Worldwide Golf October 2015

Worldwide Golf October 2015, issue 174

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GOLF IN ORLANDO DIRECT FROM DUBAI INSTRUCTION

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Lee Westwood

THE FORMER WORLD N0.1 HAS HIS SIGHTS FIXED ON THE EUROPEAN TOUR’S FINAL SERIES

ARABIAN GOLF

CLUB NEWS SETTING UP FOR THE NOMURA CUP

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

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WORLDWIDE GOLF EXECUTIVE EDITOR SINCE 1999

GARY PLAYER

Gary Player – The 9-time Major Champion and 9-time Senior Major Champion who has witnessed and been a part of some of the most historic and memorable golfing occasions, reflects on the game today.

The ‘Union of Golf and Giving’ GPI comes to Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi F

IRST of all, I’d like to thank His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their backing of our forthcoming Gary Player Invitational in February.

I must also praise the professional golfers, celebrities, businessmen and guests for their ongoing support of the ‘Union of Golf and Giving,’ which is the theme of the event and series.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the completion of my Grand Slam of all four Majors and next month I reach the age of 80.

The upcoming Invitational has only added to my excitement in celebrating these important milestones. I believe that golf can be an ideal and serious ambassador for Abu Dhabi with such a beautiful golf course like our Design at Saadiyat Beach. It’s an outstanding course in a spectacular setting.

The goal of The Player Foundation, which was established by my son Marc in 1983, is to raise $100million by 2020 in order to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most, and we’re more than half way there, having already raised $60million.

We’ve had fantastic support from so many companies, including SAP Berenberg, Callaway, Rolex, The CocaCola Company, Aston Martin, Lavazza

and NetJets. Abu Dhabi is a first class sporting destination with golf and formula 1 as well as so many desert activities. It makes it a wonderful place to visit as a tourist.

The success of the Gary Player Invitationals, the world’s leading charity golf series, which now numbers six tournaments with the introduction of Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi, increases year on year, event by event.

Our other events in the United States, the United Kingdom, China, South Africa and India have been outstanding and have raised an amazing amount of much needed funds for a variety of charities worldwide.

Wonderful Job The Sports Council and the Tourist Board both do a wonderful job of promoting Abu Dhabi and we have a combined vision to support and make a difference to the Emirati youth. We want to encourage a healthier lifestyle for youngsters in the UAE. I was surprised to see how overweight a lot of the children were when I was last in the Emirates.

I certainly think Saadiyat Beach is one of the best courses I have designed. It’s spectacular. Anyone

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going to Abu Dhabi will be pleasantly surprised when they see this golf course. It’s got some of the greatest golf holes in the world. The utilisation of the waste areas are excellent. They cut down on maintenance costs and it still looks so immaculate everywhere I look. It gives me a satisfying chill whenever I go there.

I’m surprised that the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship hasn’t yet moved to Saadiyat Beach to showcase the golf course and the area. With the inclusion of Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Yas Links they could stage an event on all three courses in Abu Dhabi in a way similar to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland which holds events at Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St. Andrews. It would give such a huge boost to Abu Dhabi if all three golf courses were showcased on such a scale.

The Nomura Cup is being held at Yas Links later this month and I think the organisers of the tournament have missed an opportunity in not co-hosting the event between Yas Links and Saadiyat Beach. If they did that, everybody who plays both courses in the competition would go back to their respective countries and speak so highly of the magnificent variety of golf courses in Abu Dhabi. n

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October 2015

CONTENTS Features

34

40 95

Lee Westwood

WWG talks exclusively to LEE WESTWOOD as he looks forward to The European Tour’s Final Series and DP World Tour Championship and playing his way onto close friend Darren Clarke’s Ryder Cup Team next year.

Emirates Airline WWG talks to Roger

Duthie, Emirates Airline, to find out how sports sponsorship works and why the Airline is heavily involved in the game of golf globally.

Off Course

NFL legend Dan ‘The Man’ Marino describes his love of golf and how he came to take up the game when he was drafted as a 21-year-old by the Miami Dolphins.

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Driving Range

The chance to win Dubai Duty Free’s latest Luxury Car prize is one of the most luxurious and quickest cars on the market – the Mercedes S 500.

Destination: Orlando

With Emirates Airline announcing daily direct flights between Dubai and Orlando, WWG takes a look at some of the City’s finest golf courses.

www.prosports.ae

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October 2015

CONTENTS Regulars Starter 16 The Snippits of news from here there and everywhere.

63

Columnists

69

Arabian Golf

Gary Player, David Howell and Pete Cowen shoot the breeze about the latest goings on in the world game.

THE UAE team are confident ahead of the Nomura Cup, plus all the latest news from the leading golf clubs in the region.

Tour News 23 All eyes turn to Jumeirah Golf Estates

WWG talks exclusively to Jumeirah Golf Estates CEO Yousuf Kazim ahead of next month’s DP World Tour Championship about the growth of the venue since its opening back in 2009.

28

US PGA Tour pro talks us through his top tips for launching long, accurate tee shots.

46

Control on sloping lies

48

Impact fix

World Round-Ups

Reports, quotes and results from the recent events on The European Tour and the US PGA Tour.

Gear 53 Callaway’s news fairway metals

Jason Ashley and Scott Sullivan test the Great Big Bertha and the Big Bertha Alpha 816 fairway metals.

56

Instruction Johnson’s 45 Dustin Driver Tips

Alastair Brown, Senior Golf Pro at Emirates Golf Club, delivers Part-2 on how to play from a sloping lie.

Matthew Allanson, School of Golf Coach at Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental, shows us how to fix our position at impact, whether you suffer from a ‘scooped’ position or a ‘cast clubhead.’

14

Ping GMax Irons

Sam Taylor from ProSports International talks us through the latest iron offerings from Ping.

Competition 2 x VIP Hospitality passes and a place in the Rolex Pro-Am at the DP World Tour Championship, with Emirates Airline Worldwide GOLF 10

October 2015

Editor’s Letter

ISSUE No. 174, OCTOBER, 2015 Published by: Worldwide Sporting Publications Ltd Published in Dubai by: Prografix, PO Box 24677, Dubai, UAE (Tel) +9714 340 3785 Editor-in-Chief: Mike Gallemore Executive Editor: Gary Player Editor: Alex Gallemore alex@wspglobal.com

We’re Flying High I N this issue we are delighted to announce our partnership with Emirates Airlines and their Skywards Frequent Flier programme. Throughout the year Emirates Airline will be putting up some amazing exclusive European Tour pro-am prizes in Worldwide Golf.

What better way to start things off with your chance to win a place in the Rolex Pro-Am at next month’s European Tour season-ending grand final DP World Tour Championship at the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. The lucky winner will also receive two VIP Hospitality Passes with Emirates Airline for two days of the tournament.

I can’t let the cat out the bag, but believe me when I say the Emirates Airline competitions in Worldwide Golf are set to go global. To enter, all you need to do is go to our new website: www.worldwide.golf and just answer the question: “Which European Tour player will be looking to win the DP World Tour Championship for the third consecutive year?”

The competitions don’t end there. We are also offering you the chance to win a complete outfit by Under Armour, a Bushnell V3 range finder and two dozen Titleist ProV1 balls.

Publisher: Mike Gallemore mike@wspglobal.com General Manager Dubai: Richard Bevan: rick@wspglobal.com

The new site will also bring you the lastest issue of Worldwide Golf in digital format to download for free – NO subscription charges, just enjoy the read on any portable device.

You can view all the instruction videos online, so when you are stuck on the range and need a quick tip or a few pointers they should be able to steer you in the right direction.

The latest features will be put online for you to scroll through. So if you wish to read how Lee Westwood aims to get into Darren Clarke’s Ryder Cup Team, or even what supercars the Tour players have splashed out on, check out the feature section online.

The other great news for many golfers who either live in the Middle East or travel through Dubai, is that Emirates Airline now fly direct to Orlando. I know a couple of the Tour players based out there who will be using the service during the DP World Tour Championship week, but for all golf enthusiasts to have the likes of Arnold Parlmer’s Bay Hill and Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course accessible direct from Dubai is an opportunity that has to be taken at some point.

Alex Gallemore Worldwide GOLF 12

Editors: Todd Staszko, Scott Grayston Production/Design Editor: Thameem Rayyan Editorial Panel: Gary Player, Mike Gallemore, Alex Gallemore, Richard Bevan, Todd Staszko Photography: Getty Images, Joanna Eardley June 2009 SSN 1- 46805671 Approval UAE National Media Council: Ref.816 30/5/2007 Trade Licence No. 1/104375/15280

Printed by: Raidy, Dubai 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.

WIN 2 x VIP hospitality passes and a place in the Rolex Pro-Am at the DP World Tour Championship, with Emirates Airline

To enter go to: www.worldwide.golf All that enter must have a valid handicap of 24 or less and a current Emirates Skywards loyalty card. For full terms and conditions please email. competitions@worldwide.golf

The Course

Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea

The Presidents Cup goes East

K

OREA will make golfing history this month when it becomes the first country in Asia to host The Presidents Cup. The 11th edition of the biennial tournament will be contested at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Songdo International Business District at Incheon City and feature the top American players from the US PGA Tour pitted against an International team from the rest of the world (with the exception of Europe).

The United States have dominated the event since its inception in 1994, winning eight times, losing just once in 1998 in Australia, and tying the matches in South Africa in 2003.

The United States comfortably won the last five editions but changes to the format for this year’s event offer hope to the Internationals. Instead of playing for 34 points, this year 30 points will be on offer, making the winning mark 15½ instead of 17½. This means the International Team, which is historically weaker than the Americans, have the opportunity to ‘sit out’ their out-of-form players in more sessions than in previous editions.

“For quite some time, the International Team has been advocating a reduction in total points, while the U.S. Team felt strongly that The Presidents Cup format should remain as it has always been,” said US PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem.

“After numerous meetings and discussions, it was apparent that both captains felt passionate about their respective positions, as did their potential team members. But with no clear consensus between the two sides, it was up to me to make a decision that would be best for the event overall.”

This year’s action takes place at the Jack Nicklaus Signature course that offers views of modern high-rise buildings along with the peaceful natural scenery of the West Coast of Korea.

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STARTER

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STARTER KO MAKES HISTORY IN FRANCE

LYDIA KO wrote herself into golf's history books as she became the youngest female Major-winner in the history of women’s golf in winning the Evian Championship in France by six strokes from Lexi Thompson. The win made the 18-year-old Ko the youngest Major winner, male or female, since Young Tom Morris won The Open Championship 147 years ago.

Pettersen ‘gutted’ with her role in Solheim Cup controversy World No.8 Suzann Pettersen says she has ‘never felt more gutted’ after being embroiled in the ‘gimmegate’ controversy on the 17th hole of her fourball Solheim Cup match which left playing partner Charley Hull and opponent, rookie Alison Lee, in tears.

Lee picked up her ball thinking her 16-inch putt had been conceded – but Pettersen was adamant that it hadn’t and Europe were awarded the hole and a 1-up lead with one hole to play.

“I’ve never felt more gutted and truly sad about what happened,” said Pettersen once the dust had settled on the event. “I am so sorry for not thinking about the bigger picture in the heat of battle and competition.

I was trying my hardest for my team and put the single match and the point that could be earned ahead of sportsmanship and the game of golf itself!”

Europe went on to lose their Solheim Cup crown after the United States came from 10-6 down to win after dominating the singles.

Q U O T E S ‘’I feel like I should be paying to come watch some of this. It was special.’’ –Jordan Spieth had the best seat in the house as Jason Day fired rounds of 61 and 63 on the first two days of the BMW Championship

US AMATEUR WINNER DECHAMBEAU'S SECRET 7-IRON American amateur golfer Bryson DeChambeau turned some heads when he revealed that the shaft on all of his irons and wedges are cut to 37.5 inches – the length of a standard 7-iron. He made the switch to the single-length shaft method in 2011 with his coach Mike Schy, making the shafts on all his clubs from his 3-iron to his 60-degree wedge all the same length. It seems to be working. This year DeChambeau became only the fifth golfer in history to win both the NCAA Division I championship and the US Amateur in the same calendar year.

CELEBRATING AN ACE IN JORDAN SPIETH STYLE AFTER hitting hole-in-one during the opening round of the BMW Championship in Chicago, Jordan Spieth decided go a step further than the traditional route of buying a round of drinks at the clubhouse. Instead the two-time Major winner bought 30 boxes of pizzas for journalists and volunteers at the Conway Farms Golf Club.

He left a note that said: 'A hole-in-one means a whole lot of pizza and beer. Cheers - Jordan Spieth.’

CASEY UNSURE OF RYDER CUP FUTURE

PAUL Casey is set to give up on European Tour membership, effectively ending his chances of playing in next year’s Ryder Cup. The Englishman is currently based in Arizona and opted out of European Tour membership this year because he couldn’t fulfill the quota of 13 events. “I’ve been able to work harder on my game because I’ve cut down on travelling,” said Casey, who played exclusively on the US PGA Tour this year. “I love The European Tour and I’d join tomorrow if they dropped the number of events to 11 but is that going to happen? I didn’t get picked for The Ryder Cup in 2010 when I was in the world’s top ten so who is to say I’d make it even if I did rejoin?”

O F

T H E

"It’s like Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy had a baby and I was it." – Jason Day on trying to explain how the current World Nos. 1, 2 and 3 compare to the original "Big Three" of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player

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M O N T H “This is certainly disappointing, but I’m a fighter. I’ve been told I can make a full recovery, and I have no doubt that I will.” – Tiger Woods announcing he won’t play golf again after a small operation on his back in September

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Spin Back

October 2010

Drama in the Welsh Valleys

M

any an eyebrow was raised when The Ryder Cup dates for 2010 at Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales were announced for the first weekend in October. Would mother nature play fair and bless the event with three days of gorgeous autumnal sunshine?

Of course she wouldn’t.

The 38th staging of the matches was the wettest yet and was the first to be forced into a Monday finish. Captains Colin Montgomerie and Corey Pavin had assembled their team and play got underway as scheduled on Friday morning.

But then came the rain. Play was suspended at around 10.0am and didn’t re-start until around 5.0pm. With the opening four-balls completed on Saturday morning the organisers condensed the remaing fixtures into one session of six foursomes and one session of two foursomes and four four-ball matches – meaning all 24 team members played during the two sessions. The third session began late on Saturday and was finished late on Sunday after a delayed start. Europe held a 9½ - 6½ advantage going into Monday's Singles and wouldn’t you know it – the sun came out to see the event home.

As the first few results came in things weren't looking too good for the hosts. Lee Westwood lost to Steve Stricker, Duston Johnson crushed Martin Kaymer 6&4 and Rory McIlroy was made to settle for a half after failing to get out of the 18th bunker at the first attempt.

Ian Poulter secured a dominating 5&4 win over Matt Kuchar but the middle-to-late order was swinging towards the United States. Jeff Overton downed Ross Fisher and Tiger Woods defeated Francesco Molinari.

Edoardo Molinari was 4-up on Rickie Fowler but wilted and had to settle for a half.

Veteran Miguel Angel Jiménez gave Europe hope with a 4&3 win over Bubba Watson but with Phil Mickelson and Zach Johnson beating Peter Hanson and Padraig Harrington respectively it came down to the anchor match – Graeme McDowell and Hunter Mahan.

Fortunately for Europe, McDowell was 1-up on Mahan coming down the 16th. He hit a solid approach and drained the birdie putt to go 2-up with two to play and send the Welsh galleries wild.

But the job wasn’t done yet. If Mahan halves their match the overall result would be 14-14 and the Cup would go to the USA as holders from 2008. But McDowell won the 17th and was mobbed, amid raptruous celebrations.

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GH AI

Follow the drama at: Europeantour.com

DUBAI

AN

As the season comes to a fitting finale, golf’s elite hone their game to seal a top 60 spot in this year’s DP World Tour Championship.

Four of the biggest events on the calendar, played back-to-back, to crown this year’s 2015 Race to Dubai Champion.

SH Don’t miss a shot.

AN

SH

IT’S TIME. GH

AI

TURKEY

Oct 29 - Nov 01

Nov 05 - Nov 08

Nov 12 - Nov 15

Nov 19 - Nov 22

Tour News

L-R: YOUSUF KAZIM, CEO JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES; 2014 DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPION AND JGE AMBASSADOR HENRIK STENSON; NEAL GRAHAM GENERAL MANAGER, CLUB OPERATIONS JGE.

CREATING A LEGACY

W

ith the 2015 DP World Tour Championship just around the corner, Worldwide Golf caught up with the man responsible for overseeing the huge development of Jumeirah Golf Estates, CEO Yousuf Kazim.

The recent announcement of the first retail centre for the community is a further proof point of the ongoing success of Jumeirah Golf Estates. The retail centre will contain a grocery store, restaurant and café and it slated for completion in September 2016.

WORLDWIDE GOLF: Did you ever imagine JGE becoming such a huge success when the project was first undertaken?

YOUSUF KAZIM: When Jumeirah Golf Estates was first proposed, we wanted the project to epitomize luxury and leisure. With more than 1,700 luxury properties across 16 different communities, overlooking two championship golf courses, Jumeirah Golf Estates has succeeded in becoming a unique and thriving community that offers buyers and investors a strong incentive to purchase. To date, more than 700 families already enjoy living in the residential and leisure destination – an inspiring green getaway, with 1,119 hectares enriching the quality of life.

A nature’s paradise, Jumeirah Golf Estates is encircled by impressive landscape architecture, with 15 lakes and array of wildlife and foliage, linked together by a host of cycling and jogging paths, which blend in naturally with the surrounding landscaping.

WWG: How do you feel the ETPI has been appreciated by so many of the players, amateurs and professional Tour players?

YK: Jumeirah Golf Estates is proud of the European Tour Performance Institute’s positive reputation within the industry.

The gym is specifically designed with sports enhancement in mind, personal trainers will soon be available to help train individuals to reach their greatest golfing potential. Furthermore experienced physiotherapists will be able to assist in all your sports rehabilitation needs. The ETPI features a range of stateof-the-art technology to assist in perfecting swing technique, putting stance and more. The combination of facilities makes the ETPI a prime coaching facility for professionals and amateurs, alike.

WWG: The DP World Tour Championship has grown in stature since its launch in 2009 – do you think it has helped to promote JGE on the world map?

YK: European Tour Destinations are all world-class golf venues, renowned throughout the industry for their high quality grounds and challenging play. With only eight destinations on the European Tour, Jumeirah Golf Estates is honoured to hold an exclusive position on this list and proud that we have been able to maintain this standard throughout.

For the past six years, Jumeirah Golf Estates has been host to the DP World Tour Championship, which draws in crowds of more than 55,000 visitors from across the globe. The event is broadcast globally and shines a spotlight on Jumeirah Golf Estates, offering international exposure and a chance to showcase the unique offerings of Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Avid golfers revel in the opportunity to play the courses of their professional idols, and we see many international visitors

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throughout the year, seeking to mimic the plays of their favourite pro-golfers.

WWG: What do you consider the benefits of Henrik Stenson being an Ambassador for JGE? YK: Henrik Stenson is a global star who is recognised throughout the golfing community. He has the ability to promote our brand on an international stage and in markets which complement our customer base. Henrik Stenson was the first man to win The European Tour’s Race to Dubai and FedEx Cup on the US PGA Tour in the same year. In 2014, he also successfully defended his DP World Tour Championship title in his first year as our ambassador.

We are very honoured to have Henrik as our brand ambassador, and homeowner within the Flame Tree Ridge community in Jumeirah

REGISTER NOW AND WIN VIP TICKETS! Register for your FREE season pass at www.DPWorldTourChampionship.com and be in with a chance of winning two VIP hospitality tickets to the tournament.

DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICIALS VISIT DUBAI AHEAD OF SEASON-ENDING EVENT

J

umeirah Golf Estates had some very special visitors last month in the shape of DP World Tour Championship Tournament Director David Garland and European Tour Agronomist Graeme MacNiven.

The pair were in Dubai to check that preparations for the DP World Tour Championship were on track two months prior to the season-ending showcase.

“I work very closely with Nick Tarratt (Director, European Tour International, Dubai Office) and all of the team here in Dubai,” said Garland who is based at The European Tour’s Wentworth Headquarters. “Essentially I’m in charge of anything that is inside the ropes – the actual running of the tournament on the golf side – and trying to get the golf course in the best possible condition, working with Graeme and Mark Tupling, who is the Agronomy Manager on the ground at JGE, to maintain the standards we’ve had for the last six years.

“I also liaise with the television guys, rules officials and handle the general administration on the golf side of the tournament. But it’s a wonderful team effort for our season-ending event.”

One of the main reasons for the visit was to check how the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates has coped with the soaring temperatures of the Dubai summer, and Garland was impressed with what he saw.

“The sun always shines in Dubai but it can be a difficult climate for grass to be maintained,” he said, “ So we wanted to see that everything is on track for

L-R: DAVID GARLAND, GRAEME MACNIVEN AND MARK TUPLING CHECK ON THE CONDITION OF THE EARTH COURSE

the course to be in optimum condition come November. It has come through the summer very well and Mark is very much on top of things in that regard.”

MacNiven added: “The summer has been very hot and humid but it hasn’t actually changed the course, it’s just changed the way that Mark has to deal with it – the intensity, timing and methodology of certain things he’s had to do. In agronomy sometimes the worst thing you can do with a plan is stick to it – it’s very much a reactionary job and you have to be flexible and Mark is very good at that.”

With this season’s Race to Dubai one of the closest in recent memory Garland

BMW i8 up for grabs at DP World Tour Championship

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s if playing for a bulging prize fund of US$8 million and one of the most prestigious titles on The European Tour isn’t enough, players at the DP World Tour Championship in November will get the chance to drive away with a brand new BMW i8. The head turning prize is being offered up by Official Car partner BMWAGMC for the first player to make a hole-in-one on the Earth course’s spectacular par-3 17th hole.

BMW-AGMC recently extended its support of the season-ending tournament for another three years through to 2017. As well as the offer of the hole-inone prize, The European Tour’s top 60 players will be chauffeured in style in top BMW models to and from the tournament. n

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is relishing this year’s DP World Tour Championship where he believes it will be all to play for in the battle to be named European Number One. “Rory (McIlroy) had a great season last year and couldn’t be caught by the time we came to the DP World Tour Championship,” he said. “This year I think it’ll come right down to the wire.

There’s a lot of golf still to be played and there are some good players right behind Rory this time. I know that Danny Willett, who is currently playing some fantastic golf, has his eye on the top spot so it’s going to be a fascinating climax to the season in Dubai.” n

Tour News

TO BUY HOSPITALITY TICKETS CONTACT:

HOSPITALITY@DPWTC.COM or call +971 (0) 567 359 852

LUCKIEST BALL ON EARTH GRAND FINAL SPOTS FILLING UP

P

laces in the field for the eagerly anticipated ‘Luckiest Ball on Earth Grand Final', taking place later this month on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, are filling up fast with around half of the qualifying events complete at the time of going to press.

A total of 21 qualifiers will have taken place at 20 clubs across the UAE by the conclusion of the hugely succesful series, with players aiming to book a spot in the October 25 Grand Final. The winner of that event will be handed a dream ticket to compete alongside the likes of defending champion Henrik Stenson and four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy in the Rolex sponsored Pro-Am which takes place on the Earth course two days before The Race to Dubai’s seasonending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai gets underway on Thursday 19 November to Sunday 22 November.

No.

EVENT DATE

CLUB NAME

WINNER

1

September 4

Al Dhafra Golf Club

Shashee Ruwan

2

September 4

Arabian Ranches Golf Club

Kevin Barrett

3

September 4

Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club

Roy Holmes

4

September 5

Dubai Creek Yacht & Golf Club

Kate Duffy

5

September 5

Jumeirah Golf Estates

Alan Kilminster

6

September 5

The Track - Meydan Golf

Jairaj Gorsia

7

September 10

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Cathy Siegel

8

September 12

The Address Montgomerie Dubai

Peggy O’Dea

9

September 18

Al Badia

George Fitchet

10

September 18

Al Ghazal Golf Club

Nick Lee

SEE THE DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP IN VIP STYLE....FOR FREE

D

on’t forget that you can experience the DP World Tour Championship action in VIP style by entering our ‘Greatest View on Earth’ competition. You’ll be able to watch from the comfort of the exclusive Hospitality Pavilion where you will enjoy top-class catering for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea, a full bar, and even a Grab&Go option so you can take refreshments out on to the course.

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is send us your best golfing pics from around the world.

We’ll be posting and sharing the best ones regularly on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Share your photos on the Worldwide Golf Facebook page or tweet them to@WorldwideGolf.

Alternatively you can email them to competitions@worldwidegolfme.com

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

Your tournament needs you! If you want to play a vital role in the success of The European Tour’s seasonending finale you can sign up to work as a volunteer during the week of the tournament. Volunteers are assigned a variety of roles such as assisting with crowd management, player movement and scoring.

If you want to get involved contact Chief Marshal Jenni Hoskins by email at: jengolfdxb@hotmail.com

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Tour News

2015 ABU DHABI INVITATIONAL WINNER DARREN FICHARDT RECEIVES THE TROPHY FROM TOURNAMENT HOSTS MOHAMED FAROOQ (LEFT) AND ABDULLAH AL NABOODAH (RIGHT).

Abu Dhabi Invitational to return to Yas Links, Abu Dhabi in January 2016

T

he tournament organisers have announced that the Abu Dhabi Invitational will return to the calendar once again at Yas Links, Abu Dhabi in January, 2016.

The $500,000 one-day Pro-Am, supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and sanctioned by The European Tour, will be held on Sunday January 31, 2016 with the curtain raiser Am-Am being held the previous day on Saturday January 30, 2016. Last year 58 professionals and 58 amateurs competed in a two-player betterball format with a professional individual element.

The winner of last year’s professional title was Darren Fichardt (South Africa) with an 8-under-par 64 with tied runners-up Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand), Rafa Cabrera-Bello (Spain) and Ross McGowan (England) a shot behind.

The winners of the Pro-Am Division were Thongchai Jaidee and Gabriel Batistuta, the former football legend and Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer who produced a combined score of an 11-under-par.

The Am-Am winners were Miki Mirza and Matt Boucher with a 7-under-par total and the 36-hole Amateur Division was won by Thomas Jermoluk with a 10-under-par return.

Professionals participating in the 2015 event also included Rory McIlroy, Berndt Weisberger, David Howell, David Horsey, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Peter Uihlein, Stephen Gallacher, Tommy Fleetwood and Abu Dhabi’s global golf ambassador Matteo Manassero.

Amateur celebrity participants included former Australian cricketer Shane Warne, former English footballer Dwight Yorke and event co-founders Abdullah Al Naboodah and Mohammed

Worldwide GOLF 26

Farooq. Nick Tarratt of The European Tour said: “We are delighted that the Abu Dhabi Invitational will be held next year again at Yas Links. It is one of the finest Pro-Ams in the world with a unique format with $525,000 raised for various charities, for the players’ charities as well as local charities through player prize money donations and a charity auction at the Gala Dinner.

"It is one of the highlights of the Abu Dhabi golf season and we look forward to assisting the organisers in enhancing both the experience of both professionals and amateurs as well as creating more media exposure, locally, regionally and internationally through all our European Tour media channels including the filming and distribution of a dedicated 46 minute TV magazine highlights programme that will distributed around the world.” n

Tour News CHALLENGE TOUR’S FINEST SET FOR DUBAI SHOWDOWN IN THE ICAEW CHALLENGE TOUR PRO-AM AT JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES

T

he leading players on the Road to Oman Rankings are set to lock horns in Dubai when the ICAEW Challenge Tour Pro-Am gets underway on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates on Wednesday October 28, 2015.

The event is part of a week long programme for European Challenge Tour players to practice in Dubai between playing in the $500,000 Foshan Open, China, finishing on Sunday October 25, and the €375,000 NBO Golf Classic Grand Final played at Almouj Golf The Wave in Oman which begins on Wednesday November 4.

The Challenge Tour players are invited to use the Jumeirah Golf Estates ETPI (European Tour Performance Institute) along with other practice facilities as well as honing their games on the Fire course.

The highlight of the week will be the ICAEW Challenge Tour Pro-Am involving 20 professionals playing in a four-player team format with one pro alongside three guest amateurs from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Among the players already confirmed are Ricardo Gouveia, Jens Fahrbring, Rhys Davies, Ryan Fox and Dominic Foos.

Nick Tarratt of The European Tour said at the Pro-Am announcement: “This is a

RHYS DAVIES

great opportunity for the Challenge Tour players to experience what is potentially ahead of them in their careers. The Jumeirah Golf Estates ETPI facilities are up there with the best of its kind in the world and we are also bringing over Jean Jacques Rivet from the ETPI in Terre Blanche to assist Mark Gregson-Walters and his Jumeirah Golf Estates ETPI team with the training.

“We wish all the Challenge Tour players all the best in this important week for them as they acclimatise and tune up for the final event of the season in Muscat, Oman”.

Michael Armstrong FCA, Regional Director of ICAEW - Middle East, Africa and

RICARDO GOUVEIA

South Asia added: "We are very excited to be a part of this prestigious event and to work with partners who are as dedicated to supporting and promoting talent in their field as we are in ours. Whether it is on the green or in the boardroom, people’s capabilities must be nurtured and they must be given the appropriate tools, focus and direction so that they may rise to the top of their careers".

The top 45 players on the Road to Oman Rankings qualify for the Oman event and then the final top 15 ranked players following the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final will earn their playing privileges on the 2016 European Tour International Schedule.

Oman Air become Presenting Sponsor for the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final

O

man Air has announced that the airline will become the Presenting Sponsor for the forthcoming NBO Golf Classic Grand Final. This will be the third year that Oman Air has committed to the prestigious European Challenge Tour tournament as a Presenting Sponsor and Official Airline.

After two hugely successful years, the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic, which was the penultimate event on the European Challenge Tour Schedule, has been elevated to become the seasonending NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, which is open only to the top 45 players on the Road to Oman Rankings and is set to be played on November 4-7 at the stunning Almouj Golf, The Wave in Muscat, Oman.

Oman Air has now announced their commitment to the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final as a Presenting Sponsor and Official Carrier for the tournament.

The airline will be transporting the 45 qualifiers, their management, caddies and supporters from all over the world to Muscat.

“We are honoured and privileged to be the Presenting Sponsor for this prestigious tournament,” said Oman Air CEO Paul Gregorowitsch. “The NBO Golf Classic Grand Final has certainly put the Sultanate on the world golf and tourism map and has created an opportunity for Oman business and tourism to benefit from the exposure the event has brought. Our involvement in the Grand Final is consistent with our

Worldwide GOLF 27

support of sport in the Sultanate as an Official Partner to the Oman Football Association. We will be continuing that support through various unique sporting activities in the public village during the NBO Grand Final.”

As well as Oman Air, the 2015 NBO Golf Classic Grand Final is supported by Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Tanuf Water, Wicked Tents and Al Turki.

Tour News

WORLD ROUNDUPS

Date: August 27- 30 Event: D+D REAL Czech Masters Venue: Albatross Golf Resort,Prague,Czech Republic Winner’s Cheque: €166,660

Date: August 27-30 Event: The Barclays Venue: Plainfield CC, Edison, New Jersey Winner’s Cheque: $1,485,000

PIETERS PREVAILS IN PRAGUE Thomas Pieters claimed his first European Tour title at the D+D REAL Czech Masters after overcoming a strong challenge from Sweden’s Pelle Edberg. The 23 year old recovered from a double bogey on his front nine to card a three under par 69 and finish the week on 20 under, three shots clear of Edberg with Matthew Fitzpatrick in third, four strokes back.

“It’s great to get a victory so early in my career. There are so many players out here that maybe haven’t won, or who have just won once, so I am really happy right now.

I’m happy to have my family with me and I’m very proud of the way I played today, especially after that early double.”

Pos. Name 1 2 3

Country

Thomas Pieters BEL Pelle Edberg SWE Matthew Fitzpatrick ENG

R1 R2 R3 R4 -20 -17 -16

66 68 65 69 66 67 67 71 66 67 71 68

268 271 272

1 Jason Day 2 Henrik Stenson T3 Bubba Watson

“It's just nice to be able to finish the year off like this, with a win, knowing that I can plan next year now and hopefully get myself going again to where I belong, I feel."

ENG ARG ENG

-15 -14 -13

00 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

Country AUS SWE USA

-19 -13 -11

R1 R2 R3 R4

Total

68 68 63 62 68 66 67 66 65 68 67 69

261 267 269

Date: September 4 - 7 Event: Deutsche Bank Championship Venue: TPC Boston, Norton, Massachusetts Winner’s Cheque: $1,485,000

Lee Slattery won his second European Tour title thanks to a onestroke win over Estanislao Goya at the M2m Russian Open. Last year’s champion David Horsey was third as he continued his rich vein of form.

Slattery finished the tournament in style by chipping in for a birdie on the 17th to extend his lead to two shots and then held his nerve to par the last and lift the trophy.

1 Lee Slattery T2 Estanislao Goya T2 David Horsey

"The last six weeks, they've been crazy. It's only positive stuff moving forward from here.”

Pos. Name

SLATTERY’S SUCCESS STORY IN RUSSIA

Country

Fresh off his first Major at the US PGA Championship, Jason Day continued his ruthless form at The Barclays to secure his fourth victory of the season. The Australian’s final round 62 at Plainfield was stunning as he beat Henrik Stenson by a staggering six strokes and took over the top spot in the FedExCup in the process.

Total

Date: September 3- 6 Event: M2M Russian Open Venue: Skolkovo Golf Club, Moscow, Russia Winner’s Cheque: €166,660

Pos. Name

DAY DELIGHTS AGAIN

R1 R2 R3 R4

Total

66 67 67 69 68 67 67 68 67 70 66 68

269 270 271

FOWLER OUTLASTS STENSON IN BOSTON Rickie Fowler caused an upset in the Deutsche Bank Championship by prevailing in a tense duel with Henrik Stenson. The Swede’s lapse of concentration on the par-3 16th cost him a double bogey and saw him slip back to second place. Fowler, who had just rolled in a 40-foot putt on the 14th, took control of the tournament after Stenson’s costly error.

“I definitely want to be the best player that I can be and I want to be the best player in the world at some point."

Pos. Name 1 Rickie Fowler T2 Henrik Stenson T2 Charley Hoffman

Worldwide GOLF 28

Country USA SWE USA

-15 -14 -11

R1 R2 R3 R4

Total

67 67 67 68 67 68 65 70 67 63 76 67

269 270 273

Tour News

WORLD ROUNDUPS

Date: Sept 10 - 13 Event: KLM Open Venue: G&CC, Zandvoort, The Netherlands Winner’s Cheque: €300,000

Date: 17 - 20 Event: 72° OPEN D’ITALIA presented by DAMIANI Venue: Golf Club Milano, Parco Reale di Monza, Italy Winner’s Cheque: €300,000

KARLBERG DOWNS KAYMER IN MONZA

PIETERS’ HOT STREAK CONTINUES THOMAS Pieters clinched his second European Tour title in the space of three weeks with a one-stroke victory over Lee Slattery at the KLM Open. The Englishman had a chance to force a play-off but missed a four-footer on the 18th to hand Pieters the title.

“I’m really happy. I feel like I played better in the Czech Republic but my short game was great this week and saved me many times.”

Pos. Name 1 2 3

Country

Thomas Pieters Bel Eduardo De La Riva Spa Lee Slattery Eng

R1 R2 R3 R4 -19 -18 -18

68 66 62 65 66 66 67 63 66 65 63 68

Rikard Karlberg defeated two-time Major champion Martin Kaymer with a birdie on the second play-off hole to win his first European Tour title at the 72° OPEN D’ITALIA presented by DAMIANI. Kaymer had led by three shots on the back nine but a collapse saw him drop back to 19-under alongside Karlberg. Seven players finished one shot outside the play-off including England's Danny Willett.

“It feels amazing to get my first win – it has been a pretty crazy year for me. I got married and now my wife is expecting twins in December!”

Total

Pos. Name

261 262 262

1 2 3

Rikard Karlberg Martin Kaymer Danny Willett

Date: Sept 17 – 20 Event: BMW Championship Venue: Conway Farms GC, Lake Forest, Illinois Winner’s Cheque: $1,450,000

DAY KING OF THE WORLD FOR A WEEK JASON Day won his fifth title of the year on the US PGA Tour with consummate ease at the BMW Championship on the outskirts of Chicago and with it he reached No.1 on the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time in his career. His reign, however, lasted for only a week, until Jordan Spieth won the Tour Championship to reclaim his position at the top of the world ranking.

The 27 year old Australian, who had earlier won the US PGA Championship for his first Major and The Barclays, the first event in the US PGA Tour’s Playoffs for the FedExCup, strolled to a six stroke win over 22 year old Daniel Berger.

Day was in superb form, opening with rounds of 61-63 to match the US PGA Tour’s 36-hole record of 18-under par and cruise into a five-shot lead. He closed out with weekend rounds of 69-69 to seal the victory and for just a week sit atop golf’s summit ahead of Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy, albeit just for a few days.

“To play the way I did – very disciplined – knowing that I had to be patient, not looking at leaderboards as much....I felt like I did it pretty well today!”

Pos. Name 1 2 3

Jason Day Daniel Berger Scott Piercy

Country AUS USA USA

-22 -16 -15

00 | WorldwideGolf - May 2014

R1 R2 R3 R4

Total

61 63 69 69 65 64 70 69 67 65 67 70

262 268 269

Worldwide GOLF 30

Country SWE GER ENG

-19 -19 -18

R1 R2 R3 R4

Total

67 67 68 67 68 66 65 70 68 67 69 66

269 269 270

www.golfworld.ae

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Lee WESTWOOD Dubai on his mind

L

EE Westwood is one of the region’s biggest fans. He’s been championing The European Tour’s Middle East Swing for the best part of two decades so it was fitting that the Englishman would become the winner of the inaugural season-ending DP World Tour Championship on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates on the re-named Race to Dubai in 2009. In this Exclusive Q&A, we find out just how hard it is to win The Race to Dubai, why he’s looking forward to this year’s Final Series and why he thinks Darren Clarke is the man to successfully lead Europe to Ryder Cup glory next year.

Worldwide GOLF 34 Worldwide GOLF 34

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Worldwide GOLF 35 Worldwide GOLF 35

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WORLDWIDE GOLF: How is your game coming together and what have you been focusing on?

Lee Westwood: I would have liked to have achieved a little bit more than I have so far this year but there are still some big tournaments to come and I’m hoping I can finish strongly.

WWG: There are big prizemoney events coming up on The European Tour’s Final Series but what are the main challenges you face on and off the course when it comes to travelling and playing the courses in Turkey, China and Dubai?

LW: It’s an exciting time of the year. Turkey is really establishing itself as a great tournament and I’m looking forward to playing in Shanghai, too. Traditionally I’ve done well in Asia and I think everyone looks forward to Dubai as well. We’re used to lots of travel and they’re generally courses we’re familiar with so as far as I’m concerned there aren’t any downsides really.

WWG: Back home in England, you’ve become one the Sky Ambassadors to host the British Masters, what does this mean to you and to have another big Tour event back in the UK? LW: I think it’s great. We have to do everything we can to increase participation in the UK and this can only help. They’ve given away tickets on the Thursday which is a brilliant idea. I’d like to see more tournaments in the UK if possible.

WWG: How will you look to set your schedule in 2016 to take into consideration The Ryder Cup? LW: I’ll be working really hard to get in The Ryder Cup Team but I’ll just be concentrating on trying to play as well as I can. There’s scope to alter your schedule later on in the points race but when

WWG: Could you ever see Dubai hosting The Ryder Cup? If so what would make it a great host?

LW: I’m not sure they would stage it outside Europe or the United States but that’s just the nature of the competition. I’ve been going to Dubai for many years and the tournaments, and everything that goes with them, is second to none.

Ryder Cup Captain in what might be one of Europe’s toughest challenges at Hazeltine?

LW: You’re right. I think it will be a really tough challenge, possibly the hardest we’ve faced.

They’re hurting after Gleneagles and a lot went on after that. They’ll be desperate to win the Cup back. Knowing Darren as I do, there will be emotion there but I also think he’ll be very methodical. Having played alongside him so often, and experienced beating people like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, I know how inspirational he can be. It’s a tough job but he’s certainly the best man for it.

WWG: You know Darren Clarke on and off the course better than most, but as a friend and player what does he bring to the table as a

WWG: You can now fly direct to Orlando from Dubai with Emirates. Do you feel this service will be helpful to the players based

you’re setting out your schedule it’s more about how to make the best of your year. If you can do that, the rewards will follow.

OFF COURSE WITH LEE What was your first car?

A beautiful Ford Fiesta and it was 1.1litre engine.

Last album you downloaded?

I couldn’t tell you. I listen to a lot of Maroon 5 and like anything fast. Anything except jazz!

Who’s the funniest golfer on Tour?

You don’t last long on Tour if you don’t have a bit of banter.

Worldwide GOLF 37

Most of the guys can hold their own.

Favourite golf course in Dubai?

Emirates Majlis.

Favourite restaurant in Dubai?

101 at the One and Only, The Palm.

If you could sign any player in the world to line up for Nottingham Forrest who would it be?

I know of a cracking striker

called Lee Westwood.

If he’s not available then maybe Messi could do a job at the City Ground.

If you could be any super hero who would you be?

Superman.

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Cover feature in the States in managing their international schedules more efficiently and being able to spend more time in the UAE. What other steps can be taken to help players based in the U.S. plan their European Tour calendar?

LW: Obviously a lot of the guys are based in Florida so it can only be a good thing in attracting American players. You see lots of the guys playing in European Tour events at the moment and that reflects well on those tournaments. I’m sure that more and more will want to play in the UAE because you’ll have players heading to the PGA Tour and talking about how good it is.

WWG: Would you ever look to move back to Europe or even make Dubai a base in the future?

LW: I would never rule anything out but I have no plans to do that at the moment.

WWG: Do you feel that many of the big tournaments are playing into the hands of the longest hitters on Tour and how do you prevent them becoming a long drive contest?

LW: You have to have a balance where those guys can be rewarded but accuracy also has to be crucial. You don’t want to see courses being tricked up.

WWG: What are the key assets to have in your game to win the DP Tour Championship on the Earth course at Jumeirah Estates, having won the inaugural event there?

LW: The guy who wins The Race of Dubai has won there quite a few times and you’re up against the best players in Europe so there’s that to contend with for a start. The Earth course a great layout.

You need to be hitting the ball well because it’s difficult coming out of the rough.

WWG: We see you’ve just launched your own MasterClass App. How will this help amateurs improve their game?

LW: It works so well because you can check your swing against mine, with any club in the bag.

Seeing the positions you’re in, rather than just feeling them, makes a big difference because you have the evidence right there in front of you.

The technology is great and no matter what your standard, it will improve your game.

WWG: How are the Westwood Academies doing? Will you ever look to open one in the UAE? LW: That’s a possibility. The schools are going from strength to strength and I’m really grateful to the people who are working on the ground there for all of the effort they put in. The kids improve as golfers and they’re getting a good education at the same time. I’m really proud of it.

WWG: You have been an Audemars Piquet ambassador for a while but what is it that attracted you to the brand when you could have opted for any watch brand?

LW: The relationship started back in 2005 at St Andrews when I received my first watch and it’s been going strong since then. I’m not a big jewellery wearer but they’re a very classic look and everyone always asks me about them when they see them.

Above: Lee Westwood takes a selfie with the galleries at Gleneagles after Europe successfully defended The Ryder Cup.

Left: Westwood in action at the 2006 Ryder Cup alongside his close friend and 2016 Ryder Cup Captain Darren Clarke.

Above: Screen shots of Lee Westwood’s new MasterClass App.

Lee’s Career Higlights

1993 Turns professional

1996 Wins first European Tour title in Sweden

1997 Makes Ryder Cup debut at Valderrama

2000 Wins five titles to top the Order of Merit

2004 Sinks the putt that retains The Ryder Cup (Europe would later add 4½ points for an 18½ - 9½ victory)

2007 Clinches the British Masters by 5 shots from Ian Poulter

2009 Wins the DP World Tour Championship and the inaugural Race to Dubai

2010 Runner-up at The Masters and The Open but later becomes World Number One for the first time

2012 Scores two points in Europe’s Ryder Cup comeback dubbed the ‘Miracle of Medinah’

2014 Wins in Malaysia and plays in his ninth consecutive Ryder Cup

Worldwide GOLF 39

GOLF IS THE PERFECT MATCH FOR EMIRATES

YOU don’t have to be a huge sports fan to be aware of Emirates Airline’s presence at the major events. But why does the airline value golf so highly in it’s vast portfolio of sports sponsorships? We catch up with Roger Duthie from Emirates Airline to find out why, plus what else the game has to offer, not just in the region but here in Dubai.

Worldwide GOLF 40

EXCLUSIVE

Emirates Airline is the Official Airline of The European Tour but what are the benefits in aligning the brand with the game of golf?

Roger Duthie: Emirates’ sponsorship strategy is quite simple – to support global sports that bring people together around the world. Our sponsorship portfolio is distinctive in so far that in many ways it reflects the Emirates business model. We have been able to positively boost awareness in markets where sporting occasions take place and this has definitely brought commercial benefits.

We have seen our operations grow in many countries as a result of our sponsorship. Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world, and as a global sponsorship platform it has been immensely successful for us.

With Emirates now flying direct to Orlando and various other hubs in the U.S. would Emirates look to get involved with any PGA Tour events?

RD: We are always examining opportunities in the U.S. and elsewhere and have explored several PGA Tour events. If the opportunity is a strategic fit and aligns with our brand, allowing

us to extract as many branding and fan engagement opportunities as possible, then we will consider it.

The Emirates Airline Australian Open is unique in that you are more than the official airline for the event but also the title sponsor. What’s the difference in value and is this something Emirates is looking to do?

RD: The Emirates Airline Australian Open was a unique opportunity for Emirates in a city where we did not have a sports sponsorship. We were approached during The Presidents Cup in 2011 when they had a world class field, bringing in giants like Tiger Woods, among other international President Cup players. The world’s golf media had a particular interest in the tournament and we received incredible global coverage. Every year the event continues to draw top players to play.

Last year Jordan Spieth played in the event and won, which springboarded his incredible 2015 season.

We’ve never seen a player on either Tour sponsored directly by Emirates.

What is your policy on getting involved with players during the year?

Worldwide GOLF 41

RD: Although we do not sponsor individual athletes in any sport, in the past we have sponsored individuals for specific events such as Michael Campbell when he won the US Open; Erik Compton, the double heart transplant recipient, who played in the Dubai Desert Classic; and we also sponsored Colin Montgomerie during his Ryder Cup Captain’s year. However, generally speaking we do not sponsor individuals.

Emirates has become the world’s largest international carrier with Dubai being its hub but how is the brand looking to promote the emirate in Dubai to all those potential golfers?

RD: Emirates’ increased investment in The European Tour two years ago was a natural move which expanded our global reach to golf enthusiasts across Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Those additional events on the European Tour schedule represented a great opportunity for exposure on a global level, culminating in the DP World Tour Championship.

Technology has changed the world into a much smaller place, with TV and Social Media influencing the way 4

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THE PERFECT MATCH

The DP World Tour Championship has become the largest event not just in the region but the grand final for the European Tour, what does this event mean to Emirates Airline and as a local golfer?

RD: The season-ending DP World Tour Championship, crystalizes Emirates’ continued commitment to the game of golf, its fans around the globe, and bringing prestigious, high-calibre events to our home base of Dubai. people now communicate. In addition, the global reach of the pro-am prizes on offer through Skywards and Worldwide Golf are extremely attractive and are drawing in an increasing amount of interest.

As a golfer and a long-standing Dubai resident you’ve seen a great deal of change in the Dubai golfing landscape but what courses have impressed you the most and why?

RD: I think the Earth course has done a remarkable job over the years. The more you play it the better it is, or I should say, the better I play it, I guess. Yas Links in Abu Dhabi is always a favourite but a huge challenge without your A-Game. For me, it’s still tough to beat the oldest course in the region…the Majlis at Emirates Golf Club.

There are so many great risk and reward holes. I always love playing there and I get excited when the course is in top condition and the greens are running well. Going for it in two at the 18th can make or break a match – sadly it usually breaks me.

Would you ever envisage The Ryder Cup coming to Dubai and why?

RD: I would love it but I really don’t see it happening, to be honest. The European Tour does such as great job promoting its brand globally and we are happy to be part of it but I just don’t know if you would get the 30, 000 or 40,000 spectators every day in Dubai or regionally to attend the event.

Although I guess it would be a draw for golf fans the world over to come to Dubai. Yet it’s a big ask. Dubai could easily host the event –I have no doubt about that.

How does the strengthening of the relationship between The European and Asian Tours fit with the Emirates Airline brand?

The European Tour has always had a strong presence in the Middle East and Far East.

Building a stronger working relationship to evolve the game in these regions collectively can only be good for the game.

As the main carrier to these regions out of Europe it further cements our belief that both The European Tour’s global schedule is in line with Emirates Airline’s portfolio.

Favourite golf course in Dubai and the UAE? When it’s in great condition the Majlis is tough to beat. I love the risk and reward of the 17th and 18th holes. The Els Club always seems to be in fantastic condition. They’ve got the slickest greens in Dubai when they want them to be… it’s a fun course to play.

Most influential golfer of all time?

Of course, being Canadian, I would like to say Mike Weir and Moe Norman ( best ball striker, perhaps) but the obvious answer and one I have to stick with is Tiger Woods. He transcended the game during his peak and not many people are that influential in their sport…Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky…David Beckham and Tiger, perhaps.

Favourite club in your bag?

My Titleist driver 915 is my surest club in the bag when it’s all going well….anytime I have a wedge in my hand, too, I am OK with that.

Roger teeing it up at the Renaissance Club

Favourite course outside Dubai?

My new favourite course is the Renaissance Club in Edinburgh.

The back nine holes along the coast are world class. I played The Plantation Course in Maui this year, too, and that was incredible. It’s not just about the course but the experience… good mates, great service, a warm and friendly clubhouse and staff add to the overall enjoyment...having your buddies with you is key and the courses I mentioned above I played with some of my best friends, which was a fantastic experience.

Worldwide GOLF 43

INSTRUCTION

PLAYING FROM UPHILL LIES - 46 IMPACT FIX WITH MATTHEW ALLANSON - 48

On my downswing I work on keeping my right hip high as I turn through the ball.

I let my arms hang naturally and that’s a good position to hit from

DUSTIN’S DRIVER TIPS I push my hips back and bend my knees so I can feel my weight in my quads.

Once my setup and posture are ok, in the first few feet of the takeaway I try and maintain that posture and set up – so I don’t stand up or drop my head. Keep it solid and centered for that first movement away from the ball.

My stance is nice and solid a little more than shoulder width apart.

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INSTRUCTION

Learn Control on Sloping Lies

by Alastair Brown, Senior Golf Professional at Emirates Golf Club

PART 2

BALL ABOVE FEET Following on from last month’s lesson on how to play from a downhill lie I’m now going to focus on uphill lies.

As mentioned in my previous article, the driving range is great for practicing a whole range of different shots and it is essential that you put the time in there but one thing you can’t prepare for on the range is the variety of different gradients of terrain you’ll encounter out on the course during a round. It is important that you make time as often as possible to get out there on the golf course and practice hitting from different lies. As well as giving you the technical know-how your body will also benefit physically from the practice.

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Golf Performance Programme with the Dubai Golf Academy at Emirates Golf Club Worldwide GOLF 46

There are a few fundamentals for each slope we play off, but you just have to get in there and get the feel for it. Your brain will process how the muscles work during the golf swing much better from the variety of positions you hit from. You will strike it better the more you practice as you develop awareness and you will see a consistent pattern in ball flight for which you can adapt your aim.

You’ll also notice that when you go back to hitting off the flat ground, you will find it much easier to get into an athletic

posture and hit the ball cleaner.

When the ball is above your feet, you need to balance yourself as gravity is pulling you away from the ball and down the slope during the swing. Your feet are in a completely different setting as the heels are well below the level of the toes and your leg muscles become harder to activate. This happens because your weight goes into your heels and calves, meaning your core has to support you more in an more upright upper body posture. I also grip down the club depending on the steepness of slope.

Hitting off the slopes at the Emirates Golf Club Academy Range will give you a much better feel on how to perform the shots you will get on the course. The slopes can vary in difficulty and are also grass surfaced so contact has to be good. Start off using the 8 iron and as you progress, move on to a 7 then a 6 iron.

To find out more or book a lesson with Alastair, please contact The Dubai Golf Academy at Emirates Golf Club on +971 4 417 9845 or email emiratesacademy@dubaigolf.com

• A new personalised training programme developed to improve your overall golf game • Functional training methods specific to golf and fitness to help lower your handicap • One-on-one sessions with our experienced coaches from The Academy and Fit Lab To find out more, please contact The Academy on +971 4 417 9845 or email emiratesacademy@dubaigolf.com www.dubaigolf.com

Worldwide GOLF 47

INSTRUCTION

IMPACT FIX THIS IS A GREAT DRILL FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CAST THE CLUB OR GET INTO WHAT WE CALL A SCOOPED POSITION AT IMPACT.

1

TO BEGIN WITH YOU TAKE YOUR NORMAL SET UP POSITION.

3

FROM set up, (1) I would like you to then move into an impact position (2) and notice the differences between these two positions.

Set up (1) looks like this, but at impact all great players have a forward leaning shaft with their hips and chest open to the target (2). Once you are in this position I would like you to start your backswing (3) and focus on just returning the club to this same position at impact (4).

(4)This is a great way to get the feeling of a forward leaning shaft, retain the angle in your wrist, stop that cast and stop that scoop.

By emulating correct impact it will give you a clear feeling of a ball first contact , allow you to identify where your hands should be at impact, and the positional change in the body. Start small and build up your swings, enjoy the results.

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MATTHEW ALLANSON

School of Golf Coach Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental

2 4

School of

golf AL BADIA GOLF CLUB BY INTERCONTINENTAL DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

DESIGNED WITH A PURPOSE

Take an iron from your bag and rest it on the ground. Notice the design of the club with the handle leaning toward the lead leg and not straight up vertically towards your navel. This design is to help encourage a centred club face strike impact position demonstrated in the the Impact Fix Drill. When we have the shaft vertical (hands level with the ball), or backward shaft lean (hands behind), not only will this deliver the club with greater loft, it will reduce the quality of contact and subsequent efficiency of the golf shot.

THINK TENNIS RACQUET

THE CENTRE OF THE RACQUET WILL GIVE YOU THE GREATEST EFFICIENCY, THE CLUB FACE WORKS THE SAME.

SWEET SPOT

Worldwide GOLF 49

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GEAR NEW

CALLAWAY

FAIRWAY WOODS

CALLAWAY GREAT BIG BERTHA vs. CALLAWAY BIG BERTHA ALPHA 816

T

HERE aren’t many lines of golf clubs that inspire as much confidence in a golfer as Callaway’s Big Bertha range. So when Scott Sullivan, General Manager of Progolf International, met up with Jason Ashley, the Custom-fit Specialist for Golf House, to try out Callaway’s new Big Bertha fairway woods one fine morning at The Address Montgomerie Dubai, they knew they were in for a royal treat – and they didn’t leave The Monty disappointed.

Both the Great Big Bertha and the Big Bertha Alpha 816 fairway metals proved to be astoundingly

solid products. The TrackMan data showed incredible consistency in dispersion with one and more distance with the other. The versatility of both clubs makes them an ideal choice for golfers of all levels to really hone the different aspects of their long game, be it controlling ball flight or gaining more distance.

So whether you’re looking to attack those par fives in two or find the middle of the fairway more often off the tee, Callaway has come up with an emphatic answer.

Here’s what Scott and Jason had to say after trying the clubs and analizing the data.

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GEAR

SCOTT SULLIVAN: We’ve seen great gains in Callaway equipment over the last few years. We’re witnessing unbelievable ball speeds and tighter dispersions so it’s clear that they’re making some really good golf clubs.

Last month we tested the new Great Big Bertha and the Big Bertha Alpha drivers. This month we’ve got the new fairway woods that will be launched during the first week of October.

JASON ASHLEY: When it comes to these two beautiful fairway woods by Callaway, we’re looking at two similar clubs that are designed slightly differently.

The Great Big Bertha has a larger head than the Alpha, making it a more forgiving golf club. To add to that forgiveness, the head of the Great Big Bertha is also a little bit lighter and has a small weight in the front of the club to help reduce the spin rate.

The head is a little bit different when it comes to the Alpha. We’ve got the movable weight technology, which you can switch over between the front and the back of the head, making the Alpha a very versatile club. This will help a lot with the spin rate and it’s a luxury you don’t have in the Great Big Bertha.

In terms of how they sit, it’s apparent that the Great Big Bertha sits very square, whereas the Alpha sits slightly more open, meaning the former is ideally designed for somebody who will be looking to draw the ball.

One of the biggest things I see in Callaway golf clubs is the amount of ball speed that is generated.

The reason behind this ball speed is the Speed Cup Face technology, which produces unbelievable ball speed and that’s another prominent feature in these two woods. The Speed Cup Face technology, which has been absolutely fantastic throughout the range in Callaway, involves a cavity at the back of the club which increases ball speed all across the face, translating into more distance.

SCOTT SULLIVAN, General Manager ProGolf.

JASON ASHLEY, Golf House custom fit specialist, The Address Montgomerie, Dubai Worldwide GOLF 54

SCOTT SULLIVAN: From hitting them both this morning, there are definitely some differences between the Great Big Bertha and the Big Bertha Alpha fairway woods. First of all, we know that the Big Bertha name is iconic and it’s great to see that name back on a golf club. Just by looking at it, I want it back in the bag.

Looks-wise, when I put them down together the Big Bertha Alpha looks smaller but I prefer the footprint on the Great Big Bertha when I look down at it on address. In terms of the faces – of the two the Great Big Bertha looks a little shut whereas the Alpha felt like it was a bit more open.

When it came to flight, I hit the Great Big Bertha a little bit better although my dispersion was a bit off with this club.

However, when I gave the Alpha a go, I found that my dispersion was certainly tighter and more consistent.

When it comes to the feel off the face, both clubs felt great and it seemed like the ball was really jumping off the face.

JASON ASHLEY: Looking at the numbers, we can see that Scott swung the Great Big Bertha, the one with the lighter head, a bit faster than the Alpha. Therefore, his ball speed was a bit quicker with the Great Big Bertha than it was with the Alpha. In terms of

Dispersion

TRACKMAN DISPERSION

Callaway Great Big Bertha

300

spin rate Scott was getting a bit of a draw with the Great Big Bertha and it seemed to reduce his spin rate a little bit more. He was at the 2900-3000 RMP average which is quite low for a three-wood.

Scott felt his dispersion with the Big Bertha Alpha was really good. I think that comes down to the way the face sits because Scotty does come a little in-toout and he does draw the golf ball.

We certainly saw slightly different flights and shapes with the two different clubs which was very encouraging from a custom-fit perspective. For players who are looking to either shape a ball a certain way or potentially not shape it as much, we’ll see them enjoy a good progression into either one of these two clubs.

As a custom-fitter, it’s exciting to see the forgiveness of the Great Big Bertha plus that little draw-bias.

For the slightly better player who can draw the ball but is looking to control his ball flight with something that won’t draw too much, the Alpha would probably be more suited to them as it was with Scott.

Scott Sullivan | Sep 14, 2015 01 Trajectory

CALLAWAY GREAT CALLAWAY BIG BIG BERTHA BERTHA ALPHA 816 CLUB SPEED (mph)

BALL SPEED (mph)

BALL SPEED (mph)

LAUNCH ANGLE (deg)

LAUNCH ANGLE (deg)

SPIN RATE (rpm)

SPIN RATE (rpm)

CARRY (Yards)

CARRY (Yards)

TOTAL (Yards)

TOTAL (Yards)

SMASH FACTOR

SMASH FACTOR

106.8 156.1 9.1

2847

105.3 154.4 9.5

258.8 288.2 1.46

3435

254.4 279.9 1.47

Scott Sullivan | Sep 14, 2015

TRACKMAN DISTANCE & TRAJECTORY

Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816

CLUB SPEED (mph)

Callaway Great Big Bertha

02

Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816 40 30

150

100

80

60

40

20

100

80

60

40

20

200 200

150

250 250

20

280

3w GBB 3w 816 © 2015 TrackMan | MyTrackMan.com

260 Total yds Multi Group Report

3w GBB 3w 816 © 2015 TrackMan | MyTrackMan.com

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Multi Group Report

10

GEAR

GMax Irons

By SAM TAYLOR, ProSports International

A

s we all know, golf can be a pretty difficult sport. From Tour Professionals to beginners, golfers all face similar challenges. Luckily for us we have companies like PING there to help us achieve our personal golf goals by engineering products to make golf as user-friendly as possible. So while Tour players like Louis Oosthuizen and Bubba Watson play PING S55 irons which give them added feel and control, for players needing a little help, PING have released the new GMax irons.

PING have created an iron which generates extreme distance through COR-Eye Techonlogy, resulting in faster ball speeds due to the simultaneous activation of the sole, face and top rail. To make the face bend and flex more at impact in order to increase ball speed, Ping had to design a new face for the GMax irons. The 4-iron to 8-iron faces are heat-treated in a controlled process which makes the 17-4 stainless steel approximately 40% stronger, allowing the face to be thinner for greater flex. At impact the face bends while the COR-Eye technology constrains the stress, which creates a diving-board effect at impact. Due to this process the ball springs off the face up to 3mph faster than the previous model, increasing distance and delivering powerful sound at impact.

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THE new GMax also has a new cavity structure to house a concealed Custom Tuning Port that connects with the sole of the club. With the deeper position of the CTP, each iron’s Centre of Gravity is moved lower back in the head – enhancing forgiveness and providing a higher launch. An enhanced leading edge, more trailing-edge relief and refined bounce optimise turf interaction and ensure solid contact.

To further increase forgiveness and playability the new GMax irons now include longer blade lengths and increased offset. The distance-generating lengths and lofts optimise club gapping with the distance control and trajectory needed to hold more greens on approach shots. In the longer irons PING have made the clubs’ swingweights lighter; this makes it easier for the golfer to square the face at impact for faster ball speed and straighter shots.

Finally PING have now introduced a choice of four popular after-market shafts to compliment the two PING stock shafts available. This addition to the range will make it easier to match a shaft with the golfer’s ball flight and feel preferences.

DID YOU KNOW?

Karsten Solheim’s greatest contribution to golf club design was inspired by a tennis racquet. He reasoned that the same design theory, of putting weight on the perimeter to resist twisting upon impact, could be applied to golf. Perimeter weight brought the term ‘forgiveness’ into golf! With the weight on the perimeter the club’s ‘moment of inertia’ was increased, so at impact the head doesn’t twist as much. For the first time, golf shots that were mishit had a better chance of going where the golfer intended. As Karsten predicted, the perimeter weighting compensated for lessthan-perfect shots, and golf balls started flying longer and straighter. Over the years Karsten refined the perimeter weighting in his irons, and he’s perhaps best remembered for the PING Eye2, which enjoyed unrivalled success while setting the standard for modern iron design.

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GEAR

eGolf Megastore offers golfers more choice than ever before

G

OLFERS in the region will be thrilled with the news that there is a HUGE new store just opened in the Al Quoz area of Dubai.

The eGolf Megastore, located just off Umm Suqeim Road, covers a massive 6,400 square feet across two floors and includes everything golfers could possibly desire, with a full range of hardware on the upper level and a dedicated apparel, training aids and footwear zone on the ground floor.

There are also two hitting bays for custom fitting, a 280 square foot putting green, a full range of custom made and ‘off the shelf’ bags, as well as a pre-owned equipment zone and onsite repair shop!

“We’re the only golf retailer in the Middle East to stock all of the leading brands under one roof,” says CEO and owner Dean Cheesley. “We retail every leading brand in golf, more than 35 in total, including Titleist, TaylorMade, Callaway, Cleveland, Srixon, Nike, Ping, Puma, Mizuno, Adidas, Footjoy and Under Armour.

“To make the game more accessible to all, we also supply pre-owned equipment and have a large selection of certified pre-owned clubs that people can come and try out before buying.”

eGolf Megastore is the physical incarnation of Cheesley’s online golf retail business which began life in 2011 and quickly grew to become the UAE’s No.1 golf equipment website.

“While eGolfMegastore.ae caters for the online shopper, the new Megastore offers the opportunity to try before buying,” he says. “The Megastore is a ‘one stop shop’ for the UAE golfer.”

Significantly, eGolf Megastore is currently the only store in the UAE where you can buy a full range of the increasingly popular Under Armour golf range, brought into the spotlight by twotime Major champion and golf’s latest superstar, Jordan Spieth.

“We’re delighted to be the first golf retailer to bring a full assortment of Under Armour to the region,” says Cheesley. “It’s our anchor brand and we’re extremely proud of that.”

To celebrate its opening the eGolf Megastore is offering Worldwide Golf readers the chance to win a full Under Armour kit for that authentic Jordan Spieth look. Check out the competition on the opposite page.

eGolf Megastore Tel: +971 4-338-5770 Unit 1, Mansoor Building, Street 26, Al Quoz 4 www.egolfmegastore.ae

Worldwide GOLF 58

WIN A COMPLETE

UNDER ARMOUR OUTFIT

COURTESY OF eGOLF MEGASTORE

BY ANSWERING THE FOLLOWING QUESTION: WHICH TWO MAJORS DID JORDAN SPIETH WIN IN 2015?

To answer visit worldwide.golf/competitions or email: competitions@worldwidegolfme.com

DRIVE THE GAME. Worldwide GOLF 59

WIN 2 x Dozen ProV1 or ProV1x balls

Question Which Titleist Staff Player recently won the Tour Championship presented by Coca-Cola and became World No.1?

To enter go to www.worldwide.golf/competitions Worldwide GOLF 60

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Worldwide GOLF Columnist

Gary Player

The Internationals have a chance to win The forthcoming Presidents Cup will be a fascinating spectacle and I believe the Internationals can cause an upset against a heavily fancied United States team.

I

WAS so pleased to see Jason Day get to World No.1 on the Official World Golf Ranking – even if he was only in the position for a week before Jordan Spieth overtook him. Jason has played so well this year and his swing is the closest I’ve seen on the Tour to Ben Hogan’s - and that’s a big compliment.

I look forward to Day and Spieth locking horns at this month’s Presidents Cup in Incheon, Korea, and also in the years to come at the four Majors and the World Golf Championships. Add in to the mix the supremely talented Rory McIlroy and Rickie Folwer and the game of golf is in good, capable young hands.

I was delighted at the 44th staging of the Gary Player Classic in Queensland last month, it’s one of the longest running junior tournaments in Australia which is open to all male amateur juniors with an Australian handicap.

Jason Day won the U-15 Division in 2002 and the 16-17 Division back-to-back in 2004 and 2005 and look what he has gone on to achieve in the game.

Past winners of the event also include Adam Scott, Ian Baker-Finch and Greg Norman. It’s very special that the tournament has continued to be a great success in its more than 40-year history.

Australia has so much golf talent, you never know when we might find the next Jason Day. This year’s U-15 Division was dominated by Jediah Morgan while the 16-17 Division winner was Charles Pilon.

The 18-20 Division saw Blake Proverbs take the title from last year’s winner Daniel Gale.

These are all names to watch out for in the future.

The forthcoming Presidents Cup, which has been dominated by the United States since its inception, may take a different

turn later this month. For maybe only the second time, the International Team has what it takes to win, despite the United States being the overwhelming favourites.

The Presidents Cup is an event very dear to my heart having been a Team Captain three times in succession from 2003 – 2007. The first year I was Captain was very special as it took place at The Links at Fancourt in South Africa and I was up against my good friend and old foe Jack Nicklaus. It was one of the most evenly

The International Team is one of the most diverse with players from Thailand and India represented for the first time alongside players from Japan, New Zealand, Korea, Australia and South Africa – all playing under Captain Nick Price who is from Zimbabwe! fought contests in the event’s history with the scores level at 17-17 after the Singles.

Due to the failing light the event went to a sudden death play-off. I chose my man Ernie Els and Jack chose Tiger Woods.

These two champions went head to head to see who would win The Presidents Cup. The duo halved three straight holes with some great play. The light was fading so Jack and I came to the joint decision to end the contest as a tie, sharing the Cup. “It’s about goodwill in international golf,”

Worldwide GOLF 63

said Jack to the cameras in the immediate aftermath. “It’s not about who wins and who loses. Gary and I both want to win, everybody wants to win, but the game of golf is bigger than that.”

That mentality and philosophy has been carried on by subsequent Captains who followed us – Greg Norman and Nick Price for the Internationals and Fred Couples and Jay Haas for the United States and I know that this year’s event will be another wonderful showcase of sportsmanship.

The International Team is one of the most diverse with players from Thailand and India represented for the first time alongside players from Japan, New Zealand, Korea, Australia and South Africa – all playing under Captain Nick Price who is from Zimbabwe!

Indian Anirban Lahiri has had a superb season on The European Tour with two wins and a superb fifth place finish at the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. He is deceptively long off the tee and will surprise many in the galleries and across the world watching on TV, while Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee is in great form having won the European Open last month for his seventh title on The European Tour.

US PGA Champion Jason Day is the leading light for the Internationals alongside fellow Major winners Adam Scott, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen.

The United States team has the experienced heads of Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk and this year’s two-time Major winner Jordan Spieth and Open Champion Zach Johnson to call upon.

It promises to be another great occasion and whatever the result - golf will be the real winner again. n

Worldwide GOLF Columnist

David Howell

A new Big Three?

Jordan Spieth and Jason Day are the talk of the sport - and with Rory working his way back from injury the upper echelons of golf are in very strong hands.

T

HIS year really has been a game of two halves as they say in football, dominated by two men, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth. The young American had a quiet few weeks since coming close to winning the first three Majors and seeing the Australian take possession of his World No.1 spot.

But such are the vagaries of our game Spieth bounced back to win the Tour Championship and reclaim his place at the top.

Five wins in a season is the kind of rarified air that only Tiger Woods has been used to breathing, so the likeable Day must feel like he is walking on air never mind breathing it. A true three horse race to be the best has now emerged with our own man Rory slowly working his way back from injury. This will continue to be an enticing battle I am sure with the top spot changing hands somewhat regularly. What is pretty clear to see, however, is that the new big three have separated themselves from the field. They will have the eyes of the world on them moving into the New Year and the build-up to the Masters. It’s a great thing for the sport to have three special players going head-to-head.

Much is left to be decided this season of course. The Major trophies have found their new homes for a year but there is bounty still to play for in Europe with the Final Series nearly upon us. In The Race to Dubai Rory has a slender lead over Danny Willett, who has played superbly all year after starting it with a big win in the Nedbank all the way back in December, and with the points being slightly enhanced over the last four weeks we may just have a nail-biting finish this year.

As always, the final installment will take place at Jumeirah Golf Estates which once again has taken giant strides towards being the outstanding golfing community it always set out to be. I am looking forward to

stepping on to the Earth course in front of friends and family in late November, hoping to challenge for the title. For many on Tour making the DP World Tour Championship is a sign that at the very least it has been a reasonable year for them.

One story that never really gets much attention is the fight to keep your job, or as we golfers say, your Tour card. It’s at this time of year that many players are fighting for their golfing lives. Imagine the pressure that exists when you know that if you don’t make the cut you are going to be demoted.

That is a very harsh reality to face for a

One story that never really gets much attention is the fight to keep your job, or as we golfers say, your Tour card. It’s at this time of year that many players are fighting for their golfing lives. Imagine the pressure that exists when you know that if you don’t make the cut you are going to be demoted. group of about 15 guys with only a month or so to go before the end of the season.

Inevitably, someone always seems to come out of nowhere with a big finish to jump up the ranking and push everyone one place back towards the precipice. These performances are every bit as worthy of adulation as the winner’s performance.

The winner may get a trophy and a big cheque but a job for next year is every bit as exhilarating and crucial for the man who has pulled a rabbit out of the hat, a performance that usually he couldn’t see coming at all.

I’m not sure how this story could be told on television but it would make enticing

Worldwide GOLF 64

viewing. Professional golf is such an honest endeavour. At the top end it can be glamorous and lucrative with millions being traded, but at the bottom end of the scale the guys are struggling to earn £3,000 a week, relying on their own ability to produce the goods, when week-after-week they simply haven’t been able to do it. Now that really is pressure. Standing over a putt that could win you a tournament and a million pounds is certainly pressure but it’s not on the same scale as a guy who’s battling to win just a few thousand pounds to be in the top 10 and keep his card.

I was saddened to see the ladies at the Solheim Cup once again being reduced to tears in the aftermath of ‘gimme gate.’

Suzzane Petterson came away as the villain and has apologised profusely for her actions. However, I have a tiny bit of sympathy for her.

If at the time she saw her opponent scoop up the ball, and she herself genuinely hadn’t felt the putt was given, what was she to do?

Should she keep her mouth shut and move on? I guess that’s what the world is saying?

Clearly she felt strongly that it had not been given. Watching people infringe the rules and saying nothing is not what we do in golf.

Ask any golfer on Tour and they will tell you that they are paranoid about whether or not a putt has been given. Match play is played so rarely that picking up gimmes is out of our comfort zone. You simply make sure it’s given, you don’t assume.

How Suzzane must wish she had not verbalised what was going on inside her head. Once she had done it there was no way back. A point was won but it was on the back of this incident that the momentum shifted. Winning in that style wasn’t what her team wanted, and losing in such a fashion was clearly not an option for the American girls either. The power of the mind is a curious thing and determination will beat negativity every single time. n

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Worldwide GOLF Columnist

Pete Cowen

King of the greens

Spieth is having it all his own way but Rory is just starting to warm up.

T

he past couple of months have been hard work as a torn knee ligament has meant I’ve been unable to travel but thankfully I was up and about to make it to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship to catch up with some of my players on the range.

Despite being unable to fly I’ve still been able to keep a close eye on them through the live television coverage in the UK and passing any feedback over the phone. But it’s great to be back out there. Injuries are just part of life and you just have to let time do it’s thing.

I’ve given WWG Editor Alex Gallemore a bit of stick recently for questioning Jordan Spieth’s ability to be one of the greats because the way the lad puts is just unbelievable, it’s as if he’s got a tracking device in the ball that is hooked up to the hole on every green he plays.

I’ve been asked hundreds of times why Jordan is such a great putter. Many think he’s got the greatest stroke in the game but it is his strike that is the key. If you hear him strike the ball it consistently hits the same spot and makes the same sound every time.

He practices more on the greens than any professional I know and his results back this up. I’ve always said the best putters will always be knocking on the door week-after-week as and when you are the best in the business with the short stick then it’s not a surprise to see him at World No.1.

Every amateur knows when you’ve mis-struck a put, the chances of that putt going in are heavily decreased. But imagine striking each putt perfectly, your confidence will rise with each stroke and not before long you will believe that every putt can be sunk. Welcome to the mindset of Jordan Spieth.

I was obviously disappointed that Henrik didn’t win the Tour Championship but how do you compete against Jordan when his in that vein of putting form. His stats this year on the greens are remark able to say the least: No.1 on Putts Per Round – (27.82); No.1 on One-Putt Percentage (44.26% (701 one-putts)); No.1 on Putting from 15-25’ (27.19% from 228 attempts) and No.1 on Overall Putting Average (1.535).

But one player that also impressed me

Every amateur knows when you’ve mis-struck a put, the chances of that putt going in are heavily decreased. But imagine striking each putt perfectly, your confidence will rise with each stroke and not before long you will believe that every putt can be sunk. Welcome to the mindset of Jordan Spieth. with the putter was Rory who was second in Putts per Green in Regulation at East Lake (Spieth was ninth in that category).

Rory is a little tournament rusty after his injury and when he was 14th that week in driving distance you know he’s not quite ready to go flat out with the driver. He’s doing the right thing not to push himself too hard. But as he plays more and gets back to full strength it will not be long before he’s winning again.

When I was up in St. Andrews it was good to meet up with Padraig Harrington,

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who has been battling on all season with a niggling knee problem, I share his pain on that one, but he’s in good spirits and looking forward to sorting it out once the season is over. He’s in a great place at the moment as things are mapped out for the next few years for him and beyond.

His win at the Honda Classic on the PGA Tour has earned him two years exemption in the States and then there’s the Ryder Cup, where I would be shocked if he’s not Captain in either 2018 or 2020. After that there’s the PGA Champions Tour and the European Senior Tour and, like Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie, he will make a huge impact the moment he turns 50.

On the technology front both Callaway and TaylorMade have launched new drivers. They both seem to be of the mindset that if there is any new modification to a driver or club they will not sit on the design but get it straight out into the hands of the pros and amateurs. Anything that makes the game easier, quicker and more enjoyable for the general golfing public can only be good for the game. But the simplest way to make the game more enjoyable, especially if your struggling with confidence, is make the game easier for yourself. When out practicing, play a second ball after you’ve hit a bad shot, just so you remember the feeling of a good shot. Also, if you are struggling for distance off the tee, don’t feel drawn to play off the back tees. Many of the courses in the UAE are a championship standard, so use the forward tees to build your confidence so you can at least play into the par4s with a short club.

The round will be quicker and more enjoyable plus you will no doubt have lost far fewer balls. n

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ArabianGOLF NEWS FROM THE LEADING CLUBS IN THE REGION

THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER AS THE UAE PREPARES TO HOST THE PRESTIGIOUS NOMURA CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE 52-YEAR HISTORY OF THE INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR TEAM EVENT. IN A REGION THAT HAS MADE A NAME FOR ITSELF AS A HUB FOR THE PROFESSIONAL GAME AND IS THE EPICENTRE OF THE EUROPEAN TOUR, THIS MONTH’S NOMURA CUP, TAKING PLACE AT YAS LINKS IN ABU DHABI FROM OCTOBER 22-25, REPRESENTS A HUGE STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AMATEUR GAME IN THE REGION.

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STAGE SET FOR 27th NOMURA CUP

A

t the time of going to press some 21 teams had already signed up to compete in the 27th Nomura Cup, with particular support coming from the Arab nations. The UAE team will be joined in the four-day stroke play event, by Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia at the stunning Kyle Phillips designed course, all hoping to gain invaluable experience going up against the best amateur players from around the world in the biennial tournament.

The 27th Nomura Cup is hosted under the patronage of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), under the guidance of H.E. Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, who said: “It is a great honour to host such a prestigious event in Abu Dhabi.

With the support of the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) and other valued partners such as Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Yas Links Abu Dhabi we are able to host this event at the highest level possible.

“Since the launch of the tournament 52 years ago, it has never been hosted in the Middle East. The EGF hopes this showcases the type of commitment that the UAE has made in order to pave the way for other world amateur golf events.

“As the UAE enhances its status on the professional tour and now on the amateur circuit, we hope that this event prepares participants for the next step in their golfing career.”

Adel Zarouni, Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation added: “It is also

encouraging that so many of the golf-playing Arab nations have committed to compete in the tournament, significantly Oman along with Bahrain, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and, of course, the UAE. “The widening interest in the Nomura Cup demonstrates the rapidly rising growth of golf throughout Asia and among the Arab states. I am sure the Nomura Cup is going to be a ground-breaking event that will not only create greater involvement in amateur golf across Asia and, in fact, globally, it will also provide the opportunity for the UAE to showcase the emirates as a true worldwide golfing destination.”

“I’m certain that the friendly yet determined competition of the Nomura Cup will also show that the UAE not only plays the perfect host to some of the greatest professional tournaments in world golf, but that it is able to also stage international amateur events and spotlight the importance of effective and well run junior golf programmes.”

Dominic Wall, Director, The R&A – Asia Pacific, said: “The Nomura Cup is the premier elite amateur team event in the Asia Pacific region and it is pleasing to see the growth in the championship and that it is being played throughout the region with recent Cups being played in Fiji, Korea, Thailand and now for the first time in the Middle East region.

“While golf club membership is declining in some countries, recent trends suggest that participation is growing in Asia and that golf related tourism generated around US$25

billion around the world last year. No doubt courses such as Yas Links will also encourage greater participation and more golf-related tourism.”

Howie Roberts, General Manager of Yas Links, said: “On behalf of the golf club, we are extremely honoured and proud to host such a prestigious and historical event which will be welcoming representatives from more than 20 countries to Abu Dhabi and our wonderful golf course, Yas Links.

“With this being the first Nomura Cup held in the Middle East, though it is not surprising, it is exciting to see how much the UAE continues to attract such esteemed events.

We hope all competitors enjoy the course and their stay in the UAE’s capital and we look forward to an exciting championship. Wishing all players the best of luck!”

The Australians will be the team to beat at Yas Links, having successfully defended their title at the 2013 Nomura Cup at Santiburi Country Club in Thailand, the 10th time they’ve lifted the trophy. Japan, Korea and Chinese Taipei are also sure to field strong teams while the UAE Team of Khalid Yousuf, Abdalla Al Musharrekh, Rashid Hamood, Ahmad Skaik will be hoping to make their home advantage count.

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‘NOMURA CUP EXPERIENCE IS VITAL’

says UAE National Team Coach W

“We’ve got some very good ball strikers. You can complicate the game a bit between ball striking and looking at actual results.”

– Greg Holmes

ORLDWIDE GOLF speaks exclusively to UAE National Team Coach Greg Holmes ahead of the team’s appearance at the Nomura Cup at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi.

senior circuit. The more seniors we have playing at a very good international level is going to increase our chances of creating some very good professional players later on down the line.

WWG: How big an accolade is it for the UAE to be hosting an amateur event the stature of the Nomura Cup? GREG HOLMES: It’s absolutely massive. To be awarded an event of this scale, one of the biggest amateur golf team events in the world, is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase what we have here in the UAE in terms of our golf courses and facilities. It’s also a great opportunity for our youngsters, juniors and families to go and see the best players in the country play at a high, international level. So overall it’s ticking all the boxes and will be a fantastic experience for everyone involved.

WWG: How have you seen the amateur game with Emiratis develop since you’ve been involved with them?

GH: I’ve been involved with the UAE National Team for one year now. I actually turned pro out of the UAE myself from Emirates Golf Club back in 1991 and I’ve seen the region go from having no junior golfers, to all of a sudden having 75-80 juniors who participate in golf here in the UAE. We’ve got a Junior Programme now on our development squads of about 20 players, so we’re just trying to increase those numbers and give them more attention. They are certainly getting the best facilities, such as the ETPI at Jumeirah Golf Estates, which we’re lucky enough to have access to.

WWG: The UAE has developed a reputation as an epicentre for professional golf events, how important is it for the next stage in grassroots development that the UAE makes a name for itself on the international amateur scene as well?

GH: It’s a work in progress, obviously, and it takes time. Earlier this year we launched a big Junior Development Programme. It’s so important that we do work at grassroots and have youngsters filling the under-15 teams, which, in turn, fills the under-18 teams and then that gives us a bigger selection for the

WWG: You mentioned the ETPI at JGE, which the EGF and the UAE National Team are closely connected with. There’s only one other ETPI in the world – at Terre Blanche in France. Tell us about the National Team’s recent trip there to prepare for the Nomura Cup? GH: The summer period was a good opportunity to take the guys away so that they could concentrate solely on their golf.

We went to Terre Blanche which is near Nice

in the south of France – another fantastic ETPI facility. The reason for going was to meet up with Jean-Jacques Rivet, who is one of the world’s best in bio-mechanics associated with golf. It was an opportunity for us to take our guys there and make sure they were measured physically and any errors that they needed to work on they could do so. They were given the correct treatment by the physio staff there and they implemented those movements into their golf swing. They’ve benefited a lot from the trip. Just using the body and using the ground properly definitely benefitted them and helped them control their swings a lot more.

WWG: How are the UAE Team playing heading into the tournament and how do you think they’re going to get on?

GH: We’ve got some very good ball strikers.

You can complicate the game a bit between ball striking and looking at actual results. The guys have the ability but one of the things that goes against us is that our season tends to be a little back to front. A lot of guys have been playing all the way from April through to October, heading into a big event like the Nomura Cup, whereas our season is only just starting here. So it does make it a little more difficult for us as our guys haven’t had as much tournament experience over the last few months. But they’ve got the experience

and they’ve been working hard. Our goal really is to fare well against the Middle Eastern teams. If we can consistently do well in that area, we can set another goal after that.

nothing really bothers him and he doesn’t get distracted. So in terms of how to act and how to behave as a golfer, he’s as close to being a professional as you could get.

WWG: What do you think of Yas Links as a host venue for a tournament of this magnitude?

GH: It’s a fantastic venue, a beautiful venue.

The topography on the golf course is both interesting and outstanding. It’s different to what most people would imagine when they think of a Middle Eastern golf course. You could almost believe you were in Scotland playing on the links. With the amenities available at Yas Links it’ll be an opportunity to showcase what Abu Dhabi has to offer.

WWG: Do you think the work ethic of the team has improved over the years in terms of the attitude to practice and preparation?

GH: It’s improving. Obviously, we have the summer to deal with which is difficult. As I said, for a lot of the big tournaments we have to prepare during the summer so it’s tough for them to put in the hours they probably need to. Golf is still a relatively new sport here in the UAE, even though the first golf course was here 25 years ago. It’s still a relatively new sport and everyone is still in that learning process. As the numbers increase, the competition is going to increase and once everyone starts competing against each other that work rate will go up. The guys are working hard. They’re fit, they’re strong, their body speeds (as they were measured in France) are fast. There’s nothing wrong with the way they hit the ball. We just need to continue putting them up against international teams so they know what level they need to get to.

WWG: Talking about the development of local Emirati players, someone like Khalid Yousuf who’s been on the UAE National Team and around the set-up for many years – is he a great example of what can be achieved by going through the system from being a young boy right through to the full National Team?

GH: Absolutely. Khalid first of all, is an absolute gentleman. You won’t meet a nicer guy. Anything we need – if we ask him to play with some of the juniors he’s 100% into helping out and helping grow the game from the grassroots. He’s a good ball striker with lots of experience. As a role model, he’s got a fantastic attitude on the golf course,

Rashid Hamood

WWG: The Nomura Cup will surely help in that regard?

GH: Absolutely. As long as they keep learning, that’s the way forward.

Khalid Yousuf

UAE National Team

UAE National Team

“The Nomura Cup is one of the biggest events that we play. We were lucky enough to play last year in the Eisenhower Trophy, which is the World Amateur Team Championships in Japan and is a huge event as well and the Nomura Cup is up there with that. It’s a great experience, I’ve played in one Nomura Cup already a few years ago and I’m looking forward to this one.

“We had an amazing trip over the summer down to Terre Blanche, which is the ETPI headquarters in France. The team has done some amazing work with Jean Jacques and all of his team down there. We’ve had a very good insight into where everybody’s game is at and what we need to do to take things forward. So things are looking good and I’m looking forward to the upcoming event.”

“The Nomura Cup is the second largest amateur team tournament in the world so it attracts a lot of great players from Asia-Pacific, Asia, and Western Asia. You get a lot of great players who have gone on to The European Tour and the US PGA Tour. It’s great for the UAE to host it, and especially for the UAE team to participate in it because it’ll give us good exposure, and it will attract a lot of people to the region to see how UAE golf has progressed while also experiencing the golf courses and how we’ve set everything up here.”

UAE National Team

Ahmad Skaik

Abdalla Al Musharrekh UAE National Team

“It’s really good that the UAE is hosting an amateur event of this size and we hope we show up in this tournament and perform well.

“I’ve played once in a senior tournament, it was the Pan Arab Championship against all the other Arab countries and it was a good experience.

“I think this is going to be much bigger than that because we have all the Asian teams.

So it’s going to be a good experience and I’m looking forward to it.”

“I have previously played in several worldclass amateur and pro tournaments with great players, but the one thing that will make this experience unique is the fact that I will be playing it on home soil for the first time.

“I’m not sure how I will be feeling on the first tee on day one, but I’m definitely looking forward to the whole experience.”

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Arabian

Setting the stage for the Nomura Cup MICHAEL CLARKE, Golf Superintendent at Yas Links, has been preparing the stage for this month’s Asia Pacific Amateur Team Championship and with 24 years experience of looking after world class courses in Abu Dhabi he has the knowledge to give the players a true test on one of the finest courses in the Middle East.

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GOLF

Setting the stage for the Normura Cup

We are just coming out of the summer into a new season, with the Nomura Cup just around the corner, what have you and the team been doing to ensure the course is in top condition for the international amateur players this month?

MC: Over the summer months we have carried out renovation programmes including hollow tine aerification, vertical mowing and topdressing, re-establishment of weaker areas and general issues such as drainage and additional irrigation. We will start to increase the green speed with lower height of cut as we move closer to the playing season. It is a never-ending process of testing and creating favourable root zone conditions and dealing with the elements and adjusting to variations in water quality.

How long have you been in the UAE and Abu Dhabi for and what’s been the biggest challenge as an agronomist at both Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Yas Links?

Mike Clarke: I arrived in Abu Dhabi in 1991 for the construction of Abu Dhabi Golf with Peter Harradine. The two biggest issues faced in general over both courses would have to be water quality and drainage. These two issues have a big bearing on how the cultural and agronomical programmes are created in trying to establish a healthy root zone which leads to better playing surfaces.

How do the two courses differ from a maintenance point of view?

MC: Abu Dhabi is more of a manicured parkland type of course whereas Yas Links, being a links course, is much more of a natural and undulating site and therefore dictates slightly different machinery for the sharp slopes and also quite a differentiation in maintenance and seasonal cultural practices. There are also different grass species on both courses which can also mean slightly different agronomic treatments.

What were your first steps into the agronomy industry?

MC: I first started my career at Mt. Maunganui Golf Course which then was the regular venue for the NZPGA Championship. This involved a four year apprenticeship with the New Zealand Turf Institute and Massey University and I was honored with the prestigious Harvin Award assigned to the top student in my final year.

The region has some great championship courses, which can test the best on The European Tour, but how do you set a course up like Yas for the mid to high handicapper to prevent them from denting their confidence?

MC: As with the design of most golf courses these days you can play off 4 – 5 tees which offer varied distances. For example, Yas Links is set in such a way that you can play to 7,400 yds, 7,000 yds, 6,600 yds, 6,200 yds, 5,400 yds.

Therefore, a mid to high handicapper can still enjoy his game without having to play from the back tees like the professionals do.

The Nomura Cup is for amateurs from various countries. Many won’t have played links golf.

What will they find the most difficult?

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MC: Straight hitters score well at Yas links and knowing where to play for position and where to land the ball both on the fairways and the greens is a big advantage. Any wild shots can be severely punished by hitting into the heavy rough, which really penalises wayward shots.

You’ve seen a many top players during your time in Abu Dhabi but which one has impressed you the most and why?

MC: I’ve seen so many top players but I would have to say for sheer ball striking ability I’d like to watch Rory McIlroy.

Likewise you’ve seen some of the most bizarre things on a golf course but which has made you laugh the most?

MC: Many crazy things that could not be printed but one time playing with some mates who were sharing a buggy and they had parked it on the downslope next to the edge of a lake. They were leaning over the edge of the lake trying to look for their ball in the water when the brakes somehow released and the cart rolled down the slope knocking them both into the lake and the buggy followed them into the water. Luckily, nobody was hurt, apart from the damage to the

Arabian

GOLF

Off Course If you could be any golfer for the day who would it be?

MC : Jason Day on the final round at the PGA.

buggy. It was one of those ones incidents you wish you could have caught on camera.

Technology in golf clubs continues to evolve but how has technology changed over the past 10 years to support maintaining the golf courses in the UAE? MC: New machinery technology has evolved through research and development and computerised advancement which has positively affected playing surfaces and is moving more towards renewable energy resources and advancements in battery technology. Irrigation systems and computer operated satellite/decoder systems have advanced incredibly over the last 10 years which enables golf courses to use water resources much more efficiently.

This years Majors have tried to test the players but would you say the links of St.Andrews and Whistling Straits were set up too easy and how can you future proof these great courses against today’s big hitting Tour pros?

MC: It’s very difficult without including more hazards, trees or additional design features. The only way is green speeds, run offs around the

greens, more severe rough and tougher pin positions. Other than that they will have to start looking at the advancing technology, especially with the golf ball. By making the golf ball travel less distance may be the only way of protecting many of the world’s traditional golf courses.

Some of the world’s great courses can never be used for big tournaments because they are simply too short by modern standards.

What’s the toughest hole in Abu Dhabi and why?

For me it would have to be Hole No. 9 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. With water each side and a narrow fairway it can be quite visually daunting from the tee, especially if you are not regularly a straight hitter….hence I have found the water on both sides many times.

Which golfer has gone on to be a great golf course designer and why?

Jack Nicklaus for me because not only was he a great golfer but he has designed some fantastic golf courses around the world. He personally has a very influential input into how the design turns out and not just offering his name to be used on a layout designed by others.

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Best course outside the UAE? I can only say from the courses I have played and that would be Royal County Down in Ireland and the Old Course at St. Andrews because of the history that surrounds it. In saying that, there are so many modern masterpiece designs out there and it is extremely hard to choose a best.

Best golf event to watch?

The Ryder Cup. Best Major?

I enjoy equally The Masters and The Open.

Which golfer has influenced the game the most?

For me it has to be Tiger Woods because the impact he has had on golf globally over and above the PGA Tour and becoming probably the most recognisable athlete in the world. That has had a huge impact on the popularity of the game.

Caddyshack or Tin Cup? Tin Cup.

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“THIS WAS AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO OPEN A MARQUEE FACILITY IN THE UAE AND CREATE HISTORY IN AJMAN BY OPENING THE FIRST GOLF FACILITY IN THE EMIRATE. “ – PHILIP HENDERSON

AL ZORAH GOLF CLUB PRESENTS A

RUGGED, WINDSWEPT

ADVENTURE

I

n just over 18 months, the Nicklaus Designed Al Zorah Golf Club in Ajman has gone from little more than a pile of dirt to a fully fledged, fully grassed, spectacular 18-hole masterpiece.

This latest edition to the UAE’s golf offering is a sight to behold and a different proposition to any other layout in the region. Just 25 minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport the course, which is set 1km back from the shoreline, forms part of the ambitious 5.4 million square metre Al Zorah Resort Project which will include five residential communities, hotels, a beachfront and four marinas.

Scheduled for a December opening, there’s a wonderful feeling of windswept escapism and adventure about the eco-friendly Al Zorah

course which will definitely appeal to golfers looking to flee the hustle and bustle of Dubai for the weekend. It will also attract international tourists to the resort. From the flocks of flamingos to the 58 different species of birds frequenting the 1 million square metres of signature mangroves plus the unique recess areas which empty and fill with water at different times of the day according to the tidal system, there’s something a bit special about this new Troon-managed course.

Philip Henderson is the man charged with steering the ship on the golf side in his new role as Al Zorah Golf Club General Manager. Here he talks exclusively to Worldwide Golf about what attracted him to this unique development and his plans for the Golf Club going forwards.

PHILIP HENDERSON

IN FOCUS: AL ZORAH GOLF CLUB

“THE ENVIRONMENT AND SETTING OF THE GOLF COURSE WILL OFFER AN EXTREMELY TRANQUIL AND RELAXED FEEL FOR OUR MEMBERS AND GUESTS. “ – PHILIP HENDERSON WORLDWIDE GOLF: Tell us about your background in the game and your career prior to the Al Zorah appointment?

PHILIP HENDERSON: I’ve been playing this beautiful game since early childhood and have a massive passion and drive for golf. In some ways I was destined to be a part of this industry. I’ve been operating with Troon for the past 11 years and over that time I’ve been given the opportunity to work in England, Portugal, Egypt, Greece, UAE, Bahrain and, most recently in Azerbaijan where we opened the first golf course in the country.

PH: We will position the facility in line with our nearest competitors and below the current rates in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Our facility offers affordable luxury to our members and guests.

WWG: The course has been developed in lightening quick time, which is very unusual – particularly in this region. How has that been achieved?

PH: The strong working relationships between Nicklaus Design, Troon and Al Zorah have been instrumental in getting us to where we are.

WWG: Tell us about the overall project – what else can people expect?

PH: Al Zorah’s masterplan, which is spread across 5.4 million square metres, includes five distinct communities set around multiple natural entities, including 1 million square metres of mangroves, not to be found on this scale anywhere else in the UAE. The project has a beautiful setting with spectacular views of the ocean, beach, creek, and of course the 18 hole Nicklaus Design golf course. Solidere International has partnered with the Government of Ajman to create this green, one-of-a-kind lifestyle and leisure destination for residents and visitors, alike.

The initial investment in the project includes four state-of-the-art marinas, two world-class beachfront hotels and resorts, the 18-hole golf course and clubhouse, golf villas, serviced residential apartments, and more. The golf course, golf villas and four state-of-the-art marinas, along with the infrastructure and landscaping, will be the first components of Al Zorah to be completed.

The flagship hotels in the development, The Oberoi Al Zorah and LUX*Al Zorah, will also be central to the project and will welcome visitors looking for a relaxing holiday.

Recently, Al Zorah also announced the Al Zorah Beach Residence and Golf Estates, which provides residents with views of the beachfront and golf course, respectively.

At Al Zorah’s iconic, The Pavilion, visitors can indulge in a wide range of relaxing activities that are guaranteed to add a flavour of luxury to their day. Watching pink flamingos in the mangroves, witnessing breathtaking views, enjoying fine dining culinary delicacies, and playing a round of golf are just some of the experiences that Al Zorah has to offer.

Residents can look forward to these and more, including the truly unique walkable environments, where interconnectivity is seamless, through cycling, walking and running trails, which cut across the entire development. The marinas are already complete and from January 2016 those with a penchant for sailing can start taking advantage of Marina 1 at Al Zorah, which is currently being fitted out to welcome boats.

WWG: Al Zorah Golf Club will be a public course – what sort of price structure will you be positioning for green fees?

WWG: Given that the course is outside of Dubai, how important is the ‘stay and play’ aspect of Al Zorah?

WWG: What attracted you to this position?

PH: This was an incredible opportunity to open a marquee facility in the UAE and create history in Ajman by opening the first golf facility in the Emirate, as well as the first Nicklaus Design course in the Middle East.

WWG:There’s already an abundance of golf courses in the UAE – how will Al Zorah stand out from the crowd?

PH: The environment and setting of the golf course will offer an extremely tranquil and relaxed feel for our members and guests. One of the unique points of this golf course is the tidal system, which means playing during high tide will provide a different experience to playing during low tide.

WWG: What sort of golfing experience can people expect at Al Zorah Golf Club?

PH: The Troon experience delivers optimal playing conditions and a personalised level of service, so members and guests can certainly expect that at Al Zorah Golf Club.

WWG: Being a resort course means it has to be all things to all people. How does the course succeed in being a challenge for low handicappers, while still being enjoyable for the occasional golfer?

PH: The use of different tee boxes will be a key factor in determining the difficulty of the golf course, as that will affect the carry distances to the fairways and whether the water hazards will have an impact on your wayward tee shots.

Pictured left to right: Philip Henderson (Al Zorah Golf Club General Manager), Robin Evans (Troon Vice President Construction and Agronomy), Dirk Bouts (Nicklaus Design Senior Design Associate) and Mike Knudsen (Al Zorah Project Manager, Golf Course).

PH: Stay and Play will be important to the success of our business model, however the facility is only 25 minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport and I think people staying there will happily make the drive to play this incredible golf course.

WWG: Are there any plans for Al Zorah to host a professional event down the line?

PH: The golf course can facilitate a professional event and this will be an avenue we will look into once the facility is open.

WWG: What else still needs to happen for the course to be 100% complete?

PH: The major works to the golf course have now been completed and we will be focusing on the day-to-day cultural practices as well as our operational requirements.

WWG: What is the schedule for the clubhouse and what will it feature?

PH: The permanent clubhouse will be completed by the end of 2017 and will offer the luxury that our members and guests are exposed to in our neighbouring Emirates. There is a temporary clubhouse at The Pavilion, where golfers can make the most of the spectacular views of the mangroves and golf course, whilst enjoying some light food and refreshing beverages.

WWG: What are your aims for Al Zorah Golf Club over the next two years?

PH: Initially, we will launch a limited membership model which is expected to attract plenty of discerning golfers from around the UAE. Our team is also working very closely with Oberoi and LUX Resorts & Hotels who are both part of the Al Zorah development to ensure that our Stay & Play packages are a successful component of our facility.

To make a tee-time reservation, please visit www.alzorahgolfclub.ae. The course is expected to open this coming December.

SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB

MATTEO MANASSERO AND YOU Don’t miss your chance to tee it up with The European Tour star and ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ Ambassador.

H

istory-making Italian star Matteo Manassero is to host a special ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ tournament on November 2 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and you could be part of the action.

The 18-hole Stableford event includes a 60 minute pre-tournament clinic by the 22-year-old who became the youngest winner of a European Tour event when he captured the 2010 Castello Masters in Spain.

Manassero will be stationed on one of Saadiyat Beach GC’s par 3s, ensuring all the players get to enjoy playing a hole with the former BMW PGA Championship winner.

A sumptuous BBQ and Q&A with Manassero will cap the tournament which will also be contested by 30 international players made up of editor’s

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representing some of the world’s biggest golf and sports titles, as well as winners of a Europe and Asia-wide Matteo Manassero competition.

Worldwide Golf readers have an opportunity to win one of two spots in the tournament via: www.bit.ly/playwithmatteo or emailing competitions@worldwidegolfme.com with the answer to this question: What country does Matteo Manassero hail from? Entries close October 18.

Alternatively, you can guarantee your spot in the field (12.30pm shotgun start) with these great rates: AED 495 for members; AED 695 for member guest or TEC members; AED 895 for EGF/visitors.

Spaces are strictly limited so email your entry to events@sbgolfclub.ae today.

OCTOBER 2

Members’ Monthly Medal

OCTOBER 23

Members’ Monthly Stableford

SaadiyatBeachGolfClub

SaadiyatBeach

SaadiyatBeachGolfClub

www.sbgolfclub.ae

: +971 (0) 2 557 8000

info@sbgolfclub.ae

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SAADIYAT BEACH GC NOTEPAD DYNAMIC ONLINE GREEN FEES SBGC Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

encourage visitors to log onto www.sbgolfclub.ae to avail of the very best green fee rates courtesy of its new online, dynamic pricing. What is dynamic pricing? Green fee rates will be adjusted automatically in realtime, based on demand, availability and other factors. The rates change daily, hourly and by the minute, so to get the best rates book your tee time online early. There may be occasions where the advertised rate fluctuates to a higher or lower value at the time of booking. This happens as the tee sheet becomes busier and there is competition for the last remaining tee times. During peak booking periods, rates can fluctuate quickly due to high online traffic. Your booking confirmation will display the actual green fee to be paid.

ENGLAND SECURE FIRST RWC WIN Damien Cosgrove

SBGC starred in the

event’s promotional photo-shoot and then returned to Saadiyat Beach GC to play a leading role in winning the first of the club’s two Rugby World Cup-themed tournaments. Cosgrove, David Crabbe and Sheldon Ritchie made it a memorable day for England by winning the texas scramble event on September 18, just before the hosts saw off Fiji at Twickenham in the RWC opener. As they were a team of three, the trio alternated the fourth shot allowed under texas scramble rules between them on each hole and finished with an impressive winning net score of 58.2. Patricia Middleton, Alan Middleton and Chris de Kock were a close second on 58.5 with John Fahy, Antoin Breen, Shane O’Neal and Alan Hogan third on 59.1.

Saadiyat Beach GC is to host a shambles tournament on October 31 ahead of the RWC final at Twickenham later that evening. Get a fourball of countrymen together and show your true colours by entering at events@sbgolfclub.com or call +971 (0)2 557 8000. Entry is AED 100 (per member) and AED 600 (per non member).

SOUTHERN SUN SUNDOWNER DOWN TO THE WIRE Saadiyat Beach GC’s

SBGC annual summer nine hole twilight championship went down to the wire. Ray Rice was searching for a third successive overall title in the Southern Sun Saadiyat Sundowner but lost out to Blanca Rivollier on a countback after finishing on 108 stableford points in a competition where a player’s leading six scores from a possible 10 events counted. Both Rivollier and Rice carded 16 points in the final round, forcing the countback. Nerves meant both carded bogeys for two points on the final hole (Saadiyat’s par four 18th) so it went back to the penultmate hole. Sadly Rice put his tee shot on the short par 3 17th hole over the green and into trouble, his resulting blob and Rivollier’s par proving decisive. David Woodward was third overall on 102 points.

STAY CONNECTED FOR BETTER WEDGE WORK The new season is upon us. While many of your pals will rush to the range to sort out that errant driver, take this simple short game tip from Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Director of Instruction Martin Robinson to heart and watch your scores dip. “

T

here are many areas of the technique that help to create consistent and accurate wedge play but one of the most important points is to get the body, arms and hands working together.

A great drill for this is to put a towel or headcover under each arm and hit some medium pitch shots. It will keep your arms and hands passive and create smooth acceleration through impact.

Many poor wedge players swing their arms

OCTOBER 31

WINTER GREEN FEES

independently from the body and become flicky with the hands, causing fat and thin shots. If you make this incorrect movement while using the headcover, it will fall away.

Practice keeping the covers tight to your body to greatly improve your ball striking.”

To get your game in shape, contact the Saadiyat Beach GC Golf Academy team on +971 (0)2 557 8000 or e-mail Martin Robinson at mrobinson@sbgolfclub.ae

Rugby World Cup Grand Final Tournament, 12.30pm

NOVEMBER 28

SBGC Saadiyat Beach GC have

unveiled their winter green fee rates which will take effect from September 13 and run until June 5 next year. The peak (weekend/ public holidays) and non-peak (Sunday-Thursday) rack rate is AED 945/745 respectively while EGF members/UAE residents will pay AED670/500 respectively. Member guest and Troon Executive Card rates are AED 570/425 respectively while juniors can play for AED 295 at both peak and non-peak times.

Movember Golf Day, 12.30pm shotgun

DECEMBER 2

National Day Open, 12pm shotgun

ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB Pro You Didn’t Know – Felix Fritzen

PHOTO: IHAB MOKAYED

FELIX FOCUSED ON YOUR GOLFING HAPPINESS

Following in the footsteps of a famous compatriot, Felix Fritzen is looking to the fairways of Abu Dhabi Golf Club to propel his career.

G

erman superstar Martin Kaymer undoubtedly feels at home at Abu Dhabi Golf Club having gone agonisingly close to hoisting the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship’s famed Falcon Trophy for a fourth time in January. Now a lesser known but no less passionate countryman, Felix Fritzen, has made The European Tour venue his home and intends delivering Kaymer-like quality to the team who provide the club’s Troon Golf-inspired experience on a day-to-day basis.

The club’s new Assistant Golf Professional will become an integral part of the services team, leaning on his PGA Golf Management Programme qualification from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Along with his wealth of knowledge of different cultures, which is useful, given Abu Dhabi GC’s eclectic membership and experience seekers, Felix will provide yet another friendly face in the team to assist all golfers, whether members, guests or international travellers.

The 27-year old is already immersing himself

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OCTOBER 10

in his new role and relishing the chance to meet new people, thanks to his upbeat take on life.

With an opportunity at Abu Dhabi GC to develop his experience in golf operations, Felix is clearly buoyed by his appointment.

“I’m ecstatic about joining the team at Abu Dhabi GC. I share the same passion for golf as our guests and I’m excited by the chance to help them exceed their high expectations,” he said.

“Every day Abu Dhabi GC lives by the Troon Golf mission statement to ‘create extraordinary guest and member experiences by delivering superior service, amenities and playing surfaces’.

I look forward to bringing some new international expertise, as well as additional support to many of my fellow German golfers.”

Growing up in a small town on the outskirts of Frankfurt, Germany, Felix started the game late at the age of 14, but was instantly hooked and knew golf was the sport and career for him.

However, he sought the “city” lifestyle and quickly made tracks for the USA after graduating

International Pairs/Lockheed Martin Monthly Stableford

OCTOBER 16

Captain’s Day, 1pm shotgun

from high school in Germany. Joining an International Boarding School in the south-west, Felix was able to interact with fellow students from all walks of life, and, most importantly, spend every free hour on the golf course.

Fast forward nine years and Felix has made the “desert to desert” trip to join the team at Abu Dhabi GC. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation & Sport Management in the bag, as well as experience at some of Troon’s top courses in the USA – including Kierland Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona – Felix is now relishing his new opportunity.

So, when will you see Felix? The German pro will be a regular feature on tournament days, organising the extensive list of member and guest competitions and ensuring the course is set up to the immaculate standards we’ve become accustomed to from The European Tour venue.

For any rules decisions or tournament scoring, Felix will be your man and the first face you see coming off the course ready to take your winning scorecard.

OCTOBER 22

Green Grooves Abu Dhabi, gates open 6.30pm

AbuDhabiGolfClub

ADGolfClub

AbuDhabiGolfClub

www.adgolfclub.com

+971 (0)2 558 8990

golfreservation@adgolfclub.com

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A B U D H A B I G C N O TE PA D

GET YOUR GREEN GROOVES ON Join Abu Dhabi

ADGC Golf Club for the maiden Green Grooves concert, headlined by Grammy Award-winning DJ and record-producer Mark Ronson and charttopping Labrinth. Playing your favourite songs at the renowned European Tour golf venue on October 22, the all-new concert series will have you dancing the night away in what is set to become a regular calling of top-international artists.

Tickets are on sale now from AED 320 at Ticketmaster.ae, Platinumlist.net and www.tickets.virginmegastore.me PHOTO: IHAB MOKAYED

CHEF MANFRED AT YOUR SERVICE

Rory McIlroy is his favourite golfer and you can bet the former World No.1 will play the mutual appreciation game if he gets to sample Chef Manfred Köeck’s signature dish at January’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

M

anfred Köeck offers a lovely insight into his golfing philosophy when he is quizzed for details of his “best round of golf’.

The interviewer is seeking a score and possibly a course from Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s new Executive Chef but the Austrian has another perspective on the question. “My best round of golf is always with a friend,” says Chef Manfred.

Okay then, how about the strongest and weakest part of your game? “I’m not famous for my golf,” is another evasive answer.

What Chef Manfred is renowned for is his food. Leaning on a career that has spanned 20-years Chef Manfred is no stranger to highprofile positions, focusing his efforts in the luxury hospitality sector in establishments in Europe, on board the world’s finest cruise liners and, more recently, in the Middle East.

With a creative edge and a keen eye on presentation, he looks forward to welcoming us to his tables for classical French cooking and infusion cuisine. Worldwide Golf caught up with Chef Manfred at Abu Dhabi GC’s Grille restaurant.

WWG: Where did your passion for food and dining come from?

MANFRED: “Basically from my childhood. I would always be around my mother’s or grandmother’s kitchen, getting in the way. There were constantly dishes on the go, with fresh and homemade food available throughout the day. We were lucky to have fresh vegetables from our own garden as well as meat from a nearby farmer.”

WWG: What can diners expect from your dishes at Abu Dhabi GC? MANFRED: “My style is all about taste, keeping it as simple as possible for maximum reward. I would like to think our guests regard it as ‘honest’ – again, something which has come from my grandmother.”

WWG: What are your favourite flavours?

MANFRED: “I like very fresh herbs like Rosemary, Thyme or lime leaves….you can always make a great meal using these simple ingredients.”

WWG: What is your favourite dish to prepare?

MANFRED: “You cannot beat a fine Rib Eye steak.

There are some key points which can elevate this from an ordinary dish to a very good meal. I like to accompany my Rib Eye steak with some home-cut chips and my very own fresh BBQ sauce.”

WWG: What are golfers asking for the most?

MANFRED: “Our golfers love the Fish and Chips

on the menu. Again, it’s our little take on a classic and I look forward to bringing new options to this traditional dish.”

WWG: What dishes will be making their way on to the new Chef Manfred menu?

MANFRED:“I will be focusing on a healthy approach, as an increasing amount of our guests are sporty and health conscious. With TroonFit, I’ll be working with the instruction team to ensure we get the right mix of club favourites and new healthy alternatives including fresh superfood rich salads.”

WWG: Have you worked with anyone famous?

MANFRED: “I’ve been lucky to be part of the kitchen in various roles for Marco Pierre White, Stuart Gilles, Anton Mosimann, Herbert Berger and Michel Roux Jr. The standard is high and you learn quickly. I developed a real appreciation for plate presentation during these times.”

WWG: What’s your favourite meal to cook yourself?

MANFRED: “I am a big breakfast fan. I love scrambled eggs. The most important thing when cooking eggs is to do it at the very last minute with not a lot of heat. Slowly and with patience is so important. I like to add whatever the fridge can offer; some buttered toast, some chopped chives or even smoked salmon if there is some left. “ WWG: What do you do to relax?

MANFRED: “I love to get out on the golf course with my friends. I haven’t had time to play the Championship course yet so I hope it won’t be too long before I do. When I’m at home, I love cooking with my wife and organising our family meal-time.”

WWG: What is your handicap?

“I haven’t got one yet. I’ve been playing for five years but working in the kitchen doesn’t give me enough time to get my handicap certified.

WWG: Do you have a favourite golfer?

MANFRED: “Rory McIlroy. It’s great to see his new approach to the game. He’s always trying to improve his ability and focuses on everything to do with his conditioning and diet.”

WWG: What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year at Abu Dhabi GC? MANFRED: “Green Grooves Abu Dhabi is a focus for us all at the club. I am very excited about the opportunity to be part of the first event, especially with such headline acts as Mark Ronson and Labrinth on October 22. I’m sure it will be a busy day and we’ll relish the chance to excite our guests.”

OCTOBER 24

OCTOBER 29

Junior Open

Etihad Airways Night Flight, 6.30pm shotgun

GET YOUR RUGBY WORLD CUP FIX AT CAFÉ 28 Looking for a spot to watch the Rugby World

ADGC Cup? Look no further than Abu Dhabi GC’s

Café 28 which offers all-day international dining, special RWC food and beverage packages and prime viewing of all the RWC matches. You can also drink in magnificent views of the 9th and 18th holes of the Championship course from the Falcon Terrace where a big screen will keep you up to date with the battle for the Webb Ellis Trophy.

For inquiries, call 02 558 8990 or email info@adgolfclub.com

PINK LADY CARNIVAL

It’s golf for a good cause and it’s going to be

ADGC fun too with the theme for this year’s annual Pink Lady Golf Day on October 27 being “Carnival”.

Dress in Pink and create your own interpretation of a Pink Carnival from anywhere in the world to help raise important funds for cancer research.

KELLY MORRISS WELCOMED ADGC Abu Dhabi Golf Club is

delighted to announce the appointment of Kelly Morriss as Sales & Marketing Manager.

Tasked with leading the venue’s promotion in the Middle East, as well as to International visitors, Kelly will be non-stop in the coming months and looks forward to meeting members and guests alike. A familiar face in the UAE and no stranger to firstclass experiences, Kelly has recently completed postings with Time Out Abu Dhabi, Time Out Dubai and ExpatWoman.com and now turns her attention to healthy business opportunities at the prestigious venue.

YOUR MEGA VOTE COUNTS!

ADGC Abu Dhabi Golf Club has been nominated in

the “Best course above AED 500” category for the prestigious Sport 360 ‘Middle East Golf Awards’ (MEGAs). Every vote counts in the awards supported by official media partner Worldwide Golf, so show your support by voting at www.Sport360.com/mega by October 31.

WINTER GREEN FEES

Abu Dhabi Golf Club has unveiled its winter

ADGC green fee rates which run until June 5 next

year. The peak (Thursday-Saturday/public holiday) and off-peak (Sunday-Wednesday) rack rate is AED 945/745 respectively while EGF/UAE residents will pay AED 670 (peak)/500 (off-peak) respectively.

Member-guest rates are AED 570/425 while juniors can play for AED 295 at all times.

OCTOBER 31

Members’ Monthly Medal

HOSPITALITY ON THE 18TH The DP World Tour Championship hosts the top 60 golfers on The European Tour in the final tournament of the 2015 Race to Dubai. Book now for the best view on Earth.

For tickets call +971 (0) 567 359 852 or email HOSPITALITY@DPWTC.COM

Overlooking the 18th green of the magnificent Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, the exclusive Hospitality Pavilion offers an unrivalled setting to watch the action unfold.

Guests enjoy first-class catering in a relaxed environment in the comfort of the Pavilion or outside on the shaded viewing terrace.

Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and a Full Bar is available as well as a ‘Grab & Go’ option to take refreshments onto the course.

www.DPWorldTourChampionship.com

P85 ARABIANGOLF ▶

D U BAI CREEK G O LF CL UB

Pat Morrow (Gent’s Vice-Captain, Dubai Creek), Adonis Nasr (Champion), Harini White (Ladies Captain, Dubai Creek), Tejan Fadlu-Deen (Champion), Stephen Hubner (Director of Golf Operations, Dubai Creek).

TEJAN FADLU-DEEN AND ADONIS NASR WINNING PAIR AT EMIRATES CREEKS Winning the recent popular OMA Emirates

DCGYC Creek Pairs event with a superb score of

45 Stableford points was 2014 Men’s Club Captain Tejan Fadlu-Deen and his partner Adonis Nasr Tying for the runner-up spot on 42 points were Francisco Giles and Lee Deakin along with Glory Xavier and promising youngster Asanka White.

Finishing a further shot back was the pairing of Vikram Judge and Adhip Shankar.

As always there were two special on-course nearest-the-pin competitions and these were won

by Kate Duffy and Adonis Nasr for their stunning tee shots on holes 8 and 16 respectively.

At the prize presentation Dubai Creek’s Director of Golf Operations Stephen Hubner commented; “I am delighted that this series has become so popular and a big thank you must go to OMA Emirates, Ascots & Chapels, and Jaermann & Stubi for making it possible. Congratulations to all of the winners!”

Alan Mackenzie (Club Manager, Dubai Creek), Harini White (Lady Captain, Dubai Creek), Aashaka Desai (Champion), Joe Ghossoub (Gent’s Captain, Dubai Creek), Stephen Hubner (Director Of Golf Operations, Dubai Creek).

YOUTH LEAD THE WAY IN 2015 MASHREQ MEDAL CHAMPIONSHIP A field of nearly 100 golfers turned out

DCGYC to play in the ninth event of the 2015

Mashreq Medal Championship. Junior member Aashaka Desai was triumphant with a net score of 1-under par 70 that was enough to win on a count-back over Kate Duffy who collected the prize for ladies category winner. The event was also a Luckiest Ball on Earth qualifier and Aashaka earned her spot in the Grand Final and a chance to win a place in the DP World Championship Pro-Am in November.

Men’s Division B for the 15-28 handicappers was won by Abdul Meeran who scored 71 and won by a single shot over Praveen Kalia. There

was a tie at the top of the Men’s Division A and after the count-back it was young Kabir Nanda who beat second-placed Dhruv Chopra after both players finished on 72.

The best gross score of the day was a 72 by Max Burrow and the Senior Division winner was Dave Gowans who scored a solid level par 71.

“Thank you all for your support and participation again this month, I hope that you all enjoyed your games today,” said Dubai Creek’s Director of Golf, Stephen Hubner.

“Congratulations to Aashaka, we wish her the very best of luck in her efforts to secure a place in the DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am.”

MOGIRE EDGES GHAZI IN THIRD SUMMER GOLF SERIES EVENT Saturday 15th August 2015: Promising junior golfer

DCGYC Miss Tatyana Mogire finished on top in the third out

Pat Morrow (Vice-Captain, Dubai Creek), Tatyana Mogire (Winner), Stephen Hubner (Director Of Golf, Dubai Creek).

of four fixtures in the Dubai Summer Golf Series. She scored 43 stableford points, one ahead of runner-up Aurangzed Ghazi who managed 42 points, to claim the best prizes in a field of 100 players competing at the Creek.

Winning on a countback and collecting the prize for third place was Stuart Connor who finished a further shot back on 41 points. Dubai Golf Trophy Amateur Team member Andrew Smolak was in impressive form to win the best gross with 33 points and also pick up one of the nearest-the-pin prizes. The other was collected by Jonathan Eastmead for

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E MIRATES GOLF CL UB LUCKY THREE FOR TANIUCHI

his stunning approach on the 5th hole, and finally it was powerful Creek member Simon Earl who picked up the Long Drive prize with his massive hit down the long Par 4 12th.

After the event, Dubai Creek’s Director of Golf Stephen Hubner commented; “Every year the Dubai Golf Summer Series goes from strength to strength. This is thanks to our loyal players who brave the elements and of course to our wonderful sponsors Titleist. Thanks to all for making summer golf so much fun! The final event of the series will be played on the Faldo course at Emirates Golf Club on Saturday 29th August and we look forward to an exciting finish to the order-of-merit.”

The ladies of Emirates Golf Club took part in a modified Stableford event which saw each player choose ‘3 Lucky Holes’ before play on which they would be guaranteed two points regardless of their score on the chosen holes.

In the end it was Kiyono Taniuchi who chose wisely as she marched her way to victory with a total of 40 Stableford points.

In the Silver Division (hcp 0-23) it was Sue Hopwood who claimed the top spot with 39 points while Martha Wong took second place. The outright winner of the Bronze division (hcp 24-42) was Ellen Johansen for her tally of 36 points.

VICE CAPTAIN VIPEN SETHI LEADS THE WAY

EGC

With the new season around the corner, the members of Emirates Golf Club attempted to qualify for this year’s Men’s OMEGA Singles Match Play Championship and there was plenty to play for with 16 spots in each division available during this Stableford qualifier.

In the A division (hcp 0-10) it was the new Vice Captain Vipen Sethi who led the qualifying with a winner Vipen Sethi pictured fantastic 39 points. Qamar Rasheed took the runner- alongside Director of Golf Barney Coleman. up spot while Tej Chhabra finished in third place.

Amresh Sangani took top spot in the B division (hcp 11-24) for his effort of 37 points with Luiz Bertuol finishing in second with 36 points.

EGC

Winner Kiyono Taniuchi is pictured with Lady Captain Helen Srivastava

P86 ARABIANGOLF ▶

T HE TRACK M E Y D A N G O LF CL UB GORSIA BEATS THE HEAT TO LAND GRAND FINAL SPOT AT JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES Meydan Golf played host to a

TTMGC ‘Luckiest Ball on Earth’ qualifier on

SUPER SEAN AND RUAIRI COOPER TTMGC UAE youngsters Sean

old Sean, who is ranked 16th in the world, finished third out of 30 and his younger brother Ruairi (5) came fifth in the younger age category.

Sean’s talent was recognised earlier this year when he was the youngest overall winner at the Emirates & Creek Golf Clubs’ Black (highest level) group. He then tested his ability against older and stronger players in the under 16s series at Arabian Ranches and finished third, which was an incredible achievement for his age.

Sean started playing golf when he was 18 months old, whereas Ruairi was three when he picked up a club but both have huge aspirations for the game.

place at the Rolex Pro Am on the stunning Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates on November 17, where they will tee off alongside one of the European Tour’s leading professionals.

E M I R AT E S G O LF FE D E R AT I O N NATIONAL SENIOR SQUAD TRAVELS TO FRANCE FOR BIOMECHANICS TRAINING

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and Ruairi Cooper, who train at the Track Meydan, are proving their talent around the world.

Most eight and five year old boys love play-fighting and gaming but Sean and Ruairi Cooper have unique passions. You’ll find the boys teeing it up at The Track, Meydan between competing on the worldwide level and making a name for themselves on the golf circuit.

The talented young siblings, who were born and raised in Dubai, recently travelled to Las Vegas to compete in the World Stars of Junior Golf Tournament and both impressed in their age categories. Eight year

September 5th and with the event being played as a roll-up, guests had the chance to opt for an early or late tee time to take on the challenging Par-72 Peter Harradinedesigned course.

After brutal conditions the day before, when sandstorms hit Dubai in force, competitors were met with hot and humid conditions and coping best was early starter Jairah Gorsia. Teeing off at 7:20am Gorsia posted an excellent net 63, nine strokes under his handicap, to take the title and win a spot in the Grand Final on October 11th.

The winner of the Grand Final will earn a

EGF The UAE National Senior Squad gained

some valuable experience recently with a trip to Terre Blanche, France, training at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and Biomecaswing Sport Performance Centre.

Managed by Jean-Jacques Rivet, the Biomecaswing Sport Performance Centre, which forms part of The European Tour Performance Institute (the only one in the world other than Jumeirah Golf Estates), combines biomechanics with modern technology to improve golfers of all abilities.

Senior Player, Rashid Hamood, working on his swing with Jean-Jacques Rivet.

The centre allows golfers to develop the performance and the understanding of their swing. The training takes into account the body type and personal ability of each golfer. The system analyses posture, mobility, balance, and intensity of each movement to adapt and optimise each individual player.

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A RABIAN RANCHES G O LF CL UB BARRETT CROWNED RIVOLI MEDAL CHAMPION Kevin Barrett returned a gross 3 over par 75 to win the September

ARGC Rivoli Monthly Medal supported by Speed Cleaning. Barrett’s

TAYLOR AND CO. TAKE CAPTAIN’S DRIVE IN Joe Smith and Nicki McLaughlan returned a fabulous score of 58.2 points to win the Captain’s Drive In as Arabian Ranches welcomed their new club captains Graeme Wallace and Rebecca Ward to office and bid farewell to the outgoing Club and Lady Captains Simon McDonald and Emma Rooms.

Taylor and his team prevailed by 0.3 points over the squad of Adele McKelvey, Mark Evans, Karen Evans and Pauline Wallace while third place went to Detlef Proschold, Jorn Nielsen, Heath Barlow and John Onuonga for their tally of 59.5 points.

THE A D D R E S S M O N T G O M E R I E D U B A I

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ARGC The team of Brian Taylor, Sean McLaughlan,

performance didn’t just win him the top prize in his division, but also a spot in the “Luckiest Ball on Earth” Grand Final where he will play for a chance to be part of the Rolex Pro-Am DP World Tour Championship in November.

The Division “A” Net title was won by Ron Murphy who posted a net 74 to defeat runner-up Martin Atack. The Division “B” was another tight contest which saw Roland Roth prevail over Nigel Fenwick with a net score of 76.

In the Ladies division it was Adele McKelvey who once again claimed the Gross title with a solid 86. Anne Hainey reigned supreme in the Ladies net division with a net 74 to win by one shot from Colette Doughty.

O’DEA TAKES LUCKIEST BALL ON EARTH QUALIFIER Peggy O’Dea booked her place

TAMD in the “Luckiest Ball on Earth”

Grand Final as she beat Ken Newn in a card countback after both players finished on a score of net 69. O’Dea will now have the chance of playing in the Rolex Pro-Am DP World Tour Championship in November.

The Men’s Gross Division was won by David Pendleton-Nash for his score of

73 gross while Michael Herb finished in second place two shots back.

Cedric Fevre took the Men’s A Net division with a score of net 70 with Glenn Rhea taking the runner-up spot just a shot back.

In the Men’s Net B division it was Ken Newn who took victory with a fantastic net 69 to finish one shot ahead of Charles Nash.

S I ON ISS EN BM OP SU NOW

2 0 1 5

REWARDING GOLFING EXCELLENCE GALA AWARDS NIGHT 17th DECEMBER 2015 mega@sport360.com

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P89 ARABIANGOLF ▶

JU M EIRAH GOLF ESTATES KILMINSTER WINS MEMBERS MONTHLY MEDAL ‘LUCKIEST BALL ON EARTH’ QUALIFIER There was an extra incentive

JGE to win this month’s members medal which was contested over the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The overall net winner of the event would qualify for the “Luckiest Ball on Earth” Grand Final and have the chance of winning a place in the Rolex Pro-Am DP World Tour Championship which takes place

Aryaan Kumar won

with an excellent level-par gross score of 72. In the Net division Tony Wirz returned an excellent 68 with junior member Archie Walker coming a close second just one stroke further back with third place going to Frank Forndron who shot 70.

There were four ‘twos’ on the day from overall winner Kumar, Paul Moir, Mark Thompson and Jeff Ogden.

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T OW ER LINKS GOL F C LUB DISCO DOMINATES SOCIAL TLGC David Biddlecombe, popularly

knows as Disco, won his first individual title as he racked up 22 points to win the recent Social Stableford at Tower Links Golf Club.

Close on the heels of Biddlecombe was the gritty left hander Robbie Cunningham who posted 21 points to finish in second place while third spot went to Hugh William for his tally of 20 points.

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A L HAM RA GOL F C LUB WASHBURN BROTHERS, MARK AND JOHN BATTLE IT OUT IN FINAL SUMMER SERIES EVENT Mark Washburn pipped his

to win the final Summer Series after both scored 36 points. Mark had a 2-point advantage on the back 9 to win, pushing John into second while third place went to David Guinee for his score of 35 points.

The final Summer Series event also incorporated the finale of the Series Eclectic and it was a close contest

YA S LI N K S G O LF C LU B NO CRUMBLE FOR CROMBIE IN YAS LINKS AUDI MEDAL YLGC A consistent champion

TEC the September Medal

AHGC brother John in a countback

the gross prize of the medal.

Winning Division B by a shot was Antoino Varela whose final nine holes produced an overall net score of 67 for a one shot win over Ron Barden. Giorgio Parigi took third spot for her score of net 69.In the Ladies Division Kayleigh Korneski emerged on top, with a net 74 beating Lynne Wylie by three shots.

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T H E ELS CLUB ARYAN KUMAR CLINCHES THE SEPTEMBER MEDAL

this November. Alan Kilminster fired a brilliant net 64 to win Division A (hcp 1-12.5) and book his place in the Luckiest Ball on Earth Grand Final.

Omer Iqbal Khan finished with a net score of 68 forsecond place.

David Storey continued his dominance in the scratch category shooting one under par 71 to receive

with just two points separating the top five competitors. David Guinee’s trio of birdies on the par 3s proved vital as he picked up 4 points on his Eclectic score to finish on 50 points and win the entire series. Jamie Hopkins had to settle for second after finishing just one point behind Guinee on 49 points. The third and final overall Eclectic prize went to Alan O’Brien for his tally of 45 points.

at the Members Only Audi Medal, swooped to take the title again as Yas Links welcomed back the players after the summer.

Alastair Crombie rose to the occasion as he has done so often and won the Category A Best Gross. He finished with an impressive 73 thanks to a fantastic finish.

Alan Whatling conquered the greens and secured first place in Category A (Handicap 0-12) with a Nett 75.

Brian McClure was awarded his second place standing with a better back 9 holes and a notable Nett 76.

Khaled Rais finished in first place in Category B (Handicap 13-28) as he closed with a fantastic Net 73. This put Robin Haddrill in second place with a respectable Net 78. A notable mention must go to the Day 2 club winners: Alastair Crombie and Aart Lehmkuhl.

TENSE FINISH ALL-ROUND IN YAS LINKS’ SUMMER OPEN Yas Links offered an elevated

YLGC golfing experience that included a private check-in with fruit juices, buffet lunch and dinner for their Individual Stableford Summer Open competition.

Chris Reynolds took the top prize as the Category A winner (handicap 0-14) with a very impressive 40 points. Second place was a tough spot to grab. Salah Al Ameri took the honours with a total of 39 points. This left Fahad Chaudry in third just making the leaderboard with a better last 9 holes of 18 points, again with a total of 39 points.

Without even knowing it, the leaderboard for Category B couldn’t have been much closer at the summit.

All players from first to third were tied on 36 points, needing their back 9 scores to decide their titles. Robin Haddrill conquered category B (Handicap 15-36) with a better last nine holes of 22 points, while Teresa Sheepwash finished close behind with a better last 3 holes of 7 points, putting Rub Foy in third place with a better last 6 holes of 13 points.

There were 108 participants in total, which was an increase on last year’s number by 30 entrants.

P90 ARABIANGOLF ▶

S H ARJ AH GOLF & SHO O TING C LUB MURPHY CLAIMS MAIDEN CENTRO David Murphy claimed his first victory in the

SGSC Centro Sharjah by Rotana Midweek Medal

supported by Mekar when he shot the lowest 9 holes of the night with a score of 37 net.

Murphy, who has only recently become a member at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club, had to rely on a scorecard countback which was decided on his last hole.

MARESCA COLLECTS LUCKIEST BALL GLORY

TEAM ASIA ‘CONFIDENT OF RUNNING AWAY WITH THE TITLE AGAIN’ IN THE BATTLE OF THE CONTINENTS The fourth staging of the NMT

SGSC Global Projects Battle of the

Continents is set to get underway next month with Team Asia’s captain Sanjoy Das confident of winning for the fourth successive time.

“I have no doubts about Team Asia running away with the title for the fourth year in a row,” he said. “Our team is strong and handicaps are nicely balanced – we are legends in the making. I can see us keeping the title for the next ten years.”

After coming second last year, the Africa and Middle East Team will be itching to go out there and make it one better this time around.

“Last year was a big move for the MENA sector – we have laid down the challenge to the other continents and we’re coming after them this year,” said Duayne de Waal, the Africa and Middle East Team Captain. “Recruitment is well under way, so we will be fielding a very

strong and capable team. Hopefully, on the day all the preparations we would put forward in preparing for the final round will pay off. Only the Golfing Gods know the final outcome but I’m very confident that myself and the team will be standing on the podium this year with the trophy.”

After participants from each continent takes part in a qualifying stage, the top players will represent their continent in the Grand Final on 23 January 2016.

In the Grand Final, the 8 qualifiers and their captains will play with one representative from each of the other three continents in an 18-hole Stableford Matchplay competition.

The leading score from the fourball will be awarded 4 points for their team. The player with the fewest points from the flight receives one point. The continent with the most points from the 9 matches takes the trophy.

Rafaella Maresca notched up

SGSC 32 Stableford points to win

the “Luckiest Ball on Earth” Grand Final qualifier at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club. If she wins the Grand Final at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Fire course in October, Maresca will play in the Rolex Pro-Am DP World Tour Championship.

Chris Verma with the CBR Trophy

CHRIS COMES GOOD IN MIDWEEK STABLEFORD

Chris Verma took the field

SGSC apart in the latest Coral Beach Resort Midweek Stableford with a superb 24 points in 9 holes. Second and third places went to David Murphy and Scott Baines, who carded 20 points and 19 respectively.

GREAT WIN FOR MY CHO My Cho claimed her first

SGSC victory of the summer in the

JUN SEOK OH CLINCHES THE SUMMER OPEN Jun Seok Oh produced a

SGSC scintillating round of golf in the recent eighth edition of the SGSC Summer Open Golf Championship. In what is Sharjah’s longest running Open event, Jun returned a score of 3 under 39 points to run out a clear winner by 3 points.

Three points back were Ramli Suliaman (SGSC) and Aashka Desai (DCGYC), both finishing on level scores for their handicap with 36.

However they were both in different divisions which meant they still returned home as champions, with Suliaman in Division One and Desai in the Ladies division. Runner-up in Division One was Umair Javed (SGSC) with a fine score of 34 points. Division Two saw

DIGS AND SPORT2BUSINESS OFF TO FINALS The semi-finals of the

SGSC Summer Golf Society League Nicola Chettenden (EGF) claim top spot with 34 points after playing in the 3.0pm shotgun and the runner -up was Amit Kochar (SGSC).

With two gross prizes on offer on the day, the winner was Scratch League Captain for the coming season, Mike Robson, with 32 Gross points off his scratch handicap. This was enough to give him a five-point gap over Sinar Suraj with 27 points.

saw DIGS and Sport2Business win their respective matches to take their place in the finals.

DIGS prevailed over Sport360 in an incredible match that took 19 holes to decide the winner while Sport2Business prevailed over the Indian Ex-pats 1-UP on the last hole.

The scene is now set for DIGS and Sport2Business to do battle as both societies seek to be crowned the winners of the Summer Golf Society League.

Centro Sharjah by Rotana Midweek Medal supported by Mekar by shooting a sensational 9hole score of 31 net. The 9 holes included some great golf from My Cho as she carded five pars, three birdies and one eagle.

The Division winners on the day were Amir Inam with 33 net and Chandra Shekar with 38 net.

FREE admission and HOSPITALITY packages at DPWTC.COM

P92 ARABIANGOLF MENA TOUR

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AL AIN EQUESTRIAN SHOOTING & GOLF CLUB

England’s Jake Shepherd is flanked by Mustapha Al Hashimi, CEO of Wasl Hospitality & Leisure; Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council; Mohamed Juma Bumaim, Chairman of the MENA Golf Tour; Adel Zarouni, Vice chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation; and Lady Captain Harini White at the presentation ceremony

SHEPHERD EMERGES DUBAI CREEK OPEN CHAMPION Jake Shepherd showed his

MENA flair for the dramatic as he

MEMBERS COME BACK TO DEFEAT THE STAFF TEAM The annual Staff Vs Members

AESGC match took place last month

and was another keenly contested affair as 16 matches took place to see who would earn the bragging rights for the season ahead.

On a cool morning and with the course in great condition scoring was good but games were close.

Early on in proceedings the outcome

could have gone either way, but a late surge ensured the Memebers Team came out on top.

The flurry of three point victories for the teams of Martin and Stephen Garbutt, Johan Potgieter and Johnnie Graham, Ray Stanton and David Miles and Bogdan Schiopu and Phil Dawe, helped secure the title.

JONES AND STEENSMA DOMINATE THE AFTER SUMMER OPEN

came from nowhere to win the MENA Golf Tour’s Dubai Creek Open in a tense three-way play-off over Rayhan Thomas and Florian Praegant.

Shepherd was three shots off the pace going into the final round but closed with a four-under 67 to reach 9-under in regulation along with Thomas and Praegant.

All three parred the first two extra holes but Shepherd sank his decisive birdie from six yards at the next to clinch victory, his second on the tour since winning the 2011 MENA Tour Championship.

“It started falling in place as I made three birdies in a row from the 12th, which was good enough to get

into the play-off,” said the 25-yearold Englishman after receiving the winner’s trophy and a cheque for US$9,000 from Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council. “I’m just so happy to win after such a long time, ” he added.

In the MENA Division Morocco’s Mustapha El Maouas scored a twounder 69 despite a watery triple bogey on the closing hole to finish two-over, which was good enough to win the Sheikh Maktoum Golf Foundation Award, a shot ahead of compatriot Amine Joudar and four clear of Faycal Serghini.

Ayoub Lguirati continued his dominance in the MENA amateur division, taking the honour on 5- over with Karim El Hali in second.

AESGC JUSTIN Jones and Kevin

R O YA L G O LF C LU B B A H R A I N

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Steensma came out on top of a field of 60 players in the After Summer Open with a fantastic net score of 61. Despite falling rain and thunder which engulfed the golf course, scoring was superb with the winning score of 61 good enough to seal a three shot victory.

Finishing in second place was the husband and wife duo of Edward Chaffin and Hye Sook Hee with third place going to the visiting pair of Brett Beech and Dave Godin, who missed out on the runner-up spot in a countback. Fourth place went to

Winners Justin Jones (left) and Kevin Steensma (right) are pictured with Al Ain’s Tournament Coordinator Alan Livesey.

David Hick and Simon Stancliffe with an excellent 65.

A gross 70 from Stuart Kent and Nick Poisat saw them take the Scratch prize while the Mixed prize went to Lady Vica Captain Martine Garbutt and her husband Stephen with a score of net 65.

HOCKINGS AND MILES TEAM UP FOR NIGHT GOLF WIN the first night golf social event of the new season with a gross score of 33 points for a net 30.8 in the two-player Texas Scramble format.

Finishing in second place with a net 31.4 was the duo of Scott Moore and new member Phil Miller while third place went to Larry Benson and Ray Stanton with a score of 32.2.

The second Bahrain qualifying

RGC competition for the Volvo World Golf Challenge 2015 played at the Royal Golf Club was won by Ahmed Mohamed with a score of 39 points. Peter Mutti was runner-up while Keith Watson finished third with 37. The Volvo World Golf Challenge consists of three qualifying rounds. The qualifiers compete in a final round at the Royal Golf Club in November with the winners of the finals receiving an invitation to fly off to the World Final.

LADIES CAPTAIN A LLE G R I A GCHARITY O LF C LUGOLF B TOURNAMENT FOR PALM

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DANIEL Hockings and David

AESGC Miles combined well to win

MOHAMED WINS VOLVO WORLD GOLF CHALLENGE QUALIFIER

AGC The Royal Golf Club will host the first

Ladies Captain Charity Golf Tournament this month. The inaugural event will raise funds for the Palm Association, the Bahrain-based charity run by women that provides assistance such as food parcels, educational sponsorship and home improvements for Bahraini women and children. It will be shotgun start and a poolside barbecue, raffle and prize-giving.

FAHMY WINS RACE TO LAS COLINAS Sherif Fahmy will

AGC represent the Allegria Golf Club in Egypt in the Race to Las Colinas Grand Final in Spain after winning the sixth month-long series which began at the Allegria Golf Club back in February.

Fahmy will be accompanied by Mohamed Mokhtar and Zaki Khaled at the Las Colinas Golf and Country Club in Alicante, looking to defend the title won at the Allegria in 2014.

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A LMO U J G O LF T H E WAV E , M U S C AT, O M A N

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D O HA GOLF CLUB

KELLY SNAGS SEPTEMBER GUARDIAN WEALTH MEDAL

ALMOUJ GOLF’S NEW SEASON GETS OF TO AN EXCITING START

DGC Paul Kelly won the September edition of the Guardian Wealth Monthly Medal with a score of net 70 to prevail over runner-up Mikkel Mathiesen by two shots.

As always, Flight B was hotly contested and it was Steven Ford who emerged victorious for his net 70 while Abdulrahman Al Naimi finished second just one shot back. In Flight C it was Jean Paul Arcidiacono who came out on top with a net score of 67 while the Ladies Flight was won by Uzma Mir for her round of net 77.

STEWART STORMS TO VICTORY IN MEGARME SUMMER LEAGUE BOGEY Doha Golf Club member David Stewart

DGC triumphed over a strong field to score +3 over the course to secure the eighth event of the 2015 Megarme Summer League series. In Flight B Nick Sutcliffe finished three shots clear with his score of +6 while Frank Harrigan took the runnerup position with a score of +3. Flight C was won by Shizuka Ikawa with a score of +2 as he just edged out Alistair Dear on a countback with Uzma Mir taking the Ladies Flight with a score of +2.

With the summer months coming to an end, Almouj Golf The Wave, Muscat, Oman has started its 2015-16 season with a bang. Offering a AMG range of coaching programmes with PGA Professionals, golfers of all levels will have the opportunity to learn the game and improve their handicap and skills.

“Now isthe time for our golfers to get out and play some golf again. While we had an eventful summer filled with tournaments and competitions, we are excited to tee-off a new season and welcome back all our Members,” said Mubarak Hill, Club Manager of Almouj Golf.

“It wouldn’t be the new season without those rusty swings, missed putts and stiff postures, so we’ve put together a range of programmes to to help all our Members get theri game back.”

He added, “We are counting down to the muchanticipated Road to Oman NBO Golf Classic Grand

Final which takes place from November 4th - 7th.

This event and many others we will be hosting this season will continue to place Oman and Almouj Golf at the forefront of golfing destinations worldwide.”

As part of the new season’s offerings, Almouj Golf’s Junior programme has been carefully designed to help youngsters learn the game in a fun, interactive and exciting environment while encouraging a healthier and more active lifestyle.

The Ladies Section provides an ideal opportunity for our lady gofers to meet new people, socialise and learn golf by partaking in group lessons followed by a relaxing and enjoyable catch-up with friends during the Almouj Golf ‘Coffee Mornings’.

In addition, Almouj Golf has upgraded its successful ‘Golf In A Week’ programme, which over the years has become a very popular crash course to learn the basics of golf in just one week.

ANDREASEN AND O’DONOGHUE STAR IN CHEDI MUSCAT MONTHLY MEDAL Club Captain Greg Andreasen took the best

AMG gross prize for the August Monthly Medal as he shot a gross 86 to edge out Berty Archer by the narrowest of margins. Lee O’Donoghue bagged the best net prize for his net 75 with Geetesh Tamse taking the runner-up spot after a card countback was needed to separate the two.

In the Ladies Division Jameela Daud rose to the top of the field with a net 81, narrowly taking the best ladies net title from Okkie van Rossem.

JO RDAN GOLF F EDER ATION / JO R D A N O P E N RADEE, HALWEH, HANI AND SHERGO STAR IN JORDAN OPEN AT BISHARAT GC THE Jordan Open was contested by 50 golfers

JGC at the Bisharat sand-stone golf course recently, played as Net and Gross scores to decide the Stableford Champion, Junior Champion, Best Single Round, played over 36 holes during two days.

Players from Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Canada, the USA, England, Ireland, Belgium, Korea and Japan competed.

The winners were: 1st net: Amer Radee, Iraq 134; 2nd net: Beemen Hesmat, Egypt 143; 3rd net: Shergo Kurdi, Jordan 147; 1st gross: Samer Halweh, Jordan 131; 2nd gross: Walid Michael, Egypt 133; 3rd gross: I. H. Joeng, Korea 134; Best round: Bob Clapper, USA 64; Stableford champion: Mohammad Hani, Jordan 41 points; Junior Champion: Shergo Kurdi, Jordan 147.

Golf in Jordan started in 1989 at the sand-stone course at Bisharat Golf Club, the first and, as yet, the only golf course in Jordan. The course has 9 holes

played twice from two different positions to make it an 18 holes par 68 course of 5,458 yards. The number of registered golfers in Jordan is about 150 of which 50 players are Jordanian.

All this will change when the magnificent Greg Norman-designed course at Ayla Aqaba opens soon.

The first grass golf course in Jordan will include the 18 hole par 72 course, 9 hole golf academy, driving range, chipping and putting area.

The Jordan Golf Committee, made up of volunteers, provide facilities for any Jordanians with the desire to play or learn golf, such as coaching lessons, clubs, the use of the Bisharat driving range and a low Membership annual fee of only 70 USD and 15 USD fees for children under 18. Membership fees are waived for all National Team members. HANI ALABDALLAT. Visit www.bisharatgolfclub.com and www.ayla.com.

Ayla’s Sahl Dudin, at the prizegivng for the 2015 Jordan Open at Bisharat Golf Club.

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STYLE&TRAVEL

DAN MARINO FROM GRIDIRON TO THE GOLF COURSE

Worldwide GOLF 95

CELEBRITY GOLFER, DAN MARINO DUBAI DUTY FREE DRIVING RANGE PRO CAR MATCH PLAY ORLANDO TRAVEL TEE TIMES

95 98 101 102 108

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S TA R S POT T I N G

CELEBRITY GOLFER

DAN MARINO

“I’VE HAD THE CHANCE TO PLAY AUGUSTA NATIONAL A FEW TIMES”

F

ormer Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino was a legend in the NFL but golf is also a big hobby of his. Dan ‘The Man’ retired in 1999 after experiencing chronic knee problems so golf, with its more placid and pastoral traditions, helped fill the void.

WORLDWIDE GOLF: When did you start playing?

DAN MARINO: I started playing when I got to Florida and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins. I was 21 at that point and was introduced by the other guys in the team who played golf. I didn’t play at all when I was a kid in Pittsburgh.

WWG: What do you like about golf?

DM: You are out there playing against the course. That gets the competitive side of me going again, and I enjoy that part of it.

WWG: Favourite playing partners?

DM: I’ve played with many great players like Jack Nicklaus but I simply enjoy playing with friends, people I just like being around.

WWG: What area needs improving the most in your game?

DM: My iron shots and closer wedges are my biggest problem. I am one of those guys who takes my golf shoes out of the trunk, puts them on in the parking lot, hits a couple of balls and then goes out and play.

WWG: What is the best course you’ve played on?

DM: I’ve had the privilege and the opportunity to play Augusta National a few times. The experience and all the tradition there makes it so special.

Worldwide GOLF 97

Worldwide GOLF 98

D R I V I N G RA N G E

POWER, ELEGANCE AND LUXURY MERCEDES S 500 2016 THE MERCEDES S-500 HAS CARVED A REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS VEHICLES ON THE MARKET. The new 2016 version sees a size increase of eight-inches in both overall length and wheelbase. This adds even more interior space for the discerning traveller – with golf clubs to boot!

This car delivers an insatiably smooth and quiet ride while the 4.66L V8 engine packs a powerful punch and at 0-60 in less than 5 seconds, you know you’ve got a good chance of making that tee time.

FUEL CONSUMPTION

22/40 mpg

Worldwide GOLF Worldwide 99 GOLF 99

TRANMISSION

7

SPEED AUTOMATIC

POWER

455 bhp

D R I V I N G RA N G E

PRO CAR MATCH PLAY

A Mercedes SLS AMG

C Aston Martin DB9

B Porsche 91 1GT3

D Mercedes ML65 AMG

IN A SPORT where many of the game’s elite are raking in millions in prizemoney and endoursements it’s easy to understand why so many of them have treated themselves to private jets, mansions and exotic supercars to match. But which of the players below have owned or currently drive the cars in question?

E BMW X6 Sport

F Ferrari California

G Ferrari F40

ANSWERS A.7 B.4 C.7 D.8 E.2 F.3 G.5 H.6

1 Wood

2 Donald

3 Johnson

4 Donaldson

5 Norman

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H Camaro R

6 Perry

7 Scott

8 Kaymer

My

Golf

Orlando FOR decades Florida has been the desired golf getaway destination for amateurs and professionals from all over the world. Many of the leading professionals on both The European and US PGA Tours have made Orlando their home from home and with The Sunshine State’s warm, sunny all-year-round weather plus its multitude of excellent golf courses on offer to suit all levels of golfer it’s easy to understand why. Emirates Airline now flies daily to Orlando and we’ve picked 10 of Florida’s finest within less than an hour’s drive of Orlando International Airport to serve up a feast of fascinating world-class and fun golf.

102 Worldwide GOLF Travel

Flight times Daily nonstop flight from Dubai to Orlando International Airport: Flight EK 219 Departs Dubai 3:50am; Arrives in Orlando 11:40am Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR Daily nonstop flight from Orlando International Airport to Dubai: Flight EK220 Departs Orlando 2:20pm; Arrives in Dubai 12:30pm (next day) Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR

Travel Worldwide GOLF 103

Orlando, Florida, USA

The capital of golf in the Sunshine State Orlando is home to a number of legendary courses and many testing tracks that are easy on your wallet. From Arnold Parlmer’s renowned Bay Hill to the $40 a round Ventura Country Club we sample ten great golf courses within easy travelling distance from Orlando’s International Airport to give you a taste of what’s on offer.

BY BEN CR AMER

WITH Mickey Mouse Ears and more than a dozen theme parks dotted around the region, it is little wonder why Orlando is considered by many to be the entertainment capital of Florida.

However, the largest city in Central Florida can justifiably also lay claim to another title: Capital of Golf with nearly 100 different courses in the area.

Since 1966, Orlando has been able to count golf’s elite among its many annual visitors. The famous Arnold Palmer Invitational tournament at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge can boast of past champions which includes legends of the game like Tom Kite, Payne Stewart, Fred Couples, Phil Mickelson and eight-time champion Tiger Woods.

Some giants of golf have found Bay Hill’s allure so strong that they have taken up permanent residence there. The club’s namesake also calls the surrounding neighborhood home. It’s not often during a round of golf you might bump into a seven-time Major champion like the ‘People’s Champion,’ Palmer.

“I feel that Bay Hill’s topography and water is good,” says Palmer.

“This was all orange groves when we started and the roads were just two-lanes – and that was it. When I first saw Bay Hill I really fell in love with the whole place.”

Many in the golf community share Palmer’s love of the course.

However, Bay Hill is just the tip of the proverbial golf iceberg in the Orlando area. From courses that meander through pine forests and native wetlands, to links-style layouts that would seem more at home in the British Isles, Orlando offers a wide variety of courses to fit any skill level and budget.

104 Worldwide GOLF Travel

BayHill Hill Bay

Arnold Palmer

www.bayhill.com By far the area’s most famous course, Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill and Lodge has played host to the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the last 36 years. The par-72 course is 7,381 yards from the furthest tees. The course is straightforward in the sense that what you see is what you get. There are few tricks or secrets hidden away. The amount of trouble you’ll find is dependent upon how aggressive you dare to play. Though the beautiful lakes around the course give the impression that a watery grave awaits your shots, the hazards only come into play on a few holes.

However, the hazards must be respected when in play as John Daly discovered in 1998 after hitting six consecutive tee shots into the pond surrounding the 558-yards Hole No. 6. The amount of mounding and bunkering around the greens places a premium on well thought-out and well executed approach shots. This illustrious course is only open to members and guests of the 64-room Lodge on site, but the extra cost of staying at the Lodge is negligible for someone who has dreamed of teeing it up on the same course as the biggest names in golf. Bay Hill is located just 20 minutes’ drive from Orlando Airport

El Campeon $50

www.missioninnresort.com Built in 1917, El Campeon at Mission Inn Resort holds the distinction of being one of the oldest golf courses in the southern United States. With more than 85 feet in elevation changes (a virtual mountain in flat Florida) the course features sloping fairways and undulating greens that are atypical of the area. The mature palm and oak trees lining the course not only enhance the scenery but they also encourage players to stick to the fairway in order to avoid serious trouble. The 556-yard par-5 seventeenth hole is undoubtedly the course’s signature. Known as “Devils Delight” the double dog-leg features a live oak positioned in the centre of the fairway. Shots should be placed to the right of the tree to have the best line to carry the water into the green, which features a severe slope from back to front. Situated 40 minutes from Orlando airport, guests should visit during the summer months for rates as low as $50 per round.

Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course www.golfwdw.com

7,516 Yards

Anyone’s first trip to Orlando is incomplete without some variation of a Disney experience. So why not make sure that your experience includes golf? Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course, named for the magnolia trees that line the fairways, offers enough of a challenge for the serious golfer but still provides fun for all skill levels. Playing 7,516 yards from the back tees, large fairways and spacious greens are part of the course’s design. However, caution should be taken off the tees. There are a total of 97 bunkers and water hazards throughout 11 of the 18 holes that guard the inviting fairways. Two features of the Magnolia course separate it from every other golf course in Orlando: The first is the course’s unique distinction as a Certified Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary by Audubon International.

The second is the bunker guarding the front of the green of the par-3 sixth hole, which is shaped like Mickey Mouse’s head. Located only 30 minutes from Orlando airport in the middle of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, this golf course represents the perfect choice to incorporate into any family vacation. Rates vary from $39$130 depending on times and days.

Nicklaus design

New Course www.grandcypress.com The New Course at Grand Cypress Golf Club is one of the unique golfing experiences in the entire state of Florida. Jack Nicklaus designed this course in 1988 as homage to the famed Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. Featuring elevated tees and greens, burns, and 150 pot bunkers, some as deep as 12 feet, it plays like a true Scottish links course. Though little water comes into play when it does, it will challenge players to make smart choices to avoid disaster. Playing 6,720 yards from the furthest tees, the course also features seven enormous double greens.

When combined with the North, South, and East nines, Grand Cypress Golf Club offers 45 holes of championship golf. Located less than 30 minutes from Orlando airport, typical rates are close to the $120 range.

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Orlando, Florida, USA

Timacuan Golf & Country Club www.golftimacuan.com Situated 40 minutes, drive north of Orlando airport, and with rates from $25-$69 depending on times and days, this course offers a stiff test for the average golfer, which should come as no surprise from a former US Open qualifying venue. With six sets of tees, however, the course has something to offer for all skill levels. Built in 1989 and renovated in 1996, Timacuan’s front nine features a rolling links-style layout while the back nine, with its abundance of pine trees, gives the impression of being in the lowlands of Carolina. If the sight of water tests your nerves then make certain you have plenty of golf balls before teeing it up on the 421-yard par-4 No.2 hole with its fairway that appears from the tee to be an island. In reality it is sand and not water that causes trouble on much of the course, including the par-3 No.7 and its giant bunker encircling the entire green.

Panther Lake

Hawks Landing Golf Club

www.ocngolf.com

www.golfhawkslanding.com At 6,810 yards from the furthest tees and with relatively flat topography, Hawks Landing may appear like a walk in the park, on paper. But don’t let the ample wildlife and beds of vibrant azaleas fool you. With native grasses, significantly undulating fairways, and water in play on 15 holes, the course provides plenty of challenges. Hawks Landing makes its signature challenge early in the round with the par-4 8th. At only 353 yards, distance should be no issue.

However, with fairway bunkers to the left and trees to the right, there is still sufficient trouble ahead. If the tee shot finds the fairway, club selection is crucial when hitting into the 46 ft. deep green in order to avoid a three-putt. Located on the site of the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort, it is only a 20-minutes’ drive from Orlando airport. Twilight rates can be as low as $50.

15

Holes with water in play

Providence Golf Club www.providence-golf.com Located 40 minutes from Orlando airport, Providence Golf Club is steadily becoming one of the best-kept secrets in Orlando.

Designed by architect Mike Dasher, the course takes you on a journey through several styles from old Florida and from parkland to prairie, providing a memorable experience for all who play it. Topping out at 6,929 yards from the furthest tees, Providence places an emphasis on strategic shot selection over power. The par-4 seventh hole with its large waste bunker guarding the left side of the fairway and even larger pond guarding the right, offers the kind of risk-reward play any golfer will love. The course’s immaculate condition, paired with its low price (twilight rates are as low as $25 in the summer), make Providence Golf Club not only one of the best value courses in Orlando, but one of the best in all of Florida.

7,516 Yards

Ventura Country Club www.venturaccorlando.com

Shingle Creek www.shinglecreekgolf.com Consistently rated as one of the best courses in the area since it opened in 2003, this Dave Harman masterpiece is a terrific example of Florida golf. Meandering through natural wetlands, visitors will be struck first and foremost by the course’s beauty. Featuring plush fairways and large undulating greens, shots will need accuracy more than power in order to avoid the vast expanses of water that weave throughout the property. The 353-yard Hole 9 stands out as one of the most challenging on the course. From the fairway, shots must first avoid the large oak tree guarding the right before carrying the water, all the while keeping safely away from the massive bunker guarding the left side of the green. Players can prepare for this tough test of golf by warming up at the 70,000 sq. ft. driving range or on one of the three practice putting greens on site. Located less than 15 minutes from Orlando airport and with rates available at under $70, Shingle Creek is an excellent option for someone who does not have a lot of time to spare in the Orlando area.

Panther Lake offers some of the most natural scenic beauty of any course in the area. It is unique to Florida golf in that there is no development surrounding the course. Featuring rolling-meadows and natural water hazards, the Dave Harman design has no two holes that play the same.

From flat open-air holes dotted with bunkers, to the heavily-sloped and elevated southern sections of the course, it offers something for everyone. Playing 7,350 yards from the Tour tees, Panther Lake simply rewards good shots and punishes poor ones, as many players at the US PGA Tour Q-school have learned to their cost. Part of Orange County National it also features an additional 18-hole course, Crooked Cat, a 9-hole short course called Tooth, a massive 360 degree driving range and practice facility, and a 50 room lodge, making it a one-stop shop for golf enthusiasts.

Just 30 minutes from the airport and even closer to Disney’s north entrance, OCN is the perfect Orlando golf destination with rates from $39-$89 depending on times and days.

$70

Located less than15 minutes from Orlando airport and with rates under $40, Ventura Country Club offers arguably the best value for travellers of any course in Orlando. Designed by Mark Mahannah in 1981, VCC offers the best of risk and reward golf. At only 5,467 yards, the par-70 course is one of the shortest in the area. Having said that, there are still plenty of obstacles to overcome, including water on all but three odf the holes. Take Ventura’s signature hole 13, a 467-yard par 5, for example. The dogleg left features a forced carry over water, a thicket of palm trees, and a fairway bunker that requires diligent course management.

Eagles are as easy to come by as double bogeys and a round can be made or broken here.

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TEE TIMES

Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Black Ceramic Constructed on a 45 mm diameter chassis in black ceramic, the sporty design of the new Hublot Big Bang Ferrari is enhanced by a profiled aerodynamic dial through which the depths of the movement can be glimpsed. The UNICO manufacture movement is dominated by the unique and distinctive Ferrari grille – a blackened criss-cross mesh which reveals the main plates and bridges of the movement. The dial features an appliqué of the iconic prancing horse at 9 o’clock, while the minute counter and date window appear at 3 o’clock in the colours of the Ferrari shield. The predominant colour on the strap also reflects the aesthetics of the dial, with indices and hands featuring a rhodium-plated finish for the grey ceramic and red varnish for the black ceramic. Recalling the distinctive codes of the five-spoke Ferrari wheels, the oscillating weight is visible beneath the transparent sapphire case-back.

www.hublot.com

Jaermann & Stübi “Time to Play” – TP9 Golf is a sport, which combines performance and precision with elegance and refinement.

With its new Time to Play, Jaermann & Stübi fulfils its inherent need for perfection and has devoted itself to current design trends. Jaermann & Stübi Timepieces are the only mechanical golf watches that display the number of strokes per hole, the hole currently in play and compares your total score with your handicap. The pushers are on the left side of the watch so that your glove does not cover them and your wrist is free.

Find out more on www.jaermann-stuebi.com or call +971 50 640 2007 Watch out: our new Concept Store at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is opening soon!

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore Diver is is water-resistant to 300 meters and includes a bezel and easy-grip crowns made of deep-black, high-tech ceramic – a material that is approximately seven times harder than steel and extremely scratch-resistant. Because of this high level of scratch-resistance, machining of the complex case was extraordinarily difficult, using special machines and tools with diamond-tipped milling cutters. The finishing, which includes both polished and satin-brushed surfaces, was also a challenge due to the material’s inherent abrasion-resistant properties.

AP recently upped their involvement with golf by sponsoring at two European Tour events – the M2M Russian Open and the Porsche European Open.

www.audemarspiguet.com Worldwide GOLF 108

Exclusive Timepieces developed for the game of golf, worn by pros and licensed by St Andrews Links. View our latest and new designs on www.jaermann-stuebi.com.

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Luxury that counts your score.

Find out our more on: www.facebook.com/jaermann.stuebi.uae Or send an e-mail to: jaermann-stuebi@franckprime.com Watch out- our new showroom at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is opening soon!