Worldwide Golf March 2023

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VOICE OF THE TOUR

Tom Phillips, Head of Middle East, DP World Tour

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

It’s been quite the start to the 2023 calendar year on the DP World Tour, with the UAE once again playing such a pivotal role in captivating fans around the world.

The ‘Desert Swing’ has become a much-anticipated tradition on the golfing calendar, and for the second season in a row, it included an event at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah, whilst this year it was also further bolstered by the addition of the Hero Cup, our new team match play event, which proved to be a terrific format to get the year under way.

Featuring ten players from Continental Europe versus ten players from Great Britain & Ireland, the Hero Cup was a concept European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald was keen to introduce to aid his preparation for this September’s contest in Rome.

Hosting it in Abu Dhabi made perfect sense, given the popular venue at Abu Dhabi Golf Club allied to the fact that so many players use the UAE as a base for their ‘winter’ training and preparation. Of course, we also had the two Rolex Series events – the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic - in the weeks to follow, meaning many of the players opted to play in all three events.

For our team of staff working on the event, it was a relatively short lead time from the Hero Cup being announced in September to it taking place in January, but we were delighted with the reaction of players upon seeing the set up at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Hopefully for those players, particularly the ones who have not played team golf at that level, it was a hugely beneficial experience, while I know Luke also found it incredibly useful as he continues to learn more about his team and forms his plans to take on the United States at Marco Simone.

World class golf will be on display in Rome in seven months’ time and without doubt, it was across the Rolex Series events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with truly dramatic finishes at both tournaments.

Firstly, in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, we saw an early contender for Shot of the Year when France’s Victor Perez – one of the victorious Continental Europe team in the Hero Cup - holed his crucial bunker shot on the 17th hole in the final

round en route to his first Rolex Series title. It is a shot that will be replayed in years ahead and the same applies to Rory McIlroy’s decisive 15ft birdie putt on the 72nd hole of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic which, remarkably, sealed his first Rolex Series title.

The tournament means so much to Rory because it was the first Tour title he won back in 2009, and he joined Ernie Els as the only other three-time winner of the famous trophy. History was also made as Rory’s victory came on the first Monday finish in the tournament’s 34 year history following heavy rainfall earlier in the week.

Credit goes to all the greenkeeping staff at Emirates Golf Club for their hard work in preparing the course for the finale following the exceptional conditions we encountered – a real rare occurrence here in Dubai.

Of course, the Monday finish represented few issues for anyone travelling to the next DP World Tour event, which took place in nearby Ras Al Khaimah, and our fourth consecutive week in the UAE was just as eventful and compelling as the previous three. After twice finding the water on the 72nd hole, Englishman Daniel Gavins holed a 26ft putt for a double bogey to win by a single stroke for his second DP World Tour title. It was, quite simply, a remarkable end to four remarkable weeks in this region.

Thankfully golf fans won’t have to wait too much longer to see more live action in the Middle East with the Challenge Tour set to host back-to-back events in the UAE from April 27-30 and May 4-7. Through our partnership with Emirates Golf Federation, it will offer players from this region the opportunity to test themselves against emerging talent from other countries around the world.

Hopefully, the spectacular performances of the Hero Cup teams, Victor Perez, Rory McIlroy and Daniel Gavins, as well as the other DP World Tour players who competed across Desert Swing, will inspire them to realise their own aspirations of making it on Tour one day.

MASTERS PREVIEW

With LIV Golf and PGA Tour players set to be reunited for the first time in eight months, this year’s Masters Tournament is a highly anticipated affair.

CONTENTS

COLUMNS INSTRUCTION

40 JENNY HENNESSY

The Chicks With Sticks Founder recalls the first time she visited St Andrews.

41 PETE COWEN

The Master PGA Professional pays tribute to DP World Tour referee John Paramor after his passing.

43 DAVID HOWELL

The DP World Tour stalwart looks ahead to a drama-filled Masters.

GEAR

48 PUTTERS WITH PRESTIGE

Odyssey state the allnew Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K blade putters offer a higher MOI than mallets. Do they deliver?

52

TITLEIST PROV1

We take a look to see how the number one ball in golf continues to evolve, and how this premium ball is vital for low scoring in the Middle East

55 PING G430

It sounds like a winner, but will it have the same success as the PING G425?

44 HAZARDS BEWARE

Grace Einberger, Teaching Professional, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, helps us navigate a tricky shot over a bunker!

50 GFORCE NXTGEN CLUB

One of the latest aids to hit the market are the GFORCE NXT-GEN clubs. We tested them to find out exactly how they can help.

54 IN THE BAG

We take a look inside the bags of two of the greatest players on planet golf right now - Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy.

56 G/FORE SHOES

The creative brand from America is gathering a huge following as they make comfort fun but how does their latest cross trainer perform on course?

57 GARMIN APPROACH R10

Budget launch monitors have missed the mark when compared against the likes of TrackMan, though Garmin may have broken the mould.

BIG GUNS COME OUT TO PLAY

Since my last Editor’s Letter, Patrick Reed threw a LIV Golf tee at Rory McIlroy before the Northern Irishman was crowned champion of the Dubai Desert Classic for a third time, Jon Rahm turned into Thanos, Tiger Woods made his first competitive start since The Open Championship and Thomas Pieters waved goodbye to his Ryder Cup chances after joining LIV Golf – safe to say it has been a hectic month in the golfing world!

Firstly, hats off to Rory for winning his first Rolex Series title in Dubai, but the real heroes of the week were the ground staff who worked tirelessly to get the course in shape after some of the worst rain I’ve seen in the country since making the move over almost six years ago. Ponds seem to be emerging all over the course and on the road leading up to Emirates Golf Club as I was leaving the media centre on Wednesday evening and I struggled to see any golf at all being played on the Thursday, but the ground staff were already out in their rain macs ensuring we could leave the property by draining the roads and working on the course throughout the night to make sure there was at least some golf played on the opening day. They continued to go above and beyond over the next few days to ensure the tournament was played over 72 holes, with Rory and Reed paying them back with a grandstand finish on Monday which will live long in the memory of all golf fans.

A few weeks later, Max Homa described Rahm as ‘inevitable, he’s probably Thanos,’ in reference to the Marvel super villain after the Spaniard picked up his third win of 2023 at the Genesis Invitational. It’s hard to disagree with him given Rahm’s form over the last six months with five wins in his last nine worldwide starts. His form feels like a Tiger purple

patch from the early noughties, but then you remember the G.O.A.T. won 17 times, including four Major Championships, between 1999 and 2000 – if Tiger had only played golf for those two years and nothing else, he would have still had a better career than the likes of Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and co! Due to injuries, many off course problems and just the sheer fact he is getting older, we will never see that version of Tiger again, but it was great to see him return to competitive action at Riviera and wow the crowds with a third round 67. Golf is a better place when Tiger is playing, whose to say he won’t become the outright leader of PGA Tour wins that he currently shares with Sam Snead? His struggles walking 72 holes would probably have something to say about it, but you certainly wouldn’t put it past him – maybe one more miraculous Maters triumph?

LIV Golf got its 2023 season underway in Mexico and despite the league’s goal of aiming to sign a number of the top 20 in the Official World Golf Ranking for the 2023 season, they ended up with Thomas Pieters, Brendan Steele, Danny Lee, Dean Burmester, Mito Pereira and Sebastian Munoz. Not exactly moving the needle, but the loss of Pieters will be a bit of a blow to the DP World Tour given the fact he played last month’s Hero Cup in anticipation of a place on Luke Donald’s team in Rome for this year’s Ryder Cup. Having said that, there are currently ten players above the Belgian in the rankings, so there was no guarantee he would have got a place in the team anyway. Maybe it’s not that big of a loss after all.

COURSE

COURSE

GAVINS ROCKS RAS AL KHAIMAH

Daniel Gavins holed an enormous putt at the 18th to win his second DP World Tour title in memorable fashion as the 2023 Ras Al Khaimah Championship reached a dramatic conclusion.

The 31-year-old held a two-shot lead as he headed to the 18th tee but found the water twice at the last to seriously dent his chances of winning the title.

But with nearest challenger Alexander Björk finishing his round with a bogey up ahead, Gavins had a double-bogey putt from around 30 feet to set the new target at 17 under par.

And he duly holed it to limit the damage to two dropped shots, but there were still twists and turns to come as third-round leader Zander Lombard gave himself an eagle chance on the last to potentially force a play-off.

However, the South African Lombard narrowly missed his putt from 24 feet to hand Gavins a second title to add to the ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by Modest! Golf Management trophy he won in 2021.

“I thought I had (given the tournament away),” said Gavins, who closed with a roller-coaster 69 that contained eight birdies – including five in a row from the second hole –as well as three bogeys and his closing double bogey.

“I put two in the water and thought ‘Well that’s one way to end the tournament really’.

When I sunk the putt and then went to the back of the green and saw that I was actually winning still, it was kind of a big shock.

“It’s only the start of the year so there’s a lot of golf to play. If I can keep on gaining confidence from positions like this, that’s all I can do. It feels great.”

Björk and Lombard were in a tie for second on 16 under, with Adrian Meronk and Thorbjørn Olesen another shot further back.

Meanwhile, grassroots initiatives were at the forefront during the event with children from Ajman Academy and Ras Al Khaimah Academy visiting Al Hamra Golf Club and being treated to introductory golf clinics as well as taking in the action on course. The Emirates Golf Federation and Emirates Schools Establishment also welcomed more than 30 children from local schools to experience the tournament and gain taster golf lessons ahead of the launch of the Future Falcons National Junior Development Programme in the Emirate which will see golf become part of the physical education curriculum.

Sustainability was also a key focus of the tournament with a range of environmentally responsible initiatives being implemented.

Al Hamra was the first golf club in the region to remove single use plastic and spectators were encouraged to bring their own water bottles while reusable No More Bottles were

for sale at the tournament. The club has also removed 200 sprinkler heads which resulted in a 25% reduction in water while an automated irrigation system further reduces water usage. Wicked, who were responsible for all of the temporary structures at the event, reuse building materials and linings for a lifespan of 10 years while plywood skimming is repurposed by making it into packing and ground protection. Carpets used at the event are set to be donated to local charities, too.

Implementing sustainable practices is part of the European Tour group’s commitment to Driving Golf Further in an environmentally and socially sustainable way, ensuring the DP World Tour has a positive long-term impact on the courses, countries and the communities it visits.

The European Tour group became the first professional golf tour to pledge towards net zero carbon emissions when they signed the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework, and the Framework’s Race to Zero pledge – requiring all signatories to commit to reducing direct emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2040.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, declared 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’ with the country set to host the COP 28 Climate Change Conference later this year.

Rory McIlroy clinched his third Hero Dubai Desert Classic title after rolling in a nerve-jangling downhill putt for birdie at the last to beat arch nemesis and LIV Golf rebel Patrick Reed by one shot at Emirates Golf Club.

MCILROY DELIVERS A CLASSIC POWER BLOW

The Northern Irishman closed out a 4 under par 68 to finish 19 under par for the tournament as he secured the first Rolex Series win of his career after the event’s elevation in status last year.

“It means a lot. It’s actually funny, Harry my caddie said to me, ‘finally we get a gold bib’,” said McIlroy in reference to the fact that caddies of Rolex Series winners wear gold bibs in Rolex Series events. “Obviously I haven’t won one of these big ones before. It was a battle all day. Honestly, it’s been a battle all week”.

After the tournament suffered the misfortune of torrential downpours for the first two days, you couldn’t have written a more gripping, dramatic finale. The week had begun with ‘teegate’ where McIlroy was accused of ignoring Reed on the driving range, prompting the American to throw a tee at him. Reed, it transpired, had McIlroy served with a subpoena on Christmas Eve. It’s fair to say that these two aren’t exactly the best of pals.

Fast forward to Monday afternoon of the rain delayed tournament and the golfing gods gave the people what they wanted – a

straight shootout between the two foes. As entertainment goes, this was pure box office.

Reed started the day four shots back in a share of fourth place, but he quickly made gains on the second, third and sixth to move to within one of McIlroy, who began his round steadily but not spectacularly, waiting until the ninth hole to pick his first shot of the day. Reed then eagled the 10th to draw level before McIlroy responded with a birdie to restore his advantage.

The pair traded blows down the back nine like a couple of prize fighters, each refusing to let the other pull away. It all came down to the Majlis’ iconic closing hole – where McIlroy had blown his chances of victory last year after putting his approach shot in the water.

Reed, one stroke behind and knowing he had to go for it, played a sublime approach from over 235 yards back with a hybrid to set up an eagle putt which he was to miss leaving him to tap in for birdie and pile the pressure on McIlroy.

The 33-year-old overcooked his tee shot and was fortunate that the thick stuff held his

ball up and prevented it rolling into the water. He opted for the sensible approach of a layup from there to leave himself a wedge into the green which he struck to within 15 feet. With a very tricky downhill putt left for birdie, the popcorn was being prepared for a playoff that golfing dreams are made of. But McIlroy did the business when it mattered the most and calmly stroked the putt home for a victory which was surely as sweet as they come.

Reunited

This year’s tournament is arguably the most anticipated yet given the divisions in the game over the last year or so with LIV Golf players unable to compete on the PGA Tour, which has meant star names such as Smith, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau haven’t had the opportunity to go head-tohead with Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and co since the 150th edition of the Open last July.

There had been speculation that Augusta National might have changed their exemptions to block LIV Golf members from playing in the first Major Championship of the year, but the club’s chairman, Fred Ridley, put

that to bed at the end of 2022 by announcing the current qualification criteria will remain in place, for this year at least.

Sixteen members of the breakaway league will tee it up next month, including past Masters champions Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel and Bubba Watson, all of whom have a current lifetime exemption into the event.

LIV Golf players meeting the criteria of recent major winners include DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Smith, while Joaquin Niemann, Abraham Ancer, Talor Gooch, Harold

Varner III, Jason Kokrak, Kevin Na and Louis Oosthuizen all received invitations after ending 2022 in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking.

Like any Masters Tournament, it’s set to be a thrilling week of golf but with the added spice of the return of LIV Golf players to the fold we could be in for even more drama – see Reed and McIlroy at the Dubai Desert Classic making headlines over ‘teegate’ for a taste of the drama that could unfold!

Here, we look at who’s hot and who’s not from both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf heading into the Masters.

It’s been eight months since Cameron Smith putted the lights out of the back nine of the Old Course to clinch the last men’s Major Championship of 2022. But the long wait for the crème de le crème of the golfing world to compete against each other once again is almost upon us with Augusta National opening its doors next month for the 87th edition of the Masters Tournament.

DUSTIN JOHNSON

Dustin Johnson may have dropped out of the top 50 on the Official World Golf Rankings due to the fact LIV Golf currently offer no World Ranking points, but he still remains one of the hottest golfers on the planet. Despite pledging his loyalty to the PGA Tour last February, the American was one of the first players to move across to LIV Golf and hasn’t looked back since, picking up $35,637,767 across seven events after winning in Boston and Miami as well as topping both the season-long individual and team

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leaderboards. Unlike many of the other LIV golfers, Johnson hasn’t played an event outside of the breakaway circuit since joining but will come into the Masters as one of the hot favourites despite his lack of golf thanks to enviable record at Augusta National. Aside from winning the November Masters in 2020, the two-time Major champion has only failed to finish outside the top 12 once in his last seven visits, which came six months after securing a Green Jacket.

Johnson has made more than $4m from his twelve outings at the Masters.

CAMERON SMITH

One of sport’s worst kept secrets was confirmed last summer when LIV Golf announced Smith had agreed to become their highest-ranked recruit, just a month after the Australian star had overcome McIlroy at the 150th Open Championship. The Northern Irishman would go on to call Smith a couple of days later to let him know what he would be leaving behind if he were to join the breakaway league, but it didn’t have the desired effect. The duo could be set for another thrilling Major showdown next month with both players enjoying solid records

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at Augusta National. Smith has made the cut in all six of his Masters appearances, including two top 10s, a runner-up finish and a share of third last year that could have been so much more had he not put his ball in the water on 12th to make a triple bogey in the final round. He may not have played on the PGA Tour since last August but has won two events since then with a win at the Australian PGA Championship and LIV Golf Chicago. Expect another strong charge towards the iconic Green Jacket next month.

Smith made Masters history in 2021, becoming the first player to shoot in the 60s in all four rounds.

COLD

BROOKS KOEPKA

Brooks Koepka may have won the final LIV Golf event of 2022 in Jeddah, but there’s no doubting that his game has dropped significantly over the last year and a bit. At the time of writing, Koepka has missed three of his past six cuts in non-LIV events, which don’t have a cut. He also hasn’t finished in the top 50 in a non-LIV, non-match-play event since his T-12 at the Valspar Championship in March of last year. It seems like a long

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time ago now that the beefy American star set the golfing world alight by winning four Majors in the space of two years, before claiming he could possibly win as many Majors as Tiger Woods. Could we see the resurrection of ‘Brooksie’ at the Masters? Highly unlikely given the fact he has missed the cut on his last two outings, but he also knows he can perform well at Augusta with his prior three appearances resulting in T7, T2 and T11.

Koepka missed out on the 2018 Masters after partially tearing a tendon in his wrist earlier in the season.

BRYSON DECHAMBEAU

Another player who looks a shadow of his former self is DeChambeau, who fell out of the top 100 on the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time in six years last month. Last year was the worst of his career as he failed to win in a calendar year for the first time while his best LIV Golf result was a share of eighth. In Bryson’s defence he also had to deal with a lot away from the course with a wrist injury derailing his game,

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losing a load of weight which upended his digestive system and coping with the loss of his father after a long battle with diabetes. The American missed the cut at last year’s Masters Tournament, finishing on 12 over par after two rounds, while his best result in his six outings remains a share of 21st on debut in 2016, four years before he infamously told reporters that Augusta National would be a par 67 for him – a score he has only beaten once in 21 rounds.

DeChambeau is now an equipment free agent after his contract with Cobra-Puma expired at the end of 2022.

JON RAHM

Jon Rahm is the hottest golfer on the planet right now. Period. At the time of writing, Rahm has won five of his last nine events, including the DP World Tour Championship and the elevated Genesis Invitational, finshing in the top eight in each of other events to make a long-awaited return to World No.1. The 28-year-old is not as anti-LIV as some his peers, telling reporters

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that PGA Tour players should be “thankful” for LIV Golf and 2022 was “not a bad year” for golf, but he’ll no doubt still want to get one over them and pick up a first Green Jacket. His record at the Masters is an impressive one, finishing inside the top 10 on four of his six outings, with a fourth-place finish in 2018 his standout result.

Rahm will become the fourth Spanish man to win at Augusta National should he emulate idols Seve Ballesteros, José María Olazábal and Sergio Garcia with victory.

JORDAN SPIETH

Jordan Spieth has arguably mastered Augusta National better than any other player since tying for second in his debut in 2014. The following year he got his hands on a Green Jacket and has gone on to finish inside the top three on three more occasions, including a runnerup finish in 2016 after giving up a five-shot lead heading into the back nine on the final day.

Next month’s edition will give him the chance to bounce back from a

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first missed cut at the tournament last year, and also the opportunity to catch up with Dustin Johnson, with Spieth admitting last month he wishes his ‘friend’ had not made the decision to join LIV Golf. It will be hugely surprising if Spieth doesn’t slip on the Green Jacket for a second time in his career. With a share of sixth in his recent outing at the WM Phoenix Open his game is certainly trending in the right direction.

He skipped school to watch Tiger Woods play in the early rounds of the Masters.

HOT

DANNY WILLETT

Danny Willett shocked the golfing world when he took advantage of Jordan’s Spieth’s collapse on the back nine at the 2016 edition to become the first Englishman to win a Green Jacket since Nick Faldo picked up his third in 1996. Since that triumph he has failed to make the weekend on four occasions, but did bounce back last year with a share of 12th. He’s struggled

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with his game and injury of late, withdrawing from two events at the back-end of last year with a shoulder problem. Having said that, he looked like he would claim his first PGA Tour win outside of the Majors at the Fortinet Championship in September, but inexplicably three-putted from inside four feet on the 72nd hole to lose by one to Max Homa. That meltdown alone gives you a clue to where his game is at right now.

Willett almost didn’t play In the 2016 Masters because his wife, Nicole, was due to give birth during the final round. Thankfully the baby was delivered before the tournament.

SEPP STRAKA

COLD

Sepp Straka rose to prominence last year after picking up his first PGA Tour win at the Honda Classic, before finishing seventh in the season-long FedExCup, but things haven’t gone as well this season. The Austrian made his Middle East debut earlier this year

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at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and Hero Dubai Desert Classic, failing to make the weekend in both outings - the fourth and fifth missed cuts in his last eight outings, with his best result in that time coming at the Hero World Challenge where he finished in a share of tenth in a 20-man field. He made the cut on his Masters debut last year, but failed to break 71 across four rounds.

Straka was the first player from Austria to earn a PGA Tour card.

NAVIGATE THE NASTINESS

Situated just a few hundred yards beyond a relatively nondescript road to the north west of Augusta, Georgia, the hallowed turf of Augusta National Golf Club has been the venue for the Masters since 1934 and is the only Major to be played at the same course every year.

While the venue is adored across the world, navigating through all of the nasty surprises that Augusta’s 18 holes toss up is a tricky task and one that is crucial to winning the Masters. Prior course knowledge is favourable given the fact that the last man to win on his debut came back in 1979 when Fuzzy Zoeller defeated Tom Watson and Ed Snead in a sudden-death playoff. Here, we look at the four nastiest holes from last year that mucked up a scorecard or two.

11TH – WHITE DOGWOOD

“It’s more than likely going to be the toughest hole of the week,” said three-time Masters champion Nick Faldo before last year’s tournament, and boy was he right. White Dogwood underwent a substantial amount of reconstruction after the 2021 edition which included moving and shifting the tee box 15 yards further back and to the left, removing 15 trees along the right side to widen the landing area significantly, raising the right side of the green to create a more dramatic falloff to the traditional bailout zone and extending the pond to the left of the green forward about 10 more yards. The hole was ranked the hardest last year, averaging 4.477 strokes and witnessed 96 bogeys, 22 double bogeys, 155 pars and just ten birdies across four rounds.

18TH – HOLLY

Entering last year’s tournament, the 18th was the seventh-most difficult hole at Augusta National in the history of the tournament, but it played a lot harder in 2022, ranking as the second toughest with a scoring average of 4.388. The increase in difficulty was largely down to the wind blowing from the left, which made the hole troublesome for right-handed golfers who prefer a left-to-right ball flight. The crosswind brought into play the pine tree limbs overhanging the left side and kept the spotters in the right trees busy. “It’s kind of a daunting tee shot on 18 with that wind howling out of the left,” Jason Kokrak said after a closing par. Across the week, the hole saw 93 bogeys, 20 double bogeys, 145 pars and 25 birdies.

long – finding the fairway and green is vital to walking away with a four here. Last year there were 11 double bogeys, 84 bogeys, 175 pars and just 13 birdies.

5TH – MAGNOLIA

Magnolia was the toughest hole at the 2021 edition of the Masters, but played slightly easier last year ranking the third hardest on the course with a scoring average of 4.332. An uphill hole that doglefts left, players wanting to get around the corner from the tee must carry a drive over the deep bunkers more than 310 yards. The green slopes back to the front, while a rear bunker catches balls hit too

1ST – TEA OLIVE

Standing on the first tee, you’d hope for an easy start to the Masters but Tea Olive is anything but that, especially last year when it played as the fourth hardest hole on the course. A slight dogleg right that plays uphill, the stars of the golfing world need to be wary of the trees to the left before placing a premium on accuracy with the second shot to an undulating green. A poorly struck approach is likely to result in a difficult twoputt. Ernie Els infamously started the 2016 edition with a six-putt en route to posting a 9 – the highest ever score on the hole. There were 11 double bogeys, 79 bogeys, 176 pars and 17 birdies on the opening hole last year.

A DINNER UNLIKE ANY OTHER

One of the most unique traditions in golf is undoubtedly the Champions Dinner at Augusta National the week of Masters Tournament. The exclusive evening has been an annual tradition since 1952 after Ben Hogan, the 1951 Masters winner, invited all past Masters champions to dine together. At the time Hogan proposed that a club of Masters winners be formed. Since then, the winner from the

previous year has acted as host and selected a menu for all previous Green jacket winners. At the beginning, the Masters Club was given three options for dinner: steak, chicken or fish. Since the mid-1980s, champions have picked their own meal with many weird and wonderful choices gracing the tables of the Augusta National clubhouse. Here, we take a look at some of those delicious delights.

Hideki Matsuyama

Hideki Matsuyama honoured his home country of Japan last year by selecting a menu that included sushi and sashimi appetizers, miso-glazed black cod and A5 Wagyu beef ribeye entrees and fluffy Japanese strawberry shortcake for dessert. “I had no idea what route he was going to go, and I’m excited to shake his hand and say thank you at the end of the night,” said two-time Masters champion Joran Spieth ahead of Matsuyama’s meal.

Dustin Johnson

The 2020 Masters winner Dustin Johnson set a menu of classic American cuisine which paid homage to his home state of South Carolina. Pigs in a Blanket and Lobster & Corn Fritters were served as an appetizer followed by a choice between prime filet mignon or miso-marinated sea bass. Peach cobbler and apple pie with vanilla ice cream was served for dessert.

Danny Willett

2021

Danny Willett chose a classically English meal to celebrate his unlikely victory in 2016. The meal started with mini cottage pies followed by a traditional Sunday Roast, consisting of prime rib, roasted potatoes and vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. For dessert the past Masters champions ate apple crumble with vanilla custard, followed by coffee and Yorkshire tea, English cheese and biscuits.

“What you hear inside that room, you just don’t hear anywhere else.” - Fuzzy Zoeller

Deligh�s

Bubba Watson

Bubba Watson served the same meal at both of his Masters Champions Dinners in 2013 and 2015 and it didn’t take him too long to think about. “It took me about 30 seconds to come up with the menu … I went with what I wanted. I don’t give a damn about other people,” said Watson at the time. The menu included a traditional Caesar salad, an entree course of grilled chicken with green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, and mac & cheese and confetti cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

2016

Jordan Spieth

The talented culinary staff at Augusta National whipped up a traditional Texas BBQ to celebrate Jordan Spieth’s victory. Honouring his home state, the Texan went for brisket, chicken, pork ribs, BBQ baked beans, corn muffins as well as bacon and chive potato salad and veggies. The meal was completed with a warm chocolate chip cookie and vanilla ice cream to finish.

Phil Mickelson

2011

Having previously served lobster and rib at his two prior Champions Dinners, Phil Mickelson went down a different route in 2011 to honour Seve Ballesteros, who couldn’t attend due to his battle with cancer. Golf’s greatest players tucked into seafood paella and machango-topped filet mignon for an entree. It also has a salad, asparagus and tortillas for side dishes. For dessert? A cream-topped apple empanada.

Tiger Woods

Tiger’s first opportunity to supply the menu came in 1998, a year after becoming the youngest Masters champion on history at the age of 21. His tastes back then represented his youthfulness with cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, French fries and milkshakes featuring prominently! Since then Woods has branched out and served up quesadillas, fajitas, porterhouse steaks and sushi.

2013 & 2015

McIlroy looked destined to seal his first Major title having led for all three rounds but a back nine meltdown led to a round of eight over par which threw the tournament wide open. Schwartzel grabbed the bull by the horns and shot an electric 66, which included a birdie blitz on the last four holes, to seal a two-stroke triumph over Australian duo Jason Day and Adam Scott.

“For me, winning a Major was a dream come true and the Masters at Augusta was the biggest dream I had. So, it was as good as it gets. And in the fashion that it happened on that Sunday with so many guys having the lead and then losing the lead again – it was a very exciting day and to come through and win it the way that I did will stay with me forever.

“Rory got off to a poor start but I got off to a great start – and so did Tiger. But by the time we were a couple of hours into the final round there was a group of players within two or three shots who all could have won the tournament. And to have that finish, with that electrifying feeling of making all those birdies with the crowds going wild, all over the golf course – I get goosebumps now talking about it.

“It really is something that I would love to experience again because there’s nothing like it. People ask ‘what’s it like’ but there’s no way of explaining it unless you’ve felt it. And I want that feeling again. Walking up the 18th fairway with a one-shot lead, knowing you

have left it 15 feet from the hole was the best feeling of my life.”

Despite Schwartzel’s heroics on the Sunday, the tournament is largely remembered for McIlroy throwing away the title with a nightmare run of triple-bogey, bogey and double bogey from the 10th.

“Everyone talks about Rory losing it, but it’s a little far off the mark,” he said. “He’s a hell of a player, he’s phenomenal. So, for him, maybe it feels like he shouldn’t be losing four shot leads. But it’s Augusta on a Sunday. It’s hard and he’s human.

“We all played well and he had a poor day. I’m sure that it will haunt him, but he’s so good that he’s likely to have a few more that haunt him because he’s going to give himself so many chances. Who really knows?”

Major Championship victories require all facets of the game to be firing for four grueling days against the best-of-the-best. But just as pivotal is the mental side of controlling your nerves. Competing in front of packed galleries and knowing that millions around the globe are glued to the TV can make even the world’s best crumble under the pressure.

“Mental strength is a key component for success on any golf course for any tournament, not just at Augusta,” he said.

“But that year that I won, was the most level my head has been, I wasn’t thinking about things that could go wrong. I was just

very robotic, I was just walking and hitting the next shot, then the next shot and so on. I think it might have helped that the leaderboard kept changing during the final round because I wasn’t bothered to look at it because it was all over the show.

“I just kept my head down and did my thing. I just hit my shots, and I was hitting it so well. The first time I got out of that robotic routine was walking from the 17th to the 18th tee because then all of a sudden, I noticed that a lot of the guys had finished and were in the clubhouse. I saw the leaderboard there and Rory and Angel Cabrera behind me were way back.

“I was leading and Adam and Jason were finishing up on 18. When I was standing on the 18th tee I was very nervous. It was everything I had dreamed of as a kid and there I was, living it. In my mind, I was thinking that a par would do it. The thought of ‘par to win the Green Jacket’ was flashing around in my mind.

“That was a nerve-wracking drive and I took a minute to gather myself. But that was a good example of getting ahead of myself and mentally what it can do to you.”

Schwartzel returns to the scene of his greatest triumph once again next month as he looks to become the 18th player to slip on the Green Jacket on more than one occasion. Victory for a player ranked outside the world’s top 180 seems unlikely, but with a sprinkling of Masters magic ingrained into him, you can never say never.

Few sports demand the combination of technical prowess, physical fitness, and mental fortitude that golf does, and even fewer have been able to master all three elements as comprehensively as Rose.

A true icon of the game, the 42-year-old has been a fixture in the upper echelons of professional golf for over two decades, racking up countless victories along the way. His latest triumph and first in four years arrived at the 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm which elevated him back into the top 50 players in the world. That victory, he claims, was a sign he’s on the right track.

“Definitely somewhat part relief and part elation,” said Rose of his latest win. “Four years is a long time. If we were having an interview and you asked ‘how do you think it’s going?’ I would have said ‘I haven’t been playing my best for the last couple of years’. It’s really nice to buck that trend and see some reward for the hard work. As golfers we’re very good at kicking the can down the road and putting it all down to process. Ultimately you do need a result at some point to get that jolt of confidence that goes alongside the hard work.”

Like the former World No.1 alludes to, his latest success isn’t solely down to talent or luck. Instead, it’s the result of an unwavering dedication to his craft and a tireless pursuit of improvement. From his early days as a promising youngster to his current status as a respected veteran, Rose has honed his skills over decades with discipline that only a few can

match. Another Masters invitation is among the rewards that have materialised from his latest triumph – the 16th invite of his career.

“Firstly, the prospect of not sitting on the couch and watching the Masters at home is relieving,” added Rose. “The season feels like it’s up and running now. I have a little bit more flexibility in how to approach it so that’s great. Augusta has been a venue that has offered up a few good looks and opportunities for me. It’s just a place I’m inspired to be at, that’s obviously front and centre. Being there this year with even just a little bit more gratitude might be a good thing. There’s a few little decisions to make around a couple of tournaments in how I want to approach the Masters. I do need to get that decision right. The options are good, but listen, I’m excited about that. I feel like Augusta’s a golf course I know so well, so if I can execute and play well, I feel from the mental and strategy side it should be a great opportunity.”

Rose has six top ten finishes at Augusta to his name, but he’s somewhat of a force to be reckoned with at all Major Championships. The five-time Ryder Cup star boasts an astonishing career of qualifying for every Major since 2010, and memorably triumphed at the 2013 U.S. Open. It’s an attentiongrabbing record which begs the question, what’s been the key to his success in these pressure-packed environments?

“A hallmark of what got me to world number one was consistency,” continued Rose. “When you’re in the Majors for that

long, that’s what you need. A lot of that would have been in relying on being top 50 in the world for that period of time. That changed for me of late, so it’s nice to be back in those areas I feel comfortable. I always prided myself in the Majors and trying to peak for them, putting them front and centre in my schedule. I’ve only won one of them and that’s nice to have the monkey off the back, but they’ve definitely been a focus for me in my career the last decade or so.”

RYDER CUP

Another mainstay in the Englishman’s career has been the presence of the Ryder Cup. The 2007 Race to Dubai champion made his debut in the iconic biennial team event back in 2008, and has since gone on to represent his continent four more times. During this period, the 42-year-old has become one of the most successful Europeans in the tournament’s history earning 14 points. And following his latest win on America’s West Coast, he could be about to embark on another opportunity to add to that tally.

“Ryder Cup is a thrill to compete in,” said Rose. “It’s a huge buzz, a massive tournament, loads of pressure. It’s an event you only want to be at if you’re playing well, and you feel like you can contribute to the team. I was really disappointed not to make the team for Whistling Straits, but more so would have been disappointed if I had made

In theory, Swedish people should not be good at golf. The capital city of Stockholm has an average daily temperature of less than two degrees Celcius in the winter with just a few hours of daylight. The city also receives 170 days a of precipitation a year, often in the form of snow. Despite this brutal weather, people turn out in huge numbers to tee it up with six percent of the country’s population playing the game – the highest percentage in Europe.

One of those players back in 1990 was an eight-year-old Noren. The youngster first sampled the sport 30km south of the capital at Haninge Golf Club with his first hole-in-one coming aged 12. Fortunately for him, Sweden’s summers can actually be glorious. That’s why the Nordic nation continue to punch above their weight in producing elite players. When the sun’s out, the country is on par with anywhere in the world to play the game.

Fast forward to now and the 2006 Challenge Tour graduate is a typical success story originating from the Swedish golf scene. The 40-year-old has gone on to win 11 times internationally while also having played in the 2018 Ryder Cup. His career has been a huge success and he is now on the verge of another appearance in the biennial showpiece event between Europe and America later this year.

“It’s the coolest tournament that I think we have,” said Noren. “If I made it this year I would probably enjoy it even more than I did in 2018. The first one, it will always be the best. Also, you want to do well so much and you want to do well for the Europeans, the team and the Tour. I felt pressure, but I would enjoy it more the second time. Looking back at it, it’s my best memory but it’s a blur when I think about those days. Some other tournaments if you won or finish well, it was ‘that was cool’ with relaxing here and there.

The Ryder Cup wasn’t so much relaxing, it was full on.”

It’s well-documented the 2023 edition is set to be a transitional year for the European team with a host a rookies looking to book their place to Rome in September. All of these guys bidding for spots can play golf to an the elite level, but it remains to be seen how much emphasis Captain Luke Donald will place on experience. Will Noren’s 2018 cameo put him in better stead to receive a selection? One would think so. As always, there needs to be a fine-tuned balance between raw tenacity – like Robert MacIntyre – and steady heads who know how to get the job done.

“Just don’t do anything different,” the Swede responded when asked if he had any advice for the new rookies. “I think a lot of people get into too much of the team. You should have the team spirit, but do your own stuff. If you play well, the team is going to

love you. You don’t have to try too much on the other parts. Work on what you need, like any other week. If you play a few hundred times on Tour, just do the same.”

RISE TO THE PGA TOUR

In 2016, Noren ended the year as a top ten player following four wins in five months on the DP World Tour and like many other high-performing Europeans, the lure of the PGA Tour became ever-present. He began a slow transition into a player focused on the American circuit in a bid to retain his position in the top echelons of the golfing world. The DP World Tour has seen less of the 2020 Olympian over recent seasons, but that’s not because he’s purposefully neglecting the circuit that made him the player who he is today.

“I live in America, but my heart is with Europe,” said Noren. “I want to play more in Europe, but it’s always tough to balance the two tours. Both tours are getting better. It’s tough with family, tours and travel. I was happy to play at the Hero Cup, great to see so many old faces as I’ve played on the DP World Tour since 2007, and the Challenge Tour before that. It’s a long time, and it was nice to be there in Abu Dhabi. I’ll play Sweden, Scotland this year and fit some more in. I wish I could play more. My ideal season is like 2018 when I did well in the States, then I can go over to Europe, and then back to America, then back to Europe again in the Fall. It’s two months here, two

months there. That’s the best I think. That’s my goal, but you’ve got to play very well to do that. You’ve got to play well in America, then Europe.”

The 2017 BMW PGA Championship winner may be on the right path to conquering his objective of mastering both sides of the pond after clearly adding some consistency in his scoring over recent months. His last four results on the DP World Tour read T-5, T-2, T-2 and 2nd with a combined score of 63 under par for these events. Two of these tournaments were also elevated Rolex Series contests. Despite this welcome uplift in form which has seen a rise back into the world’s top 40, the Stockholm man is continuing to chase further improvement.

ALEXNOREN

“I felt a little rusty to start the year,” added Noren. “But I’ve been playing pretty good. I’ve also tried a few things over the winter. I love my equipment and pretty particular about what I have. When you’re working on new stuff it’s always easier without the pressure. In the end, it’s up to your game which is what this sport is all about. There’s no coach to tell you anything, it’s all shown by your results.”

These previously mentioned DP World Tour finishes are the outcome of Noren remaining one of the most meticulous workers in the sport. Before every swing, he performs his mind-boggling over-thetop rehearsal. If you haven’t seen this drill, it’s a move 99 percent of us amateurs should avoid – it looks like he’s purposely trying to slice the ball. At January’s Hero Cup, he was the first on the range practicing this move and one of the last to leave. There was no prize money up for grabs that week or notable accolades besides team success – but he was still there putting the graft in. It’s a common theme amongst golf’s high-achievers that success doesn’t appear without a great deal of work and it would be easy for the 40-year-old to tell himself he’d cracked this game having won millions. And besides a Major conquest, there’s very little this big-hitting Swede hasn’t achieved within the sport. 2023 could be the year he takes the next step and completes it all.

“Work on what you need, like any other week. If you play a few hundred times on Tour, just do the same.”

Noren made his debut in the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in 2018

JORDANIAN REFEREE RAISES THE BAR FOR ARABS IN GOLF

A Jordanian golf referee is setting an example to Arabs around the world after o ciating at some of the biggest events on the DP World Tour, including last month’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where he formed part of the rules team at the Rolex Series event which was won by Rory McIlroy.

Hani Alabdallat, who has achieved the top level of R&A certification and became the first ever Arab to referee in a Major Championship at last year’s Open Championship, is now inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and take advantage of the multitude of job opportunities available in the golf industry.

“I believe that what I have achieved shows other Arabic people that if I can do it, so can they,” said Alabdallat, who, alongside his ‘day job’ as a corporate

banker, is also a Technical and Operational Advisor for the Arab Golf Federation and former President of the Jordanian Golf Federation. “That’s part of my responsibility to help grow the game in the region.

“I’ve done very well to get myself to the level I’ve reached in being able to referee at such high calibre tournaments and I believe that part of my payback to the game is to spread the word about rules and to educate people.

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

Stuart Taylor - General Manager Prosports International

“I’m also a R&A certified instructor for Level 1 and Level 2 and worked closely with over 45 people from the Arabic world. From nine countries who have gained Level 1 certification. Out of them 26 are Level 2 certified and a couple are attempting Level 3 at St Andrews so I’m trying my best to educate and motivate people.”

At last month’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic Alabdallat and his fellow referees had their work out with torrential rain over the first two days causing huge disruption to play, but it was an experience he thoroughly enjoyed.

“The conditions were tough,” he said. “The first two days there was heavy rain and we had to keep delaying and suspending play due to flooding and things like that. It was quite stressful but a very enlightening and amazing experience - something that I will take with me through my life.

“It was also the Tour Director Mike Stewart’s last event so it was emotional and I was happy to be there to be part of it as he had a big part in shaping the tournament. Having the opportunity to work with him closely is something I will cherish as well.”

While the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is often referred to as the ‘Major of the Middle East’, Alabdallat broke new ground for Arabs everywhere when he officiated at one of the golf’s bone fide Grand Slam events at the Home of Golf in 2022.

“I refereed the 150th Open at St Andrews last year,” he said. “It was a dream come true and I’m very happy to be the first and up to now the only person from the Arabic world to referee in a Major Championship.”

Through his work with the Arab Golf Federation, Alabdallat hopes to see more Arabs taking up key positions within the golf industry. It is a goal shared by the Emirates Golf Federation in the UAE who, under the

vision of Vice Chairman General Abdullah Alhashmi, are working closely with the R&A and the DP World Tour to create more opportunities in the region for UAE Nationals and Arabs in the industry – both on and off the course, be it coaching, golf club management or officiating.

“We’re trying to promote and develop all elements of the game – elite players, rules officials, coaches, administrators, club management,” said Alabdallat. “We’re working closely with all Arabic Federations to improve all of those elements and try to develop as much as possible people from the local communities who are passionate about specific roles within in the game like rules, greenkeeping, coaching, management.

“The golf industry is big and offers a lot of different job opportunities for people and we would like to see people from the Arabic world

capitalise on that and get involved more in these positions.”

Alabdallat, who is himself a keen golfer, would also like to see more Arabs take up playing the sport.

“The perception of golf is that it’s a sport for wealthy people, but that’s not the case. There’s also this view that sport is something for young people and when you get older you should concentrate on your career and family. But golf is a social game which you can enjoy with your father, your grandfather, wife, kids, everybody. It’s a game with great accessibility which provides a handicap system that allows people of all different levels to compete with each other and have fun.

“Going outside in the fresh air, being away from electronic devices and the stress and distractions of modern life, is something that we need to promote more.”

Alabdallat broke new ground for Arabs everywhere we he officiated at The Open

Alabdallat was part of the officiating team at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic

MYGOLF Dubai

It’s only just over six months since MyGolf Dubai’s official grand opening ceremony but having established ‘proof of concept’ with the sprawling, luxurious golf and entertainment venue at Dragon Mart 2 and expanding within the region with key partnerships and local endorsement, forwardthinking founder and CEO, Michael Zhao, is now offering to provide business owners and entrepreneurs a piece of the action with a turnkey franchise opportunity.

“This is the ‘blue ocean’ concept,” says Zhao. “Rather than competing in what is already a very congested golf market, we’ve created

a completely new segment. The concept captures an aspirational consumer demand shift in the new era for the Middle East region when it comes to the leisure/sports/ entertainment landscape.”

The indoor golf simulator business is thriving in Asia but is a relatively untapped market in the GCC with MyGolf Dubai being the only dedicated large scale example in existence. With summer temperatures extremely prohibitive for all but the most hardy golfers, this represents a significant opportunity to gain a foothold in a business with genuine potential.

“MyGolf prides itself in decrypting the biggest puzzle in the golf industry by coming at it from a consumer behaviour standpoint,” continues Zhao. “We’ve lowered the barriers to entry, making golf fun and entertaining even for complete beginners and by doing so have successfully accomplished mass engagement and participation for the general public.”

Take the partnership option for example, the MyGolf team will come in and build a facility in dedicated space or within a section of an existing business premises (called the ShopIn-Shop Model) as well as providing staffing to run the business. In addition to installing their

state of the art GolfZon simulators and other entertainment options such as a karaoke room, cigar lounge and restaurant, franchisees will also access MyGolf’s tried and tested customer acquisition and conversion system, as well as their team of qualified PGA professional golf coaches and club fitters.

The first MyGolf Dubai, which opened to great fanfare last summer, is a perfect showcase for what potential franchisees can expect in terms of quality and service. The GolfZon simulators in the 14,000 square feet venue have over 200 international courses including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, Kiawah Island, Harbour Town, PGA National and many more. The bays feature omni-directional swing plates to recreate different sloping lies, as well

as a range of different surfaces to replicate rough and even sand.

The disruptive golf coaching element of the MyGolf business, which focuses on teaching by ‘feel’, allows students to take advantage of swing analysis software and video technology usually associated with expensive swing studios for a fraction of the cost while bespoke club fittings also form a key aspect of the offering.

The level of customer service is also more akin to a 5-star private golf and country club than what you would expect from an indoor golf facility. A concierge meets all customers at the door – greeting them by name if they’ve pre-booked – taking their bags and escorting them to their bay, which could be one of the

open bays or a private VIP suite named after Rory McIlroy, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus or the VVIP Tiger Woods room!

F&B, entertainment spaces such as a dedicated karaoke room and events also form key aspects of the ‘MyGolf’ ethos which aims to turn its venues into community social spaces.

“Ultimately, as an impact investment, the Value Proposition of a premium, high networth customer base and an amazing organic business model with an exceptional, proven investment return is irresistible,” says Zhao.

If you’re interested in discussing the Golf as a Service (GaaS) franchise opportunity offered by MyGolf, contact Michael Zhao directly at michael@mygolfdubai.com

The venue also features state of the art meeting rooms

MyGolf CEO and Founder Michael Zhao

MyGolf is not only a golf and entertainment facility but also a social gathering and events space

BeThanerEver JA The Resort BeThanerEver

The golf course at JA The Resort has stood the test of time and remains one of Dubai’s finest courses. This charming nine-hole track has played host to iconic names like Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, making it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts in the region. We caught up with Stuart McMurdo, Director of Sports for JA The Resort, who gave us an insight into everything going on at the venue.

How has the golf season been for JA The Resort over the last few months?

The winter’s been absolutely fantastic for us. We’ve been very fortunate that a lot of the top DP World Tour players have come and stayed. They’ve used it as a base during their pre-season training. The course has been in great shape and we’ve got really fast, true surfaces now. We re-laid these greens back in 2018 and we are really see the benefit of that now. The guys that have come over and dedicated their time to practice they’ve been able to really be able to hone their skills before going out to play on Tour.

Could you give us an insight into the players who have been here?

These pros tend to stay for about two to three weeks during the off season. Players such as Thorbjørn Olesen, Jason Scrivener, Richard Mansell, Sami Valimaki, Rafa Cabrera Bello as well as some of the ladies as well such as Amy Boulden and Olivia Cowan have stayed. They’ve been with us a lot doing some great work. We’re very fortunate as we’re attracting players from all around the world.

What about some of the other facilities available to these elite players?

We’re always looking at our facilities and trying to improve wherever we can. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes in terms of training so we’ve increased the size of the gym and the equipment is all brand new. That’s gone down really well not only with our golfers but our professional tennis players and professional football players here that we’ve attracted as well.

JA The Resort

What else makes JA The Resort such an attractive place to come to?

JA has always been one of these places that has been a little bit out of town but we’re not far away from everyone. It’s fantastic little resort with great facilities, great service, great food and beverage options. We’ve got loads of different sport and activities to try from horse riding to water sport, as well as beach casual time. It’s a nice quiet relaxing place where you can be active if you need to be active.

Is there anything else for youngsters to do at the resort that people should be aware of?

We’re also known as a fantastic family resort and we’re always looking to develop that side of the business by bringing in new factors. The Splash Park and Splash Pad have gone down really, really well with our guests. The kids are absolutely loving it there. There’s also been installation of two new padel courts. Everyone knows it’s a growing sport especially here in the UAE. The feedbacks been great, very busy and popular. It’s very fun and social for all levels.

Finally, what can guests expect if they stay at the hotel?

Our hotel stays are better than ever as we’ve refurbished rooms at JA Beach Hotel and JA Palm Tree Court which are our premium level rooms that we have. Guests are really enjoying the new set-up of the rooms as they’re very modern now.

coming true!

We played the New and Old Course on the trip. I still remember that giddy feeling of excitement as I got my first glimpse of the iconic R&A Clubhouse, it was a real pinch me moment. I felt so incredibly lucky. I also still remember getting my picture taken on the first tee on the Old Course. The R&A Clubhouse as the backdrop never gets old. I felt like a celebrity! Teeing off on 17 after watching it on TV for so many years was just pure magic. And of course, we all got our pictures taken on the famous Swilcan Bridge! More recently the Swilcan Bridge has featured in the media over the controversial stonework built to help preserve the grass area surrounding. This stonework that had been nicknamed a ‘garden patio’ has now thankfully been removed.

Those who know me well know I love my sense of style, on and off the course! I could have spent all day in the St. Andrews

to any fellow golf nerds like the Hennessys.

This St. Andrews trip was a very special few days for my family and I. We were so fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit and play St. Andrews together. We often still talk about it! It was everything I hoped it would be and more, so much so that I immediately started looking up graduate and masters degree programmes at the University of St. Andrews. With a background in education, my options at this particular University were limited. However, after much research I did find that my undergraduate degree met the criteria to apply for a Masters in Geography. It is an inside family joke that I am not the brightest spark when it comes to Geography, so much to my dismay St. Andrews University wasn’t going to be a fit for me!

The 150th Open was played at St. Andrews last July. Oh how I wish I could have been there for that! Aussie Cameron Smith overtook my hero Rory to claim victory to lift the famous Claret Jug. An incredible win that will go down in history.

The St. Rule Trophy is an annual ladies amateur event played at St. Andrews, attracting many of the top female amateur golfers from all over the world. It is a 54 hole stroke play event played on the New and Courses. The handicap cut off for the event is 2.4, which means I would actually qualify to enter for the event this coming June. Perhaps I will make the voyage back to St. Andrews sooner than I anticipated?

For those of you wondering, I did not keep my promise to my Dad and proceeded to arrange a very large 21st Birthday celebration in our back garden. I think he is still scarred from that event. I have a big Birthday coming up this May, perhaps all the more reason to enter the St. Rule Trophy and return to St. Andrews, or perhaps another big garden party is on the cards! Let’s wait and see!

THE GAME IS NO LONGER A SPORT, IT’S A TV DRAMA AND I’M NOT TALKING ABOUT NETFLIX.

PETE COWEN

Iknow many of you will have been watching the Netflix documentary Full Swing and I guess it’s entertaining to see behind the scenes as many fans will encounter the players out on the course during tournaments and you don’t get to see what they are like once the clubs are put away.

I’ve only got to watch the first two episodes, but I couldn’t believe Brooks Koepka put himself through all that in front of the camera. He’s punishing himself to play well and I guess he thought the Netflix documentary would help kick him into action, as there was no other reason to put himself out there like that. I’m currently in Mexico for the LIV Golf event and we went through the whole thing. What a lot of people will be unaware of is why Brooks appears to be punishing himself. He’s just frustrated that his injuries were self-inflicted at a time he appeared untouchable in the game. He just pushed too hard in the gym when there was no reason to.

Thankfully those injuries have heeled but Brooks needs to get his mind back to where it was. He’s not quite firing on all cylinders, but he’s getting there and as we all know this game is built on confidence. All it takes is a blistering low round, which he is more than capable of, and he will be challenging again.

LIV Golf was a great break for Brooks as he needed to fix his body through rest and that has worked a treat. Unfortunately, being captain of his team is distracting. What you don’t know is being a captain means you have to run and plan things for the rest of your teammates. So, booking flights, hotel rooms and all the other logistical headaches managers face.

He might be advised do what Westwood, Garcia and Stenson have done and hire a manager to look after those things. It’s not like he can’t afford to do so.

It was also interesting to see Thomas Pieters in Mexico, but I understand why he made the jump to LIV. He’s always wanted to

remain close to home and not base himself in America like other European’s have done, so taking the money to spend more time with his young family makes sense. Especially when you never know what is around the corner in this game.

You are only an injury away from blurring into obscurity. You could even apply that to someone like Jon Rahm who looks unbeatable right now, but a sudden back or wrist injury can change everything. For Rahm to regain his world number one spot with Tiger in the field made that moment extra special and the fans certainly turned out in full force, which would have delighted the PGA TOUR.

I know Tiger keeps saying that he’s playing to win, and his immense upper body strength has enabled him to keep up with the younger stars in terms of ball speed, but unless you are Padraig Harrington, all golfer’s struggle to compete once they start knocking on the door of the Champions Tour.

Tiger is a fighter, and I would love nothing more than him to win a Major, but he’s 47, and when you consider Jack Nicklaus was 46 when he won the Masters for the final time, it puts things into perspective. Especially when you look at the calibre of player teeing it up in the Majors these days. I’m sure now I’ve said that Tiger will prove me wrong as he has many time in the past, but father time catches up with us all.

Which finally leads me on to the sad passing of John Paramor. I’ve known John from his first day on the job, when he interviewed me after I won the 1976 Zimbabwe Open. I had defeated Jack Newton, who lost in a play-off to Tom Watson the previous year at The Open, so it wasn’t the dream interview John was looking for!. He was all about the game and was a remarkable man that loved the job and it showed. The players had the upmost respect for John, as did I. He challenged some of the ridiculous rules in golf and wasn’t scared to stand up for what he believed in. People will remember John as a leading referee, but he was a decent player and ironically due to his famous father, Norrie Paramor who was one of the biggest music producers in the UK, his life could have gone in any direction. Thankfully for us, John chose golf and the game ended up much better off.

"Trusted

"Trusted

THE CHAMPIONS LOCKER ROOM IS SMALL AT AUGUSTA SO MICKELSON, DJ, REED, GARCIA, SCHWARTZEL, MAKES QUITE A LIV CROWD

DAVID HOWELL

It’s been 17 years since I played in my first Masters Tournament, but it feels like only yesterday as the memories from that first visit are burned into my mind so clearly. To this day, it’s one of the best weeks of my life. My teenage years were filled for one week each April watching European stars donning the Green Jacket, so to say it was a dream come true to play in the Masters would be an understatement.

Receiving the invite is a joy in itself, when it drops through the letter box. How wonderfully old fashioned it is to send out those beautiful invitations for us to treasure for the rest of our days! From that moment onwards, it’s hard to give anything other than the Masters your full attention.

I can remember arriving at Atlanta airport and being intrigued as to which direction we would travel, a strange thing to remember one might think, but it’s the only time I can ever really remember wondering this upon arrival somewhere. The mystique of Augusta National at play once again.

I can remember the joy on my guests’ faces as they arrived at what can only be described as the mansion I had rented for the week, and how early I rose on Sunday morning, like a kid on Christmas Day, ready to take that drive into the most famous golf club in the world.

Quite how unlucky I was that in 2005 all the players were ushered into a gravel car park alongside Magnolia Drive, rather than down it, I will ever know. Alas, it was to be my only let down of the week.

I assume all new players that visit Augusta for the first time do the same as I did. Take a wander around the clubhouse, it’s as classy as you might expect. Then take a walk out of the back door to have a look at the first and tenth tees, the ninth and 18th greens, and wonder at just how much the course drops away below you.

Arriving on Sunday to witness the members still playing with their guests is a wonderful little Augusta quirk that only belongs to them. You feel like a guest at a golf club rather than a competitor in a Major Championship, how utterly wonderful.

What struck me also was just how excited the great names of the game were to be there once again. August National really has created something so coveted that it seems to excite an ageing jack Nicklaus just as much as it does a young rookie as myself. In this, the Masters is truly unique.

This year’s chapter seems destined to be an absolute cracker and make no bones about it. Now that LIV Golf has got going, the Majors are set to benefit more than anyone else. Only four times a year do the world’s best players get together now, and the Masters has the box seat in starting things off as per usual.

Let’s look at the headliners. Jon Rahm is playing like a man possessed, the number one player in the world, it’s where he feels he belongs right now and he’s desperate to prove it, week after week. Scotty Scheffler just won’t go away. His win at the Waste Management Phoenix Open to defend his title was sublime, a reminder that he is nothing other than a class act. Defending that title in the madness of the desert must take some doing.

with four rounds under his belt at Riviera he will be confident that the unimaginable can once again happen. Jordan Spieth is hitting it well and we all know how much Augusta suits his game.

The LIV boys will arrive on even bigger private jets than they did last year and will feel that they have a point to prove. For so much of the year now it’s safe to say they play under the radar. The Majors bring them back to the forefront once again and rest assured Cam Smith, for one, will want to prove that he is better than ever. He of all the LIV players made the jump in his prime - whether this proves to be a burden or an inspiration we’ll have to wait and see.

DJ, Brooks, Bryson, Bubba…who knows what game they will bring with them. Now that they’re nearly a year on from the biggest decision of their golfing lives, it’ll be interesting to see how it has affected them. Is Sergio full of the joys of spring, or burdened by his change in circumstances for instance? I fancy it will be the former, happy to be involved in the Major Championships he coveted as a child, playing practice rounds with Jose Maria Olazabal perhaps, or his LIV contemporaries?

The champions locker room is small at Augusta so Mickelson, DJ, Reed, Garcia, Schwartzel, makes quite a LIV crowd. Who wouldn’t want to be a fly on the wall in there this April as they slip on their shoes next to Tiger and Co.

Golf has entered a new era and this year’s Masters is the Major that will usher it in for real. The story lines are set, the cast has been named, the 13th has been lengthened and come Masters Sunday, I think we will be in for one heck of a ride once more.

Beware!

CORRECT

A complete follow-through onto the lead foot with the wrists extended towards the target is the goal.

PRACTICE THIS!

Hold the golf club down by the hosel and make some practice swings from this position. Obviously you won’t reach the ball, but the focus here is to not let the shaft touch the lead side of your body as you rotate through. This helps to ensure the body stays moving through the entire shot. Often scooping is the result of body stalling through impact meaning the wrists take over.

Hitting over a bunker can be one of the most daunting shots in golf. Scan the code to watch Grace discuss this topic in more detail. Sneak peak... she nearly holes her example shot!

WRONG

Hanging back on the trail foot with limited rotation often leads to ‘scooping’ the ball into the air.

THE SWING OF A CHAMPION

Scottie Scheffler’s rise to top was a quick one, however, he always seemed destined for greatness given his profilic youth success where he won 75 titles on the PGA Junior League. The 26-year-old won individual state titles three years in a row (2012-2014), won the 2013 U.S. Junior Amateur and was the top-ranked junior golfer in the country in 2014. In September 2022, the American was named 2022 PGA Tour Player of the Year after winning four titles, including the Masters. Having recently defended the Phoenix Open the question is will he do the same next month at Augusta National?

Once posture is understood a main fundamental here at the Peter Cowen Academy is to create arm structure with arm hang. This is nicely demonstrated here from Scheffler’s classic athletic setup. Upper tricep over the knees and balls of the feet.

This allows for Scheffler’s dynamic movement to begin. He moves the larger sections of the body well starting his spiral. This allows the arms and hands to remain rather passive and in front of the body.

Scheffler holds the ground nicely maintaining the flex in the right knee as he sets the club on plane with his hand and arm action. Notice the gap between the elbows has not changed too much during this process.

With the lower half moving down and around nicely, Scheffler has been able to maintain his arm structure and club position. Note how the club head is next to his right pocket, yet his hands are in front of his body.

The American’s lower half and abs now spiral around and up on the left side, whilst the shoulders, arms and club are in the perfect spot for impact. His left arm and shoulder is still very visible.

It’s easy to see how Scheffler is able to post such consistency with his maintained arm structure which creates a stable face position even following the strike.

Scheffler’s arm structure is still under control as his shoulders match the club movement, spiralling around and up. Look at his feet, many golfers try to keep their feet planted. It’s useful to understand that moving the feet can increase the bodies ability to move better.

Knees almost touching created by the angular motion of the body and club working together. Scheffler’s fully spiralled into his follow through with his hips left of target and shoulders further left.

With an average driving distance of 321.4 yards last season just ahead of Rory McIlroy, Scheffler knows how to move the ball out there.

Continuing to hold the ground and with his body nicely positioned he is able to maintain his arm structure.

Scheffler continues to spiral, stretching to the top of the backswing into a powerful position.

During transition Scheffler drives into the ground moving his pressure down to create power.

he all-new Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K blade putters boast a distinct design aimed at enhancing performance by reducing side spin from off-centre hits. By positioning over 120 grams of tungsten behind the face in the toe and heel areas as well as shifting the CG forward, Odyssey state these blades offer a higher MOI than mallets. It’s a bold claim when discussing putters as the terms ‘blade’ and ‘forgiveness’ are not often used together in the same sentence.

The Tri-Hot 5K come in five different variations as well as extending into mallets in 2023 with the Rossie & Seven models. The famous ‘White Hot’ insert remains in its original formulation with the distinctive sound, feel and performance. The Red Stroke Lab Shaft has also been made stiffer which Odyssey assert has made the club more stable and consistent, while each putter is complimented with the TRIHOT Pistol Grip.

This collection of blades consists of a progression from the slimmest putter, known as the ‘One’, to the Two, Three, Double Wide, and ultimately, the widest of the group, the Triple Wide. Each one has differing degrees of toe hang so there’s a variation for all depending on each player’s stroke type.

FITTING REVIEW

To paint the scene, I’m a mid-handicapper who has only ever bought putters straight off the shelf. I’ve never devoted serious time to improving on the greens as I believe I have far weaker areas of my game. With that said, the fitting and use of these new premium putters was genuinely eye-opening.

I was fitted by Callaway & Odyssey Custom Fit Specialist Stuart Smith, a South African pro who has played on the Sunshine and Challenge Tour. In short, a very good golfer who knows what it takes to play at a high level. We were also using the Els Club’s greens which many of you will know are some of the purest surfaces in the region.

After trialling each variant of blade from different distances, I leaned in preference

towards the Triple Wide. The larger, heavier head felt like I had more stability throughout each stroke. Off-centre strikes generally didn’t stray hugely offline and after some added putting tips from Stuart, I started to feel very comfortable on the greens.

The other style of blade that I warmed towards was the Two which has 50 degrees of toe hang in comparison to the Triple Wide which has none. The club’s lightweight design provided more feedback and sensation in the hands when the face hit the ball. You knew instantly if you had hit a good putt or not. If you’re a player who wants more awareness in your fingertips, these narrower heads deserve your attention.

As an amateur with an inconsistent stroke, the ‘Wide’ models felt like they allowed for less manipulation with the hands. Toe strikes drifted, but not usually to ‘knee knocker’ territory. In all, a selection of blades that deliver what they claim and are well worth checking out.

THOUGHTS?

I can see how this training aid can help specific players and there will be a use for it on the driving range. It helped with my rhythm, but I still finished on the range feeling underwhelmed. My main gripe was I don’t think it transitioned into my real swing very well. I wasn’t hitting my normal irons any better after using this. In my opinion, it’s another product that overpromises and underdeliver considering their extravagant claims to fix every possible swing fault. Understandably the company have marketing objectives and need a degree of hyperbole to sell the product, but there also should have been some realism within their statements. A flexible shaft may help the golf swing to an extent, but it isn’t going to perform miracles.

“The golf ball is the engine of everything I do equipment wise. So, the big thing that I look for whenever I’m testing balls, is ‘does it do exactly what I think it’s going to do?’ When I switched to the [2023 Pro V1x], it had the exact same reactions around the greens, I actually gained a little bit of distance with the driver and it was actually better through the wind. My dispersion also went from maybe a five, six yard loss to a one, two or three - the change was a no brainer.”

Will Zalatoris

BY ALEX GALLEMORE

2023 IS ALL ABOUT THE CORE DEVELOPMENT

Both models have been updated from the inside out and feature a brand new high gradient core design. The cores are firmer on the outside and become progressively softer as you move to the inside. This promotes fast speeds and low long-game spin. In the Pro V1x, the centre volume of the inner core has been increased by 41%, from 1” to 1.13” in size. This helps to drive down long game spin and increase stability through the air.

In both models, a high-flex casing layer surrounds the core. This helps to neutralise excess spin and combines with the urethane cover to create more greenside spin and control.

The external urethane cover is made using a proprietary thermoset process. This essentially means two different components are mixed together to create the cover. The liquid urethane is then cast into cavities to form the dimple pattern. The temperature and timing of the curing process are key to consistent urethane and consistent performance.

Each golf ball has a unique dimple pattern to optimise aerodynamics. The Pro V1 has 388 dimples, whilst the Pro V1x has 348. The Pro V1x’s dimple pattern allows the ball to launch and fly in a slightly higher window than the Pro V1.

● Mid Flight Trajectory

● Maximum Short Game Spin

● Soft Feel

FEEL

First off, the obvious difference is feel. On the green, both versions have a softer feel and are quieter. The Pro V1 and Pro V1x have kept their characteristics, but the 2023 versions are as close as they’ve ever been. The Pro V1 is still softer on the club face while the Pro V1x has a crisper impact sound and a slightly firmer feel.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

Both have a lower long game spin rate compared to the 2021 model but if you require slightly higher spin with your irons and wedges the ProV1X would be the model to try first. These balls continue to set the standard for Tour-caliber performance while providing better feel than ever before.

VERDICT

As the best ball in golf continues to get better, don’t just think it is a designed solely for the low handicapper or Tour professional. As the greens start to firm up across the Middle East, spin will be your best friend when it comes to iron and wedge shots. But like all things in life, it comes down to budget. For many of us we might struggle to really tell the difference, so buy a couple of sleeves of each and see which suits your game the best.

IN THE BAG

Jon Rahm

You could say the Paradym upgrades have worked out well for the new World Number One. From his last five starts he’s won three and finished third and tie seventh in the other two.

Rory McIlroy Dubai Desert Classic WinningBag

Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (Fujikura Ventus Black 6X shaft), 9 degrees

3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (Fujikura Ventus Black 8X shaft), 15 degrees

5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (Fujikura Ventus Black 9X shaft), 19 degrees

Irons: TaylorMade Rors Proto (3-PW; Project X 7.0 shafts)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM9 (54 S-Grind bent to 55° and 58 proto K-grind, bent to 59°; Project X 6.5 shafts)

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Hydro Blast (SuperStroke Traxion Pistol GT Tour grip)

Ball: TaylorMade TP5x

Grips: Golf Pride New Decade MultiCompound

Driver: 3-Wood: 5-Wood: Irons:

Callaway Paradym

Triple Diamond (10.5 degrees)

Shaft: Aldila Tour Green ATX 75 TX

Callaway Paradym

Triple Diamond T (High Launch, 16 degrees)

Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 8 X

Callaway Paradym

Triple Diamond T (18 degrees)

Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 8 X

Callaway Apex TCB (4-PW)

Shafts: Project X 6.5 (4-PW)

MCILROY AFTER CLINCHING HIS THIRD DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC

Wedges: Putter: Grips: Ball:

(52-10, 56-12, 60-10)

Callaway Jaws Raw

Odyssey White Hot OG Rossie S

Golf Pride MCC midsize

Callaway Chrome Soft X

The American Express

The Genesis Invitational

Sentry Tournament of Champions

“I think the way I managed my game this week, I think the short game display that I put on this week was as good as I can remember.”

PING G430 SOUNDS LIKE A WINNER

Tour players are looking for the slightest advantage in tech to reduce their scoring average, so when a player changes a club it’s normally for that reason. Irons and putters rarely get swapped out, as it’s the long game where players are chasing the yards and tighter dispersion. So, when Ping launched the G430 it was going to be interesting to see how many switched out the highly successful G425 driver and fairway metals.

Victor Perez won in Abu Dhabi with the G430 driver and G430 Max five wood in the bag and he’s not alone in shifting to the new model. Tyrrell Hatton, Thriston Lawrence and Sahith Theegala have also put the G430 metals in play.

If you read our G430 driver review, you would know how impressed we were with the performance but equally important was the improved acoustics. The question we were dying to find out was whether the fairway woods were singing off the same hymn sheet.

The metals are available in two models G430 MAX and SFT and both share the same technology, but the SFT is designed with a draw bias to help square the toe through impact.

When it comes to technology it’s all about the ability to shift weight around in the head to optimise speed and forgiveness across the face. In order to do this Ping has joined the carbon party. Both G430 MAX and G430 SFT fairway woods feature a Carbonfly Wrap crown which weighs 8.5 grams but frees up 10 grams of discretionary weight.

There are two main benefits of using carbon. First, it helps produce a more acoustically pleasing sound

Carbonfly Wrap, an ultralightweight composite crown, wraps into the heel and toe sections of the skirt. Weight savings are reallocated to lower the CG and increase ball speed and MOI (forgiveness). The composite also plays a role in the improved acoustics.

at impact. Secondly, PING has used the 10 grams of saved weight to push the CG lower where it also increases ball speed.

The fairway metals have kept the same Spinsistency technology from the G425. This means the face features a modified roll profile, especially low on the club face where the loft decreases. This helps normalize spin and increase ball speed for more launch.

Lofts are available from 15 through to 24 degrees but Ping’s Trajectory Tuning allows you to increase or decrease that baseline loft by one and half degrees either way. So, the range spread is really 13.5 to 25.5 degrees.

Ping’s stock shafts have always been one of their strong points. You have a choice of their Altus 56g soft shaft for a high launch all the way to their 71g Tour 2.0 Black X stiff for power hitters that want a lower launch. In addition, Ping offers the Mitsubishi Kai’Li White 70 along with the HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 60 and 70. This range of shaft will suit most players but there is a whole range of upgrade options available when you get fitted.

VERDICT

The G430 has a slight performance edge over the G425 but the revised acoustics is the real success story. I’ve been struggling with my hybrid recently with carry distance and think a 21-degree G430 MAX might be the answer I’m looking for. The lime green and white highlights against the carbon just finish the club off perfectly.

MEN’S MG4X2 GOLF CROSS TRAINER

G/FORE TURNING FAIRWAYS INTO A CARPET RIDE

It’s no surprise to see the cross-trainer golf shoe starting to dominate the fairways in the Middle East. The firm dry conditions have understandably been a captive market for shoe manufacturers looking to sell comfort and practicality. In years to come the term spike bar might be rendered meaningless as the modern shoe sole is all about texted grip and traction not spikes.

One brand that is gathering pace in the region is G/ Fore. The brand originated from Los Angeles and their company message pretty much sums things up: ‘G/Fore is distinguished by our attention to detail, sophisticated ease, whimsical nature, and youthful energy. We consistently strike to make a powerful and colourful impact on our favourite game. Our intent is to disrupt the industry while honouring the sport and its rich traditions.’

As your eyes glance across the shoe racks, there is no guessing which are made by G/Fore. They might grab your attention but how do they perform on the fairways?

On course, the Sawtooth sole design offers remarkable grip. Even in the morning dewy conditions did I wish I’d opted for a spiked shoe. They also feature a moulded heel cup that prevents the heel from slipping, so your feet always feel really secure. Meanwhile, the upper is both breathable and waterproof, keeping your feet dry during in those damp dew conditions and not get too hot when temperatures rise.

The textured uppers provide great comfort but be mindful of how the sand finds its way into those areas, as they aren’t the easiest to get clean.

& grip

A unique feature of the MG4x2 shoe is the insole. Firstly, it’s removable and washable, which is a massive bonus that will only help prolong the lifespan on these shoes.

Secondly, the insole is uniquely designed to massage your foot as you walk – you truly have to experience the sensation of walking in a G/FORE shoe to understand the comfort on offer.

There are some really fun colours to choose from and it would be boring to play it safe and opt for the white colour way, but trying to find trousers to match some of the designs might be a challenge. Thankfully we wear shorts most of the time so this will not be too much of an issue.

VERDICT

Without dout these are some of the most comfortable golf shoes I’ve ever worn and my feet have walked in a fair few over the last two decades. I was apprehensive about the grip the Sawtooth sole would provide but I failed to lose traction during the two rounds I played in them and one was a dewy morning at the Trump Dubai. It’s also refreshing to see a brand having some fun and appeal to the younger generation. My only reservation with the shoes is how it ages, as it shares a lot of similarity with a trainer and we all know they lose their structural form over time. But regardless, just buy them for the comfort alone.

Full rubber outsole with sawtooth traction pattern designed to provide flexibility

GARMIN APPROACH R10 BIG HIT FOR GOLF TECHIES

The professional game is stat driven and now the amateur world is following suit. Many of us will have used a TrackMan or GCQuad at some point, probably when being fitted for clubs, but imagine if you could see those numbers whenever you want? Unlike many of the leading pros we don’t have the $20,000 to buy the leading launch monitor and to be honest they are trying to dial in their yardages like a sniper setting up his gun scope. Where most of us would just like to hit the target more often and have a rough idea of what is going on with their swing. Not just on the range but also on the course.

In the past we’ve tried portable, budget friendly launch monitors like the ShotScope Mevo and we were not that impressed. Placing stickers on each ball so the laser could track the data was time consuming and the numbers were not that accurate compared to a TrackMan. So we were hesitant to try out the portable Approach R10 launch monitor from Garmin.

It provides all the most important data metrics such as: carry and total distance, ball speed and club speed, plus spin rate and axis.

But what sets the Approach R10 apart from other budget launch monitors is its club data offering. It provides extremely valuable club data metrics like Club Path, Club Face Angle, Club Face to Path, and Attack Angle.

It’s rare for a launch monitor under 20,000 AED to provide that level of data, let alone for a unit that costs just 2,799 AED.

With the data R10 provides, you’ll be able to dial in

The Approach R10 measures four data parameters directly: Ball speed: the speed of the ball immediately after impact.

Club head speed: the speed of the club head at impact.

Launch angle: of the ball relative to the ground.

Launch direction: right or left of the target.

Additional metrics are derived through calculations: spin rate / spin axis / carry distance apex height / club face angle / club path angle / angle of attack total distance / carry distance smash factor / apex height deviation distance

your distances, see your spin rate and launch angle metrics, which are essential if you’re looking to hit the ball further. For players looking to tighten dispersion being able to see the face and club angle is a huge help, especially if you are working with a pro to improve your mechanics. To be able to track the improvement is something premier launch monitors could only have offered in the past.

IS THE APPROACH R10 ACCURATE?

Reviews on the accuracy of the Approach R10 Launch monitor tend to provide a mixed bag of opinions. Some users rave over the launch monitor claiming it’s the best in the industry while others claim to be mildly disappointed. Your experience with the Garmin R10 will depend on your expectations and experience with other systems.

If you are used to practicing on $10,000+ units like Trackman, then you’re probably not going to be that impressed with the Approach R10. However, if your new to the launch monitor world or are simply an amateur golfer, then the R10 will be a huge asset to your game. The R10 is not a rival to the TrackMan or GCQuad but for well under $1,000 it’s worth every penny.

VERDICT

It provides more shot data than any launch monitor in its price range and the compact size means you can even take it out on the course with you when practicing. Obviously, it isn’t going to be as accurate as a TrackMan but it’s good enough for most amateurs.

If you love golf – or even just like it –you will know all about the majesty of Trump Turnberry. A major player in the history of the sport, the Scottish resort remains one of the game’s most prestigious places to play and it is not hard to see why.

For many, the name Turnberry first conjures up thoughts of its world-famous Ailsa course, a legendary links that sweeps along the Ayrshire coast to the iconic Turnberry Lighthouse. Best known as the stage of four memorable Open Championships, most notably 1977’s famous ‘Duel in the Sun’ between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, the Ailsa is an odyssey of epic holes and breathtaking views. Golfers come from far and wide to test themselves on this milestone layout, as they have for decades.

While the Ailsa deserves its place on countless bucket lists, the neighbouring King Robert the Bruce course cannot be

overlooked. Both 18-hole layouts were reimagined by renowned architect Martin Ebert in 2016, with the King Robert the Bruce enjoying a booming reputation in the years since and considered one of Scotland’s finest courses in its own right.

Stunning Irish Sea views from both courses, overlooking the immense Ailsa Craig and quaint Isle of Arran, offer some additional motivation – as if you would need any.

Turnberry’s golf offering stretches far beyond the central 36 holes. The nine-hole Arran course is often cited as one of the world’s best short layouts, while for family fun the Wee Links pitch-and-putt can be enjoyed by all ages.

The dedicated Golf Academy is packed with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experts. A TrackMan driving range is partnered with a SAM PuttLab to cover every aspect of a golfer’s game, with tailored tuition and custom club-fitting available on request.

This year will also see Trump Turnberry unveil its ‘Ailsa Club’, a new membership designed to immerse guests in the leisure and luxury with which the resort has become synonymous. At the heart of it all is the Ailsa Club Lounge, an exclusive room serving daily drinks, canapés and even a personalised bottle of whisky for each member. Complimentary fourballs at Ireland’s Trump Doonbeg and Trump International Scotland add a travel flavour to the tantalising mix.

Alongside unlimited tee times on the three courses, four unique membership options are available to personalise the experience: the Golf Membership unlocks the full potential of the Golf Academy; the Family Membership is perfect for parents and kids; the Corporate Membership makes the most of the resort’s status as an aweinspiring environment for clients; and the Trump Spa Membership places the recently redesigned Spa at Turnberry at its core.

An iconic course and venue, the famous Ayrshire resort has been turning heads for decades and with a new exclusive membership package, there has never been a better time to immerse yourself in what it has to o er

Aside from being perhaps Trump Turnberry’s most visually striking feature, the historic Turnberry Lighthouse is also celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. In 2016, the bottom of the structure was converted into the World’s Best Halfway House, as crowned at the World Golf Awards in 2022, while the top houses the opulent Lighthouse Suite.

Accommodation at the grand Edwardian hotel comes in guest and family rooms all the way to four signature suites, each named after an Open Champion from the resort’s past. Each is lavishly furnished and appointed with no less than you would expect. Guests can choose from three distinct restaurants: the magnificent ‘1906’, the modern ‘Duel in the Sun’ and the ‘Grand Tea Lounge & Bar’.

Meanwhile, if you dare take a break from the golf, Turnberry Adventures is the resort’s extensive programme of on-site activities and outdoor pursuits. Across 800 acres of Ayrshire countryside, guests can try their hand at everything from kayaking and archery to quad-biking and falconry. For animal lovers, horses from the Turnberry Stables can even be ridden along the seafront. Families will find something to enjoy in the diverse Turnberry Adventures catalogue, with each activity led by experienced professionals.

Boasting 45 holes and two of the best courses in Scotland, a comprehensive supporting cast of golf facilities and peerless hospitality, Trump Turnberry’s status among the world’s leading golf destinations is indisputable.

Now the introduction of the Ailsa Club puts unrestricted access at your fingertips – the only question is what you do first.

DP WORLD’S CONTAINER A HUGE SUCCESS

Last year, DP World launched a fantastic new initiative in sending a shipping container to several DP World Tour events around the globe to collect used goal balls. Across the course of the season, over 130,000 balls were collected and redistributed to regions where the sport isn’t so easily accessible. We caught up with Daniel Van Otterdijk, Chief Communications Officer of Group Communications at DP World, who gave us the lowdown on the project’s success as well as discussion on the game’s future.

THE SUCCESS OF THE CONTAINER…

It’s an ingenious way of connecting golf with regions that are not typically associated with golf. We wanted to do something for our wider DP World community. We thought this was a great way of using a container which is our one of our main vehicles for moving freights, collecting golf balls that are not needed in various places around the world and distributing those to areas where golf balls are not so readily available. It’s a simple idea but it’s become something really fascinating for a lot of people as they want to see how many golf balls are in the container. It’s become a great story.

FIRST YEAR AS THE ‘DP WORLD TOUR’…

It’s a long term partnership. In the first year, you learn a lot. We’re trying to figure out how we can best keep our customers and stakeholders engaged. We’re working with the European Tour who have never had a title partner before. Lots of learnings, but lots of good things as well. We think we had a good first year, but as with everything when you’re doing something for the first time you learn and you improve to create better outcomes. We think this year will be even better.

GRASSROOTS GOLF…

One of the things we thought about when we entered the title partner discussions is not just growing the game in Dubai, but also getting more youngsters involved. We’ve got two initiatives going. We work very closely with the EGF to try and get a broader base of youngsters involved. We’re also working with KHDA – we’re delighted to have the schools support – and we’ve teamed up with Tommy Fleetwood to create an academy where youngsters can come and learn the game from zero to hero, if you will.

WOMEN’S GAME...

As part of the grassroots building of the game, getting more young women and girls involved in the sport is really, really important. As a company we’re very diverse,

we have 200 plus nationalities working for DP World all over the world. We’re a diverse and enriched company for it, and as such we want to reflect that on everything we do so it’s really important we get young women involved.

LIV GOLF…

The governing bodies – the PGA, European Tour and LIV – have to work out how this will play out. I know there are processes in place for that, we don’t tend to comment on that. From our part, we have great friends in Saudi Arabia and we have great relationships with Golf Saudi. We have very good open dialogue at all times and I’m delighted with that. I think what they’ve created is actually good for golf. Everyone is talking about golf again, and that’s what we want.

Van Otterdijk (far right) watching Thomas Bjørn chip into the container

OFFICIAL

BECOME AN EGF MEMBER

• Official WHS handicap, recognized worldwide (applicable for EGF Direct members only)

• Discounted green fees at UAE golf clubs

• Play in events / competitions and receive awards

• Third party and property damage golfer’s insurance

Open champions crowned

Zurich Kanokpornvasin shot a round of 70 to walk away with the Ladies Open Crown while Johnathan Mason secured the Men’s Open title after shooting 72 at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club. With 79 competitors taking on the course there was fierce competition for prizes, but Stephan Blanchard and Privillege Mazemo overcome the field to make their way into the winner’s circle by winning the Men’s and Ladies Net Divisions respectively.

Skaik wins on return from injury

After an injury kept him away from competitive golf for almost a year, Ahmad Skaik made the perfect return by successfully defending his Presidents Cup crown at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Skaik had been crowned champion for the third time in four years following the conclusion of play on Sunday, but after a scoring error was spotted later that evening both Skaik and Hassan Al Musharrekh were called back to the course on Wednesday to determine the winner via an 18 hole play-off. With rounds of 77-72 for the Championship and a 70 in the play-off, Skaik finally got his hands on the 2023 UAE Presidents Cup.

In the Ladies Net Division, Hamda al Suwaidi came out on top with a total of 67, while Mohammed Darwish and Saeed al Malik secured the Overall Net Division and Senior Division respectively.

For the first time, the UAE Presidents Cup created an Elite Invitational Category offering UAE resident golfers the opportunity to compete in the championship. Jonathan Selvaraj shot one-over par to sit at the summit of the Men’s Division while Jamie Camero also shot one-over par to lead the Ladies Division.

In the always-growing Junior Division, Rashed al Naqbi walked away with the title and Ali Almaazmi and Latifa Al Jassmy won the Boy’s and Girl’s Future Falcons Championship respectively.

Brandon Grieve carded an impressive net 67, which included eight birdies, to be crowned OMA Emirates Medalford cchampion. In the Gents Division A, David Warham shot 69 to claim the title, while Mohammed Darwish topped Division B after carding the same score. Willemikn Roeterdink took home the Ladies Division with a net 71, Jamal Marghoob got his hands on the Seniors Division trophy and Simon Astrom won the Junior Division with a 70.

Jane Vorster and Trudi McMullan dovetailed to perfection to post an impressive score of 47 Stableford points to secure the latest Pairs Betterball event. The couple had 23 points on the front nine and 24 points on the back nine, which included ten net birdies and one net eagle. The runners-up were Sara Chadwick and Victoria Buerk, who sunk two net eagles on the finale two holes en route to scoring 43 points.

Zein Ismail continued his fine form as he won back-to-back BMW Open Social, but this time with a new partner in the form of Jumadi Bin Husani. The duo dovetailed perfectly to post a very impressive ten under par 60, which included a staggering four net eagles.

Trump International Golf Club, Dubai member Craig Vance was on fine form at the Men’s Open, shooting rounds of 68,73 for a 1 under par total of 141 to take home the trophy. Louis Klein missed out on top spot by a stroke, while Jake Wiltshire completed the top three with a total of 144. Walking away with the title in the Net Division was Gustaf Larsson with rounds of 72,71 for a total of 143 net, with David Wong two behind in second and Steve Gibson a further two back in third.

Sultan Qazi carded five net birdies on his way to securing the latest Monthly Medal at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club. Finishing in second, just a shot back, was Ramli Sulaiman while club Captain Rory Thomson finished a shot further back in third spot. The club’s scratch league member Sami Butt collected the prize on offer for best gross score with an 82.

SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB

Qazi birdies his way to victory

Voster and McMullan secure victory

Vance victorious at Men’s Open

ABU DHABI CITY GOLF CLUB

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB, DUBAI

QUICK NINE

VICTOR PEREZ

Three-time DP World Tour winner

Last time you lost a ball? Yesterday.

Last film you watched? Operation Mincemeat. I quite like some World War Two, British history, I thought it was great.

Favourite course you’ve ever played?

Trump Turnberry

Messi or Ronaldo?

I’ve got to say Messi now.

Last time you paid for a round of golf?

I’m fortunate enough to be a pro so we’re very lucky generally when we travel we have courtesy to play rounds of golf. Luckily for me I wouldn’t be able to remember.

If you could ask Tiger Woods one question, what would it be?

What is it like to win 15 Majors?

Fill in the blank. Pineapple on pizza is…?

Garbage.

Miss a putt or fairway? Fairway, definitely.

Would you rather lose all of your hair or gain 50% more hair?

I think gain and do something with it.