Middle east’s No.1 Golf MaGaziNe
I S S U E 1 3 3 , J A N U A RY 2 0 1 2
Official Media Partner Middle East
Graeme mcDowell talks
Major
John Daly
Mindset Life after the
Diary of a Wild Thing! Dominic
US Open hangover
Foos
Middle east swing Tips and predicTions
? Tiger in Abu Dhabi ? Garcia in Qatar ? Quiros in Dubai ISBN 978-9948-15-427-3
9 789948 154273
Germany’s answer to Rory McIlory?
TiPs
EscapE bunkErs fairway fitnEss swing basics
The eUROpean TOUR SancTIOneD pRO-aM jOInS In The ‘SWInG ‘ aT yaS LInkS GOLf cLUb
EUROPEAN TOUR NEWS l DIVOTS l EQUIPMENT l WORlD ROUND-UPS Official Publication of The Emirates Golf Federation & The Arab Golf Federation
Worldwide Golf Executive Editor Since 1999
GARY PLAYER The nine time Major Champion who has witnessed and been a part of some of the most historic and memorable golfing occasions reflects on the game today
A
FTER all the suspense of recent weeks it was wonderful to see Luke Donald finally create a remarkable record by winning the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic. I doubt that Luke’s achievement will be equalled any time soon. I watched the drama unfold on television back home in South Africa and I couldn’t have been more pleased to see Luke clinch The Race to Dubai and confirm his position as Europe’s No.1 having already topped the money list on the US PGA Tour. The World No.1 made it a clean sweep of honours – European Tour Golfer of the Year, US PGA Tour Player of the Year, US PGA Player of the Year and Golf Writers’ Trophy. It was a well-deserved reward for being the most consistent golfer in the game. He’s showed everyone this season the importance of good course management. He’s also proved that you don’t have to drive the ball 300 + yards to be successful. Luke is one of golf’s most unassuming players. He’s a very likeable personality who goes quietly about his business and his life. It was interesting to hear some commentators writing off his chances of doing the double at the Dubai World Championship when he started with a 72 while Rory McIlroy opened with a 66. Rory had to win the event and Luke had to finish
Luke Donald holds The Race to Dubai Trophy with Saeed Harib (L) The Managing Director of Nakheel Maritime and Leisure and Sanjay Manchanda (R) CEO of Nakheel. The crowning moment increased Luke’s 2011 takings to more than $10 million!
Luke is one of golf’s most unassuming players. He’s a very likeable personality who goes quietly about his business and his life. It was interesting to hear some commentators writing off his chances of doing the double at the Dubai World Championship when he started with a 72 while Rory McIlroy opened with a 66. worse than ninth to deprive Luke of The Race to Dubai. Luke has proved throughout the last two seasons that his relentless determination means he’s almost always going to be in contention on Sundays. He came back with rounds of 68-66-66 in response to Rory’s three rounds of 71 to finish third, while Rory had to settle for a share of 11th place. The result went all the way to the last hole which provided a wonderful climax to The European Tour season when Spain’s Alvaro Quiros sank a mammoth curling eagle putt that clinched the title in spectacular style. Alvaro is a very nice man with a wonderful smile and sense of humour to match. He’s the biggest hitter on Tour and seems to 02
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go for every shot. It was fascinating to compare Alvaro’s swashbuckling style with the more controlled, methodical precision of Luke’s game. I was also very impressed with the performance of Scotland’s Paul Lawrie, who finished an impressive second just two shots behind the winner and playing partner, Alvaro. Since winning The Open in 1999 at Carnoustie Paul has struggled with his game. When he won the Open de Andalucia de Golf earlier this year it was his first win for eight years. Paul has a lovely golf swing and I hope that from starting the Dubai World Championship in 56th place on The Race to Dubai to finishing runner-
up will give him the confidence to have a really successful 2012 season. He’s certainly got the ability to be a consistent winner on the Tour. South Africans, and Major Champions, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen, were also in contention on the final day, finishing fifth and tied sixth respectively. With so much good young talent I can see The European Tour players enjoying another successful season. It was good to hear the announcement that Dubai has guaranteed The European Tour’s grand finale for at least another three years with the prizemoney increased to $8million. It’s a wonderful Championship and a fitting climax to the season. n
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Contents
Spare change!
features
D
URING the Dubai World Championship I was asked by a number of our readers why we don’t do awards. My answer is simple: To give a readers’ award you need to conduct a poll that surveys at least 70% of your readership – that way you get a fair reflection of opinion. That’s the only way to do it, otherwise it becomes too personal. Whether it’s the latest putter or a Championship golf course we all have our own personal tastes. It doesn’t make us right or wrong but at the end of the day a magazine award should be gauged by the readers not by the likes of myself or a select panel. For manufacturers to claim the No.1 ball or driver in professional golf is straightforward – an independent body collects all the data from each Tour pro before every tournament. It was great to see the Dubai World Championship make Jumeriah Golf Estates its home for at least another three years under it’s new title, the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai. As if the players need more dosh the total prize money has been increased to $8 million. That’s more than the combined purses of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Commericalbank Qatar Masters and Omega Dubai Desert Classic! That doesn’t even take into consideration the Bonus Pool that’s set to be announced at the end of the month. Whether you think this vast end-of-year pot is excessive or not it has certainly elevated the status of golf in the Middle East and given The European Tour extra fire power to tackle the PGA Tour in America. As the top players evade the economic downturn and decide what supercar they should upgrade to or which jet is best for short and longhaul journeys, the fact of the matter is that some of the greatest, most historic events have faded away as big-money sponsors simply can’t be found. Apart from the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth there’s no other English event on The European Tour Schedule. The British Masters , the European Open and the English Open have been mothballed until some Russian billionaire decides to venture into golf real estate. My rant is, why can’t a percentage of all prize money go into a players tournament fund at the end of the season? That fund could then can help support and resurrect the now defunct tournaments that helped give them the spoils they enjoy today. The European Tour could also contribute in a similar fashion but I know they have had to raid the treasure chest on a regular basis to support a number of struggling events on the calendar where the sponsorship money doesn’t cover the bottom line. During the Dubai World Championship I met up with Dominic Foos, the German teen sensation and his father. They’ve been putting in the hours on the range and travelling the globe to give Dominic every opportunity possible to become the next Rory McIlroy. On the flip side I spent a lot of time with our Playing Editor Joel Neale. Balancing the range, time in the gym and work , he’s got a lot on his plate but he’s a grafter and he appreciates it’s going to be a challenge to make it through Q-School in Asia. It’s great to see the likes of Calum Mills, Andy Andrews, Chris Davies, Sebastian Heisele and Ahmed Al Musharrekh out their with him trying their hand at Q-School, too, and we wish them all the best of luck. We’ll be following their progress on a regular basis as our new website will be up and running by then so you can catch up on Joel’s blog. As these young golfers set out on their journey into the professional game it looks like one might be ending. We’ve had a look back at some of the antics the legendary John Daly has gotten up to over the years. After his recent ‘no balls’ incident in Australia the invites might be harder to come by for the Wild Thing. Let’s hope he can straighten up as he still remains one of my favourite players. He might be a sponsor’s nightmare but after Woods he’s one of the highest TV rating boosters.
Alex Gallemore Editor 8
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In 2000 Darren Clarke became one of the last champions to lift the English Open trophy
24 Tiger Woods is back in the hunt after his win at the Chevron World Challenge and aims to make his mark on the world stage again in Abu Dhabi. The European Tour’s 2012 Schedule gets off to a flying start with the Middle East Swing, opening with the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, followed by the Commercialbank Qatar Masters and ending with the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
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38 Big John Daly’s continued encounters with golf’s authorities means he’s fast running out of invites. We look back on some of those crazy escapades.
ISSUE No. 133, JANUARY, 2012 Published by: Worldwide Sporting Publications Ltd +44 1663 719926 Published in Dubai by: Prografix, PO Box 24677, Dubai, UAE (Tel) +9714 340 3785
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.
Instruction
48 Pete Cowen takes a look at Dominic Foos’s Swing
50
16
Major winner Graeme McDowell says he’s put the glory in the locker and he’s raring to go for the new season – starting with the Emirates Airline Invitational Hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Yas Links on January 30th.
Regulars 2 8 9 10 13 15 22 34 36 44 46 60 69
How to master the sand.
Arabian Golf
gary player introduction
54
final race to dubai/world ranking dareen clarke’s QUICK 9
Basics: Improve your backswing
DIVOTS NEWS ITEMS
65
european tour ROUND-UPS Dubai world championship
56
Chris white and yas links Q&A greg norman COLUMN gary player column pete cowen inside track
Get fitter and stronger, feel better and play better golf.
dominic foos Q&A Dubai duty free driving range
Daniel Hendry explains his plans for his future in the game.
Joel Neale Column
Events
fairway attraction Sarah Brown makes an impression on the ladies game having gained her playing card for the LPGA.
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Emirates Airline Invitational Hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah. Editor-in-Chief: Mike Gallemore Executive Editor: Gary Player Editor: Alex Gallemore
Playing Editor: Joel Neale Design Manager: Joanna Eardley Technical Manager: Mark Collinge
Publisher: Mike Gallemore
Editorial Panel: Gary Player, Mike Gallemore, Alex Gallemore, Richard Bevan, Todd Staszko
Senior Editor: Richard Bevan Editors: Todd Staszko, James Reeves, Tabitha Florence
Advertising & Marketing Director: Rasha Siriani rasha@wspdubai.com June 2009 SSN 1- 46805671 Approval UAE National Media Council: Ref.816 30/5/2007 Trade Licence No. 1/104375/15280 BPA Worldwide Audited Average Monthly Qualified Circulation – 15,401 (July-Dec 2010) www.wwgolf.biz
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Official WOrld GOlf rankinG 2011 race tO dubai WesTWood aT The double With two victories in three weeks Lee Westwood ended the season strongly and in second place on the Official World Golf Ranking. With Ian Poulter winning the Australian Masters it moved the Englishman to 16th in the World, back into the top 20. European Tour players occupy 10 of the 20 places, including five Englishmen – Donald, Westwood, Poulter, Rose and Casey. Tiger Woods’ victory in California boosted his ranking up to 23rd while Irishman Padraig Harrington continues to slip down, falling to 85th.
Official WOrld GOlf rankinG - as at december 26, 2011 Pos Name
Nat.
T. Points
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
Eng Eng Nir Deu Aus USA USA Aus Zaf USA USA USA Nir USA Kor Eng Esp Eng USA Eng USA Esp USA Swe Kor USA USA Eng USA Kor USA USA
10.03 8.06 7.77 6.55 5.50 5.33 5.27 5.07 5.06 5.03 4.71 4.69 4.55 4.47 4.31 3.88 3.87 3.84 3.76 3.73 3.69 3.68 3.59 3.55 3.52 3.50 3.43 3.38 3.37 3.28 3.26 3.24
Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer, Adam Scott, Steve Stricker, Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Charl Schwartzel, Webb Simpson, Matt Kuchar, Nick Watney, Graeme McDowell, Phil Mickelson, K.J. Choi, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Hunter Mahan, Paul Casey, Bubba Watson, Alvaro Quiros, Tiger Woods, Robert Karlsson, Kim Kyung-Tae, David Toms, Bill Haas, Simon Dyson, Bo Van Pelt, Bae Sang-moon, Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler,
33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66
Jason Dufner, Anders Hansen, Thomas Bjorn, Geoff Ogilvy, Zach Johnson, Brandt Snedeker, Fredrik Jacobson, Louis Oosthuizen, Francesco Molinari, Peter Hanson, John Senden, Miguel A Jimenez, Y.E. Yang, Aaron Baddeley, Martin Laird, Darren Clarke Gonzalo Fdez-Castano, Jim Furyk, Ryo Ishikawa, Gary Woodland, Retief Goosen, Ben Crane, Jonathan Byrd, Ernie Els, Ryan Moore, Matteo Manassero, Robert Allenby, Greg Chalmers, Toru Taniguchi, Mark Wilson, Vijay Singh, Joost Luiten, Edoardo Molinari, Alexander Noren,
USA Dnk Dnk Aus USA USA Swe Zaf Ita Swe Aus Esp Kor Aus Sco Nir Esp USA Jpn USA Zaf USA USA Zaf USA Ita Aus Aus Jpn USA Fji Nld Ita Swe
3.21 3.17 3.16 3.13 3.09 3.09 3.08 3.07 3.05 2.97 2.91 2.88 2.84 2.79 2.76 2.74 2.73 2.73 2.71 2.71 2.53 2.42 2.38 2.37 2.36 2.33 2.24 2.22 2.21 2.20 2.14 2.12 2.11 2.08
67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100
Chez Reavie, Hiroyuki Fujita, Lucas Glover, Kevin Na, Rory Sabbatini, Nicolas Colsaerts, Ryan Palmer, Jeff Overton, Yuta Ikeda, Charles Howell-III, Pablo Larrazabal, Anthony Kim, Sean O’Hair, Brendan Jones, Koumei Oda, George Coetzee, Paul Lawrie, Charley Hoffman, Padraig Harrington, Jamie Donaldson, Thomas Aiken, Tetsuji Hiratsuka, Camilo Villegas, Gregory Havret, David Lynn, Scott Verplank, Spencer Levin, Tim Clark, Steve Marino, Tommy Gainey, Marcus Fraser, Chris Kirk, Richard Green, Ross Fisher,
USA Jpn USA USA Zaf Bel USA USA Jpn USA Esp USA USA Aus Jpn Zaf Sco USA Irl Wal Zaf Jpn Col Fra Eng USA USA Zaf USA USA Aus USA Aus Eng
2.05 2.04 2.03 2.00 1.99 1.95 1.93 1.91 1.88 1.87 1.86 1.86 1.83 1.82 1.78 1.77 1.77 1.76 1.74 1.73 1.73 1.72 1.71 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.68 1.66 1.66 1.66 1.64 1.63 1.63
2011 race tO dubai - result 1 DONALD Luke
ENG 13 €5,323,400
16 MCDOWELL Graeme
NIR 18 €1,230,461
31 MANASSERO Matteo
ITA
22
€859,461
46 MOLINARI Edoardo
ITA
21
€686,391
2 MCILROY Rory
NIR 19 €4,002,168
17 LARRAZÁBAL Pablo
ESP 33 €1,183,040
32 FOSTER Mark
ENG 27
€853,840
47 BOURDY Grégory
FRA 30
€650,863
3 KAYMER Martin
GER 22 €3,489,033
18 LAWRIE Paul
SCO 24 €1,142,013
33 YANG Y. E.
KOR 14
€846,230
48 OLESEN Thorbjørn
DEN 30
€637,703
4 SCHWARTZEL Charl
RSA 18 €2,929,829
19 FDEZ-CASTAÑO Gonzalo ESP 14 €1,114,060
34 ROCK Robert
ENG 32
€818,014
49 GAGLI Lorenzo
ITA
25
€622,846
5 WESTWOOD Lee
ENG 19 €2,439,601
20 COLSAERTS Nicolas
BEL 23 €1,091,504
35 LYNN David
ENG 24
€788,413
50 VAN ZYL Jaco
RSA 23
€611,280
6 QUIROS Alvaro
ESP 23 €2,259,242
21 MOLINARI Francesco
ITA
36 JACQUELIN Raphaël
FRA 28
€783,817
51 ELS Ernie
RSA 16
€591,508
7 HANSEN Anders
DEN 22 €2,074,366
22 AIKEN Thomas
RSA 29 €1,055,894
37 KARLSSON Robert
SWE 14
€773,347
52 FISHER Ross
ENG 25
€583,569
8 GARCIA Sergio
ESP 13 €1,962,723
23 POULTER Ian
ENG 16 €1,015,671
38 DONALDSON Jamie
WAL 26
€771,563
53 OTTO Hennie
RSA 27
€583,296
9 BJÖRN Thomas
DEN 23 €1,814,115
24 LUITEN Joost
NED 27
€976,540
39 ANDERSSON HED Fredrik SWE 28
€769,849
54 AGUILAR Felipe
CHI
29
€573,086
10 DYSON Simon
ENG 29 €1,694,779
25 HOEY Michael
NIR 30
€967,668
40 EDFORS Johan
SWE 27
€764,807
55 ROSE Justin
ENG 13
€571,283
11 CLARKE Darren
NIR 22 €1,590,415
26 COETZEE George
RSA 29
€913,128
41 LOWRY Shane
IRL
25
€764,778
56 DAVIES Rhys
WAL 31
€571,088
12 JIMÉNEZ Miguel Angel ESP 29 €1,570,454
27 HAVRET Grégory
FRA 29
€906,859
42 GOOSEN Retief
RSA 19
€752,573
57 MORRISON James
ENG 32
€556,549
13 HANSON Peter
SWE 24 €1,500,590
28 RAMSAY Richie
SCO 32
€904,002
43 HORSEY David
ENG 28
€718,444
58 LAWRIE Peter
IRL
€546,660
14 NOREN Alexander
SWE 28 €1,427,643
29 CASEY Paul
ENG 15
€879,088
44 JACOBSON Fredrik
SWE 5
€709,445
59 JAMIESON Scott
SCO 31
€523,754
15 OOSTHUIZEN Louis
RSA 22 €1,409,126
30 CABRERA-BELLO Rafael ESP 33
€862,685
45 LEVET Thomas
FRA 23
€695,397
60 NILSSON Christian
SWE 29
€521,587
8
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22 €1,087,852
26
darren clarke Quick 9 1) What’s your favourite view in golf? DC: The 18th tee at Pebble Beach, the ninth at Pinnacle Point in South Africa and the fifth tee at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. 2) What’s your favourite golf course? DC: Royal Portrush. 3) How old were you when you broke par for 18 holes for the first time? DC: I was just 12. 4) If you could have had one mulligan in your career so far when would have taken it? DC: None, because you need to learn from failure as much as you do success; take the pain before you feel the good side. 5) What’s your favourite musician or group? DC: Van Morrison. 6) Who is your favourite sports team? DC: Liverpool Football Club. 7) Do you have any golf-related superstitions? DC: I’m not really superstitious but I do like to have my bag well organised. I don’t like a mess. 8) Who would fill your dream four-ball? DC: My mates back in Northern Ireland because of the fun and stick they give me. 9) Who are your favourite athletes, male and female? DC: I’d say Michael Jordan and Caroline Wozniacki.
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NEws DIVOTs LUKE DONALD IN AWARD CLEAN SWEEP HAVING clinched an historic double by topping both the European and US money lists, Luke Donald made a clean sweep of awards on both Tours. The World No.1 was recognised for his extraordinary achievements by being named PGA Tour Player of the Year by his fellow players before picking up the European Golfer of the Year award and the Golf Writers Trophy. “It’s always nice to be appreciated, especially from the people in the sport who know the game inside out,” said Donald who had already won the points based PGA Player of the Year award in the US. “They have recognised what I have done this year and it is very gratifying to have that validation. “As a professional golfer you are always trying to do your best and it was good to see all the hard work I have put in coming to fruition. I was delighted with my game this year and it is rewarding to feel that, sometimes, consistency does pay off. Everyone dreams of having a year like this and I am very excited and feel fortunate that it happened to me.” Donald also confirmed that he will continue to play on both Tours and that he will return to Castle Stuart in Inverness to defend his Scottish Open title later this year. “I had a great time at Castle Stuart a few months ago and picking up the trophy was a huge step in my career. The Scottish Open is one of the most favoured tournaments on The European Tour and I can’t wait to get back there. Staging the event on a links course encouraged a better field and to have some preparation on this type of course the week before The Open is what everyone is looking for. “It’s a huge event on the Tour schedule and having already won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth it gave me a significant lead in The Race to Dubai. Every little helps – and winning the Scottish Open was a massive help.”
CAPTAIN OZAKI SET TO CONTINUE NAOMICHI ‘Joe’ Ozaki will continue as captain of Asia in golf’s Royal Trophy team. It will be the fifth consecutive edition the 55-year-old Japanese golfer has led the team after his compatriot Masahiro Kuramoto took charge for the inaugural event in 2006. Asia’s only victory in the event came in 2009. The 2012 event will take place in Brunei from Dec. 14-16 and will be played in honour of the late great Seve Ballesteros, Europe’s captain for the first two years. “I am certain that the eight members of the Asian Team will play their hearts out in honour of Seve’s career and life,” said Ozaki. “I have great memories of Seve during my years playing full-time internationally, and of the times he played in our tour in Japan and of captaining against him at the Royal Trophy in 2007.” Ballesteros’ former Ryder Cup team mate Jose Maria Olazabal will lead the European team, taking over the captaincy from Scot Colin Montgomerie, who oversaw a 9-7 victory in last year’s event. Olazabal has already named Montgomerie as the first selection in his team.
TOM LEWIS IS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR TOM Lewis, winner of the Silver Medal at last year’s Open Championship as the leading amateur, who went on to win his first professional title with victory at the Portugal Masters on The European Tour, scooped the 2011 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award. “I appreciate this honour very much. It certainly tops off what has been an amazing year,” he said. “It was wonderful to win The Open Silver Medal and shoot 65 in the first round, but I think people will remember the 65 in Portugal because it secured my first professional win.”
IAN POULTER CLINCHES AUSSIE MASTERS IAN Poulter ended 2011 in style with victory at the Australian Masters. The flamboyant Englishman trailed local favourite Geoff Ogilvy by two strokes heading into the final round but a closing 67 was enough for a three stroke victory over Marcus Fraser. “To come down here the week before Christmas and to win this tournament is very special,” said Poulter, who battled food poisoning during the tournament. “I had a message from [former champion] Justin Rose who said, ‘Put a nice gold jacket in your wardrobe like I have,’ and it’s nice to do that.”
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TEENAGE DREAM FOR LEXI IN DUBAI CHRIs MAY, General Manager of Dubai Golf, presents the prize to American teenager Lexi Thompson who pulled off a stunning fourstroke victory over south Africa’s Lee-Ann Pace on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club in the OMEGA Dubai Ladies Masters to become the youngest-ever professional winner of a Ladies European Tour event. sixteen year old Thompson was two shots clear going into the final round and despite coming under pressure from Pace she mustered four birdies down the home stretch to seal the win with a closing 5-under 67. “It feels amazing,” said Thompson who finished on 15-under-par 273. “I’ve been working on my game really hard and it’s paid off. I’m just trying to improve every tournament.”
ROUND OF THE MONTH
Lee Westwood shot 12 under 60 in the first rou of his jaw-dropping victory in the Thailand Golf Championship. The 38-year-old Englishman wa a record 18-under par and 11 shots clear at the halfway stage. He went on to win by seven sho from South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel with a 22 under par total. “I’ve amazed myself really,” said Westwood. “It’s been staggering. It’s probably t best I’ve ever played.”
d
e
SHOT OF THE MONTH
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
It has to be Alvaro Quiros’ mammoth snaking eagle putt on the final hole on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates to win the Dubai World Championship. The Spaniard specialises in the spectacular and he pulled another wonder shot out of the bag again in Dubai.
“You left out my cure for polio!” quipped renowned Texan sportswriter Dan Jenkins as his list of career achievements was read out during the announcement that he was to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
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EUROPEAN TOUR NEws Event: SA Open Championship
Date: 24 Nov – 27 Nov, 2011 Event: SA Open Championship Venue: Serengeti Golf Club Location: Ekurhuleni, South Africa Winner’s Cheque: €158,500 Name
Country To Par R1
Hennie Otto Bernd Wiesberger Thomas Aiken Richard McEvoy
RSA AUT RSA ENG
-14 -13 -11 -11
70 69 68 70
R2 R3 R4 Total 67 68 69 70
65 70 68 69
72 68 72 68
274 275 277 277
NERVY OTTO HOLDS ON IN SA SOUTH African Hennie Otto survived a late scare to bag his second European Tour title on home soil at the SA Open Championship. The 35-year-old, who won the 2008 Italian Open, was three shots clear with six holes to play but then dropped shots on the 13th, 15th and 16th to open the door for Austrian Bernd Wiesberger to get level. But a birdie on the 17th, where he chipped to within six feet, proved crucial as he parred out the last hole for a one stroke victory which secured his place in the Dubai World Championship.
“I worked out that if I shot four under (68) they would have to shoot seven under. It didn’t work out that way. There are some great names on the trophy and I said it would be great if I could add mine. Today’s the day.” Date: 01 Dec – 04 Dec 2011 Event: UBS Hong Kong Open Venue: Hong Kong GC Location: Fanling, Hong Kong Winner’s Cheque: €341,724
Date: 24 Nov 2011 – 27 Nov 2011 Event: OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup Venue: Mission Hills Resort Location: Hainan Island, China Winner’s Cheque: $2,400,000
USA EXTEND WORLD CUP RECORD
THE USA extended their phenomenal record in the World Cup with a two stroke victory over England and Germany on Hainan Island in China to take their total number of wins in the competition to 24. Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland got their hands on the giant OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup trophy 11 years after Tiger Woods and David Duval last won it for the United States, after a final round 67. English pair Justin Rose and Ian Poulter made a valiant late charge with a closing 63 while overnight leaders and hot favourites Rory McIroy and Graeme McDowell of Ireland dropped out of contention with a final round 72.
Gary Woodland: “It feels great. It was a very nice week. We were treated very nicely here, and fortunately we played well. We came here hoping to have some fun. We set out to win and that’s what we came here to do – and we did it.” Name
Country
R1
R2
R3
R4
1 2 2
United States England Germany
64 66 65
70 69 71
63 68 61
67 63 69
To Par Total -24 -22 -22
264 266 266
McILROY SIZZLES IN HONG KONG
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy turned up the heat on Luke Donald in The Race to Dubai with a timely win at the UBS Hong Kong Open. McIlroy overhauled overnight leader Alvaro Quiros with a brilliant closing round of 65, finishing the job off by chipping in from the greenside bunker at the last to beat playing partner Gregory Havret by two.
Rory McIlroy: “I’ve wanted to win this tournament so badly, ever since that play-off in 2008. I’ve had to wait a couple of years to get there, but to finally get my hands on this magnificent trophy is very special.” Name Rory McIlroy Gregory Havret Peter Hanson
Country
To Par
R1
R2
R3 R4 Total
NIR FRA SWE
-12 -10 -9
64 70 68
69 69 68
70 66 65
65 65 70
268 270 271
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EUROPEAN TOUR NEws
JOY FOR DUBAI GOLF FANS AS DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AGREEMENT IS EXTENDED
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HILE the excitement was still settling down after Alvaro Quiros’ dramatic Dubai World Championship victory, and Luke Donald’s historic Race to Dubai/PGA Tour Money List double, The European Tour made a significant announcement regarding the future of the tournament, which will be music to the ears of golf fans in the region – and worldwide. The Race to Dubai is set to continue at least until the end of the 2014 campaign with the seasonending finale remaining at Jumeirah Golf Estates, albeit with a name change, as DP World move from presenting sponsors to title sponsors for the newly named DP World Tour Championship, Dubai. The prize fund will increase by US$500,000 to US$8 million while the winner’s cheque will rise from US$1.25 million to US$1.33 million. No details have yet been released regarding the Bonus Pool, which currently stands at US$7.5 million split between the top 15 finishers on The final Race to Dubai.
Supporting Events The field will remain the top 60 players on The Race to Dubai and DP World will continue their support of the Hong Kong Open as well as supporting the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth over the next three years. “We are delighted to be announcing the start of a new phase for The Race to Dubai and, specifically, the newly re-titled DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, at Jumeirah Golf Estates,” said European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady. “In DP World and Nakheel we have two incredibly strong partners who are fully dedicated to the future success of The Race to Dubai and the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai. We thank them for their continued backing of our season’s finale at Jumeirah Golf Estates and we look forward to further strengthening our association with DP World and Nakheel when our leading world-ranked players return to compete in Dubai over the next three years.”
Ali Ahmed Rashid Lootah, Chairman of Nakheel, said: “The Dubai World Championship has enjoyed considerable success over the last three years on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The achievement of this event to date has projected this sporting spectacle onto the world stage and created enormous interest from golf enthusiasts around the globe as the leading players take on the challenge of Greg Norman’s eco-signature Championship Earth course.” “We are delighted with the continuing partnership with both DP World and The European Tour and look forward to even greater success in the future at Jumeirah Golf Estates. “The best golfers in the world enjoy returning to Dubai year after year to experience the culture, the climate and the outstanding quality of the golf courses. Through the continued commitment of Nakheel to complete the development, Jumeirah Golf Estates will only improve as a world class tournament facility.” Mohammed Sharaf, Chief Executive of DP
World said: “DP World is extremely pleased to be associated with this prestigious frontline event. We believe the DP World Tour Championship and The Race to Dubai to be significant events for Dubai, as it reinforces its position as an international sport and golfing destination. “Moreover, we in DP World are proud to partner with The European Tour and Jumeirah Golf Estates in supporting this high calibre event which will draw the global golfing fraternity’s attention to the venue for four full days over the next three years, further reiterating Dubai’s success in attracting the best fields in this, as well as other, sports.” The 2011 Dubai World Championship witnessed a thrilling climax as Spaniard Quiros sank a mammoth eagle putt on the final hole to beat overnight leader Paul Lawrie by two strokes while Englishman Donald’s third place finish secured him the Harry Vardon Trophy for topping The Race to Dubai making him the first person ever to claim both the PGA Tour and European Tour money lists in the same season.
This year’s DP World Tour Championship, Dubai will take place at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 22-25.
Reigning Champion Alvaro Quiros
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graeme mcdowell
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GMAC
BACK ON TRACK W
HEN Graeme McDowell arrived at Yas Links for the Emirates Airline Invitational Hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah 12 months ago it was as the reigning US Open Champion. It was more than six months since his life-changing victory at Pebble Beach, when he had become the first Northern Irishman ever to win the famous tournament, but he wasn’t getting any more used to his new life as a Major Champion. Golfers spend their entire lives preparing themselves for Major glory but nobody prepares them for what happens next. Media attention, off course engagements, sponsorship demands – it all goes through the roof. Every man and his dog wants a piece of you and one thing that often slips by the wayside a little is precisely what made it all possible – the golf! When you live in a tiny, golf mad fishbowl of a country like Northern Ireland, the fuss is even worse when you go home. Then there was the Ryder Cup at CeltIc Manor when GMAC emerged as Europe’s hero after a magical display in the anchorman role to secure the crucial winning point from his match against Hunter Mahan in the singles.
‘Living out our dreams’ In the space of a few months the 32-year-old’s life and the scrutiny it was under, entered another stratosphere. Like many before him, that shift took him some time to get his head around and results last year were lean by comparison. But there were encouraging signs in his game in the latter stages of the season – with third place finishes at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and the WGC-HSBC Champions and decent performances in Singapore and Dubai – and McDowell is now over his Major hangover and ready to attack 2012 head on. “I learned a lot last year about myself and what it is to be a Major Champion and how to deal with it,” says the Al Naboodah Group-sponsored player who will again head a star-studded cast at Yas Links for this month’s Emirates Airline Invitational. “It’s a slightly different mindset. It’s the expectation levels. We don’t ever anticipate living out our dreams and I lived two of them in the space of three months. “I was so distracted early in the season, I couldn’t get my head round my golf swing and that led to technical difficulties in the 16
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summer. Eventually, I managed to streamline and strip all the rubbish out and got back to focusing on the important things in the second half of the year… but it was a steep learning curve.” There were plenty of positives in McDowell’s 2011 season. He began the year with third place finishes at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and there was a bunch of top 10s on both sides of the Atlantic so it was by no means a disaster. It’s just that next to the insane highs of 2010 it was just a bit…well…flat! “It was always going to be pretty tough to emulate 2010,” says McDowell, who finished tied 14th in the defence of his US Open crown as his good friend and fellow countryman Rory McIlroy picked up the baton and sprinted off into the horizon at Congressional.
‘A real learning experience’ “I came into the year trying my best not to judge myself on 2010 standards. A lot of the pre-US Open hype kind of got to me a little bit. I spent the first six months of 2011 living in 2010. Everyone wanted to talk about it. It was very tough for me to move on with my career. It’s been a real learning experience getting over that. I’m starting to set my goals again and look to the future about what I want to achieve in my career.” McDowell has now put his astonishing 2010 achievements in a box – there to be opened and enjoyed one day, but for the moment, out of the way, so as not to get in the way of the business of winning golf tournaments. “Since about August I’ve been playing a lot better,” he says. “I struggled technically with my game as well a little bit last year but it was probably more mental than anything. I learned a lot about myself. “When you’re on the inside looking out it’s very difficult to get a grasp of what you’ve achieved,” he says. “I look back at Pebble Beach and how much of an out-of-body experience that was for me coming down the stretch, and after I won and spent the next 12 months as US Open champion it was surreal. “Still, when people call me a Major champion it’s pinch yourself stuff. I guess that’s a good thing because you want to stay motivated and you want to drive yourself and have that desire to achieve more of that. At some point in my life I’m sure I’ll
Emirates Airline Invitational www.wwgolf.biz 17 Hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah Venue. Date:30th January 2012
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graeme mcdowell
put my feet up and sip on a nice glass of red wine and reflect on what a fun career I’ve had, but hopefully I’ll add a few more chapters between now and then.” McDowell’s accomplishment in becoming the first Northern Irishman since Fred Daly in 1947 to win a Major championship was impressive enough. But for two more players from the same small country to scoop Grand Slam titles in the next 12 months, as Darren Clarke and McIlroy did, is truly remarkable. “It’s a bit strange,” he smiles. “Northern Ireland’s a pretty small place of 1.6 million people and the probability of having three Major champions in the space of seven Major championships – those are astronomical figures. It’s tough to explain apart from maybe that a belief mechanism kicks in. “I’m sure Rory watched me win the US Open. We’re very good friends. We play together a lot and he regularly takes a few quid off me in practice. He sees me winning the US Open and I’m sure that subconscious belief kicks in with him. “He should have won The Masters and a few months later he won the US Open in style. That’s where the belief kicks in and I’m sure with Darren, when he did the job at The Open, the belief kicked in with him a bit, too, having watched myself and Rory do it.” McDowell believes his young Ryder Cup partner is the player most capable of replacing Tiger Woods as the dominant figure in world golf for years to come. “I’ve been saying for years that Rory is a very special player. He’s probably the best player I’ve ever seen. I didn’t get the chance to play with Tiger in the early 2000s when he was at his greatest. But
Rory’s probably the most impressive guy I’ve ever watched hit a golf ball. He makes the game look easy. He’s probably the best driver of the ball I’ve seen, he’s long, very aggressive, very straight. “He’s got great iron play, a great short game. Can someone else dominate the game like Tiger did? Who knows but I really haven’t seen anyone with the potential Rory has so it’ll be interesting to watch.” It will also be interesting to watch McDowell’s progress this season as he bids to get back to his best. He got his first taste of Kyle Phillips’ beautiful Yas
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the way the greens roll, the way they’re shaped, the turf and the way everything reacts. As I say, authentic is a great word. “I felt very much at home with the wind blowing last year. I got off to a good start – was 7-under-par through 13 holes – and then the jetlag kind of hit me with about five holes to go and I ended up finishing 5-under. But it was a fun day. The Al Naboodah Group put on a great event and I really enjoy it. Obviously, with Emirates and all the other great sponsors they’ve got they just keep raising the bar for the tournament every year.” McDowell raised the bar for himself
“Northern Ireland’s a pretty small place of 1.6 million people and the probability of having three Major Champions in the space of seven Major championships – those are astronomical figures.” Links layout during last year’s Emirates Airline Invitational and with it now being an officail European Tour sanctioned event, he’s relishing his return to one of the most enjoyable on his busy schedule. “Kyle Phillips has created something pretty special and unique,” he says. “Authentic is probably a good word for it. He really has achieved what he set out to do – creating a genuine links course in the desert. Sometimes you can close your eyes and think you’re on Kingsbarns,
and Northern Ireland golf beyond belief in 2010. His achievements kicked open a door that had long been locked to his fellow countrymen, laying the foundations for the extraordinary period of dominance that followed. Having now become more comfortable in his own Major championship-winning skin, and with the Ryder Cup looming, 2012 could prove to be another memorable year for the man from Portrush. n
MAIN: GMAC gets his first taste of links golf in the Middle East at Yas Links Golf Club last year. TOp LEfT: McDowell holds the US Open trophy with his good friend Abdullah Al Naboodah, host of the Emirates Airline Invitational. LEfT: fellow countrymen and Horizon Sports Management stablemates McDowell and McIlroy draw the crowds at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai. www.wwgolf.biz
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THE STAGE IS SET AT yAS lInkS for THE GolDEn TICkET GrAnD fInAl
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NTICIPATION is already building ahead of the Emirates Airline Invitational Golden Ticket Grand Final taking place at Yas Links Golf Club in Abu Dhabi on January 24th. The event is the culmination of the hugely successful Golden Ticket Series presented by Carpetland, which has captured the imagination of golfers across the GCC and around the world. A total of 1,116 players have entered some 31 qualifying events in five different countries – Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar as well as the UAE and the UK – all playing for the chance to win a coveted ‘Golden Ticket’ which will grant one adult and one junior a place in the star-studded Emirates Airline Invitational Hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah, also taking place at Yas Links on January 30th. Marketing Director for Carpetland Shahriar Khodjasteh said: “The uptake in the series has been extraordinary and to have our preferred charity ‘Friends of Cancer Patients’ benefit to
the tune of AED64,500 is just fantastic. I would like to thank Tournament Director James Bowring and his team for executing each event so professionally and representing our brand all over the GCC.”
‘Once in a liftime’ The original pool of 1,116 has been whittled down to 62 who will compete in the Grand Final the week prior to the Emirates Airline Invitational, all vying for the chance to tee it up alongside the likes of Sergio Garcia, Retief Goosen, Paul Casey and Emirates Airline Invitational Ambassadors Graeme McDowell and Ross Fisher in the finest one-day pro-am in the world. “To win a Golden Ticket to play in the Emirates Airline Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah is simply a once in a lifetime opportunity for any golfer and we are delighted that so many golfers have recognised this,” said James Bowring, who created the concept three years ago with Worldwide Golf. “The series we put
together this year offered every golfer who plays in the GCC a chance to win the Golden Ticket and we hope to spread this to other parts of the world in 2012.” One of those hoping to bag a Golden Ticket will be 13-handicapper Rafa Roberts, who put in a sterling display to win the UK Qualifying event from a field of 120 players at the beautiful Golf Club at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire over the summer. Rafa will now be flown out to the UAE by Emirates Airline to compete in the Grand Final and will be invited as a guest to watch the event proper should he miss out on a Golden Ticket. “It’s a fantastic series with an amazing prize up for grabs at the end,” said Rafa. “I’ve been to Dubai before but I’ve never been to Abu Dhabi so I’m really looking forward to it. “I watched the Invitational on television in the UK this year so it’ll be great to actually be there and even better if I manage to win the Grand Final so I can play in the event.” n
Retief Goosen Jamie Donaldson Sergio Garcia Simon Dyson Graeme McDowell Nicolas Colsaerts Thomas Aiken Michael Hoey Peter Hanson Mark Foster Thomas Levet Gregory Havret Gregory Bourdy Ross Fisher Stephen Gallacher Steve Webster Tom Lewis Chris Wood Jeev Milkha-Singh Thongchai Jaidee Bradley Dredge Oliver Fisher Ricardo Gonzalez Graeme Storm Colin Montgomerie David Howell Soren Hansen Oliver Wilson Paul McGinley Richie Ramsey Thorbjom Olesen David Horsey Shane Lowry Fredrik Andersson-Hed Rafael Cabrera-Bello Felipe Aquilar Rhys Davies Scott Jamieson Richard Green Pablo Martin Richard Finch Marcus Fraser Lee Slattery Ignacio Garrido Danny Willett Brett Rumford Marc Warren Damien McGrane Simon Khan Gareth Maybin Rafael Echenique Christian Cevaer Richard Bland Michael Campbell Danny Lee Soren Kjeldsen
WWW. EMIRATESAIRLINEINVITATIONAL.COM https://www.facebook.com/TheInvitationalUAE
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Q&A
ChRis WhiTe GeNeRAl MANAGeR, AlDAR GOlF
With a wealth of experience in the UK and in the region’s golf industry Chris White, General Manager, Adar Golf, knows better than most that despite the acclaim Yas Links Golf Club has received, the challenge is to use it’s reputation to attract more golf tourists to the UAe. With the knowledge of having opened six golf courses in the UK, turkey and the UAe Chris tells Mike Gallemore that in the Middle east golf clubs have to be much more that just places to play golf.
Kyle PhilliPs’ yAs liNKs MAsTeRPieCe WAs NO sURPRise
WWG: Did you ever imagine when work began on the course that Yas Links would become so popular? CW: From the outset, when you see a totally flat barren piece of land I personally find it hard to visualise an end result. However, as the coastline was created and took shape and murky mud became turquoise sea it was apparent that playing golf on edges this close to water would be something special. The meticulous detail that course designer Kyle Phillips and his shapers went into in working on what appeared to be a mere greenside hump was amazing. I kid you not, we all sat on site fascinated at this bulldozer shuffling backwards, forward, left, right and left a bit more until the landform had been created. This was done from dawn until dusk on every inch of the site. The sneak preview we had was equally fascinating. Kyle’s team sent over an artist’s impression of what was to become a finished hole. When you compare the end result and that rendering you really do appreciate the architect’s creativity and vision. Knowing how it all came about and having been involved from day one I’m not surprised at the success and the multitude of accolades Yas Links has received. I’m also honoured and very proud that Yas Links has not just been recognised by a few but by many good judges around the world in a very short period of time. WWG: I know Kyle Phillips aimed at designing a course in the style of Kingsbarns at St Andrews but even he must be delighted at the comparisons people make? CW: Kyle is a regular, down-to-earth, all-round nice guy. He knows what he wants. He won’t accept second-best and he won’t cut corners for anything. He’ll stay with it until the task is completed the way he wants it. Kyle knows that he will not win his next design job in any other way than through the success, reputation and feedback from his last design. That can be measured in aesthetic, playability, commercial return. Kingsbarns was all about turning a flat potato field into a stunningly picturesque golf course (not forgetting that the site is a mere stone’s throw from The Old Course at St Andrews). Can you imagine the pressure a lesser known American architect would suffer in trying to transform a piece of land so close to the Home of Golf! Imagine if he had got it wrong. To some degree the same could be said about Yas – a featureless, flat piece of land. Our requirement of Kyle was a unique links course like no other in the region – “and, by the way, you’ve got 18 months to design, build, finish and open it.” There are design and aesthetic similarities with Kingsbarns but the build and maintenance couldn’t have been more different. Grasses used at Kingsbarns are very much native and will be found along that whole Fife coastline whilst most of the grasses used at Yas Links are unique to that property and needed to be tested prior to planting. WWG: It was a major accolade for Yas Links to host the 2011 Emirates Airline Invitational. Do you think this was a stepping stone to greater things? CW: It was fantastic and again deserves the recognition of the event’s host Abdullah Al Naboodah for both his foresight and appreciation of the game of golf. The tournament has been on the calendar for a 22
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number of years and has been played on some of the region’s other fine courses but especially for this format of a pro and amateur betterball Yas Links lends itself well to a fun and testing challenge which is not just about target golf but is about working the ball around the links. It again aligns itself well with the Dunhill Links, played on three fine links courses. It’s almost comical to see a 20 handicapper miss the ball right only to see it hop and skip and bobble its way to within 10 feet of the hole – that’s the rub of the green of links golf. WWG: Are you looking forward to hosting the 2012 Emirates Airline Invitational? CW: Certainly! We can’t wait. Last year was a bit of a blur. We had only been operating 18 holes for six months and we’ve come a long way since then. We really want to make the professionals, amateurs, VIPs, sponsors and guests feel a little more special this year. From the quality of the field, if you’re a spectator, marshal or volunteer you’re going to witness a great atmosphere. WWG Has the recent pairing with Jumeirah Golf Estates worked out as anticipated? CW: On the whole it has. The world is in a challenging state right now. Yas Links opened in the middle of a recession at a time when Abu Dhabi’s golf offering tripled and at the same time Dubai introduced a couple of new courses. In September 2011 we felt we needed a boost to our membership not only to drive revenue but also to gain participation which helps develop a club spirit and, to be honest, we haven’t looked back. Both clubs have benefitted. I’m sure our golfers appreciate the real value. It’s a rather nice boast to be a member of three fine courses and the venue of the Emirates Airline Invitational and The Dubai World Championship – or the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, as it now is. n
MAIN PICTURE: The spectacular 13th hole at Yas Links Golf Club, Abu Dhabi. ABOVE: Course designer Kyle Phillips gets his point across at Yas Links during the development of the site.
WWG If you could change anything in the industry, what would it be? CW: Pace of Play, Etiquette and Respect. Golfers do need to take ownership in getting around the golf course in an efficient manner. Etiquette – the classic cliché to treat others the way you expect to be treated yourself. You wouldn’t want to play from a bunker foot print or a gaping fairway divot or have to dodge an open pitch mark– so within your routine Rake It!, Fill It! and Repair It! And, finally, Respect others. I sincerely hope the traditions and respect of this great game of ours are maintained, whether it be a shake of a hand after play or an acceptance speech at a dinner. www.wwgolf.biz
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TIGERWOODS on the prowl in abu dhabi
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HAT could be better than former World No. 1 and global golf megastar Tiger Woods coming to the Middle East this month to make his eagerly anticipated debut in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship? We’ll tell you what. An in-form Tiger Woods, gracing Abu Dhabi Golf Club fresh off the back of his first victory in over two years, ending a drought that had gone 26 tournaments – an incredible 749 days without a win for the 14-time Major champion. Sure, the victory in question was an unofficial US PGA Tour event, with an 18-man field (albeit containing 11 of the world’s top 25 players), but the signs had been there in the lead up to the Chevron World Challenge that the 35-year-old was getting back to his old self. A third place finish at the Emirates Australian Open followed by a solid display at The Presidents Cup, which included
an emphatic 4 & 3 trouncing of Aaron Baddeley in the singles, paved the way for a dramatic one stroke victory over Zach Johnson at Sherwood Country Club. Personal problems, injuries, caddie changes and swing changes have taken their toll over the past two years but make no mistake – this was the Tiger of old. The swagger was back and he once again looked like he was born for the battle of the back nine on Sunday, pulling off some beautiful shots and holing clutch putts under immense pressure on the last two holes to seal the deal on his first tournament win anywhere in the world since the Australian Masters in November 2009.
Nervous “It feels great,” said Woods after the win. “I know it’s been a while, but also for some reason it feels like it hasn’t. Because when I was coming down the stretch there, I felt so comfortable. Was I nervous? Absolutely. I’m always nervous in that position. But it’s a comfortable feeling and I enjoy it. For some reason, it’s kind of a comfort being there with a chance to win.” It was fitting that Woods’ drought should come to an end at the Chevron World Challenge, the event that he hosts and which raises money for his Tiger Woods Foundation. It was the first event that he skipped after the sex scandal which ripped his marriage apart and shocked the world shortly after Thanksgiving in 2009. Since then he’s often looked a shadow his former self and many golf followeres questioned whether the emotional turmoil had taken its toll to the extent that we may never see the ‘real Tiger’ again. But the man himself contends that injuries to his left knee ligaments and Achilles tendon, which have restricted his practice schedule, at the same
time as working through the fourth swing change of his career with coach Sean Foley, have been the biggest factors in his uncharacteristically long absence from the winner’s circle. Two weeks after missing the cut at the US PGA Championship last August, he was given the go ahead by doctors to practice as much as he liked and since then he’s been on an upward trajectory which led to him ending a difficult year in style in California. “What people don’t realise is that I wasn’t able to practice this year, I wasn’t able to play at home,” said Woods prior to picking up his 83rd worldwide victory as a professional. “People don’t realise how much golf I play at home when I’m getting ready for an event, how many holes I play. I play a lot, and I wasn’t able to do any of that because I was under a strict ball count for the day. So once that ball count was released and I was able to go is when I started making some serious strides.”
Winds got thebetter of him It was also at Sherwood 12 months ago that Tiger’s struggles with his swing were blamed on his failure to win the tournament – having opened with a blistering 65 – when Graeme McDowell beat him in a play-off. He was unable to shape the ball with a left to right fade at that time, which he feels cost him the tournament – just as it did at last year’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic when strong winds got the better of him. “I was very limited in what I could do … because I only had that one shot at the time,” said Woods. “In Dubai, I felt I should have won the golf tournament, but you know, a right to left wind cost me eight shots on certain holes, and I didn’t have the ability to manoeuvre the ball left to right at the time.” But after overhauling his swing with Foley, with certain changes aimed at taking him 4 www.wwgolf.biz
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Tiger has had his passport stamped more than most big name US PGA Tour players. A regular headliner at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai and growing in confidence after his victory at the back end of last season the Abu Dhabi Golf Club set-up should favour his game and victory would provide another boost to his World Ranking points. But times have changed and Europe’s big guns will be looking to prove a point. Martin ‘King of Abu Dhabi’ Kaymer will be the hot favourite as he looks to take his tally in the event to four. Lee Westwood will also be aiming to continue his blistering form from South Africa and Thailand into 2012 and hopefully bag his first Major at The Masters.
“I am also IntrIgued to spend tIme In abu dhabI. VIsItIng new places Is one of the thIngs I really enjoy about beIng a professIonal golfer.” – TIGER WOODS
back to a similar swing he had when he was a youngster, Woods now feels able to cope with any conditions, as was proved in Australia when strong winds at both the Emirates Australian Open and The Presidents Cup failed to blow him off course. “Normally, anybody who makes swing changes, gets exposed in the wind. When it’s really hauling, you mishit shots, or it’s going to show up,” he said. “I felt very comfortable in that wind, which was great. Playing in Australia for two weeks was fantastic. I hit all shapes, all trajectories, and if you look at the rounds, I hit most of my shots pin high. “That’s an indication that when the wind’s blowing that hard, that I’m really controlling my trajectory. What I’ve worked on with Sean is now integrated. I know when I hit a bad shot I can rectify it for the very next shot. “I’ve picked it up very quickly because Sean’s got me into a position that I recognise. I’ve been
here before and he wanted me to swing like I used to when I was a kid. That’s one of the reasons why I’m able to do some of these things within Sean’s system, why I’m picking it up so quickly.” Having broken off his long association with the Desert Classic it would appear that Dubai’s loss is Abu Dhabi’s gain as Tiger prepares to kick start what promises to be an intriguing 2012 campaign with a maiden appearance at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. “I’ve heard a lot about Abu Dhabi and the Championship, which is a favourite among many of the players who return each year,” said Woods when the region’s worst kept secret became public knowledge in November. “I’m looking forward to 2012 and what I hope will be a great year of golf for me. I’ve always enjoyed playing in HSBC events around the world, so I have been interested in including the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in my schedule for some time. I’m also intrigued to
spend time in Abu Dhabi. Visiting new places is one of the things I really enjoy about being a professional golfer.” Having finally gotten that all-important ‘W’ on the boards Tiger probably could have done without the Christmas break at the end of the year but, now he’s able to put in a full practice schedule, he’s sure to come roaring out of the blocks in Abu Dhabi, full of confidence and back to playing the kind of golf that made him the most famous golfer the world has ever known. If he picks up where he left off in 2011 it surely won’t be long before he pegs back Jack Nicklaus’ long-standing record of 18 Majors. “I feel very excited about this year,” said Woods. “I’m excited about the progress I’ve made, and I’m really looking forward to it. “It’s going to be fun to get out there and play a full schedule, which I haven’t done for quite some time. I’ll get my number of events in and prepare and practice and play at my normal pace getting ready for the Major championships. “Then I will be trying to peak four times a year (for the Majors), which I haven’t had the opportunity to do the last couple years consistently.” So it’s official. Tiger Woods is back. A two-time winner of the Dubai Desert Classic, he’s no stranger to success in the region but he’ll still have to be at his very best to prevent the likes of ‘King Kaymer’ and the red hot Lee Westwood calling the shots at Abu Dhabi Golf Club this month. n www.wwgolf.biz
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Middle east swing Preview
The Swing: Jan 26-29 – Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship Feb 02-05 – Commercialbank Qatar Masters Feb 09-12 – Omega Dubai Desert Classic
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T’S that glorious time of year again when The European Tour swings through the Middle East and the best in the business look to fine tune their game ahead of the Masters at Augusta in April, take home some lolly and possibly a trophy. But most importantly, the boys are all trying to gain some confidence for the season ahead. The courses have changed over the years and The Swing has become a different test to that of 10 (Qatar) or 20 (Dubai) years ago. Gone are the concrete-like fairways you’d expect to find in one of the driest regions in the world and in their place is lush, soft greenery you’d more commonly associate with the finest courses in North America. In fact, their comparative nature makes The Swing ideal preparation for the three US Majors. Golfers put so much stock into Major championships that it makes sense to arrange their schedule around them and play as much golf in similar conditions as possible. The humid and lush surroundings of Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Dubai are perfect preparation and that’s why they attract such tremendous fields year-in year-out. With world-class courses popping up in Oman and Bahrain recently, don’t be surprised to see the Middle East Swing extended in years to come on The European Tour.
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Abu Dhabi Golf Club Purse: € $2,700,000 Course: 7,590 yard, par-72 2012 aBU dHaBi HsBC gOlf CHaMPiOnsHiP
aBU dHaBi CHaMPiOnsHiP
Stat attack
Players to watch:
2011 ABU DHABI CHAMPIONSHIP STATS:
Tiger Woods – The former World No.1 looked at his imperious best as he won the Chevron World Challenge with a birdie-birdie finish – just what the doctor ordered after a two-year lean spell. Tiger’s making his debut in Abu Dhabi this year and with two wins at the Desert Classic to his name he’ll be looking to make a winning start to 2012 in a region that has served him well in the past.
Martin Kaymer (GER) 24-under-par 264 Stroke Average: 66.00 Driving Accuracy: 64.3% (9th) Driving Distance: 292.6 (7th) Greens in Reg: 86.1 (1st) Putts per GIR: 1.612 (3rd) Putts per Round: 27.5 (7th) Sand Saves: 50% 2010 ABU DHABI CHAMPIONSHIP STATS:
Martin Kaymer (GER) 21-under-par 267 Stroke Average: 66.75 Driving Accuracy: 58.9% (46th) Driving Distance: 291.6 (25th) Greens in Reg: 73.6 (27th) Putts per GIR: 1.612 (4th ) Putts per Round: 26.3 (2nd) Sand Saves: 75% 2009 ABU DHABI CHAMPIONSHIP STATS:
Paul Casey (ENG) 21-under-par 267 Stroke Average: 66.75 Driving Accuracy: 57.1 (42nd) Driving Distance: 302 (5th) Greens in Reg: 81.9% (7th) Putts per GIR: 1.689 (32nd) Putts per Round: 28.8 (21st) Sand Saves: 35%
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Lee Westwood – Westy ‘s had mixed fortunes in Abu Dhabi – runner-up in 2008 but a missed the cut in 2010. Arguably the best player in the world tee-to-green and his short game is firing as December’s win at the Nedbank Challenge proved. The Middle East Swing can’t come soon enough for the Englishman. Luke Donald – The man at the top of the World Ranking takes some beating, no matter what the field or venue. A winner in Arizona at the lengthy lay-out which hosts the WGC-Accenture Match Play, Donald’s short game is the best in the world – and that’s where golf tournaments are won and lost. Martin Kaymer – Like we have to spell it out – Kaymer has won three of the last four tournaments at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. It’s like a home away from home for the German.
Jason Day – Fearless Aussie Jason Day finished runner-up at the Masters and the US Open last year in a splendid season that saw him post ten top 10s and bank money of just less than $4m on the US Tour. Will Jason have his Day in Abu Dhabi? Darren Clarke – Open Champion Darren Clarke admits he’s found it difficult to motivate himself after winning the tournament of his dreams at Royal St Georges – and who can blame him? Still, with a natural gift of a golf swing and a likeable demeanour, he’s always worth following. Charl Schwartzel – A few years ago Gary Player said that journalists should get used to the spelling of ‘Schwartzel’ as they’re going to be writing an awful lot about him during his career – and his prediction proved bang on when the youngster followed in the Black Knight’s footsteps as a Masters winner last year. Elegant and deadly – a true star has been born. KJ Choi – KJ Choi won The Players Championship at Sawgrass last year and is one of the most consistent players around. He grew up on an island off the coast of South Korea with no golf courses, one driving range and a Jack Nicklaus swing book as his guide – he’s since become an eight-time US Tour winner.
PrediCtiOns Winner: Martin Kaymer – Three wins out of four makes Kaymer the red hot favourite and who would question such a record? Outside chance: Joost Luiten – Lengthy and confident, the Dutchman won once last year and has the potential to go far on The European Tour. Dark Horse: Seung-Yul Noh – Surprisingly, one of the longest hitters in the game, Noh has won once on the European Tour and isn’t fazed by the big occasion.
Doha Golf Club Purse: $2,500,000 Course: 7,388 yard, par-72 2012 COMMerCialBanK Qatar Masters
Players to watch:
COMMerCialBanK Qatar Masters
Stat attack
2011 QATAR MASTERS STATS: Sergio Garcia – Garcia won twice on home soil in October last year and is a regular in Qatar having played in the last five tournaments, posting three top 10s including a ninth place last season. A win in Qatar will give him the boost he needs as he looks to secure his place on close pal Jose Maria Olazabal’s Ryder Cup team. Robert Karlsson – 2010 Qatar Masters champion Robert Karlsson struggled towards the back end of last year but found his game in time to finish second behind Lee Westwood at the Nedbank Challenge. He has a taste for wins in the Middle East having followed his triumph in Qatar with victory at the 2010 Dubai World Championship. Thomas Björn – Defending Champion Thomas Björn used the Qatar Masters as a springboard for further success in 2011 and another vintage performance from the Great Dane could help him towards a place in Ole’s Ryder Cup team at Medinah in September.
Retief Goosen – The mild-mannered South African had a quiet year last season but he proved in 2007 when he eagled Doha’s closing hole to win – he’s at his most lethal when you least expect it. Louis Oosthuizen – Open Champion from St Andrews in 2010, Louis Oosthuizen’s game suits Doha down to a tee. Long and accurate, the South African creates plenty of opportunities for birdies. Stephen Gallacher – Scotsman Stephen Gallacher has missed just two editions of the Qatar Masters since 1999 with his best result coming in 2002 when he was fourth. One of the longest off the tee on The European Tour, averaging 302.12, if he takes advantage of the par5s and gets his putter hot on Doha GC’s immaculate greens he’ll have a chance. Ian Poulter – Another regular at Doha but with a relatively poor record. The in form Englishman’s aggressive play often gets punished in Doha’s thick rough and sandy wastes – can he grind out a result with substance over style this year?
PrediCtiOns Winner: Sergio Garcia – A win on The Swing would complete the comeback for one of golf’s great characters. Garcia is familiar with Doha and has the ability off the tee box to dominate the course. Outside chance: Henrik Stenson – If ever there was a man in need of a boost – it’s Stenson. One win and three runner-up finishes means he’s a big fan of the Doha layout. Dark Horse: Nicolas Colsaerts – Has the long game to compete on The Swing and finally broke his duck in China last season. The Belgian is one to watch in the coming years.
Thomas Bjorn (DEN) 14-under-par 274 14-under-par 274 Stroke Average: 68.50 Driving Accuracy: 42.9% (56th) Driving Distance: 288.1 (36th) Greens in Reg: 77.8% (3rd) Putts per GIR: 1.694 (5th) Putts per Round: 28.8 (13th) 2011 QATAR MASTERS STATS:
Robert Karlsson (SWE) 15-under-par 273 Stroke Average: 68.25 Driving Accuracy: 57.1 (49th) Driving Distance: 258.9 (15th) Greens in Reg: 77.8% (4th) Putts per GIR: 1.625 (4th) Putts per Round: 27.3 (4th) Sand Saves: 100% 2011 QATAR MASTERS STATS:
Alvaro Quiros (ESP) 19-under-par 269 Stroke Average: 66.75 Driving Accuracy: 57.1 (42nd) Driving Distance: 302 (5th) Greens in Reg: 81.9% (7th) Putts per GIR: 1.689 (32nd) Putts per Round: 28.8 (21st) Sand Saves: 35%
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Emirates Golf Club Purse: $2,500,000 Course: 7,301 yard, par-72
2012 OMega dUBai desert ClassiC
OMega dUBai desert ClassiC
Stat attack
Players to watch: Alvaro Quiros – The longest hitter on The European Tour last year, Alvaro Quiros found success at the shortest of The Swing circuits in 2011 thanks largely to a superb ace on the par-3 11th. Swashbuckling and confident like all the great Spaniards, Quiros is one to follow wherever he plays as he proved by winning again in Dubai at last season’s closing event – the Dubai World Championship. He’s also won in Qatar so there’s no doubt he loves the desert. Miguel Angel Jimenez – Cigar chomping Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez has been coming to the Desert Classic since his golf career began two decades ago and he finally broke his Middle Eastern duck in 2010, defeating Lee Westwood in a play-off. Anders Hansen – Denmark’s Anders Hansen had the best season of his career last year but didn’t get the victory he so richly deserved. He posted three runnerups including one at Emirates Golf Club. Can he go one better this year?
Simon Dyson – Twice a winner last year and fast improving under the guidance of swing guru Pete Cowen. Dyson’s not got the best of records in the region but as he’s shown at the Irish Open (2011) and the Dunhill Links (2010) – he can beat an elite field when the pressure is on. Ross Fisher – After the elation of his Ryder Cup year in 2010 Fisher’s 2011 campaign never really got going. In five outings at the Desert Classic he’s never finished worse than 13th (2009). Another good result is needed to kick-start his season. Rory McIlroy – US Open winner Rory McIlroy had a dream year with two wins He made his breakthrough at the Desert Classic in 2009 and knows the Majlis course like the back of his hand. Paul Casey – Englishman Casey has won twice in the Middle East – once in Abu Dhabi and once at last year’s Volvo Golf Champions which has since moved to South Africa. Another long hitter, a victory on the Majlis’ demanding championship course is well within Casey’s capabilities.
PrediCtiOns Winner: Lee Westwood – A classy tournament should be won by a classy player and few are classier than Westwood. Outside chance: Thomas Aiken – Seventh last year and one of the most solid swings in the game. Finally highlighted his potential with Spanish Open win last season. Dark Horse: Bradley Dredge – Attached to Al Ain (ESGC), Dredge is fond of the region and has played in every Desert Classic since 2000. He’s never missed the cut and posted two top 10s including one last year.
2011 OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC STATS:
Alvaro Quiros (ESP) 11-under-par 277 Stroke Average 69.25 Driving Accuracy 48.2% (49th) Driving Distance: 310.5 (1st) Greens in Reg: 72.2% (15th) Putts per GIR: 1.642 (4th) Putts per Round: 27.5 (6th) Sand Saves: 83.3% 2010 OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC STATS:
Miguel Angel Jimenez (SPA) 11-under-par 277 Stroke Average: 69.25 Driving Accuracy: 58.9 (43rd) Driving Distance: 285.8 (44th) Greens in Reg: 75% (5th) Putts per GIR: 1.695 (11th) Putts per Round: 28.5 (18th) Sand Saves: 100% 2009 OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC STATS:
Rory McIlroy (NIR) 19-under-par 269 Stroke Average: 67.25 Driving Accuracy: 60.7% (21st) Driving Distance: 306 (2nd) Greens in Reg: 83.3 (2nd) Putts per GIR: 1.635 (7th) Putts per Round: 29.3 (36th) Sand Saves: 100%
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WWGcolumnist
Golf in the reGion has never been stronGer
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ooKinG back on 2011 it was a memorable year for golf. We saw some outstanding golfing moments throughout the season and i managed to get back in action, playing in three tournaments to close out the year. but for most of the season i spent more time designing golf courses than playing them. I enjoyed being back inside the ropes, playing competitive golf for the first time following my shoulder surgery last February. I made my return at the Emirates Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney and played well enough to make the cut. I played again in the Australian PGA Championship at Hyatt Regency Coolum, on the Sunshine Coast, finishing 4-under par and tying for 23rd place. In early December I hosted and played in the Franklin Templeton Shootout at Tiburon Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida. The tournament celebrated its 23rd year on the PGA Tour calendar and we are indebted to Franklin Templeton for their continued sponsorship. Over the years we have raised over 11 million dollars for charity and this year we were all rewarded with one of the best Shootouts we’ve ever had.
Rookie Shootout winner We had a fantastic and very diverse field with six different countries being represented among the 24 players, who played as 2-man teams. PGA Tour rookies Keegan Bradley, the reigning US PGA Champion, and Brendan Steele, became the first rookies to win the Shootout with a wire-to-wire victory at 32-under, three shots ahead of Rory Sabbatini and Jhonattan Vegas and Mark Calcavecchia and Nick Price. With three tournaments under my belt, I’m excited and ready to compete in next month’s Mayakoba Golf Classic in Mexico. The tournament is played on El Camaleon, a golf course I designed at Playa Del Carmen near Cancun. It’s Mexico’s only US PGA Tour event and this will be the sixth year of the tournament which has been played at El Camaleon every year. I also had the great honour of playing in The Warrior Open in 30
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Dallas, Texas. This event, which honours US Service members injured in the line of duty, was created through an initiative of former US President, George W. Bush. Although the bad weather restricted my round to just nine holes I was moved to tears by the bravery of the wounded soldiers who took part. The participants in Dallas were all servicemen wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And all of them used golf as a tool for rehabilitation and continue to play the game actively, despite their injuries or prosthetic limbs. Being able to meet these heroes who sacrificed life, limb and family, was an experience I will never forget. I was delighted to hear that the Dubai World Championship will remain at Jumeirah Golf Estates for at least the next three years. It’s still the premier
tournament on The European Tour that all the players want to win and increasing the prize money to $8 million is a huge boost for the event and for Dubai.
9 Holes open at The Wave Now named the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, this tournament will continue to be the season-ending grand finale on The European Tour. The event has been played on the Earth course since the inaugural tournament in 2009, but I would love to see it played on the Fire course in the near future. Perhaps in 2013. I was honoured that my design firm was selected to design both the Earth and the Fire course and it’s been very gratifying to see that both courses are equally popular among golfers in the UAE. My design firm recently opened nine holes at The Wave, Muscat in Oman under
Above: The Wave in Muscat has nine fully playable holes with the rest due to open early next year.
LefT: Luke Donald acknowledges the galleries after holing out during the final round of the Dubai World Championship to become the first player to top both european and PGA Tour money lists in a single season.
the name Almouj Golf. Work is progressing well on the other holes with grassing underway on the Oceanside holes, 12 and 13. The irrigation on the 18th has been installed and we’re currently shaping holes 1 and 9. We’re also capping the par 3 course. I believe that The Wave will be one of the finest golf courses I have designed anywhere in the world and I’m delighted that golfers are already enjoying the nine holes which have opened for play.
Exposure Speaking of great golf courses. It was wonderful to see one of Australia’s true gems receive so much positive exposure at this year’s Presidents Cup. The worldwide television coverage enabled viewers to see the magnificent Royal Melbourne course in all its glory. There are many courses around the world that don’t get the exposure they deserve, and Royal Melbourne is certainly one of them. The golf course was not the only positive for the International team at the Presidents Cup. While the International side did not win, we certainly showcased the rapidly increasing strength of international golf, particularly in the Far East. It was an honour to be the Captain and it was rewarding to see the depth of talent that is beginning to emerge from Asia. Who in their wildest dreams would have thought that
I was delighted to hear that the Dubai World Championship will remain at Jumeirah Golf Estates for at least the next three years. It’s still the premier tournament on The European Tour that all the players want to win and increasing the prize money to $8 million is a huge boost for the event and for Dubai. two Koreans, Kyung-Tai Kim and Y.E. Yang would defeat Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson in the Saturday fourballs. I also wanted to congratulate England’s USbased Luke Donald who won the money lists on both the US PGA Tour and The European Tour. That’s an amazing accomplishment and a record that is unlikely to be repeated. Luke has been the most consistent player in the game in recent years and it was a well deserved accolade for him to be named Player of the Year in both the United States and Europe. This past year we saw some very talented newcomers making a name for themselves. Many golf fans prefer to see their old familiar
favourites at the top of the pile season after season, but it’s good for the game to see new guys coming through and I feel as though the game of golf is healthier than it’s ever been with all of this young talent. The professional sport of golf has a very refreshing new look to it. There are the young American players, such as Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler, Webb Simpson and international players like Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer, and Charl Schwartzel, and my fellow Australians, Jason Day and Adam Scott. The future looks very bright. With all of this young talent and the potential for Tiger to regain his form, one thing is for sure – it’s going to be an exciting 2012 season. n www.wwgolf.biz
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WWGcolumnist
Gary Player is a true leGend of the Game. the south african is one of only five Players to have won a career Grand slam of all four majors. he has won a total of nine majors and nine senior majors, amonG 167 tour events worldwide.
WestWood reminds me of hogan
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Was honoured to present Lee Westwood with the winner’s cheque after his outstanding victory at the nedbank golf Challenge at sun City. the way Lee was striking the ball, i’ve got to say his swing was reminiscent of Ben hogan at his best. i’ve never seen anyone drive the ball better and more consistently than Lee did in setting a course record 10-under 62 on over the gary Player Country Club layout on the saturday. it was a joy to see how well he was striking the ball. he took a seven shot lead into the final round on sunday and despite closing bogey-bogey for a 73 he still finished a comfortable two shots clear of sweden’s robert Karlsson and four shots ahead of northern ireland’s Graeme mcdowell and american jason dufner. lee thoroughly deserved to retain his nedbank title. he has been a long-term supporter of the nedbank Golf challenge and he’s a very popular player in south africa. this was his ninth appearance in the event and even he had to admit that his third round 62 was probably the best round he had ever played. European success i agree with him. this was a truly starstudded field of 12 of the world’s best, which included world no.1 luke donald, who finished seventh, one shot ahead of world no.4 martin Kaymer. the victory seemed certain to set lee up for another tilt at the dubai world championship the following week but he was strangely out of touch on the earth course at jumeirah Golf estates, where he won the inaugural event by an emphatic six shots in 2009, also winning the race to dubai in the process, to become the best player in europe for the second time in his career. But lee soon bounced back. he went straight from dubai to the thailand Golf championship, equalling the record of the lowest 36-hole total in an asian tour event at 18-under-par 124. he scored a career best 60 in a flawless opening 30
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round that included eight birdies and followed up with a 64 to take an 11-shot lead at halfway. lee went on to win by seven shots from south africa’s charl schwartzel with a closing 69 to finish 22-under. it was good to see charl mount a challenge to lee’s lead and although he brought the gap down to just three shots on two occasions during the final round lee came back with more birdies to run out a comfortable winner. lee’s victory in thailand lifted him from third to second place behind luke donald on the official world Golf ranking, relegating rory mcilroy to third with martin Kaymer in fourth. with ian Poulter moving up to 20th place in the ranking the european tour players are increasing their domination and it will be interesting to see whether they finish the 2012 season as the dominant force in the world. i was impressed with tiger woods’ performance in winning the chevron world challenge at sherwood country
club in california. i appreciate that it was only an 18 man field but it did include 11 of the top 25 players in the world. tiger is now able to practice fully after his long-term injury and his solid form in the Presidents cup and his third place finish in the emirates australian open shows that he’s back on the major trail. i’ve said for some time now that lee westwood deserves to win a major – and he’s certainly come close on a number of occasions but if i were to have bet on three players to win a major this year it would be lee, luke and tiger. they’re all players who thrive on competition at the highest level and seem to rise to the big occasion. lee and luke are in the form of their lives right now and tiger is showing all the right signs of getting back to his best. the 2012 season seems certain to provide some fascinating encounters and i can’t wait to see what sort of drama the masters provides. i’ll bet lee, luke and tiger turn out to be the main contenders. n
Above: Lee Westwood raises the Nedbank trophy aloft and expands his bank balance by a further $1,250,000 with the win in South Africa.
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John Daly
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Diary of a WilD Thing WILD ThIng John Daly’s latest walk of shame at the Emirates Australian Open last november when he stormed off course after hitting ‘six or seven’ balls into the water at The Lakes golf Club, just two months after a similar incident in Austria, has prompted some within the game to pose the question ‘have we seen the last of John Daly?’
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IG John hasn’t won an event on any Tour since the 2004 Buick open yet he remains boxoffice – one of the most popular players in world golf. To say his life on and off the course has been tumultuous and eventful is an understatement in the extreme. The US PGA Tour’s disciplinary file on Daly was made public last year after he failed in his court case against a publisher who had printed an article in 2005 stating that he had “failed the scoundrel sniff test”. The big man’s libel claim collapsed after he failed to prove that the statement was untrue. The Tour’s 456-page file covered an 18-year period up to the end of 2008 when he was suspended from the US PGA Tour having been arrested for being found ‘passed-out drunk’ outside a Hooters restaurant. During the period included in the report Daly was fined almost US$100,000, suspended from the Tour five times, placed on probation six times, cited 11 times for “conduct unbecoming of a professional and 21 times for “failure to give his best efforts.” He’s
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been disciplined for everything from trashing his hotel room during the 1997 Players Championship to hitting a tee shot off the top of a beer can at a Pro-Am. In the three years since ‘Hootersgate’ Daly appeared to have calmed down, losing a barrel or two off his belly and attempting to get his golf game back in shape. But results have remained sketchy to say the least. This year he’s missed more cuts than he’s made and the latest incidents would appear to show that the dark side has taken over once more. He’s threatened to quit the sport on more than one occasion and with his game in tatters he might just walk away for good this time. If he does quit, golf will undoubtedly have lost one of its greatest natural talents and one of its most colourful characters. Love him or hate him there’s no denying that Daly’s antics and his battles against the powers that be, as well as his own inner demons, have endeared him to millions as a kind of ‘underclass anti hero’. Whatever your opinion of his hell-raising escapades, a look back over some of his most choice moments certainly makes fascinating reading…
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John Daly
April 1989 – April 1990 – Daly claims to have drunk a full bottle of Jack Daniels every day during the year he was 23. His battle with the bottle has led him into many scrapes, including being thrown off a British Airways flight for allegedly harassing a flight attendant while three sheets to the wind. April 1991 – Four months before he becomes a household name around the world by winning the US PGA Championship as ninth alternate, Daly is disciplined by the US PGA Tour for ‘cursing a playing partner’ during the Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic. December 1992 – Daly is charged with assault after allegedly throwing second wife Bettye into a wall at their home but charges are later dropped when she declines to pursue the matter. He later divorces Bettye for various reasons, including the fact that he reportedly discovered she was 10 years older than she had told him she was. Daly subsequently denies ever having hit a woman.
May 1993 – After shooting 6-over 77 in the opening round of the Kemper Open, Daly loses his rag and throws his scorecard on the floor of the scoring tent before walking off. He later discovers, not surprisingly, that he’s been disqualified. August 1993 –Daly is fined $30,000 for allegedly firing golf balls over the heads of spectators who are sat in the stands while he’s giving a golf clinic at the Fred Meyer Challenge. It’s the largest fine he’s received for a single incident.
November 1993 – Daly withdraws after just one round of the Kapalua International. He is suspended indefinitely and ordered to seek professional help for his alleged alcoholism.
July 1994 – Daly claims that many of his fellow US PGA Tour players use cocaine and that he would be ‘one of the cleanest guys out there’ if drug testing was done properly on Tour.
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August 1994 – John is again suspended by the
November 2002 – After carding a triple-bogey
US PGA Tour and fined $20,000 when he gets into a fight with Firestone Club Pro Jeff Roth at the World Series of Golf after Roth accuses Big John of hitting into his group. An exchange of profanities ensues and continues into the locker room after which Daly allegedly calls Roth’s mother a derogatory name, prompting Roth’s father Bob to get in on the action, jumping our boy from behind as the whole affair descends into minor fisticuffs.
7 at the 18th of the Australian PGA Championship Daly hurls his putter and ball into a greenside pond and storms off, verbally abusing an official and failing to sign his scorecard. He is disqualified and ordered to write a letter of apology to the slighted official.
July 1996 – A year after winning The Open Championship, Daly refuses to take part in the Champions Dinner, stating: “You can’t get this fat boy into a suit.” He later claims the reason he doesn’t go to the gym is that they won’t let him smoke! March 1997 – Daly shoots 76 after the opening round of The Players Championship, withdraws from the tournament and trashes his hotel room at the Sawgrass Marriot causing $1,500 in damages. He is fined $5,000. March 1998 – In the final round of the Bay Hill Invitational Daly takes an 18 on the par 5 18th after hitting a three wood into the water six times. He signs for a round of 85.
August 1998 – Daly is tearful and visibly shaking during the Greater Vancouver Open, blaming his condition on his ongoing recovery from alcoholism, saying: “The shakes are going to come and go, it’s part of the programme.”
November 2004 – Daly’s fourth wife Sherrie pleads guilty to money laundering charges allegedly linked to a drug ring and an illegal gambling operation. John claims to have had no knowledge about his wife’s activities.
June 2005 – Daly is accused of nearly hitting an Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent after failing to stop his car at a security checkpoint at the US Open in Pinehurst, North Carolina. October 2005 – After winning $750,000 for finishing runner-up in the World Golf Championships-American Express Championship, losing out in a play-off to Tiger Woods at Harding Park Golf Club in San Francisco, Daly drives to Las Vegas and blows $1.5 million, mainly on $5,000 slot machines. The same year Daly sues the Florida Times-Union when a columnist claims he has “failed the scoundrel sniff test.” The case is eventually thrown out of court in 2009 when the judge rules that Daly has failed to prove that the statement was untrue. He is ordered to pay the newspaper in excess of $300,000 in legal fees.
June 2000 – After hitting three balls into the Pacific Ocean and another into a backyard adjacent to the fairway on the 18th Daly runs up a 14 and withdraws from the Bay Hill Inviational after an opening round 83. www.wwgolf.biz
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John Daly
Where’s John?
Matching pair, John and Anna Cladakis got in hot water for selling their brand on course at The Barclays Scottish Open.
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No smoke without fire!
Diet Coke? John’s caddie isn’t sure!
DALY DIVIDES OPINION
As well as charting his epic catalogue of chaos the US PGA Tour report on Daly also laid bare the extent to which Big John divides opinion by including many letters from fans of the game. “I’m disappointed the suspension is indefinite,” wrote one supporter in relation to the 1993 ban. “Please reconsider and get John Daly back so many of us can get enthused about the PGA (Tour).” However another wrote: “How long does it take for this young man to grow up and remember that thousands of young junior golfers are out there watching him make an ***** of himself?” June 2006 – Daly reveals in his autobiography that he lost $50-$60 million dollars in 15 years due to his gambling problem.
June 2007 –John gets into a fight with Sherrie in a Memphis restaurant during the week of the Stanford St Jude Championship. He shows up for the second round of the tournament with cuts on his face claiming his wife had attacked him with a steak knife.
March 2008 – During a two hour rain delay at the PODS Championship Daly disappears into a Hooters hospitality tent and returns to the course with a new caddie – John Gruden, Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The following week John misses his tee time for the pro-am at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and is disqualified. Butch Harmon, Daly’s swing coach, quits claiming, “the most important thing in Daly’s life is getting drunk.” June 2008 – During a pro-am at the Buick Open Daly hits a tee shot from a beer can offered to him by rock star Kid Rock. He rips the drive down the fairway, as the can bursts, sending beer spraying everywhere.
After a reprimand from the US PGA Tour he says, “I never dreamed I’d get called on it.”
October 2008 – Daly is arrested after being found drunk outside a Hooters restaurant. He reportedly refuses to be taken to hospital and spends the night in police custody. He’s banned from the US PGA Tour for six months. The following month he is allegedly spotted in a Hooters Hotel and Casino selling his own autographed merchandise.
December 2008 – John smashes a spectator’s
instead to park his famous 45-foot motorhome across the street from Augusta National and proceeds to hawk CDs, T-shirts, towels etc to passing spectators.
July 2010 – Daly’s girlfriend, former Hooters promotional director Anna Cladakis is rapped for selling the big man’s signed merchandise at The Barclays Scottish Open. The following week he lines up for The Open Champions photo-shoot at St Andrews alongside a host of conservatively dressed legends, wearing a fluorescent floral patterned jacket.
camera against a tree after claiming that the fan was so close to him while he was playing his shot his (Daly’s) eyes were “still burning from the camera flash. “
September 2011 – Daly walks off during the
May 2009 – Hooters drop their sponsorship of Daly
November 2011 – Daly storms off the course during the opening round of the Emirates Australian Open after hitting a series of balls into the water off the 11th tee. Tournament Director Trevor Herden states, “We have to protect the sport and the image of this championship. We have the best field ever, and he wants to treat it like this. It’s not good enough. I would say this is the last time we will see John Daly.”
(funny that!).
April 2010 – Daly releases a rock album called, “I Only Know One Way” on Longball Records. For those who can’t wait for the official release date there is an early opportunity to get their hands on a copy. Having not been invited to play in The Masters, Big John decides
second round of the Austrian Open after a dispute with officials over a ball drop which led to a two shot penalty.
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Pete Cowen exClusive
lee’s set for masters hit Worldwide Golf continues its fascinating series of interviews by Mike Gallemore with the inimitable coach Pete Cowen of The Academy at Emirates Golf Club in Association with Pete Cowen.
I
WAS hoping for a Magnificent Seven but although my boys didn’t fill the top seven places in the Dubai World Championship we’ve still got a lot of good things to look back on. In the past two years the players I coach have won 29 Tour titles and three Majors. That’s not a bad record by anyone’s standards. We also had the World No.1 in Lee Westwood. With the players I’ve got now they’re all capable of winning Majors and they’re not frightened of anybody. With the massive confidence they’ve gained over recent seasons there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be winning tournaments this year and enjoying their success for a good few more seasons to come.
Lee’s form going into the Dubai World Championship was impeccable but he’d been working on a new fitness regime with his trainer, Steve McGregor, and he wasn’t quite right, physically, in Dubai. But he soon got it together the following week when he won the Thailand Golf Championship with another sublime performance. He goes into the 2012 season fitter than he’s ever been and in the best form of his life. I think Gary has got it right in saying Lee will win a Major this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if his first Major isn’t the 2012 Masters. I’d also like to see one of our guys win this year’s US PGA Championship. It’s a Major very few European Tour players do well in and it was
Tough for Simon Dyson It was tough for Simon Dyson to have to play on his own in the second round of the Dubai World Championship, having shot a 5-over 77 in the opening round. But it was good to see he had the strength of character to end his round with a smile on his face. He’s got a lot to smile about. He had a great 2011, finishing 10th on The Race to Dubai and 28th on the World Ranking. All our guys have got plenty to smile about. I thought Lee would be a serious contender in Dubai, particularly after the flawless golf he produced at Sun City to win the Nedbank. It was good that Gary Player was there to present the trophy to Lee. Gary’s a great admirer of Lee as a person and as a player – and I’ve always had a great relationship with Gary. I was a playing partner in the Brazilian Open with Gary when I was a 19 year old European Tour player. Way back then Gary was in his prime and it was an event he won twice, in 1972 and 1974. I continually outdrove him by 30 or 40 yards so when we’d finished, he bought my driver off me.
Lee’s form going into the Dubai WorLD Championship Was impeCCabLe but he’D been Working on a neW fitness regime With his trainer, steve mCgregor, anD he Wasn’t quite right, physiCaLLy, in Dubai. but he soon got it together the foLLoWing Week When he Won the thaiLanD goLf Championship With another subLime performanCe.
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a breakthrough when Martin Kaymer won the Championship in 2010. As far as the new campaign goes it’s going to be a tough act to follow the success we’ve had in the past two years but I can see another fine season ahead for our guys – Lee, Simon, Darren Clarke Alexander Noren, Thomas Bjorn, Graeme McDowell and Louis Oosthuizen. I’d like to have half the team in The Ryder Cup at Medinah in the States later this year. We came close to achieving that feat in 2006 when we had
five Members of the victorious Team at the K Club in Ireland. I’m keeping to the same seven guys this year but that has never stopped me in from helping other players on a short-time, one-off basis when asked. I’ll always help players if I can. I’d like to congratulate Luke Donald on achieving something that has never been done before. Doing the double is a huge feat, not just for his performances on the golf course but for his commitment to play all around the world. Travelling
ON THE RANGE: Pete and Lee working hard on the range in Shanghai during the HSBC Champions last year.
so much takes it out of you mentally and physically and when you consider the number of air miles Luke clocked up in 2011 it makes his achievement even more remarkable. I’d also like to congratulate Darren for coming runner-up in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. After his performance at Royal St Georges it was the least he deserved. I have to say though, I was slightly surprised that Luke didn’t even make the top three after his phenomenal achievements. Thomas Björn is another of our guys who enjoyed the best season of their career in 2011. He’s been suffering with a bulging disc but I had to put up with that for 10 years in my playing days and it’s something you have to learn to live with. Thomas just has to do some physical work to build up the muscles that will help ease the problem. I’m pleased with the outcome of all the work I’ve been doing with Padraig Harrington. I’ll bet he’ll be in the World’s top 35 before too long. He’s happy at last with what he’s been doing. He doesn’t need to spend
so much time on his long game now. It’s interesting that he’s been trying for the past five years to find a proper sequence to his swing in the right places, the right timing with his hips, legs, shoulders. Not been satisfied During that time he wasn’t satisfied with things. Yet in the last three months of working on his sequencing he’s finally got it right. He can now get back to working on his short game – which is what wins tournaments. It’s a funny thing about golf. Club golfers like to tell their mates that they’ve hit the ball 270-280 yards. The distance they can smash the ball is all that matters to them. You don’t hear them talking about a fantastic chip shot or a difficult putt they holed. I know it’s all about enjoyment for the average amateur but when it comes to winning tournaments it’s different. It was great news that the Dubai World Championship will remain at Jumeirah Golf Estates for at least another three years and good that
the prizemoney has been increased to $8million but it’s not a major factor as far as the players are concerned. If The European Tour reduced their overall prizemoney by half, it wouldn’t bother the players. I spend most of my life in the company of Tour players and I’ve never heard one of them complain or even mention prizemoney. They play competitive golf to win. It’s in their nature to want to win. Of course, it’s a concern for the players at the lower end of The Race to Dubai because many of them are playing to keep their Tour cards. But the leading players appreciate that we’re still in a world recession and they’d be willing to accept lower levels of prizemoney to help the cause. I can see another great season for us and for The European Tour. We’ve got so many worldclass players on the top of their form and I’ll bet we’ll have even more players in the top 20 on the World Ranking when the 2012 DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, comes round. www.wwgolf.biz
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DOMINIC
FOOS
Golf's latest
Wunder'kid'!
WoRLDWiDE GoLF CATCHES uP WiTH THE LATEST EuRoPEAn TEEn SEnSATion To SEE WHAT ALL THE FooS iS ABouT
Dominic Foos, aged 14, raised more than a few eyebrows with the quality of his golf during the week of the Dubai World Championship. The German wonderboy put in an impressive performance in the Pro-Am on the Earth course and has shot a round of 10-under off the back tees on the Fire course. He was a scratch golfer at 12 and his current handicap is +1.3. He drives the ball on average 285 yards with a 265-yard carry. His best round recorded in a tournament was a 65 at Gullane Golf Course in Scotland. He is currently ranked 292 on the European Amateur Golf Rankings. Dominic has been working with Luke Cantello and Justin Parsons at the Butch Harmon Academy at the Els Club and with Wayne Johnson at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Here he explains his hopes for the future: Q: You're aiming at turning pro at a young age but what are your amateur goals before then? A: My goal is to win tournaments and work hard on my game, especially the short game, to be ready for the Tour. Before turning pro I am aiming to be the No.1 amateur in the world and would like to play some professional tournaments to gather experience. Q: Which trophy or result would you cherish the most and why? A: Wining the British Amateur and the US Amateur – the biggest Amateur trophies in the world. Q: I know Martin Kaymer is your favourite but what advice has he given you so far and do you stay in touch with any other professionals? A: He was telling me to practice my short game intensively and shots under 100 yards. I'm in touch with professionals like Rory McIlroy and Matteo Manassero and it's always great to get their advice. Rory’s advice was very simple – “win as much as you can.” Q: What’s next on your playing agenda and which events are you hoping to play in the next two years? A: The next tournaments I'm playing are in the USA. These are the Harder World Junior (under 18) and Florida International Junior (under 18). Within the next two years I would definitely like to play among others St. Andrews Links Trophy, Lytham Trophy, the Brabazon as well as British Am and US Am. Many other tournaments in Spain and Europe as well. Q: How would you look to become a professional? A: I would like to go directly to The European Tour School. But playing a couple of tournaments in Asia would also be a good experience. Q: You already hit the ball a good distance – how have you managed to do that?
A: Having a good technique and working on the fitness is making this possible. Also a good wellfitted driver is helping a lot. The flexibility is also very important to hit the ball long.
Q: Which Major would you like to win first and why? A: The British Open. It’s the most traditional Major and I love playing on links courses.
Q: What age were you when you first broke par and beat your father? Which did you enjoy the most? A: From the back tees I was 11 years old and at age of 12 I beat my father (7 handicapper). Beating my father was a good thing in many ways because we had a bet that I’d beat him at the age of 12 – and I did.
Q: Which rule in golf would you like to change and why? A: To be able to remove a spike mark. It's unfair for a player having a spike mark, caused by another player, on his putting line.
Q: When you're in the winter in the UAE you are working a lot on your game. With whom and in which areas of your game do you work? A: The winter time is very good for me to work on my game. I like to practice at the Butch Harmon School at the Els Club where I'm working on my swing with Luke Cantello and Justin Parsons. Fitness work I am doing with Mike Lee. I'm also practicing a lot at Jumeirah Golf Club where I'm working with Wayne Johnson who is teaching me many things on the course – for example, different types of shots and course management. Q: Balancing school work and practice must fill every hour in the day but do you have any other interests that help you relax away from school and the course? A: I have a very tight schedule but I like to go to the cinema, listen to music and enjoy time with my family. Q: What things make you laugh? A: My dad is always very funny and I laugh a lot when I’m with him. Q: What was the last film you watched? A: The Double with Richard Gere.
Q: How intensive is your practicing when you are in Germany and which aspects are you focusing on? A: On average I practice about 25 hours a week. As a member of our club team I regularly team training. Over the last four years I work once a week with our team coach, Ted Long, and also have fitness training with Christian Marysko. The other training I still have intensively with my father, since he has known my swing and my game since I started playing at the age of three. I work with my father on all aspects including course management, my short game as well as my mental game. My father joins me during my tournaments and plans my weekly training schedule on putting, short game and fitness. Now I am a member of the German junior national team I am happy to work also with the national coach Ulrich Eckhardt.
Q: It seems that you're working with many coaches? Does this not get you confused? A: All of the information from the coaches is running through my father, who filters it and feeds me with the best information for me. He is really my head coach. He keeps in touch with the other coaches and makes sure that everything runs smoothly. I can focus on my golf game and I feel comfortable with that, so there is no reason for any confusion.
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DOMINIC FOOS
SWING
Dominic Foos is a young talent that has an unbelievable worth ethic. I've seen countless talented kids over the years and it's hard to predict how things will turn out. He's got a tremendous swing for a junior but the issues he has are strength related. At just 14, he's got an awful lot more growing left and the strength will follow. But, it will be interesting to see if the faults created by lack of physical strength will disappear as his body matures. He's definitely one to watch for the future and I know many management companies have an eye on him. Whether he's the next Rory, time will tell, but he's certainly had a good start.
F R A M E B Y F R A M E A N A LY S I S O F S O M E O F T H E B E S T S W I N G S I N P R O F E S S I O N A L G O L F
Set up: Dominic has a nice posture but his arms are a little stretched, which in turn rounds off the shoulders. This is something I'd look to correct as it will cause problems later in the swing.
A follow on from the initial over turn in the swing, Dominic is starting to throw the club at this point.
Take away: Good line here moving away from the ball.
Dominic has over turned his shoulders which will lead to an overswing as he's not loaded the swing properly.
Thisturned is a strong position before have Having recently 14, the lack offor Tiger. All the movements As you would expect with a young golfer allowed him his to make sure the right arm doesn't get trapped. physical strength means right leg kicks he is slightly unstable at impact. out early in the swing. As he gains strength this will not be an issue as he will be able to stay down longer.
By Pete Cowen PGA MASteR PRoFeSSIonAL the ACAdeMy At eMIRAteS GoLF CLUB in Association with Pete Cowen
The over turn in the previous frame means he's gone too deep at this point.
In this frame Dominic's shoulders aren't quite in control. This again will be something he can amend as he gains more strength.
This is a critial part of the swing and I'd like to see his hands nearer the centre of his chest.
Here Dominic's hands are too far from his shoulders as things are starting to get a little disconnected.
Dominic has reasonable balance in the finish position and all-in-all he's got a great little swing. It will be interesting to see how his swing develops as he matures and gains the strength to rectify the issues I've highlighted in this sequence.
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TUTORIAL
By Nicole Tilley PGA ProfessioNAl sAADiyAT BeAcH Golf clUB ABU DHABi
Club selection is key to tackling fairway bunkeRS Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is known for its magnificent sea views and its vast fairway bunkers. As part of the professional team, I often hear: “Man the course was great, but those fairway bunkers got the best of me” or another favorite “get rid of all of those bunkers” when we ask golfers about their round. Knowing what to do when we unavoidably end up in a fairway bunker can save strokes, reduce unnecessary stress from our round and can even be fun. Fairway Bunkers with gentle slopes Fairway bunkers do not have to be so intimidating, however selecting the right club for the desired outcome is extremely important. The number one mistake I see with casual golfers in fairway bunkers is the mindset that because we are in the sand, we must need a sand wedge. Not true with fairway bunkers. Provided you have a lie similar to one you would find in the fairway and the edge of the bunker is not too steep as shown in the main image. Take the club you would normally use from the fairway, and add one more. So, if we would normally hit a 7-iron from that distance, we would use a 6-iron (as shown here), provided the trajectory of the ball will still get us over the edge of the bunker. Once we are confident in our club selection we swing the same as we would from the fairway keeping our stance, aim and ball position the same as we would if we were standing in the fairway instead of the sand.
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TUTORIAL We do not have to write off the hole the instant we land in a fairway bunker. Pick the correct club to put you in the best position for the next shot and enjoy scoring well from a position you might have once dreaded on the golf course.
Fairway Bunkers with steep slopes Hitting one club longer than we normally would from the fairway may not always be an option out of the fairway bunkers. Sometimes we encounter shots where we have a steep slope in front of us (as pictured) or an undesirable lie. In these instances it is better to select the club that will put us in the best position for the next shot and move on. That may mean using a pitching wedge, or even sand wedge, to get enough height on the ball to hit out of the bunker and get us back to the fairway. We will still take the same swing as we would if we were in the fairway. A common mistake amongst casual golfers is they only look at the distance they are away from the hole without considering how steep the slope of the bunker is in front of them. Choosing the wrong club or one with not enough loft can not only lead to not being in the fairway or green for our next shot, but a worse lie than the one we previously hit from. The most important thing with course management is to ensure you are putting yourself in the best position to hit the next shot. That starts with club selection and having realistic, yet confident, expectations for the golf shot we are about to play. It may not always mean getting the maximum distance out of each swing, but simply putting yourself back on the fairway with a shot at the green.
Nicole Tilley teaches a Ladies Clinic on Sunday evenings at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on Sunday evenings as well as other group and individual lessons.
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TUTORIAL
The perfecT pracTice series parT 5
So far in our perfect practice series we have mainly focused on what we do in preparation to hitting our shots. As we start to look at the golf swing itself I am going to start focusing on what we practice to make a better backswing. takeaway ] It is always important to remember that the takeaway should be a relaxed movement, and also that the initial moves we make set the rhythm for the whole swing. There are of course some more detailed moves that we have to focus on, to move the club head into the correct position. This will lead us to hitting the best shots we possibly can as consistently as possible. I see lots of golfers who are very tense or stiff and lack control from the word go, try to relax the grip pressure and the arms, as we start to move the club away. We must feel as though the swing is led by the clubhead, as we turn in unison with the shoulders and chest and push the clubhead away.
width & wrist hinge
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Width of our backswing is one of the keys in enabling us to maximize our distance and power. One of golfs oldest clichés is “the left arm should be straight on the back swing” this generally leads to a very tense and restricted movement with our arms. The arm should be relatively straight with no sign of discomfort. This will help us create good width, but should also be coupled with good wrist hinge, thus creating leverage and better delivery back to the ball on the downswing. I like to see my pupils get to a position where the left arm is parallel to the ground, and the wrists have set the club perpendicular to the ground, while staying connected to a good turn from the body. Imagination is a great way of learning, If you look at the picture to the right you should try to imagine a box shape between the arms, shaft and chest.
shoulder turn Now that we have set the club it is important to complete the back swing. I like to see compact moves that are shorter and wider, rather than longer and loose (especially when the left elbow collapses to the top of the backswing). To do this we have to concentrate on the connection between hip and shoulder turn, as we look at some of the longest hitters on tour now there flexible enough to allow the shoulders to turn approx 90 degrees. To allow this to happen there must be some rotation in the lower body. If you look at the inset picture below you will see lack of rotation in the hips restricts the rotation in the shoulder. In main picture below you will see a better shoulder turn because the lower half of the body allows this to happen.
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. Take grip of the club half way down the shaft. As you turn the body and extend the arms, keep turning until left arm is parallel to the ground. Note how my arm is straight; it is not locked or tight. You will notice that I have some wrists hinge already, but I want to position the shaft perpendicular to the ground. This will create a 90 degree angle between the left arm and shaft of the club. From this position I maintain the angles set between arms and wrists, and simply continue to turn my body and shoulders to complete my backswing. I like to feel that the spine between my shoulder blades has turned to face the target.
1
A great drill for this can be done at home when you don’t have the time to get to the range and hit some balls. Get in front of the mirror and adopt your natural set up position. Lay a club across your shoulders with your arms crossed to hold it in position. Imagine your eyes are focused on the ball in front of you and use the hips and shoulders to turn together, the hips should rotate around 45 degrees to allow the shoulders to rotate a maximum 90 degrees.
Summary It is important to remember that we never hit a golf shot on the back swing, I believe we should be focusing on positioning the club, creating width and resistance through good arms and rotation, when we get to a good solid position it’s time to release that resistance on the downswing and smash it!! Good luck.
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GOLf fITNESS
fiT for GoLf: SerieS 3: The More MuSCLe fiBreS we uSe The More CaLorieS we BurN, uLTiMaTeLy ThiS LeaDS To a BeTTer reSuLT ....
waNT To GeT fiT for GoLf for 2012? TheN Try ThiS 30 MiNuTe CirCuiT CarDio TraiNiNG ProGraMMe To iMProve your overaLL fiTNeSS!
In this fit for golf series I have devised a cardio fitness programme to improve your overall fitness levels for golf. The combination of using 3 different cardio machines, the VIPR and BOSU equipment will give you the overall fitness needed to kick start your new year. No matter what fitness level you are at, the training programme is devised to keep you on track and maintain an “honest” 30 minute cardio training work out. – Nathan Brown TraINEr’S STraTEGy: The reason why I have selected the combination of the 3 cardio machines the BOSU trainer & VIPR is to reach an optimum cardio output for all fitness levels. This is a training circuit which requires you complete the full cycle 5 times – Nathan.Brown, Group GX Training Manager for Fitness First Middle East and also a golfer with a 7.3 handicap.
GEar: The equipment needed to complete the full circuit programme is the rowing machine, the cross trainer or iliptical trainer, and treadmill. we combine this with the Bosu trainer and Vipr.
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This a pure circuit cardio training progra mme. To achieve the best in result complete each station fullye, this order: 1st Rowing machin l, 2nd Cross trainer, 3rd Treadmil 4th BOSU trainer, 5th VIPR. Repeat the cycle until you have completed 5 sets in total. Breakdown of rowing machine:
PROGRESS AND STAGE 1 PROGRESS AND STAGE 1 Place both feet in and strap firmly into the rowing machine. Set the resistance at number 10 before rowing – or alternatively at number 8 if this is your first time. Remember, for best results this is optimum cardio training. There is no need to programme any of the computerised terrain – just row. Once you begin rowing, the display screen will automatically come on. Follow the rowing metres and complete 500 metres in total. Set yourself an achievable target. Here are the time frames you should be trying to achieve – Beginners: Rowing 500 metres in less than 3 minutes. Advanced: Rowing 500 meters in 1 min & 50 secs. Initially, you will complete 5 sets and rotate all stations.
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LeaN MeaN, CarDio MaChiNe Break downof Breakdown ofcross crossTrainer Trainermachine machine:
PROGRESS AND STAGE 2 Like the rowing machine I have specifically chosen the cross trainer to increase your cardio fitness levels. They are both widely used for the purpose of being functional, which again means we work and increase our ability to use more muscle fibres. The more muscle fibres we use, the more calories we burn, the better the results! Like the rowing machine there is no need to programme a specific training regime. Once you start moving your upper and lower body, the cross trainer will automatically show the highlighted screen. On the screen, push manual and simply complete 2 minutes with a speed output of no less than 130 rpms. Advanced work to maintain 160 rpms and above.
Breakdown of Treadmill machine
PROGRESS AND STAGE 3
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On this occasion we use the treadmill to build strength and increase your cardio stamina. Before using the treadmill take “NOTE� - either switch off the treadmill, or avoid touching the programme screen. The key to this circuit combination is the special feature of running on the treadmill by using the running belt to increase your cardio fitness. Without a doubt, it is probably the toughest of the 3 cardio machines but the results are amazing. Clock yourself, and time for 1 minute. Run as fast as you can by using your entire body to push the belt without stopping.
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Breakdown of BosU Trainer elevaTed jUmp sqUaTs
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PROGRESS AND STAGE 4 By using the BOSU trainer and adding a plyometric jump squat gives you another functional training exercise to increase your cardio-vascular fitness levels. Remember, for you to achieve maximum results, sink low in the squat jump, and then lift or propel with as much energy as you can from side to side. Your legs may feel a little “jelly like” coming straight off the treadmill run, but this is purely a body weight exercise and requires more speed rather than power like the treadmill. Execute 1 min intervals without stopping. For beginners, take out the plyometric jump and avoid using the weighted medicine balls.
Breakdown of vipr “crocodile crawls”
PROGRESS AND STAGE 5 Our final station requires raw power and brute strength but also a lot of heart! This is an advanced exercise but it can be executed by the following options I have indicated. Prior to the 4 cardio stations just completed which are all in an upright position, we change the dynamic by moving into a prone or plank position. The most important position here is the body must stay central over the VIPR as you execute the throwing and crocodile crawl you are having to balance and maintain core strength throughout the movement. Set your body position and hover over the VIPR, simulating the movement of a crocodile, you then alternate using the left and right arms and coordinate the legs to shift the VIPR up and down the studio. Complete 1 min intervals without stopping. For beginners, your alternative is on the knees and use a less weighted VIPR.
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O be able to build the new 911, Porsche would need to find the right answers. What is it that defines one of world’s most aspiring automotive brands? The engineering credentials as suggested by the ‘Dr. Ing.’ in the company name along with more than 28,000 racing victories say it all. However, this reputation means nothing unless they continue to breathe new life into old ideas. For Porsche, heritage and future are inseparably linked. Of course, they could simply have made a capable sportscar, but this wouldn’t have been a Porsche, and certainly not a 911. Their identity has always been the 911. This is especially true, even in the 21st century. Instantly recognisable and originally engineered for the racetrack, it continues to stir the emotions today, just as it did in 1963.Over the decades the legendary 911 has undergone a number of radical
ENGINE
changes yet somehow managed to retain it’s identity. The latest 911 might look the same as its predecessor but 90% of the components of the latest 911 are either new or have been fundamentally revised. This is Porsche’s approach to the preservation of tradition. It is precisely how they respond to the passion for the sportscar and do justice to the 911 legend, and always with tomorrow in mind. Porsche have achieved this with a brand new design and a longer wheelbase, with refined engines that consume less fuel but deliver more power, with efficiency-enhancing technologies such as auto start/stop, thermal management and electrical system recuperation, with an intelligent lightweight body that uses a composite blend of aluminium and steel and a new hood concept on the Cabriolet models, with a suspension derived from motorsport, and with a progressive interior designed for sporty comfort.
Layout / number of cylinders Displacement Engine layout/Drive Power Max. torque (Nm) at rpm
Manual 6 3,436 cm³ Rear-wheel drive 257 kW (350 hp) 390 Nm at 5,600
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) 6 3,436 cm³ Rear-wheel drive 257 kW (350 hp) 390 Nm at 5,600
Urban in l/100 km (mpg) Extra urban in l/100 km (mpg) Combined in l/100 km (mpg) CO2 emissions in g/km
Manual 12.8 6.8 9.0 212
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) 11.2 6.5 8.2 194
Top Speed Acceleration from 0 - 100 km/h (0 - 62 mph) Acceleration from 0 - 160 km/h (0 - 99 mph) Elasticity 80 - 120 km/h (50 - 75 mph)
Manual 289 km/h (180 mph) 4.8 secs 10,4 secs 6.4 secs in 5th gear
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) 287 km/h (178 mph) 4.6 secs (4.4 secs Sport +) 10.0 secs (9,7 secs Sport+)
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driving range the legendary porsche 911
Interior design
Power, pace and grace The new 911 Carrera generates powerful forces, which are transmitted precisely and directly to the wheels by the new 7-speed manual gearbox. As with the optional PDK, gears 1 to 6 have a sports ratio, while 7th gear has a long ratio for reduced fuel consumption. The SPORT button, which is fitted as standard, makes it possible to select an even more responsive engine and transmission setup. In terms of form and function, the new single tailpipes are especially imposing and emit a sound which is typically Porsche. The 19-inch Carrera wheels are fitted as standard and improve driving stability and performance. Sports car technology as standard, in the form of black four-piston monobloc aluminium fixed calipers, Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and Bi-Xenon headlights, shows that sportiness and safety are not mutually exclusive.
THe extended wheelbase now offers 25 mm more leg room in the front than in previous 911 models. Sportiness in harmony with comfort is the theme which is reflected in the clever ergonomics that characterise the entire interior design. The materials used, the layout of the controls and their operating logic belong to a new generation of sportscar. Another new design for the new 911 is the elevated centre console. Its intelligent operating concept follows a clear principle of direct simplicity. A classic 911 feature is the arrangement of the five circular instruments with the rev counter in the middle. A new addition is the instrument cluster featuring a high-resolution 4.6-inch full VGA TFT colour display for viewing on-board computer, audio system or navigation information. Fitted as standard, the Sports seats combine even greater comfort with racing-style support and now feature 4-way electric adjustment. The new automatic climate control with zonal temperature controls for driver and front passenger also comes as standard. Also new is the optional light design package for the footwells, storage compartments, rear compartment and overhead console. As ever, Porsche offer an extensive selection of interior colours and materials, such as carbon, leather, wood or aluminium.
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Our members know exactly why we are the finest golfing attraction in the Middle East.
Surprisingly, it’s not only about the best golf course in the region...
It’s about excellent service above all. Join us now and be part of this amazing club where membership means more than just exclusive access to top flight facilities. It’s about belonging to a family where members are treated to a second home. Whether it’s golf, a lesson, the views or just lunch, every member of our highly qualified staff will ensure your visit is a memorable one. Contact reservations@yaslinks.com Or call 02 810 7777
2011 – 2012 INVITATIONAL SCRATCH LEAGUE – UP AND RUNNING! THE 12 team UAE Invitational Scratch League got under way last month with victories in League D for both Yas Links, Abu Dhabi and last year’s league losing finalists Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. However, Dubai Creek lost to Yas Links on Match Day 2, the latter now look one of the favourites to advance as League D champions. Twelve teams will compete in this season’s league with 3 teams each divided into 4 leagues who will all play 4 matches – 2 at home and 2 away. The format is 8 players a side with fourball scratch matchplay played over 18 holes from the competition tees. Winning teams receive a win bonus of 2 points plus points according to the number of individual games won, the losing teams just receive the points according to the number of games won and a drawn match results in each team receiving 3 league points.
Here is the full fixture list for the 2011 – 2012 season: League A
14th Jan – The Els Club v Al Ain Shooting, Equ & G.C. 3rd Feb – The Els Club v Emirates Golf Club. 25th Feb –Al Ain Shooting, Equ & G.C. v The Els Club. 2nd Mar – Emirates Golf Club v Al Ain Shooting, Equ & G.C. 9th Mar – Emirates Golf Club v The Els Club. 17th Mar – Al Ain Shooting, Equ & G.C. v Emirates Golf Club.
League B
14th Jan– Tower Links / Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah v Sharjah Wandrers / Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club. 21st Jan– Arabian Ranches Golf Club v Tower Links / Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah. 23rd Jan - Sharjah Wanderers / Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club v Arabian Ranches Golf Club. 18th Feb – Arabian Ranches Golf Club v Sharjah Wanderers / Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club. 25th Feb - Tower Links / Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah v Arabian Ranches Golf Club. 3rd Mar - Sharjah Wanderers / Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club v Tower Links / Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah.
League C
13th Jan – Al Ghazal, Abu Dhabi v Address Montgomerie, Dubai. 20th Jan- Address Montgomerie, Dubai v Al Ghazal, Abu Dhabi. 21st Jan– Al Badia, Dubai v Al Ghazal, Abu Dhabi. 27th Jan – Al Badia, Dubai v Address Montgomerie, Dubai. 11th Feb – Al Ghazal, Abu Dhabi v Al Badia, Dubai.
LOCALNEWS
A R A B I A N
UAE team strike Gold at the Arab Games THE UAE players needed to produce something special to clinch the Arab Games golf championship, and spearheaded by Ahmed Al Musharrekh, they delivered just that, winning gold medals in both the team and individual championships for the first time in the history of the Games. Lying fourth overnight, two shots off the pace, the UAE team carded a combined team score of 223 to take their four-round tally to 914 which was good enough to land them the team championship by four strokes from Egypt with Bahrain third. Unruffled by the two-shot deficit, the UAE team played with a mature performance. Ahmed led the challenge in the company of Faris Al Mazroui (75) and Khalid Yousuf (77) as UAE saw off the challenge of Bahrain and Egypt. Ahmed, who contributed a closing 71 to the team score, iced the cake, winning the gold medal in the individual championship as well when he defeated Hamad Mubarak in a sudden-death play-off. Starting the day at 11-over-par, five shots behind leader Hamad Mubarak, Ahmed staged a tremendous rally to end the round level
alongside the Bahraini star. In the ensuring play-off, Ahmed continued his fine play with a solid par on the lengthy 18th hole while Mubarak struggled after finding water and eventually wound up with a double bogey. “The boys were just great. They showed great strength of character in getting the job done in such superb fashion,” said a jubilant Chris Vallender, the National Coach of the Team. “Two gold medals in one event certainly augurs well for the game in the country. This performance will certainly add to their confidence.” Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, said: “The boys have done the country proud. Hard work and intense training has paid off. Their performance will certainly inspire and motivate all the young Emiratis who are enrolled in the National Junior Programme. “This is the first time we have won not one, but two gold medals in the Arab Games. We are absolutely delighted with the way they handled the pressure. Every member of the team deserved to be applauded, especially Ahmed who remained consistent during the event.”
3rd Mar – Address Montgomerie, Dubai v Al Badia, Dubai.
League D
26th Nov– Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club v Yas Links, Abu Dhabi – Result 3 – 1. 9th Dec – Abu Dhabi Golf Club v Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club – Result Result 1 – 3. 14th Jan – Yas Links, Abu Dhabi v Abu Dhabi Golf Club. 20th Jan – Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club v Abu Dhabi Golf Club. 28th Jan – Yas Links, Abu Dhabi v Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. 11th Feb – Abu Dhabi Golf Club v Yas Links, Abu Dhabi.
The successful UAE Team arrives home after taking Team Gold in the Arab Games. www.wwgolf.biz
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emirates golf federation
ContaCt: Tel : +971 4 2952277 Fax : +971 4 2952288
www.emiratesgolffederation.com
AHMED AlBUDOOR AND TIll SCHWARTE TAKE THE NATIONAl DAy JUNIOR HONOURS AHMED Albudoor and Till Schwarte combined effectively to win the UAE National Day Junior Golf Championship held at the par-3 course of Yas Links Golf Club, Abu Dhabi. The talented duo carded a gross 30 to beat their nearest challengers, Abdulla Al Qubaisi and victor Prudomme, by five shots with the team of Hammad Al Qubaisi and Emilie Schwarte finishing third on 37. In all, 44 players competed for honours in the
championship held alongside the National Day tournament and each team consisted of two players, one UAE National and one expatriate golfer. The championship had a family feel to it with parents assisting and supporting all juniors, who competed with great enthusiasm and spirit befitting the occasion. The competition was part of the Emirates Golf Federation’s drive to give young Emiratis a feel for competitive golf. “We are planning
more such events for juniors this season to keep the momentum going,” said Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation. “I would like to thank all juniors and their parents for their support in making the championship a success. We are also grateful to the management and staff of yas links for the smooth running of the championship and look forward to their continued support.”
MOHAMMED STORMS TO FOUR -POINT STABlEFORD vICTORy
Winner Mohammed Al Musharrekh with Saeed Albudoor of the EGF.
MOHAMMED Al Musharrekh turned in a brilliant performance to win the UAE Nationals Monthly Medal at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club, venue of the recent MENA Tour Championship. Striking the ball sweetly, Al Musharrekh carded 44 points, including 24 on the front nine, to take the day’s honours, four points ahead of Ali Ahmed with Rashid Al Suwaidi third with 38 points. Abdulla Al Marzooqi and Humaid Al Mazroa also made it to the podium, winning their respective divisions. Al Marzooqi made 37 points in Division ‘A’ (0-14 handicap) while Al Mazroa emerged victorious in Division ‘B’ (15-28 handicap) with 35 points. The first of the five-event series, which concludes
in April next year, saw 25 Emirati golfers battle it out for points on the Order of Merit. The day certainly belonged to Al Musharrekh, whose three sons – Abdulla, Ahmed and Hassan – are part of the UAE National Team. Picking up points on every hole, Al Musharrekh strung together a solid round in the individual Stableford format with a full handicap allowance. Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, said: “We had a good turn out and the scores, too, were impressive. We can expect even better performances when the race for the Order of Merit picks up pace. I would like to thank players and the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club for their support in making the first event such a great success.”
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www.almoujgolf.com
O P E N F O R P L AY N O W
7th Hole. Par 5. 601 Yards. 23°36’41.00”N 58°18’08.58” E
Joel Neale WWGPLAYINGEDITOR
caddying was an eye opener With last month’s long awaited Race to Dubai coming to a close at the Dubai World Championship with a commendable finish by Alvaro Quiros, it is now the time of year for the stars of the Tour to kick back briefly with family and friends for the festive season before coming back out to the start the season all over again in South Africa and then Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Dubai. Those who have done well will want to keep the momentum going and those who haven’t will be working hard on their games to try and find a solution. Last month I caddied in the Dubai Ladies Masters for Rachel Jennings. Being a professional myself it was a great experience for me. It is just as much of a learning curve for us as it is for the average golfer in terms of developing our understanding of course management, the various on course pressures and how each individual manages themselves in different situations. It’s a tough business behind the scenes with long days, jumping from country to country – it definitely catches up with you!
Top: Omega Dubai Ladies Masters winner Levi Thompson. Inset: Rachel Jennings, who Joel caddied for in Dubai.
If you’re playing well, it’s the best job in the world when you’re picking up a cheque every week, but quite a different story if you’re not on song. It was on the 34th hole when Rachel said to me: “I’m 2-over for the tournament right?” She’d shot 1-under in round one and was three-over over through 16 on day two with an expected cut line of 2 or 3-over par. I replied, “Yes, let’s have a strong finish down these last two.” She nodded with confidence and birdied 17 before finishing with an unfortunate double bogey on the 18th and scraping in for the weekend. It’s at times like that you realise the pressures and calculations that can go on inside a player’s head during these tough tournaments, where the difference between missing and making the cut is simple – you go home with or without a cheque. Those last two events on the Ladies and Men’s European Tours – the Dubai World Championship and Dubai Ladies Masters – were a real inspiration to me ahead of my trip to Asian Q-school this month. It is always a tough time of the year to be getting on
with the practice with the festive season slap bang in the middle of it all; however the weather in the UAE right now is second to none so I’ve been able to spend a lot of time out there honing my game. The Q-School is taking place at the Imperial Lakeview & Springfield Royal Country Club in Hua Hin, Thailand. I’m really looking forward it – it’s my first attempt at gaining my card so I’m just going to go there and give it my best shot. Thankfully I won’t be travelling alone to Thailand as I will be accompanied by five of my old friends who I grew up with, learning the game here in the UAE – Calum Mills, Andy Andrews, Chris Davies, Sebastian Heisele and Ahmed Al Musharrekh. It’s fantastic to see us all come through the ranks together in the JDP (Junior Development Programme) within the last decade. It’s also been encouraging to hear the positive feedback Worldwide Golf has been receiving from the local scene with so many comments reaching me from my first column last month. n www.wwgolf.biz
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Daniel Hendry Club: Emirates Golf Club Handicap: 0 Age: 18
Daniel Hendry chats to Worldwide Golf Playing Editor Joel Neale about his love of golf in Dubai and what the future holds for the newly crowned Junior Champion.
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HOME ON THE
Range As you’ve grown up in the UAE, do you feel that has been an advantage to you in improving your golf with the weather and excellent facilities? Yes of course, being able to play and practice year round has been a great help to my development. There is probably nowhere else in the world where you can play all year round in reasonable comfort. The facilities at Emirates Golf Club have also helped enormously in improving my game. We have two ranges and two putting greens along with specialist chipping greens. Whatever you wish to work on you have everything you need to improve and become a better player.
At what age did you start playing golf? I started very early. I followed my dad to the driving range when I was 5 years old. I used to sit and watch my dad hit balls and ever since then I’ve been fascinated and obsessed with the game! What’s your favourite European Tour event in the Middle East and why? It has to be the Dubai Desert Classic. It’s played at my home course and there is always a great field. Being able to see the Tour players play your own course really helps with your own game as you can see how they manage themselves around the course and what kind of shots they hit. If you could play any course, where would you play? This is easy! Augusta National! The place looks absolutely stunning and it has so much history. Which tournament in the golfing calendar do you look forward to the most and why? Here in the Middle East it is the Sheikh Rashid Trophy. It’s our premier event and winning it this year was a great achievement. It has amateur world ranking points and the field is the strongest we get all year. It’s also such a tough test as it’s played over three different venues, which means tht to win it you have to be able to adapt quickly. Of all the tournaments,, though, my favourite event is the Scottish Boys stroke play championship. In the past
two years I have had to finish top five in order to make the Scotland national team and both times I have managed to play really well and finish fourth. The tournament is always played on fantastic courses and the field is world-class!
What would you say your strengths are? Definitely my ball striking. I have worked really hard with my coach Mark Gregson-Walters and my swing has improved a lot to the stage where I hit a lot of greens in regulation. What do you think you could improve on? You can always improve the short game. In the past my putting has perhaps let me down but I used to put a lot of pressure on it. By hitting more greens recently my putting has improved as I’ve had a lot more birdie chances. What aspirations do you have in golf? I want to go to America and play college golf for a division one team and then after four years turn pro and try my luck on the PGA Tour. It has always been my dream to be a Tour professional and I think I have what it takes. What plans do you have once you have finished your A-Levels? I will continue my studies at university in America. The college golf set-up they have over there is world-class and the courses you play, along with the high quality of the fields in the competitions, prepares you well for the jet-setting lifestyle of a golf professional. Describe a typical day for Dan Hendry It would start with attending school from 8.0am until 3:30pm, or sometimes 2 :30pm depending on the day. I will then make my way to the golf course and hit balls for two hours. I would move onto the putting green to work on my stroke and then I would finish my day by stretching and working on my strength in the gym. It can be difficult with school to practise but I manage my time well and so get the most out of my practice.
What is the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on a golf course? I had missed a green left on a par 5 when going for it in two when I saw a bird pick up my ball in its beak, fly over the green and drop it right next to the hole! It must have been the easiest eagle I have ever made! How old were you when you first broke par? I was 15 when I shot 70 on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club. What is you nemesis hole? I don’t like to think I have one, however, if there were one it would be 17th at the Creek. In the past I have managed to make anything from a three to a seven . Who Inspires you the most My father. To see someone who has worked so hard to get to where he is in life only gives me inspiration to work even harder and achieve my goals. If you didn’t play golf, what other sport would you play? I was senior basketball captain at my school, Dubai College. I love the quick turnaround nature of the sport and it’s very athletic! What was the last film you watched? Mission Impossible 4. It ‘s cool to see some of the scenes that were shot in Dubai! What was the last album you bought? Michael Buble Christmas album for my mum. She loves him! First poster to go on your bedroom wall? I was very much into football at a young age and so I believe it was aposter of Manchester United’s David Beckham. Are you more of an Xbox or Playstation lad? Definitely a Playstation lad! Always have been ever since the first one came out. www.wwgolf.biz
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LOCALGAme
I have worked hard on my posture and here you can see I am standing tall to the ball with a straight back and knees flexed. This puts me in a great position to make a great swing! It’s important to focus on the basics as the golf swing is a chain reaction.
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I am working on setting the club early here which puts loft on the clubface and puts the club in front of my body. Through this I can focus on turning my left shoulder and arm into my right side which allows effective weight transfer and keeps me on plane.
At halfway back, the club is in a great position! I’m working on stabilising my right shoulder so my right arm can fold and allow the club to set on plane whilst I turn. You can also see how I have turned into my right side, coiling my torso against the lower body.
DAnIel HenDrY TAkes A lOOk AT HIs swIng AnD pOInTs OuT THe keY AreAs wHIcH He HAs Been wOrkIng On wITH HIs lOcAl cOAcH MArk gregsOn-wAlTers
At the top of the swing the club is perfectly square which is something I have worked hard on. I did have a tendency to get very shut which led to excessive hand action. However, I have neutralised this which gives me more control. There is also a strong upper body turn against the lower body which helps generate the power.
Transition and downswing: By being square at the top I can freewheel through the downswing, creating lots of speed. The hips lead the shoulders which puts the club on plane and the club is squared through body rotation and not by a flick of the wrists. One thing I am working on is being more grounded throughout my downswing, as you can see, my right heel has lifted early during the transition and at impact.
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Tech access INTeRNaTIONaL PaIRs
International-Pairs-Uae
Presented by Cadillac
www.golffrontiers.com
Ronan makes International Pairs UAE History AFTER 20 Qualifiers since its inception, the International Pairs UAE saw its first junior winning their way through to the National Final as the talented 16-year old Ronan Hall played scintillating golf to book a place in the 2011-12 Final along with his father, Walter. The Yas Links Qualifier was played over the awardwinnning Kyle Phillips layout, which was presented in immaculate condition and Ronan, who plays off an impressive handicap of 5, was only 4-over par through 16, holes thanks to some steady play. Although he faltered slightly with the end in sight, his father’s experience and composure finish saw them home with a huge 44-points total. A score of 44 points would ordinarily ensure a comfortable win but David Barwell and Andrew Morris almost ruined the Halls’ day when they scored 24 points on the front nine and with 27 in the bag after the 10th, victory loomed large. Unfortunately, a slight blip on the 11th
Yas Links Qualifier winners, Walter and Ronan Hall, pictured with Director of Golf, Tom Rourke. rocked the boat and although they also finished with 44 points they lost out on the back nine countback.
Varri and Keegan emerge victorious in close contest at Emirates Golf Club BARELY 24 hours after Ronan Hall became the first junior to win an International Pairs UAE Qualifier when he won the Yas Links event, another 16-year old followed suit as Conor Keegan proved the perfect foil for the hugely experienced Trevor Varri as they edged a close victory at Emirates Golf Club. Perhaps taking inspiration from Ronan’s feats in Abu Dhabi, Conor, who also plays off a handicap of 5, played some top-quality golf as he and Varri compiled a better-ball score of 43 stableford points. The runners-up position had to be decided by countback as four teams came in with 42 points. Patrick Morrow and Adam Sweeney, who
Emirates Golf Club Qualifier winners, Conor Keegan and Trevor Varri, pictured with Captain, Mike Sim and Lady Captain, Caroline Jones finished third in last season’s Qualifier at Emirates Golf Club then went on to lose the Dubai Creek Qualifier by countback, came up just short again but did claim second thanks to their
last 6 holes, from the ever-steady pairing of Jayshree Gupta and Dalip Tripathi. Both pairs returned solid cards but just missed out on the main prize.
Pretorius and Thompson so solid at Els Club GERHARDT Pretorius and Mark Thompson squeezed into the 2011-12 International Pairs UAE National Final thanks to a solid round of 40 Stableford points at the Els Club. Perhaps taking inspiration from their compatriot, Ernie Els, who designed the course, Pretorius and Thompson scored two nines of 20 points for a one-point win over Faruk Roked and Abizer Mohamed. They had earlier set a clubhouse target of 39 points but Pretorious and Thompson dovetailed beautifully to win.
Els Club Qualifier winners, Gerhardt Pretorius and Mark Thompson are pictured with General Manager, Chris Brown.
GOLF SOCIETY LEAGUE
saIF-ZONe GOLF sOcIeTY LeaGUe
ContaCt: Tel : +971 6 548 7777 info@golfandshootingshj.com
www.golfandshootingshj.com
SNTTA SUPPORT SAIF ZONE GOLF SOCIETY LEAGUE SNTTA have signed up to become a support sponsor of the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club’s SAIF-Zone Golf Society League alongside longstanding sponsors BMW and Worldwide Golf. At the announcement, Zafar Imam, Managing Director of SNTTA said: “We are delighted to be supporting this unique tournament at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club. We have seen the event grow and go from strength to strength in the last two seasons and as a result it’s something we want to have our brand associated
with.” SGSC hosts the Golf Society League from October to May each season. The tournament consists of two league fixtures per month before the two qualifying teams from each of the four leagues go on to compete in the knock out stages. The final is played in April, alongside a third and fourth place play-off and Sponsors’ Day. Claire Badger, SGSC Golf Business Development & Sales Manager said: “We are equally delighted to have SNTTA join SAIF-Zone, BMW and Worldwide Golf as sponsors of this exciting event.”
Zafar Imam, Managing Director of SNTTA, SGC’s Claire Badger and Sai Rattan at the announcement.
NEW NAME BUT NO NEW LEADER IN SNTTA LEAGUE THE third round of fixtures in the SAIFZone Golf Society League supported by BMW, SNTTA and Worldwide Golf witnessed two whitewashes and one tie in both leagues for the second time. Last year’s runners up, Dubai ExPutts 1, remain top of the newly named
SNTTA League as they won both of their matches against FIGME. Sadly, at the other end of the table is the Dubai ExPutts 2, who are yet to score after losing both of their matches to MasSin 2. Emirates Pilots Club remain second in
the league after winning one match and losing another to KEGS 2. In the Worldwide Golf League it was good news for The ‘Ackerdemicals’ as they scored their first points with two wins against MasSin 1. Dubai Divots jump to top of the league after winning both
of their matches against DIGS. Dubal join Dubai Divots in the top spot having won one match and lost the other against Filipino Golfers Society. It really is all to play for in this league with two teams on 12 points, two on nine and two closely behind on six.
Sharjah Golfing Buddies edge ahead AN exciting week in the SAIF-Zone Golf Society League meant it was all change in the league tables. In the SAIF Zone league, the Lebanese Golf Society finally got off the blocks by winning both of their matches against the Sultans of Swing. They are still tied at the bottom with KEGS 1, who lost one match and tied one with S.L.A.G.S. The win for the S.L.A.G.S put them at the top of the table alongside Gulf Rock who had two superb 4&3 wins against Darjeeling. Sharjah Golfing Buddies increased their lead in the BMW league with two wins against Mott Macdonald A. Mott MacDonald B managed to gain some points with one win and one tie against Etihad and the Nepalese Golf Society also managed to score their first points with two wins against TOILers. Nepalese Captain Mukti Rai (17) and Dinesh Prakash (17) enjoyed the match of the week with a 9&7 win.
Golf Society Teams
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dubaigolf.com
emirates Golf Club www.dubaigolf.com
ContaCt: Tel : +971 4 380 2222
EmiratesGolfClub
nick evangelopoulos on fire in Clubhouse Trophy niCK evangelopoulos won the Clubhouse Trophy with a staggering 44 points as the 9-handicapper produced one of his best performances over the Majlis course, signing for a gross 73. His card included birdies on holes 2, 12, 13 and 16 with shots dropped on 1, 5, 9 and an unfortunate double bogey on the 11th. With the Majlis course in fantastic shape Hiromasa Tsuji matched evangelopoulos’ 44-point tally but was denied victory following a countback decider after evangelopoulos’ one under par inward half, while Rabih sfeila continued his good form with 41 points to claim third place. Tej Chabra won Division ‘A’ (hcp 0-14)
with 39 points followed by Andrew Robinson one point behind in second while Anil Adnani clinched Division ‘B’ (hcp 15-24) with 39 points with Aaroosh Kohli in second, two points further back. The Clubhouse Trophy also coincided with the emirates Airline invitational golden Ticket Qualifier, offering members a chance to play in the invitational proAm with a european Tour pro as their partner. Forty five of the starting field competed offering support for the Friends of Cancer patients UAe charity. Hiromasa Tsuji and Rabih sfeila will attend the grand Final on 25th January at yas links, with the winner qualiying to play in the emirates Airline invitational pro-Am on 30th January.
Clubhouse trophy inner Nick evangelopoulos with emirates Captain mike sim.
MAURA ClinCHes HeRiTAge TROpHy MAURA Duggan triumphed in the 36-hole Heritage Trophy Championship by the tightest of margins recently after she claimed a countback win over Viv Caley. After day one over the Faldo course Caley had a three point lead but Duggan clawed her way back to level, alongside Caley, with a second round 38 over the Majlis to force a tie on 72 points. Due to Duggan’s better performance in the final round she was crowned the winner. Hiromi Ohashi carded rounds of 35 and 37 for a 72 point total and outright third place. left to right: sandra broedelet, hiromi ohashi, Caroline Jones (lady Captain), maura Duggan, Viv Caley and barbara head.
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paula savage ends the year on a high pAUlA savage collected the honours in the December park Hyatt ladies strokeplay tournament with a gross 99 for a net 70 and a victory over yumiko inoue. “i played very nicely on the front nine,” said paula. “i’m proud of the way i handled myself under the pressure that the back nine brings. i’ve been working hard with my coach to iron out some old habits and they finally seem to be feeling more natural out on the course. i’ve had a nice finish to the 2011 season and it feels like Christmas has come early!” Craig Waddell, Golf Pro at Dubai Creek, presents Paula savage with her prize.
© PING 2011
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Pictured from left to right: Lady Captain Catherine Hut, Jacques Leretz, Adele McKelvey, Eddie Ramage, T.R. Vijayan and Club Captain Andy Scanlan.
eddie raMage taKeS the deceMBer Medal EDDIE Ramage returned a gross four over par 76 to win the December Rivoli Monthly Medal supported by Elysian Real Estate & Speed Cleaning. Ramage, one of the Club’s top performers, had a steady round and got the job done on a day tough for scoring with nines of 38 and 38. “I’m happy with my performance today – this is a special
event to win,” said Ramage. “My thanks go out to the sponsors for their support and congratulations to all the players who have qualified for the Men’s Singles Matchplay Championship.” The net round of the day belonged to Division ‘A’ Champion Jacques Leretz who shot a gross 80 for a net 69 while the Ladies Division was dominated by Adele
McKelvey who won the Gross prize with an 81. Louise Doyle took the ladies Net crown with a 1-under 71. “This was a very exciting event with all the Men battling for a place in the Singles Matchplay Championship,” said Club Captain Andy Scanlan. “I also want to thank Rivoli, Speed Cleaning and Elysian Real Estate for their generous support in one of the Club’s most prestigious events.”
McKelvey, SherMan, Ward and BurroW coMBine for victory
(from left:) Craig Mainey (Marble Renewal), Catherine Hut, Andy Burrow, Rebecca Ward, Rob Sherman, Adele McKelvey, Terry Vaughan (Speed Cleaning) and Andy Scanlan.
THE four-player team consisting of Adele McKelvey, Rob Sherman, Rebecca Ward and Andy Burrow returned a score of 62.6 to win the Marble Renewal & Speed Cleaning “Scramble” Team event last month. The format saw all four players tee off on the Par-4 and 5s – the best-positioned tee shot selected and all four players playing from there, with the format continued until the ball is holed out. The twist in the format came at the Par 3s where each player had to play his own ball from tee to green and the worst individual score counted towards the team card. Players used their index as the Tournament handicap with 10% of the four players’ combined handicaps used as the team allowance. The winning team combined brilliantly and managed their game well with great tee shots to set themselves up for a low scoring round. McKelvey & co. had an outward half of 35 and an inward half of 33 for a total of 68 with an allowance of 5.4 to win by one shot from runners-up Terry Vaughan, John Hainey, Andre Coetzee and Annie Hainey.
doyle and derricK teaM up to Win the infiniti golf day SIMON Doyle and Matthew Derrick were crowned the two-Player Strokeplay Scramble Champions in the INFINITI Golf Day recently after finishing ahead of the 44 team field. The pair are regular supporters of the Tournaments at ARGC and used a combined handicap allowance of 8.4 for this event. They made the most of their opportunities on a day when
everything seemed to go their way. They combined for four gross birdies to give them an outward half of 36 and an inward half of 33 for a gross 69 net 60.6. In the Ladies/Mixed Division Mark and Karen Evans continued their dominance and ran out victors with a brilliant net 63.6, which was a mere 0.2 ahead of second-placed Sheila Alban and Lady Captain Catherine Hut.
(Left to right:) Catherine Hut (Lady Captain) with Laidies/Mixed Division winners Mark and Karen Evans and Two-Player Strokeplay Scramble Champions Matthew Derrick and Simon Doyle. www.wwgolf.biz
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Rest of the World team wins The Presidents Cup Challenge A ‘Presidents Cup’-themed tournament took place recently at Al Badia and it was the team representing the Rest of the World who prevailed with a narrow one-point victory over the team featuring players from America and Europe. With both teams fielding 32 players it was crucial that each pair did what they could for the team as the format for the day was Pairs Betterball Matchplay. There were a few standout pairings with Sulafa and Adel Hamdan winning their match 7 and 5 for the Rest of the World and Steve Kelshaw and Mike Groves winning 8 and 7 for the America and Europe team. However, after the scores were totted up the Rest of the World team were left celebrating after securing 8½ points to America and Europe’s 7½.
The ‘Rest of the World’ team celebrate their success in The President’s Cup Challenge.
Steve Grey storms to victory
from left: golf Services Manager, Tim Neil, Tina Bogale and Academy Professional, Ed chapman.
AN impressive 43-point haul helped Steve Grey to win the recent Member’s Stableford competition thanks largely to a superb back nine of 25 points. In Division ‘A’ Paul Baston scored nines of 19 and 21 to win with 40 points, two points clear from Sonny Gouri, who like both Batson and Grey found scoring easier on the back nine with 22 of her 38 points coming on the inward stretch. Division ‘B’ saw Ning Li secure the honours with 41 points, one clear
Head Golf Professional Simon Grunwell congratulates Steve Grey on his victory. of George Fitchet. Fitchet was one of the few players who failed to take advantage of the easier back nine as he compiled 24 points of his total from the outward nine.
Tina Bogale prevails in Rivoli Monthly Medal LAST month’s Rivoli Medal was played in conjunction with the Emirates Airline Invitational with winners earning a place in the Golden Ticket Qualifier prior to the event which will host the cream of The European Tour. There was impressive scoring on the day and with the majority of the scratch team playing there was hot competition for the best gross prize and the eventual winner in the Net Category was Tina Bogale with a superb 65. In the Gross category Club
Champion Brett Armstrong sealed the deal with an impressive 3-under-par 69 thanks to five birdies and two bogeys. Armstrong also won the Nearest the Pin prize on hole 11 and he booked his place in the Grand Final later this month. The winner of Division A was Keith Nann with a net 67 from a gross 72, three clear of Nawaf Fawaz who finished with a 70 while in Division ‘B’ Katrin Wilke secured the honours with a 68, six shots ahead of Clive Stanley.
The Kims clinch a fun Festive Open THE Festive Open was played with an exciting twist to the format as a Texas Scramble was used from holes 1 – 6, Foursomes, from holes 7-12 and Betterball from holes 13-18. The winning pair were Alex Kim (left centre) and Byung Soo Kim (right) who carded a brilliant score of 58.5 – are pictured with Tim Neil (left) and Ed Chapman (right centre). www.wwgolf.biz
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Denise Fennell triumphs in Ladies Medal
Superb scoring in Race to Dubai Shamble
WITH the dust from the Dubai World Championship finally settled the ladies at Jumeirah Golf Estates competed for the December Medal over nine holes and scoring did not disappoint as Denise Fennell returned a net 33 to take the spoils. Chloe Dillon shot a 49 to take the gross title while Suad Ghalib won the Nearest the Pin prize on hole 4. The Longest Drive challenge on the ninth was won by Dillon, although a stewards enquiry and a tape measure were required to select the conqueror of that contest.
THE final member’s tournament before Jumeirah Golf Estates hosted The Dubai World Championship was the BMW AGMC-sponsored Members and Guests Day Race to Dubai Shamble and the winning team comprised of new members Mark Bateman, Dean Stothard and Amy Nightingale and their guest Jim Brown. Their winning score was a net 113, five clear of the team of Craig Rooney, Ewan Dobi, Jason Lowe and Robin Berrie while Graig Gittus, Aric Ault, Kevin Lueders and Tim Ferguson finished third.
Pictured (left to right): PGA Professional David Blackadder, Nearest the Pin winner Suad Ghalib, Gross winner Chloe Dillon, Net champion Denise Fennell and Glenys Hughes who collected the Long Drive prize on behalf of Dillon.
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Harwood hammers the field SAMANTHA Hardwood blew away the field at the recent BMW Stableford by shooting an awesome 45 points to win the ladies Division ‘B’ by a massive six points ahead of Natalya Sobotovych. Five points was the margin of victory in Division ‘A’ as Annie Brown clinched the title with 41 points while in the Men’s Division ‘A’ a countback was needed as Mike Weston topped the pile ahead of the unfortunate John Millar. Division ‘B’ was won by Paul Moore as he compiles 42 points, two clear Left to right: Kurt Dinuchi, Samantha Harwood, Graham Stanley, Annie Browne and Natalya Sobotovych. of four players who came in with 40.
The shoe fits for Kieth Stacey KIETH Stacey put on an exhibition to his fellow members recently by winning the gross division of the Ecco Monthly Medal by three shots from Kurt Dinucci. Stacey fired a solid 75 to win while a gross 90 saw OK Young Cho take the Ladies title by two shots from Francis Milne. In Division ‘A’ Nicholad Hymas took the spoils with a 66 while in Division ‘B’ it was Robert Webb who prevailed with a superb 63. Joumana Petridis won the Ladies Net division with a 70, eight shots clear of Lise Slane.
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Stuart Fee marks his recovery by teeing it up with the best STUART Fee, the 34-year old Teaching Professional at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa has made a full recovery since suffering a small stroke in the early stages of last year and this month he will tee it up in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship after a remarkable turnaround. Originally from London before moving to Dubai in 2004, Fee needed several months off work to recover from his stroke and after returning to action in May he duly won the UAE Match Play Championship. Last month he won the UAE PGA Qualifier for the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, securing his place alongside the likes of Tiger Woods and Lee Westwood at the start of The European Tour’s Middle East Swing. However, the tournament has caused Fee something of a dilemma, as he explains: “The Championship starts on January 26th but my wife is due to give birth to our first child on the 22nd – exactly one year to the day of my stroke. As my biggest supporter she has insisted
that I represent Jebel Ali at the event and I know I have her full support. I’m looking forward to playing as it will be a fantastic experience that will only help develop my game. I’m delighted to be playing alongside the professional Tour players I respect and admire, although my day job is teaching, not actually playing, so I’ll have to get in a bit more practice!” James Williams, Director of Golf at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa said: “This really is a remarkable accomplishment. Stuart doesn’t get much leisure time on the course due to his teaching responsibilities, and given everything he has undergone this year, this is a truly amazing turnaround.” Fredrik Reinisch, General Manager of Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa added: “Stuart has our full support and everyone here at the resort is backing him in the tournament. We’re very proud to have him represent us in Abu Dhabi, he is a true inspiration when it comes to working for what you believe in.” www.wwgolf.biz
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MOHAMED’S MAjESTIC PERFORMANCE IN THE NATIONAL DAy OPEN THE 2011 National Day Open took centre stage over two great golf courses during the 40th Celebration of the U.A.E. last month with golfers from all over the Middle East turning up to challenge for the title. Finishing top of the pile with 82 points after two days’ play was Mohamed Islam as he scored 38 on day one at Tower Links and a superb 44 points on day two at Al Hamra. Dave Clarke took second
place with scores of 42 and 35 for a 77 point total while third place went to Roderick Thompson on 73. Nearest the Pin prizes for day one were picked up by Richard Mawson on hole 4, Robert Craquelin on hole 8, Norma Williamson on 16 and S.P. Hong on 18, while at Al Hamra the prizes went to Dan Blomstrand on hole 4, Brian Comb on 7, Fraser Moore on 11 and Adam Gibson on 15.
BIRCH DOES jUST ENOUGH
AARON Birch secured a narrow one-stroke victory over Brony Kraemer to win the second Monthly Medal of the season recently. Birch’s level par opening nine helped him shoot an 80 to win the title while Donnie Rials secured the Net Division with a superb 63, six shots clear of Bill Grosser.
RITA RACES TO STABLEFORD TITLE
THE second Open Stableford of the season was played in absolutely perfect golfing conditions and it was Rita Enelbrecht who triumphed with a 40-point haul, two clear of Dan Blomstrand. Finishing third on 37 points was Anthony Cashman while Engelbrect also took home a Nearest the Pin prize on hole 4 and Husam al Sayed took the one at the 11th hole.
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AHMED STRIKES IN MIDWEEK SOCIAL FIyAZ Ahmed strolled into town and let loose with a flurry of pars as he shot a net 29 in the midweek social medal to win by four strokes from Gary Smith. The course was powerless against his booming drives, pinpoint iron shots and lazer-like putts as he swaggered his way to victory. Smith took second place ahead of Manilyn Buxmann by a stroke with Buxmann sealing third place after a countback win over Ajay Kotwal.
Buxmanns Bounce Back jOHAN and Manilyn Buxmann shook off the memories of a painful defeat a week earlier to win the Cumulative Stableford tournament last month. The duo compiled 37 points to win by two from Roger Floyd and yuki Pellerine, and Dave Clark and Pat Mottershead, who
went though a card play-off to determine second place. Thanks to their stronger finish Floyd and Pellerine took the second place on the podium. Nearest the Pin winners were Pellerine and Miller Green on holes 12 and 16 respectively. www.wwgolf.biz
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TEAM SCOTLAND/AuSTrALiA ruNAWAy WiNNErS iN 2011 FuN ChAriTy EvENT A TOTAL of 18 teams of four competed in the annual Charity Golf Tournament, following the multiple Stableford format as used in last year’s event. The teams were able to purchase all the usual bonuses to help them make their way around the AESGC Championship Course and with the tricky format all the teams took full advantage of this and purchased everything. With the mulligans, gimmes, pieces of string in hand (and each team deciding which of the four they would use for their double-point joker holes) the players set off to the course in the 8:00am shotgun and it was the team Scotland/Australia foursome of Scott Cotter, Jim Doig, Alex Tinson and Andrew Marty who got their tactics spot on and returned an amazing total of
1914 points for the 18 holes. Finishing second was the quartet of Mandy Taylor, Clement Mustchin, Tas Pepito and David James with 1475 points while in third on 1418 were Nick Peacock, Michelle Sandford, Morgan Ashford and Dane Sandford Senior.
LyNDON ChALMErS TOPS SOCiAL FiNALE LyNDON Chalmers came out on top of Division ‘A’ in the final Thursday Social of 2011 after his tally of 19 points over the front nine gave him a onepoint win over Eoin Cunniffe. Division ‘B’ saw a tie between Jim Doig and russell Cash on 16 points but coming out on top after a card countback was Doig thanks to his better last six holes. Somjit Whittaker clinched Division ‘C’ ahead of randy Scott but Scott did take home the fillip of moving up to third place on the ‘Golfer of the year’ standings.
LiNDSAy WiNS DECEMBEr MEDAL By ONE LiNDSAy Brown took the honours in Division ‘A’ of the December Medal after firing a gross 73 for a net 71 and a one-shot victory over Jeff Glasgow who shot a 78 for a net 72. Larry Benson finished with a gross 83 for a net 70 and first place in Division ‘B’, one shot clear of the in-form Mandy Taylor. it was a battle of the South Africans in Division ‘C’ with Barrie van Zyl edging out Floris Brand as they recorded net 67 and net 69 respectively. Phil Dawe took Divisional ‘D’ with his 39 points total with Colin Bull one point back in second place.
al ghazal golf Club www.alghazalgolf.ae
LEiA BrEBNEr hOLDEN – AGE: 9 When did you start playing golf? – 7. Who is your favourite golfer time? Lee Westwood. Who would be your dream four ball? Lee, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods. What is your favourite film? Ace Ventura, when nature calls What is your favourite car? A Lamborghini. What do you want to be when you grow up.? A Sports Teacher. ContaCt: Tel : +971 2 575 8040 Fax : +971 2 575 8041
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TuFAiL NBAD LADiES OPEN ChAMPiON PLuS 1 handicapper Sana Tufail won the NBAD Ladies Open by a huge eight shots from Kavita Sehmi after shooting a second round 1-under-par 71 for a 149 total. After a disappointing score of 78 on the opening day, Tufail came back with a bang to win after Sehmi cold only muster a second round 80 to follow a 78. 2010 winner Angela Scurr took third place, two strokes further back with a 166 total, while Sharon Nicoline-hall from yas Links finished fourth on 168 and Anina Bester finished fifth on 170. The top prize in the Net Division went to Marion Tennant from Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club scoring a total net 147, two clear of Anne hornby from Abu Dhabi GC with Sandra Grenet (EGF) taking third place after losing on a countback to hornby. The subsidiary Stableford competition was again won by yvonne BoltonGrant [SWGC] two shots less than her tally last year with a total of 81 points. One point behind was EGF Member Susan Baron with Kate Davies from AGGC taking third place on 68 points. left to right: net Winner Marion tennant, Dina al Khoury of nbaD, Champion sana tufail, lady Captain Deborah Castle and stableford Winner Yvonne bolton-grant.
MedAL VIcToRy SecuReS VInod An InVITATIonAL GoLden TIckeT ThE December Medal had two prizes on offer as the lucky winner also picked up a place in the Grand Final of the Golden Ticket Qualifier in January. The event was sponsored by Emirates Airline and Carpetland and vinod Arya took the honours Captain Peter McManus, winner Vinod arya and lady Captain with a net 73, one clear of Bernie Deborah Castle. Blanchard with rob Brown taking third. Arya also won the Division ‘A’ from Blanchard with the spoon going to Nathan Brown, while rob Brown took Division ‘B’ with ruben Jamora taking second and Pat Gordon picking up the spoon for finishing last. The Division ‘C’ medal was taken by Walter Tiamfook with a net 74 with Steve Coulson finishing second and Ahmed Al housani picking up the spoon. Chaya Kinder topped the Ladies Division with a net 74 with Sue Murray two strokes back and Bobo Bradley collecting the spoon. www.wwgolf.biz
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NATIONAL DAY GLORY AFTER LATE SURGE FROM HWANG AND PARK
Sung Jin hwang and Seong dong Park are pictured after their win.
SAADIYAT Beach Golf Club and Abu Dhabi Golf Club, in conjunction with the Abdulla Al Masaood & Sons Group and The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf & Spa Resort, hosted the National Day Open in celebration of the forty year anniversary of the unification of the seven emirates, in early December, and the duo of Sung Jin Hwang and Seong Dong Park took the honours after a barnstorming final round. The National Day Tournament at Abu Dhabi Golf Club has been running since 2001, however this was the first time that the event had been staged over two days and
over two different golf courses as an open event and Hwang and Park secured a two-stroke victory over Faris Al Azzawi and Hany Abdelnour after a final day haul of 44 Stableford points gave them an 83 point total. Day one was played at Saadiyat Beach and Hwang and Park opened with a 39 before they secured 44 points at Adu Dhabi Golf Club the following day to take the title. Faris Al Azzawi and Hany Abdelnour scored consistent rounds of 40 and 41 for their total of 81 but it wasn’t quite enough. Finishing in third place were John Hunt and Michael Welch on 80 points.
Lehmkhul and Hubar take the Golden Tickets MASSENGILL WINS BY EIGHT POINTS MARCIA Massengill fired an outstanding score of 39 points in ideal conditions to win the Ladies Division of the December Monthly Stableford by eight points from her nearest challenger, Michelle Larter. In the Men’s Division ‘A’ it was S.J. Hwang who took the spoils, while in Division ‘B’ Daniel Song scored 40 points to win by one point.
THE December Monthly Medal came with the added incentive of qualifying for a place in the Golden Ticket Grand Final for the Emirates Airline Invitational and earning their place to play at Yas Links were Ricus Lehmkhul and Livio Hubar who won the gross and net prizes respectively. Despite a double bogey on the 18th, Club Champion Lehmkhul carded a 76 to win the Gross Division while Hubar clinched the Net Division with a 71 after defeating Shawn Lunday in a card countback. Tom Warwick finished third on 72.
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SAADIYAT BEACH RAISES AED10,000 DURING ‘MOvEMBER’ SAADIYAT Beach Golf Club supported ‘Movember’ as a way of raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer and a total of AED 10,000 was raised in a special tournament on November 26th.The Movember Charity Golf Day, supported by Al Masaood & Sons, took place on the course in a Stableford format and was followed by a BBQ lunch with prizes handed out to the best overall team and the winners of the on-course events.
The winning Team with John Pelling, General Manager at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.
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Joe Howell wins the Ten Tee Medal JOE Howell shot a gross 43 to win the Ten Tee Medal last month. The conditions were calm on the links and the scoring reflected this with players only playing holes 1-5 and 14-18. Finishing top of the Net Division was Elwood Hyden with a 41, one clear of Dan Weisser who had to settle for second place. Howell is pictured shaking hands as he receives his prize from Diretor of Golf Tom Rourke (left). www.wwgolf.biz
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HARRADINE DEFENDS MEN’S OPEN TITLE IN STYLE MICHAEL Harradine successfully defended his SAIF Zone Men’s Open Golf Championship crown recently with rounds of 71 and 73 which resulted in a winning gross 36-hole total of 144. The 28 year old Swiss held off the pretournament favourite and Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa Stablemate Yassin Ali, with whom he was paired in the final round. Both recorded 1-under-par opening rounds but a double bogey by Ali on the second hole of the second round gave Harradine a threeshot lead, the upper hand and, ultimately, the title as Ali finished three shots adrift on 147. “I love the course and the event and the win also boosts my standing on the EGF Order of Merit,” said Harradine. “It’s been a great weekend. The standard of the field was fantastic, the course was superb and
the tournament organisation was as good as anything I’ve had the pleasure of playing in. On behalf of all the players I thank event sponsors Sharjah Airport International Free Zone and Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club.” Ricky Dominguez, a member at the host club Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club, was tied for the lead after the first round but couldn’t maintain his form as he returned a second round 78 (149) allowing Dubai Creek member John Fellingham to sneak ahead of him by virtue of rounds of 73 and 75 (148). Tying Dominguez on 149 were SGSC Golf Professional Steve Chambers and Jumierah Golf Estates Member Craig Forrest. Other prizes went to Mohammed Idris (SGSC) who won the 36-hole Net tile, beating Sidney D’Souza (DCGYC) and Amiya Ranjan (EGF) into second and third place respectively.
QURESHI wINS A COUNTBACk
COOL CONNELY wINS MIDwEEk MEDAL MICHAEL Connely went round nine holes in a superb net score of 31 to win the kempinski Hotel Ajman Midweek Medal by three strokes from Chandan Vaidya late last month. Vaidya’s score of 34 points was good enough to take the honours and win the Division ‘1’ prize while Abdul Moiz khan also scored 34 points to top Division ‘2’.
wASEEM Qureshi made it three wins on the bounce with victory in the kempinksi Hotel Ajman Midweek Medal in late November after a countback victory over James Brown. The pair finished with a net 34 after nine holes but it was Qureshi’s stronger finish which saw him prevail. Although disappointed to miss out on the overall prize, Brown was victorious in Division ‘2’ while J.P Simon took the spoils in Division ‘1’ with an net 35.
Hall wins tHe sHarjaH Golf and sHootinG Club junior open RONAN Hall of Yas Links GC scored a 79 to win the third installment of the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club Junior Open last month, two shots clear of Dubai Creek’s Rayhan Thomas. Home player Alex Beisenwenger produced a brilliant haul of 42 points to win the Stableford Division, one clear of Georgina Lui, while the leading girl overall was Serifa D’Souza.
PARk CLINCHES CORAL BEACH RESORT MIDwEEk STABLEFORD YOUNG Park made it back-to-back victories in the Coral Beach Resort Midweek Stableford recently with a 24 point tally over nine holes for a two point victory. Division ‘1’ winner was Vinod Arya as he secured 15 points while in Division ‘2’ k.J. Lee won with 22 points.
© PING 2011
New Academy, New programmes, New Approach! Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club have just launched their new golf academy and driving range along with a host of new tuition programs and packages that cater for golfers of all ability and new golfers to! The Academy also caters to corporate groups and can develop bespoke programs to suit your company’s needs.
For more information on all of our tuition programs and packages please contact our Head Professional Alex Day at alex@muscatgolf.com For general enquiries and bookings call (+968) 24514080/1 or e-mail booking@muscatgolf.com
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Muscat-Hills-Golf-Country-Club
COLIN MONTGOMERIE TEES IT UP WITH HSBC CLIENTS AT MUSCAT HILLS FORMER Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie took time out to visit Oman and play at Muscat Hills as part of the Scot’s HSBC Tour to several countries in the MENA region last month. The 48-year old started the day with a 40-minute putting clinic for HSBC’s guests followed by an 18-hole modified scramble tournament. Montgomerie played three holes with each group, giving them Pro’s tips and priceless advice. After the prizegiving over lunch, there was a special Question and Answer session hosted by BBC Radio
5 Live’s golf correspondent Iain Carter, during which Colin shared his memories from The Ryder Cup victory from 2010 and his glorious golfing career. The set up of the Q&A session and the honesty with which Montgomerie talked to the guests made the HSBC Corporate Golf day unforgettable for all invitees. The winning teams received great prizes from HSBC and a Ryder Cup flag signed by Monty. Ewan Stirling, Chief Executive Officer at HSBC Oman, was also honoured with a signed flag. Despite being a regular visitor to the region this was
Montgomerie’s first visit to the Sultanate. He shared his willingness to design a golf course in the country if there were to be an opportunity in the future. Travelling with his father, he was impressed by the Muscat Hills Golf Course design and by the stunning topography and hospitality of Oman. “We thoroughly enjoyed it,” he said. “The Muscat Hills course is fantastic. The members cannot wait for the clubhouse to be opened. The course has got great potential. It can host international tournaments. Its proximity to the airport couldn’t be better, as well.”
Members celebrate Christmas in a Texas Scramble tournament
JUNIORS CELEBRATE A SUCCESSFUL YEAR MUSCAT Hills hosted a special junior day to celebrate the end of another successful year of the OGC Junior Programme and further consolidate golf as a fast developing sport in Oman. More than 75 children and their parents took part in a fun golf competition and celebrated the end of the year with a small party, which was sponsored by Qalhat LNG. The junior participants were divided into three groups – beginners, intermediate and advanced. Over 30 beginners took part in a fun competition with their instructor Alex Day on the driving range, while 34 competed in a game over holes 1 and 9. Ten juniors from the advanced group played four holes to achieve their first handicaps and everyone who swung a club
performed very well with the very best receiving prizes. On top of the great golf gear and apparel the young golfers received, the club also handed out caps signed by Colin Montgomerie who had visited Muscat Hills just a few days earlier. The new and improved programme starts in early January and has been designed with smaller group numbers and an improved structure. The introduction of certifications and achievement of attainment targets will further motivate the children whilst always encouraging the most important element – FUN! To participate in Junior Golf at Muscat Hills please contact and register at www.oman-golf.org
WITH a score of 57.8 the team of Ricky Mayers, John Medhurst, Chris Green and Nora Dimitrova took the spoils in the final member’s event of 2011 – the Christmas Texas Scramble. All teams dressed up for the occasion and even sang Christmas carols after the golf during a special dinner. Finishing in second with 60.7 were Latif and Judith Razek, Danny Byrne and Sam Battersby while third place (and best dressed) went to Bob and Jo Broomhead, Jeff Wilson and Yvonne Welling.
Three members of the winning team collect their prizes. www.wwgolf.biz
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The Kempinski Team wins The Royal Pro-Am BRITISH PGA Professional Derwynne Honan led his Kempinski team to victory in the Royal Golf Club’s fourth annual Pro-Am tournament with a team score of 17-under-par, one clear of German PGA Pro Chris Hurter’s team. Honan’s team was sponsored by the newly opened Kempinski Grand and Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre and consisted of Simon Brebner, Sean Stanley and Royal Golf Club Golf Operations and Events Manager John Wilson. “We’re delighted with our win,” commented Honan, Managing Director of Magnolia Park Golf Club in Buckinghamshire, England. “Conditions were very gusty which didn’t make it an easy game but we had a great time
out there nonetheless.” Hurter’s team, sponsored by Al-Iman Gasket Factory, took second place with the highlight of their round coming from the youngest member of the team, 17-year-old Ilya Goniker, who achieved a hole in one on the 12th. Tim Backhouse, a teaching professional based at the Royal Golf Club brought his Environmental Turf Technology (ETT) team into third place with a score of 15-under-par. In the individual category Hurter finished top of the pile with a level par score of 72, ahead of Daniel Owen by one stroke with Mark Underwood one shot further back. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the supporters of this excellent event,” said Paul Crowe, Director of Golf Operations,
Pictured left to right: Donna Bushiri of The Royal Golf Club and Mathew Parker of Al Badia Golf Club in Dubai present the winning team of Simon Brebner, Derwynne Honan, Sean Stanley and John Wilson with their prizes. The Royal Golf Club. “This includes our corporate partners VIVA, Gulf Air, Euro Motors and HSBC as well as L’Hotel, the official accommodation sponsor,
BMMI, the official beverage sponsor and Projects System Group of Saudi Arabia for the delicious lunch. I would also like to thank all the team sponsors.”
Boland wins the Ladies Christmas Cracker CHRISTMAS came early this year for Linda Boland when she won the annual Ladies Christmas Cracker tournament with a score of 35 points, four clear of Hanne Hansen with Karin Black third. The ladies special Christmas event, the Super Par 3 Challenge, consisted of a course layout featuring 18 par-3 holes made from combining various tees and greens on both the Wee Monty and the Montgomerie championship course. There was added excitement to the event when Stella Park achieved a hole in one on the first hole of the unorthodox course layout. In keeping with the festive theme, the side contests consisted of a ‘Nearest the Reindeer’ competition as well as ‘Nearest the Christmas Tree’, ‘Nearest the Noel’ and ‘Nearest the Snowman’ prizes. These competitions were won by Liz Gardner (Reindeer), Rebecca Fisher (Christmas Tree), Debbie Lane (Noel) and Camilla Davidsen (Snowman).
January Sporting EvEntS at thE royal golf Club Date Wed 4th Every Saturday Every Sunday Every Monday Every Wednesday Every Thursday
Event Lady Captain’s Drive In Family Day – BD15 adult, kids free! Junior Saturday Series Medal Ladies TaylorMade Stableford ECCO Monday Stableford A&E Night Golf – BD20 for 9holes Ladies golf comp – various formats Midweek Stableford
Time 8.30am shotgun 10am to noon 3pm shotgun 8.30am shotgun 1pm shotgun 6.30pm shotgun 8.30am shotgun Tee times until 2pm
Open to All ladies All All junior golfers All ladies All All All ladies All
Pictured left to right: Cormac Flannery of The Royal Golf Club with winner Linda Boland and Lady Captain Debbie Lane.
All the competitors prior to teeing off in the Ladies Christmas Cracker .
© PING 2011
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Dirab Golf & Country Club is the only grassed 18-hole Par-72 championship and 9-hole Par 27 Academy golf course in Riyadh, Kingdom Saudi Arabia. Located 45 kms south west of Riyadh City and nestled in the picturesque Tawfiq valley, the club features lush tree-lined fairways and perfectly manicured greens. Open all year round, the course offers a driving range and practice facilities- 9holes are floodlit, enabling play after sundown. Having hosted the 1st Saudi Arabian National Amateur Championship in 2001, 10th Annual GCC Golf Championship in 2002, BMW World Qualifier Tournament in 2004, Dirab Pro-Am Golf Tournament in 2005, 28th Pan Arab Golf Tournament in 2008 and Saudi Oger Amateur Golf Championship in 2009, Dirab Golf & Country Club is equally suited for seasoned golfers and for those wishing to learn the sport.
7,280 yards (Men’s Tee) / 5,590 yards (Ladies Tee) Driving Range with Practice and Teaching Facilities (Practice Putting Green, Chipping and Pitching Range) Club House and Restaurant Flood Lit 9 Holes Fully equipped Golf ProShop Swimming - Tennis - Horse Back Riding - Polo American Football - Rugby 5000 acre farm suitable for camping-Quad Bike hire
Dirab Golf & Country Club P.O. Box 71, Riyadh 11411 Saudi Arabia Reservations: Tel + 966 1 498 0017 / 498 0018 Email: info@dirabgolf.com
Ibrahim Abunayyan Sons Group www.dirabgolf.com
MaritiM jolie ville golf & resort www.jolieville-hotels.com
ContaCt: Tel : +2069 3606 200 Fax: +2069 3603 225
E-mail: info@sgr-maritimjolieville.com
JolieVilleGolf
JOLIE VILLE TEAM WIN TABA HEIGHTS PRO-AM THE team representing MARITIM Jolie Ville Golf & Resort roared to victory in the Taba Heights ProAm Invitational 2011 held at Taba Heights Golf Resort in December. Held over three rounds, the event was played in the Stableford format and competition was fierce from start to finish but the team led by Amateur Captain Paul Weaver along with John Nesfield, Chris Burrows and Professional Atti Sayed put in a sterling performance to win the event with a score of 244 points. Taking second place with 242 points was the team of Asad Khan, Jamil Raja, Asif Padhani and Professional Adrian Cafaro. “We were thrilled having been asked to represent the Jolie Ville Golf & Resort, to be able to bring back the title for them,” says Weaver. “The Golf Hotel treated us so well from start to finish. They picked us up from the airport in a limo and gave us a cocktail party when we arrived in Sharm El Shiekh and put us up in the Royal Wing of the hotel before and after our trip to Taba Heights. Khaled Tamaa, the manager at the golf club was really helpful providing us with Jolie Ville shirts to wear and organizing everything for us. “I’ve been going the Golf Hotel & Resort for a few years and I love it there, it’s a true 5-star experience from start to finish and the golf course is like a Tour course – they’ve actually held a Senior Tour event there. I won their big event, the Salem Trophy a few years ago and got asked to represent them at the Taba Heights event, where our team finished fifth. So we were over the moon to be asked to go back this year and win it. It was particularly good for our
the Jolie Ville pro, Atti, as it was his fourth attempt at winning it. “We were really nervous going into the final day as they’d set the course up like a European Tour course but it was nice to come away with the victory.” The Jolie Ville team got off to a flying start, shooting 81 in the opening round to share the lead with Stave Wynne’s team, who eventually finished third. The Jolie Ville boys kept pressing in the second round with a blazing score of 85 but Khan’s team were hot on their heels, following their opening 80
dirab golf club
with an 85 of their own. That left the Jolie Ville team one point clear going into the final round where a thrilling climax to the event saw them produce a score of 78 points, to the Khan team’s 77, for a memorable two stroke victory. Paul is now looking forward to returning to MARITIM Jolie Ville Golf & Resort in February for the Salem Trophy. l The Salem Trophy is taking place Friday 17th and Saturday 18th of February. Please contact the Golf Club for an entry form.
ContaCt: Tel : +966 1 812 6671 Email: info@dirabgolf.com
www.dirabgolf.com
‘KINGdOM dIRAB’ GOLF ACAdEMy LAuNCHEd
FOR the first time in Saudi Arabia, the latest South Korean Golf Technology is available for Saudis and expatriates in the form of the Kingdom dirab Golf Academy. The new facility will develop golf skills and improve aspects of the game such as pre-swing fundamentals, posture, grip, ball position and alignment.
FOuR QuALIFy FOR EMIRATES AIRLINE INVITATIONAL GOLdEN TICKET
Sheikh Mohammad I. Abunayyan and Jo Tae Hwan during the contract signing.
uP and coming Saudi junior Abdulrahman Almansour booked a spot for the Golden Ticket Qualifying round Saudi leg of Emirates Airline Invitational golf tournament alongside Rak Gi Lee, Trini Valencia and Miki Park. Almansour took the spoils in division ‘1’ (0-9
hcp) while Lee and Valencia topped divisions ‘2’ (10-18) and ‘3’ (19-28) respectively and Park won the Ladies division. Eric Liquigan launched Men’s Longest drive while Paromita Mukherjee took home Nearest the Pin and Ladies Longest drive. www.wwgolf.biz
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Earned 2008 Duramed NGCA All-American Honorable Mention selection. Two-time Michigan State University Female Athlete of the Year (2007, 2008). Member of the winning 2006 World Collegiate Games team. Semi-finalist at the 2006 Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship. Three-time low amateur at the Michigan Women’s Open (2005, 2006, 2007). Recorded four wins in collegiate competition while at Michigan State University. Winner of the 2002 PGA Junior Series Player of the Year Award. Winner of the 2001 JGAA Player of the Year Award.
Sara Brown
The former Futures Tour player gained her LPGA card for the 2011 season. She’s yet to get her first win under her belt but if good looks won tournaments she’d have a hatful of titles already.
WWG: Tell us something most people don’t know about you? SB: I have a tattoo (I know, I know my dad hates it, too), but it’s on my foot and is very small and cute.
WWG: What is one item of clothing you couldn’t live without? SB: My comfy pants (black stretch pants).
WWG: What would you like to do for a living if you weren’t a pro golfer? SB: Be a second grade teacher because at that age kids still want to learn and like their teachers and I figure they will never be taller than me! Ha Ha, Ha.
WWG: Name one thing you always keep stocked in your refrigerator? SB: I don’t have a refrigerator but when I come home to my parents they always have skimmed milk, diet green tea and French vanilla coffeemate for me!
WWG: Is there anything you won’t eat? SB: I’ll try anything once… WWG: What is the one thing you have done and would never want to do again? SB: Go on a ferris wheel– NO THANKS. WWG:Is there anything you would like to learn to do? SB: I would like to learn to speak other languages and sing. WWG: Is there a song that you like to sing when no one is around, like in the car or the shower? SB: I’m always singing whatever pops in my head! (It’s not good but I’m singing.)
WWG: What’s your favourite activity you do when you want to relax? SB: Watch a movie and snuggle on the couch with my boyfriend Derek. WWG:What is your favourite time of year? SB: Winter – because my birthday is in November and I love Thanksgiving and Christmas and that brings families together. WWG: What’s your favourite quote or saying? SB: Everything happens for a reason! WWG:If your life was going to be made into a movie, who would you want to play the leading role?
SB: Easy! Reese Witherspoon, I watched Legally Blonde and just knew she would be a GREAT Sara “NO H” Brown! WWG: What beauty product can you not live without? SB: Mascara. WWG: What is your favourite shop and why? SB: Does the whole mall count? How about online shopping? I’m good at that too! WWG:What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment? SB: Besides making the LPGA, I would say the Futures Tour and being the Michigan State Female Athlete of the Year plus not giving up on my dream when I was so close – and now I’m an LPGA player.
WWG: What would you do if you won the lottery? SB: I would buy my parents a house, then help my brother with his student loans and sponsor him a whole year on a Tour, then I would do something for me. (I am assuming I’m winning a lot of money from this lottery by the way!) WWG: What chore are you great at or enjoy doing the most? SB: I don’t think anyone likes chores but if I had to pick I don’t mind doing the laundry. WWG: If you could possess any superhuman power what would it be? SB: I would fly – so much cheaper airfares.
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