubs. I decided to buy my first set of clubs from the States at auction. I kept reselling and buying, then I started offering more services as well.”

As I stood alongside the former Jumeirah College student in his workshop which is full of second-hand bats, I couldn’t help but feel this was a unique gamble paying off. Alizaib grew up in the UAE after moving here in 2003, but confessed he wasn’t well acquainted with the sport to begin with. He more recently studied computer science at University back in the UK and the traditional career path for that qualification is very different to what he finds himself doing now. I wanted to know more.

“When I initially started I didn’t know much about golf,” he added. “The main people who taught me were my Dad, a South African fitter who was initially my customer, and some online books helped. I started with 20 wedges and after selling them I could afford all the machines and equipment in my workshop as well as more stock. I’d say since 2020 to now, I have a really good customer base. I offer quick turnaround times as everything will be ready the next day.”

An average week during peak season sees 20 customers stop by, with up to 30 second-hand club sales. Big Dog Golf have also welcomed collaborations with RZN golf balls which are now stocked in the workshop, along with biodegradable tees from a local UAE company. The numbers are growing, demand is increasing and Alizaib has ambitions to spread his wings internationally.

“I have two suppliers to do the running around for me at auction in the States,” added the Glasgow-born expat. “They’ll send clubs over to me here and as well as my people in America, it’s progressed to Japan and Malaysia. Any time they find an auction that’s up for sale, there’s hopefully golf clubs there. They’ll buy the clubs after I tell them what price I’m comfortable with. Then they’ll ship the clubs to me, I keep the profit and I pay them a commission”.

Buying and reselling used clubs for a reliable income is undoubtedly a challenge, but repairing them is a craft that requires genuine skill. Golfers can be very specific with their equipment and extreme care is needed when making alterations. The University of Hull graduate alluded to this in our interview as he pointed out a large bucket full of various clubheads from customers. This

selection need specific replacements shafts which are currently out of stock and may take months to appear. It was starting to dawn on me that this ‘gamble’ was actually a well-thought out project.

“I used to buy golf clubs that I wasn’t intending to sell, just to practice on,” explained Alizaib. “I would practice on them and experiment on them until I mastered all of these skills. With my newest workshop which I’ve just moved into I’m hoping to be able to offer some new services that I previously couldn’t. I’ve got the space now for loft and lie machines, and air sanding along with more sophisticated things. I’m also hoping to officially launch my website this year which should mean people can access me more easily, rather than word of mouth which has been effective for me.”

Big Dog Golf’s workshop is becoming somewhat of a go-to destination for people looking for something other than the latest brand new driver. Golf is a costly hobby which can be a deterrent for beginners. However, Alizaib, a young expatriate who initially had no knowledge of the game, is tapping into the local market through social media and is starting to appeal to an unusually different demographic.

“I’ve had quite a lot of Emiratis come to me to buy golf clubs,” he revealed. “The biggest thing about my workshop

is it enables beginners to come and buy clubs at an affordable price. It was really nice to see them come down. They were really inquisitive about golf and how to play the game. It was nice to be able to spend time with them, they are all really warming people. I was able to help them, whether they were buying a beginner set or if they were looking for some maintenance work on their existing clubs.”

Alizaib’s story is a testament to the fact that dedication and hard work along with an entrepreneurial spirit can lead to unexpected success. Now an owner of a growing business, his journey highlights the power of determination in taking a chance on a business idea. With his welcoming nature and growing golfing expertise, he is sure to continue making a positive impact in the local community and beyond for a long time to come.

“When I initially started I didn’t know much about golf. I started with 20 wedges and after selling them I could afford all the machines and equipment in my workshop as well as more stock.”

Jason Day

On the comeback trail

After a challenging couple of years dealing with injuries, personal issues and a drop in form, Jason Day is on the comeback trail as he attempts to recapture the form that he showed when he became World No.1.

The Australian was one of the hottest golfers on the planet in 20152016, winning seven times in ten months, including a first Major at the PGA Championship and a four-stroke triumph at the Players Championship.

But a longstanding back injury and spasms that flared up periodically took their toll, not only physically but confidence-wise, with Day dropping outside of the top 150 on the Official World Golf Ranking.

“It was very humbling,” said Day when asked how he handled dropping so low.

“I was telling Luke, my caddie, at the Am Ex that I got lost going out of the golf course because they had a concert on. And I got lost and I just sat on the side of the road looking at the mountains for like 30 minutes. Because it felt like no matter what I did, I was just turning the wrong way every single time.

“I was struggling with my body. Struggling mentally. Struggling with my mum passing. Struggling with a lot of things. I think finally over the last few months I feel like things are finally settled down where I can actually focus on golf – playing golf and really just trying to do the best job I can.

“I mean, it’s hard. Because you go from being the best player in the world, everyone kind of knowing you and doing this. Then all of a sudden you’re kind of, you’re like scraping it around trying to make cuts. That can be a difficult process.

“It’s not an easy fall, but I feel like I have been nice enough to a lot of guys out there that the fall wasn’t too bad. Now I’m just trying to work myself back up.”

It seems almost unfathomable that the 35-year-old was World No.1 six long years ago.

Day spent a total of 51 weeks at the summit of the rankings across three separate spells between 2015 and 2017, although the former Major champion hasn’t tasted victory since the Wells Fargo Championship in 2018.

“When I got to No. 1 in the world back in ’15, I enjoyed the journey getting there,” he said. “But when I got there, I didn’t know how I got there, which is interesting to say because I

“Look, I miss, obviously, talking pretty much every week and being in front of the media and playing good golf and trying to win tournaments. That’s like the big thing for most guys out here. They’re trying to get in contention. You miss those feelings on Saturdays and Sundays

“Typically when I’m in the mix on Sundays I get no sleep that night. I miss that. I’ve been sleeping quite nicely over the last two years. And that’s, like on a Saturday night, not what I want to do. I want to have no sleep.”

Sleepless nights might once again be on the horizon for the 12-time PGA Tour winner Day has shot back up into the upper echelons of the game following a fine run of form in 2023, finishing inside the top 20 in the seven events he’s played, including top tens in the ‘elevated’ WM Phoenix Open, Genesis Invitational and Arnold Palmer Invitational.

had a team of people around me that would just take care of everything. So they just kept the horse running, and I was just like, OK, I’m going to run in a straight line.”

When the straight line started veering off course, Day sufered his dramatic slump down the rankings, leaving the 2013 World Cup of Golf winner suddenly experiencing a very different life away from the spotlight. Something that he has missed in the barren years away from golf’s top table.

“ I do miss them,” admitted Day.

That purple patch has seen him jump from

has seen him jump from 115th at the start of the year to 33rd in the rankings – his highest position since the 2020 PGA Championship

“I feel like things are progressing in a good way swing wise and obviously with the short game as well , but I’m not really trying to project myself too far in front,” he said

“I feel that the swing just needs to slightly improve a little bit to try and get that control back with the irons, but overall I feel very motivated to try and climb the ladder again, that’s all I can say

“I would like to give myself a modest five (out of 10). I just feel like the level of golf that the three guys are playing right now up in

“Typically when I’m in the mix on Sundays I get no sleep that night. I miss that. I’ve been sleeping quite nicely over the last two years”.

Day is enjoying his golf once again after struggling with issues on and off the course Worldwide GOLF 34

the top of the world rankings, the way they’re playing, it’s very difficult to beat. I feel like if I can keep putting in the work, hopefully it’ll pay off over time.”

MASTERS RETURN

Day’s turnaround in form has seen him secure a return to the Masters after failing to quality for the first time since 2011 last year.

The timing is notable, with this month’s edition marking ten years since he finished third, just two strokes off the play-off which compatriot Adam Scott won to become the first Australian winner of the event.

It could have been Day who was creating history for the Aussies, having held the outright lead after 36 holes, but a disappointing end to his third round, where he three-putted the final two holes, knocked his momentum before a final round 70 wasn’t quite enough to get into the play-off alongside Scott and former champion Angel Cabrera.

Does Day still think about that near-miss?

“Every now and then, like when I get asked a question about it,” he said.

“You know, every now and then it feels like, ‘dang, man, I was close, I could have been the first Australian to win the Masters’.

“It’s amazing to me that it’s been ten years already. Does it spur me on to win Augusta? Yeah, every single time, this is the only Major I wanted to win when I was growing up.

“So every single time I get the chance to compete in it, I’m doing everything I possibly can to prepare and try and win that event.”

A win at the first Major Championship of the season would certainly cement Day’s return to his former glories, and you’d struggle to find a more popular champion amongst fans and his peers alike. From growing up in poverty to losing his dad at an early age, which led to struggles with alcohol, Day’s rags to riches to riches story resonates with many.

There were times, once he had made it as a professional, that Day would just sit alone in his room, refreshing the webpage showing

his bank account, not believing what he was seeing. Now in a position to give back, the 35-year-old and his wife Ellie, set up the Brighter Days Foundation, which works to meet basic needs, give hope, and support child-serving organisations in Central Ohio. In short, Day is one of golf’s good guys.

His current spell of form is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and dedication to the game. Injuries and personal setbacks may have hampered his progress over the last few years, but the recent success on the course has reignited his passion for the sport and reminded fans around the world of his substantial talent.

As he continues to dig deeper in a bid to get back into the winner’s circle, it’s an exciting prospect to think of a 2015-206 Jason Day going toe-to-toe with the likes of Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. Whether he’s winning Major Championships or simply inspiring others with his incredible journey, there’s no doubt that Day’s impact on golf will be felt for years to come.

th t fthldki thth’

“EdthlikhI t kd hibk t t blii hth

Day secured the biggest title of his career at the PGA Championship in 2015

seasoned players and the beginner.

Moree Golf Club opened for play on August 8 of 1906. The course was designed by Arthur East to of challenge and for

PAYNE’S WORLD BACK DOWN UNDER

Golf, like all other professional sports, is losing characters. Social media scrutiny has made both Tour and club professionals very conscious about how they are perceived by the public. Just look at Netflix’s Full Swing documentary, all very nice, but except for Joel Dahman, most just came across as being spoilt and a little dull. I’m sure many of these players are far from dull once the cameras are turned off but the fear of putting a foot wrong with their sponsors or employer prevents them from being a free spirit. This understandably applies to coach and club professionals, where one complaint or negative comment could have serious implications. Which is why many of us have enjoyed the company of Simon Payne. The colourful PGA Professional, renowned for seeing the fun in life and a beaming smile, has certainly been a huge asset for the local golf scene. After nearly two decades on from first landing in Dubai, he’s homeward bound and set for a new challenge. The UAE golf scene has changed dramatically since Simon first arrived, so we caught up with him to look back on his time in the Emirates, which will hopefully give you an insight into the character of our friend Simon Payne.

When and why did you first come to the UAE?

This is an easy one, albeit a little dusty, I arrived the day after the Melbourne Cup (The race that Stops the Nation) which was Wednesday November 2nd in 2005.

What did you like the most about the region and especially RAK?

For myself, what I loved about the region was the diversity, the ability to move out of one’s comfort zone and engage with people of various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, this is also the beauty of travel and being an expat, well in my eyes at least. Having lived in Ras Al Khaimah for the best part of 14 plus years I steadfastly regard Ras AL Khaimah as my second home, not only for the reasons listed above but for the familiarity I felt with where I grew up on the north side of Brisbane, something which could not be replicated in a big city.

How have you seen the golfing landscape change since you first arrived?

The golfing landscape has in my opinion changed in the way of it being far more inclusive. The demographic was, or was at least perceived to be, wealthy and predominantly British expats having a “Jolly Good Time” on some of the finest fairways in the world. I am glad to see and have witnessed the turn of the tide so to speak where the game and the mentality has changed to that of a sport reaching out to the greater populous, breaking down race and cultural barriers and engaging the youth into the game. I think golf in the UAE is in a great place and this is testament to the hard work and vision of the Emirates Golf Federation coupled with the support from the golf clubs in the country.

What are the standout memories you will take away with you?

It is difficult to outline all the stand-out memories for me, personal achievements would be winning the UAE PGA Order of Merit three times I believe, as well as representing the UAE PGA at the PGAs of Europe Team Championship several times. Outside of the personal moments, it would be Tower Links hosting the Inaugural MENA Tour back in 2011, one of four courses at the time in the Tour’s infancy, this lasted until 2017.

Why did you decided to leave Tower Links and where are you going?

My decision to leave Tower Links was not an easy one, but I felt that the time was right to move on and challenge myself, I didn’t want to be one of the statistics that 20 years from now I would have been more disappointed by the things I didn’t do rather than the things I did. My new role is that of General Manager at Moree Golf Club, which is in Northern NSW, approximately 7 hours southwest of my hometown of Brisbane in Queensland. Moree is a rich agricultural centre and is Australia’s largest cotton producing region. You’ve worked close with YouTubers Golf Mates; will this continue in Aus and did social media help in getting your new position?

I have been extremely fortunate to have formed a very close friendship and golfing relationship with the Golf Mates team headed by Liam Harrison. As far as this exposure went in assisting me in securing my new position, I certainly don’t think it hurt, my true character is on show for all to see, staying true to yourself is my

“My first position was Head Professional at Dubai Country Club, the only Sand Course in Dubai, which was in Al Awir. It was situated basically on the opposite side of the highway to what is Meydan today (formerly Nad Al Sheba) and the Flamingo Reserve. I was there from 2006 until it was knocked down at the back end of 2007 to make way for the then proposed canal estate, sadly this development never reached fruition,” – SIMON

PAYNE

Over recent years Simon has become a regular face on the popular Golf Mates YouTube channel. Lets hope they make it down to Moree Golf Club, as the would make entertaining viewing.

philosophy. As far as a Hidden Gems Series Down Under, you will have to watch this space, but I do have it on good authority that 2024 could see the Barmy Army paying these shores a visit.

What courses did you enjoy playing the most in the UAE and why?

As golf has grown in the UAE, we have seen quite a diversity in golf course designs, which is great for the avid golfer and visiting golf tourist. Stand-outs for me, and this is simply my opinion and in no particular order are:

Tower Links -Obviously my home away from home,

but aside from that, it’s a very fair yet challenging course, where the premium lies between your shoulders, not on your shoulders, don’t be fooled by the lack of length. The unobstructed back drop of the Hajar Mountain Range coupled with the natural spectacle of the migratory bird life through the winter months make Tower Links a must visit for those that love birdies, on, and off the course.

Els Club - Elevation and run offs, clever design with the use of slopes, humps, and hollows to bring you undone, your depth perception is tested on every hole, and you need a wicked short game if you are to challenge your handicap.

Saadiyat Beach - I just love the natural feel, flow, and elevation changes of the course. I particularly like the firmness of the course, views over the Gulf, native grasses, and sedges, as well as the abundance of wildlife, namely the Arabian Oryx.

Emirates Golf Club - What can you say, this Majestic Lady has played host to the Dubai Desert Classic since 1989. Somewhat traditional in its layout with its array of dog

PAYNE’S WORLD

legs, with length being added over the years to keep up with the modernisation of the game, this iconic venue possesses one of the greatest vistas of a city skyline anywhere in the world.

What did you miss the most about Aus?

I could get a little sentimental here, but the things I missed about Australia, in particular my home state of Queensland and city of Brisbane was the greenery, we have amazing corridors of green scape all through the city and outer suburbs. The smell of rain on a summer’s afternoon, cricket at the Gabba, footy at Suncorp Stadium, meat pies, my family, my mates, and of course my mother’s roast dinner on a Sunday night.

How do the courses differ between the UAE and Aus?

There is a huge divide between the courses in the UAE and Australia, the countries are so vastly different in not only size but population and more importantly golfing population, with approximately 22 courses in the UAE and some 1,500 courses across Australia. Most of the courses in the UAE have a famed golf course architect attached to them with many having a housing development bordering all boundaries of the courses, this is not so the case with many courses in Australia being standalone public courses. Additionally, the courses in the UAE all seem to have attached the moniker of Championship Course, where in Australia this term is more carefully selected.

Thoughts on LIV Golf and how would you fix the pro golf scene?

I love that fact LIV has shaken things up and ironically how the PGA TOUR has reacted. I don’t necessarily think

the Pro Golf scene needs to be fixed, I do however think that with the exorbitant amounts of money now in professional sport, in particular golf, players have become more static, stayed and are less reluctant to express their true feelings, thoughts and emotions, golf needs characters again, but I think it is too late, progression is the art of moving forward as they say.

I do think that the NETFLIX Series

Full Swing paints professional golfers in a bad light, a bunch of overpaid, characterless, private jet setters with a myriad of “yes men” by their side, the only relatable guy on that series was Joel Dahman, he owned it.... “someone’s got to be the 70th best golfer in the word” TOUCHE!!!

DUBAI COUNTRY CLUB 1996

SHOWDOWN

HEADS TO ELS CLUB

Excitement is building ahead of the first Worldwide Golf Society Showdown as the much-loved event heads to the stunning Els Club, Dubai on Friday April 28th.

The eagerly awaited contest, which was conceived during the pandemic to give societies and social golfers a wallet-friendly day of light-hearted fun and good-natured

competition, is being supported by Luxury Carts Group, Nathan Digital, Adidas, Mediclinic, 3D-Hub and MyGolf Dubai.

The format for the event is a 4-man team Stableford with the best two scores on each hole counting towards the team total and competitors are being treated to a package of outstanding value.

Entry to the event is just AED 550 + VAT per player inclusive of:

• 18 holes with buggy

• Four hops

• Two course dinner after play

• Fantastic prizes

The winning team will avail a summer wildcard membership for the UAE’s leading indoor golf facility, MyGolf, Dubai as well as a stunning trophy and bragging rights as the country’s No.1 society while there will be full range of on-course prizes on offer.

“We are delighted to be selected to be the venue for the Worldwide Golf Society Showdown,” said Tom Rourke – General Manager of The Els Club. “This is a great initiative from Worldwide Golf to have multiple golf societies competing against each other to be crowned the best golf society. The golf course is in superb condition and with many other facility enhancements adding to the Els Club, managed by Troon Golf experience it is sure to be a fantastic event. We look forward to welcoming all competitors in the Worldwide Golf Society Showdown on April 28th”.

NON-SOCIETY MEMBERS WELCOME

You don’t have to be a member of one of the many UAE golf societies to take part in the event, simply find three friends to join you and play as your own ‘mini-society’!

Date: Friday April 28th, 2023

Time: 2.00pm

Venue: Els Club Dubai

Price: AED 550 + VAT per player inclusive of golf, 4 hops per player, two-course dinner, prizes

Country THE A roaring success Club

When the Country Club at The Els Club opened just over two years ago it was one of the most impressive fitness and recreation hubs in Dubai, offering a state-of-the-art gym, an outdoor fitness centre, two stunning swimming pools and a whole lot more. Since then, the club has been a huge hit with families and fitness enthusiasts alike, so we decided to take a trip down there to catch up with Tom Rourke, General Manager at The Els Club, to find out what has made The Country Club so successful.

You’ve been open just over two years now. How has the Country Club grown in that time? Over the past two years, the club has established itself as the go-to destination for fitness enthusiasts and families alike.

The Country Club boasts a state-of-the-art gym with top-of-the-line equipment, a fitness studio, an outdoor fitness area, and two swimming pools that cater to both adults and children.

As we continue to grow, The Country Club remains committed to providing exceptional service and world-class facilities to our members and guests. We are a community hub for health, fitness, and leisure, where individuals and families can come together to pursue their wellness goals and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

The Country Club is proud to be a leading destination for fitness and recreation, and we look forward to welcoming new members and guests to our facility. Whether you’re looking to work out, have a PT session with our VITA team, swim, or enjoy a relaxing day with family and friends, The Country Club has everything you need.

What kind of fitness equipment and facilities does The Country Club at The Els Club Dubai offer, and how do they cater to the needs of individuals with different fitness levels and goals?

The new gym and fitness facility boasts a range of state-of-the-art equipment, including cardio machines, free weights, resistance machines, and more. The gym is designed to cater to the needs of fitness enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes.

The fitness studio is equipped with the latest technology and is the perfect space for group classes such as yoga, kids Taekwondo, Pilates, and spinning. The outdoor fitness area offers a range of functional training equipment, including battle ropes, TRX suspension trainers, while the two swimming pools offer a great way to cool down and get some low-impact exercise.

We understand that every individual has unique fitness goals and requirements. That’s why we offer a range of personal training options provided by VITA Fitness who can help you achieve your goals. Our certified personal trainers will work with you to develop a customized training program that is tailored to your specific needs and fitness level.

Whether you are looking to lose weight, build muscle, or simply improve your overall fitness and wellbeing, The Country Club at The Els Club Dubai has everything you need to achieve

your goals. With our world-class facilities and experienced trainers, we are committed to helping you achieve your best self.

What different memberships do you offer and what do they include?

Our Country Club Membership is tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families who are seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Our 12-month family membership provides access for two adults and three children under the age of 18, as well as a nanny. Members can enjoy the stateof-the-art gym, fitness studio, outdoor fitness area, and two swimming pools. Individuals seeking a premium lesiure expereince can take advantage of all the same benefits with our 12-month indiviudal membership.

For those who prefer a midweek leisure experience, our midweek individual membership and midweek family membership (which includes access for two adults and three children under the age of 18 and a nanny) offers access to our premium facilities from Monday to Friday. All of these membership options also include three personal training sessions and exclusive discounts on food and beverage at our club’s restaurants.

Join our Country Club Membership today and experience the ultimate fitness haven for you and your family.

Contact us to learn more about our annual memberships and start your fitness journey with us.

What are the top five perks of being a Country Club member?

Access to world-class facilities - The Els Club Dubai’s Country Club offers a state-ofthe-art gym, fitness studio, outdoor fitness area, and two swimming pools, providing members with an opportunity to engage in various activities to keep themselves fit and healthy.

Personalized training sessions - Each Country Club membership package comes with three personalized training sessions,

where members can receive one-on-one guidance from expert trainers, tailored to their fitness goals.

Exclusive discounts on food and beverage - As a Country Club member, you can enjoy exclusive discounts on food and beverage at the Els Club Dubai’s various dining outlets, allowing members to dine in luxury.

Midweek membership options - The Els Club Dubai’s Country Club also offers midweek membership options for individuals and families who prefer to enjoy the facilities on weekdays, making it more accessible and convenient. Family-friendly membership - The Country Club membership also includes family membership options, allowing families to spend quality time together while enjoying the various amenities and services available at the club.

What are the amenities and facilities that guests can enjoy at The Els Club Dubai’s Country Club without committing to a full membership?

Guests can now experience the world-class amenities and stunning surroundings of The Els Club Dubai’s Country Club without committing to a full membership thanks to a range of different options, including day passes, monthly memberships and flexible payment plans.

WORLDWIDE GOLF READERS CAN ENJOY COMPLIMENTARY DAY ACCESS TO THE COUNTRY CLUB (GYM & POOL) FOR TWO ADULTS, THREE CHILDREN AND NANNY. To redeem, please email countryclub@elsclubdubai.com with the code ‘CCWWG23’.

The gym facilities at The Els Club Dubai’s Country Club boast the latest in fitness technology and equipment, providing guests with a premium workout experience. From cardio machines to free weights, there is something for every fitness level and interest. Guests can also take advantage of the club’s experienced personal trainers who are available to provide personalized fitness plans and support.

The pool facilities at The Els Club Dubai’s Country Club offer a luxurious retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views of the golf course, guests can enjoy a relaxing swim or simply soak up the sun on the comfortable loungers. The poolside bar also offers a selection of refreshments to keep guests cool and hydrated throughout their visit.

INDUSTRY SHINES BRIGHT

59club MEA & Asia brought the golf and hospitality industry together last month to celebrate elite standards of customer service excellence, as their annual awards event descended on JA The Resort, Dubai.

Festivities began with a round of educational and networking opportunities both on-and-off the course, before the evening celebrations paid tribute to the best performing properties within 59club’s mystery shopper programme of 2022.

59club’s coveted Gold, Silver and Bronze Flag awards were presented to 19 properties across the Middle East, Africa & Asia for having achieved the required standard of customer service as well as providing the finest facilities and services for their customers enjoyment, as independently adjudicated by 59club’s comprehensive benchmarking system.

Emirates Golf Club received the highest of those accolades on the night – the Ultimate Service Excellence Award for their leading performance within the Gold Flag Designations.

They also saw their F&B department awarded the team of the year title, a triumph that Mark Bull, 59club MEA Director previously revealed had seen Emirates’ CX performance across the F&B department rise by 5% and the overall golf operation up by as much as 6% over the past 12 months.

“We are delighted to have won the 59club Ultimate Service Award here at Emirates golf club,” said Cian Hurley, Director of Golf at Emirates Golf Club.

“This is a true reflection of the overall team effort that goes into reaching and attaining the level of service standard we aim for.

Working alongside the team at 59club has helped us to realise this achievement, the

support provided is invaluable to us.”

Those properties achieving Gold Flag Designations on the night were: Abu Dhabi City Golf Club; Al Hamra Golf Club; Dubai Creek; Dubai Hills Golf Club; Els Club, Dubai; Emirates Golf Club; Jumeirah Golf Estates; Trump International Golf Club; Yas Acres Golf & Country Club and Yas Links, Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile six Silver Flag Designations were awarded to Al Zorah Golf Club; Arabian Ranches; Bryanston Country Club; Meydan Golf; Montgomerie Golf Club, Dubai and Vattanac Golf Resort. With Aquella Golf & Country Club; Riverdale Golf Club and Thana City Country Club claiming Bronze Flag Status.

Further celebrations were realised for Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, after they took the double crown having seen both their Retail & Membership departments awarded 2022 team of the year titles.

”We’re thrilled to win best Membership sales team, best retail store and reach the 59club Gold Flag award,” said Rhian Lobo, General Manager at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club.

“Congratulations to the entire team for providing exceptional customer experience standards throughout the facility.”

Trump International Golf Club, Dubai became the my59 Ultimate Service Excellence Worldwide GOLF 44

Award heroes, an honour they have retained for the fourth consecutive year, having consistently demonstrated their commitment to regularly analyse and advance their customer service levels using a wealth of satisfaction surveys.

As proceedings unfolded, first time 59club champions Yas Acres Golf & Country Club took to the stage – having only enlisted the customer service specialists’ services the previous year, proving they are true professionals when it comes to service excellence – having been awarded Agronomy Team of the Year for their consistency on the golf course.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club also had reason to celebrate after seeing their team claim the enviable Golf Operations Team of the year award.

Meanwhile, 59club Asia saw success from two newcomers to the 59club community with Aquella Golf & Country Club claiming a Flag Designation and both the Retail, and F&B Team of the year accolade.

“Working with 59club Asia has helped our team achieve the service levels required and elevate Aquella G&CC to be one of the top golfing destinations in Thailand, benchmarking Aquella G&CC against the top clubs and resorts in the world allows the team to focus on the guest experience and continue to exceed customer expectations,” said Brian Gibson, General manager of Aquella Golf & Country Club.

“The on-site training provided by 59club Asia has been instrumental in our success, the team members are more engaged as a result of the tailored and detailed training sessions delivered by 59club Asia associates, not only are our team consistently delivering a great experience, as individuals the 59club Asia training helps develop and shape their career, providing vital guidance and development”

Renowned Riverdale Golf Club celebrated being awarded Bronze Flag Designation,

having worked tirelessly with their team to develop member and guest experience following the significant challenges Asia experienced during the pandemic, achieving this award was a testament to the teams dedication to Excellence.

The same can be said for Thana City Country Club who also celebrated achieving Bronze Flag Status. The club were especially pleased to be recognised after investment saw them rebuild their greens 18 months ago which has been lauded in the region, as they continue to drive customer experience and focus on attaining Golf Flag Status.

And finally, Vattanac Golf Resort also proved that standards at the Cambodian resort are amongst the highest in Asia, after they scooped 59club’s Golf Operation Team of the year title, and their greens department won Asia’s Agronomy Team of the year award for consistently delivering a well-defined and

presented golf course of the highest standard.

Of the annual hallmark event in the golf & hospitality business community, Mark Bull 59club MEA Director said: “It was our pleasure to gather the Industry together at JA The Resort for a celebration of the industry success across MEA & Asia. Congratulations to all winning clubs and managers. We are already looking forward to making the 2024 awards a bigger and better event for all.”

Araya Singhsuwan 59club Asia Director, added: “We are immensely proud of all our nominees and winners this year, everybody has tirelessly dedicated themselves, not only to deliver above and beyond excellence, but to do better and achieve the best in both their personal and professional lives. It is inspiring, and we are very happy and proud to see their achievements. Once again, congratulations to all, and we will continue to support all of our clubs on their journey”

Emirates Golf Club picked up the highest accolade on the night – the Ultimate Service Excellence Award

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club won a number of awards on the night

LOVE WITH THE GAME

JENNY HENNESSY

Iam often asked how I got into golf. Well, my Dad first introduced me to golf when I was about ten years old. Let me tell you, it certainly wasn’t a love affair at first sight. In fact, at the start golf and me did not agree at all, merely because I was so bad!

My older sister and I were gifted a Black Cat Lynx junior golf set by my Dad. I was ten years old at the time and my sister was twelve. He had brought them home from a work trip to the US. Junior sets weren’t as available as they are now back then, so these were pretty cool to have! At the time I wasn’t old enough to enroll in the local golf clubs junior golf programme, so they were mainly used by my sister. The Ennis Golf Club junior golf programme was led with great dedication by two amazing ladies, Jean Moloney and Kay Vaughan. When I was eleven I was allowed to join. Jean and Kay turned up with great enthusiasm and always a smile, hail, rain or snow. Never a Saturday morning was wasted. If it was raining we would even practice putting on the speckled carpet in the upstairs bar. Golf was never canceled!

unior ladies, Jean and When I to up

Those who know me well know I am a Disney fanatic! My sister Diane often reminds me of one particular day at junior golf that left a lasting impression on her. Still relatively new to golf at the time, I didn’t have all the correct gear. I found myself out in the middle of a junior golf competition in the pouring rain wearing Winnie the Pooh dungarees. Light in colour (beige/white) I certainly was quite the vision with my translucent dungarees draped to my skin. Nonetheless, I remember carrying on with a smile as everyone else was getting a good laugh, at my expense of course! I am yet to find a Winnie the Pooh driver headcover, if any readers out there spot one, please do get in touch!

Jean and Kay worked tirelessly to ensure we were all he ome her he riends, the but heir constant and fun nature made my initial l unior alotofmyschoolfriendsatthetimewerealsoenrolledinthe e

Jean and Kay worked tirelessly to ensure we were all improving. My head used to move more than a bobblehead toy when swinging the club. Jean used to physically hold my head still to help create some stability in my swing, very brave of her I must say! Kay on the other hand was notorious for allowing us to play with our friends, more chatting than chipping took place when these sort of requests were granted! Both ladies instilled a fondness for the game in me from a young age. I may not have been very good, but their constant encouragement and fun nature made my initial junior golf adventure a very positive experience. I was lucky that a lot of my school friends at the time were also enrolled in the programme. This along with the fact that my sister and I were ferociously competitive with one another kept me somewhat interested in playing. But above all, I must say getting to have sausages and chips and chat with my school friends every Saturday was definitely the cherry on top of the cake!

I started playing junior golf during the summers in Lahinch when I turned twelve. It took place every Friday afternoon. The three euro competition entry entitled you to a complementary can of coke or mars bar each week. I didn’t even like mars bars, but a mars bar from Junior golf in Lahinch hit differently! There were only a handful of junior girl golfers here at the time, and we stuck together like glue amidst the herds of our male counterparts. Us girls would have great debates each week as we queued up to pay, which treat was it going to be this week, the mars bar or the coke! Each Friday we would hover around the clubhouse waiting for the boys to tee off first. A few times every summer Kevin Glynn, the junior convenor at Lahinch, would insist that the boys step aside and clear the way for us girls to tee off bang smack in the middle of all the boys. We would have happily stood around waiting to tee off for two hours to avoid having to tee off in front of the boys, but Kevin was doing the gentleman-like thing and instilling in the boys that ‘ladies go first’. My God, those first tee moments with the young male population of Lahinch gazing on at you were some of the most nerve wracking golfing experiences of my life! We would be absolutely beaming with ourselves if we even made half decent contact with the ball and got it off up the fairway. Getting the driver off the first tee and not four putting the 18th green were considered huge wins in my junior golfing experience. Character building I think they like to call it?!

When I was 12, I won a junior golf tournament called the Eileen Roughan Trophy at Lahinch, Castle Course. I scored 49 points playing off a handicap of 34! After this win, I thought to myself that maybe I could be good at golf. My Dad also often reminds me of a particular 3 wood shot I hit on the 6th hole on the Old Course at Lahinch one summer’s evening, around the same time of my first ‘big win’. My swing and shot were apparently quite impressive, he knew ‘there was a golfer in me’. Soon after this I caught ‘the golf bug’! I started being selected for underage regional and national coaching panels and teams. I progressed quite quickly and was a single digit handicap by the age of 15. My wonderful mum chauffeured me around the length and breadth of the country. Between the endless hours of coaching I received (and still receive!) off my dad and the mileage my mother clocked up on her car, I simply couldn’t have progressed as quickly as I did without their support.

Many moons later now playing off a handicap of 1, I still very much have ‘the golf bug’. Unfortunately a lot of junior girls I grew up competing with in the junior ranks in Ireland don’t even play golf anymore. Some were burnt out from the competitiveness of the sport from a young age, some also had incredibly pushy parents. Parents out there thinking of getting your kids into golf, I encourage you all to instill a love of the game in your children by showcasing the more appealing, fun sides of the sport. For me, it was the chats with friends, a comfortable and relaxed setting, not to mention the food being the main reward! I guess some things never change, nowadays once I hit the 15th fairway on the Old Course at Lahinch I am already starting to think about what I want off the menu that day!

Alas that is all from me for my April column, tune back next month for more golfing tales! April always reminds me of Easter time. This year I will be spending Easter at home in Ireland. Having spent most of my twenties living abroad in the USA and the UAE, I must say I am greatly looking forward to being at home for Easter this year. My dad, Ray, will be coming in as the President of Lahinch Golf Club for the next golfing year on Easter weekend. He feels he is a little too ‘young’ to be a club president, nonetheless it is a huge honour and he is sure to make the most out of his year! I am also getting the opportunity to play Royal Portrush this month, The Open course. April is looking shaping up to be a pretty good month!

WILL I BE PAYING THE HOUSE RENT AT AUGUSTA?

PETE COWEN

The latest talking point appears to be the proposal by the R&A and USGA to restrict the ball. This is a topic that has been rearing its head on and off for more than a decade, as Tour players consistently upped their driving distance.

I understand that the distance threat poses a huge risk to courses like the Old Course at St Andrews, where a player could quite easily card a 58 and that would just make a mockery of things. So, it’s fair for the governing bodies to assess the situation as more pros average close to 300 yards off the tee, but they are focusing on the wrong technology.

WRONG TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

Limiting the ball will give the likes of Rory a huge advantage and no wonder he’s welcomed the proposal. It will just widen the distance gap even further between the power hitters and the average tour pro. It doesn’t equal the playing field.

We conducted our own test with historic balata balls going back to the 60s and Persimmon drivers. It was conclusive that the way to limit distance isn’t the ball but the driver. The Persimmon head penalised a strike that wasn’t perfectly struck in both distance and dispersion.

The research and development in driver technology is engineered to make the average club golfer better. Evolving the clubs to go straighter and further drives sales, plus makes the sport more enjoyable for everyone. Don’t think Tour pros are like robots, they also take advantage of this technology and that’s why you rarely see a poor driver on Tour these days. So, if you want to limit distance on Tour, focus more on the driver than the ball.

GO ALL OUT WITH HAZARDS

al c th that has d decade, ancece. sk to er could ry situation are age and the d the t the way mon stance ing g es the are e like thatt’s want to ball.

If you want to back this up further and protect historic courses, narrow the fairways, add grass bunkers, and make hazards a real challenge where players will more than likely drop shots from these areas. Even use wide tooth rakes in bunkers, so the lie isn’t perfect, although I remember when Nicklaus did this at his Memorial Tournament and there was uproar by the players and the rakes were swapped out for fine tooth.

Back when I was playing, we use to tidy the sand after playing a bunker shot with either our foot or the back of the club. Players didn’t moan as they accepted that the bunker was a hazard and they needed to deal with whatever lie they were presented with. I know things evolve as we’ve seen with distance but a hazard should be treated as an obstacle that should seriously limit a player’s ability to make par on that given hole.

WILL KILLING OFF THE BIG HITTERS TURN FANS AWAY?

The answer is definitely yes. Nicklaus, Woods, Daly, McIlroy have all drawn huge crowds as fans want to see them crush tee shots. Like watching the heavyweight boxers go at it for 12 rounds. Bigger, better, faster, and stronger is the formula all sports have developed. You can’t fight history in that way, you just go with the flow.

Golf is a power sport these days. From buckets of balls being pounded on driving ranges all over the world to the Masters Tournament this month. A power player that can putt is how Majors are being won. For this reason, I wouldn’t change the driver or the ball. I would get inside the players’ heads more with challenging hazards. Bring in more risk and reward shots on holes.

MASTERS WILL BE MAGIC

The Masters Tournament this year will be one of the most anticipated tournaments of the season. It will be the first time the strength of the PGA Tour meets the strength of LIV Golf. With such a limited field anything could happen, but this is the Major in which a LIV golfer stands more of a chance of winning compared to the rest. LIV have plenty of past winners that know their way round Augusta, but the big question will be over their match fitness. Rahm, McIlory and Scheffler on the other hand have won against full fields and clocked up far more competitive rounds.

It’s just a shame Harrington hasn’t made it into the event this year. I’ve recently witnessed him clocking ball speeds on the range over 190mph, which is right up there with McIlroy, and as I keep on saying, Padraig is playing the best golf of his life. Which is quite something for a three-time Major champion in his early 50s.

MAKING MORE GREAT MEMORIES AT AUGUSTA

For the past 25 years I’ve always rented the same house at Augusta, which I’ve shared with caddies Billy Foster (Fitzpatrick’s caddy), Ricky Elliott (Koepka’s caddy) and Ken Convoy (McDowell’s caddy). The fact McDowell hasn’t made it in this year means we are without Ken in the house, which will feel a little odd. But that means there will be more of Billy’s amazing Shepherd’s pie to go round this year. People know Billy for being one of the best caddies but he’s an amazing cook. Oh, and then there is the house rule. If one of our players wins, then you must pay the house rent. Considering Billy and Ricky only represent one player I’m normally on the losing side of that agreement. Having said that it does make things interesting as I’m also in both camps!

Worldwide GOLF 47

THE END OF MATCH PLAY ON THE TRADITIONAL TOURS IS A CRYING SHAME

DAVID HOWELL

Sam Burns, then, is the man to bring down the curtain on two decades of WGC events with his convincing win in the Dell Technolgies Match Play against Cameron Young in a one-sided final. The fireworks came a little earlier in the day with the big beasts of McIlroy and Scheffler being tamed in extra holes. The dream final at one stage looked odds on, but the young pretenders had other ideas and final hole birdies took things into extra time, the vagaries of match play laid bare for all to see once more.

The delight showed by Sam Burns in victory was a reminder of how the WGC events were held in the minds of the world’s best players, and in my mind its a shame that they have now fallen by the wayside. At one point in the early days when they moved around the globe, to Australia, Spain, London, Ireland and China they seemed like a wonderful platform for the interested golf fan across the globe to glimpse the stars from the TV play in meaningful tournaments.

rtain on n on win n in the oung g he ay med in extra a ut g k things into o to see once minder of d’s w fallen y nd China ed lay nteresting -name tory.

inning at the m match

Tiger dominated them but that made it all the more interesting when an unsung player managed to clinch one, or a big-name player consolidated his image with a well-deserved victory. Who could fail to raise a smile at the sight of Shane Lowry winning at Firestone, or Darren Clarke taking down Tiger Woods in the match play final.

72nd hole on my own towards ds the

I can recall the delight I felt when I tapped in on the 72nd hole at Mount Juliet back in 2004 to see I had finished third on my own behind Ernie Els and Thomas Bjørn – a stepping stone towards the top of the game had been made. I think they were good days for golf, not a global tour, but with the best players going global often enough to make it feel that way. It’s a shame they’ve gone in my mind, but the professional golf landscape has changed beyond all recognition in the last eighteen months, of that there is no doubt.

So the no cut WGC events have been replaced by the no cut designated events on the PGA Tour, the world’s best players now have to become members of the PGA Tour to compete against the best players outside of Major Championships. However, as there is no minimum event requirement, this is actually no big deal as I see it. Lets face facts, 99% of professional players want to be PGA Tour members anyway. For the likes of the 25 year old me, trying to make great strides in the game, the route now is to get one of the ten cards on offer from the DP World tour, then bang out a good week or two on the regular PGA tour schedule and jump into the designated events, a clear route to riches beyond most people’s wildest dreams.

Back on the DP World Tour, our mission is to take golf around the globe, showcasing not only the wonderful countries and venues that we are so lucky to visit, but also to show off the incredible talent that is bubbling away on our tour. Matt Wallace recently won the opposite event in Punta Cana on the PGA Tour pipping regular member Nicolai Hogaard to the spoils. Top class talent is always on show on the DP World Tour, and this month we break new ground once again by visiting the golfing mecca of Japan for the first time in our history. A proud golfing country that has hosted

some wonderful events over the years, a few of which I have been lucky enough to grace, albeit back when I had a full head of hair. Golf in Japan was just a little bit different – the sound of the ball entering the cup with a ping instead of a dull thud, the wonderful vibrant colours of the golf bags and clothes, the back drop of Mount Fuji as your ball rolled serenely across a green so pure the stimp-meter read 15. All wonderful stuff in front of enthusiastic galleries.

so s ve e bee been n me w ew e wond o e erf rfful u eve ve evenntts nts ovver er th the ye yearss, a a f few o w wof w fwwhich I h ha hav ichI luc c uc of haaiirir. r r. ky k eno e ug to o grace acce e a , albe l it bac b kw w k when heen I had h a ful l f l h lhhead ea e o Gol l as th the b ball al f i fiin J nJ w n jusust a ta a li littl tt ttleb e e bit it dif d fer fe ent e – the sound of the cup a ping of a dul , t onderful l eriing w p ith f du lt l thud h hd t the e wo w v vibran olours of e clothes, the back of ant c colo thhe g and cloth t es, dro Mouount i a led s a een so pure the nt t Fuj uj s your ball l rol ro serennely ly accross gr g s stimp-m er rea enthusiastic ic met d1 d 15. 5 All wonderful stuff in front of en

r Our ISPS Ha tantimport even ully we can build another tremendous event for the hopefu nese their thousands Japane uth the South

Our first visit alongside our partners at ISPS Handa will be an important first step to building up a new event from scratch and hopefully together we can build another tremendous event for the Japanese golf fans to visit in their thousands in years to come. South Korea is the next stop and whilst we have been there before it has been a few years since we graced their shores, another welcome addition to the schedule in a golf centric country, sadly I wont be there but my colleagues I’m sure will have a great two week trip.

The death of the WGCs also heralds for now the end of match play on the traditional tours which is a crying shame in my opinion, and a situation which will no doubt be changed in quick time I hope.

In a world of fast content and short attention spans it always pleasantly surprised me how well the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth worked for many decades. Thirty six hole matches between the world’s best 12 golfers. Simple, elegant, old fashioned and popular, it is something worth remembering in this ever-changing landscape in my opinion.

Match play is a wonderful format, head-to-head with players you respect, its just the best. My debut in the WGC World Match Play was against Steve Elkington. I couldn’t have been more excited to take on the sweet swinging PGA Champion, it was a feather in my cap when I pipped him late on. To deny the professional player this joy would be a crying shame.

On a final note, the roll back bifurcation debate is now raging after the R&A announcement and in a paragraph I sit on the side that says it is right to do something to reign in the distance the ball is going, but I think I would start with the size of the driver head – smaller heads equals smaller sweet spots, which equates to shorter shafts and slower swings for most.

BY TEACHING PRO, EMIRATES GC LIVJACKSONGOLF

Balls, Greens! 9

Hitting hundreds of balls down the driving range with no real purpose isn’t helping any of us get better. It may be fun, but to really improve our ball-striking we need focus and intent. This is the drill I’ve used for years, and one of my go-tos when I’m trying to improve my game. Remember this one next time you’re practicing and I guarantee you’ll get better!

Upracticing from 120 yards as this is

For this I’ve selected a palm tree

imaginary green with roughly a 10 yard landing area. goal of hitting all the them onto you add another ball to the line.

the green nine times in a row.

This helps to add pressure to my practice sessions and really get the you’re actually on the course with should help you to hit more greens in regulation.

reduce the numbers of balls.

pressure should help highlight the distances you struggle with the most. We can all hit a good shot

it as comparable to an actual on course situation as possible.

BY JONATHAN CRADDOCK, PGA PROFESSIONAL, PETER

ACADEMY BY JONATHAN PGA

HATTON’S HAMMERBLOW!

Widely regarded as the ‘Angry Golfer’, Tyrrell Hatton has had a lot to smile about recently following a string of fine performances on the PGA Tour, which saw him collect $ 2.7 million for finishing second at last month’s PLAYERS Championship, the biggest prize of his career to date. During that tournament at TPC Sawgrass he equalled the back nine course record, 29, making birdie at seven of his last nine holes. He is certainly one of the most exciting golfers to watch.

Excellent classic athletic posture here demonstrated by Tyrrell. Upper tricep over the knees and balls of the feet. As Pete Cowen says ‘a good swing is built on solid foundations’. Once posture is understood, the next thing is proper arm structure.

Tyrrell begins his takeaway with a simple movement using his bigger muscles. This allows the arms and hands to remain rather passive and in front of the body. A common trait amongst many top golfers and certainly something I like to see.

The Englishman maintains smooth tempo and rhythm throughout his entire takeaway. As you can see, everything remains in sync.

Tyrrell continues to maintain his arm structure as his lower body holds the ground nicely maintaining the flex in the right knee. Notice how his clubface is still looking at the golf ball.

Tyrrell shows great stability here as he maintains the width between his knees to provide the tension needed to begin to slow down his backswing. All top golfers begin this process much earlier over novices.

Maintaining his stability, he sets the club nicely with his arm hand and club movement. Notice his right elbow in front of his shoulder and club shaft is in front of his right elbow.

COWEN

Tyrrell loads the backswing. Note his left hip and left shoulder position below is right as he stretches and spirals to the top of his backswing.

Classic position at the top of his backswing with his left arm above the right shoulder. More often than not I see golfers losing their arm structure with a much lower left arm position.

Maintaining his arm structure. Notice the stability in the legs as the right arm begins to provide pressure to the arc of the swing, the right elbow is behind the right seam of his shirt.

His lower half is stable while starting to drive towards impact. Many golfers would benefit from maintaining their upper body rotation as they begin the downswing. Far too often this rotation is lost early in the downswing.

Tyrrell has lowered the golf club into a perfect position here, club shaft through the right arm. Notice how the arms are pointing way to the right whilst the club head is still behind the seam of his shirt.

Tyrrell maintains his height and postural angles. Averaging 304 yards and with an accuracy driving percentage of 64% he is in the top quarter of the field.

As with all top players Tyrrell holds his clubface square following impact. For many golfers this will feel like their hands are moving left which would be correct.

Tyrrell releases the club fully with the arms extending naturally as a result of his movement.

He continues to maintain his head position as the club spirals around and up into the through swing. Note how the right hip is lower than the left as his holds his angles. Far too often I see golfers looking to see where the ball is going before completing their movement.

Tyrrell continues to rotate finally allowing his head to turn. Note how his left elbow is quite visible here due to his stable head position through impact.

Every golfer is different. Notice how Tyrrell is not quite as rotated to the left with his hips and upper body as we might see with other golfers. However, he looks very solid holding his finish.

Tyrrell begins the downward movement lowering the club beautifully.

Packing A Punch PARADYM IRONS

BY WILL KENT Worldwide GOLF 54

Callaway have delivered a new game-changing set of irons to the market alongside their hugely successful Paradym driver release.

While the big stick continues to dominate discussion at all levels of the game for its distance and forgiveness, the Paradym irons appear just as impressive.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with golf equipment due to technical jargon and almost too much choice, but Callaway have kept it as simple and succinct as possible with these clubs. They are available in two different heads – the Paradym and Paradym X – so whether you’re a four-handicapper or new to the game, with the right fitting you’ll struggle to find better equipment on the market.

Callaway state they are designed for golfers looking for a players’ distance iron with a refined shape and premium forging. They feature all kinds of upgraded technology – such as the all-new hollow body design – to ensure maximum length while retaining an exceptional level of feel. The manufacturer talks a great game through their marketing and sales team, but I needed to try them for myself.

THE EXPERIENCE

I met at the glorious Els Club Dubai with Marlon Andrew Swarts, a Callaway Custom Fit Specialist, who gave me an explanation of the difference between the Paradym and Paradym X heads.

Marlon’s a former Sunshine Tour player so few people in the region possess the knowledge of the golf that he does. He explained the standard Paradym is for the better player with a slimmer topline and less tungsten weighting. I’m a mid-handicapper so in my mind I was on the cusp as to whether these would be the right club for me, but visually they appealed.

Given that I already play Apex irons with 110g Project X shafts, Marlon installed the

same shaft on the Paradym head, and I gave it a bash. Despite my seven iron swing speed being around 82mph, which is not particularly fast, the sound that emanated from the clubface was piercing. I could tell how well I had hit the ball without even needing to observe the flight. Although hitting off grass at the immaculate Els Club certainly helped, the acoustics and feel were sufficient enough feedback. This is a rare feature in irons and a testament to Callaway’s progressive golf club technology this year.

It was a similar story with the Paradym X too, which are designed more towards players with a handicap of 12 and over. These clubs are stronger lofted; the seven iron is 27.5 degrees opposed to the X’s 29 degrees. They still had visual charm and if you’re chasing a premium game-improvement iron then these have to be high on your list of must-try clubs. They have up to 13g more tungsten weighting and a wider sole which helps enhance the launch conditions and improve speed on mis-hits. This upgrade in forgiveness is the difference between hitting the green, or coming up just shy.

FINAL THOUGHTS

These irons are an exceptional fusion of innovation and technology, featuring optimised weight distribution along with a sleek design. Their superior forgiveness and dispersion combined with their impressive length make them a standout choice for any golfer looking to upgrade. Callaway have topped the market this year with an outstanding new driver, and these irons are equally as exciting.

PXG 0311 GEN6

IS THIS THEIR BEST DRIVER TO DATE?

The buzz word in driver sales and marketing this year appears to be ‘dispersion’ and PXG has joined the club with their latest 0311 GEN6 models. In the past, PXG drivers have been pleasing to the eye and have performed fairly against premier competition, but failed to deliver the same impact as their irons. However, things are changing as players are starting to value consistency across the face instead of peak power figures.

BY ALEX GALLEMORE

THE ROBOT TEST

Getting fitted for a driver is straightforward. You need to optimise your spin and launch angles based on your swing speed and strike pattern. PXG has cleverly marketed the 0311 GEN6 based on third party robotic testing, not just against their outgoing GEN5 model, but also against the current models from PING, Callaway, TaylorMade and Titleist. The tests were conducted at 100mph swing speeds and consistent launch angles with the new PXG ball. It came as no surprise the GEN6 out-performed the older model in terms of distance and dispersion.

BALL SPEED

0311 GEN5 – 148.4mph

0311 GEN6 – 149.3mph

0311 GEN5 XF – 148.4mph

0311 GEN6 XF – 149mph

DISTANCE (Yards)

0311 GEN5 – 271.5 / 249.3 carry

0311 GEN6 – 282.7 / 255.5 carry

0311 GEN5 XF – 271.9 / 249.7 carry

0311 GEN6 XF – 280.0 / 255.5 carry

DISPERSION

0311 GEN5 – 148.4mph

0311 GEN6 – 149.3mph

0311 GEN5 XF – 148.4mph

0311 GEN6 XF – 149mph

There are two models - the 0311 GEN6 with the traditional teardrop head and shorter body aimed at the lower to mid handicapper. Followed by the 0311 GEN6 XF with a larger head shape where the mass is positioned further back to increase spin and forgiveness, although both drivers have stated MOI over 5,000. When you consider the legal limit set by the R&A and USGA is 5,900 g-cm2 you know both models will be fairway finders.

stated MOI t R&A s will be f airway

Both drivers come with three interchangeable sole weights, one 2.5g and two 7.5g, to help manage spin and tighten dispersion. You can buy precision weight kits that range from 2g to 20g, so you can tinker and see the effects of moving the head weights around. Having said that, once you have been professionally fitted by the team at eGolf Megastore in Dubai there should be no need to mess about with things. As far as other tech is concerned, PXG used a machine polished Ti412 face material which is proven to generate more spring and faster ball speeds but also helps prevent flat spots.

HUMAN EFFECT

When it came to testing, I was quick to highlight the difference between a human and a robot. With a swing speed average of just over 108mph I couldn’t get my ball speed over 150mph and failed to carry 250 yards. I hit one degree down and four degrees left with my driver and played a slight cut for control. So down and left, which is a common combination for most club golfers. This is a challenge for club fitters as they try to lower the spin rate and increase the launch for optimum performance figures. This is where the PXG weighting helps, they can use the full range to optimise the head, so don’t just buy one off the shelf. I had the lightest weight at the back and heavier weights at the front to keep the spin down and it worked. It dropped to 2,300rpm from over 3,000rpm when compared against the stock setting. Given a little more time I could have had one weight slightly heavier in the heel to straighten out the cut.

VERDICT

It goes without saying the 0311 GEN6 is certainly one of the most consistent drivers on the market at the moment in regards to dispersion. Acoustically I think it sounds a little dead but this is always subject to personal opinion. The matte carbon crown suits the club and is the perfect finish for the Middle East where anything anti-glare is a benefit but the one thing that lets it down is ball speed. I’m sure if my path and launch were slightly better the fitters could have played around with the head and found more speed, but I can carry my current driver over 250 yards with ease. The big question I need to ask myself is would I find more fairways with the 0311 GEN6 and to be honest the answer would be yes. So, I think I need to have a stiff word with my ego.

VALUE

In the States the 0311 GEN6 drivers are retailing at $499. Expect that price to be slightly higher in the UAE due to shipping. It’s certainly a fair price for the quality of club you are buying compared to the competition, but PXG need to stop price cutting their older models online. As it’s giving the wrong message.

s.

e

0311 GEN6 XF

GEN6

BURNS PULLS IT OUT OF THE BAG IN TEXAS

Sam Burns won the WGC Dell Match Play title last month and broke into the world’s top 10, but what you might not know, it was his debut performance at the event!

Now the heat is back on the PGA TOUR, as the iconic and only match play tournament on the schedule has been removed. It’s a format that all the players enjoy but as Burns found out the further you go the harder it becomes, not just against the level of player, but on the body.

“This week is as mentally exhausting as it is physically and I’ve been kind of fighting my golf swing a little bit at the start of this four-week stretch,” he said. “I put a lot of hard work in with my coach, Brad Pullin, and I’m just so thankful for him and the amount of work that he’s put in with me and been there by my side for all of it. I’ve been putting it well all week and I knew that if we could just get the ball in position, give ourselves lots of chances, hopefully, they would go in.”

Driver: 3-Wood: Hybrid

Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (9 degrees)

Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 7 TX

Callaway Paradym

Triple Diamond T (High Launch, 16 degrees)

Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X

Callaway Apex (21 degrees)

Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X

Irons:

Callaway Apex TCB (4-AW)

Shafts: Project X 6.5 (4-PW)

Wedges:

Callaway Jaws Raw (56 & 60 degrees)

Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100

Putter:

Odyssey O-Works 7S Black

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR

AL ZORAH

BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT AL

ZORAH GOLF CLUB IN AJMAN. VERY BIG THINGS INDEED.

Standing at the head of a list of impressive developments currently in process at the much-loved club is the construction of a huge new state of the art luxury clubhouse which has been ongoing since May 2022 and is now starting to take shape nicely.

“This marks an exciting phase for the club, aiming to elevate the experience for members and guests upon the clubhouse’s completion in early 2024,” said Al Zorah Golf Club’s General Manager Phillip Henderson. “The clubhouse will feature various dining options, including a rooftop

bar and extensive recreational amenities, complementing the club’s overall offerings perfectly. Our goal is to create an unforgettable experience for all!”

We were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of what visitors to the clubhouse can expect during a tour of the construction site last month and it’s going to be a truly spectacular space. The Troon managed course has been a popular escape from the hustle and bustle for Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s golf community since it opened to much fanfare in December 2015. It’s a veritable wonderland of wildlife and fauna situated within acres of lush mangroves just off the gulf coast and the new clubhouse is going to offer breath-taking views from its outside balconies and roof terrace. It’s a view which will also be able to be enjoyed during the summer months with the stylishly designed clubhouse featuring floor to ceiling windows throughout. And it’s not just about pretty views – nature and environmental sustainability lie at the heart of the Al Zorah philosophy.

“Last year, we received the prestigious GEO certification, a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental conservation,” said Henderson. “Our golf course is surrounded by over one million square meters of pristine mangroves, creating a unique regional offering. Additionally, our tidal system ensures that the water levels shift with the tides, resulting in dramatic changes for golfers depending on the time they play. Our focus on fostering a deep connection with nature sets us apart from other regional golf courses.”

The new clubhouse, along with some planned enhancements to the golf course, will further increase Al Zorah’s popularity among domestic and international golf tourists who are accommodated in the lap of luxury at the club’s official hotel.

“The Al Zorah community boasts of the renowned Oberoi Beach Resort, which

provides an unmatched experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression,” said Henderson. “The resort’s exceptional quality, coupled with the stunning golf course, makes for an extraordinary stay-and-play package that appeals to both local and international guests seeking a premium getaway.”

Another significant development happening at Al Zorah is the wide array of new real estate projects underway with investors around the world being attracted by the dream of beachfront living in the heart of nature.

“In its focus on catering to local and international golfer, Al Zorah has introduced distinctive real estate projects,” said Henderson. “The year 2022 proved to be exceptional one for Al Zorah as it achieved multiple milestones with the successful launch of luxury beachfront villa developments, Seaside Hills Villas and Seaside Hills Residence, as well as several projects in Al Zorah City with a total development cost around AED2 billion (USD 454m).”

MAKE IT BENEFITS

OFFICIAL

BECOME AN EGF MEMBER

• Official WHS handicap, recognized worldwide (applicable for EGF Direct members only)

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• Play in events / competitions and receive awards

• Third party and property damage golfer’s insurance

www.egfgolf.ae

Mazemo and Rezko win big

Privillege Mazemo shot rounds of 80 and 86 for a total of 166 to be crowned Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Ladies Club Champion. Paul Rezko joined her as a Club Champion after posting 146 to win the Men’s Championship.In the Net Division, George Young and DG O Brien secured victories in the Men’s and Ladies Division respectively.

Robinson and Hong crowned Club Champions

Annelie Robinson and Duckjin Hong came out on top in the respective divisions to be crowned Club Champions at Al Hamra Golf Club. Robinson shot 177 to be crowned Ladies Champion while Hong got his hands on the men’s trophy with a score of 168.

Quintet book Race to Phuket UAE Final spot

Tyrone Evans conquered Division 1 with a net 76 to secure his spot in the Race to Phuket UAE Final at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Evans will be joined by fellow qualifiers Andre Grove, Conor Freeman, Stamen Stantchev and Ivan Kraemer in the final as they look to secure a six day, 7-star all-expenses-paid experience, competing against 47 other countries in the final of the Race to Phuket.

Double joy for Mateiu

David Bainbridge got his hands on the Men’s Club Championship title aftershooting 143 over the Fire and Earth courses. A particular highlight of Bainbridge’s second round was the eagle he secured on hole 7, turning into the back with a 32, but the defining moment was a clutch wedge shot into hole 16. This year’s Ladies’ Champion was Anca Mateiu, scoring 148, backing up a first-round score of 76 with a 72 over the Earth course. It would be a double celebaration with Mateiu winning both the Ladies’ and Junior Division, a fantastic way to celebrate her 14th birthday! In the Ladies Net Division, Shelia Mcilroy’s total of 142 saw her add another trophy to her cabinet after being crowned Gross Club Champion in 2020 and 2022. Finally, James Finnigan was crowned the Seniors Division Champion with scores of 82 and 77, to finish with a 159. Finnigan went back-toback weekends with podium finishes having won Division A just a week prior at the OMA Emirates Medalford.

Joy for juniors

Ayaan Khan, Zayn Maktari, Ethan Wild and Lara Bakhour all enjoyed a marvellous March after ending the season atop of their respective Order of Merits in the Junior Series. The series will make its return later this year for the third edition.

Adhip Shankar posted one of his best scores of the season with an impressive 39 Stableford points to top Division A in the recently held Monthly Stableford. In Division B, Mhd Shameer who was unlucky to lose out on the overall top spot via countback, posted a brilliant score of 41 points, secured the title, while the Best Gross prize was won by SGSC scratch league player Amiya Ranjan on 35 points.

Sulaiman goes back to back

Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club legend

Ramli Sulaiman claimed back to back Cub Championships, coming out on top after a grueling thirty six holes in blustery conditions. Sulaiman played solid in the morning round posting a 76 that saw him sitting tied for the lead with fellow scratch league team member Sami Butt. The afternoon saw some very challenging conditions which affected a lot of the field, however Sulaiman’s experience shone through as he posted a very impressive 77 in round two to top the leaderboard by three strokes. In the Net Club Championships, Club Captain Ravi AE got his hands on the trophy with an impressive score of five under par.

Vance and Smith hold on to titles

Craig Vance and Kate Smith both successfully defended their titles at the Club Championships. Vance mixed rounds of 73,69 for a total of level par 142 to finish one shot ahead of Steve Kelbrick. In the Ladies Division, Natalie Walsh continued her good run of form in club competitions to finish in second behind Smith.Ruvelin Govender was the only player to shoot both rounds under their handicap, with a pair of 69s, to top the Men’s Net Division, while Julie Goodall defended her Ladies Net Division title with an impressive total of 138.

Birdie blitz at Monthly Stableford

QUICK NINE

JORDAN SMITH

Two-time DP World Tour winner

Nedbank Golf Challenge. Fairway.

National Golf Links OF America.

What’s the key to your success?

50% more hair. I can’t be losing any more!

Kenan & Kel.

Messi. Rubbish. Topgun.