Worldwide Golf May 2014. Issue 159

Worldwide

M I D D L E E A S T ’ S N U M B E R O N E G O L F M A G A Z I N E . E S T. 1 9 9 9 Official Media Partner to the European Tour in the Middle East

May 2014, ISSUE 159

Bon Jovi drummer Tico torres TALKS GOLF!

Master Blaster can ‘Bubba Golf’ go on to win more majors?

WIN

A Ping G25 driver and rip it like Bubba

PLUS

Fairway woods tested for local conditions Arabian Golf NEws from the region’s leading clubs Official magazine of the EGF & the Arab Golf Federation

Golf Style To enter go to wwgolf.net

From the latest must-have items to celebrities on course

ISBN 978-9948-15-427-3

9 789948 154273

Worldwide Golf Executive Editor Since 1999

Player

THE BIG THREE UNITED: Gary Player, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus share a joke before hitting their ceremonial tee shots at this year’s Masters.

I

MAY have picked the wrong player to win at Augusta but I predicted that it would be a memorable Masters – and it certainly was.

After the record-breaking year he had last season I believed that Henrik Stenson would be putting on the Green Jacket with Jason Day pushing the Swede all the way to the final hole.

But who would deny Bubba Watson his Masters glory? It takes something special to win the Masters but to win it twice in three years is quite an achievement.

Bubba’s obviously a very emotional individual but some of his shots would have impressed Harry Houdini, the famous escapologist.

It’s said that to win the Masters you’ve got to make the most of the par-5s and Bubba certainly did that. His astonishing ability to hit the ball such incredible distances was a crucial weapon throughout the week but his putter was hot on all the four days.

With consistent driving and accurate putting his game was dialled in from Thursday to Sunday.

When last year’s Masters Champion Adam Scott, helped Bubba into his second Green Jacket it was an emotional moment for a well deserved honour.

Most players would settle for winning the Masters once in their career but to win it for a second time,

2 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

in two of the last three years, is something that will stay with him throughout his lifetime.

It was a great thrill to again kick off the Masters as The Big Three with Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as Honorary Starters at the Par Three Tournament, particularly with it being the 40th anniversary of the second of my three wins at the Masters back in 1974, the year in which I also won The Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

When Jack, Arnie and I stepped on to the first tee we got a great reception from the galleries. It was a wonderful moment for the three of us who had won 13 Masters between us. I think Jack outdrove me by a yard or two, but it’s not bad when you think he used to outdrive me by 50 yards. I beat him in the Par Three Contest the day before so he got his own back.

Opening the Masters as Honourary Starters on Thursday morning and the Par Three Contest the day before are just two of the great traditions at Augusta National and our South African Braai on the Wednesday evening before the tournament has become one

of our great traditions of the event. We had old friends, new friends, business associates, corporate partners from Rolex, SAP, Humana, Berenberg, Coca-Cola, Revolution Golf, clients from Gary Player Design and many more guests from all over the world.

It was a wonderful occasion for Black Knight International and our friends. We hired seven houses to accommodate our guests, and brought over chefs from England – we even had a ‘modern’ Scottish Band who were great fun.

WHEN WE STEPPED ON TO THE FIRST TEE WE GOT A GREATT RECEPTION FROM THE GALLERIES. LLERIES. IT WAS A WONDERFUL MOMENT MENT FOR THE THREE OF US WHOO HAD WON 13 MASTERS BETWEEN EN US..

“Pro V1 and Pro V1x fit all of my members, young or old, regardless of swing speed.”

– Andrew Shuck PGA Professional

“The Pro V1 is so advanced that it gives golfers at any level everything they need.”

– Adam Scott

“When fitting students, we don’t focus on how fast they swing. We focus on lowering scores. That’s why Pro V1 or Pro V1x fits every player.”

– Jim Fitzgerald PGA Professional

“I’ve played Pro V1 or Pro V1x through my junior amateur days, and now as a pro. Because I trust Titleist.”

– Jordan Spieth

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOLF BALL AND THE #1 BALL IN GOLF.

“The Pro V1 performs off the tee great.

It goes long, it goes exactly where I aim it, and it works perfectly.”

– Stephen L. Pro V1, Amateur

“I need the Pro V1 just as much as a Tour player, because I’m trying to improve my game.”

– Denise P. Pro V1, Amateur

“The Pro V1x gives me a perfect combination of distance and short game control.”

– Gerald C. Pro V1x, Amateur

“I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t play the same ball as a Tour player. I’m looking for the same benefits.

Distance off the tee and control around the greens.”

– David M. Pro V1x, Amateur

Pro V1® and Pro V1x™ golfers are Tour players and amateurs. They are men and women of all ages with a wide range of handicaps and swing speeds. This is because the golf HIGH SWING SPEED

HIGH/MID SWING SPEED

ball doesn’t know who’s hitting it. It simply reacts to the force applied. So the reasons to trust the Pro V1 and Pro V1x are the same for all players. They are designed to provide superior performance on every shot,

MODERATE SWING SPEED

LOWER SWING SPEED

High speed photography of golfers with different swing speeds shows differences in ball compression are virtually indistinguishable.

DRIVER DISTANCE AT AMATEUR SWING SPEED

delivering exceptional distance, short game control, soft feel and long lasting durability.

In head-to-head driver tests of competitor golf ball models that are marketed “for

TITLEIST PRO V1

amateur players’ swing speeds,” the Pro V1

TITLEIST PRO V1x

and Pro V1x deliver as long or longer distance.

COMPETITOR A B

And they provide the short game control

C

and renowned Titleist consistency that help

D

every player shoot lower scores. That’s why

E

more golfers around the world have made

0

+5

+10

the Pro V1 and Pro V1x the #1 choice for their

DISTANCE ADVANTAGE (YARDS)

game. Further proof that there’s a difference

Pro V1 at 130 mph Ball Speed, 3000 RPM, Launch angle 12°

between a golf ball and the #1 ball in golf.

Learn more at titleist.co.uk www.prosports.ae

CONTENTS FAIRWAY MUSCLE TWOS UP: Bubba Watson signals his success with his second Green Jacket in three years.

Bubba Masters Augusta – again!

WITH his second Green Jacket in three years, Bubba Watson has earned himself elevated status among the greats in the game. He’s shown he can overpower the Augusta National layout with a brand of golf that marries imagination, length, incredible shot shaping, a super-high ball flight and meticulous putting. But while his skill-set might give him a slight head start at this particular Major – can his game translate to the more traditional Major coures set-up at The Open, the US Open and the US PGA? As one TV commentator so succinctly put it as Bubba was about to launch his astonishing drive over the corner at 13, “Hold on to your hats‌â€?

by Craig Vance

44 RRP: 1550AED

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 21

They’re Callaway’s first adjustable fairway woods to incorporate its internal standing wave, which serves to move the centre of gravity of the clubs lower and more forward to increase ball speed.

This is also combined with their Hyper Speed Face Cup and adjustable hosel technology.

TITLEIST 913F Titleist 913F is a high performance, classically shaped fairway metal that delivers long distance and all-around performance from the tee and turf. Their patented SureFit Tour hosel technology allows loft and lie to be independently adjusted to precisely fit your game. The 913F is designed for speed and forgiveness with uncompromised looks, sound and feel.

RRP: 1295AED

RRP: 1375AED

TAYLORMADE SLDR

CALLAWAY X2 HOT

COBRA BIO CELL

TaylorMade have revised their Speed Pocket technology design by making it smaller – not bigger.

The result is a faster initial ball speed across a wider portion of the face, which helps you get consistently long distance on every swing.

Callaway use their Hyper Speed Face Technology to make the forged cup of the previous XHot faces even thinner and more forgiving on mishits. They also have an improved “internal standing wave,� like the Big Bertha, which pushes the centre of gravity lower and more forward, to increase ball speed.

The Cobra Bio Cell is equipped with MyFly8 with SmartPad technology and comes with eight loft options in each model. It has a thin forged high strength steel face insert that creates more face flex and greater ball speeds. The new E9 Face Technology also removes weight from the crown and face to increase the sweet spot for maximum distance and forgiveness.

RRP: 995AED

RRP: 1095ED

44 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

Watson Powers to Victoy

Bubba’s Warson’s unconventional approach brightened up a dull leaderboard to earn his second Green Jacket but is Bubba Golf set to dominate Augusta and the other Majors?

FEATURES 36 Trump International Dubai Hole Guide

Gil Hanse talks you through the card, explaining how the 8,000 yard monster can be challenged at all levels.

40 UAE Amateur Craig Vance

Former plus 3 golfer, Craig Vance, is warming up on the local golf scene and explains how he’s adapted his game to suit playing the region’s tough, championship courses.

48 European Challenge Tour Grand Final 2014 Patrick Ryan, Golf Course Superintendent at Al Badia Golf Club talks about the challenges of setting up the course for the Tour’s Grand Final, where all is to play for.

52 Azerbaijan to host Challenge Tour event

The Challenge Tour add the â‚Ź300,000 tournament to their 2014 shedule at the National Azerbaijan Golf Club in Quba.

68 Azaan’s Five-Star Streak

CALLAWAY BIG BERTHA FAIRWAY

The i25 fairway woods are 154cc in 14Âş and 15Âş lofts and 144cc for the 18Âş. The tall face and low centre of gravity boost ball speed and reduce spin for added distance. The patented racing stripes help with alignment and adjustable lofts customize fitting and PWR shaft family optimizes the trajectory and feel.

20 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

Brought to you by

Fairway Muscle PING i25

20

Over 100 destinations worldwide

Azaan Al Rumhy, Oman’s most outstanding amateur over VJG RCUV HGY [GCTU KU GPLQ[KPI JKU ƒPGUV UVCTV VQ C UGCUQP

RRP: 875AED

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 45

Fairway Muscle The latest 3 woods are put throught their paces to see how they are best suited to the courses in the UAE.

REGULARS 10 The Starter News on a bit of this, a bit of that, and a bit of the other!

16 Tour News Review of recent European Tour and US PGA Tour events.

26 Worldwide Golf Columists Howell, Poulter, Norman, Player and Cowen shoot the breeze.

58 Wayne’s World Wayne Johnson talks to Jeev Milkha Singh about his game and how he became the Asian Tour’s Player of the Decade.

65 Arabian Golf Recent reports of events around the region’s golf clubs including the inaugural GCC Under-15s tournament in Oman.

STYLE 87 Tico Torres

INSTRUCTION 60 Golf Conditioning

By Neal Dinan, Head of Strength and Conditioning, European Tour Performance Institute at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

62 How Muscle Moves Mass

By Gareth Quigley, Golf Professional, Emirates Golf Club.

The Bon Jovi drummer unwinds by switching sticks and stalking the fairways .

90 Driving Range Win the latest Porsche 991 Carrera S with Dubai Duty Free.

92 Tee Times A watch is more than just a timepiece, it’s a statement

94 The Look

Bubba Watson needs his golf apparel to perform technically and Oakley has delivered.

96 Fairway Starlet Lexi Thompson’s makes a Major splash.

WIN a custom ďŹ t Ping G25 driver. Go to wwgolf.net

6 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

golf.ecco.com

WHICH

HYBRID

ARE YOU? High-performance leathers. Unrivalled comfort.

Tour-proven E-DTS outsole technology.

A completely unique hybrid experience from ECCO.

CLASSIC HYBRID

BIOM HYBRID

STREET EVO ONE

Available at leading Golf clubs, Golf House Shops and Ecco Stores in UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain & Egypt. Tel: +971 4299 3885 Ext 100, 101, 404

Worldwide Golf

Bubba brightens up a dull Masters MY MASTERS memories only go as far back as Sandy Lyle’s bunker shot on 18 and since then I’ve witnessed some shots that just leave us unfortunate amateurs feeling very insecure. Even tour pros scratch their heads in disbelief. But, like all things these days, we get used to being entertained and we have come to expect the unexpected. So nothing is new these days. That was until Bubba Watson hit a drive and a sand wedge to 13 at Augusta National!

We know he’s one of the longest hitters on Tour but what made it such a standout shot was the timing.

Leading the Masters during the closing round with things getting tight at the top, takes a player with very large coconuts to decide to risk it all and fire it that far over the corner.

He could have played it conventionally and still got on in two

but this is ‘Bubba Golf’ and without it this year’s Masters would have been one of the dullest to date.

What it did highlight was the Masters still needs the Tiger and Phil factor. Last year’s was a nail-biter. This year was far from it.

Let’s hope the US Open sees the big names finding their form and the likes of Jordan Spieth, Jonas Blixt and a host of big names and small names pushing them all the way.

What the Masters does for all club golfers is breath life back into our game and lowering our handicap is always on our minds.

So, with that in mind we’ve taken note from the pros and focused more in this issue on how to improve stability and power in the swing. For a few more yards with fairways found and greens hit in regulation I’ll try absolutely anything.

One amateur in the UAE who’s

ISSUE No. 159, MAY, 2014 Published by: Worldwide Sporting Publications Ltd +44 1663 719926

Editor-in-Chief: Mike Gallemore Executive Editor: Gary Player Editor: Alex Gallemore Publisher: Mike Gallemore

Published in Dubai by: Prografix, PO Box 24677, Dubai, UAE (Tel) +9714 340 3785

General Manager Dubai: Richard Bevan Printed by: Raidy, Dubai

8 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

renowned for splitting fairways is Craig Vance and he puts it out there as well.

Craig caught up with local club-fit specialist Jason Ashley to put the latest available fairway woods through their paces.

It was interesting to get his feedback on the clubs with the local market in mind. We are forever obsessed with distance but don’t really take into consideration how the distance will be effective on the courses we play.

Some courses need more carry and a higher ball flight, whereas others require a low boring trajectory that gains more yardage once the ball is running.

Just think about having a go in two at the 18th on the Majlis at Emirates and think about the closing hole at Yas Links. Same club, two completely different shots required, and not for the faint-hearted.

An other local amateur making a

Editors: Todd Staszko, James Reeves, Head of Sales: Chris Haill Tabitha Florence Design Manager: Sarah B. Mahmood chris@wspdubai.com Technical Manager: Mark Collinge Editorial Executive: Greg Smyth Editorial Panel: Gary Player, Mike greg@wspdubai.com Gallemore, Alex Gallemore, Richard Bevan, Todd Staszko

waves is Oman’s leading amateur, Azaan Al Rumhy. We caught up with him to find out about his latest Five-Star trophy haul and playing golf in the Sultanate.

We’ve also got an exclusive detailed hole guide from Gil Hanse on the muchanticpated Trump International Dubai.

At more than 8,000 yards off the tips, that fairway wood will get a lot of action.

But, don’t panic, Gil has designed each hole with five tee box options, each descending in yardage for all levels of ability. One, thing is for sure, the course has been built to stage a main Tour event.

Alex Gallemore Editor June 2009 SSN 1- 46805671 Approval UAE National Media Council: Ref.816 30/5/2007 Trade Licence No. 1/104375/15280

Average Qualified Circulation 14,700

Worldwide Golf specifies that post-press changes may occur to any information given in this publication and takes no responsibility for goods or services advertised.

THE

:FLIJ< 18th, West course at Wentworth, the Final Decider

P

RIOR to Ernie Els' redesign in 2010 the 18th hole at Wentworth's West Course, host to this month's BMW PGA Championship, the flagship event of The European Tour, used to be a soft touch.

Not making birdie felt like a bogey.

Now, and thanks to a couple of further tweaks, it’s got sharp teeth ready to chew up any promising score card. It has morphed into a dangerous hole on which a birdie is far from guaranteed.

The tiny creek that previously only cut through the fairway has been extended and now runs up the right hand edge of the hole, cuts back through the fairway and then expands as it tightly guards the front of the green.

The putting surface has been re-shaped and is now the smallest on the course requiring a high, soft-landing shot to clear the brook and hold the green – something only the longest hitters may be able to do.

The shorter hitters will be forced to layup, effectively turning a par-5 that was potentially reachable by most players with two big blows into a tough, slightly uphill par-3. Previously, any low, scuttling shot used to chase up the fairway and bound onto the green to leave a two-putt birdie.

Purists While not everyone found the changes favourable when they were introduced in 2010 it did rank as the second easiest hole on the course – but for some purists the hole had lost its charm.

Ian Poulter is not a fan while Lee Westwood, a winner on the West Course when it held the World Match Play Championship had this to say after the 2010 tournament: “There’s a fine line between keeping it exciting and making it too tough. I was a big fan of the old finish.”

Further changes ensued, including lowering the height of the green so it became more visible from the fairway and in 2012 and 2013 the hole did get easier, with the number of eagles running into double figures for the week.

However, given the risk-reward nature of the hole, it's still sure to play a huge part in crowing this year's BMW PGA Champion.

10 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

JK8IK<I Getting easier...

Since Ernie Els' redesign in 2010 the 18th hole has been altered again and is showing signs of getting a little bit easier.

2010: Average: 4.92 Rank: 17 Tot. Birdies: 124 Eagles: 2

2011: Average: 4.85 Rank: 17 Tot. Birdies: 137 Eagles: 4

2012: Average: 4.85 Rank: 16 Tot. Birdies: 152 Eagles: 11

2013: Average: 4.77 Rank: 16 Tot. Birdies: 141 Eagles: 10

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 11

WIE ENDS TITLE TLE DROUGHT

Hornets attack Larrazabal in Malaysia IN ONE of the most bizarre scenes on a go course in recent years, Spaniard Pablo golf La Larrazabal was forced to take evasive action act during the second round of the Malaysian Mala Open as a swarm of hornets ‘three or four times the size of bees’ launched an all-out attack on him on the 14th hole.

“They were huge and like 30 or 40 of them started to attack me big time. I didn’t know what to do,” said the 30-year-old. “My caddie told me to run, so I start running like a crazy guy, but the hornets were still there.

The other players told me to jump in the lake – so I did.”

MICHELLE Wie clinched her first title since winning the 2010 Canadian Women’s Open, with a two-stroke win over Angela Stanford at the LPGA Lotte Championship in her native Hawaii.

Fifteen year old Katsu wins on Japan Ladies Tour JAPANESE 15-year-old amateur Minami Katsu wrote her own little bit of history last month by becoming the youngest-ever winner on the Japan LPGA Tour with a victory at the Vantelin Ladies Open. Ryo Ishikawa became the youngest winner on the men’s Japanese Tour when he was 15 years and eight months old in 2007.

PGA TOUR ANNOUNCE CHANGES TO THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF FORMAT For the first time in the tournament’s history the PGA Tour’s Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass will use a three-hole aggregate play-off over holes 16, 17 and 18 to decide the winner should there be a tie after regulation play. Previously the event had gone to sudden-death at the perilous 17th hole but Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem believes the changes will ensure a more appropriate way of deciding the winner.

K.J. Choi was the last man to win The Players in a play-off when he defeated David Toms on the 17th in 2011.

Pinehurst No.2 offers a glimpse of the future WHEN play gets underway at this year’s US Open at Pinehurst No.2 in North Carolina, in June, the course will not have the typical look or feel of a US Open venue. Instead it offers a view into the future of golf, according to architect Bill Coore, as water conservation becomes an increasingly important issue in the sport.

Gone are the lush, thick areas of rough and they are replaced by long sandy waste areas and wiregrass alongside the fairways. “There is room in the world of golf for this,” Coore said recently. “It may look like golf in the past, in terms of the presentation of the course, but in so many ways, this is golf of the future.

“In today’s world, with water issues, environmental impact issues, and the costs associated – the majority (of courses) are going to have to go more in this direction.”

According to a 2012 report from the USGA, the average golf course spends 41.9 percent of its irrigation budget on rough – larger than any other single area of the course.

12 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

JIMÉNEZ WINS ON SENIOR DEBUT EMERGING from a haze of cigar smoke, Miguel Angel Jiménez became the 18th player to win on their US Champions Tour debut after he beat the likes of Bernhard Langer, Jay Haas and Fred Couples to the title at the Greater Gwinnett Championship in Georgia to follow his fourth place finish at the Masters.

JK8IK<I Closing it the hard way – from the sand IN LIGHT of Matt Kuchar’s dainty hole-out victory from the greenside bunker on the 18th at The Heritage at Hilton Head last month, let's take a look at some other memorable bunker shots that have kindly dropped into the hole for victory.

Azinger dinks in at the '93 Memorial

McIlroy’s deft display in Hong Kong AFTER winning the US Open at a canter earlier in the 2011 season Rory McIlroy made The Race to Dubai a little more interesting that year as he won the penultimate event in Hong Kong courtesy of a stunning bunker shot on the final hole. Placed a couple of yards below the level of the green the young Irishman popped it out and watched it roll in to deny Frenchman Gregory Havret.

HAVING led the PGA Tour’s bunker stats three times previously in his career, Paul Azinger delivered a stunning shot to deny his closest pal, Payne Stewart, at the final hole of the Memorial Tournament in 1993. Faced with a perilous shot which was downhill all the way, Azinger dinked it barely over the lip of the bunker and watched as it curled down and towards the cup. It took an age to get there but it finally dropped. Shaken and stirred, Stewart missed his par putt to force a play-off

Bob Tway denies Norman in ‘86 DESPITE winning eight events in his career on the US PGA Tour, Bob Tway is largely famous for just one thing – his birdie that denied Greg Norman at the US PGA Championship in Ohio.

Short-sided in the trap but on a favourable upslope, Tway swung softly, accelerated through the ball and popped it over the fringe and onto the downslope.

The ball did the rest. His one and only Major earned him a spot in the history books.

Frost hot in New Orleans Glover takes the Mickey TOUR rookie Lucas Glover pitched in from around 60 yards to win his first US PGA Tour title at the Disney Classic in Orlando in 2005.

The long greenside bunker shot is one of the toughest in golf but he made it look easy, flying it almost all the way before it landed about eight feet from the flag and tracked into the centre of the cup.

POOR Great White Shark, Greg Norman.

So often the victim of a wonder shot (see Bob Tway and then Larry Mize at the 1987 Masters), the Aussie had to watch and wait for the expected play-off from the clubhouse as South African David Frost pitched in for birdie from around 25 yards to win the 1990 USF&G Classic in New Orleans.

RUNNING THE RULE By Stuart McMurdo, Golf Operations Manager, Jebel Ali Golf Resort Luke Donald’s Masters Misery LUKE DONALD is renowned for being one of the world’s best bunker players, so it was a surprise to see him leave his greenside bunker shot in the hazard after his third shot on the 9th hole during the first round of the Masters.

What was even more surprising was that after he played the shot he smacked the sand in frustration, causing a breach of rule 13-4, for testing or grounding his club in a hazard prior to his second attempt to get the ball out.

A Patron had noticed the infringement and made it clear to a Rules Official, although Luke did admit in his post-round interview that he had realised his mistake but waited to the end of the round to speak to officials. The two stroke penalty meant a 79 and he couldn’t recover enough during round 2 to make the cut.

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 13

Standings MATT KUCHAR won 50 World Ranking points for his win at the RBC Heritage while across the other side of the world Lee Westwood clinched 32 points after his first win in two years, at the Malaysian Open. Kuchar is up to a career-high fifth on the Ranking while former No.1 Westwood moved up six places to 30th.

Meanwhile, Bubba Watson’s second Masters win in three years elevated his World Ranking to No.4 and runner-up Jordan Spieth broke into the top ten for the first time in his career. Americans currently occupy five of the top ten spots in the Ranking, 11 of the top 20 and 26 of the top 50.

2014 RYDER CUP RANKINGS Qualification Criteria for The 2014 European Ryder Cup Team

Qualification for The 2014 European Ryder Cup Team will be selected employing the following criteria:

The players in bold currently occupy the nine automatic qualifying places (after the RBC Heritage/Maybank Malaysian Open):

(a) The leading four Members on The Ryder Cup European Points List (1) on Sunday August 31st 2014. In the event of a tie between Members (i.e. a number of Members having accumulated an equal number of points), placings will be decided by the Member with the higher ranking on the 2014 Race to Dubai on Sunday 31st August 2014.

EUROPEAN POINTS LIST

WORLD POINTS LIST Henrik STENSON

275.80

2 Jamie DONALDSON 2165473.77

2 Sergio GARCIA

203.86

3 Thomas BJÖRN

1932606.94

3 Rory McILROY

157.41

4 Henrik STENSON

1718866.86

4

Thomas BJÖRN

154.48

5 Ian POULTER

1688388.60

5

Victor DUBUISSON

150.56

6 Joost LUITEN

1300177.05

6

Jamie DONALDSON

140.28

7 G. FDEZ-CASTAÑO

1254874.46

7 Luke DONALD

130.28

8 Sergio GARCIA

1186966.34

8 Ian POULTER

122.96

9 Miguel A JIMENEZ

1164953.33

9 Justin ROSE

102.97

10 Justin ROSE

995704.50

10 Miguel A. JIMÉNEZ

1 Victor DUBUISSON

2297434.81

1

99.66

(b) The leading five Members, not otherwise qualified under paragraph (a) above, on The Ryder Cup World Points List (2) on Sunday 31st August 2014. In the event of a tie between Members (i.e. a number of Members having accumulated an equal number of points), placings will be decided by the Member with the higher ranking on the Official World Golf Ranking as published on Monday August 25th 2014. (c) The Captain, Paul McGinley, will choose (at his own discretion) the remaining three Members following the conclusion of The Race to Dubai tournament scheduled to conclude on August 31st 2014.

(1) The Ryder Cup European Points List will comprise points (1 point = 1 Euro) earned by a Member from all Race to Dubai Tournaments in which he participates between August 26th 2013 and August 31st 2014. (Money earned by a Member from the 2013 Race to Dubai Bonus Pool or Race to Dubai bonus points earned during the 2013 Final series do not count towards this points list).

(2) The Ryder Cup World Points List will comprise Official World Golf Ranking Points won by a Member1 from each tournament in which he participates between August 26th 2013 and August 24th 2014, and thereafte only from the Race to Dubai Tournament scheduled to conclude on August 31st 2014. Official World Golf Ranking Points are allocated to all officially sanctioned tournaments (on any Federated Tour) by the Official World Golf Ranking and are allocated according to the Event Rating of the tournament.

EUROPEAN TOUR RACE TO DUBAI RANKING  AS AT APRIL 24, 2014 Pos. Player

Nat.

Eve. €

17

Ernie ELS

RSA

6

473,935

34

Rafa CABRERA-BELLO ESP

6

260,799

1

Thomas BJÖRN

DEN

9

1,202,769

18

Thongchai JAIDEE

THA

9

429,184

35

Michael HOEY

NIR

11

259,699

2

Jamie DONALDSON

WAL

8

1,194,571

19

Pablo LARRAZÁBAL

ESP

7

421,020

36

Gonzalo F-CASTAÑO

ESP

6

254,829

3

Louis OOSTHUIZEN

RSA

6

1,034,766

20

Thomas AIKEN

RSA

9

400,074

37

Hennie OTTO

RSA

8

245,988

4

Sergio GARCIA

ESP

6

923,085

21

Alejandro CAÑIZARES ESP

9

383,988

38

Bernd WIESBERGER

AUT

7

229,395

5

Victor DUBUISSON

FRA

6

875,353

22

Ross FISHER

ENG

8

369,416

39

Thorbjørn OLESEN

DEN

7

227,140

6

Jonas BLIXT

SWE

3

712,176

23

Justin ROSE

ENG

4

361,162

40

Francesco MOLINARI ITA

6

227,104

7

Charl SCHWARTZEL

RSA

8

701,428

24

Mikko ILONEN

FIN

7

355,027

41

Tommy FLEETWOOD ENG

7

214,831

8

Miguel Angel JIMÉNEZ ESP

9

671,637

25

Dawie VAN DER WALT RSA

12

349,434

42

Matthew BALDWIN

ENG

11

211,768

9

Stephen GALLACHER SCO

8

655,168

26

Morten Ørum MADSEN DEN

11

346,743

43

Peter UIHLEIN

USA

7

206,104

10

Lee WESTWOOD

ENG

4

633,157

27

Darren FICHARDT

RSA

12

325,921

44

Martin KAYMER

GER

6

197,144

11

George COETZEE

RSA

9

562,576

28

Graeme MCDOWELL

NIR

4

322,262

45

Oliver FISHER

ENG

8

195,984

12

Branden GRACE

RSA

9

534,858

29

Andy SULLIVAN

ENG

11

307,867

46

Jorge CAMPILLO

ESP

12

195,844

13

Henrik STENSON

SWE

7

516,529

30

Brendon DE JONGE

ZIM

4

288,160

47

Richard FINCH

ENG

8

192,972

14

Rory MCILROY

NIR

5

504,165

31

Romain WATTEL

FRA

9

280,399

48

Magnus A CARLSSON SWE

10

185,419

15

Joost LUITEN

NED

8

490,026

32

Emiliano GRILLO

ARG

7

264,901

49

Jin JEONG

KOR

7

184,991

16

Richard STERNE

RSA

8

476,384

33

Matteo MANASSERO

ITA

8

264,840

50

Danny WILLETT

ENG

8

184,692

14 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

Play unlimited golf at Dubai Creek this Summer

Introducing our Summer Pass. With unlimited access to our 18 hole championship course seven days a week from 1st June to 30th September with cart hire, a 30 minute golf lesson, full access to the Par 3 course, 18 hole Pearl Putting course, driving range and practice areas, unlimited use of the gym and resort style swimming pool, plus great discounts on dining and our Pro Shop, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll wish the summer never ended.* Register today for just AED 4,350 and start planning your summer at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

Sign up before 23rd May and receive four midweek member guest vouchers for 18 holes on the championship course. *Terms and conditions apply

For further information call +971 4 295 6000 or email dcgyc@dubaigolf.com www.dubaigolf.com

2013 DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP DELIVERS US$44 MILLION TO DUBAI ECONOMY

T

HE 2013 DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates delivered a US$44 million gross economic benefit to Dubai, according to independent research commissioned by tournament organisers, The European Tour.

In addition to the economic impact, the DP World Tour Championship delivered a US$280 million marketing benefit for Dubai from global television exposure. That figure was derived from analysing 1,220 cumulative live TV broadcast hours across 51 broadcasters with a global audience reach of 458 million households.

Researchers from international marketing research agency, Repucom, surveyed a sample of the 55,000 spectators, who attended the DP World Tour Championship, to reach their economic impact findings.

Spectator expenditure comprised 73% of the Direct Economic Impact on Dubai with contractors the second most significant group, contributing 15% of the value. Hospitality guests, media, volunteers, management, staff, and players also contributed to the total spend. The report revealed the following:

31% 43%

85%

of spectators were from outside Dubai. were Primary Visitors – the DP World Tour Championship was their main reason / a reason combined with other events for travelling to Dubai.

of spectators who used paid-for accommodation stayed in hotels including Atlantis, The Palm, the tournament’s Official Hotel, and 12% stayed in serviced apartments for an average of three nights.

49%

of Primary non-Dubai visitors spent money away from the event on shopping and 24% spent money on other tourist attractions / entertainment during their stay.

50%

of Primary non-Dubai visitors extended their stay for an average of five additional nights.

Pictured left to right at the prizegiving presentation: Mohammed Sharaf, Group Chief Executive Officer of DP World; Henrik Stenson, 2013 DP World Tour Championship and Race to Dubai Winner; His Excellency Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World; George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour.

16 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

Further to the economic impact figure, the DP World Tour Championship has delivered further monies to Dubai through air travel and golf tourism as follows:

27%

40%

of Primary non-Dubai visitors to the tournament travelled to Dubai via Emirates – a Premium Partner of the tournament – which is the equivalent of 2,500+ additional flights.

MOHAMMED SHARAF, Group Chief Executive Officer of DP World, said: “We are very proud to be part of such a significant global sporting event and that the findings demonstrate the scope and scale of the positive impact the tournament has on the economy and global awareness of Dubai.”

Yousuf Kazim, General Manager of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: “We are delighted

to be the host venue for the tournament for the sixth year running and to be supporting golf tourism in Dubai. The DP World Tour Championship will continue to be held at Jumeirah Golf Estates until at least 2017 and we look forward to helping Dubai reach its target of 20 million tourists by 2020.”

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “We look forward to the

of spectators said they would definitely return to play golf at Jumeirah Golf Estates in the future as a result of attending the event. This sentiment will have a knock-on effect on other Dubai golf courses, therefore benefitting the Dubai economy further overall.

DP World Tour Championship continuing to be the successful season-ending event of The European Tour’s Race to Dubai for many years to come and delivering such substantial golf and tourism benefits to Dubai’s economy.”

The DP World Tour

Championship was held from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 November 2013 on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates and was won by Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, who also secured The Race to Dubai title and the mantle of European Tour Number One.

This year’s US$8 million DP World Tour Championship will take place on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 20 - 23.

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 17

TOUR NEWS Date: Mar 27 - 29 Event: Eurasia Cup Venue: Glenmarie G&CC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

INAUGURAL EURASIA CUP ENDS IN A 1010 TIE THE first staging of the Eurasia Cup, a biennial team event between the top talent in Europe and the leading players in Asia ended in a 10-10 draw after a stunning comeback from the Asian team in the singles.

Captained by Thongchai Jaidee, Asia were whitewashed 5-0 by Miguel Angel Jiménez’s European team on the opening day but the Asian team fought back to be 7-3 down heading into the singles in The Ryder Cup-style format.

Jaidee began the comeback with a 3&2 win over Graeme McDowell and after wins for Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Hyung-sung Kim, Anirban Lahri, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Siddikur Rahman the result came down to the match between Hideto Tanihara and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano.

Neither player managed to birdie the final hole which meant their match was halved and the overall spoils were shared.

Thongchai Jaidee: “Every Member of my team was unbelievable in coming back – it was fantastic. I would like to say thanks to all my team and the staff. They did a good job, and we were very excited with our comeback performance. Everyone played really o]dd& A l`afc l`] eYl[` oYk mfZ]da]nYZd]$ al oYk Y _gg\ Úfak`& Lg end on the last, and on the 18th hole, was fantastic. I have never seen a match like this. It was amazing.”

Date: Mar 27-30 Event: Valero Texas Open Venue: TPC San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas Winner’s Cheque: $1,116,000

Date: Apr 03 - 06 Event: NH Collection Open Venue: La Reserva de Sotogrande Club de Golf, Cadiz, Spain Winner’s Cheque: €100,000

BOWDITCH HANGS ON FOR FIRST WIN

CRESPI’S BIG BREAKTHROUGH

STEVEN Bowditch shot a final round 76 but managed to hang on to record his first victory on the US PGA Tour by one stroke ahead of Will MacKenzie and Daniel Summerhays at the Valero Texas Open. Bowditch shot the highest final round by a US PGA Tour winner since Vijay Singh won the 2004 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. Bowditch wasn’t the only one to struggle on a day where the average score was 73.8 at a windswept TPC San Antonio.

MARCO Crespi collected his first European Tour title in fine style as a final round 3-under-par 69 gave him a two-stroke victory over Jordi Garcia Pinto and Richie Ramsay at the NH Collection Open in Spain. The Italian made a flying start to his final round, reaching the turn in just 32 blows but bogeys at holes 12 and 13 threatened to derail his charge for victory. However, he picked up a birdie on 14 to steady the ship and parred his way to the title.

“After a period of time out there, with the way I was playing, I kind of just accepted the fact that I was going to be playing from cacti, moving rocks, missing putts and just had to deal with it every time.”

A Zaj\a]\ l`] Újkl Yf\ l`Yl _Yn] e] l`] [gfÚ\]f[] lg _g dgo& A bmkl `Y\ lg manage the pressure on the back nine and, on the whole, I played very well – A e n]jq `Yhhq

Pos. Name 1 T2

Steven Bowditch Will MacKenzie Daniel Summerhays

Country

Tot.

R1 R2 R3 R4

Total

Pos. Name

AUS USA USA

-8 -7 -7

69 67 68 76 69 72 70 70 72 68 70 71

280 281 281

1 T2

18 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

Marco Crespi Jordi Garcia Pinto Richie Ramsay

Country

Tot.

R1 R2 R3 R4

Total

ITA ESP SCO

-10 -8 -8

70 73 66 69 73 70 71 66 71 72 69 68

278 280 280

Date: Apr 17 - 20 Event: Maybank Malaysian Open Venue: Kuala Lumpur G&CC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Winner’s Cheque: €329,615

WESTWOOD CRUISES TO FIRST WIN SINCE 2012 LEE Westwood treated the spectators to a master-class as he romped to a seven-shot victory at the Maybank Malaysian Open for the 41st victory of his career and his first since 2012.

The 40-year-old began the day with a one-stroke lead over fellow Englishman Andy Sullivan and moved into a four-shot lead before the threat of lightning forced a four-hour delay. When play resumed Westwood continued to dominate and birdied the last to win in style.

“I started working with a new coach, Mike Walker, a few weeks ago and Billy Foster came back on the bag at the end of last year, so I was going back to what I had done before because it worked.”

Pos. Name

Country Tot.

1 Lee Westwood T2 BerndWiesberger Louis Oosthuizen Nicolas Colsaerts

Date: Apr 03 - 06 Event: Shell Houston Open Venue: Golf Club of Houston, Houston, Texas Winner’s Cheque: $1,152,00

ENG AUT SAF BEL

-18 -11 -11 -11

R1 R2 R3 R4 Total 65 69 72 66

66 71 68 69

71 70 69 72

68 67 68 70

270 277 277 277

Date: Apr 17 - 20 Event: RBC Heritage Venue: Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, South Carolina Winner’s Cheque: $1,044,000

JONES PITCHES IN FOR MAIDEN VICTORY

KUCHAR SEALS IT IN STYLE

MATT JONES made it back-to-back wins for Australians on the US PGA Tour after he pitched in from 40 yards to win a play-off with Matt Kuchar and take home his maiden title at the Shell Houston Open.

Jones shot a final round 66 – including a superb birdie on the 18th – to finish level alongside Kuchar and promptly birdied the 18th again to deny the American.

Matt Kuchar holed out superbly from a greenside bunker for birdie on the final hole to deny Luke Donald and win the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head for his 7th title on the US PGA Tour. Kuchar signed for a superb final round 7-under par 64 to clinch the title by one from Donald who could only muster a 2-under-par 69.

L`ak na[lgjq e]Yfk ]n]jql`af_ lg e] ja_`l fgo Z][Ymk] l`Yl k o`Yl o] hdYq for – to win.”

“I went up and took a good read, knew it would release and break right to left, played it just right of the hole, watched it roll. I heard the crowd go crazy when it disappeared. I went crazy myself. It was just an incredible feeling.”

Pos. Name

Total

Pos. Name

273 273 275

1 2 3

1 2 3

Matt Jones Matt Kuchar Sergio Garcia

Country AUS USA ESP

Tot. -15 -15 -13

R1 R2 R3 R4 68 68 71 66 66 67 68 72 67 65 73 70

Matt Kuchar Luke Donald Ben Martin

Country

Tot.

R1 R2 R3 R4

Total

USA ENG USA

-11 -10 -9

66 73 70 64 70 69 66 69 69 68 71 67

273 274 275

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 19

Bubba Masters Augusta – again!

WITH his second Green Jacket in three years, Bubba Watson has earned himself elevated status among the greats in the game. He’s shown he can overpower the Augusta National layout with a brand of golf that marries imagination, length, incredible shot shaping, a super-high ball flight and meticulous putting. But while his skill-set might give him a slight head start at this particular Major – can his game translate to the more traditional Major coures set-up at The Open, the US Open and the US PGA? As one TV commentator so succinctly put it as Bubba was about to launch his astonishing drive over the corner at 13, “Hold on to your hats…”

20 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

TWOS UP: Bubba Watson signals his success with his second Green Jacket in three years.

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 21

R

EWIND the clock five years and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone in the game who would have pinpointed Bubba Watson as a future Masters Champion – let alone someone who might get to model the Green Jacket twice.

But the unassuming, fun-loving guy from the dusty town of Bagdad in the Florida Panhandle has done just that and highlighted that the immaculate fields of Augusta National that have been ‘Tiger proofed’ since around turn of the century may now need ‘Bubba proofing.’

“There’s only a couple of tee shots that are really tough for me and that make me a bit nervous,” said Watson, referring to holes 7 and 18, while beaming from ear to ear in his post-tournament press conference.

“Other than those two, the golf course sets up pretty good for me off the tee, and when I’m hitting my driver halfway decent it allows me to hit some shorter irons in there,” he explained.

Bubba wrote his name in the Masters history books alongside Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Tom Watson and Seve Ballesteros as two-time winners of the Masters after defeating playing partner Jordan Spieth and Sweden’s Jonas Blixt by three strokes – and he did it his way.

His sensational banana-shaped sliced drive on 13 set up a wedge into the green and a two-putt birdie, but an over-slice off the tee on 15 left him an awkward second shot. His decision to go for the green – being three shots up with four to play – almost begged Van De Velde-like questions but he pulled it off, made par and then parred his way home to secure him the title.

“I don’t remember the last few I holes, I just remember hanging on to make pars,” recalled Bubba, looking resplendent with his bright white shirt peeping from beneath his new jacket. “It’s overwhelming to win here twice and to sit alongside such great names – just a smalltown guy named Bubba now has two Green Jackets.”

Under his spell With Augusta National firmly under his spell, the question now is whether Bubba can find a way to win any of the other Majors? Don’t write him off. In addition to hi success at Augusta he has triumphed at some pretty notable courses in his career, including Torrey Pines and Riviera, both of which have hosted Majors in the past.

Bubba was runner-up to Martin Kaymer at the 2010 US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits and fifth at the 2007 US Open at the notoriously tough and narrow Oakmont CC. With his imagination and craft he could be well suited to the links courses that host The Open Championship but his boom-or-bust approach would have to be refined somewhat this year at Hoylake, a course peppered with pot bunkers. He’s yet to break

22 | WorldwideGolf - April 2014

Right: Bubba is congratulated by wife, Angie and their son Caleb, after wrapping up a memorable victory.

into the top-20 of a final Open leaderboard and doesn’t always enjoy teeing it up in front of European galleries, once commenting that he would probably not play the event if it wasn’t a Major. However, Watson is now a more mature Major Champion and with just over two years of fatherhood under his belt he admits he is a changed man to the one who took his first Masters in swashbuckling style two years ago.

“That shot from the woods two years ago made me famous, but when I won we had only just adopted our son, Caleb, and he was one month old,” says Watson.

“Since that day he has helped me put my life into perspective. He doesn’t care if I play bad or if I play great. All he cares about is daddy giving him a hug. He’s teaching me about life and about how precious life is.

“Life can get you down real fast. There’s a lot of negativity in the world. Looking at my son, I want to be a role model for him. I play golf because I love it. I love the game and I want to grow the game. The game has brought me everything that I’ve ever owned in my life.”

With an attitude like that and a game just as positive, it would be difficult to write off Bubba’s chances of adding additional Major silverware to his collection.

When he’s on form he’ll always be a threat at Augusta National, and now with his elite status as a two-time Major Champion he’ll be feared by all those around him when he gets into contention. Look out, World, Bubba is a Major Player. As that TV commentator said: “Hang on to your hats.’ Q

Bubba on that drive on

13

“Well, I’m not very smart, but I can tell it probably hit some trees because that’s not the line I really wanted it to go on. I knew when the drive took off, it was cutting a little too much. I knew I hit it really hard.

Obviously, when you get a roar on your tee shot like I got from the crown, you know it’s pretty good. I could start breathing again once I heard them clapping and roaring.”

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 23

Relying on prodigious drives with his racing-striped pink G25 driver and pin-seeking S55 iron shots, Bubba Watson was ďŹ tted for his second Masters green jacket in three years.

A ďŹ nal-round 69 earned Bubba a return visit to Butler Cabin, becoming only the ninth player to win two Masters titles in three years.

All of us at PING congratulate Bubba on his impressive win at Augusta National Golf Club.

WIN a custom fit Ping G25 driver. Go to wwgolf.net

Golden Oldies top off the tee The leading three players in the Driving Accuracy category at Augusta were all veterans.

Miguel Angel Jiménez led the way with 48 of 56 hit, Jim Furyk hit 46 out of 56 and Bernhard Langer hit 45 of 56.

Bubba Watson needed 122 tournament starts to win for the first time on the US PGA Tour. Now he has two Masters wins in three years.

Youngsters lead the GIR stats Tournament runner-up Jordan Spieth hit the most greens for the week with 53 out of 72 while Billy Horschel and Rory McIlroy both hit 52 for a share of second place in the GIR stats.

Bubba’s Masters Stats Greens Hit: 69.4% (Field ave. 58.3%) Driving Distance: 306 yards (Field Ave. 287 yards) Fairways Hit: 71.4% (Field Ave. 68%) Average Putts: 1.61 (Field Ave 1.66) Longest Drive: 343 yards (Field Longest 368 yards) Sand Saves: 25% (Field Average 43.6%)

Bubba’s Bag Driver: PING G25 (Grafalloy Bi-Matrix Rocket Pink X shaft), 8.5 degrees.

3-Wood: PING G25 (Fujikura Motore Speeder Tour Spec 8.2 X shaft), 16.5 degrees.

Irons (3-PW): PING S55 (True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shafts.)

Wedges: PING Tour (52 and 56 degrees; True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shafts), PING Tour-S T/S (64 degrees; True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shaft) Putter: PING Anser Milled Anser 1 P Ball: Titleist ProV1x B

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 25

<< WORLDWIDE GOLF COLUMN COLUMNIST

David

Howell

BUBBA AND MIGUEL – MASTERS HEADLINERS

T

he first Major of the year is now behind us and for the second time in three years, Bubba Watson adorned the Green Jacket come Sunday night. I spent the week in the Sky TV studios in London, previewing and then reviewing the action, on the Masters Breakfast Show.

I can happily admit to feeling just a little smug having tipped Bubba right from the off.

Augusta is a special place, as anyone will tell you who has had the privilege of going there, but it’s only when you play the course in tournament conditions that you come to realise just how different the examination is compared to every other course we play. If the course asks different questions of a player then my theory is that it might be a good idea to look for a player with something different. In which case, we need look no further than Bubba. That’s not meant as a slight in any way, but a compliment.

“

When I first saw Bubba in 2007, did I think that he would go on to become a Major champion? Not on your Nelly.

Just like so many other people Bubba has bumped into along the way, I thought his eccentric style, with his exaggerated shot-shaping, would come undone under pressure. Thankfully, for the world of golf, Bubba wasn’t listening to anyone.

“

Gets your attention The first time I came across Bubba was in 2007 playing in the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at Doral in Florida. I had just finished an unreachable par five on the front nine when I noticed a lefty playing behind me. ‘Strange action’ was my first impression. ‘Even stranger ball flight’ was my second thought. However, not only had Bubba reached the green, guarded by a huge lake, in just two, he had done it using an iron for his second shot. This made my drive, 3-iron lay-up and wedge look rather pedestrian. As a pro, seeing someone demolishing a hole like that, well, it certainly gets your attention.

Did I think then, that Bubba would go on to become a Major champion? Not on your Nelly. Just like so many other people Bubba has bumped into along the way, I thought his eccentric style, with his exaggerated shot-shaping, would come undone under pressure. Thankfully, for the world of golf, Bubba wasn’t listening to anyone.

He has begun to master his art, a phrase that is very apt indeed. To me, he plays golf like one of those flamboyant artists who paint with their hands with dramatic music as an accompaniment. No rules, no boundaries. He just uses the weapons at his disposal to the best of his ability, while most of the rest of us are busy trying to colour in between the lines.

With Tiger worryingly having to go under the knife once again, and nobody else able to take the initiative and the No.1 spot by the scruff of the neck, golf needs a star man - someone different and distinguishable to create headlines and put our sport

26 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

on the back pages and, once in a while, even the front. Woods has done this for our sport for as long as we can remember, as did John Daly in his prime both for good and bad reasons, it must be said. But you get the feeling that Bubba can hit the headlines, too, at least in America anyway. This has got to be good news for everyone.

Right at the top There were some brilliant performances elsewhere at Augusta, not least from one of the youngest players on show, Jordan Spieth. Not since Fuzzy Zoeller, decades ago, has a rookie won at Augusta and although this twenty year old didn’t quite manage it, the way he came out of the blocks so fast on Sunday shows he has the potential to be right at the top of the game for many years to come.

As for two of the oldest in Miguel and Bernhard, who have both outgrown the need for surnames, what can I say? Both golden oldies are proving that Father Time doesn’t have to slow you down in this game. It also proves that there is more than one way to go about having a long, successful, professional career. Early nights and visits to the

gym versus cigars, cognac, rioja and table reservations for 10 - not people - but pm.

I will leave you to decide which way round that fits together, but alas, I can only think of one bigger headline than that of Bubba winning a second Green Jacket, and that would have been a certain Spaniard, donning the Green Jacket, wearing a pair of Aviators while lighting up the biggest Havana you have ever seen. Now that would have made the front pages. Q

It’s easy to imagine this man in a Green Jacket.

WORLDWIDE GOLF COLUMNIST <<

Greg

NORMAN

YOUNG GUNS TAKE CENTRE STAGE

L

AST August the FOX Broadcasting Company announced that they had won the rights to the U.S. broadcast of the U.S. Open as well as the other USGA Championships. NBC has held the rights to the U.S. Open for nearly 20 years and Johnny Miller has been the voice of this event for quite some time.

FOX’s new relationship with the USGA includes the U.S. Open, the U.S. Women’s Open and the U.S. Senior Open Championship as well as the USGA’s National Amateur Championship beginning in 2015. The coverage will be shown in the United States on both FOX and on FOX Sports 1.

The U.S Open will be FOX’s first ever golf broadcast and they have been working hard to assemble their golf broadcast team.

I’m really excited to announce that I have accepted a position alongside Joe Buck to be the lead anchormen for FOX’s golf coverage of the USGA Championships.

I’m looking forward to working with Joe in 2015 when the U.S. Open heads to Chambers Bay. It will be the first time that the Championship will be hosted at Chambers Bay and the first U.S. Open for FOX. FOX has always taken an innovative approach to their sporting broadcasts and I am excited to be part of the team.

Oliver Goss poses with 2013 Masters Champion Adam Scott and the Silver Cup after winning this year’s Low Amateur prize.

Impressive Bubba Congratulations to Bubba Watson for winning his second Green Jacket in impressive fashion. Bubba was able to fend off the 20 year old American Jordan Spieth who had a very impressive Masters debut.

Jordan was vying to become the fourth player in history and the first since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 to win the Masters on his debut. Spieth would also have become the youngest-ever winner of the Masters.

Professional golf is really healthy right now. Look at all the young players who are competing week in and week out. Jordan Spieth who is 20, Patrick Reed and Victor Dubuisson who are both 23, Rory McIlroy, Harris English and Russell Henley who are all 24.

The talent seems to be getting younger and younger on Tour and the professional game is healthier than ever.

Speaking of young players, congratulations to my fellow Australian, the 19 year old Oliver Goss,

who won the Silver Cup for being the best amateur at this year’s Masters. He was also the only amateur to make the cut.

Goss, who is attending the University of Tennessee, qualified for the Masters by finishing runner-up to Matthew Fitzpatrick at the 2013 U.S. Amateur.

I’m sure that Oliver must have made all of Australia proud watching him receive the trophy from last year’s Masters Champion and fellow Australian, Adam Scott. I look forward to seeing Oliver compete in the U.S. Open at Pinehurst later this year.

Miguel wins at TPC Sugarloaf Over on the Champions Tour the Greater Gwinnett Championship took place the week after the Masters at the TPC at Sugarloaf. This was my first solo golf course design project in the United States and one that I will always be very

proud of. The Sugarloaf club sits on 1,200 acres of breathtaking Georgia countryside with beautiful rolling hills and several streams that meander through the property.

The championship course is a par 72 tipping out at 7,259 yards. In 1997, the course was named

by Golf Digest among the “Best New Private Clubs in the U.S.” and in 20087-2008 it was rated by Golf Week in the “Top 100 Best Residential Golf Courses.”

The TPC at Sugarloaf hosted the US PGA Tour’s annual AT&T Classic, formerly the BellSouth Classic from 1997 until it ended in 2008. This is the second year that it has hosted the Greater Gwinnett Championship on the Champions Tour.

Fresh from his stellar performance at Augusta where he finished in fourth place on his own, Miguel Angel Jimenez cruised to a two shot victory on his US Champions Tour debut ahead of Bernhard Langer, who finished eighth in the Masters, four shots behind Jimenez. Q

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 29

<< WORLDWIDE GOLF COLUMNIST

Gary

Player GOLDEN OLDIES MATCH THE PROMISING NEW BOYS

I

’VE said for many years in my Column in Worldwide Golf that there is a very narrow gap between the standard of play between the Regular Tours and the Senior Tours. Well, the Masters proved my point emphatically.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, aged 50, finished in fourth place on his own at Augusta National, shooting a third round 66, the best round of any player in the tournament throughout the week, making Masters history by tying the lowest round for a player aged 50 or over.

Even Bubba Watson, with an opening round of 68, couldn’t match that. Miguel’s 4-under par total of 284 put him two shots ahead of the hugely talented Rickie Fowler, who is exactly half the age of Miguel.

Tied for eighth place, four shots behind Miguel, was Bernhard Langer, who, at the age of 56, is still a formidable player on the Regular and Senior Tours.

For two Senior players to finish in the top 10 of the Masters is incredible.

Former Masters Champions Freddie Couples (who finished tied for 20th), Sandy Lyle, Larry Mize, Vijay Singh and Jose Maria Olazabal all made the cut while the likes of Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Zach Johnson, Jason Dufner, Luke Donald, Charl Schwartzel, Graeme McDowell and many other leading players didn’t get to play the weekend.

Experience The week following the Masters, Jimenez made his debut on the US Champions Tour and shot a 14-under par total of 202 to win the Greater Gwinnett Championship by two shots from Bernhard Langer. Couples finished fourth, five strokes behind Miguel. The Spaniard and Bernhard have shown that they can compete with the best on both the Regular and Senior Tours.

Having won nine Senior Majors to match the nine Majors I won on the regular Tour I can appreciate from experience that the difference between Senior and Regular Tour players is very small indeed.

I’ve sung the praises of the Senior golfers but I must also commend the rising stars of the younger generation who are making their name on the world stage.

Jordan Spieth and Jonas Blixt impressed me enormously in sharing second place on 5-under par 283, three shots behind Bubba Watson. Spieth, at the age of only 20, showed incredible poise and

30 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

25 year old Rickie Fowler shakes hands with Miguel Angel Jimenez, a man twice his age, after the final round of this year’s Masters Tournament. promise and I’m sure we’ll see some great things from him in the future.

He learned some important lessons at Augusta.

You have to know when to play the safe shot and when to take your chances. On the 12th, the famed par-3, he landed his shot too short and had to watch it roll backwards into the water. His resulting bogey dashed his hopes of catching Bubba and becoming the youngest Masters Champion.

With his Masters runner-up, Jonas Blixt, aged 30, made it two top four finishes in the last two Majors, having been fourth in last year’s US PGA Championship. He’s an aggressive player who’s got a terrific short game and I’m certain we’ll see a lot more of the Swede this season – potentially he

could qualify for his first Ryder Cup appearance.

It was a great honour to be the Banquet Speaker at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club the week after the Masters, following in the footsteps of previous speakers Jack Nicklaus, former US President George W. Bush and US PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem.

It was an enjoyable evening prior to the tournament where 54 of the top 15-18 year old players from 12 different countries around the world compete in this prestigious, invitationonly annual event. All the youngsters I met were extremely well mannered and conducted themselves very well. It will be interesting to see how they fare in the years to come. Q

<< WORLDWIDE GOLF COLUMNIST

Ian

PAR-5s HOLD THE KEY TO MASTERS SUCCESS

Poulter

I

t’s always exciting to play Augusta National.

It’s a special occasion. Every year you go to the Masters you enjoy the niceties of everything that surrounds the event – the perfect practice facilities, the perfect greens, the immaculate bunkers and the overall perfect conditions in which to play.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s your tenth time at Augusta or your first time, you love it just the same.

Obviously, I was excited to receive my invitation to play this year but I left feeling deeply frustrated by my finish.

I had been looking forward to enjoying a fantastic week and playing the par-5s really well but that just didn’t happen for me. I played them 1-under while the leaders played them at least 8-under par for the week.

There’s a lot of prestige regarding where you finish and it’s something that I’ve known for years – that it’s absolutely imperative that you play the par-5s well. Maybe the day I manage to do that, will be the day I have a chance to put on a Green Jacket.

Invite only The tradition is that the top 12 finishers, including ties, at the Masters automatically earn their invite for the following year, along with the previous winners plus others with a variety of high-level qualifications. It’s regarded as an honour just to be there.

I got in by virtue of being in the top four at last year’s Open Championship at Muirfield and by being in the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking the week before the Masters and at the end of the calendar year.

Finishing in a share of 20th place wasn’t too bad but it could have been much better.

My game feels real good right now. I’m driving it well and I’m hitting lots of good iron shots. I feel like my putter is starting to work so I would hope there are some very big finishes on the horizon.

Obviously, I want to make The Ryder Cup team.

32 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

Ian Poulter and his caddie Terry Mundy assess their options during year’s Masters Tournament.

It’s something I enjoy very much and it’s one of the greatest occasions in the sporting world – not just the golfing world. There are plenty of big tournaments coming up so there are a host of opportunities to seal my place on the team.

I’ve got The Players Championship, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, the FedEx St Jude Classic and then the US Open. I’ve got a winning mindset and all that is in my mind right now is to win as many of those tournaments as possible.

We had the IPCC Charity event at my home course at Lake Nona, recently which raised somewhere in the region of $250,000 for the children’s charity, Dreamflight. It’s a wonderful charity that, once a year, gives 192 children from

the UK with serious illnesses or disabilities the holiday of a lifetime. Away from golf it was nice to see Arsenal reach the FA Cup Final and I will be flying back to London to catch the big day at Wembley when we take on Hull City. We haven’t won a trophy since the FA Cup in 2005 so it’d be nice to see us finally lift some silverware again.

Then I can concentrate on getting my preparations ready for The European Tour’s flagship event at Wentworth, the BMW PGA Championship.

On the apparel front, I have the new IJP Rubix Collection which launched at the Masters and that will run alongside the Resort Collection for this summer. I’m excited to get into some nice new colours and brighten things up for the summertime. Q

WORLDWIDE GOLF COLUMNIST <<

Pete

Cowen

I

KNOW that the Masters is globally acknowledged as one of golf’s greatest occasions but I have to say that I thought this year’s Masters was boring.

The unfortunate thing was that when we eventually saw the course at Augusta set up for the tournament it was obvious that it would suit only a few people in the field who could hit the ball long enough and high enough to get it to stop on those greens.

Henrik Stenson, who I coach, was one player who could do that but he putted so badly he was never at the races. Whereas Bubba was able to hit 9-irons into the greens and finish the job off with his putter – and he kept it going all week.

Phil Mickelson is capable of doing what Bubba did but he’s not been playing well for a while and he didn’t seem to have the enthusiasm for Augusta. The whole week was missing the Tiger and Phil factor.

The absence of Woods in particular left a big hole in the tournament. How many times have we seen Tiger mount a late charge on the Sunday afternoon and bring the crowd alive and cheering?

Apart from Bubba’s exploits there was no great noise and no excitement about the event. It was more like a procession.

When Jordan Spieth put his ball in the water on the par-three 12th by playing too short and having to watch agonisingly as it rolled back into the lake,

MASTERS MISSED THE TIGER FACTOR the outcome of the Masters was effectively all over bar the shouting.

Nick Price held the course record at Augusta but he used to say that he wasn’t suited to the Masters because he was too aggressive and always went for the pins. You need to be patient at Augusta and even play away from the pins when you need to, that is unless you have the length and creative mindset of Bubba.

Bubba on 13!

Bubba’s tee shot on 13 wasn’t as crazy as it appeared and it’s actually quite open at that spot, but only he could carry it off with his power and trajectory. The advantage he’s got over the others is that he’s so inventive, and he sees himself as being capable of taking on any sort of shot and succeeding. In his mind’s eye he might be seeing those shots as straight. You just don’t know. He moves the ball so far.

He’s got a pattern he plays to all the time. That pattern can work well sometimes but it can also

go haywire depending on his putting. When he’s putting well, as he did in the Masters, everything seems to come together for him.

I can’t imagine that Bubba would pose much of a threat at an event like the US Open. Having said that, when you’ve got as much confidence as he’s got right now, anything is possible. Who knows?

Seeing the Seniors playing well – Jimenez, Langer and Couples – was good for the game.

Nowadays the Majors are up for grabs by almost anyone. They have been that way since Tiger abdicated back in 2008. Six years is a long time for him since he won a Major. It’s amazing, incredible.

But golf needs Tiger. Every sport needs a dominant player. Rory eluded to that just recently.

The problem is that nobody has stepped up to fill Tiger’s shoes.

The only thing you can say is that without Bubba this would have been one of the flattest Masters in recent memory. It certainly wasn’t a classic. There’s an opportunity for someone to take charge at the top. Any takers? Q WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 35

Hole Guide TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF COURSE, DUBAI

BY DESIGNER GIL HANSE

HOLE 1

HOLE 2

PAR4

PAR5

Tips 397m Back 377m Member 358m Senior 343m Forward 311m

Tips 561m Back 534m Member 508m Senior 495m Forward 451m

A medium length par 4 played from an elevated tee. The shared fairway with Hole 9 to the left will provide a nice wide landing area for the first shot of the day. The second shot is played uphill to the green which is set on the first of the dune ridges created for the course.

The second is the longest par 5 on the course and is played from an elevated tee down into the valley that embraces the hole. The second shot is played down towards the green set on a ridge with water to the left of the green. A second shot played down the left that flirts with the water will set up a nice approach to the long, narrow green.

HOLE 3

HOLE 4

PAR3

PAR4

Tips 192m Back 164m Member 144m Senior 130m Forward 106m

Tips 441m Back 412m Member 376m Senior 345m Forward 290m

The first of the par 3 holes plays over 200 yards to a green perched above a lake to the left.

The green is creatively constructed to provide multiple ways to play the shot into this well contoured green.

This is a long uphill par 4 played from tees that blend in with the 3rd green complex and the tee shot must carry a corner of the lake that comes into play on holes 2 and 3. Although the water is not really in play for the tee shot, several bunkers down the right side of the hole certainly are. The green blends in nicely with the dunes-like contours that appear throughout the hole.

36 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

Worldwide Golf E X C L U S I V E

HOLE 5

HOLE 6

HOLE 7

PAR3

PAR4

PAR4

Tips 218m Back 196m Member 179m Senior 165m Forward 119m

Tips 391m Back 375m Member 353m Senior 330m Forward 286m

Tips 437m Back 422m Member 382m Senior 352m Forward 329m

The longest par 3 on the course is the gateway into the most dramatic landscape we have created to date on Holes 5-8. The downhill hole plays to a large green that sits above the dramatic landscape that unfolds behind it.

The green can be accessed by a kicker slope that will work balls onto the surface much like a Redan hole, or in the more traditional manner of flying it on to the green.

Another mid-length par 4 that plays along and over a significant dune trough from the tee. Tee shots that favour the right side of the hole will have an advantage by having a shorter shot into the green that sits on the far side of the meandering dune trough.

This long par 4 plays in the opposite direction of the previous long par 4, 4th hole, and it plays slightly downhill. Tee shots that can favour the left side of the hole will be rewarded by a better angle into the green that is angled to the back right. The long dune trough that is on the left of 6 is also on the left side of the 7th hole and provides the challenge for the tee shot.

HOLE 8 PAR4 Tips 444m Back 444m Member 444m Senior 444m Forward 444m This short par 4 plays dramatically uphill and has some of the best topography we have created yet. From the low tee, there will be plenty of options for play, ranging from a long carry down the left over a deep bunker to open up the green, or an easier angle to play out to the right.

However, this easier option off the tee will have a tough angle over a nest of bunkers to the dune ridge green that shares the same dune with the 1st green.

HOLE 9 PAR4 Tips 444m Back 444m Member 444m Senior 444m Forward 444m The finishing hole on the front nine is a par 5 that makes its way back to the clubhouse from a tee set at the base of the dune ridge from the 8th hole. From here a tee shot will play to a generous fairway prior to the start of the lake on the right side of the hole. The second shot is played to a fairway that is shared with hole 1 but a shot played close to the lake on the right side will offer a better angle into the boomerang green set at the foot of the spectacular clubhouse.

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 37

Don’t just change your swing to improve your game...

The Game Changing Pre-Paid Multi-Currency MasterCard®

The world’s first prepaid MasterCard to offer 14 currencies on a single card at genuinely spread free foreign exchange rates.

Managed online or on the go via smartphone app.

Accepted at over 34 million locations and 2.1 ATM’s worldwide displaying the MasterCard Acceptance Mark.

Teeing off April 2014

Official sponsors of David Howell

Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Winner 2013

The Centtrip Prepaid MasterCard is issued by Prepaid Financial Services Limited pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Incorporated. Prepaid Financial Services Limited is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 900036.

www.centtrip.com

To find out more contact us at enquiries@centtrip.com Available for businesses or individuals based in the SEPA region only.

Worldwide Golf E X C L U S I V E

HOLE 10 PAR4 Tips 436m Back 417m Member 383m Senior 362m Forward 310m The back nine starts off with a downhill tee shot on this long par 4 that doglegs to the right. From the tee a dramatic dune trough needs to be carried and tee shots hugging the right side will have a better angle of attack into the interestingly shaped green.

HOLE 11

HOLE 12

HOLE 13

PAR4

PAR3

PAR5

Tips 436m Back 417m Member 383m Senior 362m Forward 310m

Tips 263m Back 245m Member 221m Senior 199m Forward 160m The shortest par 4 on the course at just under 300 yards will use a long dune trough/wadi down the right side of the hole as the hazard that will open up a good angle to this tiny green. Much like the 10th at Riviera Golf Club in California we will create a small perched green to provide a challenge to the hole. Unlike the famous 10th hole we will not use any bunkers to guard the green, choosing to use tightly mown slopes and rolls to provide the protection.

Tips 547m Back 533m Member 500m Senior 479m Forward 412m

Playing along the right side of the driving range, the 11th is a mid-length par 4 that plays uphill back towards the clubhouse.

A long dune trough along the right side will be the key hazard on the hole and the green sits at the top end of the trough.

Shots played from the left side of the hole can use a slope to the left of the green to feed balls on to the green.

This hole is the only par 5 on the back nine and will play across a gentle part of the property. This smoothly rolling hole will be capped with a green that is ringed with sand, making it very difficult to hit the green with the second shot.

HOLE 14

HOLE 15

HOLE 16

PAR4

PAR3

PAR4

Tips 440m Back 414m Member 397m Senior 378m Forward 313m The 14th hole continues our move through this low profile part of the site and will rely on bunkering to create the strategy for the tee shot on this, one of the longest of the par 4 holes on the back nine. The green will be a low profile affair, hugging the ground contours and providing a chance to run a shot on to the green.

Tips 169m Back 154m Member 143m Senior 125m Forward 104m The par 3, 15th hole, starts the turn for home and the return to a more dramatic landscape. The mid-length hole plays over a dune trough to a green that sits on a dune ridge. The green will have plenty of undulation and make for some interesting putts.

Tips 428m Back 406m Member 384m Senior 355m Forward 268m The tee for this long par 4 occupies the same dune ridge with the 15th green and provides for an elevated view of this interesting hole.

There will be distinctive angles of play to both the left and right, depending on the hole location on the large green. This wide variety of options off the tee will make for one of the more interesting and dramatic holes on the course.

HOLE 17

HOLE 18

PAR3

PAR4

Tips 157m Back 137m Member 117m Senior 104m Forward 88m

Tips 448m Back 434m Member 429m Senior 405m Forward 345m As befitting a tournament course, the home hole will be the longest par 4 on the course with water in play along the entire left side of the hole. The lake parallels the tee shot on the left, so close attention will need to be paid to this feature when the tee shot is measured up. A better angle of approach will be the reward for the golfer who hits it close to the water off the tee, into this beautiful green setting that works in perfectly with the 9th green and the clubhouse setting. A fitting finish for the course and one of the more beautiful locations we have ever worked with for a finishing hole.

The finishing stretch gets a dramatic breather with this short par 3 played to a dune-top green. The surrounds for the hole will be all sand so it is a do or die proposition to this small and interesting green.

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 39

Craig STRAIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE

Vance C

RAIG Vance is currently making big waves on the UAE amateur circuit. The Liverpudlian came to the region four years ago but due to work commitments it was only recently that the former +3 handicapper started getting serious about his golf again. He joined Tower Links Golf Club, where General Manager Simon Payne has been encouraging the modest Englishman to make the most of his considerable talents. With a new handicap of scratch he began playing tournaments very late in the season and what a start he made – finishing third in the Abu Dhabi Men’s Open, then winning the RAK Black Tee Challenge, the Meydan Open and the Yas Links Men’s Open before finishing third at Jumeirah Golf Estates. He hits the ball a long way with unerring accuracy and it looks like the region’s established big guns might just have a new rival on their hands next season.

40 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

LOCAL AMATEUR GOLF SCENE

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 41

CRAIG VANCE STRAIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE WWG: What brought you over to this sunny part of the world?

CV: My job brought me here just over four years ago - I work for I.T. Info Structure.

WWG: How long have you been playing golf?

CV: I started playing when I was 13 years old - which seems a long time ago now!

WWG: Were you impressed when you came out here with the quality of the golf courses?

CV: The quality of the courses is great out here. They’re kept in really good condition and the weather for a large part of the year is perfect for playing golf.

WWG: Have you had to adapt your game much from playing courses in the North West of England?

CV: Coming from Merseyside, Lancashire, which is renowned for its very windy weather conditions, I’ve had to make changes. Since I’ve been in the UAE I’ve gone from hitting the ball very low to keep it under the wind, to having an average ball flight which obviously makes it easier to get it around the parkland-style courses which the UAE courses are mainly designed to be.

WWG: Have you got any goals that you’ve set yourself?

CV: I want to get back down to my lowest handicap which was +3 at one stage in the UK but to get to that level obviously involves a lot of practising.

I’m looking at maybe joining Jumeirah Golf Estates, as they have the new golf academy.

I’d like to start early for the forthcoming season because I started last season a little too late. If I can start the 2014/15 season from the beginning I can hopefully kick on and build on the events I won last season.

WWG: Which are your favourite courses in the UAE? CV: My favourite course in the UAE is Yas Links – it’s a beautiful place to play golf. But I’ve joined Tower Links because I have a good relationship with the General Manager, Simon Payne, and he helps out with tournament entries when I’m busy at work. It’s a great course, too.

WWG: Tell us a bit about your golfing background?

CV: I played for my county, Lancashire, when I was around 15 years old. I grew up through the junior team and then the senior team and went on to win quite a large amateur event in the North West at Formby Golf Club, which has hosted a number of Tour Championships, and won the Champions of Champions event. I also held the course record at my home club in England which was 66 and then broke it with 65 so I have both of them at the West Derby Golf Club!

42 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

WWG: What do you think of the Performance Institute at Jumeirah Golf Estates?

CV: The Performance Institute is excellent, particularly for the short game. I don’t think there is anything better in the UAE at the moment.

WWG: You must know Hoylake pretty well, as it’s in an area in which you learnt your golf, so which professional’s game is best suited to win the Open Championship this year?

CV: Yes I have grown up in an area blessed with multiple championship courses, Hoylake is a great golf course but it always brings back memories of playing in three to four layers of clothes and then waterproofs on top. Hoylake is a classic Open venue and if Tiger is back to full fitness he would have to be my pick to win there. His control with long irons off the tee and that stinger shot he plays is designed for that type of course.

Driver:

WWG: Which Tour professional has impressed you the most in the Middle East?

CV: Martin Kaymer, his victories in Abu Dhabi were second to none.

WWG: What’s the best tip for amateurs playing in the UAE? CV: Apart from taking on board plenty of water during the round, I would advise getting to the course in plenty of time to make use of the fantastic practice facilities at all the course in the UAE. It’s too often I see amateurs run onto the first tee expecting to play their best golf without warming up.

Titleist 913 D3 9.5o- B2 head setting, Aldila RIP Phenom 70 stiff shaft

Fairway Wood: Titleist 913f 15o.

Aldila RIP Phenom 80 stiff shaft Irons:

Titleist 714MB - 3-pw

Wedges: Vokey SM5. 50, 54, 58 Ball:

Titleist Prov1

Glove:

Syflex

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 43

FAIRWAY MUSCLE

by Craig Vance

Fairway PING i25 The i25 fairway woods are 154cc in 14º and 15º lofts and 144cc for the 18º. The tall face and low centre of gravity boost ball speed and reduce spin for added distance. The patented racing stripes help with alignment and adjustable lofts customize fitting and PWR shaft family optimizes the trajectory and feel.

RRP: 1550AED

44 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

CALLAWAY BIG BERTHA FAIRWAY They’re Callaway’s first adjustable fairway woods to incorporate its internal standing wave, which serves to move the centre of gravity of the clubs lower and more forward to increase ball speed.

This is also combined with their Hyper Speed Face Cup and adjustable hosel technology.

RRP: 1295AED

TITLEIST 913F Titleist 913F is a high performance, classically shaped fairway metal that delivers long distance and all-around performance from the tee and turf. Their patented SureFit Tour hosel technology allows loft and lie to be independently adjusted to precisely fit your game. The 913F is designed for speed and forgiveness with uncompromised looks, sound and feel.

RRP: 1375AED

Brought to you by

Muscle

TAYLORMADE SLDR

CALLAWAY X2 HOT

COBRA BIO CELL

TaylorMade have revised their Speed Pocket technology design by making it smaller – not bigger.

The result is a faster initial ball speed across a wider portion of the face, which helps you get consistently long distance on every swing.

Callaway use their Hyper Speed Face Technology to make the forged cup of the previous XHot faces even thinner and more forgiving on mishits. They also have an improved “internal standing wave,” like the Big Bertha, which pushes the centre of gravity lower and more forward, to increase ball speed.

The Cobra Bio Cell is equipped with MyFly8 with SmartPad technology and comes with eight loft options in each model. It has a thin forged high strength steel face insert that creates more face flex and greater ball speeds. The new E9 Face Technology also removes weight from the crown and face to increase the sweet spot for maximum distance and forgiveness.

RRP: 995AED

RRP: 1095ED

RRP: 875AED

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 45

FAIRWAY MUSCLE

by Craig Vance

When looking for a fairway wood, the main feature I’m looking for is control. I like to be able to manipulate the flight and shape to adapt to the different lies and styles of shots needed from the 240 yard marker. The courses in the UAE demand versatility, for example 18th on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club, where if you are brave enough to cut a little off the corner with your tee shot, the tempting second to the par-5 demands a high flying fairway wood to allow the ball to land softly on the narrow green. Whereas, the par-5 11th at Yas Links Golf Club needs a low running shot between the bunkers into the wind to give you a chance of making the green in two.

In this test it was interesting to see how the lastest fairway woods compared when pairing the TrackMan data with overall feel.

TaylorMade SLDR - TaylorMade have created some exceptional woods recently and on first glance this seems to be another. The rounded features make this club aesthetically pleasing and it sits behind the ball beautifully. The ball flight on this model is high and can be shaped quite easy, however keeping it down under the wind is difficult. This club would be ideal for the inland course like Emirates.

Club speed: 101.6mph

Craig Vance, one of the leading amateurs in the UAE puts the latest fairway woods to the test.

Ball Speed: 146.7mph Spin Rate: 3,524pm Height: 79.9 Feet Carry: 230.5 yards Total: 249.8 yards

Ping i25 - Ping have always made lovely looking and well balanced fairway woods and this is no different. The club sits well behind the ball and feels well balanced in your hands. When striking the ball the feeling is solid and controlled. I had a great ball flight with this club and it felt extremely easy to manipulate the ball flight. This would be a great utility club to have in your bag for all courses.

Club speed: 101.6mph

Ball Speed: 145.3mph Spin Rate: 3,487pm Height: 78.5 Feet Carry: 228.2 yards Total: 247.6 yards

Callaway Big Bertha - Callaway are definitley on the come back with this club. The feeling you get is of the old Great Big Bertha from when Callaway were at their best. The club sits excellently behind the ball and feels like it could be hit from any lie. The flight on this club is less ‘spinny’ than the other two allowing me to hit the ball a little lower with a bit more control. This would be a good club for Yas Links and Al Hamra.

Club speed: 102.5mph

46 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

Ball Speed: 147.4mph Spin Rate: 3,252pm Height: 77.8 Feet Carry: 236.9 yards Total: 256.2 yards

DATA TA

Titleist 913f - Titleist has delivered another excellent club, from it timeless design to its weight and feeling in your hands. The ball flight is controlled and extremely consistent and it grouped better than any of the other clubs on test. This would be a great all round club for the majority of courses here in the UAE. Club speed: 103.1mph

Ball Speed: 148.7mph Spin Rate: 3,263pm Height: 91.5 Feet Carry: 240.1 yards Total: 258.8 yards

Callaway X2Hot - The X2Hot is exactly that...HOT! The ball just flies off the club face.

Although the ball flight is a little harder to control the extra ball speed off the face is astonishing. This club would be a big advantage around the longer courses like Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and players with slightly lower club head speed would gain some valuable extra yards.

Club speed: 102.2mph

Ball Speed: 146.8mph Spin Rate: 3,092pm Height: 90.5Feet Carry: 237.9

yards

Total: 257.8 yards

Cobra Bio Cell - Cobra have produced a great looking club although the white lines on the pronounced face are a little off-putting. I had difficulty controlling the spin with and ball flight was exceptionally high. The ball flight would be suited to an inland course with little wind.

Club speed: 101.6mph

Ball Speed: 146.7mph Spin Rate: 3,524pm Height: 79.9 Feet Carry: 230.5 yards Total: 249.8 yards

Jason Ashley

CONCLUSION After looking at the extensive data produce by Jason Ashley and the Track Man data the outcome was close. The Titliest 913f was the the winner, based on: the look of the club; carry; total distance and grouping of the balls. The ball flight was the easiest to control, from high draws to the low sliding shots, you seem to have the feeling of complete control over the club head.

The Callaway Big Bertha and X2Hot both delievered with performance but lacked the feel of the Titleist. I would have liked to test the TaylorMade with a specialist shaft as I’m sure I would have got more control over a stock shaft.

The Golf Hou Th House se Cus ustom m Fitt Specialiist

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 47

November 5 - 8, 2014 Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final hosted by Al Badia Golf Club

Setting the Challenge PATRICK RYAN, Golf Course Superintendent at Al Badia Golf Club, hails from County Cork in Ireland. He received his HND in Turf Management from University College Writtle and he completed the Ohio State University International Intern Programme at Pinehurst Golf Resort and Weston Golf Club, USA. Before leaving Ireland in 2006, Patrick worked at the famous Old Head Golf Links at Kinsale, also at Dromoland Castle and the New Forest Golf Clubs. From 2006-2009 he was Construction Foreman of The Royal Golf Club, Bahrain and Assistant Superintendent at The Dutch Golf Club in the Netherlands from 2009-2012 before he took up his position at Al Badia Golf Club.

WWG: What changes will you make to the course from 2013?

PR: No major changes – just a few additional features and a few minor course enhancements.

We are adding new tees to holes, 11 and 17, along with enlarging the bunker on the 11th green. The key strategy will be the golf course renovation process during the summer months. The goal is to thin and freshen the turf canopy in preparation for the pre-tournament maintenance regime. This will improve turf colour, density and, most importantly, playability.

WWG: Did the course play according to your expectations in 2013?

PR: Certainly, and with the winning score of 16-under par I felt the course was not overpowered in any way. We achieved a good balance between providing a challenge for the players and entertainment for the spectators.

WWG: Were you impressed with the quality of the players on the Challenge Tour last year?

PR: I was very impressed by the calibre and the talent of the players in the Grand Final. It was a strong field and my team and I are very honoured to be providing quality playing conditions for them.

WWG: What did you have to do with the course for it to be able to host a Challenge Tour event?

PR: Al Badia is a very strong layout and at 7,300-plus yards there was not much extra we needed to do

ƽƢ | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

to prepare the course for the Grand Final. We strive to provide a high quality, tournament-ready golf course 365 days a year. Our pre-tournament focus was to improve definition, tweak a few mow lines and provide a consistent quality playing surface from tee to green.

WWG: Is the Al Badia course in good shape coming into the summer period and is there a lot to do to get it in top condition in November?

PR: Having Paspalum turf our growth is strongest in the Summer so this period is paramount to our tournament preparations because the renovation works are completed during this period to provide the foundation for the turf quality and canopy that we can produce for this year’s Grand Final in November.

WWG: Did you learn anything from last year’s event that would influence how you treat the course this time?

PR: For all the team here at Al Badia, we want the rough to be more of a challenge during this year’s Grand Final. There is a programme being implemented currently and we are striving to achieve this goal.

WWG: Are you looking for a specific score when you set the course up?

PR: The score is not really a factor for me. The goal is to produce a consistent, true, challenging course that will provide a real test of the competitors’ abilities. This being said, I do not want to see a winning score of 30-under!

WWG: Do you think there is a big difference between the Challenge Tour players and The European Tour players?

PR: I saw no difference between the quality of play or the strategies they deployed around the course. I have been involved in a few major Tour events and I have been lucky enough to be in

Nick Tarratt, Director European Tour International – Dubai, James Shippey, Manager of Al Badia Golf Club and David Garland, Director of Tour Operations for The European Tour, pictured at Al Badia Golf Club, Festival City, Dubai.

close proximity with European Tour players. Both the Challenge Tour players and The European Tour players take their craft very seriously and they are a joy to be around.

WWG: How much do the scores from last year influence how you set up the course this time?

PR: While we have an input on set-up, the majority of the set-up is handled by the Challenge Tour officials. We have being working closely with the Tour’s agronomists throughout the year and after the feed-back we received from last year’s event, there is a clear vision of what we can achieve to produce even better playing surfaces.

WWG: What did the Challenge Tour players think of the Al Badia course last year – did they like it?

PR: The feed-back we received was excellent and the maintenance team and I are honoured to be hosting Tour events and to be producing the high quality conditions that are expected from us. It was and it is a real team motivator. We cannot wait for this year’s Grand Final.

WWG: What do you look for first when preparing the course for the Challenge Tour event – is it simply to make it a tougher challenge than for the club members?

PR: When preparing The Grand Final in 2013 some enhancements were made to the golf course – an additional tee at hole 18, three additional course bunkers on holes, 1, 11 and 18 and extra palm trees on holes, 8 and 13. The changes were made with the key objective of altering the Tour-pros’ decisionmaking process on several holes to enhance the challenge, but not to adversely affect their enjoyment or increase pace of play. They were well planned and positioned and I believe we achieved our objectives.

WWG: Do you take into account any of the comments or views of the players concerning the course?

PR: Yes, the player’s comments and feed-back are vital to us. The Challenge Tour provided Al Badia with the players’ feed-back from the tournament and we’ve taken these suggestions on board and implemented certain aspects. This will assist with the development and enhancements of our course. During the course of my working week, I regularly speak with the members, golf professionals and the management team about the golf course and its playability and condition.

Without this feed-back it would be just my opinion governing our maintenance operations and goals. I am extremely lucky to be part of an ambitious and driven team here at Al Badia Golf Club.

‘Bigger and Better’ for Al Badia DAVID GARLAND, Director of Tour Operations for The European Tour met with James Shippey, Manager of Al Badia Golf Club at Festival City and Nick Tarratt, Director European Tour International – Dubai, during his visit to the region last month.

They discussed last year’s hugely successful inaugural Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final hosted by Al Badia Golf Club and the Challenge Tour’s inaugural National Bank of Oman Golf Classic at Almouj Golf The Wave, Muscat, which took place just three days before the Grand Final.

In addition to the two tournaments which combine to provide a fascinating finale to the Challenge Tour season, where the top 45 players after the conclusion of the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic battle it out at Al Badia for the treasured top 15 places for playing privileges to play on The European Tour the following season.

The second-running of the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic takes place on Thursday, October 30 to Sunday, November 2 at Muscat with the Grand Final at Al Badia being played just three days later in Dubai on Wednesday, November 5 to Saturday, November 8.

The region has become a second home to The European Tour with the season-ending climax to the 2014 Schedule, the DP World Tour Championship and the final stage of The Race to Dubai being played out on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates later in the month – November 20 – 23.

With The European Tour’s Middle East Swing of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and the Omega

Dubai Desert Classic the region provides a spectacular start and finish to The Tour’s worldwide Schedule. It’s highly appropriate that the Grand Final to both The European Tour and the Challenge Tour should be staged in the same month of November in Dubai.

Nick Tarratt commented: “It’s always good for us in Dubai to have visits from the likes of David Garland and other senior executives from The Tour’s Wentworth Headquarters in the UK as it helps to reinforce our plans and efforts in this important and growing region for us all.”

James Shippey added: “It was good to meet with David again and with Nick to talk about The Tour’s involvement in the area and the forthcoming second edition of the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final here at Al Badia Golf Club.

“We are looking forward to hosting the Challenge Tour Grand Final again and following the progress on The European Tour of those players who earned their European Tour cards here at Al Badia last November. We were delighted at the global exposure of approaching 400 million households that Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental and Dubai Festival City gained from last year’s tournament and we are putting all our efforts into making the tournament a bigger and better event in November.

“With the four-day tournament with no cut for the 45 qualifiers at Al Badia we have a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities and Pro-Am places available.”

For details please contact us on: albadiagolf@ihg.com

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | ƽÖ

Marco Crespi’s Middle East experience sets up maiden victory

M

ARCO Crespi, the latest former Challenge Tour player to win on The European Tour, benefitted from back-to-back appearances in the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic and the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final at Al Badia Golf Club before earning his Card through Qualifying School late last year.

Crespi posted a share of ninth place at Almouj Golf, Muscat, Oman and finished 32nd at Al Badia Golf Club narrowly failing to earn his European Tour card awarded to those finishing in the top 15 places at the end-of-season ranking after the Al Badia Grand Final.

Crespi, missed out in Dubai by just three places, finishing 18th on the ranking, before heading for Qualifying School in Portugal, with renewed determination, where he came third to earn his card.

Now his win at the NH Collection Open in Spain last month has earned him European Tour playing privileges through until the end of the 2015 season. In addition, the man from Monza earned himself a spot in the prestigious Volvo Golf Champions for 2015. “I put in a lot of work

for this win and now I’m enjoying my first year on The European Tour – 12 years after turning professional,” said Crespi, reflecting on his victory. “It’s amazing for me and fantastic to win in my rookie year – my story is pretty impressive.”

It was the 11th time he’d teed it up at Qualifying School and the first time he had successfully made it through. “Q-School is not a regular tournament – it’s a war,” he said. “You have to stay focused for six rounds.

“After I earned my card I drove all the way back to Italy, almost 900km from Portugal, thinking, ‘I’ve got my European Tour card now, I’m a European Tour player.’

It was a lot of fun.”

At the age of 35 Crespi is the oldest rookie on The European Tour this season and his win in Spain made him the oldest rookie to win on Tour and the first since American Peter Uihlein won at the Madeira Islands Open last year.

His victory demonstrated the strength of the Challenge Tour as Crespi became the 133rd former Challenge Tour Member to win on The European Tour.

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 51

The Challenge Tour Breaking new ground with the Azerbaijan Open Challenge

H

AVING widened its horizons last season with the introduction of the inaugural National Bank of Oman Golf Classic in Muscat, followed three days later by the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final hosted by Al Badia Golf Club, the Azerbaijan Open Challenge has joined the 2014 European Challenge Tour Schedule.

The tournament will be the first professional golf event to be played in Azerbaijan, which lies south of Russia by the Caspian Sea. The €300,000 tournament, staged at the National Azerbaijan Golf Club in Quba, from July 31-August 3, makes the Challenge Tour schedule one of the strongest, most lucrative and far-reaching in its 26-year history.

Built under the umbrella of the Azerbaijan Golf Federation, the 7,011 yards layout takes advantage of the rugged, natural terrain, and boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and mountains.

Rugged look Designed by Jon Hunt, of the International Design Group, the undulating fairways and deep bunkers create a unique rugged look, with the final two holes played alongside a lake, providing a spectacular finish to the tournament.

Anar Z. Mammadov, President of the Azerbaijan Golf Federation, said: “Golf is new to Azerbaijan. We hope to popularise it at all levels through the European Challenge Tour event, which is extremely important for our country.

“We are sure that the players will enjoy the golf course, as well as the tourism attractions and that the ‘Land of Fire’ will be one of the brightest events in Challenge Tour history.”

Alain de Soultrait, Director of the European Challenge Tour, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing the Challenge

52 | WorldWideGolf - May 2014

Tour to Azerbaijan for the first time. It always gives us great pleasure to bring golf to new nations such as this, and it is sure to be a memorable event.

“The Azerbaijan Golf Federation has already shown great enthusiasm and commitment in making this tournament happen, and we look forward to building a long and fruitful relationship with them in the coming years.

“As we have seen in Kazakhstan and so many other countries, the Challenge Tour can be extremely important in helping the development of professional golf in

less well-known golfing nations, and we hope that the game can now flourish in Azerbaijan with the help of this tournament.”

Nick Tarratt, Director European Tour International – Dubai Office, commented: “I visited Azerbaijan in mid-February to meet the officials at the Azerbaijan Golf Federation and toured the golf course in Quba. There is great enthusiasm for golf among the nationals and expats and it is exciting to see that the Federation is embracing the Challenge Tour so soon.

“The course was still in its final growin period but is due to be open for play

shortly. The Federation is planning to run a test amateur event next month prior to the Challenge Tour event in late July.

“I also visited the Federation’s impressive Headquarters in Baku which must be one of the finest golf federation offices in golf. The HQ includes offices, indoor golf nets and studios as well as an outdoor driving range and practice short game areas on artificial turf – all within the heart of the city.

“There are traditional strong connections between Baku, Azerbaijan and Dubai and the UAE as well as the Middle East through the common oil and gas industries as well

as other traditional trading relations.

“Azerbaijan has a number of golf development projects on the drawing board and the European Challenge Tour event could become the catalyst to a relationship between the respective regions to encourage reciprocal tourism and connect the National Golf Federations for everyone’s benefit.

“Baku is less than a three hour flight from Dubai with a climate that complements the UAE to create all year round playing opportunities between the two destinations. We hope this initial Challenge

Tour event in July in Azerbaijan is the start of a new golfing story in a new golfing territory. Baku and Azerbaijan form a fastgrowing sporting destination. Baku is set to host the 2015 inaugural European Games involving 49 countries, 6,000 athletes and over 225 events in 19 sports.

“This hosting role of Azerbaijan shows their ambition to embrace sport. We wish the Azerbaijan Golf Federation and the National Azerbaijan Golf Club managed

by Troon Golf both a successful opening of the facilities as well as a high profile first Azerbaijan Open Challenge.” Q

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 53

BMW Skills Challenge

The International Team lead the way

T

he first round of the inaugural BMW Skills Challenge at the European Tour Performance Institute at Jumeirah Golf Estates turned out to be a fun-filled competition enjoyed by all who took part.

The winning team receives a weekend test drive Gift Voucher from AGMC BMW and an invitation to their showroom in Dubai, Sharjah or Ras al Khaimah to test drive their new BMW X5 35.

The winning team from round one will also go through to the semi-final of the BMW Skills Challenge which will take place in October.

There they will earn a chance to win hospitality at the DP World Tour Championship on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates and an invitation for their team to play in the DP World Tour Championship Sponsors’ event on Monday, November 24, following the final round of The European Tour’s climax to The Race to Dubai and the Grand Final to The Tour’s 2014 season.

In the opening BMW Skills Challenge the scores were extremely close with less than 10 points separating first and second place. The scoring came down to the final challenge, the testing greenside bunker. The team of ‘Thee Men and German Baby’ had posted their score in the clubhouse and it was down to the final group,‘ The International Team,’ who

had drawn level with the clubhouse leaders.

James Cross, who has recently been honing his skills at ETPI took to the challenge eagerly and with his three impressive bunker shots managed to keep his nerve and hit his last ball within just a foot from the cup to secure the spoils for The International Team.

Team Winners with 144.1 points INTERNATIONAL TEAM Edgar Brian Kimani Mike Rifai David Austin James Cross

O The BMW Skills Challenge is partnered by Jumeirah Golf Estates and AGMC, the official BMW Group Importer for Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

O The Challenge is a year-long event with a series of eight qualifying rounds for up to 10 teams of four amateurs leading to the semi-final in October 2014.

The tests include: Pitching Skills; Bunker Skills; Chipping Skills; Putting Skills; Driving Accuracy and Length Skills.

O The Grand Final will be held on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates immediately before the DP World Tour Championship on November 20-23.

The cost of entry is just AED 500 per team. For further details, contact ETPI on 04 433 7777 or email etpi@jumeirahgolfestates.com

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 55

WAYNE’S WORLD

Jeev Milkha Singh Wayne Johnson, Director of Instruction, European Tour Performance Institute, Jumeirah Golf Estates, talks to 2012 Scottish Open winner Jeev Milkha Singh.

The son of his famous father, Olympic sprinter Milkha Singh, and famous mother, India volleyball team captain Nirmal Kaur, Jeev is the most successful Indian golfer in history and the four-time European Tour winner was recognised for his achievements last month when he was nominated for the Asian Tour’s prestigious ‘Player of the Decade’ award.

56 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

Wayne Johnson: What are your impressions of the ETPI at Jumeirah Golf Estates?

JMS: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a world class facility with very friendly staďŹ&#x20AC; who really look after the pros who come to practice here.

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 57

THIS IS D.N.A. FEEL ADVANCED

SNUGFIT TONGUE Advanced design envelops the top of the foot. ™

CHROMOSKIN LEATHER Engineered for lightweight performance & feel.

F TF ™ FIT-BED Fine Tuned Foam for optimum comfort & support.

www.prosports.ae

3D FOAMCOLLAR™ Moulds to provide a precise fit.

NITROTHIN™ TPU OUTSOLE Streamlined design & enhanced stability.

footjoy.co.uk/dna

WAYNE’S WORLD Jeev Milkha Singh is pictured in action at the European Tour Performance Institute as Wayne Johnson and his coach Amrtinder Singh look on.

WJ: What keeps bringing you back to Dubai?

JMS: Dubai is one of the best golf destinations in the world to practice and hone my game. The emirate also has one of the largest ex-pat Indian communities which always makes me feel at home here.

JMS: The Earth course is a world class layout with lots of challenges and it requires great distance control and good driving of the ball to be successful. My goal is to be back contending the 2014 Race to Dubai and playing in the DP World Tour Championship.

WJ:: How significant do you think a facility like the ETPI will be in lifting the region’s amateurs to the next level?

JMS: It’s very important for club golfers to try to improve all aspects of their game. The ETPI offers a great facility to practice their overall game – short game, full swing, bunker play etc. Those are the areas where a player needs to work on to become good.

WJ:: Give us your thoughts on being nominated for the Asian Tour’s Player of the Decade?

JMS: I feel very fortunate that they have considered me as one of the Asian players to have done well worldwide. The Asian tour is where I started my career and it is very close to my heart. Personally, I believe Y.E. Yang deserves the award due to his brilliant Major win.

WJ:: You’ve suffered some injuries in your career – how helpful is a facility like the ETPI in enabling you to manage your injuries during a tournament?

JMS: I think a facility where they have top physios and trainers to advise you and help you work on the correct strength and conditioning exercises, which develop the correct golf muscles to maintain a fit and healthy body, is essential as a modern-day tour professional.

WJ:: You’ve played in two DP World Tour Championships at JGE – what are your impressions of the course and the tournament and how much of a goal is it of yours to make sure you’re back at JGE in November?

WJ: To become the first Indian to play on The European Tour, the first Indian to play in the Masters, the most successful Indian golfer in history – how does it make you feel to have created so many records for the sport in your country and to be such a pioneer?

JMS: As a pro golfer my goal was to play to the best of my ability and, with hard work, achieve all the success I have enjoyed. I am also very grateful to my fans for giving me such great support and it’s been an honour to represent my country globally.

WJ: How much has the game developed in India since you started out and what still needs to be done to move things forward?

JMS: The game has developed a

lot in my country, very much for the better. I feel we need more public ranges and establishments similar to the ETPI to produce more world-class players.

WJ: You come from a sporting family – how much of an influence has your father and family been on your career?

JMS: My father and the whole family have been very supportive from the outset. My father always gave the right guidance and pushed me in the right direction with discipline and hard work.

ABOVE Jeev Milkha Singh celebrates winning the biggest title of his career at the 2012 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

WJ: What’s the No.1 tip you can give to an amateur golfer to improve their consistency?

JMS: Keep a good eye on the ball!

WJ:: What advice would you give to a club pro looking to take the next step up in their career?

JMS: Build a good relationship with the club members. Have a strong work ethic and seek the right teaching guidance to progress and stay up to date with what you need to improve in terms of your game and your members’ game.

WJ: You’ve already achieved big things in your career, what remaining goals do you have and how long do you think you can compete at the top level for?

JMS: I think I can compete for another six years at the top level and my goal has always been to win a Major championship before my career is over. Q WorldwideGolf - April 2014 | 59

INSTRUCTION NEAL DINAN HEAD OF STRENGTH & CONDITIONING EUROPEAN TOUR PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE

CONDITIONING I SOLATE... MOB B ILISE...IN N TEGRA ATE! So, your lower back is sore, you don’t load properly through your backswing, your lead shoulder experiences pain through your swing... so who’s the culprit behind these shortcomings and what can be done about it?

Obviously, it depends on the individual movement strategies of the golfer but a key

culprit behind the lead shoulder or lower back falling victim to injury could be the ‘mostability’ of the mid-spine. In essence, this means how much motion is available and how do you control that motion. It is essential that both the mobility needs and the control needs are addressed in any golf conditioning programme.

Below is an example of this process using a series of floor based and upright dynamic work.

ISOLATE the mid-spine by blocking the hip and slowly open up through the shoulders

O The goal with this movement should be to slowly rotate the straight arm around to the ‘3 o’clock’ position while keeping the same side knee on the floor.

O Perform 5 rotations and repeat on the opposite side.

60 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

BY- Bryan Smyth, Golf Professional at Emirates Golf Club

MOBILISE your midspine by gradually â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;teasingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in motion through the upper body.

O Stand with left leg up high and the right leg straight behind in a split stance position.

O Place the right hand high and reach through with the left hand so you rotate away from the left hip.

O Perform 8 repetitions on each side.

INTEGRATE into an upright movement that has relevance to the dynamic mobilisation you have performed previously.

O Start in a upright position with a disc (between 5-10kgs). Start by stepping back with your right foot and rotate the disc away from your left side.

O When this becomes more fluid the step and rotation occur simultaneously.

O Perform 6-8 repetitions on each side.

This thought process can be used to address and condition many other aspects of your golf game.

For more information please contact Neal direct at neal@shpdubai.com WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 61

INSTRUCTION GARETH QUIGLEY GOLF PROFESSIONAL EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

How muscle moves mass.

EFFICIENT ENERGY TRANSFER DRILL As golfers, we have all experienced days where we hit the ball great on the range but when we step onto the golf course our game deserts us. Today we are working to become more efficient with ball striking to improve consistency in our technique during practice so it does not leave us on the course. Pete Cowen uses drills to help the swing become more consistent and powerful through exercise.

This drill is a great stretch and requires no golf club, so it can be practiced at home too. The idea is to help the golfer stay balanced and centred throughout the golf swing. We try to create a swing that uses strength and power from using ‘muscle’ (shoulders & arms) rather than our ‘mass’ (body) to hit the ball.

1

Set up, let the arms hang. Hinge your wrists so your palms are facing the ground.

Come out at night /K@X ƦNNCKHS FNKE NM SGD %@KCN DUDQX MHFGS NE SGD VDDJ

Remember â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;muscle moves massâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and shoulders make the first move. Palms still facing down. Keep the athletic position.

2

This is a good check point.

Hands are in the middle of the sternum. Building power in the shoulders and torso.

3

The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;loadingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the shoulders. You should feel the pressure of a good turn.

Note how the spineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s angle is retained.

4

On the downswingfeel weight pushing down into the ground as you rotate and unwind to impact.

Use the resistance to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;spring upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; towards finish. Ensure palms are out all the way to finish and hold balance. Right foot is up on the toes.

6

5

Correct loading of the backswing allows you to unload on the way down. Apply pressure down to the ground with the arms falling naturally.

Think of a boxer throwing a punch. He will generate power from the shoulders and arms, instead of throwing the body and losing power and balance. This drill will teach the feeling of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;loadingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;unloadingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the shoulders correctly, meaning you will become more efficient with the energy transfer and create consistency to bring to the golf course.

(E XNT @QD @ QDFTK@Q OK@XDQ NTQ -HFGS &NKE /@RR HR MNV @U@HK@AKD ENQ ITRS $# ODQ LNMSG @MC OQNUHCDR TMKHLHSDC @BBDRR SN SGD ĆŚNNCKHS %@KCN EQNL OL RDUDM MHFGSR @ VDDJĘ&#x2013; 3N ANNJ XNTQ QNTMC B@KK DL@HK DQDRDQU@SHNMR CTA@HFNKE BNL NQ UHRHS VVV CTA@HFNKE BNL

Pontus dominates AT EMIRATES GC

Taylor clinches The Firestone

Sana Tufail

WINS BIG

4TH ANNIVERSARY

Pontus Fredrikkson wins his fifth Club Championship in six years.

Stephen Taylor outlasts the field in the Jumeirah Golf Estates Firestone Classic.

Hot-shot Sana Tufail clinches the Faldo Series Middle East Championship at Al Ain.

Yas Links hosts the fourth Phillips Cup to honour course designer Kyle Phillips.

Pg 70

Pg 73

Pg 78

YAS LINKS

Pg 81

Arabian Saudi Arabia, Oman and UAE share the honours in inaugural GCC Under-15 Golf Championship Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE shared the honours in the inaugural GCC Under-15s Golf Championship played at Ghala Valley Golf Club, Muscat, Oman, conducted by the Oman Golf Committee, last month.

Saudi Arabian double: Saud Al Sherif, winner of the Gross singles with a score of 168 and Saoud Al Muhannadi, who took the Nett title with a score of 134.

ArabianGolf - May 2014 | 65

ArabianGolf GCC Under-15s Golf Championship FINAL SCORES: Gross Singles: 1st Saud Al Sherif (Saudi Arabia), 168; 2nd Fahad Al Kitani (Oman), 169; 3rd Ali Al Ansari (Kuwait), 175.

Nett Singles: 1st Saoud Al Muhannadi (Saudi Arabia), 134; 2nd Ali Al Marafi (Kuwait), 144; 3rd Saeed Al Balooshi (UAE) 144.

Gross Team: 1st Oman (348); 2nd Kuwait (357); 3rd Qatar (367).

Nett Team: 1st UAE (289); 2nd Saudi Arabia (319)

GROSS TEAM WINNERS: OMAN The Oman team receive their trophy from Chief Guest Dr. Hammad Al Ghafri (Advisor to the Ministry of Civil Service and former Chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee).

SAUDI ARABIA’S Saud Al Sherif won the Individual Gross event with an excellent 168 with Omani youngster Fahad Al Kitani finishing runner-up, just one shot behind.

Oman took the Team Gross event with a score of 348. The combination of Rashad Al Harthy, Fahad Al Kitani and Fahad Al Mahrouqi finished well ahead of runners-up Kuwait on 357 and the third-placed Qatar team on 367.

In the Individual Nett category, Saudi Arabia’s Saoud Al Muhannadi took the winner’s spot with a score of 134 with Kuwait’s Ali Al Marafi on 144 finishing runner-up, followed by the UAE’s Saeed Al Balooshi on the same score but having to settle for third place on a countback.

The UAE won the Team Nett title with a score of 289 with the runner-up prize going to Saudi Arabia, with 319.

Oman’s Fahad Al Kitani was delighted with his team’s peformance although he was disappointed in missing out on the Individual Gross title by a single stroke, saying: “Overall, it has been a good two days’ experience out there for us. The level of competition was quite tough but my team-mates and I enjoyed the challenge.

I gave my best and I went close to winning the Gross trophy. But I made one or two mistakes, which cost me the trophy by just one shot.”

Saud, who edged out Fahad Al Kitani, was pleased to win the Individual Gross event, saying: “It feels great to finish as the Champion. It was a relief to win because the competition was extremely tight, particularly on the second day.

Being the leader going into the second round I was quite tense. I was feeling the pressure all day.”

Marcus Casey, coach of the Oman Team, was pleased with his players’ performance, saying that the Omani youngsters should now start

NET TEAM WINNERS: UAE UAE U-15 National Team (From Left to Right) Press Consultant: Faiz Farhn Bajbouj; Coach: Jason Froggatt; Secretary General: Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, Player: Mohammed Abdulla Saeed; Vice Chairman: Adel Zarouni, Player: Saeed Al Balooshi; Player: Mahmood Skaik.

focussing on the upcoming Pan-Arab Golf Championship in Egypt in September. Casey said: “This has been a good platform, providing valuable experience for the Omani boys. The level of competition was quite good, which will help the boys prepare for the Pan-Arab event.”

Qatar’s 12 year old Abdulrahman Al Dehaimi was the youngest competitor in the inaugural GCC Under-15s event, shooting a Gross score of 122 on Day One, improving on Day Two, by scoring 109. “It’s nice to be playing competitive golf outside Qatar,” he said. “This is my first tournament abroad and my first 18-hole event.

It has been a great experience for me.”

H. E. Dr Hammad al Ghafri, the Advisor

to the Ministry of Civil Service and former Chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee was the chief guest at the prize presentation at Ghala Valley.

H. E. Ghafri said: “It was wonderful to see Oman successfully host the first Under-15s GCC Golf Championship. The tournament will encourage more and more youngsters in Oman to take up the sport.”

The presetation ceremony was also attended

by Adel Zarouni, Secretary General of the Arab Golf Federation, the Oman Golf Committee Chairman Mundhir Al Barwani, the OGC ViceChairman, Ahmed Al Jhdhamy and other senior sports officials. Q ArabianGolf - May 2014 | 67

Azaan’s FiveStar Streak AZAAN Al Rumhy, Oman’s most outstanding amateur over the past few years, is enjoying his finest start to a season. During the months of February and March he collected five trophies back-to-back and credits the inaugural National Bank of Oman Golf Classic for much of his success.

A

ZAAN Al Rumhy’s winning streak came to a sudden end at the end of March when bad luck denied him another victory in the Black Tee Challenge. “My game has

Bank of Oman Golf Classic last October,” says Azaan. “As I mentioned after the event at Almouj Golf, I realised I needed to improve my long game, and I am pretty sure I have gained more distance with my drives than I did last October.

“I admit, I still have a large margin to make up in my distance but I’m working on this by improving my physical fitness and overall strength. I’ve just started on a training programme with a physio under the supervision of our Oman National Team Coach, Marcus Fraser, and that seems to be doing the trick.”

Salaam Al Shaksy, CEO of National Bank of Oman, commented: “We are proud of the achievements of Azaan Al Rumhy and the progress he has made in the game, assisted by the inaugural National Bank of Oman Golf Classic.

‘Overwhelming Success’ “Our objectives in sponsoring the tournament were to put Oman on the world golf map, grow the game of golf in the Sultanate, encourage our youngsters to play golf and create global business opportunities and expand tourism through the first international professional golf event in the GCC. “We seem to have successfully achieved 68 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

those goals and are now moving forward to make the 2014 and 2015 National Bank of Oman Golf Classics an even more overwhelming success.”

Azaan also believes that the National Bank of Oman has been largely responsible for the increased interest in golf. “I’m sure that more people in Oman are aware of the sport of golf now than before the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic,” he says.

“The event has also exposed the game of golf to the corporate sector in Oman as it has given them an opportunity to sponsor an international-class sporting event with worldwide audience coverage.

‘Create Awareness’ “The better media coverage in not just the English media but also the Arabic media has also made a significant difference.

“Perhaps in the future, if the tournament could end on a Saturday rather than Sunday it would be more popular – as they do with the Commercialbank Qatar Masters.

“It would make good sense, considering our weekend is Friday and Saturday when people have more time to visit a golf tournament. Also, if we could find a way to Involve the schoolkids and college students more, that would also be a bonus for the event.

“Some of the schools already include golf in their curriculum and at other schools it is being tested. I hope it works out. I understand that Almouj Golf are also approaching the public schools to create awareness of the sport. I believe the Oman

Golf Committee have been in touch with the Ministry of Education to find a way to involve golf in the physical education curriculum. I guess this will be an ongoing work in progress.

“I strongly believe that golf teaches youngsters lots of essential life skills and attributes. On a personal basis I certainly learnt how to manage myself while playing golf and competing. Respecting my fellow competitors, being disciplined, patient and committed to improving my game have all helped me a lot. More importantly, golf has

Arabian Golf F e a t u r e

Azaan Al Rumhy’s Fantastic Five Streak 1. Assarain Classic (7-8 Feb) : 78+74 = 152 Won (Overall Gross) by 4 shots; 2. GCC Riyadh (27 Feb-1 Mar): 75+74+74 = 223 Won (Nett) by 2 shots from forcing a playoff; 3. 41st Muscat Open (7-8 Mar): 74+76 = 150 (Overall Gross) by 2 shots; 4. 39th OLNG National Championship (14-15 Mar: 76+73 = 149 (Overall Gross) by 12 Shots; 5. OHI Open (29th Mar): 76 Won in a play-off from Jeff Campbell (Overall Gross).

Black Tee Challenge (28-29 Mar): Gross runner-up: 84+80 = 164. 2 shots behind.

Picture: PRAKASH SJ

kept me away from many distractions life can tempt you into, especially during my teen years.”

Azaan admits that being a leading light in the Sultanate brings added pressure but it is certainly doing not harm to his game.

“Some people expect me to always be on top when I take part in the Gross major two-day tournaments but I’m enjoying the pressure, especially at the moment as my game is becoming more consistent.

“The level of competition is still not strong here in Oman as we don’t have that many

golfers competing, compared to the UAE, for example.

“The Oman Golf Committee has been invited to promote players to take part in several of the big team events this year. I hope we register to play in most of them.

“We are looking at playing the Eisenhower Trophy in Japan in September; the Asian Games in Seoul at the end of September; the Pan-Arab Championship in Riyadh in Saudi-Arabia in mid-October and the Nomura Cup in Melbourne in October.

“Then there’s the main event, of course,

the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic at the end of October. I would also like to play some of the MENA Tour events during September if my time permits. It’s going to be a very busy schedule if we get to play in all of them!

“From now until then I will be busy spending time training in the gym and pool preparing myself for the start of the new season in September and putting up a better performance at Almouj Golf The Picture: Prakash SJof Wave, Muscat, against the professionals the European Challenge Tour.” Q WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 69

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB www.dubaigolf.com

EmiratesGolfClub

INAM AND SALEM WIN A CHANCE TO PLAY WITH TIGER AAMIR Inam and Alan Salem won the Dubai leg of the 2014 Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup recently and with it they earned themselves a chance to tee it up with Tiger Woods during the pro-am of the Turkish Airlines Open on The European Tour later this year.

The duo finished first and second respectively in the Individual Stableford event and will now progress to the Grand Final which is held in Antalya, Turkey, prior to the Turkish Airlines Open.

The winners of the Grand Final will then go on to play in the pro-am with Tiger Woods while all the players who make it through to the Grand Final will enjoy a seven-night stay and VIP passes to the tournament – the penultimate event on The Race to Dubai before the DP World Tour Championship.

KAPOOR AND TAH TAKE THE INDIAN INVITATIONAL ANVITA Kapoor and Vikram Tah triumphed in the 22nd edition of the Mixed Golf Tournament supported by the Indian Members of Emirates Golf Club, thanks to a staggering haul of 48 Stableford points.

Tah, a 6-handicapper, managed to card four birdies on holes 3, 8, 10 and 11 while 35-handicapper Kapoor contributed admirably to the team’s tally on five occasions.

Finishing in second place were Ashish and Chanchal Nanda on 45 points while third place, two points further back, were Achal Ghai and Naresh Handa.

There were four Nearest the Pin prizes on offer which were won by Ishu Rupani, K.J. Singh, Vikram Tah and Lionel Smith, while Alok Rawat and Charlie Stricklin won the Straightest Drive challenges.

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB LAUNCHES THE REGION’S ONLY ELITE JUNIOR PROGRAMME EMIRATES Golf Club recently launched the region’s only Elite Junior programme, for a handful of talented youngsters looking to make it big in the world of golf.

Led by Head Golf Professional Stephen Deane, these young golfers meet every week to hone their skills and not only improve their technical game, but also gain valuable experience in competitive play.

The first of its kind in the UAE, the programme is providing a platform for these dedicated youngsters to move towards making golf a career

70 | ArabianGolf - May 2014

choice. Meeting four times per week, twice before school, along with two evening sessions, the programme includes supervised practice, golfspecific exercises, strokeplay and technical sessions.

“It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and dedicated group of young athletes and help them progress on a daily basis,” said Deane. “The programme allows us to work on all aspects of their game and implement the building blocks to success.

Bringing such a talented group of players together makes the programme an instant success as they feed off each other’s desire to succeed.”

CONTACT: Tel : +9714 380 2222 E-mail: info@dubaigolf.com

GREAT SCORES IN EASTER SCRAMBLE

Winner Pontus Fredrikkson is pictured with Club Vice Captain Kamal Kosta.

PONTUS CLAIMS A FIFTH CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP IN SIX YEARS PONTUS Fredrikkson continued his dominance of the Men’s Club Championship with his fifth victory in six years as rounds of 73 over the Faldo and then a 74 on the Majlis gave him a 147 tally and a four-stroke win over Eddie Hesson.

Ewan Cameron had shot an opening round 71 to take the lead but posted an 81 on the Majlis to slip down to third place.

In Division ‘A’ Vipen Sethi and Ian Scott needed a countback to separate them at the top after they both finished on 4-under for the tournament and it was Sethi’s superior final 18 holes of 69 that clinched the title.

Sudhir Vora stood out in Division ‘B’ and improved upon his 74 on day one by four shots with a 70 over the Majlis course for a 144 level par tally to take top honours ahead of Pervez Mahmood by one shot.

THE Ladies Easter Scramble was held over the Faldo course recently and the ever-popular event saw a full field take to the course. Emerging victorious with a superb score of 59 was the team of Margaret Bain, Jacqui Barry, Nina Larm and Elise Hanson. The winners’ card included seven birdies and 10 pars and it was good enough to seal the win ahead of the team of Mimi Hosking, Rosemary Turlik, Catherine Clark and Arathi Apaiah by 1.6 shots while the team of Lady Captain Barbara Head, past Lady Captain Glynis Hendry, Carolyn Thompson and Selma Kehoe took the third spot with a fine score of 61.

HIROMI OHASHI SEALS THE STABLEFORD HIROMI Ohashi walked away with the top spot in a recent ladies Stableford event as she carded six net birdies en route to a 40-point total over the Faldo course. Taking the honours in the Silver Division was Lorraine Logan as she compiled 37 points to win by one point

from Margaret Breen while in the Bronze Division Rajni Sud topped the pile with 34 points.

THOMPSON SHOOTS 71 TO WIN JW MARRIOTT MEDAL CAROLYN Thompson shot a fabulous 1-under-par 71 to top the pile in Division ‘A’ in the recent JW Marriott Marquis Medal. Finishing runner-up, three strokes further back, was Jayshree Gupta while in Division ‘B’ Lynne Dickinson took the spoils with a 71, two clear of Thea Hendrickx.

Although Thompson also managed to shoot the best Gross score of the day with an 82 to clinch the Division ‘A’ title, the Overall Gross trophy was presented to Catherine Clarke due to her 84.

ArabianGolf - May 2014 | 71

DUBAI CREEK GOLF AND YACHT CLUB www.dubaigolf.com

DubaiCreekGolf

dubaicreekgolfandyachtclub

LAKDAWALA SEALS HIS SECOND CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP BAYHAAN Lakdawala made it a month to remember by coming from behind to win the Men’s Club Championship for the second time in his career. Lakdawala, the 2012 champion, was up against some stiff opposition in the form of four-time champion Miki Mirza and Edoardo Galeppini, finding himself five shots behind Mirza and four behind Galeppini after day one.

With the top trio out together in the final group of the final day the event was set for some climactic fireworks and they didn’t disappoint. Play was tight over the front nine as Lakdawala closed the gap on Mirza while Galeppini struggled and fell out of contention. By the time they reached the 14th tee Lakdawala was just one behind and after pars on holes 15 and 16 by the pair the tournament was set to go down to the wire.

Mirza found the fairway bunker off the tee on 17 and could only manage to put it into the greenside bunker, whilst Lakdawala was on the edge of the green. Mirza then made a hash of his bunker shot and thinned it through the green and into the hazard. After playing from the drop zone he was on the green and putting for 6. Lakdawala stepped up and rattled in his birdie shot, which resulted in a four shot swing after a two putt from Mirza. Lakdawala now had a two shot lead and a solid, regulation par down the last saw him seal the deal.

Winner Bayhaan Lakdawala is pictured with Stephen Hubner (left), Club Captain Tejan Fadlu-Deen and Rashid Hamood.

“I would like to thank J. Lindberg for their continued support of his tournament,” said Lakdawala. “I also give thanks to the Dubai Creek team for all their hard work in presenting such a great event and also a big thank you to my playing partners for such a great game over these two days. I feel very happy with my win, especially against such a great field”.

LAKDAWALA DEFENDS HIS BACK TO BLACK CROWN

HENNA JODHA CLINCHES THE LADIES CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FOR the first time in the club’s history the Club Championships were held separately with the Ladies Club Championships taking place prior to the Men’s. Played over 36 holes the competition was fierce and emerging victorious was former Ladies Amateur Open winner Henna Jodha with a two-day total of 162. Jodha opened up with an 80 on day one and followed with an 82 to seal a four-stroke win over Naema Maya. “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved with the organization of the event for making it such a success and also to all of my playing partners across both days,” said Jodha. “This is an event I desperately wanted to win so it is a great pleasure that I was able to win this weekend against some strong competition.”

In the Net Division Mini Philip took the spoils with a superb 139 tally, one stroke clear of H.H. Choi.

72 | ArabianGolf - May 2014

BAYHAAN Lakdawala produced a fine display to successfully defend his title at the Audi Back to Black Open, clinching victory on a countback over Michael McGinley. The duo both produced a level par 71 but it was Lakdawala’s stronger finish that saw him take the title.

“I would firstly like to thank Audi, along with all of the staff from Dubai Creek for all their support and hard work in putting the tournament together,” said the champion. “The course was in wonderful condition and I’m very happy to have come out on top and successfully defend my title against such a strong field.”

Dubai Creek Senior Open Champion John

Corporate Sales Manager, Audi Corporate Tarek Kassis, Winner Bayhaan Lakdawala n and Dubai Creek Golf Academy Manager Rashid Abdullah Hamood.

Fellingham also performed well on the day and finished in third spot after a solid 2 over-par 73.

There were also prizes for the best net scores on the day and taking the top spot was Simon Sinclair, as he denied Ed Fearn on a countback with both players compiling a net 70. Salem Dasmal finished third just one shot back with a level par score.

WRIGHT ON CUE HAIDE Wright picked up her first win at Dubai Creek with a superb net 66 in the JW Marriott Monthly Medal recently. Wright didn’t have it all her own way as she needed a countback to fend off Mioko Miro. “I’m so glad to pick up my first win,” she said. “I’d like to thank my lovely playing partners today as well as my golf coach, Cyril Rozes, for helping me out recently with my swing.”

Vanessa North and Mego Han won the two Nearest the Pin prizes on offer while Glory Xavier launched the Longest Drive down the 12th fairway.

CONTACT: Tel : +971 4 295 6000 E-mail: dcgyc@dubaigolf.com

BHALLA SEALS ROUND 3 OF THE JUNIOR MEDAL CHAMPIONSHIP THE third event in the 2014 Dubai Duty Free Junior Medal Championship saw Jai Bhalla win his first win of the series with a score of 28.5 over nine holes.

The strokeplay series has been very well received by all the junior members since its introduction in October last year and has always produced a healthy field of Juniors all looking for victory and the all important Order of Merit points.

Finishing second overall behind Bhalla was Samuel D’Souza who shot a 29, which was good enough to win the Boys’ Division, while the previous month’s winner Fardeen Meeran posted a solid 32 to finish second behind D’Souza in the Boys’ Division.

Katherina Nielsen performed extremely well in her debut in the event, winning the Girls Division after a round of 33, while a score of 2-over 37 saw Aryan Chordia win the Girl’s Gross prize.

PICTURED LEFT: George Horan, President, Dubai Duty Free with Boys winner Samuel D’Souza, runner-up Fardeen Meeran, Girls winner Katherina Nielsen and Golf Academy Manager Rashid Hamood.

JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES www.jumeirahgolfestates.com

CONTACT: Tel : +971 4 375 999

Jumeirah-Golf-Estates

LOW SCORES IN CLOSE FINISH AT MEMBERS AND GUESTS EVENT OVERCAST conditions did not cause too much of a concern among the players assembled for the April Members and Guests event which was played in a Team Shamble format.

The quartet of JGE member, Nick Mequita, Dean Stothard, Maurits Klavert and guest Jim Gordon (pictured right) played superbly around the Earth course, home of the DP World Tour Championship, scoring 54 Stableford points on the opening nine and then 48 on the back nine to win ahead of the team of Anne and Peter Bauer and Jaana and Kari Stenman.

The Bauers and Stenmans fashioned halves of 53 and 47 points to take second place by a single point from the quartet of Dave Grannell, Peter Sharpe, Simon Howells and their guest Calum Stewart.

The event was played in a ‘US Masters’ theme and as it is the tradition for participants to skim a ball across the pond on the 16th Hole at Augusta National during practice, the players in the April Member and Guest were encouraged to

do the same on the par-3 17th. Four and a half hours later and with roughly 60 balls in the water only one participant managed to complete the challenge – a delighted Martin Vertigen.

TAYLOR CLINCHES THE FIRESTONE CLASSIC ENDURANCE was the key to success for Stephen Taylor (pictured left) as he took the spoils in the 2014 Firestone Classic played over the Fire course recently at JGE. Played in the entertaining ‘Tombstone’ format, which sees you allocated a number of shots based on your handicap with the player who completes the highest number of holes becoming the winner.

Taylor had three shots remaining as he stood on his 19th hole and with his last three

blows he left his ball 10 yards from the pin.

This proved to be good enough for the win as scratch player Martin Fernandez had only one shot left as he stood on the 19th tee.

He gave it all he could but had to settle for second place as his ball came to rest 45 yards short of the pin. Taking third place was Matthew Potts, whose ball ended up 123 yards short of the 19th pin – three yards closer than the unlucky David Clayphan who finished in fourth place.

ArabianGolf - May 2014 | 73

THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE DUBAI www.themontgomerie.com

CONTACT: Tel : +971 4 390 5600

theaddressmontgomeriedubai

BIG WINS FOR STEYN AND HIGGINS IN ECCO MEDAL STEPHEN Steyn carded an excellent round of gross 71 to win the April ECCO Medal by six clear shots ahead of Chris Alderman.

There was an even bigger margin of victory in the Ladies section as Jo Higgins wrapped up an eight-stroke win over Ok Young Cho with an 80. Paul Pitman took the Men’s Division ‘A’ prize with a 70, two clear of Nick Hymas, while in Division ‘B’ Jong Hun Mun shot a sublime net 60 to win by eight from Alan Salem.

In the Ladies Net Division Juangok Youn won on a countback from Elizabeth Samuels after both players finished with a net 68.

EUN AND PARK TAKE TRADITION JOON Eun and S.W. Park sealed the annual Tradition tournament recently after their two-day total of 167.5 gave them a comfortable victory over Chris Alderman and Amir Sadr.

It was tight at the top after day one but as play drew to a close on day two there looked to be clear winners as Eun and Park played superbly well. Alderman and Sadr posted a tally of 171.5 but it wasn’t enough as the Division ‘A’ title went to Eun and Park.

In Division ‘B’ Joe O’Kane and Stuart Nimmo took the honours with a 175.7 – just 0.3 shots clear of Liam Burns and Ashley Garside.

PHILMORE AND GHULDU SEAL THE CITIZENS AND GUEST IN STYLE A SUPERB gross score of 66 saw the deadly duo of Paul Philmore and Tej Ghuldu take the spoils in the recent Citizens and Guest tournament, ahead of the pairing of Charlie Simpson and John Brash by three strokes.

Taking the honours in Division ‘A’ was the

partnership of O.K. Young Cho and Graham Stanley with a stunning net 59, two shots clear of Alex Andarakis and Stephen Steyn, while the same scores were recorded in Division ‘B’ as Jong Hun Mun and James Kang pipped Sung Kee Kim and Juangok Younon to the title.

CROMPTON AND O’DEA CLAIM BMW STABLEFORD BARNABY Crompton narrowly claimed the Division ‘A’ title in April’s BMW Stableford competition by one stroke ahead of Paul Pitman with a 38-point haul. In Division ‘B’ John Murray led the way with 33 points, one clear of Farhan Yaqub while the Ladies Division ‘A’ winner was Peggy O’Dea as she won on a 5-way countback. The honours in the Ladies Division ‘B’ went to Juangok Youn as she carded 38 points, four clear of Vera Bonderenko.

UAE Invitational Scratch League

MONTGOMERIE IN THE HUNT TO DEFEND SCRATCH LEAGUE THE eighth edition of the UAE Invitational Scratch Golf League has reached the semi-final stage with Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club playing Yas Links at The Address Montgomerie, Dubai and defending champions The Address Montgomerie playing The Els Club on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The season began back in November with 13 teams from the UAE competing in four divisions with the winners of each division progressing to

the semi-final stage. The winners of the semi-finals will qualify for the Final which will be played in a two leg home and away basis.

“It is remarkable to think it is eight years since the league started,” said Bob Driver, Coordinator of the UAE Invitational Scratch League. “We thank both The Address Montgomerie, Dubai and Jumeirah Golf Estates for hosting the semifinal matches and wish all the best to all four teams.”

ArabianGolf - May 2014 | 75

AL BADIA GOLF CLUB www.albadiagolfclub.ae

AlBadiaGolfClub

CONTACT: Tel : 0101 601 4 971+

AlBadiaGolfClub

NANN AND KIM CROWNED CLUB CHAMPIONS THE 2014 Club Championship came to a dramatic close recently as Keith Nann secured the Men’s title and Jenny Kim clinched the Ladies (pictured right with Lady Captain Liz Batson).

Nann and Henric Carlsson both finished level after two days’ play so the title had to be decided by a sudden-death play-off and sealing the deal on their first trip down the 18th hole was Nann.

The Ladies title went to Kim as she fired a tally of 152 to take the spoils.

GREAT SCORES

BY ALL IN THE AL FUTTAIM TROPHY THE Scoring was as competitive as ever in the Al Futtaim Trophy and coming out on top in their respective divisions were Kieran O’Connor, Dan Hill, Jacqueline O’Connor and Keith Nann pictured left with Lady Captain Liz Batson..

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA www.jaresortshotels.com

AL BADIA LADIES MAKE INTER-CLUB FINAL THE Al Badia ladies team won their last round of the Inter-Club Championship at Meydan Golf Club to top their league and secure a place in the final, which is to be held at Yas Links Golf Club. Al Badia Golf Club member Suzanne Everleigh (pictured above) won the individual prize with a score of 35 points, narrowly clear of team-mate Jenny Kim.

CONTACT: Tel : 5555 814 4 971+ E-mail: jagr@jaresorts.com

JebelAliGolfResort

NORWEGIANS TAKE THE VIKING CUP FROM SWEDES FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2003 THE annual Viking Cup was once again held at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa course with players from the Swedish and Norwegian Business Councils going headto-head in fourball matches.

The Swedes have dominated this event since its inception in 2003 but this year the tide turned dramatically with an emphatic win for the Norwegians by five games to one.

On-course prizes went to Filip Ranby and Christian Larsen for their Nearest the Pin and Long Drive efforts respectively.

ArabianGolf - May 2014 | 77

CONTACT: Tel : +971 3 702 6400 E-mail: golf@aesgc.ae

AL AIN EQUESTRIAN SHOOTING AND GOLF CLUB www.aesgc.com

Golfin Alain

SANA TUFAIL SEALS THE FALDO SERIES MIDDLE EAST CHAMPIONSHIP AT AL AIN

Sana Tufail poses with Sir Nick Faldo’s son Matthew (left) and the former World No.1s coach Keith Wood after her victory.

SANA Tufail clinched the second edition of the Faldo Series Middle East Championship at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club after a superb bogey-free second round 64 gave her a one stroke victory.

The 17-year-old from England carded seven birdies in her final round to pip overnight leaders Zi Hao Su (Boys’ Under-21) and Pierre Verlaar (Boys’ Under-16) to the title, though the pair from China and the Netherlands respectively

did secure their age categories to qualify for the season-ending Grand Final.

“This is a great victory for me and I am really looking forward to the final at The Greenbrier now,” said Tufail who will join Sir Nick Faldo at the 18th Faldo Series Grand Final in October in the Unites States. “I had a putting lesson with Mr. Faldo’s coach Keith Wood last night which made a big difference to my performance on the greens today.”

They will be joined at The Greenbrier for the World Amateur Golf Ranking event by Scotland’s Alison Muirhead (Girls’ Under-16) and Simon Moerk (Boys Under-18) of Denmark.

Local schoolchildren from Al Ain attended the tournament for a free golf clinic from Wood, who was on hand all week to work with the players.

MOORE AND KENT ON TOP CHRIS Moore and Stuart Kent romped to victory in the 2014 Hertz Pairs Open last month ahead of a field of 76 keen golfers from across the UAE. Moore and Kent combined superbly to fire a gross 66 for a net 58 to win by one shot ahead of Alan Livesey and David Miles. Finishing in third place after losing on a

countback to Livesey and Miles were Jeremy Dotson and Romeo Panopio, while in fourth place were Alex Tinson and David Mitchell with a net 60.

The award for the best Mixed Pair on the day went to Stephen and Martine Garbutt as they came home with a net 64.

PICTURED RIGHT: Men’s Captain Larry Benson, Lady Captain Marja Kohn, winners Stuart Kent and Chris Moore and Hertz Representative Paul Milne.

ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB www.arabianranchesgolf.com

ArabianRanchesGolf1

arabianranchesgolfclub

BARRETT AND OSCHMANN COMBINE WELL FOR CAPTAIN’S DAY WIN KEVIN Barrett and Elli Oschmann found themselves on the winners’ podium in this season’s Captains Day which was hosted by Club Captain Terry Vaughan.

The format was Individual Stableford with the main event being a two player combined Stableford. Partners were selected by virtue of a blind draw after play and Barrett and Oschmann – who both scored 36 points each for a 72 point total – won a countback over Ed Atack and Ian Souter with third place going to Brian Hollis and Sandy Crawford.

Nigel Fenwick was the best individual performer on the day as he scored 38 points, one point clear of Graham Tickell and Rania Hage.

Left to right: John Hainey, Club Captain Terry Vaughan, John Vaughan and Simon McDonald.

78 | ArabianGolf - May 2014

CONTACT: Tel : +971 4 366 3000 E-mail: info@arabianranchesgolf.ae

Winner Mark Evans is flanked by Club Captain Terry Vaughan (left) and Nathalie Garinio of INFINITI.

EVANS WINS THE INAUGURAL INFINITI MASTERS TOURNAMENT MARK Evans posted an incredible net 63 to win the first staging of the INFINIT Masters by six shots last month.

Played on the Saturday of the Masters Tournament where Bubba Watson reigned supreme, Evans got his hands on a mini green jacket trophy after his fine display. Evans was in great from on a very hot and windy day as he posted scored of 35 and 37 for his gross 72 which gave him his net 63.

Michael McKeed scored a 69 to take second place with John Hainey one stroke back in third place.

In addition to the Individual Net Score there was a special prize up for grabs which saw every player drawn against a performer at Augusta National and Evans duly won that as he was drawn with Ian Woosnam, who shot a second round 73, to form a 136 total.

CONTACT: Tel : +971 7 244 7474 E-mail: enquiries@alhamragolf.com

AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB www.alhamragolf.com

AlHamraGolfClub

AlHamraGolfClub

JAKE AND RITA REPEAT AT THE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP JAKE Maki-Petaja and Rita Engelbrecht (pictured above left, and right) proved too hot to handle as they both successfully defended their respective Club Championship crowns last month.

The largest field of the year took to the course to battle it out over 36 holes and Maki-Petaja carded rounds of 78 and 81 for his winning 159 tally, while Engelbrecht won a sudden-death play-off against Terri Stewart.

Maki-Petaja took total control of the event during

the back nine on the second day as he opened up an impressive four stroke lead.

With such a comfortable cushion he allowed himself a few loose shots could easily afford a triple bogey on the final hole to seal a one -stroke win over Oscar Lindh.

It was less comfortable for Engelbrecht as she found herself level with Stewart after two rounds on a gross score of 174.

The duo both went back down the 18th and

TOWER LINKS GOLF CLUB www.towerlinks.com

with Engelbrecht safely in for a par Stewart agonisingly missed a three-foot par putt to take the play-off further.

In the Ladies Net division Lori Handsel took the spoils after a second round level par 72 gave her a 147 total for a one -stroke win over Mags Feenie.

The Men’s Net prize went to Rick Handsel as he won on a countback against Eric Englebrecht with the pair locked on 142, while Niilo Maki-Petaje took third place, one stroke further back.

CONTACT: Tel : +971 7 227 939 Email: membership@towerlinks.com

towerlinksgc

CLARKE AND GREEN DUO BETTER THAN THE REST JUSTIN Clarke and Miller Green triumphed in the midweek 2-player Betterball Stableford with an impressive score of 24 Stableford points.

Still recovering from their recent defeat in the Club Matchplay, the pair set out to make amends, and that they did, combining booming drives with pinpoint approaches and accurate putting.

Hot on the heels of the pair, after shooting 23 Stableford points, were the duo of Jamie Williams and Mark Smith who seem to have found their feet on the testing layout. They look like the ones to watch next season. Both players combined splendidly on the night and will look back to a couple of sloppy approaches that halted their progression to the top spot.

The partnership of Paul Williams and Andrew Klein finished in third place after a missed opportunity late in the evening also left them on 23 Stableford points. Unfortunately, they missed out on the countback, which made their long drive home even longer.

Pin winners on the evening were Ahmad Mustafa on hole 12, with Mark Regan rifling one into hole 16 to take the spoils.

Spooning on the evening were Patt and Maurice who could only muster a disappointing 16 Stableford points.

ArabianGolf - May 2014 | 79

CONTACT: Tel : +971 2 558 8990 E-mail: info@adgolfclub.com

ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB www.adgolfclub.com

@ADGolfClub

abudhabigolfclub

THE BURTS CAPTURE THE MIXED OPEN

EAGLE INSPIRES USA VICTORY THE National Course recently played host to the seventh annual International Trophy, sponsored this year by United Steel Works LLC and a record number of 92 players competed for prizes.

Taking the spoils on the day with an outstanding score of 43 points was the pairing of Joseph Jasienowski and Charles Parks for the USA. Two points back in second place were Team North America, represented by Shari

Corbin and Mark Jenkins, while a UK/USA partnership of Brett Paulsen and Nigel Husk finished third with 40 points. The winners were propelled to victory by a superb hole-out eagle from 140 yards on the notoriously difficult ninth hole. During the 2014 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship only four birdies were made on the hole all week so Charles Park was rightfully delighted with his effort.

CATHERINE and Ian Burt proved too hot to handle in the Emirates Palace Mixed Open recently as they returned a tally of 44 Stableford points to win by one stroke.

Second and third place had to be decided by virtue of a countback, with Tammy and David De Angelo taking second place, edging out Anette Rigo and Jean Pierre Billgren to third.

In the day’s other competitions, Sung Jin Hwang won the Men’s Nearest the Pin contest whilst Miho Uchida won the Ladies. Finally, in the Longest Drive contest, Livio Van Hellenberg Hubar and Lina Tyson took the honours.

TROON GOLF JUNIOR INTER-CLUB SERIES LAUNCHES IN THE UAE THE inaugural Troon Golf Junior Inter-Club series teed off at Abu Dhabi Golf Club late last month in an attempt to encourage youngsters to play more and take part in a competitive but friendly environment.

The team event series, comprising five rounds between the clubs, will be hosted in turn by the UAE’s five Troon Golf properties. The series will culminate in November with the final and prize-giving ceremony at The Address Montgomerie Dubai, where the winners will be awarded the inaugural trophy to display in their clubhouse, as well as bragging rights over the rest of the Troon Golf family.

Danny Jakubowski, Group Director of Instruction at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Abu Dhabi Golf Club, said: “With the coaching teams, tournament co-ordinators and operational staff all committed and working towards one goal, we hope to see the Troon Golf Junior Inter-Club series eventually branch out to welcome all the golf clubs in the UAE to participate, making it the first initiative of its kind.”

Differentiating itself from existing golf tournaments in the region, the Troon Golf Junior

80 | ArabianGolf - May 2014

Inter-club series is geared specifically around team play and golf club involvement.

Rhys Beecher, Director of Instruction at The Address Montgomerie Dubai, who has been another driving force behind the new series, added: “Troon Golf believes that getting groups together to form teams and compete against rival golf clubs is an excellent way of promoting competition for kids in a fun, relaxed atmosphere that doesn’t focus solely on individual performances.

“The Troon Golf Junior Inter-Club series will promote interaction between players and parent

involvement, and will provide more opportunities for junior golfers to actively become a part of the golfing community.”

April 26th,

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

May 24th,

The Els Club

June 7th,

The Track Meydan

October 25th,

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

November 15th

The Address Montgomerie Dubai

YAS LINKS GOLF CLUB www.yaslinks.com

YasLinksGC

CONTACT: Tel : +971 2 810 7777 E-mail: info@yaslinks.com

YasLinksGolfClub

CELEBRATING THE PHILLIPS CUP 4TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY ON Friday March 21st, 2014, Yas Links hosted an important tournament to celebrate a milestone in the Club’s history, The Phillips Cup, named after American Yas Links architect and course designer Kyle Phillips.

After the matchplay event on the Events Lawn everyone gathered together for a prize presentation, dinner and party to honour Yas Links’ 4th birthday, officially on March 25th.

Continued from the theme of last year, teams were again divided based on each member’s nationality, although this time it was Europe vs.

The Rest of the World. Last year America and Asia took the title from the Rest of the World with an incredibly tight match.

This year, the Rest of the World regained the title,

finishing with an outstanding 13 ½ matches won over Europe who triumphed in 6 ½ matches. All who participated now look forward to next year’s

5th anniversary with members and their guests, while Yas Links celebrates Kyle’s wonderful and world renowned work yet again.

SHARON HALL FLIES INTO FIRST PLACE Yas Links welcomed a fantastic mix of members and guests to a full field 7:30am shotgun start on Friday, March 28th, for the renowned Etihad Open Stableford.

Air Miles were the target as the enthusiastic competitors battled it out to finish in 1st, 2nd and 3rd places with air miles in denominations of 25,000, 15,000 and 10,000 respectively of their standing in both categories No stranger to the top spot, Sharon Hall, flew into first place in the Division A category (hcp 0-14), finishing with an impressive 39 points. Coming in a very close second was Emanuel Ostojic who won on the last 9 holes of a countback with an impressive 38 points. Third place was presented to Mike Revell for a notable 38 points, concluding the Division A top winners.

In Division ‘B’ (hcp 15-36) new member Phillip James took the top spot with 46 points, three clear of Elizabeth Campbell with Paul Prince third on 41 points.

MARZOOQIS SWEEP TO MIXED OPEN GLORY LAST month Yas Links held its annual Mixed Open with a Betterball Stableford format. The Open presents an ideal opportunity for members and guests alike to compete, changing the typical competition dynamic to two-player teams, consisting of one male and one female, joining forces for an 8:00am shotgun start.

After the tournament all the competitors joined together in Hickory’s for a delicious buffet lunch and prize presentation.

Husband and wife duo, and Yas Links members, Lora and Abdulla Al Marzooqi, swept away the

competition, taking top spot with 46 points. This earned them both bragging rights and wonderful prizes provided by Titleist and Yas Links.

Second place went to Yas Links members, husband and wife pairing, Andrea and Mark Hartley.

The two finished with a solid 43 points and a set of trophies for their excellent scores.

Third place was a tight call with Raymond Beard and Chloe Dillon coming in just one point behind the Hartleys with a solid performance on the last nine holes as they finished with a very impressive 42 points.

DARREN DRIVES TO GLORY IN YAS LINKS MEMBERS CADILLAC MONTHLY MEDAL MEMBERS were eager to play for bragging rights, Cadillac privileges and Yas Links prizes at last month’s always popular Cadillac Monthly Medal. Plenty of accolades were handed out at the prize presentation held on the new Yas Links Members terrace at Hickory’s.

Junior Member Darren Hall took precedence and topped the leaderboard with a magnificent score of 75 which allowed him to acquire the title of Men’s Overall Gross Winner.

To no surprise, proud mother Sharon Hall took home the title of Ladies Best Nett, finishing with a notable nett 72.

Category A (Handicap 0-12) contenders had two top winners, whose scores could not have been closer, but Men’s Captain Ron Herman triumphed due to the last 9 holes putting him first with a nett 74, leaving Alan Whatling a very close runner-up.

Category B (Handicap 13-28) competitors also had two top winners and very impressive scores throughout. David Harvey emerged in first place with a very solid score of nett 82, while Ahmed Al Menhali finished second on the last nine holes with a notable score of nett 89.

ArabianGolf - May 2014 | 81

SHARJAH GOLF AND SHOOTING CLUB www.golfandshootingshj.com

Sharjah-Golf-Shooting-Club

RAHMAN BIDS FAREWELL WITH VICTORY IN THE 4TH NOOR BANK SHARJAH CUP Ikhlas Rahman, representing the Malaysian Golf Federation, played the round of his life last month to take the title of 4th Noor Bank Sharjah Cup Champion.

With only 52 golfers making the cut, Day 2 produced some fierce competition with Rahman starting the final day as one of a total of 30 golfers all within 6 points of the Day 1 Leader Y.D. Kim. The lead changed hands a record eight times before Rahman made his charge up the leaderboard. He went out in 20 points and turned on the style coming back with an impressive 22 points for a 42 total.

The victory was bitter-sweet for Rahman, who, after thanking both Noor Bank for their kind sponsorship and SG&SC for running such a well organised and popular event announced that this was his last competition in the UAE after a -4year stay before returning to his native Malaysia.

The only golfer to pose any threat to Rahman was

Irishman Shane O’Neill (EGF), who pushed on from his opening 33 points to return a one under second day 37 to take the runner-up prize. Third spot went to the ever-improving junior golfer, Mukhzar Mehmood, (SGSC) who managed to pip Sanjoy Das (SGSC) and Day 1 leader Y.D. Kim (SGSC) by virtue of a second day score of 34 points.

Y.D. Kim had the consolation of scoring the Best Net Day 1 prize with his leading 36 points on the Friday.

The Day 2 Best Net went to Andrew Morley (SGSC) with 36 points, despite his round including a -2stroke penalty for arriving late on the 1st tee.

In the Gross category the ever sociable Charlie

Wilcox (SGSC) produced the most consistent rounds of the weekend, 30 and 34 gross points, three clear of his nearest rival Nathan Fisher.

After a solid Day 1, George Liu (SGSC) failed to produce the goods on the all-important closing round and although he fell away from the leaders he still managed to take the Best Gross award, with Fisher claiming the Day 2 equivalent after beating S.S. Son on a countback.

The final award of the weekend went to Jacqui Stewart (SGSC), the leading female golfer with a points total of 62, well ahead of her compatriot Claudette Dumoulin.

LIKELY LADS BACK ON FORM TO STEAL THE SHOW AT BMW SOCIAL

REED’S WINNING DEBUT AT CORAL BEACH RESORT BOGEY GAVIN Reed, representing the Emirates Golf Federation, made his first visit to Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club a successful debut as he took the Coral Beach Resorts Sharjah spoils. Reed, who signed up to the competition late after organising a game for himself and his son, Vaughan, didn’t look back as he shot an unbeatable -3up score, which included backto-back-birdies on the 4th and 5th holes.

Two SG&SC members fell just one hole short, both finishing on a score of -2up. Korean golfer, Golden Kim, who is enjoying a resurgence to form carried off the Division 1 prize, whilst Babu Varsani made a long-awaited return to the winner’s circle as he scooped the Division 2 prize.

All three prize-winning golfers received valuable pro-shop vouchers to use at Sharjah whilst also collecting culinary treats, courtesy of the title sponsor, Coral Beach Resorts Sharjah.

82 | ArabianGolf - May 2014

THE likely lads of Gary Langthorne and William Neilson romped home to win the recent BMW Members & Guests Social.

The regular partnership have been out of sorts over the past few months, failing to make it onto the podium. However, they produced two superb nines of 34 and 30 for an 8 under net 64 and victory by a clear 3 strokes. They really excelled in the back 9 betterball format, firing 7 net birdies, with one solitary dropped shot, to come back in 6 under.

With Langthorne and Neilson playing in the morning round they set the bar high for the afternoon golfers turning up, knowing they would have to combine well to beat their score. It didn’t quite happen. Chris Bates and Dave McGrath came closest but fell three strokes short, returning a net 67 to claim the afternoon winner’s award.

The front 9 Shambles Betterball format winners were Adi Husaini and Rizal Ibrahim with a 32 during the morning play, and Jukka Torvella and Mr. Eero with a 33 during the afternoon shotgun.

Sanjoy Das and Vivian Verma took the Betterball prize in the morning, leaving SGSC Golf Professional Joe Marshall and his brother, James,

who is on a visit to the UAE, to win during the afternoon. It proved to be a memorable day out for James, who also claimed both the Nearest The Pin and Longest Drive Awards to add to his Best Back 9 prize. He was clearly thriving on the perfect conditions in the UAE compared to his native Yorkshire climate back in the UK.

CONTACT: Tel : +971 6 548 7777 E-mail: info@golfandshootingshj.com

SPORT2BUSINESS BEAT MASSIN IN PLAYOFF TO BECOME CONARES GOLF SOCIETY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS THE Sport2Business Golf Society followed in the footsteps of the Dubai Ex-Putts, The Indian Golf Society and Massin Golf Society to capture the 5th edition of the Conares Golf Society League after an epic final last month.

Sport2Business, overcame the extremely strong and consistent five-times finalists, Massin, with their leading partnership of Captain Russell Yeomans and Randall Mohammed disposing of their Malaysian counterparts, Mohammad Firdaus and Adi Husaini, with ease, running out 6/5 winners.

Knowing they needed to win their second match to force a play-off Massin’s second duo, Bill Wong and Abdul Latif, upped their game during a tight encounter to win a number of holes on the bounce to finally complete a 4/3 victory.

With a win for each society the whole season, made up of 36 matches, came down to a sudden-death play-off. Following the form, both societies chose to put forward their

winning duos, so it was up to Yeomans and Mohammed (Sport2Business) to face Wong and Latif (Massin) to fight it out over a tense and nervy extra hole.

Playing the par-4 dogleg 1st hole it was Sport2Business Captain Yeomans who looked to have the best position after their second shots, just rolling off the edge of the putting surface leaving himself about 30 feet from the pin. After a booming drive over the corner of the dogleg, leaving himself only 80 yards in, Mohammed hit a disappointing wedge into the bunker short of the green. Both golfers were about 12 feet away trying to rescue their par. Mohammed then stepped up and under enormous pressure showed why he plays off a 4 handicap as he landed his bunker shot on the

edge of the green allowing it to trickle down to just 2 feet away, a shot that resulted in a high five from his Captain.

Two good efforts from Massin just shaved the hole leaving Mohammad with the short putt for glory and to write Sport2Business into the Golf Society League record books.

Meanwhile, in the 3rd/4th place play-off the well-known KEGS Golf Society beat off the Wosetyn Boere Hackers after recording two straight wins. The Woestyn Boere Hackers, fielded a slightly depleted team after an epic week of golf with a number of their society playing over 100 holes for charity.

Winning Sport2Business Captain Russell Yeomans raised the trophy above his head at the presentation as

he and his team of Randall Mohammad, Andrew Smolak and Fathi Al Busaidy all thanked everyone who had played a part in the successful season. Yeomans also went on to thank SG&SC for hosting such a unique and popular golf event, with huge thanks to title sponsor Conares Steel, whose sponsorship makes the event feasible and extremely successful.

Due to the overwhelming success of the winter version of the Conares Golf Society League Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club also confirmed that a scaled-down version will be run over the four month summer season, with a number of the regular societies already confirming their intention to compete.

PRAVEEN SHARMA SHINES IN UNITECHNIK MONTHLY STABLEFORD INDIAN golfer Praveen Sharma produced one of his best rounds of the season to run away with last month’s Unitechnik Monthly Stableford.

His 41 points tally gave him a 4-point advantage over his nearest rival, Korean member Y.D. Kim. Sharma set the course alight recording four 3-pointers and a stylish 4-pointer on the tough 13th hole, and hopes to extend his form into the final stages of the winter season.

Y.D. Kim has enjoyed an April to remember, having scooped awards in the Asian Open and the Sharjah Cup, and his runner-up result was enough to earn him the Division 1 prize for the month of April.

The Unitechnik Division 2 prize went to new SG&SC member, Welshmen Andrew Costelow, who finished with a 31 points total. Costelow assumed his score would threaten the prizes but a number of competitors ahead of him were Division 1 golfers so Costelow emerged the best in his field.

The best Gross award went to scratch team regular, Jonathan Houlston, who produced a sublime round of 37 Gross points. The round included four birdies, three of which came in his second nine holes. The plus one handicapper eased to victory by a convincing margin.

ArabianGolf - May 2014 | 83

CONTACT: Tel : +973 17 750777

THE ROYAL GOLF CLUB, BAHRAIN www.theroyalgolfclub.com www.dubaigolf.com

EmiratesGolfClub theroyalgolfclub

BAHRAIN JUNIOR OPEN SET FOR BUMPER FIELD MANY keen young golfers from around the region are set to tee it up in this year’s 2014 Bahrain Junior Open which will take place at the Royal Golf Club on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th May. The competition will be split into under-21, under-16

and under-12 age categories with the older sections playing 36 holes over two days on the Montgomerie championship course with the under-12s playing 18 holes over two days on the Wee Monty par 3 course.

BADEA ESBAI SEALS ROUND 3 OF THE VOLVO BAHRAIN QUALIFIER

LANES SUCCESSFUL IN DHL ORDER OF MERIT THE husband and wife duo of Rob and Debbie Lane enjoyed a very successful weekend in Bahrain recently as Rob won both the Gross and Net sections of the DHL Order of Merit Series and Debbie narrowly sealed the ladies Net section with a 75.

Debbie won on a countback over Sara Thomson to take the Net prize but their positions in the overall Gross category were reversed as Thomson took the spoils with an 89 ahead of Debbie’s 94.

Rob won the Gross prize with a 72, two strokes clear of Hamad Mubarak who, in turn, defeated Sultan Al Hakam on a countback to take second place outright. Rob’s gross 72 helped him post a net 69 and this helped him clinch a two-shot win over Taimur Malik. Yaseen Le Falher clinched the Junior section with a gross score of 80, eight shots clear of Taimur Malik.

Rob Lane in action.

ROYAL GOLF CLUB ANNUAL F1 SCRAMBLE SUCCESS THE team of Nils Berge, Petter Nyberg, Alan Vandewater and Anders Sandstrom won the annual F1 Scramble tournament recently with an excellent net score of 61.7. Youngsters Derrek Ngo, Yaseen Le Falher, Taimur Malik and Harold Hutchins came second with 62.4 net while the trio of Abdulaziz Ahmed, Khalid Al Omran and Abdulrahman Al Amar took third place with 62.6 nett. Nearest the

Pin prizes on holes 2, 7 and 12 were clinched by Anders Sandstrom, Dave Fernie and Nils Berge respectively.

More than 100 competitors, both local residents and those visiting Bahrain for the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, took part in the popular Texas Scramble tournament which featured checkered pin flags in honour of the race.

VICE Club Captain Badea Esbai enjoyed a comfortable win in the third Volvo World Golf Challenge Bahrain Qualifier with a Stableford score of 39 points.

Barry Hobday and Petter Nyberg both shot 37 and after a quick countback it was Hobday who was awarded second place outright, thanks to his better finish to the tournament, while the two Nearest the Pin prizes on holes 2 and 16 were won by Claus Hansen and Stewart Tankard respectively.

There are now just three more qualification rounds left of the 2014 Bahrain Volvo World Golf Challenge, all of which will take place at the Royal Golf Club. The eight successful qualifiers from each round will go on to compete in a final round in December and the winners will receive a complimentary invitation to fly off to the five-day World Final, an unforgettable golfing occasion which is held each January in an exotic location. There, they will play for the chance of being crowned Champion of the World and will also have the opportunity to play alongside European Tour professionals in an Amateur-Pro Team Competition.

KEEP EVOLVING ecco.com

ALMOUJ GOLF THE WAVE MUSCAT, OMAN www.almoujgolf.com

CONTACT: Tel : +968 2200 5990 E-mail: info@almoujgolf.com

almoujgolf

O’HARA PIPS TSARONG IN TIGHT RACE FOR APRIL’S CHEDI MUSCAT MONTHLY MEDAL THE April Chedi Muscat Monthly Medal threw up two players in hot form as the reigning Black Tee Champion Aaron O’Hara and Club Champion Tenzin Tsarong battled it out down the stretch.

Tsarong powered through the opening nine to take the lead but faltered down the stretch and he eventually signed for an 82. O’Hara meanwhile was steady throughout and his gross 80 saw him clinch victory.

The Ladies Net division was narrowly won by 22-handicapper Caroline Wright as she pipped Lady Captain Kim Davis to the title by one stroke with a 75.

The Men’s Net prize went to Tony Leith Hedley as he went out in the first group of the day and shot a solid 73. It looked good enough for victory until Iain

Watters, who was playing in the final group, also posted a 73. However, Leith Hedley’s better back nine saw him awarded the title on a countback.

DOHA GOLF CLUB, QATAR www.dohagolfclub.com

CONTACT: Tel : +971 4 295 2277

Doha-Golf-Club

STEPHEN SWAN SCOOPS APRIL MEDAL

LINUS BYBERG BAGS THE MUG

STEPHEN Swan produced the round of the day as he took the spoils in Division ‘A’ of the Guardian Wealth April Medal with a gross 76 for a net 70.

Swan was in touch at the top of the leaderboard all the way round and gross birdies on holes 16 and 18 lifted him into first place by one stroke from Guy Strandemo In Division ‘B’ Stephen Clark shot a gross 86 for a net 68 which was good enough for a twostroke win over Paul Kelly, while Danny Waiter topped the pile in Division ‘C’ with a net 66 from a gross 87. The Ladies winner on the day was Marlene Lebitschnig with a solid net 71.

LINUS Byberg narrowly triumphed in the inaugural Pretect Monthly Mug recently with a countback win over Karl Bishop in Division ‘A’.

Both players scored 36 Stableford points but it was an inward haul of 20 points that gave Byberg the win.

In Division ‘B’ Luke McGuire romped to victory as he compiled 43 points to win by four, ahead of Gary Mond.

Gross birdies on holes 3 and 7

propelled McGuire to victory.

Doug Grote sealed the honours in Division ‘C’ on a countback from Nayesh Desai.

The pair were locked on 39 points after play but a superior back nine of 20 points gave Grote the title. The Ladies Division was won by Beth SanJose as with a tally of 34.

Quality does not have to come at a price Located just over an hour from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the course that has hosted the MENA Tour Championship for the last 3 years is closer than you think and the dryer summer heat here in Al Ain makes it a perfect place to play.

Both specials include our club burger and a drink of your choice for each player, shared golf cart and range balls.

Rates available until the end of September Combine a nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stay with our hotel and golf packages starting from

550AED

Please contact our reservation team for bookings or further information through golf.reservations@aesgc.ae Advance bookings required for green fees and hotel and golf packages.

Tel: 03 - 702 6 400 | www.aesgc.ae

GOLF STYLE 87

TICO TORRES LEGENDARY BON JOVI DRUMMER TALKS ABOUT HIS PASSION FOR GOLF

90 92 94 96 DRIVING RANGE

TEE TIMES

THE LOOK

FAIRWAY STARLET WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 87

TICO TORRES ROCKS GOLF Jon Bon Jovi

ƢƢ | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

Richie Sambora

T

ICO TORRES’ DAY JOB INVOLVES TOURING THE WORLD AND ROCKING OUT IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS OF ADRENALINE FUELED FANS AS THE DRUMMER IN EVERGREEN ROCK BAND, BON JOVI. AS LIFESTYLES GO, IT’S JUST ABOUT AS HIGH OCTANE AS YOU CAN GET BUT WHEN HE’S BASHING THE DRUMS HE LIKES NOTHING MORE THAN TO ESCAPE TO THE TRANQUILITY OF THE GOLF COURSE.

Birth name: Hector Juan Samuel Torres Known as: Tico, The Hit Man Born: October 7, 1953 Band: Joined Bon Jovi when they formed in 1983 and has been pounding the skins with the superband for more than three decades!

Tico Torres

David Bryan

GOLF STYLE TICO TORRES

What’s your earliest golfing memory?

TT: The first time I ever played golf was with Willie Nelson [American country music singer/ songwriter] at Pedernales Golf Club, Texas, on his 9-hole course. It’s also known as the Willie Nelson Cut–N-Putt. As the great man says, it’s located just “8 songs away from Austin.” I played with a 7 iron and putter and remember it well.

Who taught you to play golf?

TT: Willie actually taught me to play. It all started back in 1989. I was at his house and he asked if I’d ever played golf. I said I hadn’t so he took me out there and said, “Just look at the ball and hit it!” So I did. After all, the man is an “icon.”

Left: Tico drives off the 18th tee during the second round of the 2009 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at The Old Course, St. Andrews.

Above: Tico is a huge fan of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, and here he’s in action during the second round at Carnoustie in 2012.

Where is your favourite holiday golf destination?

TT: This would have to be Leopard Creek in South Africa. It’s bordered by the Kruger National Park and the Crocodile River, and the wildlife is simply amazing!

How often do you get to play golf?

TT: Three times a week wherever I am, with the band schedule permitting.

Have you ever had a hole in one?

TT: Just the once. It was on the Blue Monster at Miami’s Doral Golf Resort. I was playing in the VH1 Celebrity Golf Event, and I loved it!

Who would be your dream golf partner?

TT: There are so many but of all time, it has to

Who’s your favourite professional golfer past or present?

TT: Gary Player – The Black Knight. He always plays with such determination and has real integrity.

Who’s your favourite celebrity golfer?

TT: There are so many I could name, but I’ll say Alice Cooper, because in the words of Alice, “If rock ‘n’ roll made my life, then golf saved my life”.

be the late, great Seve Ballesteros, because he could pull off the most impossible shots from anywhere.

Above: Hollywood actor Andy Garcia, an avid golfer, and Tico Torres enjoy a round together on the Links at St.Andrews in 2001.

What’s your favourite professional golf tournament?

TT: Any of the Majors, as it all goes up a notch.

What’s the best thing about playing golf?

TT: The people you meet.

And the worst thing about playing golf?

TT: [Laughs] Sometimes, the people you meet.

What do you wish to achieve in your game?

TT: I’ve never shot even par on any golf course I’ve played, so that’s what I’m aiming for.

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | ƢÖ

THE DRIVING FOR DECADES THE PORSCHE 911 HAS BEEN THE BENCH MARQUE OTHER PERFORMANCE MANUFACTURERS AIMED TO ATTAIN, NOT ONLY IN PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY BUT FOR OUTRIGHT STYLE

RANGE WORDS BY RONALD HARVEY

SINCE the first 911 rolled off the production line back in 1963 it’s been tweaked to perfection every step of the way but there aren’t many 50-yearolds that have a growth spurt. The current 991 model is 2.2 inches longer and an unbelievable 50kgs lighter than its predecessor.

Weight-saving is down to the car’s aluminum construction but have these bold changes kept the iconic brand a marque to be desired or has it lost it’s way to satisfy the everchanging automotive laws?

The only way to find out was to get behind the wheel and see for myself.

You are never going to please all Porsche 911 enthusiasts, as some still long for the 1989 model. I remember driving one of those in the wet once and the back end was like a petulant 90 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

teenager, it wasn’t much better in the dry either. The 997 model was personally the best I’d driven to date.

You could drive through town in comfort while the chassis and electronic driving aids enabled you to enjoy the throttle in total safety. So, I was going to require some convincing that the new, bigger and lighter 991 was the perfect answer in moving with th times.

At first glance you can see it’s a little larger but the lines are sleek and that slight bulbous 911 appeal has been subtly retained. The 3.8 litre flat six engine on start-up sounded slightly muted compared to the previous model.

It was like listening to an AC/DC gig from backstage. Then I discovered the sport button on the dash which changes everything. Suddenly I was centre stage soaking up that

adrenaline-fuelled acoustic thrill.

Performance-wise, you step out of the car with a huge smile on your face and the 400 horses of the 991 certainly have a kick. The handling remains sharp but a little softer on the road. I’m not a track-day thrillseeker, so I soon warmed to it. If that’s not your cup of tea then the GT range certainly is!

The big plus for me was the extra space, which meant I could carry passengers, albeit 5ft 10” teenagers, without the constant leg room moans.

Maybe you wouldn’t want to take them sight-seeing but an hour in the back was perfectly do-able.

All-in-all this is a great everyday supercar. It will no doubt have its critics for being a little larger but try putting your kids or a set of golf clubs in the back of a Ferrari 458.

GOLF STYLE PORSCHE 911 The 3.8-litre engine

There has been no change in displacement since the previous model, but power output has been increased while fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 15%.

The 911 Carrera S models are powered by a 3.8-litre boxer engine with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) and VarioCam Plus. It produces 294 kW (400hp) at 7,400 rpm and the maximum torque of 440 Nm is achieved at 5,600 rpm.

With optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), the 911 Carrera S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 4.3 seconds and achieves a top speed of 302 km/h (187 mph).

Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) Making the 991 lighter and more powerful demands more control from the the 991S. The PDCC certainly responds and the 991S holds the road even better and delivers more grip than the 997.

In Porscheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s words: The PDCC is an active anti-roll system that suppresses lateral body movement during cornering manoeuvres. In addition, it minimises the lateral instability of the vehicle on uneven ground.

This effect is achieved with the aid of hydraulic stabilising actuators in the form of cylinders designed to optimise camber. Lateral roll is counteracted by forces generated at each individual wheel, based on steering angle and lateral acceleration.

But in simple terms, the tyres and vehicle hold the road better and you can steer through corners faster and not worry that the back end is going to break lose.

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 91

TIMES EE

Omega Seamaster Co-Axial OMEGA’s sporty Seamaster collection is a tribute to the brand’s maritime legacy. This exquisite example pays homage to OMEGA’s dive watch heritage. This model features a stunning blue dial pattern and a date window at the 3 o’clock position. The distinctive dial is visible through a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The blue unidirectional rotating bezel is mounted on a 41mm stainless steel case with a helium-escape valve at 10 o’clock.

The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet. This OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M is powered by the Co-Axial calibre 2500. www.omega.com

92 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

GOLF STYLE TEE TIMES

Rado HyperChrome Ceramic Touch Dual Timer The Rado HyperChrome Ceramic Touch Dual Timer is the perfect watch for frequent travellers. It has two time zone functions – one on the main dial and another on a smaller dial at 6 o’clock. The watch is made from grey high-tech ceramic which is hard wearing and exceedingly stylish.

Carl F. Bucherer Pathos Diva The Pathos collection from Carl F. Bucherer combines the art of watch making with the art of jewelry. The Pathos Diva utilizes precious metals in a unique design to create a special timepiece. One of the watch’s outstanding features is the aureole, a gleaming circle that creates an eye-catching interplay of reflected light across the watch case. www.carl-f-bucherer.com

Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Founded in 1738 Jaquet Droz watches are still crafted using the same painstaking, meticulous methods as they were in the 18th century. That includes hand painting and engraving the dials on each and every watch. One of the most recognisable models is the Grande Seconde, which was inspired by a pocket watch the company created in its early years. The watch is a refined demonstration of the art of ‘Grand Feu’ enamelling, with the hour and minute display at 12 o’clock overlapping the seconds counter at 6 o’clock. www.jaquet-droz.com

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 93

“I swing the club at 126 mph, and the new Oakley Swing Engineered Technology really allows me to move freely and crush every drive!”

– Bubba Watson

94 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

L

GOLF STYLE FASHION

THE

OOK

OAKLEY GOLF APPAREL

You won’t find Bubba Watson blending in among the country club regulars.

The two-times Masters Champion doesn’t fit the mould.

But he’s not out there rocking the boat for the sake of making waves — he simply believes you can bring a spark of personality to the game while still respecting its heritage. Add that to his willingness to take chances, and you’ll see why he’s the definition of Oakley Golf.

With Oakley, Bubba has a look that screams his individualism, along with his performances that serve his relentless drive to achieve his best.

“I want to look good and have no restrictions in my swing,” says Bubba.

SWING-ENGINEERED ASHLAND POLO Crafted with Swing-Engineered Technology, the Ashland Polo allows a full range of motion for true swing freedom. The technology takes an approach that’s both dimensional and dynamic, and along with minimising the seams, it places them strategically for optimal fit and movement. For confidence that cards winning scores, form meets function with progressive styling and comfort.

O Swing Engineered: Unrestricted range of motion through reduction and placement of seams.

O Welded seams to eliminate abrasion.

O Lightweight stretch fabrication for unrestricted range of motion.

WorldwideGolf - May 2014 | 95

GOLF STYLE FAIRWAY STARLET

LEXI THOMPSPON KEEPS MAKING A SPLASH!

T

EENAGE sensation Lexi Thompson continued her meteoric rise to stardom last month by claiming her maiden Major championship in flawless fashion at the Kraft Nabisco Championship on the LPGA Tour when she out-duelled Michelle Wie in the final round at Mission Hills Country Club to win by three shots.

“It’s such a huge honour to win this tournament,” she said. “It’s a great feeling. This is what I’ve worked so hard for. This was one of my goals coming into the year, to win a Major. I’ve always seen myself winning a Kraft Nabisco. It’s such a huge honour with all the history behind the tournament. It’s just a dream come true.”

The victory made the Floridian, who turned 19 in February, the second youngest women’s Major winner. It’s the latest in a long line of spectacular achievements for the youngster. She turned professional at the age of 15 and became the youngestever winner on the LPGA when she bagged the 2011 Navistar LPGA Classic at just 16 years, seven months, and eight days. Three months later she was at it again when she claimed the OMEGA Dubai Ladies Masters to become the second youngest winner of a Ladies European Tour event.

LEXI QUICKFIRE Q: Favourite on-course snack?

LEXI: Trail mix.

Q: Favourite club in the bag?

LEXI: All of them!

Q: Nicknames?

LEXI: Lexicon, Sexy Lexy Lexi.

Q: Favourite meal?

LEXI: Chicken or steak with vegetables.

Q: Favourite sport other than golf?

LEXI: Ice hockey.

96 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

Q: Alternative job for one day?

LEXI: Rock star!

WHAT’S SO WILD ABOUT THE GOLF WILDCARD? • May Promotion Rate

AED3,250

(4 month package)

(Saving AED500)

• 1 Month

AED1,500 (Standard Monthly Rate)

• 2 Months

AED2,500 (Saving AED500)

A

•

3 Months

AED3,000 (Saving AED2,000)

BAR in

A

A

ff

ff 25% o kfast

AED3,750 (Saving AED2,250)

c. brea

20% o

orsan, at Al F , and Ya Hala staurants e re Le Dun

• 4 Months

All ard

A

A

Sh

% rs, 25 Farrie and nts at me, aura Pri rest a eb

off wildc % ucing 2h5ilst prod off

Bw F&

A

A

p se air F lec of re te su e d ng ra la ng ss e es on ly

W I L C A R D

50

% B get uy on off the e tic at h secon ket, alf p d o rice ne

Book your Summer Wildcard now +971 4 381 3733 info@meydangolf.com | www.meydangolf.com Terms & Conditions apply

F , any day any tee times ailability subject to av

each Pass

A

Make this the summer you, your family and all your friends go wild.

ree Golf

25% off B

A

A Meydan Golf is offering a spectacular ‘Summer Wildcard’ from 1st June – 30th September with brilliant savings of up to AED2,250.

Not only does it allow you (or anyone you lend the Wildcard to) free golf at the Meydan Golf Course, but you get an incredible package of exciting summer privileges at Meydan Hotels and Hospitality.