Worldwide Golf February 2022

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

EST

1999

Worldwide Golf

FEBRUARY

2022

JOSH HILL YOUNGSTER REFLECTS ON HIS HISTORIC OUTING AT YAS LINKS

RORY MCILROY

ULSTERMAN REMAINS UPBEAT DESPITE DUBAI DISASTER

HILL JOSH

ATTHAYA THITKUL

THE JOURNEY TO THE TOP HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN FOR THIS THAI STAR

FEATURE

FOCUS

VIGGO SØRENSEN

GOLFING COMMUNITY PAYS TRIBUTE TO EGF OOM CHAMPION

NICO S COLSAERTS BELGIAN BOMBER MAKES DUBAI HIS HOME

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

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CONTENTS 22

JOSH HILL

The 17-year-old sensation showed he’s on the right track after becoming the first player born in the UAE to make the cut at a DP World Tour event.

FEATURES 16 ABDULLAH AL NABOODAH

Understanding the importance of developing the local golf scene and enhancing the professional game in the UAE.

28 ATTHAYA THITIKUL

The Thai sensation reflects on her historic year, where she became the youngest ever winner of the Race to Costa del Sol before securing LPGA Tour status.

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28

30

36

30 RORY MCILROY

The Northern Irishman talks of his goals for the season as he focuses more on the targets that are fully in his control.

36 NICOLAS COLSAERTS We caught up with the Belgian bomber to discuss the challenges he’s facing and why living in Dubai has provided the perfect home base for him to get back on his feet.

DAVID HOWELL What a perfect start in the UAE

PETE COWEN Pieters back on top

The two Rolex Series events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai delivered the drama and top billings to create one of the season’s most memorable starts.

Master PGA Professional Pete Cowen finally added an Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title to his resume thanks to his Belgian prodigy.

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CHICKS WITH STICKS Changing the game, one Chick at a time

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Jenny Hennessy, Founder of Chicks With Sticks, reveals another Emirate is set to be taken over by the Chicks in the coming months.

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A new era of excellence

25 – 26 February 2022 R u m a n z a G ol f & C o un t ry C lub , M ulta n w w w. r u m a n z a . g o l f

The official launch of the Rumanza Golf & Country Club.

Pakistan's first signature Championship golf course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo.

Featuring a plethora of global and local golf stars.

CONTENTS

44

EXPLORE THE OTHER SIDE

Jamie Coughlin, PGA Professional at Topgolf Dubai, helps slicers and hookers hit straighter shots by gaining awareness for each shape of shot.

GEAR

51 PXG SUGAR DADDY II Why is this latest wedge worth $499? Is it all show or do these 100% CNC milled clubs provide more short game control.

58 PRO V1 RCT BALL Titleist has developed a unique ProV1 alongside TrackMan to help with indoor testing but how does it differ from a standard ball?

52 DRIVER TEST Rogue, Stealth and LTDX battle for your attention but which one will suit your needs? Are you looking for distance, forgiveness or help with the slice?

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MY GOLF

MyGolf Dubai is nearing its grand opening.

We catch up with Founder and CEO Michael Zhao and meet the MyGolf pros.

59 STENSON GETS CREATIVE Stenson and Van Rooyen have both designed their own Ecco shoe, find out which is as cool as ice and which is a little different!

64 CHIARA NOJA - IN THE BAG Youngster reveals the latest content in her bag while talking about the course she dreams of playing.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

FREE ENTRY SHOULD REMAIN THE NORM FOR UAE’S ROLEX SERIES DOUBLE-HEADER

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hat a treat we had last month with backto-back Rolex Series events kicking off the year on the DP World Tour for the very first time with Thomas Pieters and Viktor Hovland picking up $1,333,330 apiece with worthy victories at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and Dubai Desert Classic respectively.

Both tournaments were very well received by fans in the UAE and further afield, especially after the majority missed out on live golf action last year because of the ongoing pandemic. Both events offered free general admission tickets for the very first time over all four days, which led to a spike in the number of non-golf fans attending. Having said that, it also may have had something to do with former Westlife singer Brian McFadden belting out some of the boy band’s classics at Yas Links during Ladies Day! Free entry to these big golf events in the country needs to be the norm from now on – the DP World Tour Championship has offered it for many years so there’s no reason why the first two tournaments of the year can’t. After all, it’s helping grow the game and inspiring the next generation of talent, which was a key pillar of the DP World Tour’s takeover of the naming rights from the European Tour.

And what better way to be inspired than seeing Josh Hill become the first player that was born in the UAE to make the cut a DP World Tour event. Josh has been highly thought of for many years, but to make the cut in not one, but two, Rolex Series events in consecutive weeks is no mean feat, and proves he is on the right track in his development. Josh has

some big decisions to make in the near future and you can read all about it on page 22.

Another one of our local golfers, Ahmad Skaik, failed to repeat his heroics of last year’s AVIV Dubai Championship, where he carded the lowest ever round by an Emirati on the DP World Tour with a 68, at the opening two events of the season, but he remains a pivotal part of helping grow the game within the Emirati community. Ahmad has an exciting few months ahead of him with his studies coming to an end soon, giving him the opportunity to fully focus on trying to make it as a professional golfer. Our columnist, Pete Cowen, is set to aid that journey by spending some time with him in the UK this summer to help him develop his game while also taking the youngster away from the comforts of the pristine weather out here – something he struggled with at Yas Links when the wind got up during the second round. .

Remembering Viggo Though the future looks exciting for golf in the UAE, the community tragically lost one of the most-loved, and highly talented golfers last month after 17-year-old Viggo Sørensen passed away. One of our cover stars in the January edition, Viggo was highly respected amongst all of his fellow peers as well as being the reigning EGF Order of Merit Champion and one of the nicest guys you could meet. The whole team at Worldwide Golf would like to send their best wishes to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Thomas W ragg

ISSUE No.243 FEBRUARY 2022 • Published by: Worldwide Sporting Publications Ltd • Published in Dubai by: Prografix • PO Box 24677 • Dubai, UAE (Tel) +9714 340 3785 Editor-in-Chief: Mike Gallemore • Executive Editor: Gary Player • Editor: Thomas Wragg (tom@wspdubai.com) Publisher: Mike Gallemore (mike@wspglobal.com) • General Manager Dubai: Richard Bevan (rick@wspglobal.com) • Editors: Todd Staszko, Ashraf Ahmed • Production/Design Editor: Thameem Rayyan • Editorial Panel: Gary Player, Mike Gallemore, Alex Gallemore, Richard Bevan, Thomas Wragg • Photography: Getty Images • June 2009 SSN 1- 46805671 • Approval UAE National Media Council: Ref.816 30/5/2007 Trade Licence No. 1/104375/15280 • Worldwide Golf specifies that post-press changes may occur to any information given in this publication and takes no responsibility for goods or services advertised.

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

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COU COEUR D’ALENE G O L F & S PA R E S O R T

T H E W O R L D ’ S O N LY F L O AT I N G G R E E N

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HE 14TH HOLE AT COEUR D’ALENE GOLF & SPA RESORT IN IDAHO OFFERS GOLFERS ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE EXPERIENCES OUT ON COURSE AS IT IS HOME TO WORLD’S ONLY FLOATING GREEN. THE SPECTACULAR HOLE WAS BROUGHT TO LIFE IN 1991 AFTER DUANE HAGADONE, FOUNDER OF THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT, HAD A VISION FOR THE PROJECT WHILE WALKING HIS DOG, GAZING OUT AT A TUGBOAT TOWING A RAFT OF LOGS ON LAKE COEUR D’ALENE. THE MOVABLE ISLAND GREEN WEIGHS A WHOPPING 22,000-TON THAT CHANGES POSITION

VIA AN INTRICATE, UNDERWATER CABLE SYSTEM. EACH DAY, THIS PAR 3 HOLE MOVES ANYWHERE FROM 90 YARDS FROM THE LADIES’ TEE, UP TO 220 YARDS FROM THE CHAMPIONSHIP TEES. ONCE YOU’VE PLAYED YOUT TEE SHOT, YOU’LL BE FERRIED TO THE ISLAND VID A UNIQUELY DESIGNED ELECTRIC BOAT, NAMED ‘PUTTER’, TO FINISH THE HOLE. LAND ON THE ISLAND AND YOU’;; HAVE A MEMORY THAT WILL LAST A TIME. MISS AND YOUR BALL WILL JOIN THE THOUSANDS FISHED OUT OF THE WATER

BY DIVERS EACH SEASON. EITHER WAY, THIS HOLE IS ONE-OF-A-KIND, BUCKET LIST GOLF EXPERIENCE.

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URSE OVER 25,000 golf balls are retrieved from the water

surrounding at Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort at the end of each season. The club hire a professional golf ball retrieval diver to search for the balls throughout the season, with the diver paying for the right to dive before selling the balls on.

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BACK-TO-BA

RAK WORLD’S BEST HEADING TO AL HAMRA

Danny Willett, Bernd Wiesberger and Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard will lead the field in Ras Al Khaimah when the DP World Tour heads to its newest destination. Also joining the field in Ras Al Khaimah are former Ryder Cup Captains Thomas Bjørn, who led Europe to victory at Le Golf National in 2018, eight-time European Number One Colin Montgomerie and three-time Major Champion Pádraig Harrington.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, who holds the appearance record on the DP World Tour, will also feature at Al Hamra Golf Club just a month after picking up his 39th professional career victory at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai.

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CK IN

RAS AL KHAIMAH 3-6 FEBRUARY

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fter back-to-back Rolex Series tournaments kicking off the 2022 DP World Tour season in the UAE, it’s time for a new Emirate to welcome the stars of Europe’s biggest Tour for the first time with Ras Al Khaimah hosting a double header at the spectacular coastal venue of Al Hamra Golf Club. Originally touted to hold just one DP World Tour event, the club was asked to host a second following the postponement of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters due to the ongoing pandemic.

CLASSIC 10-13 FEBRUARY

Though it will be the first time Europe’s elite players will take on the Peter Harradine-designed layout, the club has previous history in hosting professional events with the European Challenge Tour stopping off for three consecutive years from 2016 – 2018. It was initially the venue for the Ras Al Khaimah Golf Challenge in 2016 and 2017, before hosting the Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final as the final stop on the Road to Ras Al Khaimah in 2018.

STEPHEN GALLACHER “I’ve not been to Ras Al Khaimah before, but I’m looking forward to spending two weeks out there. I’ve heard a lot about Al Hamra Golf Club and I know it was part of the Challenge Tour for a few years because I remember watching it on TV. Obviously, the Tour added the second event quite late in the day following the postponement of the Qatar event, but the players are happy to spend more time out here. It’s a nice swing; being out here for Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah is brilliant.

“I’ve heard it can quite get windy about the course so I’ll need to setup my golf bag accordingly. I’ll have a look at the golf course, see what clubs I need; if it’s going to be windy I may need to alter the wedges, drop the 5 iron and put a 2 iron if it’s soft. You need to see and have a feel of the course to do the preparation to perform the best way you can.”

RAS AL KHAIMAH TEAM CHALLENGE TO DEBUT ON THE DP WORLD TOUR The DP World Tour’s commitment to innovation in the game of golf will be apparent once again next month when a new special event – the Ras Al Khaimah Team Challenge – takes to the fairways. The Ras Al Khaimah Team Challenge, which will be held on February 8, will feature 26 teams of two professionals per team in a stroke play event playing over nine holes in a classic Scramble format; ie: each team selecting the best drive and both players playing from there, then selecting the best second shot and both players playing from there until the hole is completed.

SCAN FOR TICKETS

BERND WIESBERGER

“It’s nice to experience new challenges and new golf courses as we did at Yas Links where I played very well even though I only saw it once a couple of years ago, so I’m looking forward to that. I heard nice things about Ras Al Khaimah, I’ve never personally been there and it’s a new territory for the majority of players. I’m looking forward to having another tournament down here in the UAE in our schedule.

“When I play a new course, I send my caddie out for a double shift on a Monday to tour the golf course, and he would give me a detailed report in the evening! To be honest I feel like I can adapt quickly and we’ll have a good idea about the course, it’s true that we don’t often come and compete on new courses on the Tour because most courses come back in loops over the years, but I always felt that I have quick transition into different golf courses and adapt and see the opportunities and challenges that each one represents and I’m sure we’ll do just fine in Ras Al Khaimah as well.”

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Skaik Aiming for history in Ras Al Khaimah

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ast year’s AVIV Dubai Championship heralded a new era for golf in the UAE after Ahmad Skaik, the country’s No.1 golfer, carded the lowest DP World Tour round by an Emirati on the opening day with an impressive four under par 68 over the Fire course. 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 make the cut.

Skaik went on to narrowly miss the cut at Jumeirah Golf Estates before failing to make the weekend at last month’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and Dubai Desert Classic, but he has another opportunity to become the first Emirati to play the final 36 holes at DP World Tour event when he tees it up for two weeks in Ras Al Khaimah.

“The first time I played a DP World Tour event I just let the tournament get the better of me,” said Skaik. “But as you start to play more, you realise that you’re hitting a golf shot, it doesn’t matter if you’re playing an

event or practicing, it’s the same golf shot, it’s the same golf course. I know people are watching and want me to do well but you just have to focus on the shot in hand and let the training take over.”

While the majority of the field heading to northern-most Emirate will be taking on the course for the first time, Skaik has plenty of experience of the challenges it possesses with numerous outings at EGF sanctioned tournaments as well as the Ras Al Khaimah National Matchplay Challenge, which was played on the second day of the seasonending Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final in 2018.

“I like the course and I think it’s a nice setup,” he said “It was a fun experience playing the same course setup as the stars of the Challenge Tour a couple of year, so I kind of had a feel of how to tackle the trickier setups and the course was in pristine condition. Al Hamra provides a nice challenge and has some really long par 4s as well; I’m excited to play the first ever DP World Tour event there.”

SKAIK’S GUIDE TO AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB

“The most difficult hole is definitely the 9th because it plays very long, especially if it’s sent to the wind - I think it’s one of the longest par 4s in the UAE. The 10th is pretty difficult as well, it’s a tough tee shot and the second shot is covered with bunkers. The easiest two holes are the 3rd, because it’s not a long par 5 so if you hit a good tee shot you can go with a 5 iron or 6 iron, and maybe the 1st as that’s pretty short as well.”

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ABDULLAH AL NABOODAH

FUTURE PROOF

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or any sport to grow at a grass roots level, it is essential that senior members of the local community support the development, but equally as important is their personal interest in the sport itself.

There have been many UAE nationals that have driven the growth of the game to make the Emirate one of the world’s prime golf destinations. But it isn’t all about bringing Tiger to town and championship courses. The driving force behind any successful development is the vision and belief to provide better opportunities for the future generations. Abdullah Al Nabodah, Chairman of Phoenix Capital, the title sponsor the DP World Tour event in Ras Al Khaimah, has been one of the most vital figures behind the local golf scene for close to 20 years. The single figure golfer has become friends to some of the greats in the game, including Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia, and understands that both golf tourism along with junior development are equally as important in evolving the vision of the game in the UAE. We caught up with Abdullah prior to the start of the Ras Al Khaimah Golf Championship to find out more about his involvement and what attracted him to the great game.

Growing up in the UAE, what first attracted you to the game of golf?

Abdullah Al Naboodah: I played all sports, football, tennis, cycling everything, golf was just another one to try. So, I did and was taken by it.

How has the game changed in the region since you first started?

A: The transformation is massive. Just look at the courses that have been built, the golf tourism as well as domestic golf numbers.

The UAE has a significant inbound golf business as well as domestic audience.

You’ve had the fortune of playing with some of the great players in the world but what has been the most memorable occasion and why?

A: Without doubt, Saturday at the Alfred Dunhill Links 2019. I holed my second shot on the 18th at St Andrews for an eagle.

Last golf club you bought?

TaylorMade Stealth driver. I didn’t buy it though!

You have become personal friends with many of the biggest names in the sport, but do you ever ask them for tips or feedback on the latest clubs they are playing?

A: I listen to Pete Cowen when he’s coaching his players and ask him for advice when I can!

How are Phoenix Capital looking to evolve the tournament?

A: It’s a first move in that direction and hopefully more to come, but early days. Lets see !

Your companies have sponsored players in the past. Going forwards how are you looking to invest in the development of the game both locally and internationally?

A: I will continue to support junior golf development in the UAE. They’re the future and I’d love to see UAE player’s progress.

As a single figure golfer how does your game stand up around Al Hamra, especially when the wind blows?

A: I not played a lot of golf lately either!

However, I quite like the wind and have a little experience from playing the Alfred Dunhill Links.

Phoenix Capital might not be known to many people outside the Middle East, please explain a little more about the company and why the DP World Tour is a perfect partner?

A: Phoenix Capital is our family office investment company. Golf is the sport of business and the DP World Tour an ideal platform! It combines perfectly for me.

Last course you played?

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

With the Strategic Alliance in place between the DP World Tour and the PGA TOUR how does this benefit your sponsorship and strengthen the game’s appeal?

A: I think the alliance is a great move for the global game. I’d like to see more cosanctioned events (Scotland being the first this year). In the UAE maybe !

Lowest score and what was the course?

67 at LA Country Club, 2018

Do you own more drivers or putters?

Putters.

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VIGGO SØRENSEN 2004-2022

The whole team at Worldwide Golf were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the much-loved Viggo Sørensen last month.

We had the pleasure of meeting Viggo on a few occasions and he also featured on the front cover of the magazine in January off the back of winning last year’s EGF Order of Merit.

He was a joy to interview and came across as a smart, kind and talented young man. He spoke very fondly of his family and friends and had a wise head on young shoulders as he told us about his career goals.

To celebrate his life, we reached out to members of the local community, including his friends, coaches and teachers, asking if they would like to pay tribute to Viggo in this issue.

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Michael Sweenie

VIGGO’S COACH Words cannot describe how heartbroken I feel right now having been so close with Viggo and fortunate to coach him on this journey for the past 3 years. I am so proud of everything he achieved and being able to watch Viggo develop, not only as a young junior into a top amateur player, but also as person. He was loved and respected by so many for his fun loving, respectful, polite and mature attitude towards everyone. He would always go out his way to help and support any of the younger juniors coming through.

As a competitor Viggo was extremely well driven and hungry for success. Hard working and determined, he would be regularly the first person at the academy for 6am early morning practice sessions! I will never forget Viggo and the relationship we had. Throughout coaching him I just wanted to provide Viggo with all the necessary tools he deserved to work towards his future goal of becoming a Tour Professional. And I know he had so many successes ahead of him.

Also, such a strong relationship with his father Thomas. Thomas and Natalie are incredible parents who fully supported Viggo in every way possible, but never pushed him into doing anything he did not want to. Viggo would always talk about his dad and I could see how proud he was of his father.

I will miss him so much, Viggo was special in so many ways and he will always be in my thoughts

Max Burrow

LOCAL GOLFER I was excited to be paired with Viggo for the second round of the Arabian Ranches Men’s Open in 2020. It was the first time we had met and it was soon after Viggo’s dominant victory at the Montgomerie on his Men’s Open debut, followed by a narrow playoff defeat at Dubai Hills. We shared a cart and on the opening hole I told Viggo how I admired that he had learnt ‘how to win’ on the way to his goal of lifting the UAE Junior OOM title, rather than rushing into

the Men’s Opens. I felt this was wise and something that required a good deal of patience and commitment. It was therefore no surprise that when he started his senior amateur career he did it successfully and stayed true to his process and subsequent goal of lifting the UAE Mens OOM title in 2021.

Viggo was a fierce competitor and a man true to himself. There are several things that I will take from knowing him and I will reflect fondly on the short time we spent together. Shine on Viggo.

Khalid Al Jasmi

LOCAL GOLFER I had the pleasure of watching Viggo grow up from a little boy at the back end of the JGE range, into a confident, mature young man. He was an exceptional golfer, who left his mark on all of us. He will be sorely missed by his friends and the UAE golfing community. Heartfelt condolences to his mother and father. Rest in peace Viggo.

Dan Byrne

LOCAL GOLFER Viggo was a pleasure to have known, he was top class in every aspect of life. Viggo will forever be remembered for the great example he was, may we all strive to incorporate some of Viggo in our daily lives as he was a role model.

Yash Majmudar

LOCAL GOLFER Viggo was a breath of fresh air.

An extremely hardworking, genuine young man with big dreams. What happened is truly tragic because I have no doubt he would have reached those dreams. The Dubai golf community won’t be the same without him.

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Toby Bishop

LOCAL GOLFER Viggo was more than a fellow golfer, but like a brother, a best friend. His attitude and work ethic was second to none, striving to achieve the high standards he set himself.

He brought a sense of energy and spread his positive morale with everyone he was around. The legacy he left will be forever remembered, and I hope to do my dear friend proud throughout my career. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Sam Mullane

LOCAL GOLFER A determined , dedicated , family like friend who was loved and respected by all people around him. You will always be my medic in the field. Never forgotten.

Niklas Korjonen

LOCAL GOLFER Viggo was the one person you could always count on getting a call from to do something on a day off from school. He brought joy along to everything we did together. Like father like son he was also a very talented driver.

Trystan Du Plessis

LOCAL GOLFER He’s not gone or lost and never will be, Viggo has brought light into all our hearts. Such great talent will never go to waste as we all reflect and copy what Viggo has displayed whether it was friendship or as a fellow golfer.

Ahmad Skaik

LOCAL GOLFER Viggo was one of the most talented and most hard-working people I have ever met. He was a very funny individual that always made us laugh even when we were playing bad on the course. He is very close to us all and will always be remembered as a brother.

Stephen Deane

HEAD OF ACADEMIES, DUBAI GOLF Viggo was the life and soul of the Junior golfers within the Academy. His personality was infectious and he always greeted you with a smile and sense of humor. He respected everyone equally and showed great dedication to his own game and always was first to encourage others with there own. He’d be the first person on the range many mornings and directly after school working on his game. He spent many focused hours working with his coach Michael and was a role model for all students within the Academy. He’ll be sadly missed and we pass every condolence to his family during this difficult time.

Josh Hill

LOCAL GOLFER Viggo was such a great kid and I loved being around him. We had some great banter between us but he also had a serious side to him when he needed to. He was so polite, he was such a great kid. It’s so sad to lose him and it really opens your eyes how grateful you have to be for everything in this world.

Sending my full support to his family during this difficult time. It’s such a shock.

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Thomas Moriarty

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - SIXTH FORM GEMS WELLINGTON ACADEMY, AL KHAIL The news of Viggo’s passing has been very difficult to understand and digest with everyone here at Gems Wellington Academy, Al Khail. I remember Viggo stepping into our Sixth Form for the very first time in September 2020.

A polite, young charmer, we both hit it off from the very start. Viggo decided to play a prank on me on his first induction day. He thought it would be a great fun by deciding to answer to another new 6th Former’s name at every opportunity. When I discovered that Viggo wasn’t who he was claiming to be, he was able to charm me with his cheeky smile as he asked if I played golf, so I couldn’t tell him off!

Viggo was not only a talented golfer but a brilliant, capable and driven student who had an excellent relationship with all his teachers. Viggo achieved A grades in his recent modular exams as well as being a reliable friend and role model to our younger students, we were all lucky and proud to have known him. Our WEK Community is heartbroken at the loss of such an amazing young man. Viggo touched our hearts with his laughter, his joy and presence in our Sixth Form and school. We will miss him very much and will always keep him in my thoughts. On behalf of our WEK Community, I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

JOSH

HILL COMING OF AGE

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here was a historic moment for golf in the UAE last month when Josh Hill became the first player born in the country to make the cut a DP World Tour event with an astonishing finish to his second round at Yas Links, Abu Dhabi. Not content with etching his name into the history books with his display at first Rolex Series event of the season, the 17-year-old went on to make the weekend for the second successive week at the Dubai Desert Classic, finishing above a whole host of golfing heavyweights on the way.

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ill’s double desert delight started on the front foot with an impressive one under par 71 on the opening day of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, before mother nature wreaked havoc in the capital with blustering winds leaving scorecards in tatters at the Kyle Phillipsdesigned track. “I’ve never been so glad to get off the golf course,” four-time Major champion Rory McIlroy was heard saying as he walked off the 18th green.

Hill, who had dropped seven shots during the chaos, failed to finish his second round due to bad light, which meant he would return on Saturday morning to complete his final six holes. Luck of the draw some might say, but the Englishman still needed to pick up three more shots on the challenging links layout to book a spot for the weekend. No luck on the 13th and the 14th with a pair or pars, but Hill then came out all guns blazing with three birdies in his final four

holes to make the cut right on line to herald a new beginning for golfers in the UAE. “I knew I had to make three birdies in six holes but I also knew that I needed to be patient so I was thinking that if I managed to play some good shots then I could do it,” said Hill.

“I was able to hole a great putt on the 18th and it was a great feeling. It was a pretty cool feeling but like I said to people close to me, I felt that I could do it and then to go out and actually make it was a great feeling.

Was it the most pressure he had ever felt on a golf course, knowing he needed to play the final six holes at three under par?

“No, I would say the MENA Tour event in Al Ain was when I felt the most pressure,” said Hill, referring to becoming the youngest winner of an Official World Golf Ranking event when he won the Al Ain Open on the Mena Tour in 2019. The fact I came off a bad season in the summer, I put a lot of pressure

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on myself to perform after that, so even though I was in contention to make the cut I didn’t feel as much pressure as before.

“The thing I was really pleased with was that I didn’t just ease off and pat myself on the back after earning the right to play the final 36 holes. I made six birdies and an eagle to shoot 69 in the third round straight after finishing off the second round, and if I hadn’t made a couple of double bogeys by being overaggressive it would have been even better.

That impressive 69 was followed with a not so impressive 75, but after the rollercoaster week Hill had endured he could be forgiven for not producing his best golf after a physically and mentally tiring week.

“It was disappointing to finish with a 75, especially as I bogeyed three of the last four this time,” he said. “But it was still a great week, and even though I was aiming for better than a share of 58th I still managed to finish a couple of shots in

front of Collin Morikawa. That’s not bad, is it? This was huge for my confidence, and in terms of showing that my game is good enough to compete at this level. It really was a case of moving up to another level.”

Next up for the teenage prodigy was a second outing at the Dubai Desert Classic, famed for hosting the longestrunning DP World Tour event outside of Europe as well as boasting one of the most coveted pieces of silverware on the year-long schedule – the Dallah Trophy.

With last week’s result still fresh in the memory, Hill fired an opening round two under par 70, but had at one point been on the first screen of the leaderboard at four under par in seventh before dropping a couple of shots later in the round.

Hill successfully made the cut for a second successive week, albeit in less dramatic fashion than just seven days

I

knew I had to make ree birdies in six holes but I also knew at I needed to be patient so I was inking at if I managed to play some good ots en I could do it," Worldwide GOLF 25

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before, with a second round 74 before reeling off a third round 69, just as he did in Abu Dhabi, to surge back up the leaderboard at Emirates Golf Club. “Sure, there are a few big names around me, but it is just another round of golf, said Hill straight after that impressive third round showing.

His reward of shooting a three under par 69 over the Majlis? A final round three-ball with DP World Tour winner Romain Langasque and 2019 Open Champion Shane Lowry.

Hill went on to post a disappointing 78 but was grateful of the support he had from his fellow peers out on course as well as his army of friends and teammates from Trump International Golf Club, Dubai.

“It was probably one of the worst rounds I have played in a while,” “But I can put it behind me and having all these guys come out and support me was unreal.

“These guys see me every day at Trump and elsewhere and for them to give up their time — five hours a day — to help me along is amazing. They could be out watching the likes of the Rorys and Morikawas but they were here with me. Amazing.”

“Shane was also amazing. After a bad front nine, he just wrapped an arm around me and told me to keep fighting in a tough game.

He was a great help. He also told me: ‘See you in a few years,’ which really told me I am doing the right things and I am on my way.

“It is always nice to play on the weekend when there a few less competitors and not as much pressure as you have made the cut.

Even though I had a poor round it was fun.”

Despite the final round 78, Hill finished the tournament as Leading Amateur with Viktor Hovland personally congratulating him on his performance before both men picked up their trophies.

Hovland was also overheard telling the youngster: “I’ve heard my college coach wants you to go to the school, but I heard you’re probably not going to go to college.” After Hill had told the Norwegian star that he was going to made a decision soon, Hovland replied: “You’ve got a bright future so keep going.”

So, what is next for this Dubai-born prodigy?

“I get asked a lot about turning professional, but there’s no rush, especially with some great offers to go to the States on the table,” he said. “I’ll talk it over with my family and decide what comes next, but for now I just want to enjoy the opportunities I’ve been given.

“I felt comfortable in this new environment of making the weekend at these tournaments.

I’d like to play in the top amateur events but right now I’m focusing on the immediate future and seeing where that takes me” One of those opportunities he has been given is the recent change of Rules to Amateur Status, with elite amateur golfers now being able to receive payment for sponsorship deals. When quizzed on what this means for Hill going forward he was reluctant to answer, before a representative from Wasserman Media Group, believed to be Andy Sullivan’s manager, stepped in and told us that they were actively looking for sponsorship to aid Hill’s promising career.

It’s no surprise that Hill’s exceptional talent is attracting some of the biggest names in sports marketing and talent management with his impressive roll of honour. Whatever happens next for the youngster, the UAE should be proud that such a talent calls the country his home and with the help of fans, coaches and golf clubs up and down the region, along with the supreme quality Hill possesses, who knows what this boy can achieve in the game we all love.

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Titleist Full Line Player Driver TSi 3 9 degree tensei orange x Fairway TSi 2 15 degree Smoke Hazrdus X Flex Hybrid TSi 19 degree X Flex Irons Titleist 620 CB project 6.5 4-P Vokey SM9 46 50 54 60 loft dynamic gold s400 Scotty Cameron Newport (Moto) 35 inch Titleist Tour Bag.

ATTHAYA THITIKUL

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On her way to the

TOP H

aving broken the record for youngest winner of a Ladies European Tour event at just 14 years, 4 months and 19 days old in 2017, the future always looked bright for Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul. Now 18 years old, Thitikul has once again shown why she is a force to be reckoned with in the coming years after adding two more LET titles to her name last season to become the youngest winner of the Race to Costa del Sol, while following in the footsteps of Dame Laura Davies, Carlota Ciganda and Esther Henseleit in becoming just the fourth player to win both the season-long rankings and Rookie of the Year titles in the same season.

In what has been a remarkable first season on Tour, the teenager had a stellar record on the golf course only finishing outside the top six in individual events on three occasions, before putting the icing on the cake by securing an LPGA Tour card at Qualifying School in December last year.

Now ranked inside the top 20 of the Rolex Women’s Golf Rankings her journey to the top is only just beginning.

Worldwide Golf: Congratulations on securing your LPGA card. How did you find the toughness of Qualifying School compared to an ordinary strokeplay tournament?

Atthaya Thitikul: For me the most difficult thing to adjust to was the time difference from Spain to U.S. to after coming straight from the LET’s season-ending event in Costa del Sol. You also need to learn how to stay patient for eight rounds of golf and how fast you can

adapt yourself to play with 2-3 different golf courses. I’m really happy and feel so good to able to get the card because it was one of my dreams when I was young.

AT: At that time, I felt so good and was honoured to be crowned the LET’s youngest winner in the world. I would say that no words can describe my feeling at that moment.

WWG: Were you feeling confident heading to Qualifying School after your superb maiden season on the LET? AT: I had great confidence coming from playing on the LET but I tried to keep my mind focused and told myself that I just do it the same way that I usually do.

WWG: You waited until 2020 to turn professional despite two victories on the pro circuit before that. Were you ever tempted to turn pro at an earlier age or did you always have a plan in mind?

AT: I had been talking about turning pro with my parents. They wanted me to turn professional at an earlier age but I told them that I wasn’t ready and that I still had areas to improve and I’ll turn pro when I feel ready.

WWG: What was the standout moment for you en route to winning the Race to Costa del Sol? AT: I actually liked the first win of my professional career on the LET, the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open, because I think the first win as a professional is the toughest.

WWG: How difficult was it to play your first full season on the LET at just 18 years old, especially during the pandemic?

AT: It is the first year that I have been away from home for three or four months, it has been tough, but it has been an experience I can learn from. I have travelled without my parents, usually my dad always travels with me, but I have been here with my manager and my caddie. I feel really grateful to be out here and competing in international tournaments.

WWG: You’re still the youngest ever winner on the LET with that victory at the Ladies European Thailand Championship in 2017.

How did it feel winning against such a great field at such a young age?

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WWG: You’re set to play in all the Majors next year. Does the game plan change for the bigger events or is it simply a case of do what you’ve been doing and the results will follow?

AT:: I think I’ll be doing the same as I’ve been doing previously but maybe I have to see the course first because sometimes you have to adapt yourself to suit with the course. I will play mainly on the LPGA and if I have a chance I’ll probably play on the LET as well.

WWG: How many times have you managed to play in the UAE? AT: Last year was my first time playing in Dubai. I went to the desert for the night safari and I loved it. I haven’t had a chance to play many courses in Dubai yet but I would say the course that we play the Dubai Moonlight Classic on, the Faldo Course, was one of my favourite courses on last year’s schedule.

DEST CONTROLING HIS OWN

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TINY

RORY MCILROY

A birdie on the 72nd hole of last month’s Dubai Desert Classic would have handed Rory McIlroy a record-equalling third triumph at the oldest DP World Tour event outside of Europe. Par would have been sufficient to make the play-off, which Viktor Hovland won to move up to third in the Official World Golf Ranking, but disaster struck after McIlroy found the water on the final hole of tournament week.

A bogey six left the Northern Irishman in third spot and another near-miss in a DP World Tour event following his implosion on the back nine at last year’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship. Believe it or not, McIlroy’s last triumph at a solesanctioned DP World Tour event came back in 2016 at the Irish Open – an astonishing six years ago, also meaning he has not won a Rolex Series event, which is quite a staggering stat for a player of his calibre.

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RORY MCILROY

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Despite his winless streak on the DP World Tour, McIlroy isn’t losing any sleep just yet as he revealed his biggest goals this year are the ones he is in full control of.

“I want to win five times, I want to win a major; I want to win The Race to Dubai; I want to win the FedEx Cup; I want to do this or that, and of course I want to do all those things,” said McIlroy. “I’d love to win six times in a season. I’ve never done that before. I’ve won five.

“All those things are great goals and they are things to try to work towards. But I think the biggest thing for guys that are at the level that we’re at is I want to hit over 60 percent of my fairways. I want my proximity inside 150 yards to be a certain number. I want my strokes gained putting to be a certain number. I think having goals that are more objective and I’m in control of them - I can’t control if I win five or six times a year.

There’s so many other variables in there.

“But I can certainly control if I hit 60 percent of the fairways. I can control if my numbers, my strokes gained numbers, my stats are better than they were the year before. It’s about trying to set yourself goals that you can control, and that are objective and measurable, and I guess those are the sort of goals I’ve started to set myself the last few years.”

And is there a certain priority in those goals for this season?

“There’s a few,” he said. “I’d love to get my iron play back to a level that it was at maybe a few years ago.

Gaining at least half a shot to a full shot on the field with approach play. I’ve done that before, I feel like I can do that again.

“I think fairways hit stats is always a big one for me.

If I can hit the ball in the fairway 60 percent of the time with how far that I hit it, I’m going to create a lot of opportunities for myself, and the more opportunities you give yourself, you know, the putts will fall some weeks, some weeks they won’t but I think over the last few years I’ve certainly become a more consistent putter and I certainly hole what I feel is my fair share.”

The goals McIlroy has set out seem a lot more achievable than those he had last Spring when he tried to emulate the big-hitting Bryson DeChambeau, only to

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RORY MCILROY

“It’s not just about the one individual in a Ryder Cup. There’s a lot that goes into it and good captains lose sometimes, and that’s just the way it is. Pádraig was a great captain last time, and I didn’t play my part, and I’m sure the other players feel the same way.”

struggle with inconsistently off the tee which saw him saw him drop out of the top 15 in the OWGR for the first time since 2009.

“No, I don’t need to,” replied the Ulsterman when asked if gaining a few extra yards was no longer part of his plans. “Again, that goal of hitting more fairways, it evens maybe throttling back and hitting 3-wood a little more often or hitting clubs that are maybe not as aggressive off tees and just putting yourself in the fairway. Maybe just being a little bit more of a measured and a controlled golfer.

I’ll certainly pick-and-choose my spots where I can take advantage of the driver and hit it, but the best player of the last 30 years, Tiger, he picked and chose where he hit driver, and he played a very, very controlled game. It didn’t work out too badly for him.

“I’m not saying that my game compares to his in any way, but there are certainly aspects of what he did so well in the past that I would obviously love to put into my game.”

Ryder Cup

McIlroy was the first to admit he was woefully out of form at last year’s Ryder Cup after breaking down in front of the TV

cameras reflecting on his disappointing performance at Whistling Straits. He had suffered heavy defeats in his three matches on the opening two days with each lasting no longer than 15 holes, while he was also left out of the Saturday morning foursomes, the first session he has missed in his Ryder Cup career. A final day triumph over Xander Schauffele still left the Europeans on the wrong end of a record-breaking defeat, but McIlroy believes the continent has nothing to worry about going forward.

“I think the one disappointment for every European golf fan was The Ryder Cup last year, but I think European golf has never been healthier and the alliance with the PGA Tour has been massive,” he said “The tournaments are getting bigger, sponsorship money is coming in to support events and players are wanting to come back and play. I think it’s in a really good spot.

“It’s not just about the one individual in a Ryder Cup. There’s a lot that goes into it and good captains lose sometimes, and that’s just the way it is. Pádraig was a great captain last time, and I didn’t play my part, and I’m sure the other players feel the same way.”

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Despite the qualification process for the Ryder Cup not starting until September the European team have traditionally announced their Captain the week of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. With no announcement just yet, is it something that bothers the players? Not in McIlroy’s book.

“I don’t think it matters,” he said. “It’s certainly not on the players radar at all. I don’t think it matters, really. It’s not as if we’re going up and down the range talking to each other thinking about who the captain is going to be. We are all focussed on our own job of trying to play the best golf we can. I wouldn’t want to name any potential candidate because I wouldn’t want influence it one way or another. There are a number of players and they would all do a wonderful job.”

Luke Donald and Henrik Stenson are seemingly leading the way to lead the team out at Rome 2023, but could there be a surprise with McIlroy himself at the helm in the Eternal City?

“I hope it’s a long way away!” he chuckles.

“But ultimately, yeah, I’d love to have a shot at it. We’re hopefully talking two decades or more!” ■

Belgium BOMBER NICOLAS COLSAERTS

LANDS IN DUBAI

NICOLAS COLSAERTS, ALSO KNOWN AS THE BELGIUM BOMBER FOR HIS EFFORTLESS DISTANCE OFF THE TEE, HAS MADE DUBAI HIS FAMILY HOME.

D

ubai’s resident golf ranking has been given a boost as former Ryder Cup star Nicolas Colsaerts has relocated his family within striking distance of The Els Club. The Belgium bomber won his first DP World Tour event back in 2011, but it was his debut appearance the following year at the 39th Ryder Cup when he stole the headlines.

Despite being a rookie, he teamed up with Lee Westwood in the Friday Foursomes carding eight birdies and an eagle to defeat the heavyweight pairing of Woods and Stricker on the final hole.

Colsaerts’ star was shining bright and the golfing world expected his stellar Ryder Cup performance to springboard his career to the next level, but he had to wait seven more years before he lifted his third

DP World Tour title at the Open de France.

I always enjoyed watching him play, as his effortless power and calm demeanour is reminiscent to Davis Love III, the only difference being the short stick. Love was a solid putter and unfortunately Colsaerts rarely broke inside the top 150 putting stats on the DP World Tour. That was the heartbreak, as tee to green, he was arguably one of the best ball strikers in the history of the DP World Tour. This year, he turns 40 and his focus is more off the course than on. With a young family to look after he’s also been diagnosed with a rare kidney disease. We caught up with him in Dubai to discuss the challenges he’s facing and why living in Dubai has provided the perfect home base for him to get back on is feet.

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NICOLAS COLSAERTS

That Ryder Cup winning feeling!

Nicolas Colsaerts of Europe celebrates a birdie putt on the 17th green during the afternoon Four-Ball Matches at the 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club.

You’ve recently moved to Dubai, why did you decide to make the move over here?

The list is long, there are many reasons! My wife and I are parents to two young boys and we’re living in a place where all we have is an apartment, we’re after space, multilingual schools, the accessibility of practice for me so all of these reasons made Dubai the perfect choice.

Which club will you be based at?

I’ve been coming to the Els Club for quite some time but living here at Victory Heights in Sports City the Els Club was always the number one choice. They’ve been really nice to all of us, letting us use the golf course or the health centre or any facility that the place had to offer So I’m quite happy to call the Els Club home.

What are your favourite things to do in Dubai away from the course?

Well they have changed over the years because I have been coming here for about 20 years so we used to go out a lot when we were younger, we played in the Dubai Desert Classic and the Abu Dhabi Championship and also went to Qatar for many years. The level and the quality of the golf courses are always second to none, there is always so much to do whether we go on a safari in the desert or go to shopping malls, restaurants, the list is endless really.

You recently posted on your Instagram account that you’ve had a bit of a health scare. How are you feeling and how is this going to affect your golf this season?

The way it’s going to affect my golf is a little bit of a question mark, I’m sick but I don’t feel sick, I’m going through an immunosuppressant treatment so I’m going to be at risk for the next couple of months as I won’t be producing any antibodies so travelling is going to be very difficult for me . Then I am hoping I can play as many tournaments as possible. I’ve been a loyal supporter of the DP World Tour so I hope that I’m going to be able to go to the events that I’ve always liked playing over the last 20 years and see what this year has in store for– me.

You did some TV work at the DP World Tour Championship last year, is that something you can see yourself getting into more when you retire from golf eventually?

Maybe I will, it’s one of the things that I’ve always been attracted to and enjoyed doing. The feedback hasn’t been too bad so far (laughs), I’m lucky enough to have been surrounded by English-speaking

friends so I also understand the humour which is important. I do enjoy the on course commentary, though I don’t know whether it will be a reality for me in the next couple of years or later on but it’s definitely one of my options.

Either that or is it too late to reinvigorate your burgeoning DJ career?

The love of music is always there, I always say that my life is golf but my real passion is music.

The turntables are up and running in the living room, I had a little bit of spin in New Year which is going to be kept as a private matter!

What goals have you set yourself for this year?

I’m going to have to reassess my goals this year looking at my health situation. I’ve just played the Desert Swing events which was great being able to stay at home and with my family, instead of being in a hotel and away from them all.

You haven’t played in a Major since 2018, how important is it for you to get back those events over the next few years?

The Majors are the biggest tournaments that we get to play and I do miss playing on the big stages, my results over the last couple of years have not really allowed me to get there but whichever it might be I would be quite happy to play in one of those Majors again.

The courses are just so difficult and I really enjoy the challenge.

We’ve seen the likes of Thomas Pieters follow in your footsteps of making their name on the Tour over the last few years, what does the crop of young Belgian golf look like?

Belgian golf is pretty healthy considering how small our country is and how much is put into place for juniors. We’ve been able to produce two Ryder Cup players in four or six years which is quite incredible. It was only a matter of time before Thomas Pieters won again.

What I really loved about Thomas Pieters’ win in Abu Dhabi, is that he seized his moment, he took control of the last difficult day when he could have lost patience around the turn.

But he didn’t and that’s the evidence of him maturing into a phase where his career can only flourish. There are a few other young players who are doing well in the amateur scene in America. I think for a small country we have done very well and I think there are a few other surprises in store. ■

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John E Morgan and Colsaerts commentating during the opening round of the 2021 DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates .

Colsaerts and Pieters of Belgium pictured with their caddies Brian Nilsson and Adam Marrow at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Colsaerts and the volunteers gather for a picture after his 2019 Open de France victory at Le Golf National near Paris.

DAVID HOWELL COLUMN

B

Wonderful Way to Launch the New Year

ack-to-back Rolex Series events to start the year for the DP World Tour is an amazing way to kick things off after the winter break, and both events certainly lived up to their billing.

With a host of star players to follow around Yas Links it made intriguing viewing, especially with the wind threatening to blow away a few egos, as well as a few scoreboards. Wasn’t it great to see our old friend Adam Scott golf his ball around this splendid coastal design, and to see Rory have to dig deep to make a birdie and make the cut. It was tremendous viewing for the keen golf watcher, of that there is no doubt.

How often do we witness the world’s great players just make it through to the weekend before scorching their way through the field to become a challenger come Sunday afternoon.

That’s how class rises to the top over time and Rory didn’t disappoint, thrilling his fans with a charge towards an unexpected victory.

Alas, golf pays tribute to no man and all 72 holes need to be played. In the end, a couple of mistakes on the way home did for the man from Northern Ireland and a top five finish was all Rory could savour on the short trip down the road to Dubai. Although, I’m not sure that was how Rory was looking at things. Sometimes one cannot dwell on the positives like one should do, yet this is one of those moments to fear.

Pieters on a roll

Thomas Pieters, the man with all the ability in the world, one so talented that 36 holes with The Ryder Cup Captain was all that was needed to get a Wildcard Pick from captain Darren Clarke in 2014, has bounced back into the limelight.

Hooray for that. Now a father, Thomas has hit the grown-up part of his career, and has done it in superb fashion. A win in Portugal last year catapulted one of Belgium’s finest into the mix once more and supplied the much-needed confidence, which, in sport, as we know, is everything.

Sunday in Abu Dhabi required all that was on

offer for the Victor, cool heads, something that, at times, Thomas has not found so easy, but, to be fair, when in the mix and firing on all cylinders Thomas has always been able to close the event, and close he did, without a hitch, or, indeed much fanfare for the most beautiful striker of a golf ball you could ever wish to see, left everyone else trailing, back to the big time for a guy who should be gracing the world’s biggest stages consistently from this moment on.

Desert Classic had it all

The Dubai Desert Classic has entered a new era, with ‘Slync.io’ on board as title sponsor and the upgrading to a Rolex Series event, this most wonderful event has had a muchneeded upgrade to help entice the world’s best to the Majlis Course. A star-studded field assembled on the newly re-laid greens and extended lay-out, and we were greeted by the largest crowds seen for a decade or more.

What a treat we were blessed with.

The smiling Norwegian with the killer game graced the leaderboards all week; Rory brought his glamorous game with him to the town that sparkles and the newest oldest star in the game Richard Bland, (or Blandy as he must now be known) became a menace that wouldn’t go away for the stars of the game.

Golf doesn’t care about age, or looks, or style, it cares about a clubface that consistently strikes the golf ball in the middle. It cares about attitude and course management, discipline and courage, a steady nerve and endless positivity. This can come some players’ way at the age of 23; some never quite get to experience playing under these conditions, and a handful of players may take 25 years of slow progress to reach the pinnacle of their golfing ability.

That’s a long journey.

‘Blandy’ is the man to ask who has the sweet smell of success 25 years in the

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making. How wonderful. On a course that suits a man with more power than Richard can now show the world just what can be achieved with grit and determination, with belief and confidence and a swing that has worked so well for two decades.

A surge around the turn, book-ended by a birdie on 17 and then another putt from 25 feet on the last hole to join a playoff, is the kind of golf that ‘Blandy’ has never played in his life, and this is a man who has played superb golf for most of his life. It’s a lesson in never giving up; in having a plan and sticking to it; in trusting their own ability and savouring the moment. What a victory it would have been. Alas, others have confidence, too.

Lay up or not?

Rory has it, in bucket loads, but sometimes confidence can overspill into mistakes, and surely his shot choice to the last hole, from 267 yards to go for the green was a mistake.

We all want to be wowed by the world’s best players; to see the amazing shot at the crucial moment; but I for one would have been wowed with a classy wedge to ten feet and a putt for victory. As I am sure Rory would have been, too. Still, we don’t have a crystal ball, a lay-up into a sanded divot could have been the outcome, after all if a different strategy had been employed, as it is we got to witness a disastrous last hole bogey, Rory had to fly home knowing that his game is a match for anyone once more and Victor Hovland got to play his last three holes in four under par, to join the most unlikely playoff in the tournament’s history.

In the end, it was heartbreak for ‘Blandy,’ and delight for the Victor. They often say there is something in a name, so maybe we should accept that where Hovland is concerned, his parents knew something that the rest of us didn’t. Victor is indeed the Victor once more, of a very exciting Dubai Desert Classic. ■

PETE COWEN COLUMN

Pieters breaks our Abu Dhabi duck

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lthough my players have been prolific winners in the UAE, we’ve never won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. We have come perilously close on occasions but never walked off with the Falcon Trophy. So, when Thomas Pieters rolled in that winning putt at Yas Links last month I was more than delighted. Not for clinching that illusive title but for Thomas.

Everyone knows what a talented lad, but he has not lived up to his full potential and I’m partly to blame for that for putting too much pressure on his shoulders. Last year at the BMW Championship we sat down together and had a long conversation about what he wanted to accomplish. It was clear he hadn’t achieved what he wanted to achieve and that is where I’ve made a mistake. I try to make my players perfectionists and sometimes, they don’t think they are good enough. That eventually becomes a negative, so I had to stop that and create more positivity. I might not have the letters behind my name, but I’ve become a psychologist to my players, as I’ve certainly given more mental than technical lessons over the years to help them win tournaments.

Another of my players that enjoyed the challenging conditions was Ian Poulter. As we all know from watching him at the Ryder Cup over the years, he is very strong mentally. What people do not appreciate is Poults is a true player and has the game to craft a score in all weather. I know thousands of great hitters, but I don’t know many good players.

The final round at Abu Dhabi was a shining light for Henrik Stenson after he closed with a 65. Our team has got off to a great start with the win at Yas but the icing on the cake would be to see Henrik back on top. I’ve worked with him for close to 20 years and said everything I needed to say but he needs to listen to something else. Mike Walker who works with me is looking after Henrik now and even though we teach the same way Mike phrases things

differently. To this day Henrik’s final round to win the DP World Tour Championship in 2014 was one of the best I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen plenty. If he can get close to that form with Mike’s assistance a win will not be far away.

From the old guard in Abu Dhabi to the next wave of fresh talent, it was exciting to watch. Hovland and Morikawa are the future of the modern game. Both now winners of Rolex series events in the region and shown the world they can win anywhere. But leading UAE amateur Josh Hill also caught my eye, especially when he finished above the world number one. It’s hard to believe Josh is just 17 years old and to perform like he did in Abu Dhabi and Dubai he’s got the talent to make it on Tour. Not only does he have the length off the tee, but he obviously doesn’t suffer from stage fright. These are the two essentials these days to make it on the big stage.

Keeping to the UAE, I think considering all that has been going through the pandemic it was ideal for the players to have back-to-back events at Ras Al Khaimah. The last two years has been exceptionally tough travelling, living in bubbles and being able to find a rhythm on the course has been harder than ever. So, to have four events in a row in the UAE is the perfect start to any season and more important than ever considering the logistical impact of the pandemic.

To have these events in addition to the three Rolex Series tournament in the region shows how instrumental the UAE has become to the DP World Tour.

It will be interesting to see who wins at Ras Al Khaimah and don’t be surprised to see the same player claim both titles. If the wind blows it will certainly test the player’s ability to control their ball flight, this is why amateurs struggle in the wind. It will also be an advantage to the professionals who needed to master breezy conditions growing up. You can’t just play to a number. You must feel the distance and see the flight that is required to match the shot. ■

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DON”T FEAR LOFT

Finally, I’ve received the latest Callaway Rogue ST driver.

Interestingly I was fitted with more loft, this is something the amateurs could learn from. Getting the right loft and head weighting, paired with the right ball makes sense.

But I see too many amateurs playing with too little loft and a high spinning ball. Instead, you would benefit off the tee with more loft and a lower spinning ball. Remember loft is your friend!

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JENNY HENNESSY Meet the Chicks SUSANA IBARRA Occupation Commercial Pilot and business owner Nationality: El Salvador Why did you join Chicks With Sticks?

I wanted to experience something new in Dubai.

A friend heard of Chicks With Sticks and suggested I join with her to learn more about golf and to meet new people. I loved the founder Jenny, and our instructors, they made me and the new girls feel welcome!

How much have you improved since joining?

Being able to play golf has been a special opportunity, I’ve learnt to have more respect for golfers. Our instructors have given me a platform that I can build on for years with tips on how to be more focused when I practice my swing which has aided my balance. I’ve also learned to adjust and adapt to the pace of the game on the course.

JENNY HENNESSY The 28-year-old is the founder of Chicks With Sticks, an all girls golf group that launched in Dubai in March 2021.

Growing the game, one Chick at a time

G

reetings Golfing World, welcome to my second column for Worldwide Golf, updating you on all things golf here in the Middle East and further

afield.

It has been another successful month for Chicks With Sticks at our home base in Dubai, the growth and success of the programme continues to go from strength to strength at the Claude Harmon III Performance Golf Academy, at The Els Club. A huge thank you to Jamie McConnell and his team for their support, and for continuing to believe in my vision! Beginner and intermediate lessons are currently running on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, with a more advanced group starting later this month. The ladies are all enjoying learning a new skill in a fun and social setting, gaining confidence, forming new friendships and feeling empowered whilst taking their stride into the predominantly male dominated sport. There is no stopping Chicks With Sticks!

Chicks With Sticks is now firmly established in the capital. A new flock of Chicks joined our golfing tribe this past month, big thank you to Kieran Pratt and his team at Abu Dhabi Golf Club for a fantastic debut season. Ras Al Khaimah is next on my radar, with plans for our

inaugural launch taking place at Al Hamra Golf Club later this month.

The efforts being made across the UAE to promote women in sport are very encouraging.

The Abu Dhabi HSBC tournament held at Yas Links hosted an incredibly successful ladies day event. The Dubai Desert Classic also hosted a ‘Pink Day’ supporting one of the tournament’s main charities, Al-Jalila Foundation. Back to back European Tour events at Al Hamra this month will provide more showcases of world class golf in the Emirates.

More good news for ladies golf this month as we see major amendments being made to ladies professional golf prize winnings. Rising purses are becoming increasingly more common within women’s golf across the globe; the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open (Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, June 2-5) will now see an increased prize fund of $10 million. This is a hugely positive step for women’s sport all over the world.

I welcome this opportunity to promote golf in the Middle East, a sport that has given me so much. I will keep growing this game, one Chick and one Emirate at a time. See you next month for more updates.

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Do you enjoy the social side of Chicks With Sticks?

Meeting new people was one of the main reasons I joined. I love the fact the group is getting bigger with each passing program and it’s enabled me to meet some great new people who are now part of my friendship group.

What’s your background story?

I’m from El Salvador, Central America. I was the first female commercial pilot in El Salvador and have been flying for 15 years. I moved to Kuwait in 2017 for three years before coming to Dubai at the beginning of 2021 and have since started my own specialty coffee import/export and distribution business with my husband.

What would be your message to other girls looking to join?

It’s more fun than you think – you’ve just got to give it a swing! Love the golf courses around the world and especially in Dubai. I’m really loving it.

EXPLORE

THE OTHER SIDE Worldwide GOLF 44

BY

JAMIE COUGHLIN

PGA PROFESSIONAL, TOPGOLF, DUBAI

golfprojamie

INSTRUCTION

H

ere at Topgolf, all our bays are fitted with Toptracer technology. The screens give ball data on the carry distance, ball speed, peak height, hangtime and curvature. It’s a great place to get feedback on what your ball is doing. If you pay attention, you’ll notice that no ball fly’s straight. Typically, golfers fit in to one of two categories, slicers or hookers. Depending on the category you fit in, if you want to hit the ball “straighter”, you’ll need to gain awareness for the other shape of shot.

CLUB FACE OPENED

CLUB FACE CLOSED

One teaching strategy that has always worked for me is to figure out a student’s major flaw and devise a plan for practicing the opposite of that flaw. Exaggerate the fix as much as possible; really feel the change.

If you slice the ball, I want you to feel a closed clubface and a path that “feels” like it swings to the right post impact. Swing this back and forth over the top of the golf ball to create a pattern. Notice how your body moves and where you go to. Sensing the change is the key to creating awareness. Try replicating this as you hit a shot, moving through the same space and going to the same place.

Hookers of the golf ball need to feel the opposite. For a right-handed player, your ball curves to the left because your clubface is closed to the swing path at impact. A slice in tennis gives a good reference. Feel an open face and swing more to the left post impact. Do this back and forth to sense the difference in the movement.

Try not to over think it, we’re not trying to be perfect, just explore the other side and hit the opposite shape shot. The beauty comes when you can refine it to curve the ball less, thus looking like the ball fly’s straight.

Opened Club face

Neutral Club face

Closed Club face

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

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

Starting from AED 495/Month*

LOOK OUT FOR THE VIDEO AT WorldwideGolf Worldwide.Golf

Register Today

Start your golfing journey with the ‘Get into Golf’ monthly pass, and take part in a host of unlimited beginner golf lessons. *Unlimited lessons at Dubai Creek & Jumeriah Golf Estates AED 495 / month *Ten lessons per month at Topgolf Dubai AED 595 / month

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DUBAI CREEK GOLF CLUB JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES

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GRAND OPENING ON THE HORIZON FOR

MYGOLF

M

yGolf Dubai is edging ever closer to its grand opening with the indoor simulator business proving to be the most eagerly anticipated addition to the UAE’s golf scene of early 2022.

Construction on the 1500 m2 facility in International City is almost complete and VIP customers have been given an exclusive preview of one of the state-of-the art Golfzon simulators which the MyGolf experience will be centered around.

“Ideally I would want to open it yesterday!” says MyGolf Founder and CEO Michael Zhao. “But we want to make sure that we focus on every little detail so that when we open we can give the customer that promised experience. Everything is coming together now and we’re looking forward to having a grand opening where everyone can come and see what MyGolf is all about.

“It’s a very sizeable place and we want

everything to be perfect,” he continues. “The setup is going to feature an open area where we have bars, dining areas and also an open aisle where people can go to practice and play. We also have a separate section for private rooms for VIPs to give people the privacy where they can enjoy themselves.

With the mercury traditionally rising to almost unbearable levels over the summer months in Dubai, MyGolf is set to provide a safe haven from the heat for golf lovers across the emirate with a astonishingly realistic playing experience while Zhao is also keen to provide a platform where the social aspects of the game can be fully enjoyed.

“MyGolf is essentially a membership club which gives you an experience to play golf indoors and weatherproof,” he says. “Eventually I want to build it into an interactive social platform where people really connect with each other in a very

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MyGolf Dubai

MEET THE PROS

Aside from the unique and fun playing experience, one of the key elements of the MyGolf offering is coaching which is sure to be hugely popular due to the lack of daylight or weather restrictions.

With the grand opening just around the corner, the first two PGA Professionals have flown into Dubai to join the MyGolf team.

“MyGolf is essentially a membership club which gives you an experience to play golf indoors and weatherproof.”

Michael Zhao

CEO and Founder, MyGolf Dubai

relaxing environment through golf.

“What’s important as an indoor golf membership club is that the simulator is a crucial experience. I don’t have a golf industry background, I came from a strong financial industry and golf has been a hobby for me.

I tried different simulators and there are two types of simulators: one is focused on training and the other is the one that we use, the Golfzon, which is a Korean brand and has been around for over 20 years.

“It’s really interactive which gives you this near to real experience. There are a lot of different cool functions - if I practice in a normal golf facility they don’t have the auto tee function which sets the ball on the tee for you. The whole playing surface tilts to different angles giving you the feeling of playing from different undulations on the course, and there are a variety of different playing surfaces, even bunkers, so you really get as close to the experience of playing a real course as you can get.”

MyGolf Dubai is coming soon…watch this space!

Giovanni Losso Giovanni joins the team at MyGolf Dubai following successful tenures internationally at two world-class venues in London and then in Italy.

Born in northern Italy, he spent most of his early years playing individual sports and did not take up golf until the age of 13 at his local course. What started out as a recreational activity amongst friends, soon developed into a fondness for the game, quickly playing off handicap 3 just after one year and at the age of 16 he was a whopping +2.8 finding success at national and international amateur tournaments.

Since becoming a fully qualified British PGA Golf Professional, Gio has fine-tuned his ability to deliver unique player development programmes with the help of top 100 golf coach Gary Aliss– helping golfers find success by improving their knowledge and abilities within their own swing, how to practice efficiently, on-course management and mental stability during a round. He also enjoys delivering group sessions and specialist clinics and has run his own indoor golf studio back home in Italy. He’s in love with virtual golf data, making him a perfect addition to the MyGolf team.

“For me it was a no-brainer to join the MyGolf team,” says Giovanni. “I truly believe in the benefits of teaching golf in an indoor, virtual environment as there is so much flexibility in what you can do. I can’t wait to get started.”

Divan Ehmke Divan joins the MyGolf family from his home city of Pretoria, South Africa but has previous experience of the Middle East having lived in Saudi Arabia for several years.

A passionate golfer, he graduated from The Golf Management Campus in Pretoria in 2014, becoming a PGA Professional and beginning his career at the Zwartkop Country Club where he specialised in junior coaching.

For the past three and a half years he worked as one of the team of PGA Professionals at the stunning St Francis Links, on the Eastern Cape in South Africa.

His lowest score is 68 at the Services Golf Club (Pretorial)!

“Why MyGolf? MyGolf must be one of the best golf and coaching facilities that I have ever seen. The technology is just absolutely next level! With our team at MyGolf and your golfing enthusiasm we can get your game going! Through the game of golf, we can change lives and bring people together.”

For more information visit: www.mygolfdubai.com info@mygolfdubai.com +971523315885 +971 43863535 Dragonmart 2, International City

Divan Ehmke Worldwide GOLF 49

GEAR STENSON EMBARCES HIS CREATIVITY WITH ECCO

When ECCO invited Henrik Stenson to design his own custom shoe you knew it was going to be as cool as the Iceman himself. Turn to page 59 for more...

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GEAR TEST AVAILABLE IN LOFTS: 50o to 60o in two degree increments

 100% CNC MILLED  FULL FACE GROOVES

* Price in USA Launch date in the USA February 1

 HIGH TOE WEIGHTING  3 x FORGED

PXG SUGAR DAY II WEDGE

GROOVEY $499 RRP*

If you are considering buying the latest $500 PXG Sugar Daddy II wedge don’t think you are buying a better short game. These latest wedges from PXG are works of art first and foremost that have been crafted to enhance not just your short game but also the look of your bag. This vision of perfection was a focal point for one of their lead R&D guys Mike Nicolette, who has exceptionally high standards. Plus when you are paying top dollar the product needs to be spot on. The fully milled wedge is unique and expensive to produce, but it gave Mike that consistent look and feel he wanted.

MORE GROOVES ARE THE KEY ● Full face grooves expand the hitting area for shots played towards the toe side of the face. ● The expanded groove length provides greater conistency of strike when grass is trapped between the ball and clubface. So idea for controlling spin out of the rough.

SUGAR DADDY II

0311 SUGAR DADDY

PERFORMANCE The C grind will be a popular choice for the firm fairways in the Middle East but it’s worth considering the BP grind if bunkers are an issue and you need more bounce. The 8620 steel gives the grooves longevity and generate some serious RPM out of the rough let alone off the fairway.

We love the way you can utilize the full face and not be concerned about that ‘hot’ strike off the toe thanks the full-face grooves. If you like to open up the club, especially with a lofted wedge, you will get the full benefit of the high toe weighting. This not only enhances the consistency of strikes close to the toe but also cross the face.

BP-GRIND ● Deisgned for lush conditions and the golfer with a steeper attack angle. ● Offers more bounce. ● Slight taper from heel to toe. ● Wider sole. ● Deeper pivot point.

C-GRIND ● Deisgned for firm turf conditions and the skilled player. ● Less bounce. ● Aggressive taper from heel to toe. ● Narrow sole. ● Shallow pivot point

THE VERDICT If you play PXG, especially the latest GEN4 irons, the Sugar Daddy II wedges are a must to complete the look. The milled heads are a joy to be admired and who would have thought the most expensive club in the bag would become a wedge!

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GEAR TEST

CALLWAY ROGUE ST

IF CONSISTENCY WAS KING, THIS NEEDS A CROWN $549 RRP Callaway might not have the star-studded line up of TaylorMade these days on Tour but their latest Rogue ST driver is a star performer. We like the fact Callaway have kept things simple this year. No dramatic name change or some space age tech sheet that would leave a NASA scientist’s head spinning. What they have done is call upon all the R&D and product feedback over recent years to form a club that harness all the good points.

PERFORMANCE

Unless you are Jon Rahm, you will more than likely spray the ball all over the face. Which is why I was the perfect Guinea Pig for this test. My swing speed is nothing to write home about averaging just over 103mph and I can get it out just over 270 yards on a good day. My issue, like many other weekend warriors is I have more bad days than good. So, unlike many tests you read that focus solely on max speed and yardage to polish those journalistic egos I wanted to see how effective a club could boost my poor shots, especially from the dreaded heal strike.

I opted for the Callaway Rogue ST Max for the test, as it was claiming to have one of the most efficient heads in the market right now. I tested 15 drives straight off with just two warm up shots. As that pretty much simulates my realistic rush to the first tee practice. As you would imagine the first five had the slowest swing speed of just over 101mph and one was straight out of the neck. My best was just over 104mph, so the speed was consistent.

My average drive was 264.7 yards with an average spin rate of 2,640rpm.

Though it’s not going to provide me with a life as Tour player but the monthly medal win looks a little closer. My worst drive still totalled 258 yards and out of 15 drives 12 found the fairway. Two were in the rough and third was a borderline reload.

THE VERDICT Probably the most stable driver face in the market right now with very little drop off in performance. The ST MAX is the most forgiving and that semi-draw bias is a perfect fit for most golfers and a great starting point when getting fitted. If you are still struggling to fight that slice, the ST MAX D will speed the toe up and reduce the face angle through impact. If you are striking the ST MAX well but struggling to drop the spin rate to optimise your speed it is worth trying the LS head, but keep an eye on the launch angle. If you are a 9 degree loft in the ST MAX you might need to increase it for the LS head.

I’ve now swapped my reliable PING G425 gamer for the MAX LS in a 10.5o head, as I’m getting slightly more distance across the whole face and neutralise my ball flight a little more. In addition I’ve been able to optimise my spin and launch.

The ST MAX range is not the longest but consistency is the key and I would high recommend it based on that alone.

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ROGUE ST MAX D

ROGUE ST MAX

ROGUE ST MAX LS

ROGUE ST MAX

FLIGHT BIAS: DRAW

FLIGHT BIAS: SEMI DRAW

FLIGHT BIAS: NEUTRAL

FLIGHT BIAS: NEUTRAL / FADE

TUNGSTEN CARTRIDGE: 20G

TUNGSTEN CARTRIDGE: 26G

TUNGSTEN CARTRIDGE: 23G

TUNGSTEN CARTRIDGE: 20G

SPIN: MID

SPIN: MID

SPIN: LOW

SPIN: LOWEST

LOFT OPTIONS: 9O, 10.5O, 12O

LOFT OPTIONS: 9O, 10.5O, 12O

LOFT OPTIONS: 9O, 10.5O

LOFT OPTIONS: 9O, 10.5O

LIE ANGLE: 60O / VOLUME: 460CC

LIE ANGLE: 59O / VOLUME: 460CC

LIE ANGLE: 57O / VOLUME: 460CC

LIE ANGLE: 57O / VOLUME: 450CC

TRIPPLE DIAMOND LS

2G HEEL WEIGHT

Rogue ST Max D is built for golfers who want maximum levels of forgiveness from their driver. It’s built for very high MOI, with a reduced face progression, and a more upright lie. Internal and external draw weighting have also been added, along with a generously stretched profile at address for maximum shot shape correction. It will not fix your slice but will improve your scorecard!

Rogue ST MAX is Callaway’s highest MOI head with a slight draw bias that’s built for all levels of golfers. This is the best combination of distance and forgiveness in a Callaway driver. If you draw the ball the draw bias in the ST MAX could enhance the draw. So worth trying the ST MAX LS head and the same time but you might need to increase the loft in the LS head.

The Rogue ST Max LS is a high MOI head built for lower spin along with a stronger trajectory. Players can expect to see a more neutral ball flight, more workability, and lower spin characteristics compared to the Rogue ST MAX. Though it is aimed at low to mid handicap players it is all about the set up and could benefit the higher handicapper that struggles with spin.

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The Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS head is a low spin option for better players. It is the lowest spining out for the range with a neutral-to-fade bias in a compact 450cc head. Hardly surprising to see this model being played by Callaway’s staff players and more of a specialist club. Most amateurs wanting a low spin and forgiveness will most likely find the MAX LS a better fit.

GEAR TEST

TAYLORMADE STEALTH

THE DRIVER THAT HAS EVERYONE TALKING $299 RRP

It came as no surprise to see the TaylorMade staff players put the latest Stealth driver straight in the bag. For once it wasn’t hard to fathom if they were playing the current or previous model, thanks to the Stealth’s bright red face. The one thing TaylorMade drivers excel at are distance and marketing. Over the years they have been at the forefront of driver tech, most notable being interchangeable head weights in the R7 Quad model back in 2004.

Fast forward 18 years and they are at it again. This time the big selling point and breakthrough is the carbon face. Other manufacturers such as Wilson and Yonex have tried in the past to bring a full carbon head to the market but they failed to make an impact. Mainly due to cost and poor performance. Titanium proved to be more effective, harder wearing and easier to work with. Now TaylorMade appear to have made a huge breakthrough with their latest 60 layered carbon face and it has certainly got people talking. Is it the future or just clever marketing?

60x Carbon Twist Face – comprised of 60 layers of carbon sheets strategically arranged for better energy transfer and faster ball speeds.

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TAYLORMADE STEALTH PLUS FLIGHT BIAS: NEUTRAL SPIN: LOW LAUNCH: MID LOFT: RH: 8O RH/LH: 9O ,10.5O

ON TRACK The Sliding Weight Track includes a single 10g weight that can be positioned to dial in your preferred launch and trajectory.

TAYLORMADE STEALTH FLIGHT BIAS: NEUTRAL SPIN: MID-LOW LAUNCH: MID - HIGH LOFT: RH: 12O RH/LH: 9O ,10.5O

ALL ABOUT THE FIT The Stealth sits right in the middle when it comes to spin and launch. You don’t have the sliding weights to tinker with, so it is essential to get the right shaft and loft combination, fitting is key.

TAYLORMADE STEALTH HD FLIGHT BIAS: DRAW SPIN: MID LAUNCH: HIGHEST LOFT: RH: 12O RH/LH: 9O ,10.5O ALL ABOUT THE FIT The Stealth HD has more weight positoned closer to the heel compared the the standard Stealth head. This will help reduce the face angle and minimise the dreaded slice

PERFORMANCE

TaylorMade drivers are long, always deliver when it comes to distance and the Stealth is no exception. Over the ball the matt carbon crown resting against the gloss black frame and the slight hint of red from the face certainly looks great but it also helps with alignment.

From cold I struck my usual 15 balls using the Stealth in a 9 degree loft. Just like the SIM2 last year the Stealth is long but comparing data it isn’t noticeably longer. From the centre strikes my numbers were optimised and was over 280 yards, which is long with only a 104mph swing speed. It is claimed to have a Mid-Low spin rate but it’s more LowMid. When I increased the loft to 10.5 the total distance dropped slightly but the averages were much closer together and the carry averaged two yards longer. Which is why the fit is essential. Make sure you look at carry distance and not just over all distance.

The neutral bias was ideal, as my draw was only faint and out of the 15 shots I missed the fairway left just twice. Even though my dispersion was tight and I was long with good strikes, its the off-centre hits that did not perform as I hoped. They were not punished like the old SLDR head but the difference was easy to see. I might have been better trying the Stealth Plus, with the track weight located toward the toe to suit my strike pattern.

Which is why it is so important to get fitted for this club.

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THE VERDICT If this was called the SIM Stealth it would make more sense. Carbon anything looks great and this club certainly stands out. It is brave of TaylorMade develop a carbon face and it certainly performs but not dramatically. It’s a cooler looking SIM2 in many ways. Do not expect to find 10 more yards and make sure you get fitted out doors if possible so you can see the ball flight.

If distance is your thing, the Stealth is one I would certainly recommend but it might be worth paying that little extra for the PLUS in order to get fitted correctly.

GEAR TEST

COBRA LTDX

THE IGNORE THE DULL NAME AS IT’S $299 RRP THE TECHNOLOGY PWR-COR TECHNOLOGY PWR-COR Technology is a multi-material weighting system that positions as much weight as possible low and forward in order to transfer maximum speed to the golf ball at impact with reduced spin.

Everyone might be balancing the differences right now between the latest Stealth and Rogue LS drivers but let’s throw a third one in the mix, the HAS new Cobra LTDX. It might not have a catchy name DRIVER THAT like its 2022 rivals but Bryson put it straight in the bag so that says something regarding face stability. In fact why don’t Cobra up their marketing game and call it the Bryson Boom Stick! As unfortunately the name alone might put people off. That should not factor into the decision, as ever since Cobra introduced the milled CNC face into their heads I’ve been a huge fan. More importantly they are competitively priced considering the huge amount of tech they pack in. Once you get past the name, the three models are easy to understand. There is the low spin rocket, the forgiver and the ‘don’t go right heads.

MULTI-MATERIAL CONSTRUCTION The new chassis design is 8.3g lighter and allows for up to 30% more carbon fibre to be used. This enables the saved weight to be repositioned low and forward in the PWR-COR to increase ball speed.

H.O.T FACE TECHNOLOGY Using machine learning and CNC machining, Cobra created a new variable thickness design that is precision tuned for speed. H.O.T stands for “Highly Optimized Topology.” Using data from thousands of impact simulations, they optimizsed thickness in 15 different zones to maximize ball speed across a larger area of the face.

ADJUSTABLE WEIGHTING Two adjustable weights (a heavy 10g and a lightweight 3g) can be positioned in the heel and toe position. Position the 10g heavy weight in the toe for max fade bias (3-4 yards), or in the heel for a neutral to fade biased ball flight.

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SPIN: LOW

SPIN: LOW

SPIN: LOW - MID

LAUNCH: LOW

LAUNCH: MEDIUM

LAUNCH: HIGH

FORGIVENESS: MEDIUM

FORGIVENESS: HIGH

FORGIVENESS: EXTREME

TRAJECTORY WEIGHTING 10g in heel delivers a neutral to soft fade ball flight 10g in the toe delivers up to 4 yards of additional fade bias

TRAJECTORY WEIGHTING The track weight delivers medium launch with a neutral to soft draw ball flight. You can adjust to the “DRAW” loft setting to get +7 yards of draw.

TRAJECTORY WEIGHTING With the10gweight in the back it delivers 5 yards of draw. With 10g in heel delivers 11 yards of draw and 10g in heel + “DRAW” loft setting delivers 18 yards of draw

THE VERDICT Like the Callaway Rogue ST the Cobra LDTX has just enhanced a successful formula. The three models are so easy to understand and the headweighting is very well thought out. We all know the secret to distance is high launch and low spin and Cobra has got the formula spot on.

For once their draw bias driver, the LTDX MAX, might appeal to more than just a slicer. If you have a low ball speed, its higher launch with the head set to a minimal draw could be the right one for you. I’m waiting to put them on TrackMan as it will be interesting to see if they are as forgiving as the Rogue ST and longer than the Stealth.

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GEAR TEST

TITLEIST PROV1 RCT

AT LONG LAST A TOUR BALL DESIGNED FOR IN DOOR FITTING

When it comes to indoor fitting, you are presented with computer figures that are generated using a wide range of variables. Though the common missing reading and inaccuracy comes from the ball. This has been addressed by both Titleist and TrackMan with their new Radar Capture Technology. (RCT) Developed by Titleist Golf Ball R&D engineers and validated in collaboration with a team of TrackMan experts, the New Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls with Radar Capture Technology are designed to enhance the data capture of launch conditions in an indoor environment and deliver the most accurate information possible.

Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT golf balls improve the TrackMan experience for dedicated indoor fitting specialists committed to a premium, precision fitting; coaches and instructors aiming to give their players even better tools to work with; and Tour professionals and golfers seeking precision data capture from their indoor practice sessions.

“Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT golf balls combine the game’s greatest combination of speed, spin, and feel with new technology that more consistently captures precision performance and golf ball data from TrackMan units used in an indoor setting,” said Jeremy Stone, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Marketing. “We have worked closely with TrackMan for more than two years to optimise this embedded radar reflective, patent pending technology. The result is a reliably strong ‘signal’ that enables spin capture on all shots.”

ABOUT PRO V1 RADAR CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY (RCT): Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT models offer the same design, quality and performance as Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls but with the enhanced benefit of indoor radar signal capture: ● Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT do not require application of reflective spin markers or precision orientation, benefiting indoor-only and seasonal golf facilities that operate a TrackMan simulator and enhancing the golfer experience. ● Testing of Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT models shows a 99 percent signal capture that delivers true spin, resulting in even more accurate carry and total distance calculations. ● Spin is critical to deliver an accurate data set indoors, contributing to key data points such as peak height, angle of descent, carry distance, roll out, and overall distance. ● RCT has enabled TrackMan to improve the spin detection algorithm to require less ball flight to measure spin rate, benefiting, in particular, high ball speed/low spin rate scenarios. ● Pro V1 RCT ball models conform with USGA and R&A rules.

“We’re delighted to partner with Acushnet on the launch of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT golf balls,” said TrackMan CEO and cofounder, Klaus Eldrup-Jorgensen. “Titleist is a brand that goes to extraordinary heights to ensure the premium quality and performance of its products and that mirrors TrackMan’s approach to technology, innovation and development.”

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ECCO BIOM H4

STENSON AND VAN ROOYEN GET TO CREATE SIGNATURE LOOK $195 RRP ECCO GOLF ambassadors, Henrik Stenson and Erik van Rooyen, have each designed custom versions of the ECCO BIOM® H4 shoe for the SS22 collection – with the PGA Tour stars coming up with striking and unique designs that reflect their style and personalities on and off the course.

Paying homage to his nickname and following on from the popularity of his S-THREE ‘Iceman’ design - Stenson has helped with the design of another ultra-cool ‘Iceman’ inspired shoe in an ice-cold blue and white colourway, with the ECCO logo emblazoned on the sole.

Stenson’s special edition shoe also features his now trademark tag reading “Henrik Stenson The Iceman”.

“I’m very excited to once again join forces with ECCO GOLF to create another ‘Iceman’ style,” commented Stenson. “ECCO GOLF is synonymous with crafting fantastic shoes, and it’s super cool that they continue to give me the chance to help create my own styles.

“I have stuck with the icy-cool colours for my BIOM® H4, and I really wanted to make it look like you’re walking with ice on the sole of your shoe, hence the bright white and blue colours. I can’t wait to get my hands on a pair and turn some heads out on the golf course.”

Van Rooyen, who has now established himself as a style icon out on tour, has designed a snazzy, eye-catching colourway. Erik has become known for pushing the boundaries of golfing attire, often sporting clothes that have never before been seen at a PGA Tour event.

He has continued to make his mark with his custom BIOM® H4 shoes, creating a striking colourway with a black insole, white leather outer

and a brilliant, patterned finish on the midsole. Hidden on the sole of the shoe is a blue and orange colour scheme that is bound to catch the eye. The design also pays homage to van Rooyen’s love of guitar, with a nod to guitar strings on the uppers of the shoe.

Commenting on his custom project, van Rooyen said: “I am chuffed to be working alongside the guys at ECCO GOLF to create an awesome custom shoe design. I really enjoy being different and innovative on the golf course, and I think my design really emulates that feeling for me. It’s awesome to be able to create my own shoe and BIOM H4 is such a great shoe to do it with.”

THE VERDICT The ECCO BIOM H4 is one of the comfiest shoes on the market and are very stable when playing shots. We are huge fans of Henrik’s Iceman design but as you would expect Van Rooyen’s taste is a little out there and probably not to everyones liking.

Unfortunately, both models are only available from the online ECCO store.

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EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

Chand on top in Ladies Monthly Medal The overall winner of the Medal was from Division A (0-10) with Nonita Chand taking top spot with a score of net 63 while Anne Gely Bouigue came in second place was with a net 64 and in third place was Arathi Appaiaj with a net 67.

In Division B (11-20), the winner was Ninu Smith with a net 63 while the runner up was Shiba Wahid with a net 67.

Phyllis Schulte won in Division C (24-36) with a net 66 while Chantelle De Villers claimed second place with a net 68.

Jamieson lifts Past Captain’s Trophy

Scowsill on form at Emirates Amateur Open

Yana Jamieson was victorious the Past Captain’s Trophy at Faldo course with 39 points while Maura Duggan claimed second place with 37 points.

The overall winner of the Ladies Competition was Masayo Kozai with 41 points, Haide Wright won the Silver Division (0-18.5) with 34 points and in the Bronze Division (18.6-28) the winner was Sue Hopwood with 35 points

The overall winner of the Emirates Amateur Open was Monty Scowsill with a gross score of +1 over two days while the runner up was Max Burrow from Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club with a gross score of +2 and in third place was Toby Bishop who scored a total of +3.

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB, DUBAI

Tundo snatches Medal at Trump

Team McNulty clinch Boxing Day Scramble title Irene McNulty, Scott Fisher and Ruvelin Govendor won the Boxing Day Scramble at Trump International Golf Club, Dubai, with a score of 55.5 while the team of Chris Woods, Lucy Woods, Alan

Clark and Jane Clark had a score of 56.2, to finish runner up, and Graeme Eglintine, Jo Eglintine, Holger Ostheimer and Serene Salloum settled for third with a score of 58.2.

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Sam Tundo took first place in the January Medal after scoring an impressive net one under par while Ricky Dominquez came in second, carding two over par.

Phil Arnold took top spot in Division B with his four over par net 75 while Alan Clark finished in second place with six over par net 77.

The Ladies Division saw familiar faces at the top of the leaderboard, with DG O’Brien finishing in first place with a strong 3-over par net 74, one shot ahead of Lucy Woods who settled for second place

ARABIAN GOLF JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES

Ahmad and co victporious at Kofax Texas Scramble The overall winners at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Kofax Texas Scramble was the team of Afzaal Ahmad, Parvez Ahmed, Vajahat Hussain and Anjum Beg with a net 50. In second place with a net 51 were Byron Kraemer, Ivan Kraemer, Russell Yeomans and James Yeomans and in third place with a net 52 came the team of Hassan Al-Sayegh, Yousuf Al Hashimi, Mohamed Abdulla and Essa Farooq.

Foxcroft claims Ras Al Khaimah Classic spot The Men’s Amateur Open 2022 Champion and winning a spot in the Ras Al Khaimah Classic was Drew Foxcroft who scored a total 142 (two under par) while Craig Vance narrowly missed out on

the top spot by one shot and took the runner-up place on a card playoff who scored and in third place after a card playoff was Viggo Sorensen who scored a total 143 (one under par).

SHARJAH GOLF AND SHOOTING CLUB

Jumeirah Golf Estates triumphant in Ladies Inter Club The first round of the Ladies Inter Club League saw Jumeirah Golf Estates finish top winning 3 points with a collective score of 234, Emirates Golf Federation were runners-up with a score of 215 and in third place with 206 was Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

Winner of the individual stableford representing Jumeirah Golf Estates was Anna Abbott who scored 34 points and runner up in the individual stableford was Mitsuko Emmerson who scored 33 points.

Singh & Kaur on song in BMW Pairs Open Social

ABU DHABI CITY GOLF CLUB

Mazemo shines bright at Monthly Medal

The pairing of Gurbax Singh and Satnam Kaur won the BMW Pairs Open Social with a brilliant score of six under par as the pair dovetailed effortlessly and put together a great round of golf.

Privillege Mazemo was the overall net winner in the Monthly Medal with net score of 62 while Andre De Beer was the gross winner with a gross score of 70.

Division A was won by Wael Williams with net 69, Steven Vickery was victorious in Division B with net 66 and Division C was won by Mr. Andrew Rogers with net 69 on a count back victory over Hyung Chul Choi.

Ahmed books his berth in International Cup final Juber Ahmed secured his spot in the International Cup final with an excellent stableford score of 40 points, four points over Neil Lakhani who posted a solid score of 36 points.

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ARABIAN GOLF

The DP World Tour offers golf clinic for local talent under the guidance of Peter Cowen ORGANISED BY THE EMIRATES GOLF FEDERATION AT THE SLYNC.IO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC

T

he DP World Tour solidified its leading role in supporting young players, while providing a unique opportunity for local talents in the United Arab Emirates, to participate in a golf clinic organised by the Emirates Golf Federation in cooperation with Peter Cowen Academy, as part of the activities of the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club.

The legendary coach Peter Cowen, who trains the best players in the world during his long and distinguished career in international golf courses, himself supervised and led the golf clinic with the participation of 15 local players ranging in age from 11 to 18 years, where they received advice and guidance from the English coach. .

The workshop was attended by Major General Abdulla Al Hashmi, Vice President of the Emirates Golf Federation, who spoke on this occasion, saying: “Reputable tournaments such as the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, play a major role in the growth of the game of golf in the United Arab Emirates. This is due to its role in promoting Dubai and the United Arab Emirates on the global stage, while at the Emirates Golf Federation we focus on the most important objectives of developing the game at all levels, including the junior sector, as we work to select and nurture emerging players from UAE citizens and residents.”

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I N

T H E

B A G

W I T H

CHIARA NOJA Favourite club in the bag and why?

The putter, I just love putting in general, it’s probably the most relaxing aspect of golf. It’s very calming and very therapeutic, especially that sound. It’s between the putter and the new TSI 1 driver with the new shaft and I really have been loving that, but putting is still No.1 because of the euphoria of it!

TSi1 Driver – 9.25° TSi2 Fairways – 16.5° and 21° T200 Utility Iron – 3 T100 Irons – 4 through 9 Vokey SM8 Wedges – 46.10F Vokey SM8 Wedges – 50.12F Vokey SM8 Wedges – 54.12D Vokey SM8 Wedges – 58.08M Putter – Custom Scotty Cameron Fastback 1.5 Ball – Pro V1x Glove – FootJoy CabrettaSof Grip P2

Best course in the UAE?

Earth course, Jumeirah Golf Estates.

It’s a beautiful course, it’s got great vibes and the condition of the course is beautiful. It is such a welcoming atmosphere, it’s so private and homey.

Toughest hole in the UAE?

18th on Earth course, especially from the 620-yard tee box. It’s a very strategic hole and you must be very precise off the tee and in your layup or whether you’re going for the greens.

Favourite clubhouse in UAE?

I’m a tad biased but Jumeirah Golf Estates, it’s massive, the facilities are beautiful, you have access to everything. I’m there every day so I love it, I feel really comfortable there.

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Golf course you’d like to play?

Coeur d’Alene, it’s the golf course with the famous floating green. I look forward to playing there one day.

(Chiara didn’t actually know we had covered that in the magazine this month. What a crazy coincidence!)

PLAY. DINE. ENJOY. CONNECT. EX PERIE NCE DUB A I ’S FI R ST PR E M I UM GO LF & E NT E RTAI N MEN T LOUN G E

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