Worldwide Golf November 2022

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VOICE OF THE TOUR

Tom Phillips, Head of Middle East, DP World Tour

As we approach the one year mark since our landmark announcement that DP World would become the title partner of the European Tour group’s main Tour, the anniversary offers the opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved together over the last 12 months.

Combining the past and the future was a central theme when we unveiled our Tour title partnership with DP World at EXPO Dubai last November, and that has continued throughout 2022 as we celebrated 50 years since the first European Tour event in 1972.

DP World’s title partnership was a natural evolution of a relationship which began in 2009 and is now a partnership which continues to highlight Dubai’s position as a destination for global tourism and business as well as its importance as a sporting hub.

At the launch of the DP World Tour, we proudly announced that our players would play for a record prize fund in 2022, with minimum tournament purses of $2million for all events solely sanctioned by the DP World Tour.

That has been a huge development for our members as they have played a global schedule, and we have enjoyed some incredible drama on the golf course this year as players have competed for our prestigious trophies and national Opens.

Of course, the global economic situation has become significantly more turbulent in recent months, with inflation impacting so many countries. Yet, our Tour has continued to move forward and grow, building on the strength of our announcement last November by providing certainty for our members through our enhanced partnership with the PGA TOUR which was unveiled in June.

That has guaranteed prize fund growth for our members not only in 2023 but also in the seasons afterwards as part of our ground-breaking 13-year joint operational partnership.

Next season, with the addition of January’s Hero Cup – an innovative new team match play competition – we will have five events in the United Arab Emirates, including three Rolex Series events.

So, the Middle East will continue to be a hugely significant and important region in the global success of the DP World Tour, and we are very grateful to all of our partners for their long term support and commitment to helping us develop the sport here.

Earlier this year, we announced an enhanced relationship with the Emirates Golf Federation in the UAE which will no doubt lead to further growth of golf in this region.

We have also formalised closer alliances with the Sunshine Tour in South Africa, the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia which similarly aim to strengthen tournament golf in those regions and give players the opportunity to earn their way on to the DP World Tour and then the PGA TOUR through the pathway system our partnerships have created.

It has therefore been a hugely significant year in golfing terms, but as an organisation we are equally as proud of some areas which have perhaps gone a little more under the radar, including some of our progress under our Golf For Good banner through a commitment to community impact we made at the DP World Tour launch announcement.

One such example is our continued commitment to golfers of determination through the launch of the G4D Tour.

Our final event at the DP World Tour Championship will bring down the curtain on a seven-event campaign in 2022, with the Tour set to add further events next year.

This year’s DP World Tour Championship will also be a carbon neutral event, achieved through numerous initiatives including reusable waters bottles and free water stations, tournament waste will be recycled by waste management company Averda and the use of biofuel power generators, which reduces emissions by 90% compared to diesel alternatives.

The European Tour group recently signed up to the UN Sport for Climate Action Framework and its Race to Zero Pledge – becoming the first professional golf Tour to do so. This means we have committed to halving our emissions by 50% by 2030 and becoming fully net zero carbon by 2040.

To achieve that, we will require the support of our many partners and one terrific initiative introduced this year was the golf ball recycling initiative, which is led by our partner DP World. Across the 2022 season, DP World have had a large container at tournaments that is collecting used golf balls which are then given a second life when gifted to grass roots golf initiatives across the globe.

These are just some of the initiatives introduced across 2022, but on and off the golf course, which illustrate how DP World and the European Tour group have delivered on the pledges we made last November across three key areas: to elevate the Tour in every way, grow the game of golf globally, and drive positive community impact.

As we approach the first anniversary of that announcement, we are undoubtedly excited and enthused about what next year and beyond holds for our Tour and our partnership with DP World.

Tom brings over two decades of experience within the golf industry to his role at the helm of the European Tour group’s substantial operations in the Middle East. Previously the Chief Hong Kong Golf Association as well as Director of Business Development for Mission Hills in China, Tom joined the DP World Tour in 2019 and has been at the forefront of an exciting period of innovation and change including the landmark title partnership with DP World in 2021.

CONTENTS

FEATURES

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CONTENTS

46 Jenny Hennessy

The Chicks With Sticks Founder reveals her favourite

47 Pete Cowen

The Master PGA Professional is relishing the showdown between Rory and Fitz as they bid to become Championship hatrick hero.

OF

Pete Cowen walks us through the astonishing bunker shot that set up Matt Fitzpatrick’s U.S. Open victory.

THE CLUBHEAD

Stephen Hong, PGA Professional at MyGolf Dubai, reveals the importance of releasing the club properly in the downswing.

Jackson Bell, PGA Professional at Jumeirah Golf Estates demonstrates two pitch shots to improve scoring.

i230 & Crossover irons

specialist and retail manager at Abu Dhabi Golf Club reveals why these new irons from Ping are worth the wait.

Marc Arnold, Senior Professional at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club shows us how to gain more consistency from the sand.

eGolf Megastore Dubai Hills Mall

The latest eGolf Megastore has opened in Dubai Hills Mall with a truly modernised shopping experience on

48 David Howell

The Englishman looks back on what has been the most fascinating season in golf in living memory and reveals his top three shots of the year.

ANOTHER MONTH, ANOTHER HISTORIC MILESTONE

Having just finished celebrating being at the forefront of the UAE’s golf scene for a staggering 23 years with our 250th edition last month, we’re now publishing our very first Arabic issue of the magazine! What’s more, this won’t just be a straight up copy of the English edition. Our Arabic issue features bespoke content with the first edition featuring exclusive interviews with General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, UAE National Team player Hamda Al Suwaidi and tips and tricks from UAE National Team coach Samir Wallani. It’s a dream of many in the golf industry to see a player from the UAE make it as a full-time professional on the DP World Tour or PGA Tour and have a crack at winning some of the game’s biggest events. With the launch of our new Arabic edition we hope to help that process by not only introducing new fans to game we all love so dearly, but also by supporting those that have already taken up the game, who are looking for inspiration from some of their golfing heroes written in their own language.

RACE ENDS HERE

It’s my favourite month of the year with the seasonending DP World Tour Championship rolling into town from November 17-20. With Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick already confirmed and a bucket-load of stars inside the top 50 of the DP World Tour Rankings, it promises to be one

of the best editions of the tournament in recent memory.

Just like the last few seasons, the Harry Vardon Trophy is still up for grabs and what a story it would be if McIlroy claimed the title for a fourth time, becoming just the second player to win both the DP World Tour Rankings and FedEx Cup in the same season. If you look back on the season, he could have wrapped the title up already had he not put his ball in the water on the 72nd hole at the Dubai Desert Classic or didn’t let a four-stroke lead over Cameron Smith slip at The Open Championship – to be fair, Smith won that, Rory didn’t lose it. Selfishly I’m happy Rory hasn’t wrapped it up as it adds to the excitement and prestige of the event! Another story to look out for is Ryan Fox potentially becoming the first Kiwi to be crowned European Number One. Who would have thought that at the beginning of the year? Certainly not me, so hats off to him for getting in the mix with some of the biggest names in the golf. It would be hard to argue that he deserves it the most of any golfer inside the top ten in the Rankings as he is the only one in the top eight to win multiple times this season and has also played more than double the events of both Rory and Fitzpatrick.

Whoever wins at Jumeirah Golf Estates, it will be a fitting end to a brilliant 50th year for the DP World Tour.

Nullarbor Links The World’s Longest Golf Course

This month we’ll see the stars of the DP World Tour take on the 7675-yard Earth course for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. It’s a longer than average course for a Tour event but it doesn’t even come close to the unique Nullarbor Links, which spans a whopping 1,365 kilometres!

The 18-hole par 72 course is a unique concept, with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway, from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia to Ceduna in South Australia. Each hole is clearly signposted

along the great Australian drive across the Nullarbor Plain, with each one featuring a green, tee, fairway, equipment hire and plenty of rugged terrain to battle against.

The concept was developed to give tourists a muchneeded activity/attraction along the renowned desolate highway in the hope it would encourage them to stay longer and spend more time and money in the region.

The course can take up to five days to complete but will only set you back around $80 which also includes a certificate of completion once you’ve conquered the almighty track!

By the time you pick up this magazine the DP World Tour would have played 41 tournaments in 21 different countries before the final two events of the season at the Nedbank Golf Challenge and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship this month. The 50th season of the Tour is all set a fascinating finale on the Earth course with the Harry Vardon Trophy still up for grabs, barring a late entry into the Nedbank by Rory McIlroy.

The Northern Irishman leads the way in the Rankings and a win in South Africa would all but guarantee him a third triumph as Europe’s No.1 golfer, also making him only the second player to win both the FedExCup and DP World Tour Rankings in the same season. At the time of going to press his only DP World Tour start for the remainder of the season is the DP World Tour Championship, but the man chasing him down, Ryan Fox, will be playing in Sun City as he looks to close the gap on

the two-time DP World Tour Championship winner.

In third sits another two-time winner of the season-ending tournament in the form of Matt Fitzpatrick, who is looking to add the Harry Vardon Trophy to his maiden Major Championship title at the U.S. Open earlier this season.

Here, we take a look at the three frontrunners in the DP World Tour Rankings and dive into who is in the race for the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award.

THE RACE ENDS HERE FRONTRUNNERS

TheRory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy remains in pole position to achieve an historic feat with his eyes well and truly fixed on securing a FedExCup/ DP World Tour Rankings double. The Northern Irishman became the first player to win the PGA Tour’s season-long rankings three times after a remarkable comeback at the Tour Championship, overcoming a six-shot deficit to Masters champion Scottie Scheffler. The 33-year-old comes into

CURRENT RANK: 1 TOURNAMENTS PLAYED: 10 DP WORLD TOUR POINTS: 4154.1

the DP World Tour Championship on a rich run of form on the European circuit having finished inside the top five in all but two of his ten appearances, including a thirdplace finish at the Dubai Desert Classic and runner-up finishes at both the Masters Tournament and BMW PGA Championship, a Rolex Series event. McIlroy leads Fox by just under 1000 points heading into season finale and will fancy his chances extending that by winning the DP World Tour Championship – something he has done on two previous occasions.

Ryan Fox

Ryan Fox comes into the tournament as the only player inside the top eight of the Rankings to win multiple times on Tour this year. The Kiwi started the season in style with a win on the Desert Swing in Ras Al Khaimah before picking up a second title at the Home

of Golf when he won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The win in Scotland propelled him up to third spot and up to a career best 25th in the Official World Golf Ranking – all but guaranteeing a maiden Masters appearance next spring. Aside from his two victories, Fox has enjoyed some solid outings across the season with runner-up finishes at the Horizon Irish Open, Soudal Open and Dutch Open along with a further four top tens. If he were to secure the Harry Vardon Trophy, he would become the first player from his nation to do so despite compatriot Bob Charles winning more than any other player in the very first DP World Tour season in 1972.

Matthew Fitzpatrick

CURRENT RANK: 3

TOURNAMENTS PLAYED: 11

DP WORLD TOUR POINTS: 3155.5

Matt Fitzpatrick has enjoyed arguably the greatest year of his career after claiming his maiden Major Championship title with a stunning and nerveless final day performance earning him a one-stroke victory over American duo Will Zalatoris and Scottie Scheffler at the U.S. Open. The manner of Fitzpatrick’s triumph earned him praise across the global sporting spectrum and marks the culmination of years of consistent progress, during which two of his seven previous titles

came at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship – in 2016 and 2020. Away from his win at the Country Club, Brookline, Fitzpatrick came close to a second win of the season at the DS Automobiles Italian Open, but narrowly missed out in a play-off to Robert MacIntyre as the Europeans got their first taste of next year’s Ryder Cup venue in Rome. The 28 year old has a superb record on the Earth course, winning on two occasions and finishing inside the top ten a further three times – the Englishman will have to replicate that form once again if he is to topple McIlroy off the top of the Rankings to claim the Harry Vardon Trophy for the very first time.

e wo n n e hy

RACE FOR ROOKIE OF THE SEASON

Thriston Lawrence Ewen Ferguson Yannik Paul

CURRENT RANK:

CURRENT RANK:

TOURNAMENTS PLAYED:

DP WORLD TOUR POINTS:

The South African has enjoyed a stellar rookie season on the DP World Tour, winning twice at the Omega European Masters and the Joburg Open, with the latter being the first event of the DP World Tour era. Those two victories have not only helped Lawrence surge into the top ten of the DP World Tour Rankings, but it’s also seen him shoot up the OWGR – rising from 503rd before his win in Joburg to his current rank of 94th. Likely to head into the DP World Tour Championship as favourite for the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award but will have Ewen Ferguson hot on his heels with the Scotsman just three places behind him in the Rankings.

WORLD TOUR POINTS:

After recording three runner-up finishes on the Challenge Tour in 2021 and earning promotion to the DP World Tour in 2022, Ewen Ferguson has grabbed the bull by horns and picked up two wins in his rookie season. His maiden Tour title came here in the Middle East at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, overturning a three-stroke final round deficit and birdieing the 72nd hole to win in Doha. Later in the season, he went on to become the first Scotsman to win more than once in a single season since Paul Lawrie in 2012 when he was victorious at the ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by AVIV Clinics. Ferguson has previous experience of Jumeirah Golf Estates having played the Fire course in 2020 for the Golf in Dubai Championship, but will be making his Earth course bow later this month.

CURRENT RANK:

TOURNAMENTS

TOUR

The German saved his best performance for the 2021 season in the final event as he finished runner-up at the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A to secure promotion to the DP World Tour. In a similar fashion to that, he produced his finest display of this year late in the season with victory at the Mallorca Golf Open propelling him up the DP World Tour Rankings to his 20th and securing his spot in the DP World Tour Championship, where he will make his Rolex Series debut.

NUMBERS

GOLF ESTATES

Playing from the tips, the Earth course measures a whopping

This year’s tournament is the first DP World Tour event outside of the Majors and WGCs to boast an eight-figure prize fund, with the purse bolstered from $9 to $10 million.

Justin Rose hold the course record on the Earth course after a sublime 10 under par 62 in 2012.

receive

The champion will receive

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DP World Tour Ranking points which is the highest allocation of points throughout the season.

Last year’s tournament generated 3,680 hours of coverage with a global household reach of 583m

Last ye genera covera househ

Garth Mulroy holds the unfortunate record for the worst score at the tournament after rounds of 76, 75, 74 and 78 saw he South African finish on +15 in 2003.

Last year’s edition saw a Ladies Day hosted for the very first time with ladies enjoying the free drinks and entertainment during the second round of the tournament.

The tournament’s sustainability drive saw 500ml plastic bottles removed from the event.

saw

MILLION OF GROSS ECONOMIC BENEFIT TO DUBAI, ACCORDING TO INDEPENDENT RESEARCH COMMISSIONED BY TOURNAMENT ORGANISERS

Henrik Stenson holds the record for the lowest four round total at the tournament with a brilliant under par total in 2013.

Henrik Stenson finished top of the pile in 2013 and 2014, but finished in last place in 2015!

FOUR PLAYERS HAVE WON THE TOURNAMENT ON TWO OCCASIONS

Henrik Stenson, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Matt Fitzpatrick. The latter three will be amongst the favourites once again at this month’s edition.

RAK IS BACK!

TheRas Al Khaimah Championship is set to return to Al Hamra Golf Club next year with the DP World Tour kicking off 2023 with the ‘Middle East Swing’ once again. The tournament, which will feature on the schedule for a minimum of three years, will be the final leg of four jam-packed weeks in the region, following the recently announced Hero Cup at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and back-to-back Rolex Series events at Yas Links and Emirates Golf Club.

On the Tour’s first venture to Ras Al Khaimah earlier this year, Nicolai Højgaard sealed a second DP World Tour title, emerging from a roller-coaster final day with a four-stroke victory courtesy of an array of world-class recovery shots.

“This is another significant milestone for Ras Al Khaimah as we welcome the world’s best golfers over the next three years,” said Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “Following the success of the inaugural edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship of the DP World Tour earlier this year, we are excited to be welcoming back some of the biggest names in golf for a second edition.

“As one of the fastest growing destinations in the region we are proud to be able to showcase Ras Al Khaimah as a leading nature, adventure and sporting destination in the region. The Emirate boasts a strong track record of hosting large international sporting events, including 16 editions of the fastest half marathon in the world – Ras Al

Khaimah Half Marathon and the region’s first World Minifootball Cup in 2023. Supported by our backdrop of stunning landscapes and world-class tourism offering, we look forward making next year’s Ras Al Khaimah Championship even bigger and better.” Benoy Kurien, Group CEO of Al Hamra, owner of the host venue, Al Hamra Golf Club, said: “It was a privilege for Al Hamra Golf Club to host the very first DP World Tour event in the Emirate earlier this year, and we’re thrilled that some of the world’s finest golfers will

return next year for the second edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship. “Al Hamra Golf Club enjoys a long-term association with the European Tour group, having hosted the DP World Tour’s top players in the past. We are delighted to continue our partnership and look forward to working alongside our partners at RAKTDA to deliver yet another world-class tournament for local and international fans against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf and the Hajjar Mountains.”

EMIRATES GOLF FEDERATION SIGNIFICANTLY STRENGTHENS ORDER OF MERIT

The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) has significantly strengthened its 2022-23 Order of Merit after announcing four elevated ‘Majors’ which will offer World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, with the winner of each tournament securing their spot in a Challenge Tour event in Abu Dhabi.

Those four tournaments will be the Ras Al Khaimah Amateur Championship (20-22 January) at Al Hamra Golf Club, The Track, Meydan Men’s Open (3- 5 February), Abu Dhabi Golf Club Men’s Open (17-19 March) and Jumeirah Golf Estates Men’s Open (31 March – 2 April).

Each event will feature a minimum of 54 holes to qualify for WAGR status while all players will receive double points towards the season-long EGF Order of Merit.

The announcement that the champion of each tournament will receive an invitation to one of the new Challenge Tour events in the UAE builds on the collaboration between the DP World Tour and EGF.

The two organisations announced a long-term partnership earlier in the year which focuses on enhancing golf in the UAE across all levels of the sport, from grassroots initiatives right through to the professional game, building on the Tour’s long-term association with the region which dates back to 1989.

“A goal of the Emirates Golf Federation is to provide a platform for all golfers to reach the next level,” said General

Abdullah Al Hashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation.

“Through our partnerships with the Tours and the UAE golf clubs, we are establishing credible amateur events and a stronger Order of Merit across the entire UAE. These events will provide a pathway for amateur golf in the Emirates. This will not only have an impact on national golf but will also continue to develop the ladies and juniors in the UAE.”

The men’s season got underway last month with the Al Zorah Men’s Open kicking off a jam-packed schedule of 17 events as amateurs try to follow in the footsteps of last year’s Order of Merit champion Toby Bishop.

The youngster, who recently moved to the US after securing a scholarship to the University of Florida, went on a fine run of form to claim top spot, which included winning five events from six towards the end of the season.

The top 15 on the Order of Merit following the conclusion of that final event in Ras Al Khaimah will qualify for the UAE Men’s Amateur Open, with a venue and date to be confirmed in due course.

The women’s season kicked oof at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club Ladies Open the first of 11 events on the Order of Merit, while the junior season got underway with the Emirates Golf Club Junior Open on the Faldo Course.

Jamie Roslyn Camero, nicknamed the ‘Pocket Rocket’ for her almighty distance off the tee, secured last year Ladies Gross Order of Merit title and will be one to

look out for again as she goes head-tohead with close friend and Ladies Net Order of Merit champion Liang Wei Liu.

As well as playing for vital points to secure the Order of Merit Trophy, players will also be hoping to play their way into the amateur Dubai Golf Trophy team as they try to wrestle back the trophy from the pros.

The annual tournament, which will celebrate its 24th edition next season, pits the UAE’s top 16 professional players against the top 16 amateurs in the region, with 12 of those qualifying through the EGF Order of Merit.

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Golf Society Showdown

The Els Club Dubai

THE most eagerly anticipated team golf event in the UAE is back with a bang as the Worldwide Golf Society Showdown hits the Els Club in Dubai on Friday December 16.

The first two instalments of the tournament, both at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah, sold out in a matter of days, so demand is once again expected to be high as the third instalment moves to one of the most revered courses in the country.

The emphasis of the golf day and the party that follows back at the clubhouse is most definitely on light-hearted fun and friendly rivalry as the UAE’s societies compete for bragging rights. So, leave your black tie and tux at home and prepare for a day of high-jinx and plenty of laughter as we get into the Christmas spirit.

“We are delighted to be selected to be the venue for the Worldwide Golf Society Showdown,” said Tom Rourke – General Manager of The Els Club. “This is a great initiative from Worldwide Golf to have multiple golf societies competing against each other to be crowned the best golf society. The golf course is in superb condition and with many other facility enhancements adding to the Els Club, managed by Troon Golf experience it is sure to be a fantastic event. We look forward to welcoming all competitors in the Worldwide Golf Society Showdown on December 16”.

The format for the event is a 4-man team Stableford with the best two scores on each

hole counting towards the team total. There will be a beverage voucher provided on arrival to be used whenever you wish plus Belgian beverages awaiting each player in the golf carts. After play, the party moves to 2-6-1 for the now traditional 3-hour drinks package and prize giving!

Non-society members welcome

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

Our aim with this series is to make it as affordable as possible and we’re delighted to be able to offer entry for just AED 595 per person for golf only and AED 795 including the 3-hour drinks package in the evening.

Edoardo Scialanga

Dubai is a well-known hotbed for rising young talent within the game of golf. The weather, facilities and world-class coaching make it the ideal destination for any prospect hoping to make it to the big time. One of those players aiming for the

Six foot tall, bilingual and a handicap of plus three; it’s safe to say Scialanga is doing alright. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time around DP World Tour players in the past, so I have a decent grasp of how they operate. Scialanga reminded me of a Tour player from the moment we met, writes Will Kent. He also showed genuine interest in my work, offering ideas along the way. As a journalist, we are not always blessed with

forthcoming interviewees so spending time with this new-age golfer was a breath of fresh air.

“This is my fourth year in Dubai, “Scialanga said. “I moved here for school. Being here has definitely helped my game. My handicap has come down from six to plus three. The infrastructure and courses here are very good. The weather is perfect. The level of player here is also pretty high which helped me to improve and perform

over in Europe during the summer as well.”

The young teen managed to escape the soaring summer sun in the Middle East this year to play amateur golf back in Switzerland. The tighter fairways, shorter approach shots and different grass encouraged crucial practice on courses different to those in the desert. Then, one week, it all clicked. “I won the Engadine Amateur Championship in Switzerland in July,” Scialanga stated. “It was my first

win. It got me into the world amateur rankings which is really good because it was something I was targeting for a long time. I actually wasn’t supposed to play that tournament, but in the end I signed up last minute. I drove five hours from my house to the course, and I wasn’t feeling very good to be honest. But I just thought ‘send it, let’s play’. Over three days I shot level par, one under, one under which turned out to win in very tough conditions. I had low expectations, but it turned out to be a great weekend. It’s Switzerland’s oldest competition having first started over 100 years ago so a big event.”

Scialanga’s lack of confidence before entering that prestigious 100-man tournament was partly due to the aftereffects of a shoulder injury which hindered him throughout the previous Dubai winter season. He didn’t play as much as he would have liked, and this victory has already been pivotal in his development. “That win was just special,” he added. “I was super happy to find my confidence again, to find my game again. I struggled for one month before that tournament. I really couldn’t play, couldn’t find my game or feeling. Winning like that changed a lot. I started playing some really good golf. Results started coming in and my worst round after that was one over in my last ten rounds of the summer.”

The triumph has also started to bolster the teenager’s stature within the local Swiss golf scene. While on our way up to the driving range together, he rattled off the name of a few professional golfers from Switzerland, like the Challenge Tour’s Benjamin Rusch. The country isn’t best-known for high-level players, so his knowledge impressed me. He also revealed the Swiss national team are interested in following his progress now. It seems the youngster is gathering wide-spread attention both back home and here in the Middle East.

While the win in Europe was significant, Scialanga is also developing into a desert golf specialist. His lowest round in UAE to date is a bogey-free four under at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. He also lost in a play-off at the Faldo Series Middle East qualifier this year as well. The 18-yearold is starting to compile an impressive résumé.

As the youngster plots out the tournaments he wants to compete in this winter, he aims to get on the course six times a week while also making frequent gym appearances. He’s a Peter Cowen Academy player who regularly tees it up at Emirates Golf Club. This is all part of the strategy to play in America, following in the footsteps of other previous Dubai-based players like Toby Bishop. “I look forward to going the States next September to play some Division Two golf there,” Scialanga revealed. “Of course the level is going to be very high, it’s going to demand a lot of work, but that’s what I want to do with my life. It’s time to step it up. From there, come back to Europe and start the path. Challenge Tour, DP World Tour then PGA Tour if we get there.”

Scialanga’s goals are a long way in the distance still, but his desire to pursue the traditional pathway starting at the Challenge Tour should be commended. Success on that tour has been the foundation for many of the games’ greats. Beyond that, André Bossert is the only Swiss player to win a DP World Tour event, while Jeremy Freiburghaus is the only player from Switzerland inside the top 500 of the world rankings. It’s not a nation steeped in golfing history, but the Dubaibased hotshot is not likely to let that be a restricting factor. He tends to model his game more on American counterparts, anyway. “Jordan Spieth is my favourite player,” he revealed. “Since I started watching golf on TV I always admired Spieth for the way he plays. He’s just fun to watch. He holes long putts, holes chips, maybe is not super straight with the driver but some crazy recover shots. I really like him. I remember the first win – the 2015 Masters – and I was watching it on TV and I was like ‘wow, I like this guy’.”

Despite a positive start to his golfing

journey, it’s not all been plain sailing for the European teenager. Combined with his shoulder injury, the 18-year-old revealed he struggled adjusting to Dubai when he first moved to the city. Thankfully he’s over that now, but admitted he still has areas to resolve on the course.

He disclosed he lacks length off the tee which surprised me. As a teenager aspiring to become a professional, admitting that other people your age hit it past you must hurt. The maturity to vocalise your shortcomings on camera at a young age will undoubtedly put the European in better stead as he chases his dream.

That dream is one many young aspiring pros have, but the harsh reality is that few will actually achieve it. The margins at the top level of this sport are so incredibly slim. But Scialanga, with his understanding of the game both on and off the course, is one of the few who stand out.

He has maturity beyond his years and the swing to match. Dubai may just be about to unearth another young diamond destined for the big time.

Of course the level is going to be very high, it’s going to demand a lot of work, but that’s what I want to do with my life. It’s time to step it up. From there, come back to Europe and start the path.”

MATT FITZPATRICK

Armed with seven years’ worth of notes from his outings at the DP World Tour Championship, Matt Fitzpatrick returns to the Earth course this month in search of a third title at the fifth and final Rolex Series event of the season and a first Harry Vardon Trophy

The Englishman is arguably golf’s biggest data nerd having written down details in a notebook about every shot he has taken for the last 13 years. Some may same that seems a little excessive, but it has led Fitzpatrick to eight DP World Tour wins, including a Major breakthrough at this year’s U.S. Open – inspiring golf nerds around the globe.

“I put a lot of my improvements down to statistics,” said Fitzpatrick. “I’m always trying to see where I can improve all aspects of my game. That’s why I take so much detail on the golf course, so I know where my weak areas are and where my strengths are and I know how to kind of improve those with my team. So yeah, statistics to me are incredibly important.”

As well as scribbling notes on his every shot, the 27 year old also uses the StatisticGolf app which describes itself as ‘golf’s most advanced analytics platform’ and was created by 2023 Ryder Cup Vice Captain Edoardo Molinari. Along with Fitzpatrick, the app boasts a number of high-profile players as clients including Viktor Hovland, Danny Willett and Dubai resident Adri Arnaus.

offering in terms of what we can track is just so much better than what I was using before, as well as the addition for me to say, ‘oh, I’d really like to look at this’ and he would be able to just build that into a spreadsheet and we could track that for a period of time or we could track that forever.

asp ects of m y g ame. much detail on the go lf course, so I know

“Edoardo is obviously a very accomplished tour player who has the experience as a player, so he knows about

exp erience as a pl aye r, so he knows about the ga me and he knows what to look for…he understands things,” he said.

“What Edoardo w as

“He’s open to making changes. He’s always trying to improve his product and give better advice. He’s worked so hard at it.

Im interested wh peoples. I kind of like to playin g w ell and w hy th inte He can trust an d on we

“I’m always interested in numbers, whether it’s mine or whether it’s other peoples. I kind of like to know what’s going on and what’s good and why someone is playing well and why they are not playing well. I just find that interesting and I know Edoardo is the same. He’s someone that I can trust and get on well with.”

MAIDEN MAJOR

The notebook was arguably put to its greatest use at this year’s U.S. Open. Nine years prior to arriving at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts for the third Major Championship of the season, Fitzpatrick claimed the prestigious U.S. Amateur at

The notebook was a pr i Massachusetts for the Cha mpi ons hip of the se claimed the presti gio us the very same venue.

With a helping hand of his notes from that triumph, the Sheffield-born star plotted his every move around the course, posting a tournament total of six under par to to beat then World No.1 Scottie Scheffler and Will Zalatoris by one stroke in a gripping battle that went to the final

“Billy had been saying for a while, the time will come,” he said. “You’re playing so well. Just keep doing what you’re doing. It will come. It will happen. It will happen.

o Sheffi a posting a tournament to Worl Scheffler and Will Zalat in a g rippin g b attle that hol e. time will come,” he said w will come. It will ha pp p rounds and then the third roun it c Because there b i t exp com bu Th we we hav

“I put myself in position after two rounds and then played well during the third round. I just really believed it could be the time. Because of my success there before, it just felt like it was the time.

“I think there were expectations of me coming into the week, but I didn’t feel them. The expectations were for me to play well, but I feel like having won the

Fitzpatrick became just the second golfer next to Jack Nicklaus to win the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur on the same golf course.

U.S. Amateur there as well, I just felt so comfortable. I knew where to hit it and knew where to miss it.”

That breakthrough Major win along with three further top ten finishes to his name this season, including a runner-up result at the DS Automobiles Italian Open, has seen Fitzpatrick move into the top three of the DP World Tour Rankings ahead of the DP World Tour Championship.

DESTINATION DUBAI

He has the small matter of trying to knock Ryder Cup teammate Rory McIlroy off the summit of the Rankings, but he’ll arrive at the season-ending event full of confidence and safe in the knowledge he can produce his ‘A’ game over the Earth course.

Aside from winning the DP World Tour Championship twice, he has a further three top three finishes and has only failed to finish lower than 12th on one occasion.

“It’s very exciting to go to Dubai with a chance of winning the DP World Tour Rankings,” said Fitzpatrick, who finished runner-up last season. “I’ve come very close to finishing top in the past, so I’ll be

“I think there were expectations of me coming into the week, but I didn’t feel them. The expectations were for me to play well, but I feel like having won the U.S. Amateur there as well, I just felt so comfortable. I knew where to hit it and knew where to miss it.”

going to Jumeirah Golf Estates with a lot of confidence knowing that I’ve had some great results on the Earth course in the past.

“The Earth course is good for my game. I putt well on the greens and I obviously have great memories of the place from my wins there in 2016 and 2020. You have to be in good positions off the tee and putt well. It can test all parts of your game which is what makes it pretty fair. It’s certainly my sort of golf course.”

It’s also McIlroy’s sort of golf course seeing as he has also won on two occasions and has a further seven top ten finishes. And then there’s Ryan Fox currently sandwiched between them in the Rankings as he looks to become the first man from New Zealand to win the Harry Vardon Trophy.

It will be no easy task for Fitzpatrick in his bid to be crowned European Number One, but with the season he is having coupled with his vast knowledge of the Earth course in that all-important notebook, you’d be a brave man to back against him lifting the Harry Vardon Trophy for the first time in his career.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO JEDDAH

Tour has been an absolute

aving broken new ground for women’ sport in the Kingdom with the announcement of the Saudi Ladies International and Saudi Ladies Team International in 2020, Golf Saudi’s commitment to the women’s game has gone from strength to strength.

The following season the Saudi Ladies Team International was transformed into the Aramco Team Series – a brand-new four-tournament series which visited London, Sotogrande, New York and Jeddah, introducing an innovative format that saw teams of four, that include three professionals and one amateur, compete

as both a team and as individuals.

Not content with delivering the first team event series of its kind on any professional tour to four countries, the series returned bigger and better than ever before this year with an additional stop on their tour of the world – Bangkok.

With each event offering a prize fund of $1m, one of the biggest purses on the LET schedule, coupled with the innovative format it came as no surprise to see a plethora of the world’s leading players flocking to events to find out what all the fuss was about.

Major champions Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, Brooke Henderson and Patty

Tavatanakit all spoke highly of the series after featuring this season, while Dubaibased star Chiara Noja has made a name for herself after producing some of her finest performances on the biggest stage.

With trips to Bangkok, London, Sotogrande and New York all ticked off this year, the 2022 series will come to an end at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in Jeddah later this month in what promises to be another star-studded event.

Here, we take a look back at each event ahead of the final showdown in the Kingdom.

The series arrived in Bangkok for the first tim with a revised format – the team event woul take place over the first two days only with a $500,000 prize fund up for grabs and the individual strokeplay event would run concurrently with the third and final round fo individuals thecut in alast dayshoo

me d r

and another separate $500,000 on o offeer. Two Thai superstars headlined d the e evveent witth Patty Tavatanakit and former Woorld No. 1 1 and two-time Major winner Ariya Jutatanugaarn n wowing the local crowds at the Thai Couounntry Club, but it would be Belgium’s Manonon De e Roey ey y stormingtothe title after g her cool in

individuals making the cut in a last day shootout tout storming to the title after keeping her cool in the stifling temperatures to pip second round leader Tavatanakit to the trophy. In the team contest, Australian Whitney Hillier, whose mother is Thai, captained her mixed fourball to a threeshot victory alongside Krista Bakker, Chonlada Chayanun and the group’s amateur player, Bangkok businessman Pattanan Amatanon.

It’s fair to say Golf Saudi’s involvement in the Ladies European Tour has been an absolute game-changer.

INITIATIVE LAUNCHED ‘ARAMCO POWER UP’

The launch of the ‘Aramco Power Up’ initiative was announced at the Bangkok tournament, supporting promising amateur female golfers across the globe, in their journey to become future stars of the game. The initiative saw the series title sponsor provide extra support, resources as well as an exclusive invitation to play as the amateur in the team section of tournaments, alongside the best players in the world. Ahead of the series opening in Bangkok, 17-year-old Pimpisa Sisutham was chosen as rst Aramco Power Up recipient. During tournament week the talented Bangkok teenager, who is part of Thailand’s junior golf programmes, received a custom club fitting from Titleist and has been granted access to Thai Country Club and its world class facilities for a

LONDON

o rom m B mBanggkkokok, the h the th seecond ed venent ot a‘

From Bangkok, the series headed to London for the second event of the year and celebrated with a ‘Best of Britain’ headliners that included Georgia Hall, Charley Hull and Bronte Law, all part of victorious Solheim Cup campaigns in recent years. It would be Law who prevailed on home soil after arguably the most dramatic day in Aramco Team Series history after the Englishwoman holed out for eagle from 55 feet nal green to win by a shot from

The team element was also decided on the Saturday after Team Garcia and Team Wikstrom nished on 27-under-par on Friday evening, resulting in the two captains returning for a play-off down the 18th. Nicole Garcia secured the victory after Ursula Wikstrom found a nasty lie in a fairway bunker which would end up

of coach who

During the tournament, the series donated a raft of training aids to a Midlands golf coach who has helped bring more than 150 women and girls into the game in just two years. Hannah Crump, a professional who coaches with Ignite Golf at Stonebridge Golf Club near Coventry, focuses on improving the abilities of

female golfers of all ages. Her classes have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, stretching the resources she has available to her growing pack. For that reason, the Aramco Team Series announced Hannah as the recipient of a raft of new coaching equipment, as part of the Power Up initiative.

of to pack. reason, Aramco announced a

NOW OPEN NEW STORE AT MALL OF THE EMIRATES

“We are delighted that Golf Superstore in Mall of the Emirates is now open and ready for business. To have a golf store in one of Dubai's greatest locations is very special. We can’t wait to welcome our loyal customers and new consumers to our new flagship store, which offers the best golf products available in the UAE.”

Stuart Taylor - General Manager Prosports International

SOTOGRANDE

e series welcomed two of blings orda eries after New York in 2021. The duo he get go with Jessica pening Reserva Club to lead the tended ound ho a seven-shot deficit, on an n Jessica wouldn’t

The Sotogrande leg of the series welcomed two of the most well-known siblings in the world of golf with Nelly and Jessica Korda arriving for their second Aramco Team Series appearance after making their debuts in New York in 2021. The duo were on fine form from the get go with Jessica flirting with a 59 in the opening round before settling with a 61 at La Reserva Club to lead the way on day one.

The American then extended her lead to six shots after the second round but it would be youngster sister Nelly who would get her hands on the trophy, overturning a seven-shot defi extraordinary final day in Spain. Jessica wouldn’t go home empty handed though after the American’s team prevailed in the team format, winning by one from Team Roussin.

ed in the team format, m Roussin.

STARS JOIN FORCES FOR SEVE

The tournament joined forces with the Seve Ballesteros Foundation to raise vital funds for the famous charity with the help of DP World Tour star Adri Arnaus. A celebrity game, dubbed “The Match”, took place as part of the Pro-Am with Arnaus and multiple LET winner Carlotta Ciganda coming together with

celebrity Andalucian chef Dani Garcia and Carmen Ballesteros – daughter of the legendary Spanish champion and all-time golfing great.

“The Match” donated €500 for each player birdies with €2000 for any eagles – with a total raised of €21,000 for the foundation.

s – with a undation.

NEW YORK

Big time players in the Big Apple? Of course! Canadian superstar Brooke Henderson made her Aramco Team Series debut alongside Irish hero Leona Maguire, while Nelly and Jessica Korda, Lexi Thompson and Anna Nordqvist were among the other star names playing in the city that never sleeps. In bright and breezy conditions, World No.4 Thompson held off the challenge of Henderson and Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom with a fi finish three shots clear on eleven-under-par and claim her first title since the 2019 ShopRite LPGA Classic. Team Gustavsson surged to an impressive victory in the team competition as she led her quartet, which included Jessica Karlsson, Karolin Lampert and New York college star Jennifer Rosenberg, to a 23 under par total at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point.

FORMER NFL STARS COMPETE

Four former NFL stars – Golden Tate, Brice Butler, Eddie Royal and Victor Green all teed off at the New York event, showing their passion for the game and lending their support for the continued growth of women’s golf and the future of the sport. During their NFL careers, the trio of wide receivers in Tate, Royal and Butler combined to score 83 touchdowns, while on the defensive side Green grabbed 25 interceptions and returned three for touchdowns.

the Henderson made her Aramco Team Series s ish hero Leona while xi and Anna were tar names in never er r nd World No.4 f the of Henderson and ne final round of 69 to clear on and claim her 2019 LPGA Classic. Team d e led her star rg, t.

Speaking ahead of the first round, sixyear NFL pro Brice Butler said: “It’s always fun playing with ladies because as a football player, you look at other people as not as physically gifted as you because maybe they’re not as big. They’re about to be out there hitting the ball as far as me, hitting greens in reg, hitting fairways. It’s going to be fun – I’m playing with Lexi Thompson, it’ll be great to play with a great golfer out there!

South African sensation Thriston Lawrence is starting to zone in on Jumeirah Golf Estates to cap off his unbelievable debut year on DP World Tour. The 25-year-old has triumphed twice with an outside chance to win the Harry Vardon Trophy after securing his spot at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai. The former Ernie Els foundation player reflects on a stunning season so far which has catapulted him into the golfing mainstream.

Thriston Lawrence

Earth Course Incoming

t’s been an amazing year,” said Lawrence. “It’s the first year I’ve had the opportunity to play on the DP World Tour full-time. It’s been going better than I had hoped. Getting that second win at the European Masters means a lot. It’s been an unbelievable season with a spot at the final event in Dubai to come. Not many missed cuts as well, just overall solid golf.”

Despite starting the campaign with a career-changing win at the Joburg Open, the 25-year-old still wasn’t satisfied. The tournament was reduced to 36 holes due to poor weather, with some critics probing the substance of the victory. “After getting the win in Joburg everybody was saying to me it wasn’t 72-hole tournament and so on,” Lawrence added. “I felt like I had to prove myself. But even before winning again in Switzerland, I felt like I’ve proved myself with a lot of top ten finishes before that.”

A second triumph of the year at the Omega European Masters cemented Lawrence in the winners’ circle. The South African joined greats such as Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo in becoming a champion in the Swiss Alps. It was significant win on a short, tight-knit track which requires tactical course management off the tee. But it was Lawrence’s iron play which won him the tournament as he led the field statistically in approach shots to the green.

Two victories served as a well-earned reward for the constant challenges Lawrence has overcome in realising his dream as professional golfer. By the age of 17, he was living in England battling for his livelihood on the UK’s mini tours. The teenager was also playing full-time

on the MENA Tour despite being living in Manchester where his former management company was based. “I started my pro career in Europe,” Lawrence added. “It wasn’t really an unfamiliar situation for me playing on the DP World Tour. It was tough for me at first in Europe years ago with stuff like being too young to rent a car, but it was a great learning curve. My transition to DP World Tour – I wouldn’t say easy – but a lot easier than I was used to.”

EARTH COURSE DEBUT

The DP World Tour Championship, Dubai is yet to crown a South African winner in 13 editions, but the 25-year-old is built for the Earth course. He’s a proven winner in the desert following his MENA Tour win at the 2015 Ras Al Khaimah Classic. “I’m looking forward to my debut at the DP World Tour Championship a lot,” said Lawrence. “Any tournament with no cut just gives you that mental relief. My game definitely suits the Middle East as well. In South Africa we have a few golf courses that are similar. I think most of the Middle East are golf courses have a links vibe to them. They don’t play linksy, but they don’t have a lot of trees. Quite wide fairways, a lot of bunkers. I’m fond of it and always played fairly decent in the desert.”

Following five other top ten finishes as well as two trophies, Lawrence has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the world rankings. The 25-year-old started the season outside the world’s top 500, but now resides inside the top 100. It’s been a rapid ascent, but something he anticipated. “I did expect this rise to happen quickly actually,” explained Lawrence. “Before Covid, I was around 200th in the world just playing the

Sunshine Tour. Then the Covid pandemic happened, we were unfortunate. I couldn’t go to Q-School despite being eligible. I was on track at the start of 2020 to be where I am today. It just got delayed. It was always going to happen I think, but Covid just put a handbrake on that. It’s always been a dream.”

It was clear in our interview that Lawrence’s success this season has given him huge confidence in his own abilities. The 2015 MENA Tour Order of Merit winner spoke with self-assurance in explaining how the years of hard work were finally paying off. Now inside the top ten of the DP World Tour Rankings, he remains a dark horse in the race to win the Harry Vardon Trophy. He’ll need a victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates, but the 25-year-old has proved this season he is capable of doing just that. If he was to win the rankings, he would become the first South African to do so since Els in 2004.

While the 2022 campaign is coming to a close, Lawrence’s career is somewhat just beginning. With more Major starts and possible WGC events on the horizon, the South African’s foot is only just hitting the accelerator in the quest for greater success. New career targets are being set at lightning pace, with the chance to add to South Africa’s golfing history a genuine possibility in the near future. “Short term goals is to get into the top 50,” added Lawrence. “Consistency is a big key in golf and winning is difficult in this game. Tiger is a good example. At his best he was still failing – or losing – most of the time in his career. I just need to get into the top 50 and secure all those Major invites. I’m confident I will be able to get there soon.”

“I

Kipp Popert

DETERMINED TO RISE TO THE TOP

By Thomas Wragg

To say Kipp Popert has enjoyed a stellar year is something of an understatement. The Englishman has won four times on the revamped G4D (Golf for the Disabled) Tour, returned to the summit of the World Ranking for Golfers with a Disability (WR4GD) and now has his sights sets on a spot in Great Britain & Ireland’s Walker Cup squad.

Popert, who was born 10 weeks premature, later being diagnosed with cerebral palsy that affects his lower body, has been the standout star on this year’s G4D Tour, which has already visited six DP World Tour tournaments this year including the BMW PGA Championship, before finishing the season here in Dubai at the DP World Tour Championship.

“The exposure it’s giving disability golf and the players at the top of the game is so important for growing the game from grassroots upwards,” said Popert who claimed his fourth G4D Tour title last month after taming the iconic Valderrama.

“I found out about the DP World Tour and EDGA coming together by watching the

TV back in 2019 and seeing an event. I got involved a month and a half later and now I’m sitting in a position where I’m playing regularly on the G4D Tour at tournaments across the world.”

Despite difficulty walking, Popert has more than excelled a game that has taken great strides in recent years to become one of the most inclusive sports in the world.

Participation levels from the disabled community has increased greatly since EDGA and the DP World Tour first collaborated in 2019 while the Emirates Golf Federation became a member of EDGA last year, giving People of Determination a pathway into the game through the new UAE Determined Golfers programme.

“Golf is a game we inherited and it is inclusive and should be inclusive, it’s on the right pathway for that,” he said. “One of the reasons I chose to play golf, despite being quite a decent pool player, is that I wanted to challenge myself and own myself.

“Before my major operations I couldn’t hit ball over 210 yards but I still played at a 2-handicap level because from 100 yards and in I was so good. That’s the beautiful thing about golf – it doesn’t matter if you have one arm or one leg, the actual scoring side of the game is from 100 yards and most People of Determination can hit the ball that far.

“I love winning and I want to win every event I play in and when I’m on the golf course that is all I care about, but as soon as I’m off the course and one of the other guys has won I want to congratulate them as I know how hard they have worked.

“There’s a different perspective in disability sport – we are all aware of the different setbacks we have been through so it’s nice to come together and celebrate each other’s achievements.”

As well as the global platform the G4D Tour has given the likes of Popert and former World No.1 Brendan Lawlor, it has also opened up new opportunities that weren’t readily available before. Sponsorship, new disability academies and prime time TV spots to name a few, but Popert’s highlight of the season was getting to play with golfing royalty at the Home of Golf.

“From the G4D side of things, having the four wins has been brilliant, especially the win at Wentworth as it’s not far from my house and my dad and uncles got to watch so that was pretty powerful for me,” he responded when asked about the highlight of his year.

“But overall, the highlight would be getting invited to play in the celebration of the 150th Open Championship which I was extremely grateful for. My dad carried the bag for me so he was talking to Tom Watson for four holes which was a special sight.

“I also had a bit of a lesson with Lee Trevino while we were there. Padraig Harrington, Adam Scott and I were watching him 45 minutes and he gave me a few tips towards then end of his demonstration. It was really impressive and to have someone like him give me advice coupled with playing Tom Watson, those little nuggets of information they’ve shared are going to help my game and hopefully help me win more trophies.”

WALKER CUP

Last year when we spoke before the DP World Tour Championship, Popert told me that he was looking to turn professional and enter DP World Tour Qualifying School as he believed his game was up there with the best. Those aspirations remain but have currently been put on hold as he looks to hunt down a spot in next year’s Walker Cup.

“Last time we spoke the rules for amateurs hadn’t changed,” he said. “Now I’m able get sponsorship and that’s been really important for me to play golf full time. I

didn’t go to DP World Tour Q School this year due to the opportunities available on the G4D Tour but I’m also looking to enter the conversation for next year’s Walker Cup.

“I’ll be heading off to Australia after the DP World Tour Championship to play in some of the biggest amateur events in the world and if I can get in the mix there and pick up a trophy or two in able-bodied golf then it could get me in the mix for the Walker Cup. I’m a very determined person so that is my goal right now.

“Next year, I’ll be looking to turn professional. For now, it’s amateur golf because the standard of courses is much higher than any of the lower ranked pro tournaments I’d be able to get onto at the moment.”

Before then, he has the small matter of trying to win the G4D Tour @ DP World Tour Championship, Dubai title later this month.

“I’m really looking forward to getting out to Dubai again,” he said. “It’s getting a bit cold here where I’m based in the UK and since I’ve had the opportunities to travel the world and play golf in the sun I have become a bit of a softie…I don’t like the cold weather!”

“When I was in Dubai last year I noticed that instead of disability you use the phrase ‘People of Determination’ which I think really sums up what it’s like having a disability – we’re extremely determined people who want to better themselves. We’ve been through tough times but we’re not out there feeling sorry for ourselves.”

Five under par after 36 holes at Valderrama, three under par at Wentworth Club and one over par at the notoriously difficult Green Eagle Golf Courses in Hamburg demonstrate that determination and incredible ability with a club in his hand.

They are 36 hole totals many pros would envy so it will come as no surprise to see Popert breaking more boundaries in his quest to mix it with the very best players in the game.

Next year, I’ll be looking to turn professional. For now, it’s amateur golf because the standard of courses is much higher than any of the lower ranked pro tournaments I’d be able to get onto at the moment.”

JENNY

My Favourite Golf Hangouts in the UAE

Greetings golfing world. This month I am going to talk you through some of my favourite golf hangout spots in the UAE. The UAE is a golfer’s paradise. This list is just a glimpse of the endless golfing adventures on offer in this nation. With its sunny, warm climate, and world class facilities, the UAE is the perfect place for golf. I strongly recommend adding this Middle Eastern golfing paradise to your bucket list of golf destinations!

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

I played my very first round of golf in the UAE at Dubai Creek. Fresh off an eight hour flight from Dublin on my maiden journey to Dubai, I made my first golfing friend in Dubai while collecting my golf clubs off the oversized baggage carousel at Dubai airport. I guess an Irish girl with a pink golf travel bag was a rare entity! In October 2020, when the temperatures started to cool down I was invited to play Dubai Creek. What an introduction to golf in the UAE! I had a wonderful day. I found the course thrilling and testing and the facilities were amazing. I hadn’t quite yet accustomed to playing in such high temperatures, the gentle breeze off the creek was most welcome on the day, helping me get through the round! I also received some great advice during this round about expat life in Dubai, advice that I cherish and use every day. Golf is a wonderful sport that connects you with fantastic people, no matter where in the world you are. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving!

The Els Club, Dubai

What can I say, Chicks With Sticks HQ! I love everything about The Els Club. The warm, friendly and welcoming staff have made it feel like a home away from home for me. The facilities are top class, from the practice facilities, country club experience to five star golf course. Playing competitive golf at The Els Club has really helped to improve my game, as

the course demands so many different styles of shots. The course may be quite short off the ladies tees, but the testing greens add a certain level of challenge to the layout and design. These slopey greens are not to be messed with, you must respect their design and testing undulations. They certainly put your short game to the test!

Par 3, Trump Dubai

Having lived in Damac Hills for two years, the Par 3 course at Trump had to feature on my list of favourite golf hangouts in Dubai! What a delightful little course to spend an hour or two playing with friends. Post round I love to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at The Caddy Shack. For those of you who don’t know what this is, it’s a casual sports bar located right beside the first tee at The Par 3 course. The perfect place to unwind and grab some casual food or drinks with friends.

Yas Links, Abu Dhabi

The dramatic views of the Arabian Gulf located at Yas Links remind me of home. The UAE’s first links course is a thoroughly enjoyable, challenging track that will put all levels of golfers to the test. I enjoyed seeing the comparable and contrasting features between a desert links design and the traditional links courses found in the UK and Ireland. This challenging links design is quite different to all the other golf experiences in the UAE and definitely worth checking out. Yas Links will be hosting the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January, a great opportunity to see some of the best players in the world display a spectacle of golf!

Par 3 Course, Emirates Golf Club

I have hosted many Chicks With Sticks events at the Par 3 course at Emirates Golf Club. The sparkling lights of the marina skyscrapers and playing under the floodlights definitely adds a new level of excitement to the game of golf. Friends at home in Ireland

are still mesmerised when I tell them that you can play golf in the dark, at night in Dubai, something I have certainly started to take for granted! The Spike Bar and Jones the Grocer are my two favourite locations for a post round social gathering with the ladies at the clubhouse. A five star experience is always guaranteed at Emirates Golf Club.

Topgolf

What can I say, I love Topgolf! Having previously lived in the US I was well accustomed to the golf phenomenon that is Topgolf. Needless to say I was thrilled when I heard it was launching in Dubai! My first Topgolf experience in Dubai was certainly one to remember. I found myself attending a casual gathering at the venue with some tour pros, as well as Chicks With Sticks most popular coach, Sujjan Singh! My friend in the group clearly hadn’t told his friends that I could actually play golf. My turn came to stand up at the bay and attempt to hit one of the targets. The guys were kind, presuming I had never hit a golf ball in my life, they encouraged me to try and aim for the 50 yard marker right in front of me. I didn’t say a word and proceeded to launch a driver towards the Dubai skyline. Their faces dropped, we all laughed, it really wasn’t that impressive in my eyes, but I guess they were expecting a total beginner! On this very night I told Sujjan about my idea for Chicks With Sticks, he instilled great confidence in me and my idea, and of course encouraged me to make the Claude Harmon III Performance Golf Academy my home base. Thank you for believing in me Sujjan, the ladies all love you!

Stay tuned for next month’s article where I will be updating you on Season 2 of Chicks With Sticks, the DP World Tour Championship and lots more!

Jenny, Founder of Chicks with Sticks

Dubai bound Hat-trick heroes are

This year I’ve seen a 51-year-old Padraig Harrington get his ball speed just shy of 200mph; Matt Fitzpatrick hit one of the greatest bunker shots to win the U.S. Open and Brooks Koepka get back to winning form.

As the year draws to an end, I always look forward to the DP World Tour Championship, as I’ve had some great results there over the years. Starting back in 2009 when Lee Westwood won the inaugural event on the Earth course and most recently in 2020 when Matt (Fitzpatrick) carded four rounds in the 60s to beat Lee by just one shot. But the most memorable was Henrik’s win in 2013, not for that iconic three wood down the last, but that round was close to being perfect. If you know me, I rarely use the word perfect, and for my players to receive praise they must do something outstanding. Keeping these talented players focused is just as important as keeping a close eye on their swings, so praise is a fragile golden ticket that needs to be handled with care.

This year it would be fitting for Matt to sign off the year with a win at Jumeirah Golf Estates to put alongside his US Open triumph. Plus, it would make him the first player to have won the tournament three times, but Rory could beat him to the punch, which makes things even more interesting.

It’s been a long season for the pair, but Rory will be fired up to secure both the FedEx Cup and the DP World Tour Rankings in the same year.

I would have liked to have Thomas Pieters in the mix, but family comes first, and I know he was disappointed to miss out on the event. It’s a shame Padraig Harrington could not have qualified, as he’s playing some of the best golf of his life. This year he’s managed to get his ball speed up past 190mph and, to put that in perspective, that’s not too far off Rory, so no wonder he’s been a serious contender all season on the Champions’ Tour in America.

During events, he’s dropped the speed to just under 180mph for a little more control, but his work ethic has never changed. He remains one of the hardest workers on any Tour and his ball striking is the best I’ve ever seen from him. If he could putt to the same level that secured him The Open and the USPGA back in 2008 he would still be a Major threat despite being 51 years of age. I would certainly have him playing for Europe in the Ryder Cup right now!

I’m currently over in Miami for the final LIV Golf event of the year with a couple of my players. The money they are earning is just ridiculous, but I certainly don’t blame them for joining the tour. The risk of injury

in professional sport is a huge concern for any athlete as it dramatically affects their livelihoods. An injured player is not earning and no different than an injured tradesman that cannot get on site to earn a wage. So, it’s easy to see why the senior players have moved over to LIV. It’s always been the same in sport when a player loses form or gets injured, they soon become forgotten and the governing bodies do not care, as fresh talent is always round the corner. Plus, you can’t insure yourself against loss of form and not many can afford to insure against critical injury.

I’m sure Cameron Smith has looked at what has happened to Jason Day and signed with LIV as a safety net. You just don’t know what is round the corner. Day was a Major winner and World No.1 before he was hindered with back injuries. It’s also a reason Brooks Koepka signed. But the LIV schedule has really help Brooks’ hip rehab and he’s playing great golf once again.

LIV Golf has been very lucrative for a limited number of players but right now the game is fractured like a broken leg. Left alone it will not heal correctly and the Tours need to sit down with LIV and start talking. The game will only survive if the best play against the best, but we need to also make sure the schedules do not burn players out.

Golf has a changed landscape

What a year it has been, from the brilliance of Scottie Scheffler to the unforgettable sight of Tiger Woods limping up the most famous 18th hole in golf, perhaps waving goodbye to the old grey town, from Greg Norman making his comeback, of sorts, to Rory taking centre stage. Imagine choosing this year to make the first behind the scenes documentary series on the world of professional golf...

Ironically, when it comes to a documentary about mens professional golf on the PGA Tour in 2022, Netflix might just call their highly anticipated series Drive To Survive, it seems a pretty apt name right now. Let us not skirt around the topic, professional golf has a changed landscape. If you are a player, in the short term it probably feels like a good thing –more options more money, however if you are a fan of golf, I would say it is the opposite.

DILUTED

Three diluted main tours cannot be a good thing for the watching fan, but that is where we are right now – the new kids on the block going hell for leather with a format that a few think is the future of the professional game; the old guard holding firm with a tried and tested format that has engaged fans of the game for decades upon decades.

Court cases and threats, Twitter bots and team games, even a well attended AGM at European Tour group headquarters, whatever next? 0ff the course we have seen it all, but what of on the course?

The first major of the year saw Scottie Scheffler demand the respect of the world of golf with a dominant display at Augusta. Short game genius added to power and nerves of steal saw the best player in the world triumph in emphatic style. In fact, the only difficulty he seemed to face was actually putting the jacket on his broad shoulders in the butler cabin. Once donned however, it seemed to suit him, of that there is no doubt.

The PGA Championship was a belter,. JT played like a stud over the final few holes to hold off a heard of stallions from the PGA Tour to win out in dramatic fashion. The cream coming to the top eventually, whilst giving a host of young stars the confidence that their time will come.

Cam Young, Zalatoris, Mito Parriera, Fitzpatrick, all coming up just shy but leaving the stage

knowing they are good enough. Winning is the ultimate confidence boost, of course it is, but coming up just shy, if viewed in the right way can be all that is needed too, and so it would prove.

US OPEN

Fitzy, as he is known on the DP World tour stood up tall when it mattered at the US Open and produced perhaps the shot of the year en route to lifting his first Major just a few weeks after his PGA heartbreak. Sometimes the face gives it all away – his laughter on the 17th green when he dollied a putt down to the hole told me all I needed to know, he was in control, and so it was, with Zalatoris falling just shy once more. Two guys high on life and storming towards the top of the game, history on their mind, happy on their journey to the top, the journey they had dreamed of since picking up a club.

And finally the 150th Open at the Home of Golf delivered an absolute cracker, McIlroy on a mission taking centre stage, the weight of the old world on his shoulders, seemingly striding towards his destiny, only to be thwarted by the other Cam, Smith this time producing a final round masterclass to pip the home favourite and in turn throw a giant cat amongst the pigeons.

I watched Cam Smith play his first five holes of the tournament whilst walking the course for Sky Sports. He hit it in the correct zone on each and every hole, just waiting for his putter to light up, I thought he would be a danger, and so it proved. Once McIlroy’s putts dried up the young Aussie put the final nail in the Irishman’s coffin with a sublime two putt at the last from distance, nervelessly lifting the oldest trophy of all. What an exceptional Major triumph.

More great golf followed, at Wentworth, a tournament shortened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Shane Lowry finally got that next big win under his belt. Watching Shane is like a blast from the past. He plays how golf should be played at the top level, shaping shots at will, that free flowing beautiful rhythm painting

pictures with the ball as he smiles his way around the course. Golf and sport in general, at times gets accused of being characterless, if Shane isn’t a character then I don’t know who is, someone somewhere must be rooting against him, but I get the feeling you could count them on one hand. As popularity goes, Shane must be right up there.

The Presidents Cup was in some quarters much maligned, due to so many players deciding a different path was for them. But watching it, I thought the International team did plenty to prove that team competitions are bigger than the players themselves, something that some seem to doubt. Tom Kim was the stand out winner from the event, new stars being born as the new world is forming around us. The young American team reminded us all of their brilliance, and their unity as well.

Shot of the year has to be part of a season round up – Fitzpatrick’s tremendous Major winning fairway bunker shot on the 72nd hole, incredible shot though it was, doesn’t quite win for me. Lowry’s five iron to the last hole at Wentworth was as pure an iron shot as you will ever see in the circumstances heading into one of the great theatres in golf. I ‘ll count that third behind Fitzy. Instead, however, my choice goes to Guido Migliozzi for his sublime cut four iron to the 72nd green, at Paris National on route to taking the French Open title.

If you have ever played this hole you will know just how intimidating it is, with only a sliver of grass visible beyond the acres of wate. Finding dry land is all most players will even aim for. To hit the pin, in the tightest of right-hand hole locations, on the scariest of holes whilst trying to win, was not just the shot of the year, it was a shot of a lifetime.

Of course we have the DP World Championship is still to come, when the great and the good of the tour will once more descend on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 17-20. This most popular of events will be a super way to bring to an end an unforgettable year of professional golf. May the best man win.

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PULLING THIS OFF TO WIN A MAJOR ON THE FINAL HOLE ... HARD ONE TO BEAT

I can see why many golf fans around the world think Matt’s stunning fairway bunker shot that set up his win at the U.S. Open should be crowned shot of the year. A long-range bunker shot is one of the hardest to pull off, let alone under serious pressure to win your first Major. Matt looked calm and under control as usual as he stood over the ball, but it is his least favourite shot. His technique was perfect though:

To make sure of a clean strike he’s choked down the shaft by a couple of inches.

To maintain a stable base Matt doesn’t transfer his weight, he just turns around a strong left side.

Classic right hand on top with a strong face.

BY PETE COWEN, MASTER PROFESSIONAL & MATT’S COACH

INSTRUCTION

a great

CONCLUSION

Keeping the balance and not transferring weight is the key to enable a clean contact. Matt made arguably one of the hardest shots in the game look easy. But it wasn’t luck. Hours a day practicing shots like these enables players to react accordingly. Find a fairway bunker on the range and see if you can master the shot ... you will quickly appreciate why we thought this was the shot of the year!

ce ng de e he ut rs Find on the ou can you ciate is was ar!

Right arm starting to move up to support and position the club.

Classic club 90-degree angle created by the right arm.

Turning around the left side leaving the club alone.

Steep attack to create a downward blow but maintaining the spine angle.

Arms are free to come under the chest, with the club in a great delivery position.

There is so much room here for the right arm to swing under the chest.

Continues to turn around the left side and remain balanced through impact.

BY STEPHEN HONG DIRECTOR OF GOLF, MYGOLF DUBAI

DO Use the weight of the club to your advantage by allowing your wrists to naturally rotate through impact

Finding the sweet spot between the clubhead and the ball at impact requires intense practice, but with the correct understanding it’s much more achievable. Here, MyGolf Dubai professional Stephen Hong explains the essentials to releasing the club properly.

First, it’s key to recognise the clubhead is manufactured to rotate around the body with natural forces. A common fault

INSTRUCTION

Hold onto the clubface for too long and restrict the momentum created within the swing

among amateur players is lifting the club up and down in a straight line with limited wrist rotation. Don’t be afraid to allow the clubhead to open and close throughout the swing around your body.

Secondly, timing the release at the bottom of the swing arc is vital and requires precise sequencing between the body and arms. This isn’t easy, so take your time practicing this skill, but even a small improvement

here will yield huge results on the course. The thought here is to allow the body to lead the arms and hands which subsequently times the release for power at impact.

Finally, keep in mind that momentum will help your wrists rotate throughout the hitting zone. Holding onto the clubface and not allowing it to turn freely in the swing will often lead to inconsistency and poor strikes.

l luxu Vis or e

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LOOK OUT FOR THE VIDEO AT WorldwideGolf Worldwide.Golf

DON’T

SHOT

RELEASED

SOFT LANDING SHOT

PERFECT Pitch

Here,

What are they and where can they be used?

The ‘soft landing’ pitch is needed when the ball needs to launch higher, land softer and stop quicker. An example of this would be when there’s not a lot of green to work with

In order to play the soft shot correctly we need to open the face slightly at address and work the path of the club

BY JACKSON BELL TEACHING PROFESSIONAL PETER COWEN ACADEMY DUBAI jacksonbell01

INSTRUCTION

additional spin will help the ball land softer on the putting surface.

far away and you have a lot of green to work with. Instead letting the ball release up the green to the hole. Weather

conditions, such as high winds, can play a major factor in using the low release shot.

For this particular shot, we need to change the path of our club to work more to the right of the intended target. The face would also have to close slightly at set up which helps the ball launch with more of a draw shot shape. This keeps it low and the chance to release up the green.

Check out the video for a more in-depth view of the drill. Or if you want to improve your chipping, why not hand why his players are the most successful on Tour.

LOOK OUT FOR THE VIDEO AT WorldwideGolf Worldwide.Golf

BIRDIE TRIES

Getting out of greenside bunkers can make or break a players’ round. They can involve some right knowledge and correct basic fundamentals, those nasty sandy lies become far less intimidating.

Every shot in the bunker has to start with solid foundations. During practice, I want you to draw a line towards the target with another line just behind the ball –this is where players should be striking the ball.

For a right-handed player, then place your left foot at a 45 degree angle. This gives the impression that we have opened the stance in the set-up. Then, apply pressure into the lead side which helps create a steeper angle into

the ball. This is what we need to help generate spin. These shots may be short in distance, but we still need to swing with speed. This is what helps to promote a higher launch angle while adding spin to the ball. Furthermore, opening the clubface helps to create more loft and it also exposes the bounce of the club.

BY MARC ARNOLD SENIOR PROFESSIONAL YAS ACRES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, marcarnoldgolf

INSTRUCTION

As we have now created additional loft with our set up, weaken your grip slightly with your right hand. Lowering the hands is also important as it helps

counteract the ball starting to the right of target. a good grounding and give it a go. Don’t be afraid to swing hard!

Mastering this bunker drill will make those nasty sandy lies become far less intimdating. Check out the video for a more indepth view of the drill. For more information contact marnold@ viyagolf.com

LOOK OUT FOR THE VIDEO AT WorldwideGolf Worldwide.Golf

WORTH THE WAIT PING I230

Following on from an iron that amassed more than 70 professional Tour wins, the i230 certainly has big shoes to fill. An iron that is targeted for Tour presence and performance, it has already proved popular with giants of the game including Lee Westwood and Tyrrell Hatton, both of whom have already added the club to the bag.

THE introduction of a high-density toe and tip weight to the latest i iron range brings it in line with other models in the PING line-up, allowing the weight in the head to be pushed to the perimeter of the design for 2-3% more forgiveness than its predecessor. This is also due to the internal activated elastomer, a much lighter material than its steel equivalent, allowing more weight to be spread to the boundaries.

A multi material badge on the back of a lively but consistent face allows the iron to deliver the forged

like softness that so many players desire at impact whilst still delivering great ball speed for an iron of its size, sitting in the middle of the PING lineup. The water repellent Hydropearl 2.0 finish and Micromax grooves ensure consistent gapping and control from all conditions, even those early dewy mornings. Available in all ten colour codes as well as three loft options, the i230 is predicted to be used by around 30% of PING’s Tour players around the world, as well as delivering great performance and feel for the likes of you and me.

BY TOM HANSON CUSTOM FIT SPECIALIST AND RETAIL MANAGER, ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB

The iCrossover has a fresh, sharp new look as well as new fitting technology to help this iron appeal to a slightly different type of golfer than previous Crossover players. With a shorter blade length and a sole design very similar to i230, the iCrossover also appeals to that Tour inspired aesthetic that many golfers look for, but without sacrifice. The high-density toe and tip weight again allow more weight to be pushed away from the face for more forgiveness and a lower centre of gravity than ever before still produces high, consistent launch. Available in 2,3 and 4

irons but with higher ball speed, the iCrossover is around eight yards longer than its equivalent i230 iron but still delivers the same land angle and stopping power for better gapping and control. A shorter overall club length allows a better blend through the set of irons and the introduction of PING’s Trajectory Tuning 2.0 sleeve gives each iron eight different loft and lie settings to really dial in the players distance, flight and direction preferences. deliver this iron to a slightly different market of golfers than previous Crossover players.

i CROSSOVER FalconFitterGolf

To book a custom-fitting or to learn more about the PING i230 and iCrossover please contact Tom at thomas@prosports.ae or send him a message on Instagram.

New eGolf Megastore Opens in Dubai Hills Mall

Golfers in the Dubai Hills area rejoice for a huge new eGolf Megastore has opened in the Dubai Hills Mall. Conveniently located between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, eGolf Dubai Hills Mall delivers a dynamic shopping experience with easy accessibility for customers. The opening of the new store joins the company’s Dubai Mall flagship store in building a new standard for eGolf stores – a premium and modernised shopping experience for every customer.

The design of the store encompasses the creation of a retail space with modern elements centered around enhancing the customer journey throughout the store. The store introduces two large LED displays as part of a digital strategy aimed at delivering a memorable retail experience for customers in store. Dedicated apparel and footwear zones boast a selection of new and favourite brands.

J.Lindeberg, PXG, Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and Puma feature, along with new brands Lyle & Scott and Galvin Green.

The footwear zone highlights the latest drops from Nike, Adidas, Ecco, Puma, Cole Haan, FootJoy and Under Armour, along with the Nike Air Jordan golf collection available across all eGolf Megastore locations. The hardware zone incorporates a dedicated display from HONMA featuring the brand’s latest releases including golf’s most expensive set, the BERES 5 star, which draws headlines for its use of 24-karat gold and an AED 270,000 price tag for the complete set. Similarly, and a first in the region, is a dedicated hardware display within the store for Japanese premium brand XXIO. The store is equipped with a GC Quad launch monitor and a shaft wall matrix providing over 20,000 clubhead and shaft

combinations, together with another first in a mall space in the region, a SAM Putt Lab, for a comprehensive putting fitting experience in store. In addition, re-gripping and loft and lie adjustment services will be available to customers.

Dean Cheesley, CEO of eGolf International said: “We’re incredibly excited to open our latest store at the Dubai Hills Mall. It represents a new best level store for the company and we are proud of this achievement which leads into the celebration of the

company’s 10-year anniversary next month. With this new store being situated in one of the busiest catchment areas of the mall, we are excited about the opportunities ahead for eGolf Megastore Dubai Hills Mall”.

The store is located on the first level, opposite Decathlon, with easy access from the P4 parking entrance near Roxy Cinemas.

For more information, visit: www.egolfmegastore.ae

Akram Skaik, Director General of the Emirates Golf Federation, cuts the ribbon along with eGolf International CEO Dean Cheesley to officially open the Dubai Hills Mall store.

ARABIAN GOLF

General Alhashmi wins UAE Monthly Medal

General Abdullah Alhashmi led by example in the first UAE National Monthly Medal of the new season after posting 35 Stableford points to secure victory over Mohammed Al Musharrekh on a countback.

In the Gross Division, National Team player Mohammad Skaik fired a round of 72-even-par, his lowest ever round, to top the leaderboard, while Hassan Al Qezmi collected 31 points to win the Senior Division.

Aysha Al Mualla was crowned champion of the Ladies Division with 38 Stableford points, while Mohammed Skaik got his hands on a second title of the day with a win in the Junior Division.

Viktor Kofod-Olsen was crowned Junior Boys Open champion after posting a brilliant round gross 69, which included four birdies and just one single bogey. In the Boys Net Division A, Rayan Ahmad came out on top after carding three net birdies and a net eagle in his final 12 holes to post 73, while Division B went to Musa Shariff with a score of 66. Anca Mirela Mateiu carded an incredible six birdies on the day to bring home a gross score of four under par to seal the Girls Junior Open, while Irum Kim ashot 70 to get her hands on Girls Net Division trophy.

Naima Maya and Martha Wong dovetailed to perfection with the pair banking 44 Stableford points on their way to winning the Ladies Pairs Betterball tournament on the Majlis. The duo played a very solid round, which consisted of seven net birdies and a net eagle on the final hole to seal first place for the team on back three countback. Narrowly losing out was the team of Genie Owiti and Nonita Chand, while third went to Yulia Golubeva and Deirdre Kemp.

Khan Tops Monthly Stableford

Maruf Khan put on a fine display in the first Dimos Monthly Stableford of the season, posting an impressive 38 Stableford points to seal top spot. In Division A, Stuart Cassidy carded 37 points, which was enough to place him on top of his division, while Neil Lakhani, who lost out on the overall win on a countback, posted 38 points to seal his Division and win a AED200 Pro Shop Voucher.

Suresh Shewakramani and Genie Owiti both score 39 Stableford points in their respective Divisions to claim their spot in the Luckiest Ball on Earth Grand Final as the leading man and woemen. In the Boys Division, Bjorn Brake moved a step closer to rubbing shoulders with the stars of the DP World Tour, while Sophia Zbiri secured the Girls spot after a solid round saw her card two net birdies on the front nine to win her Division.

An impressive score of 76 saw Victor Larsson top the Gross Division in the latest Monthly Medal at The Els Club. In Division A, Johan Llenas returned to form with a net 69 top the leaderboard, closely followed by Adam Harris with a solid net 72. Two players battled it out for first place in Division B with Angela Kadyan and Joe Teixeira both finishing on 72 net. Kadyan’s score of 34 net on the back 9 saw her claim the first prize.

Dean Stothard, Anna Jentgen and Louis Pargeter all moved a step closer to securing a spot in the DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am after winning their respective divisions in the Luckiest Ball on Earth qualifier. Stothard book his spot int the Grand Final at Jumeirah Golf Estates after banking 42 points while Jentgen and Pargeter scored 36 and 38 points respectively to go through as leading female and junior.

Trio enjoy Luckiest Ball on Earth success

and Wong dovetail to perfection

Quartet secure Grand Final spots

FOOTBALL LEGEND ROONEY

Drops in on DP World Tour Championship Trophy Tour

Rooney, who is currently manager of D.C. United in the MLS, has plenty of experience when it comes to lifting trophies.

The 37-year-old won five Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League and the FA Cup during an illustrious playing career which saw him become the all-time leading goal scorer of both Manchester United and the England National team.

A keen golfer himself, the Englishman

is a good friend of current World Number One and renowned Manchester United fan Rory McIlroy, who will be one of the stars on show at next month’s DP World Tour Championship as he leads the DP World Tour Rankings presented by Rolex.

“I’ve played golf with him (McIlroy) a few times when he’s been in Manchester and it’s just a real eye opener how good he is,” said Rooney, who is a frequent visitor to Dubai and was on holiday with his family last month.

“I’ve been coming here a few years now and we love it. It’s got a bit of everything and the golf courses here are phenomenal.”

The DP World Tour Championship and Harry Vardon trophies were on a tour of the UAE as part of the official onemonth countdown to the season-ending showcase at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Fans can register for free general admission tickets or a range of premium experience tickets starting from AED 599, which can be booked at dpwtc.com.

Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney stopped by the offices of the Dubai Sports Council last month and was photographed with two of the DP World Tour’s most prestigious trophies.

IN

ABDULLAH ALHASHMI

What’s

VICE CHAIRMAN, EMIRATES GOLF FEDERATION