Worldwide Golf Middle East Issue 136 Masters Edition by Worldwide Golf

Middle eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No.1 Golf MaGaziNe

ExclusivE intErviEw

StenSon maSterS comeback Missing the Middle East but settling Stateside and starting to find his form. Will Augusta prove too tough or will it be a fairytail return ? ISBN 978-9948-15-427-3

9 789948 154273

ISSUE 136, April 2012

Official Media Partner Middle East

Tips

Golf for all the family How to play uphill and downhill lies

RoRy MciloRy

Charting the rise of biggest name in golf

BahRain inviTaTional The stars gather at Riffa Views

EUROPEAN TOUR NEWS l DIVOTS l EQUIPMENT l WORlD ROUND-UPS Official Publication of The Emirates Golf Federation & The Arab Golf Federation

Worldwide Golf Executive Editor Since 1999

GARY PLAYER The nine time Major Champion who has witnessed and been a part of some of the most historic and memorable golfing occasions reflects on the game today

IT was great to see Rory McIlroy achieve what many who have followed his career over the years believe to be his destiny in becoming World No.1 with his two-stroke victory over Tiger Woods and Tom Gillis at the Honda Classic. I appreciate that Luke Donald’s victory at the Transitions Championship has knocked the young Irishman off his top spot but it doesn’t change the fact that Rory achieved that No.1 spot at the age of 22. I said in my column last month that I believed Rory could reach the top of the World Ranking before his 23rd birthday on May 4 and he proved me right. It’s quite an achievement to produce such a consistently high level of golf to make it to the top of the world at such a young age. Only one player in history has reached the top of the Ranking at a younger age and that’s Tiger Woods, who made it at the age of 21 in only his 42nd week as a professional golfer. Now that really does beggar belief. But it doesn’t take anything away from Rory. He’s enjoyed remarkable success since turning professional in 2007 and I think he has all the attributes to take over from Tiger as the dominant force in world golf for many years to come. The Northern Irishman’s form has rarely dropped below top level since his victory in the US Open last

“Justin showed wonderful form all week...I think we’ll be hearing a lot more from him in the coming weeks.”

It was a big disappointment to Justin when Colin Montgomerie didn’t make him one of his Captain’s picks for The 2010 Ryder Cup but right now he’s played himself into an automatic place for José Maria Olazábal’s Team for Medinah in September. year. He finished in the top five in five of his last six events on The European Tour last season, including a two-stroke victory at the UBS Hong Kong Open. He picked up where he left off this year, coming flying out of the blocks with a runner-up finish at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, fifth place at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and another runner-up finish at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship before his win at Palm Beach Gardens. Rory consolidated his position at the top of the Ranking with another strong showing at the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral, where he finished third, before Luke’s wonderful performance in Innisbrook took him back to the top after Rory decided to take a three-week break in preparation for the Masters. Another player I’m pleased to see hitting the big

time is Justin Rose. He’s had a stunning renaissance over the past few seasons, winning twice on the US PGA Tour in 2010 before a huge victory at the BMW Championship in the FedExCup Playoffs last year and his latest big win at Doral, where he beat Bubba Watson by a stroke to win the WGC-Cadillac Championship. Justin showed wonderful form all week. I said to my wife Vivienne on the second day when he shot a 64 that I fancied him to win. It was a fantastic performance – he’s swinging the club so magnificently at the moment and I think we’ll be hearing a lot more from him in the coming weeks. It was a big disappointment to Justin when Colin Montgomerie didn’t make him one of his Captain’s picks for The 2010 Ryder Cup but right now he’s played himself into an automatic place for José Maria Olazábal’s Team for Medinah in September.

It was sad to see that Tiger had to withdraw from the final round in Doral with an Achilles problem. I get a little bit worried about his leg – he’s had three or four operations and there’s only so much your body can take. Thankfully, he showed his current problem isn’t too serious by winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill by five shots from Graeme McDowell. As for me, I’ve been busy as usual. Since the last issue of Worldwide Golf I’ve travelled from Johannesburg to Rio, to London, then back to South Africa, on to India, then to Philadelphia and from there to Honduras, before finally getting back to Florida. When I got back home I played at a charity event at my old friend Jack Nicklaus’s Bears Club and beat my age by five shots – so I have to be happy with that! n www.wwgolf.biz

Over 100 destinations worldwide

Contents

Augusta fever!

features

Alex Gallemore Editor Worldwide Golf

I’m all set for the first major of 2012. It’s been great to hear what the likes of Pete Cowen, Gary Player, Greg Norman and Ross Fisher have to say about the masters and their tip for the next occupant of the Green Jacket. It didn’t come as any surprise when Pete, Gary and Greg chose Rory but anything can happen at augusta. Pete reckons Rory will just drive the course to its knees and he’s got the putter working well. I have to agree it would be a tough call to go against the Us Open Champion but I feel this year the glory will not go to plan for the big guns. even though tiger, Rory and luke are firing on all cylinders, the expectation and pressures put on them to win might prove counter productive. Which is why my money is on lee Westwood to win and David toms as my wildcard to finish inside the top 10. If lee can just get some belief in the short stick in the opening round I hope to see him at the top of the leaderboard come sunday night. In recent years we’ve also seen the “steady eddies” stick to their conservative plan and just chip away at augusta National while the more aggressive power players come undone at the seams on sunday. that’s why I think David toms will be knocking on the door during the closing stages. It’s also great to see Paul Casey back in action and he’s already managed to provide one of the funniest moments of the year. If you’ve had the good fortune to meet his caddie, Craig Connelly, you would have found Paul’s ace at the Cadillac Championship absolutely hilarious. Prior to the start of the tournament Paul agreed with Craig that they would divide the value of the car on offer if he aced the par 3. Craig is a really outgoing individual and loves to have a laugh, so when Paul sunk his eight iron on the par-3 15th at the Blue monster at Doral he couldn’t believe his luck. millions of people watched as Casey’s scottish caddie danced around the tee box with delight, hugging his employer and part-owner of his ‘expected’ shiny new Cadillac. a few minutes later a marshal following the group told Paul that the prize was for the neighbouring par-3 13th hole. Casey just couldn’t stop laughing as he broke the news to Craig, who in turn fell silent and shook his head in utter disbelief. this is first time I’ve ever seen Craig stuck for words! If you haven’t seen it check it out on Youtube. It’s great to see Worldwide Golf continuing to grow steadily across the middle east and worldwide and to make sure we continue to develop further we’ve increased our team on the ground: Rasha siriani has signed up long-term as our marketing and advertising Director of Worldwide Golf and WsP. Born and raised in Kuwait, Rasha has more than 17 years experience in marketing and sales in the Us, Canada and the middle east. Rasha, who also led corporate business development in the It software industry for 11 years speaks and writes arabic. Nairy soghomonian was born in armenia and lived and worked in syria until last year and is now a valuable marketing executive with Worldwide Golf and WsP. Nairy speaks and reads arabic. Joel Neale recently joined Worldwide Golf as Playing editor. Joel attended Dess Primary school and Jumeirah College as well as millfield school in the UK and the ekite College of Golf in australia. He turned professional last september and qualified for the 2012 asian Development tour. Chris turlik needs no introduction to the golf community in the Uae and the middle east . Chris moved to Dubai in 1997 to work for Jumeirah International in the hospitlaity industry. In 2000 Chris was appointed membership services manager at emirates Golf Club, later becoming assistant General manager. He’s worked on various tour events including the Dubai World Championship. In 2010 Chris launched the International PairsUae, a global event. Chris plays at eGC off a 3 handicap.

RORY’s Words: Richard Bevan

ROAD TO THE TOP TO many whO have wiTnessed his asTOnishing career, rOry mcilrOy’s march TO The summiT Of wOrld gOlf has had an air Of ineviTabiliTy TO iT since he firsT bursT OnTO The scene as a fresh-faced amaTeur winning everyThing in sighT. buT few expecTed him TO achieve The wOrld no.1 ranking quiTe as quickly as he did. here wOrldwide gOlf’s richard bevan charTs The nOrThern irishman’s epic rise.

1 9 8 9 On May 4th in the unassuming town of Holywood, Northern Ireland, a future star is born.

1 9 9 1 At the age of 18 months Rory’s dad Gerry, himself a scratch golfer, begins coaching the youngster. Rory’s natural talent is obvious when, at the tender age of two, he hits a 40-yard drive. He quickly becomes obsessed with the game, a point which is proven when he’s given a golf club as a present and goes up to bed and falls asleep holding it with the correct grip. Local golfers report being perplexed to see the two-year-old walking around the golf course with his father, his cut down clubs in a little red golf bag, hitting bullet straight shots with amazing consistency.

1 9 9 6 Rory becomes, at age 7, the youngest member of Holywood Golf Club. Once his obvious talent for the game becomes apparent, parents, Gerry and Rosie, are soon holding down several jobs and working extra shifts to help fund his

passion. Rory attends St Patrick’s Primary School in St Patrick. Teacher Maighread McCulloch recalled: “In the summer he was on the golf course before school and then he went golfing after school. He always had golf balls and tees in his pockets.”

1998

Rory scores his first big win at the world renowned Doral Publix Junior Classic at Doral Golf Resort and Spa, Florida. He trounces the competition in the Under 10s section winning by five strokes. Later that year he wins the Moyola Celebrity Golf Classic at Magherafelt, Co. Derry and finishes third at the Junior World Championships, a multiple age category event previously won by Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson. 1998 is also the year the 9 year old McIlroy makes his first hole in one. His star is very much on the rise.

1999

Again Rory finishes third in the Junior World Championships.

20 He wins the Ulster Boys Under-15 Championship at Shandon Park at the age of 13. 03

20 As a 14 year-old, now playing off scratch, he wins the prestigious Ulster Boys championship, wowing the crowds by hitting several drives over 300 yards and becoming the youngest winner of the event in 55 years. 2003

At the age of just 15 Rory makes his first attempt to gain his European Tour card but falls short. The same year he helps Europe win the Junior Ryder Cup as the only Irish player in the team. He goes on to retain his Ulster Boys title in stunning fashion, thrashing Liam Reilly 5&4 in the final. He also wins the Irish Boys Championship at Castlebar Golf Club in County Mayo, shooting a still-standing course record 66 in the process. Former Castlebar Club Captain Mick Byrne recalls a particularly breathtaking moment: “Even back then,

www.wwgolf.biz

Richard Bevan charts the starlit road that took a golf mad kid from Holywood, Northern Ireland to the top of the World Ranking. quick 9 with Justin timberlake

WWG: When did you start playing golf, and when did you discover you had a passion for it? : I started playing golf about 9 or 10 years ago while I was on tour, and I had done 3 or 4 shows in a row. We were playing indoor arenas, and I started getting cabin fever. My stage manager and my crew got me out on the golf course. And that first round I hit like a perfect drive and then a pretty good approach shot on I think hole 18, and I was instantly hooked.

WWG: How often do you play? :Not enough. I don’t get to play enough. I play whenever I can, but it’s a double-edged sword because if work is good, then work is good. That means you can’t have any time to play.

Pop sensation Justin Timberlake spills the beans in a quick Q&A.

WWG: If you could pick from celebrities who play golf, who would be in your dream foursome? : Well, I do enjoy playing with Sam Jackson. We always have a good time. I’d put Sam in there. Let’s see. I also enjoy playing with Andy Garcia. He’s a good friend. I’d put him in there. And then maybe somebody like Will Smith. I think we’d all have fun together.

WWG: What’s the strongest part of your game? JT: I would say my stronger parts are wedge play and chipping.

WWG: What’s the weakest part of your game? My long irons although ever since I got lessons from the right type of people my game is starting to come together. I definitely hit the ball a decent distance. Every pro says every tournament boils down to a putting contest. You have to be a good putter to be a good golfer.

JT:

WWG: If you could play in just one of the four major championships, which would it be? The Masters. It just seems like the most prestigious, the most sought after. But it’s a toss-up between that and the British Open. Going back to Scotland, Ireland, England, and the birth of the sport.

JT:

WWG: What’s your all-time favorite course/hole and why? You ask golfers which holes they love and they say their favorite hole is the one they eagled. They remember the one they played really well. I’ll say the 13th hole at Augusta because I eagled it and also because it’s Augusta and sacred ground. I also love my own course Mirimichi. I really do. I love it for so many reasons. I feel like we did something great for the community. And we ended up doing something great for the world - a lot of people will pay attention to how eco-friendly this establishment is and I hope it will make some waves.

JT:

WWG: Ever hit a hole in one? I have not. I came under an inch! Can you believe that? It was in Destin, Florida

JT:

WWG: What’s the best score you’ve shot? My best score? The best score that I’ve ever shot is even. Even par.

JT:

www.wwgolf.biz

STARS GATHER FOR BAHRAIN SHOWPIECE

Paul Casey, Colin MontgoMerie and thoMas Björn joined By sPorting iCons tiM henMan, joe Montana, gianluCa Vialli and ruud gullit in the royal golf CluB’s Bahrain inVitational CeleBrity ProaM golf tournaMent

BAHRAIN INVITATIONAL THE ROYAL GOLF CLUB APRIL 13-14

HE Royal Golf Club’s Montgomerie Course is set to play host to some of the world’s top golfers and most famous sporting celebrities in a unique tournament format. IMG Worldwide and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) are organising the weekend of competitive golf and special events, taking place from April 13-14, 2012. Global golf stars Paul Casey, Colin Montgomerie and Thomas Björn are among The European Tour stars who will face-off over 18 holes. Each will play in teams of two alongside tennis superstar Tim Henman, American Football icon Joe Montana, and football legends Gianluca Vialli and Ruud Gullit. The pro-celebrity tournament will take place a week prior to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, and is one of a growing number of international sporting events held in the Kingdom. Other activities during this two-day sporting celebration will include a community tennis coaching initiative featuring Britain’s Tim Henman at the Bahrain Tennis Club; a community football coaching programme with former football internationals Gianluca Vialli and Ruud

Gullit at Bahrain National Stadium; and a Sportsman’s Question Time with the legendary quarterback Joe Montana. Paul Casey, an 11 time winner on The European Tour, including last year’s Volvo Golf Champions in Bahrain, said: “I am delighted to be returning to Bahrain for this showcase event at the magnificent Montgomerie Course. The weekend of events and the unique pro-celeb tournament will undoubtedly provide terrific entertainment for visitors from Bahrain and across the region.”

High Calibre Sheikh Mohammed bin Essa Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive of the EDB said: “We are delighted to be attracting such a high calibre of international golf and sports stars to Bahrain for the tournament. “Hosting and supporting key international events, such as the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix, the first F1 event in the Middle East, the Bahrain International Boat Show, and the Bahrain Air Show, are an important focus for the EDB as we seek to showcase the Kingdom’s attractive business environment for companies looking to access the Gulf’s trillion dollar market.”

Guy Kinnings, Global Co-Managing Director of IMG, the global sports, fashion and media company who are staging the event commented: “The Kingdom is home to many excellent sporting facilities and, with the opening of the Royal Golf Club in 2009, is becoming a popular golfing destination. We are looking forward to welcoming the professionals and celebrities to Bahrain and think this will be a very popular event. We are pleased to be working with the EDB in ensuring it is a success.” Co-designed by Colin Montgomerie the Royal Golf Club’s 7,243 yard, Par-72 Mongtomerie Course is one of the finest in the region. Tim Henman, former UK tennis No.1, said: “I am honoured to have been asked to play in the golf tournament and delighted to be taking part in the tennis coaching initiative. “The Bahrain Tennis Club has already played host to a number of high profile tournaments and special coaching clinics, dedicated to fostering local tennis talent and offering a platform for competition. “Initiatives such as these make a big difference in helping young tennis players better able to compete at the higher international levels.” n

30 30

www.wwgolf.biz

Stars of The European Tour including Paul Casey, Colin Montgomerie and Thomas Björn are set to join sporting icons such as Gianluca Vialli, Ruud Gullit, Tim Henman and Joe Montana in a celebrity Pro-Am at The Royal Golf Club Bahrain April 13-14, 2012.

ISSUE No. 136, AprIl, 2012 Published by: Worldwide Sporting Publications Ltd +44 1663 719926

alex Gallemore editor Worldwide Golf Team (from left to right): Nairy Soghomonian, Marketing Executive; Joel Neal, Playing Editor; Chris 6 Manager; www.wwgolf.biz Turlik, General Rasha Siriani, Marketing and Advertising Director.

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

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

lOCal sCeNe

m www.wwgolf.biz

out of the rough

Brought to you by

Driving Range

44 44

Championship as well as a share of second place with fellow countryman Robert Karlsson in their defence of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup they’d won together the previous year. Henrik again showed he can rise to the big occasion with a third place finish in The Open Championship the following year, but little-by-little his form started to slip away. The results dried up and the consistency that had been an ever-present throughout his career began to desert him. Last year was the toughest yet as he managed just one worldwide top 10 – at the BMW International Open – finishing the season 136th on The Race to Dubai and 180th in the US PGA Tour’s FedExCup rankings. The global career-lifestyle of having a young family, playing on both the US PGA Tour and The European Tour, having three homes – in Dubai, Sweden and the United States – and all the travelling that entailed, had finally started to take its toll. “The travelling just caught up with me,” says Henrik.

ww.wwgolf.biz

3 11 18 20 24 26 29 33 38 40 60 44 49 51 52 57 87 88

www.wwgolf.biz

Henrik Stenson talks exclusively to Mike Gallemore about the toughest period of his career and his ongoing battle to get back to his best.

regulars

INstruCtION TUTORIAL

GaRY PlaYeR INtRODUCtION

Hole No.5, Dolphin View

QUICK 9 WItH JUstIN tImBeRlaKe l Larry De Souza

flag with a 3 wood safely down the fairway.

chooses a mid-iron, she plays towards the centre of the green for safety.

l Max decides to play it safe and play a mid-iron

l Max who uses a pitching wedge from 50 yards, taking dead aim at the flag.

l Larry takes the risk and hits a hybrid club towards

Green Finding the green without visiting the water or sand is a great result. After putting out the scores are as follows;

l Larry 5 shots = net 4. Max 5 shots = net 3.

When enjoying a round at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, it is important to choose the correct tee box for your ability.

SWING ANALYSIS BY

l Silvia is playing from Red. (5,290 yards)

ROss FIsHeR COlUmN

Junior Golfer Handicap: 23 Golf Experience: 4 years Average Driving Distance: 240 yards

DUBaI GOlF tUtORIal

www.wwgolf.biz

TUTORIAL Downhill lie

Pete COWeN COlUmN sWING seQUeNCe: RORY mCIlROY

in my opinion the downhill lie is one of the most difficult shots to master, although that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. By improving our understanding of how the slope affects the ball flight and by making some simple alterations at set-up, we can quickly turn bad shots into mediocre shots and mediocre shots into great shots. Firstly, we must recognise that if we are hitting the ball from a downslope then the ball flight will be lower and the ball will have a tendency to roll out more on landing. These factors combine to produce increased distance. To ensure that my ball doesn’t travel too far I tend to select a more lofted club (e.g. if its 5 iron distance switch to a 6 or 7 iron)

DUBaI DUtY FRee DRIVING RaNGe

Secondly, I will have a clear picture in my mind of any curve that I can expect in my ball flight as a result of the slope. Most of the time you will find that hitting from a downslope will produce a flight that curves left to right (for right handed golfers). This is due to the set up being angled down the slope and your body not being able to turn as well as it usually does, therefore producing a more upright, steeper swing path.

tHe tNt tROPHY

One of the biggest problems I find with my pupils trying to hit from a downslope is that they try and force the ball up in the air and give it lift. This is the worst thing we can do as it will cause you to lean back on the shot and create a poor quality strike. Try to swing with the slope and always finish with a nice, balanced, composed followthrough.

CRAIG WADDEL PGA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL GOLF & yACHT CLub By: craigbywaddeLL, goLf ProfeSSionaL, dUBai creekDubAI goLf CREEk & yacht cLUB

uphill lie

Key points

n The correct club must be taken to compensate for the downslope. Take a more lofted club as the ball will take a lower ball flight with more run.

Firstly, as the ball sits on an upslope the ball is effectively on a launch pad and creating additional loft to the clubface. This will give the ball some extra flight and cause it to go higher and shorter than usual. To compensate for this I always recommend that you use a lower lofted club. (e.g. If its 7-iron distance take a 6 or a 5).

n Your weight must be on the front foot to help promote a slight shoulder tilt whereby your shoulders will be parallel to the ground or your spine angle is perpendicular to the slope.

As with the ball on a downslope I also should have a clear picture in my mind what curve the ball flight may take. As your body is tilted up the slope it will produce a flatter swing path and a more shallow angle as you strike the ball. This usually produces a right to left flight for right-handed golfers, creating a touch of hook spin.

n Swing with the slope and do not try to lift or force the ball into the air.

n Your weight should be towards your trailing foot to help promote the shoulders being parallel to the ground or the spine angle being perpendicular to the slope.

SWING

www.wwgolf.biz

Out of all the young and rising stars in professional golf at the moment Rory McIroy is head shoulders above his nearest rivals. He plays to his strengths and just drives golf courses to their knees. Only Lee Westwood can match him tee to green but Rory has the short stick working better at the moment which is currently giving him the edge over Lee.

RoRy has always been an amazing talent and that was apparent from when I first worked with him. He was 14 years old and I was coaching the Irish National Golf Team. Even at that age he had a well-rounded game but it was his ability to take my swing comments on board, process them, and instantly put those changes into play which really impressed me. If he couldn't quite master a particular shot there and then he would certainly have mastered it by the next time we met up. The one area that amazed me more than anything, was just how far he could hit the ball off the tee, even at only 14 years old. As it turns out, Rory is genetically gifted and is able to double-load his hips, which is where his remarkable distance comes from. This is a rare gift. He's the only player to have passed through the Titleist Performance Center who could achieve this physcial movement.

form at the right time. I can see them both doing well at Augusta. As defending Champion Charl is really looking forward to getting another Green Jacket. Henrik Stenson’s tied third place finish at the Puerto Rico Open will do him the world of good. He’s right on the edge of finding his best form and I’d love to see him put in a good performance at The Masters. Lee Westwood is working well and his putting seems to be improving. I’m working with him at the moment in England before he goes over to the United States. It’s only a question of time for Lee before he starts winning the big events. If his putting gells over the next few weeks he’ll be a winner and I think he’ll keep on winning.

As you can see from Rory's set up position his arm hang is good, his posture is athletic and he's worked hard on his right shoulder alignment.

World renowned coach Pete Cowen talks about his magnificent seven hitting form at just the right time.

42 42

www.wwgolf.biz

Rory has loaded his right hip correcly and is in great shape at this point. He's worked hard in the gym to stabilise and strengthen the muscle structure in the right shoulder to get into this position.

Playing editor: Joel Neale Design manager: Joanna Eardley technical manager: Mark Collinge

Publisher: Mike Gallemore

editorial Panel: Gary Player, Mike Gallemore, Alex Gallemore, Richard Bevan, Todd Staszko

Blair O’Neal is one of America’s leading ladies. WWG asks her a few questions...

o’neal 88

Outside of golf, do you like watching/playing other sports? I love going to basketball games and I really like going to hockey games. Those are probably my two favourite sports to watch, other than golf, of course.

At first glance you might think that Rory's a little behind on this shot. But if you look at the hole it's a dog-leg left and he's shaping up for a draw. The movement into the ball matches the shape he's looking for.

What about American Football? Ha ha, yes, I almost forgot. I played as a quarterback for the Phoenix Scorch in the Lingerie Football Bowl during a two-year break I had from golf a few years back. Why did you take a break away from the game? It was all getting a bit too much and a bit too expensive to travel everywhere and I took some time out to do a bit more modelling which I had done shortly after turning professional when I left college. What do you prefer – golf or modelling? I love modelling but golf is my passion. The modelling helps pay for my golf expenses! It’s a great mixture. Vogue front cover or Major Champion? Major Champion. Maybe after that it might help me get a Vogue covershot.

This image is just prior to impact, but you can see he's squared the face of the club up, his forearms are parrallel and his shoulders are square.

Pete Cowen looks at the swing that took Rory McIlroy to the top of the World.

editor-in-Chief: Mike Gallemore executive editor: Gary Player editor: Alex Gallemore

Blair

What age did you first pick up a club? I was 11. Most of the men in my family played golf and I think I kind of had some natural ability from the beginning.

By Pete Cowen PGA MASteR PRoFeSSIonAL the ACAdeMy At eMIRAteS GoLF CLUB in Association with Pete Cowen

F R A M E B Y F R A M E A N A LY S I S O F S O M E O F T H E B E S T S W I N G S I N P R O F E S S I O N A L G O L F

www.wwgolf.biz

For more information call +971 4 295 6000 or email areservations@dubaigolf.com dubaigolf.com

Part two of our instruction on how to cope with downhill and uphill lies with Dubai Creek Pro Craig Waddell. RORY McILROY

“Luke wouLd dearLy Love to put a few yards on his distance but it doesn’t reaLLy matter to him. he’s certainLy not very bothered about it. he reckons everything is going fine. “

www.wwgolf.biz

• Eight weeks of group lessons (8 hours), AED 995 per player • All equipment is provided • Unlimited use of driving range on weekdays before 3pm

www.wwgolf.biz

PETE COWEN COLUMN

n Swing with ease and do not change your swing. Let the clubhead follow the slope of the path and maintain balance throughout.

Suitable for all levels of golfer from beginners to experienced players

He has very good extension through the ball and swings to a well balanced, high finish.

Emirates Golf Federation National Team Coach Chris Vallender analyses Peter Richardson’s swing.

n Aim slightly right of target (for right handed golfers) as the ball will fly with more right to left spin.

Ladies Lessons at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

lOCKeR ROOm

4 Good extension of the arms away from the body and good position at the top of the swing. Because his left wrist is slightly bowed, the club face is more shut than square to the target line at the top of the swing.

54 6

Good take away. Club shaft and left forearm are nicely lined up pointing down the target line.

swing around his right hip a bit. His hands have moved away from his body and his left forearm is pointing left of the target line compared to frame 2.

for many golfers uphill lie shots tend to be slightly easier than those on a downhill lie. however, we must still take the time to understand the rules prior to executing shots from an uphill lie.

n Aim slightly to the left (for right handed golfers) as the ball may take a more left to right flight. This is due to you not being able to turn and rotate your body as much as you usually would.

Peter has a well balanced comfortable looking set-up to the ball.

Michael has hugely improved in his address position over the past 12 months. From being ratherOnhunched over the ball nowhave adopts lovely to the left sufficiently, causing him to his downswing hishehips nota cleared athletic position with excellent spine and leg angles.

n Take a lower lofted club as the ball will take a slightly higher flight.

aRaBIaN GOlF

editors: Todd Staszko, James Reeves, Tabitha Florence

www.wwgolf.biz

Key points

lOCal sCeNe

senior editor: Richard Bevan

Q: Which superhero would make the best golfer and why? Superman is obvious but there are so many others to choose from ? PR: I tried to find a reason to look beyond Superman but unlike many other superheroes, apart from his cape, he doesn’t have any bodysuit/armour that will obstruct him swinging. He’s got the strength and power to reach any par 5 in one but he also has the delicacy to play those soft shots around the green. Never mind his steely mental strength to make the right decisions and keep calm under pressure. n

LOCAL GAME WITH PETER RICHARDSON

1 Perfect Practice SerieS UnderStanding awkward LieS, Part 2

JOel Neale COUlmN

www.wwgolf.biz

Q: If you were head of the R&A what changes would you like to make? PR: There are a few Rules which could be updated that have come up in recent years that have overpunished players. One of the main ones is players being disqualified caused by people phoning in about infringements they’ve seen watching the live TV coverage. If the player and other players in the group have not seen anything and it can only been seen in slow motion on television then that’s not fair.

For information regarding Individual Lessons, Ladies Group Coaching and the Future Falcons Junior Program at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club – please email theacademy@sbgolfclub.ae or visit www.sbgolfclub.ae

PETE COWEN PGA MASTER PROFESSIONAL

Q: Other than golf what are your other hobbies? PR: I love my music and watching TV, or a good movie whether at the cinema or on DVD. I also like to play FIFA on the wii when I’m now away playing.

Q: Favourite course in the UAE and why? PR: With playing the Dubai Desert Classic I have to say the Emirates, but also Al Badia is a great course (which is where I happened to win) so that has special memories for me. I loved the course and cant wait to go back for the MENA Tour 2012.

Learn how to play the fifth at Saadiyat Beach GC.

“PeoPle think luke hits it straight down the middle and onto the green every time but he doesn’t. what we’ve been trying to do is Put in a safe shot he can go to all the time. “

Q: When did you take up the sport? PR: My first shot was when I was only three years old. I hit a proper golf ball over a 6ft high fence with a wooden three wood down the road to the surprise of my family. But I properly started playing when I was 7 or 8 years old when I would go for Saturday morning coaching at my club which had just opened at the time.

Q: Who do you think will win the Masters this year? PR: It’s hard to predict r with the number of guys who could win. Hopefully, Rory, Lee (Westwood), Luke (Donald) and Tiger will be battling it out down the stretch with a first Major win for Lee or Luke. But if Rory plays like he can it could be all over.

CHRIS VALLENDER NATIONAL TEAM COACH EMIRATES GOLF FEDERATION

l Larry has chosen Blue Tees. (6,733 yards) Each player has selected Driver on this long par 4 hole, the aim here is right side of the fairway away from the water hazard.

l Max De Souza

tROON tUtORIal

‘Rory’s much more mature’

Q: What event do you look forward to most? PR: I played the Volvo China Open qualifier in Hong Kong for three years before they moved it due to the high chance of fog each year, and I narrowly missed out qualifying twice. Discovery Bay Golf Club is a beautiful golf course on top of a mountain and on a clear day has the most incredible views out over the sea towards Hong Kong Island. More recently Dubai has been a very special place for me with the MENA Tour and the Desert Classic so I will always enjoy coming back to Dubai. Once I have my main Tour card, if I get the chance to play in the Dubai Desert Classic year on year nothing will beat that as it was my first European Tour event and the Emirates course is out of this world.

Q: Have you ever had a hole-in-one? PR: Yes, when I was 16. It was in winter so the hole was about 140 yards as opposed to the usual 160. The ball was resting against the flag. I didn’t realise it till I got closer. I did hit a shot in college that landed straight in the hole with a 6 iron from about 180 yards on the fly but it bounced out. !I’ve never been so disappointed!

tee Box

l Max is starting from White. (5,992 yards)

Understandably, Rory McIlroy is going to be the golden boy at Augusta and the galleries will be right behind him to see if he can make amends for his mistakes last year. It’s only 12 months ago since Rory squandered that four-shot lead in the final round to end up in 15th place. But Rory is a different proposition now. He’s learned a costly lesson and he’s a much more mature golfer. He knows how to win. He knows which shot to play and when to play it. He’ll be the man to beat but there are plenty of the world’s best who are bang on form and ready to try on that Green Jacket. I’d like to back the seven guys I coach against anyone else’s seven and see who wins the most tournaments this season. We’ll just have to see how The Masters pans out and how the rest of the season develops. It’s going to be a lot of fun. n

Q: What would you say the most difficult thing about life on Tour is? PR: I know a lot of guys don’t like the amount of travelling but that’s never something that’s bothered me. As an only child I’m used to spending a lot of time on my own but when you’re away at tournaments you usually see the same guys so you’ve always got friends around. The time usually flies and I always enjoy travelling to wherever it may be. I like to get into a routine and comfort zone of finding where I’m staying, how I’m getting to the course and where to eat. Especially, when its some of the more exotic places. Once I have the routine I can just focus on playing golf.

Q: What’s your lowest round, where and when? PR: I shot a 10-under 62 at my home course in college in 2006 in a team qualifying round. Our course is rated as one of the hardest on the college circuit. In tournament play my lowest round was 8-under 64 at Prestatyn.

Handicap: 36 Golf Experience: 11 months Average Driving Distance:175 yards

GaRY PlaYeR COlUmN

‘Padriag’s a lot happier’

www.wwgolf.biz

Q: Do you have any pre tournament routine? Such as practice rounds or mapping the course? PR: I obviously have practice rounds before a tournament but nothing that falls into a routine. I know some guys who like to walk a course and just chip and putt around the greens one day and play the next but I’m pretty relaxed and just like to get a feel for the course and figure out a game plan for the tournament, deciding on what clubs to use off certain tees, where best to lay-up, and generally get a feel for the greens.

l Silvia Garbagni

GReG NORmaN COlUmN

But Padraig’s a lot happier working away on his game. He’s happier than I’ve seen him for a long time. I’ll be working with him again in Texas at the Shell Houston Open and then it’s off to Augusta. I’ll be working with all the guys at Houston and then again at The Masters. I did some work with Luke Donald at West Palm Beach. He’s got a very good coach in Pat Goss but I help out from time to time. I spent some time on the range with Luke last year and he’s a very impressive golfer. Pat’s got Luke putting well again and he could be in for another season like his record-breaking 2011. We spent a couple of days together at the Transitions Championship, which Luke won in

Q: Do you have any short term goals? PR: I’ve worked hard on my game over the last year, making some big changes to my swing to get it to where it needs to be if I’m going to make it on Tour. I’ve been playing consistently which has been very positive and generally shooting under par in every round. So short term goals are just to keep improving on that so when I get my opportunities to play on the Challenge Tour I’m ready to go and compete. At the time of writing my next big event is the Johor Masters on the ADT. I played well in the first event but just couldn’t quite put four good rounds together so the goal is to put four solid rounds together and hopefully

Q. Where do you see yourself five years from now? PR: With the improvements I’ve made with my game I feel that I’m capable of playing on the main Tours, given the chance, so hopefully in five years’ time I will have my main European Tour card, playing well on a consistent basis and hopefully have a maiden win or more to my name.

English Pro Peter Richardson, who finished second in the inaugural MENA Tour, talks about his experience of playing in the Desert Classic and why Superman would make a great golfer.

the right edge of the green – giving him some margin for error should he need it.

WORlD ROUND-UPs

typically determined style, coming from behind to win with a birdie at the first extra hole in a fourman playoff with Jim Furyk, Sang-Moon Bae and Robert Garrigus. Luke would dearly love to put a few yards on his distance but it doesn’t really matter to him. He’s certainly not very bothered about it. He reckons everything is going fine. He’s putting a bit better again and Pat has certainly done a good job with him on the greens. With Luke, his success is all about eliminating his bad shots. People think Luke hits it straight down the middle and onto the green every time but he doesn’t. What we’ve been trying to do is put in a safe shot he can go to all the time. He did that in his final round on the 16th, the toughest driving hole on the course. He ripped it straight up the middle with a 3-wood to give himself a birdie chance. Having said that, he had the confidence and the strength of mind to make that shot. Luke is a tremendous player and he looks as though he’s in for another great season. Congratulations to Justin Rose for winning the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at Doral. Justin has been playing well for a long time so it’s no surprise to me to see him winning big tournaments. He’s put in a lot of of time with his coach Sean Foley. On his present form he should sail into José Maria’s Ryder Cup Team at Medinah. He’s hitting the ball well and, most importantly, he’s putting really well. I’m pleased with the way both Charl Swartzel and Louis Oosthuizen are playing. I’ve been working with them and they’re hitting their best

Q. What’s next for you on the calendar, where do you think you will be playing most of your golf this year? PR: Well, currently it’s a quiet time of the year. I’m playing the first events on the ADT in Asia as there’s not much on in the UK and the Challenge Tour doesn’t really kick off till May so its a good opportunity to keep my game sharp and play against some great players. There’s a local tour called 1836 so I usually play a lot of those. I have category 12 for the Challenge Tour so I’m aiming to play as many as I can but with being category 12 I cant predict which events and how many I will get. So, depending on that, I’ll fill in the schedule by playing a mixture of ADT and 1836 as well as heading back to Dubai to play the MENA Tour at the end of the year.

if I do that I shouldn’t be too far away from winning.

safety down the fairway.

l Larry just missed the green to the right and plays a chip-and-run with his 7 iron.

Q: Do you feel that the initiative behind the MENA Tour has worked and will provide the platform for local players in years to come? PR: It’s obviously early days but I really hope it helps to bring through the local talent. It’s a great opportunity to test themselves against good players like Zane Scotland, Yasin Ali and Simon Dunn who have played on the main Tours in Europe and Asia. When I was younger I was lucky enough to play with very good players both back home in the UK and at college in the States and you see the level you need to reach and the parts of your game you need to improve to reach that level. Hopefully, the initiative of the MENA Tour will continue to grow and expand into other countries and give the guys from the region the opportunity to play close to home and provide the younger kids with something to aim for as they watch and read all the fantastic coverage the Tour received.

l Silvia plays her second shot from 220 yards from the

l Silvia has 100 yards to the green and

This challenging par 4 provides an amazing view over the Gulf, but also requires accuracy and distance. Keeping the ball on the fairway is a must, in order to control your approach shot into the green.

l Silvia 6 shots = net 4.

I’M convinced this is going to be one of the most fascinating Masters tournaments for years – and maybe one of the most momentous seasons for a long time. Hopefully, it will be another great year for the Europeans and particularly for my seven guys. I was so pleased with Padraig Harrington’s performance at the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook. Scoring a first round career-best 61 was just the sort of confidence booster Padraig needed. He’s worked incredibly hard for that. Now he just needs to get his consistency going to get back to where he was as a triple Major winner. It’s only a question of time before it all gells together. When you’ve just shot the lowest round of your 17-year Tour career you can’t be too far away from your best form. It’s not easy to shoot 10 under on any course, particularly at Innisbrook.

LOCAL SCENE

fAirwAy

ApproAch

SAAdiyAt Beach Golf club

Handicap: 26 Golf Experience: 4 years Average Driving Distance: 260 yards

DIVOts NeWs Items

BlaIR O’Neal

LocaL Scene iS brought o you by

JOEL NEALE PLAYING EDITOR WORLDWIDE GOLF TALKS TO: PETER RICHARDSON

PETER

HEN I interviewed Henrik Stenson in Arizona back in 2007 following his magnificent triumph over Geoff Ogilvy in the final of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship it seemed he had the world of golf in his hands. Victory at Dove Mountain had made it back-to-back wins for the Swede who just a few weeks earlier had beaten Ernie Els to the Dubai Desert Classic title by a stroke. Henrik was quite simply the hottest thing in golf at the time. He could do no wrong. The quality of his game made his continuing ascent to the very summit of the game seem almost certain. The good results kept coming and another huge scalp in the form of his Players Championship victory two years later was further evidence of the widely held belief that Stenson was heading straight to the top. But, as players like Lee Westwood and Paul Lawrie before him can confirm, nothing in golf is guaranteed. After Henrik’s win at TPC Sawgrass the remainder of 2009 brought top-10s in both the US Open and the US PGA

www.wwgolf.biz 45 www.wwgolf.biz

www.wwgolf.biz

We take a closer look at the Porsche 911 Carerra, one of the cars you could win in Dubai Duty Free’s Finest Surprise competition.

Henrik StenSon talks exclusively to Worldwide Golf’s Mike Gallemore about his hectic, nomadic golf schedule and the great times he enjoyed in Dubai before moving home to the United States to find stability for his family and his career.

Over the Porsche 911’s 48-year life span, every new Carrera has promised a solid bump in horsepower, handling, and comfort. But increased fuel economy? If any new 911 really did deliver better fuel economy, it certainly wasn’t headline news. But with the all-new new 911 (code-named 991), the company went to radical lengths to eke out more mpg. The EPA city/highway mileage numbers haven’t been finalised, but Porsche promises a 16.3 percent improvement in fuel economy on base Carrera models, which translates to approximately 30 mpg on the highway. Not too bad, especially considering the car is larger and more powerful than before.

Porsche 911 carrera

RichaRdson

henrik stenson

Up close and personal with one of the Future Tour’s leading ladies, Blair O’Neal.

Tell us something we might not know about Blair O’Neal? I was a member of the United States Jr. Ryder Cup Team in Spain in 1997.

With formidable power through the ball he maintains great balance. The combination of power and balance is one of the reason's why Rory can take courses on!

www.wwgolf.biz

What are you goals for the future – top model or top golfer? Gaining my Tour card is the ultimate goal but I want to have fun on the way.

Futures Tour member Blair O’Neal is making a splash in more ways than one on her quest to qualify as a fully-fledged LPGA Tour member. The 29-year-old from Arizona does some modelling in her spare time and the two go hand in hand as Cobra – one of her sponsors – used a bikini shot of Blair in a full-page advertisement in the 2011 Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.

advertising & marketing Director: Rasha Siriani rasha@wspdubai.com June 2009 SSN 1- 46805671 Approval UAE National Media Council: Ref.816 30/5/2007 Trade Licence No. 1/104375/15280 BPA Worldwide Audited Average Monthly Qualified Circulation – 15,401 www.wwgolf.biz

www.wwgolf.biz

RORY’s Words: Richard Bevan

1 9 8 9 On May 4th in the unassuming town of Holywood, Northern Ireland, a future star is born.

1998

1999

Again Rory finishes third in the Junior World Championships.

2002

He wins the Ulster Boys Under-15 Championship at Shandon Park at the age of 13.

2003

As a 14 year-old, now playing off scratch, he wins the prestigious Ulster Boys championship, wowing the crowds by hitting several drives over 300 yards and becoming the youngest winner of the event in 55 years.

2003

www.wwgolf.biz

Rory McIlroy was a huge name. Only 15 years, he was still the big up-and-coming star and we all went out on the course to see him play. He had an even bigger mass of black curly hair as well. But to the end of my days, I’ll never forget a shot he played. It was the greatest shot I ever saw played right in front of me in my entire life and I’ll probably never see a greater shot. From his drive off the members’ white tee area, he left himself around 241 yards to the pin. I saw him take out a 3-iron and he struck it perfectly onto the green where he eagled it!”

RoRy drew a huge crowd at Royal County Down Golf Club during the Walker Cup – just moments from turning professional.

Even as an amateurRory was sharing centre stage with the Major stars. Above, right, he won the Silver Medal as highest placed amateur in the 2007 open Championship. Earlier in the year he joined Ernie Els at the Dubai Desert Classic presenttion (below, left) as he won the ‘leading amateur ‘and finished 52nd in the entire field.

2005

Still just 15, Rory becomes the youngest ever winner of the West of Ireland Championship. In May that year he makes his debut on The European Tour having just turned 16. He then wins the Irish Amateur Closed Championship in June and the following month smashes the course record at Royal Portrush with an 11-under 61 to win the North of Ireland Amateur.

2006

He retains both his West of Ireland and Irish Amateur Closed Championships titles and adds the European Amateur Individual Championship and the Faldo Junior Series Under 17 titles. In October he represents Ireland in the Eisenhower Trophy and the Amateur World Team Championship.

2007

On February 6th he becomes World Amateur No.1 for one week before being knocked off the top spot by England’s Jamie Moul. He makes the cut on The European Tour for the first time at the Dubai Desert Classic, finishing 3-under-par in a share of 52nd place and forgoes the €7,600 prize money due to his amateur status. In July he competes in a Major for the first time at The Open where he wins the Silver Medal as the leading amateur with a score of 5-over after announcing his arrival on the world scene with a flawless opening round 68. Later that year he is part of the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Team defeated by the USA at Royal County Down. On September 18th he turns professional, makes the cut in his first pro outing, the British Masters, and then in his second event, the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, he takes third place. The result earns him his European Tour card, making him the youngest and quickest affiliate member to earn full playing privileges. Ian Poulter remarks after playing with him for the first time: “He’s got an extra gear most of us don’t have. He can find a further 25 yards when he needs it. That’s a huge asset to have.” In December Rory is invited by Tiger Woods to play in the Target World Challenge… but McIlroy turns him down in favour of playing in the European Open.

2008

In January he enters the top 200 in the World Ranking for the first time. In September that year he comes agonisingly close to his first European Tour title, taking a four-stroke lead into the final round before losing in a play-off to Jean-François Lucquin. Rory finishes the season 36th on the Order

of Merit and in the top 100 in the World Ranking. In November he is runner-up at the UBS Hong Kong Open and rises to World No. 50, making him the youngest player ever to reach the top 50. After another top showing at the South African Open, where he shares third place, he is invited to compete in the 2009 Masters, only 18 months after turning pro.

2009

Rory wins his first European Tour title at the Dubai Desert Classic where he shoots 19-underpar to beat Justin Rose by a stroke. He rises to 16th in the World. In April he takes up his invitation to play in The Masters and finishes a highly respectable 2-under in a tie for 20th place. Two months later he makes his US Open debut and does even better, finishing tied 10th. In August he completes a stunning run in the Majors with a third place finish in the US PGA Championship. He is edged out in The Race to Dubai, finishing second, and enters the top 10 in the World for the first time.

2010

In January Rory finishes third at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. On May 2nd, two days before his birthday, the 20-year-old McIlroy shoots a course record 62 in the final round to win the Quail Hollow Championship, becoming the

first player since Tiger Woods to win a PGA Tour title before turning 21. In July he shoots a 9-under 63 in the opening round of The Open to lead the Championship. He goes on to finish tied third and rises to No.7 in the World. In August he finishes tied third in the US PGA Championship and in October, he makes his Ryder Cup debut at Celtic Manor, where he earns Europe a crucial half point in his Singles match against Stewart Cink on the final day.

2011

In April Rory sets Augusta National alight and looks to be heading for his maiden Major triumph before suffering an almighty meltdown in the final round as he closes with an 8-over-par 80 and slips to a share of 15th. In his next appearance at a Major, the US Open in June, Rory shows his ability to bounce back by roaring to an eight shot victory at Congressional.

2012

After a stunning start to the season that sees him take two runner-up spots in his first three events, Rory wins the Honda Classic on March 4th to become World No.1 at the age of 22 years and 10 months.

rory mcilroy

m www.wwgolf.biz

MovE ovER DARlinG: Rory takes centre stage from his girlfriend Caroline Wozniaki as they both enjoyed a bit of light hearted fun with Maria Sharapova and the crowd during the BnP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden last month.

Rory and his father Gerry pictured along with the U.S. open Trophy. His Masters critics soon went quiet!

Rory and his manager, Connor Ridge, attend a State dinner at the White House in honor of the British Prime Minister.

Only One man has achieved WOrld no.1 status quicker and at a yOunger age than mcilrOy.... 1975

Tiger is born.

1976

At six months old he sees his father, Earl hitting balls and begins to imitate his swing.

1978

At the age of two Tiger appears on the Mike Douglas Show and putts against comedian Bob Hope.

1979

At the age of three Tiger shoots 48 over nine holes at the Navy Golf Club in Cyprus, California.

1984

At age eight he wins the Optimist International Junior Championship. He repeats the victory at age 9, 12, 13, 14 and 15.

1991

At 15 he becomes the youngest US Junior Amateur Champion in golf history. He is voted Southern California Amateur Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.

1992

At age 16 he successfully defends his title at the US Junior National Championships, becoming the first golfer to win the title more than once. He goes on to win it again the following year. He also competes in his first PGA Tour event in 1992 – the Nissan Los Angeles Open.

1994

He wins the US Amateur Championship at the age of 18, becoming the youngest winner in the event’s history.

1995

He defends his US Amateur title and participates in his first Major, The Masters, where he makes the cut.

1996

He becomes the first player in history to win three consecutive US Amateur titles and ties The Open Championship record for an amateur with rounds of 75-66-70-70 for a 3-under-par 281. The 20 year old turns professional in August and immediately signs endorsement deals worth US$40 million with Nike and US$20 million with Titleist. He wins his first PGA Tour title at the Las Vegas Invitational in October and then adds the Disney/Oldsmobile Classic.

1997

At the age of 21 Tiger wins The Masters by a whopping 12 strokes – the biggest winning margin in the tournament’s history. He wins three additional PGA Tour titles that season and becomes World No.1 on June 15th in only his 42nd week as a professional. He is 21 years and 167 days old.

www.wwgolf.biz

quick 9 with Justin timberlake WWG: When did you start playing golf, and when did you discover you had a passion for it? : I started playing golf about 9 or 10 years ago while I was on tour, and I had done 3 or 4 shows in a row. We were playing indoor arenas, and I started getting cabin fever. My stage manager and my crew got me out on the golf course. And that first round I hit like a perfect drive and then a pretty good approach shot on I think hole 18, and I was instantly hooked.

WWG: What’s the strongest part of your game? JT: I would say my stronger parts are wedge play and chipping.

JT:

WWG: Ever hit a hole in one? I have not. I came under an inch! Can you believe that? It was in Destin, Florida

JT:

WWG: What’s the best score you’ve shot? My best score? The best score that I’ve ever shot is even. Even par.

JT:

www.wwgolf.biz

henrik stenson

m www.wwgolf.biz

out of the rough Henrik StenSon talks exclusively to Worldwide Golf’s Mike Gallemore about his hectic, nomadic golf schedule and the great times he enjoyed in Dubai before moving home to the United States to find stability for his family and his career.

ww.wwgolf.biz

www.wwgolf.biz

LOYALTY REWARDED with a FREE DOZEN and FREE PERSONALISATION To say thank you for trusting your game to Pro V1, purchase 3 dozen or more Pro V1 or Pro V1x and receive 1 dozen free.

ONE FREE DOZEN PER ORDER | FREE PERSONALISATION ON ALL GOLF BALLS PROMOTION VALID MARCH 26TH - APRIL 20TH 2012 | LEAD TIME 17 WORKING DAYS | RED OR BLACK INK ONLY

Available across the GCC. Contact your golf shop to place your order and for additional details.

henrik stenson

m www.wwgolf.biz

“The organising was tough, constantly trying to get the day-to-day stuff together and working on my game at the same time was just too much. I guess I had a few too many things on my mind at the same time.” With eldest daughter, Lisa, turning five and about to start school, the Stenson family have made the decision to end their nomadic lifestyle. They’re selling the house in Dubai they’ve owned since 2003 and will now base themselves permanently in Florida, with the 35-year-old Stenson playing mainly on the US PGA Tour, with the exception of the Desert Swing and a spell during the summer when he’ll return to play on The European Tour. “I’ll also play some tournaments on The European Tour later in the year as well as in the summer,” says Henrik. “For the last two years or so it’s been pretty much half and half with the US PGA Tour and The European Tour,” says Henrik. “I have a home in Lake Nona in Florida and we were kind of going between there, Dubai, and Sweden on a regular basis. It was a bit of a merry-go-round.

‘An easy decision to make’ “It’s been quite tough. When it was just me and my wife Emma we didn’t need to think about it but now with two kids comes more responsibility and it’s important for us to have one base. “This is my 11th year out on Tour and I’ve learned that it’s more convenient to stay in one place. Now, if I need to travel any distance I can fly out of Orlando to a tournament and get back home on Sunday evening. There are also a number of events close to our home in Florida which the family can drive out to. I guess it was an easy decision to make.” That’s not to say Stenson won’t miss his time in the Middle East, having developed a strong love for the region in the nine years he’s made Dubai his winter base, not only for the friends he’s made and the experiences he’s had off the course but for the success he’s enjoyed on the course during that period – eight worldwide victories, including the Commercialbank Qatar Masters and the Desert Classic, as well as two Ryder Cup appearances. “It will feel different when I go back to Dubai,

Henrik has a wicked sense of humour, which was evident during the winninng celebrations of the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club, Ireland.

knowing I don’t have a home there anymore,” he says. “It’s been a great time in my life. I played my first Desert Classic in 2001 and really liked the feel of the place. We made it our base in 2003 and I spent each winter time there. During the Tour’s Desert Swing it was great to be able to stay at home. “Having a home and living in Dubai has always been a special feeling. We’ve made a lot of good friends there. I’ve always felt at home in the region and I’ve had a lot of success. It’s certainly played an important part in my career. It’s an ideal base to practice during the winter. If you want to compete at a high level you need to play on good facilities and Dubai has always had excellent courses and perfect weather. “Looking back at it, the options were either Dubai or America to play in the winter. Back then I was playing

more in Europe so it was an easy decision for me to make. You can fly pretty much anywhere in the world with Emirates Airlines from Dubai to tournaments in Asia and Australia on The European Tour so it meant less jet-lag. During our time there everyone at the Emirates Golf Club were great to us, treating me and my family like royalty! I’ll miss seeing all the people we knew in Dubai on a regular basis but I will be back to compete in the Desert Swing events for many years to come.” Henrik has been working hard with coach Pete Cowen and he’s beginning to turn the corner. Henrik’s tied third place finish in only his second outing of the 2012 US PGA Tour season, at the Puerto Rico Open where he shot a blistering third round 65, was an encouraging start. He played the back nine of the final round in level par when birdie chances just didn’t drop.

Henrik’S WorLD rAnkinG roLLer CoASter 200

200+

150

WorLD rAnkinG

207

200+

188

2007 Dubai Desert Classic

145

2006 BMW Internaltional Open

100

2009 The Players Championship 87

50 32

Henrik lifts his first European Tour title at the 2001 Benson & Hedges International

1 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006 Commercialbank Qatar Masters 12

2006

2007

T15th at The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.

2007 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship 8

2008

2009

2010

2011 www.wwgolf.biz

2012 15

henrik stenson

m www.wwgolf.biz

WWG: What will you miss most about Dubai? HS: I’ve got some good friends there who I won’t see as much. Another thing I will miss is how convenient it is if you want to go out for a meal – there are so many options and so many nice places and great places to eat with friends. You don’t have that big a choice in other parts of the world. It’s more the people though, the friends that we’ve made over the years and I guess that Lisa will miss the ski lessons at the Mall of the Emirates! Orlando has a lot of things but it hasn’t got an indoor ski slope.

www.wwgolf.biz

WWG: Do you have any other hobbies? HS: Being Swedish, we like skiing. We spent a week in the north of Sweden skiing with our eldest daughter Lisa and it was brilliant. I hope we can get to Colorado or Utah and get some skiing done this year. It’s great interaction with the kids and helps take my mind off the golf. He finished one under par, just three shots off the winner, but with a little luck he could easily have won the tournament. “Henrik’s game is very close to getting back to where it was when he was winning some of the biggest events in the world,” says Pete Cowen. “His performance at Puerto Rico was just reward for the work he has put in and he’s on the brink of winning tournaments again. His game is certainly good enough to compete with the best out there.” Henrik explains: “I think my body movement has been out of sync and therefore it’s been hard to get the consistency I want. A lot of times when the timing is good everything works fine but as soon as the timing is off the weaknesses come out and, as a consequence, the confidence goes low.

‘Quickest way to get results’ “When you are not playing your best it is often a combination of both technical issues and mental challenges. It’s often a debate about what comes first: the chicken or the egg – and which one you go after first! I’m working on both at the same time WHAT DO YOU THINK, and, hopefully, that’s the quickest way to get DAD? Henrik and his results.” daughter Lisa pictured Henrik has also had to overcome a knee togther at the Par 3 operation in December which took some Club in 2006 and was in Nick Faldo’s losing Contest during the 2009 time to adjust to. “It’s a little bit like a car team at Valhalla two years later. It was Masters, at Augusta National. going straight down the highway but the tough having to watch from the sidelines wheel is rattling a little bit. It doesn’t give you as Europe regained the Cup in Wales two confidence – like you’re not in total control. But we’ll years ago and while he still feels a long way off making get there eventually. Everyone goes through their ups José Maria Olazábal’s team, he knows he’s just one big and downs in this game. Look at Adam Scott, a good win away. “Considering the situation I’m in, you never friend of mine. He’s been playing great golf for about a want to rule anything out,” he says. “As the weeks go year, finishing runner-up at The Masters and winning on I need to start playing better and better if I want to the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational but before that he qualify for Medinah, but that’s the beauty of this game. was kind of in the shadows, struggling for around 18 You never know, I might walk away from The Masters months, not playing to anywhere near his potential. It with a Green Jacket on my shoulders and suddenly works out that way for everybody. It’s hard to be out on everything looks different again. Tour for 15 years and be at your best the whole time.” “We’re all aware that we may be only a week away. I Although he’s not getting ahead of himself after came close to winning in Puerto Rico and it was good his strong showing in Puerto Rico, Henrik would to be in contention, to get the adrenaline going and dearly love to make the European Ryder Cup Team have a chance to win again. I’m playing better but I’m for Medinah in September. He helped Ian Woosnam’s nowhere near where I’d like to be. team to a record breaking 18 ½ - 9 ½ victory at The K “The main thing is, I’m going in the right direction

WWG: What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen on a golf course? HS: There are few things that stick out. When I won my second career title at Woburn at The Heritage in 2004 I was playing with Steve Webster and I think it was on hole 6 or 7 he had to make a birdie to make the cut before we finished on the ninth in the second round. He managed to over-hit his first putt and it went through the green. On the next shot his ball was in a divot and he was pitching and made a mess of it. He started out with a birdie putt chance but wound up with a nine. We all fell about laughing. I was gasping for air. Not sure he’ll appreciate this though!

WWG: Have you done any practical jokes to any of the other players? HS: Plenty. We’ve done some stuff but there is a line which you don’t really want to cross – especially during a tournament. But in practice rounds it can be fair game depending on how well you know your fellow players. One memorable occasion was at

and in the last couple of tournaments I’ve been playing well, managing my way around the course and scoring well – even if the confidence isn’t sky high – and that’s important. The Ryder Cup is a long way away but a couple of good weeks in the middle of the summer could change everything.” Stenson is one of the most likeable players on Tour. He’s a fun guy with a crazy sense of humour. He’s managed to take everything in his stride and his commitment to putting in the long hours on the range and his positive personality have enabled him to hold on to his optimistic outlook on life. He has already proved that he has the game and the temperament to succeed on the world stage. He’s on the way to rediscovering the old confidence that took him to the highest level and it surely won’t be long before his star starts climbing once more. Maybe The Masters would be the perfect setting for him to step back into the spotlight... n

the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits a few years back. I was playing with Ian Poulter and Justin Rose. We had this thing going with our caddies where we were goofing around and by the 18th we were in tears, after putting stones in the caddies’ bags, tie-ing shoelaces together when people weren’t looking. It was silly but it was hilarious. It can be fun out there. There’s a lot of good fun guys out there on Tour.

WWG: What advice can you give WWG readers on how to play the 18th on the Majlis at Emirates Golf Club? HS: Well, I’d go down to the range and work on a big hook! Because when you have that perfected you’re going to reach it in two. But for most people it would be a three shot par 5. Try and hit the fairway, play a sensible lay-up to a good yardage and then hit it past the pin if the hole is cut close to the lake. I nearly had a nightmare there earlier this year because my second shot went through the green. I chipped back but it trickled past the hole and into the rocks. I think I pitched out to the back of the green again and two-putted for a six. Almost had myself a Steve Webster moment! It’s a cruel game sometimes!

www.wwgolf.biz

NEws DIVOTs WOODS back With a bang FOR aUgUSta

tigER Woods is back on the winning trail in time for the Masters. it was pure, vintage Woods as he roared up to no.6 in the World Ranking with an imperious performance in winning the arnold Palmer invitational at bay hill, beating graeme McDowell by five shots. tiger had made a speedy return to action after dropping out in the final round of the Wgc-cadillac championship with an achilles tendon injury. there were fears that that thr 14-time Major winnner may be forced to miss augusta but he was back just over a week later when he joined Justin Rose, ian Poulter, Ernie Els, tim clark and trevor immelman on team albany to compete in the tavistock cup. Woods combined with Rose to shoot a 9-under 63 in the better-ball round but hosts Lake nona ran out eventual winners in the two-day event for the fourth consecutive occassion, finishing with a combined score of 41-under-par.

tEEnagER MakES hiStORY at thE bELFRY

WELSh teenager Don O’connor became the first golfer to make a hole-in-one at the belfry’s famous 10th hole. no player has ever aced the 311-yard par 4 which is protected by water and trees but the 19-year-old achieved the feat with a beautifully hit fade. “it’s my first ever hole in one and it’s the highlight of my career,” said O’connor. the odds of an amateur making a hole-in-one on a driveable hole are 12,500 to 1.

caDiLLac MiSERY FOR caSEY’S caDDiE

PaUL casey’s caddie, craig connelly, went form joy to despair in the space of a couple of minutes, finally cutting a forlorn figure following casey’s hole-in-one at the 15th hole in the final round of the World golf championships-cadillac championship at the tPc blue Monster at Doral. casey had earlier agreed that if he managed an ace he would share the prize of a brand new cadillac with his caddie. When the 34-year-old’s perfectly struck 8-iron found the hole connelly went berserk, dancing around the tee celebrating his ‘good fortune’ only to look stunned when casey informed him, after being approached by a course official, that the hole-in-one contest was actually on the par-3 13th and not the 15th! casey, meanwhile, could barely contain his amusement in watching his friend’s reaction.

titLE SPOnSOR FOR DiSabLED bRitiSh OPEn

thE fourth annual Disabled british Open has received a huge boost by securing a title sponsor for the first time in the shape of Europe’s biggest golf travel company yourgolftravel.com. the yourgolftravel.com Disabled british Open and the yourgolftravel.com Junior Disabled british Open take place at East Sussex national in Uckfield, England, between august 24-26, and are expected to once again attract a full field of competitors from all around the world. Lindsey horton, project manager with Remarkable Events, said: “having yourgolftravel.com as a title sponsor is a huge fillip for everybody involved with the tournaments. the company is one of the most respected and fastest growing in the industry – and has been named as one of the top performing companies in the country.”

UnLUckY 13 FOR chaRLiE Wi

chaRLiE Wi needed all his will power to keep his composure when he racked up a 13 on the par-5 fifth hole during the final round of the transitions championship. after hitting his tee shot into the right rough he then sliced his next shot into the woods after which he hit three straight shots against a tree causing his ball to bounce behind him onto the practice range at innisbrook each time. Deciding it was time to change tack he tried to chip out onto the fairway but didn’t hit it far enough and ended up behind another tree. after chipping out again he eventually found the green but was left with a 12-foot putt which he eventually got down for an octuple-bogey. charlie went on to finish in last place.

WELL anD tRULY SanD tRaPPED

SOUth aFRican branden grace found himself well and truly buried by the sand after putting his tee shot into a greenside bunker at the par-3 16th in the opening round of the trophee hassan ii in Morocco last month. it seemed harmless enough but when he walked up to the bunker his ball was nowhere to be seen. Despite five minutes frantic raking by grace, caddies and playing partners he had to go back to the tee and start again, recovering well to card only a bogey four.

www.wwgolf.biz

LUkE DOnaLD REgainS WORLD

THE battle to decide the world’s No.1 player looks set to be on fought and fascinating encounters for years after Luke Donald spot in the world Ranking from Rory McIlory with his come-fr Transitions Championship. All the talk had been about McIroy’s stunning rise to the top stay there for the foreseeable future but Donald says he simp focused on his own return to winning ways. “I don’t pay too much attention to it, but I certainly wasn’t i Donald said. “I think some people may have thought that doin was perhaps a little bit of a fluke. I don’t think many people th all over again this year. Hopefully, I can prove them wrong.”

ShOt OF thE MOnth

tiger Woods’ approach to the 18th to set up an eagle in the final round of the honda classic was a thing of beauty. the former World no.1 completed a career-low closing round of 62 after a perfectly struck 5-iron soared 210 yards over water to within 10 feet of the pin.

no.1 SPOt

ne of the most closely d regained the top rom-behind win at the

p and his potential to ply blocked it all out and

in the media at all,” ng the double last year hought I could do that

StatMaStER

Frenchman Julien Quesne posted a career-low 64 to win the Open de andalucia costa de Sol and become the 400th different winner on the European tour. he also became the seventh former challenge tour winner in 10 events this season.

QUOtE OF thE MOnth “i play better on a Monday, tuesday and Wednesday than i do on a thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.” Padraig harrington expresses his surprise at shooting a lifetime low in his 17-year tour career of 10-under 61 to set the pace in the opening round of the transitions championship. the three-time Major winner went on to finish in a share of 20th place.

www.wwgolf.biz

Event: The Honda Classic 1 2 2 4

Name rory McIlroy tiger Woods tom Gillis Lee Westwood

Date: Mar 1 – Mar 4 Venue: PGA National, Palm Beach Gardens, FL Winner’s Cheque: $1,026,000 Country To Par R1 R2 R3 R4 Total Nir -12 66 67 66 69 268 UsA -10 71 68 69 62 270 UsA -10 68 64 69 69 270 eng -8 70 69 70 63 272

McILroy scooPs WorLd No.1 sPot rory McIlroy held on down the stretch to win the Honda classic and as a result became the world’s No.1 player for the first time in his career. the win was his third on the Us PGA tour and he sealed it in style with some excellent scrambling after former World No.1 tiger Woods set the clubhouse target at 10-under with a sublime 62.

“First and foremost it’s great to win this tournament, it’s got a long history. But getting to No.1 is very special. When I was 10 or 11 I was interviewed and said I wanted to be the best player in the world and I wanted to win Majors.”

Date: Mar 8 – Mar 11 Event: WGC-Cadillac Championship Venue: tPc Blue Monster at doral, Miami, FL Winner’s Cheque: $1,400,000

Date: Mar 8 – Mar 11 Event: Puerto Rico Open Venue: trump Int. Golf club, rio Grande, Puerto rico Winner’s Cheque: $630,000

rose IN FULL BLooM IN MIAMI

Justin rose won the biggest title of his career with a one-stroke win over Bubba Watson at the WGc-cadillac championship in Miami. Watson held the overnight lead but blew it due to poor shot selection which cost him early in his round. However, he did set up a chance for a play-off with rose with a magnificent 4-iron approach to the final hole, the difficult 18th but his 10 footer for birdie missed.

“For this little beauty to show up on my mantelpiece so early in the season is definitely a fantastic feeling. It sets up a very exciting year.” Name Justin rose Bubba Watson rory McIlroy charl schwartzel Peter Hanson

1 2 3 4 4 20

www.wwgolf.biz

Country To Par eng -16 UsA -15 Nir -14 saf -13 swe -13

R1 69 70 73 68 70

R2 64 62 69 69 65

R3 69 67 65 70 69

R4 70 74 67 68 71

Total 272 273 274 275 275

By GeorGe! WHAt A FINIsH

GeorGe McNeill birdied the last three holes to win his second Us PGA tour title at the Puerto rico open by two shots from ryo Ishikawa. the young Japanese had earlier set the clubhouse target but McNeill caught him with a birdie on 16 and then followed with two more to clinch the title. American Boo Weekley finished third alongside Henrik stenson in what was a return to form for both former ryder cup players.

“I was really nervous, but I knew what I had to do, and basically, I just had to bear down and get it done. If not, then somebody else was going to win. I was trying to keep control of myself, and that’s all I was looking for.” Name 1 George McNeill 2 ryo Ishikawa 3 Boo Weekley 3 Henrik stenson

Country To Par UsA -16 Jpn -14 UsA -13 swe -13

R1 66 70 70 70

R2 70 67 68 69

R3 67 69 71 65

69 68 66 71

Total 272 274 275 275

Tour NEws Date: Mar 15 – Mar 18 Event: Open de Andalucia Costa del Sol Venue: Aloha Gc, Andalucia, spain Winner’s Cheque: €166,660

Date: Mar 15 – Mar 18 Event: Transitions Championship Venue: Innisbrook resort – copperhead, Palm Harbour, FL Winner’s Cheque: $990,000

QUesNe eNters record BooKs

LUKe donald showed that he’s in no mood to give up the World No.1 spot when he came from behind with a closing round of 5-under 66 to make the play-off at the transitions championship. He then defeated long time leader sang-Moon Bae, Jim Furyk and robert Garrigus with a 7-iron out of the rough to set up a winning birdie at the first extra hole and move back to the top of the ranking.

doNALd BAcK oN toP

FreNcH challenge tour graduate Julien Quesne wrote his name into the record books when a career-low closing round of 64 secured his first european tour title at the open de Andalucia costa del sol, making him the 400th different winner on tour.

“I’ve been dreaming about this moment since I was ten. It wasn’t easy with Matteo, Miguel and Eduardo [de la Riva] all playing well, but I knew what I had to do.” 1 2 3 4

Name Julien Quesne Matteo Manassero eduardo de La riva david Lynn

Country To Par FrA -17 ItA -15 esP -14 eNG -13

R1 68 64 67 70

R2 72 73 69 68

R3 67 68 68 68

R4 64 68 70 69

Total 271 273 274 275

Date: Mar 22 – Mar 25 Event: Trophée Hassan II Venue: Golf du Palais royal, Agadir, Morocco Winner’s Cheque: €250,000

“I think golf is in a good spot right now. There’s a lot of excitement going on.” Name 1 Luke donald 2 Jim Furk 2 sang-Boon Bae 2 robert Garrigus

Country To Par eNG -13 UsA -13 Kor -13 UsA -13

R1 67 66 69 67

R2 68 70 66 72

R3 70 66 68 68

R4 66 69 68 64

Total 271 271 271 271

Date:Mar 22 – Mar 25 Event: Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard Venue: Bay Hill club and Lodge, orlando, Florida Winner’s Cheque: $1,008,000

Hoey WINs By tHree IN Morocco

MIcHAeL Hoey shot back-to-back rounds of 65 over the weekend to win his fourth european tour title by three strokes from damien McGrane at the trophée Hassan II. Hoey was nine shots back after an opening 74 but bounced back to win in impressive fashion from McGrane with robert coles, Phillip Price and Jamie donaldson sharing third place. Welshman donaldson carded a superb final round 11-under-par 61 to move up 40 places.

“I was really trying to stay in the present all day and go through the routines of one shot at a time and everything else and then I was really surprised to see Damien had dropped shots as I played the 17th but it was great to have that three shot lead playing the last.” Name 1 Michael Hoey 2 damien McGrane 3 Jamie donaldson 3 robert coles 3 Phillip Price

Country To Par NIr -17 IrL -14 WAL -13 eNG -13 WAL -13

R1 74 65 72 73 68

R2 67 68 68 70 66

R3 65 71 74 65 72

R4 65 70 61 67 69

Total 271 274 275 275 275

Woods eNds 30-MoNtH droUGHt

tIGer Woods finally stepped back into the winner’s circle after a wait of two years and six months with a commanding five-stroke victory over Graeme Mcdowell at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Woods shot a final round 70 – the lowest of any player in the last 16 pairings – to win on 13-under-par, well clear of playing partner Mcdowell, with Ian Poulter taking third place. ernie els needed a top-three finish to qualify for the Masters but had to settle for a six-way share of fourth place.

“It feels really good. It’s been a lot of hard work. I’m so thankful for a lot of people helping me out along the way. They all know who they are. It’s been tough.” Name 1 tiger Woods 2 Graeme Mcdowell 3 Ian Poulter

Country To Par UsA -13 NIr -8 eNG -6

R1 69 72 71

R2 65 63 69

R3 71 71 68

R4 70 74 74

www.wwgolf.biz

Total 275 280 279 21

ADvERToRiAl

BE A STEP AhEAD oF ThE GAmE wiTh ShoTSAvEr Leading golf GPS brand, Shotsaver, has launched the latest addition to its range in the form of the S430 Tour Pro – featuring market firsts with both 2D, 3D hole and green flyover and lay-up views for better course management. The S430 Tour Pro’s inventive ‘Fly-over Technology’ takes golfers down the full length of each hole, helping golfers plan the best route to each green, before they have even stepped onto the course. Preloaded with over 5,500 EU golf course maps and with capacity to hold a further 15,000, the device’s ‘Lay-Up Technology’ helps users plan for greater handling of the course as it calculates the distance of the next two shots from their position to the front, centre and back of the green. As golfers walk up the fairway, the S430’s hole view automatically moves with them and provides greater detail as they need it, zooming in and rotating to match their view on the course for a greater chance of accurate shots. As with all Shotsaver products, the S430 also allows golfers to record the distance each ball is hit and which club was used, helping them to develop their game and monitor progress. Golfers simply record the position of their ball before each shot, and Shotsaver will provide the user with details of the longest, shortest and average distances hit with each club. The device has a sunlight readable 3.5-inch LCD screen and is also fully waterproof to ensure that users are not caught out in bad weather on the green. Steven Ballard, managing director at Shotsaver, comments: “The S430 Tour Pro offers smarter technology for the GPS market, reacting to the golfers needs with automatic rotation, zoom and view, which can help improve their control of the course.

“The device’s 5,500 pre-loaded course maps and its impressive 3D hole and flyover views mean that users can plan their game before they play, with access to detailed information for individual sections of the green and the locations of hazards, making it a must have product for the savvy golfer.” The Shotsaver S430 Tour Pro is available from £249.99

(approx US$395.00/ Dhs 1,454)and includes free course updates, golf trolley mount, travel case and protective silicon case. The S430 is part of the Shotsaver range of GPS and laser range finders, which start from £129.99 (approx US$205.00 / Dhs 756) at

www.snooperuk.com

Drive to Spain with Shotsaver AMATEUR golfers heading to the UK this Spring/Summer will have the opportunity to compete at one of Spain’s most prestigious championship golf courses this year, with the Shotsaver Drive to Spain 2012. The nationwide competition will see pairs across the country take each other on, with the winners and runners-up of each round invited to a Grand Final in Spain in October. The finalists will enjoy an all-inclusive, four-night stay at the five-star La Cala Hotel and Golf Resort, with flights, transfers and three competitive rounds of golf on the magnificent La Cala courses, plus the chance to win £450 (approx US$713.42 / Dhs 2,620) each in vouchers for the golf shop of their choice. Qualifiers will take place in England throughout May and June at the following venues: 4Stockport Golf Club, Cheshire - 14th May 2012 4Manor House Golf Club, Castle Combe, Wiltshire - 14th May 2012 4De Vere Oulton Hall, Leeds - 21st May 2012 4De Vere Carden Park, Cheshire - 13th June 2012 4The Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club, Felixstowe -20th June 2012 4Bush Hill Park Golf Club, Winchmore Hill, London - 26th June 2012 To enter, call 01928 579 579 or visit www.snooper.eu to download an entry form. All entrants must have a current club handicap (maximum 24), which must be presented on the day. Entry fee is £25 (US$39.62 / Dhs 145) per person. 22

www.wwgolf.biz

W NE

tour pro s430 From Tee to Green and everything in between

Win an all exp paid golf trip enses to Spain Play in the Shot saver D to Spain 2012! rive Visit www.sno oper for further deta .eu ils

Shotsaver Flyover Technology Know every detail before you play

Shotsaver Tour Pro Green View Zoom in to every green

Auto zoom, Auto rotation with Shotsaver ‘Lay-up’ technology’

Calculate distances to anywhere on the golf course

Professionally mapped course data Maximum detail. Maximum accuracy

Electronic scorecard Fast and efficient score keeping

World 1st! 2D and 3D hole view

Pre-loaded with over 5500 golf courses across Europe

3.5” sunlight readable display The largest display in it’s class

RRP £249.99 No Subscription Fees! Free Course Updates! Includes free golf trolley mount, travel case and protective silicon case. For information call 0333 240 1000 or visit www.snooper.eu www.wwgolf.biz

’M really looking forward to this month’s Masters. I like Rory McIlroy’s chances of winning at Augusta this time. After Rory lost the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship to Hunter Mahan in the final at Dove Mountain, and failed to get to No.1, I called him and told him not to worry. I said he had the best swing in the world right now and it was inevitable that he would become the No.1 player in the world sooner rather than later. The next week, he went out and won the Honda Classic and ascended to the No.1 ranking by holding off a charging Tiger Woods. Woods held the clubhouse lead after producing a career-best final round of 62 but Rory scrambled well to end up a two-shot winner from Tiger and Tom Gillis. Luke Donald showed that he’s not going to give up that top spot without a fight when he switched places with Rory again by winning the Transitions Championship and the ongoing battle at the top of the World Ranking is going to be fascinating. Rory didn’t compete in the Transitions Championship or Bay Hill because he wanted to take a break to freshen up ahead of The Masters and I think he’s got a great chance at Augusta this year. I know he didn’t pull it off last year and he had a poor finish on Sunday, but he didn’t let that spiral out of control. He handled his disappointment and answered the critics by going out and winning the US Open in convincing fashion by an emphatic eight strokes ahead of Jason Day – so I think that shows how much he learned from the experience. Rory definitely has what it takes to dominate the game like Tiger did, but there is a lot of stiff competition out there right now, including Tiger himself, who showed he’s still a force to be reckoned with by winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational by an impressive five shots. The game of golf is very healthy. There are so many good young talented players with no fear out there. So it’s not going to be easy for Rory. But who knows, Rory is young and the sky’s the limit for him. I also like Adam Scott’s chances. I

www.wwgolf.biz

Adam can run Rory close at The Masters spent some time with Adam recently and I think he’s ready to take the next step and win his first Major. He had a great season last year, winning the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational, and he’s really playing well right now. It’s just a matter of time before he gets that first Major and I would love to see him become the first Australian to win The Masters. PHIl AND tIGeR tHe AMeRICAN PICks The favourite Americans must be Phil Michelson and Tiger. Phil’s gotten off to a good start this year and always performs well at Augusta. He scored his first win of the season in February at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, with a final round 8-under 64, beating his playing partner by 11 strokes. Phil has won the Masters three times and finished third four times so he’s got to be among the favourites. Tiger’s got four Green Jackets and been in the top ten seven times so you’ve got to respect that record. I’m also excited to see how some of the younger Americans like Keegan Bradley,

Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler perform. The competition between the Europeans and the Americans will also be worth watching. The Masters is special, it’s just pure golf. There are no corporate tents. It’s not a commercial event. I’m not decrying any of the other events we play, but at Augusta you go in there and you play golf. They treat you exceptionally well. The golf course is a great golf course to play. There’s really no hoopla. You’ve got a great driving range, great short game area, you walk onto the first tee and you just play golf. A lot of the other Major championships you go to, there’s a lot of corporate hospitality set-up. There’s a lot of other stuff happening around the golf course as you play. At The Masters, it’s just clean golf. It’s a very special place to the game of golf and to me personally. You’ve got to be patient and your short game has got to be spot on in order to win. n WE recently announced that my golf course design company was selected over numerous other architects to re-design the Pines Golf

GREG NORMAN WORLDWIDE GOLF COLUMNIST I spent some time with Adam recently and I think he is ready to take the next step and win his first Major. He had a great season last year, winning the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational, and he’s really playing well right now. It’s just a matter of time before he gets that first Major and I would love to see him become the first Australian to win the Masters.

Course for the City of Pompano Beach, Florida. The project is scheduled to begin this month and it will be my first golf course design at a public municipal course. I was introduced to the sport of golf through public access golf courses in Australia, so this project and public golf courses are very special to me. I see this as the first of many municipal golf course design and renovation projects that I would like to be involved with. I’m excited because there are not a lot of projects going on in the United States and it’s a great way for me to give something back to public golf. n I ENJOYED playing the Mayakoba Golf Classic in February. It’s good to be back healthy again and my body is allowing me to practice again. I don’t like practicing on the range 10 hours a day like I used to in my younger days, but I will be out on the golf course for sure. I plan on playing about six to eight golf tournaments or something

like that. I’ll have to see how my body holds up and what I can work into my busy business schedule. n WE recently broke ground on our new headquarters for the Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy at the Barefoot Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The new facility will feature three indoor training bays; two classrooms; a 1,750 sq. ft. gym; 52,000 sq. ft of practice greens and bunkers and a 100,800 sq. ft practice tee, plus four signature-designed golf courses, one of which I designed. We currently have 15 junior golfers enrolled in the programme from all over the world and we’re hoping to have 25 next year. For more information on the programme you can visit www.gncga.com

www.wwgolf.biz

GARY PLAYER WORLDWIDE GOLF COLUMNIST

Rory has earned his Masters degree

IKE all lovers of golf I can’t wait for this year’s Masters to get underway. Each one of the Majors is special but I think The Masters has its own significance, being the first one of the season and being played at the same venue each year. This year’s event is going to be very interesting indeed with so many players hitting top form. It’s going to be very open – probably the most open Masters for a long time. Justin Rose’s win at the WGC-Cadillac Championship was wonderful to see and he’ll be full of confidence heading for Augusta. Justin has certainly got the game to win a Major and the way he’s playing at the moment he deserves one. Last year’s winner, Charl Schwartzel, is looking dangerous again and he’s another player who put in a good performance at Doral to finish tied fourth, just three strokes back from Justin. I think Charl and Rory McIlroy are the two most consistent players on Tour at the moment. Rory’s experience in blowing up at Augusta last year has taught him a valuable lesson. When he threw away a four shot lead in the final round and ended up finishing tied 15th it provided him with a very steep learning curve. Since then he’s been playing some very smart golf. He now knows when to push hard and go for it and when the situation calls for a more measured approach. He proved he’d found that maturity he needed when he bounced back with a seven stroke victory in last year’s US Open at Congressional and he’ll need all his course management skills on his return to Augusta this month because it’s absolutely vital there. Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters Champion, is finding his best form after coming from eight shots back to win his 40th PGA Tour title the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in February and then narrowly missing out to Bill Haas in a play-off at the Northern Trust Open the following week. Phil loves Augusta and he’s proved so many times in his career that he’s a man for the big occasion so he’ll be relishing his quest for a fourth Green Jacket. Tiger Woods has put himself in the mix with

I guess if I had to pick one Masters memory which stands out from the rest it would be my victory in 1978. I started the final round seven shots behind the leaders but came back with a 64 and shot 30 down the back nine to win by one stroke.

That’s the way golf is. I finished in the top 10 at The Masters 14 times in total and created several records along the way at Augusta which I’m very proud of, including making the most cuts in a row (23) and competing in the event the most times (52). I guess if I had to pick one Masters memory which stands out from the rest it would be my victory in 1978. I started the final round seven shots behind the leaders but came back with a 64 and shot 30 down the back nine to win by one stroke. Looking up at that scoreboard on the last hole I was just thinking, ‘Hole this putt and you’ll win.’ My caddie came up to me and said, ‘Listen Gary, I really need a house, I haven’t got a house and if we win, I can get a house!’ So when I sank that winning putt, he got his house and I got my third Green Jacket.

travels

his five-shot win over Graeme McDowell at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. It was Tiger’s first PGA Tour win since September 2009 and it put him straight back into the World Top Ten. But if I had to pick one player to win this year I’d have to go for Rory. As I said in my Introduction at the front of Worldwide Golf, his form since winning his first Major last season has been phenomenal. I reckon he’s the man to beat and what a wonderful moment it would be if victory at Augusta put him back on top of the world.

my masters memories At this time of year I always get asked about my own Masters recollections and my three triumphs in the tournament are certainly among the dearest memories I have in golf. To win a tournament as tough as The Masters three times was really special. Of course, I finished second three times as well but I try to forget those – nobody remembers when you finish second even though you may have been so close to victory.

One aspect of my recent travels that I really enjoyed was my trip to Honduras. We’re building a beautiful golf course right by the sea which will be marvelous for tourism in the country. Honduras is only two hours from Miami and it really is a beautiful site. I hope it will prove to be as much of a success as my course at Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi, which is one of my proudest beachfront developments. My trip to India to check on the course we’re building at DLF Country Club just outside New Delhi was also very rewarding. India is a very interesting place and I think they have a really good shot at making some big moves in golf there. They have a number of excellent courses being built and they’ve got some good young players coming through. With golf making its re-introduction at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games I think India has a really good chance of doing well. On the subject of the Rio Olympics, I was obviously disappointed that our submission to design the course on which the golf events will take place in 2016 wasn’t chosen but I wish Gil Hanse and his team all the very best and I hope that they design a really nice golf course that will stand the test of time – that’s the most important thing. n www.wwgolf.biz

Official WOrld GOlf rankinG race tO dubai & ryder cup rankinG Tiger Woods’ victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational – his first in just over two-and-a-half years, seventh at Bay Hill and 72nd overall on the PGA Tour – saw him move back into the top ten in the world and up to third on the US Ryder Cup team standing. With the top eight qualifying and four Americans relying on picks from Captain Davis Love III, Woods will be hoping that another ‘W’ is right round the corner so he qualifies for the team outright. One more victory would see him crawl alongside Jack Nicklaus’ tally of 73 PGA Tour wins and a victory at The Masters would be his 15th Major, leaving him three behind the Golden Bear.

2012 ryder cup rankinGs Qualification criteria for the 2012 european ryder cup team

Qualification for The 2012 European Ryder Cup Team will be selected employing the following criteria:

The players in Bold currently occupy the ten automatic qualifying places (after the Tropée Hassan II and Arnold Palmer Invitational):

(a) The leading five Members on The Ryder Cup European Points List at the conclusion of the 2012 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

EUROPEAN POINTS LIST

WORLD POINTS LIST

Rory McILROY

2560692.38

1 Rory McILROY

308.48

Martin KAYMER

1521785.28

2 Luke DONALD

209.45

Peter HANSON

1308752.79

3 Justin ROSE

194.31

Justin ROSE

1308517.57

4 Lee WESTWOOD

172.49

Paul LAWRIE

1300152.49

5 Graeme McDOWELL

138.79

Gonzalo F-CASTAÑO

1247894.08

6 Martin KAYMER

135.71

Alvaro QUIROS

1131897.87

7 Sergio Garcia

119.53

Sergio GARCIA

1101482.16

8 Peter Hanson

119.11

Michael HOEY

1028586.06

9 Paul LAWRIE

115.45

Lee WESTWOOD

913632.53

10 Gonzalo F-CASTAÑO

106.62

(b) The leading five Members, not otherwise qualified (having selected the five Members from The Ryder Cup European Points List) from The Ryder Cup World Points List as of Sunday 26th August, 2012, or at the conclusion of the 2012 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, whichever is the latter. (c) The Captain, José Maria Olazábal, will choose the remaining two Members following the conclusion of the 2012 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. (1) The Ryder Cup European Points List will comprise points (1 point = 1 Euro) earned by a Member from all The Race to Dubai Tournaments between September 1, 2011 and August 26, 2012 or the conclusion of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles in 2012, whichever is the latter. (Money earned by a Member from The Race to Dubai Bonus Pool does not count towards this points list). (2) The Ryder Cup World Points List will comprise Official World Golf Ranking Points won by a Member from each tournament in which he participates between September 1, 2011 and August 20, 2012 and thereafter in the 2012 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles ONLY. World Ranking Points are allocated to all officially sanctioned tournaments (on any Federated Tour) by the Official World Golf Ranking and are allocated according to the Event Rating of the tournament.

eurOpean tOur race tO dubai rankinG – as at march 26, 2012 Pos. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Player MCILROY Rory ROSE Justin HANSON Peter GRACE Branden WESTWOOD Lee ROCK Robert LAWRIE Paul SCHWARTZEL Charl CABRERA-BELLO Rafael KRUGER Jbe GOOSEN Retief MANASSERO Matteo OOSTHUIZEN Louis HOEY Michael SIEM Marcel BJÖRN Thomas

Nat. NIR ENG SWE RSA ENG ENG SCO RSA ESP RSA RSA ITA RSA NIR GER DEN

Eve. € 4 1,324,366 2 1,082,236 5 €662,219 8 €644,114 5 €638,973 8 €560,741 6 €552,447 5 €461,568 6 €405,530 9 €386,388 6 €345,137 7 €336,194 4 €326,925 6 €316,798 6 €311,393 6 €288,752

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

COLSAERTS Nicolas BEL LAIRD Martin SCO ELS Ernie RSA MOLINARI Francesco ITA DONALD Luke ENG KAYMER Martin GER MCDOWELL Graeme NIR JIMÉNEZ Miguel Angel ESP QUESNE Julien FRA COETZEE George RSA CAMPILLO Jorge ESP MCGRANE Damien IRL KARLSSON Robert SWE GALLACHER Stephen SCO HANSEN Anders DEN VAN ZYL Jaco RSA FRASER Marcus AUS

6 2 2 6 3 5 4 7 5 6 7 7 5 5 5 7 7

€286,906 €261,475 €249,481 €238,372 €237,496 €237,235 €222,125 €218,017 €214,695 €203,872 €197,744 €197,326 €196,410 €182,238 €180,665 €174,299 €165,479

34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

GARCIA Sergio ESP GONNET Jean-Baptiste FRA ELSON Jamie ENG FDEZ-CASTAÑO Gonzalo ESP OTTO Hennie RSA DYSON Simon ENG HORNE Keith RSA DONALDSON Jamie WAL LARA José Manuel ESP OLESEN Thorbjørn DEN LARRAZÁBAL Pablo ESP VAN DER WALT Tjaart RSA DRYSDALE David SCO JAMIESON Scott SCO JACQUELIN Raphaël FRA OLAZÁBAL José María ESP CLARKE Darren NIR

34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Martin Laird David Toms Simon Dyson Robert Karlsson Louis Oosthuizen Aaron Baddeley Anders Hansen Rickie Fowler K.T. Kim Francesco Molinari Fredrik Jacobson Zach Johnson Paul Lawrie Geoff Ogilvy Kyle Stanley Ben Crane Jim Furyk

4 8 3 5 6 5 7 4 6 6 7 2 8 6 6 4 4

€162,971 €161,443 €153,020 €148,309 €138,265 €133,951 €129,369 €127,380 €125,884 €121,361 €120,451 €115,000 €113,852 €113,009 €112,660 €111,498 €107,797

Official WOrld GOlf rankinG – as at march 26, 2012 Pos. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 28

Player Luke Donald Rory McIlroy Lee Westwood Martin Kaymer Steve Stricker Tiger Woods Charl Schwartzel Justin Rose Webb Simpson Adam Scott Jason Day Dustin Johnson Graeme McDowell Hunter Mahan Phil Mickelson Bill Haas www.wwgolf.biz

Country Eng Nir Eng Deu USA USA Saf Eng USA Aus Aus USA Nir USA USA USA

Points 9.87 9.72 8.02 5.76 5.71 5.59 5.17 5.13 5.10 4.96 4.95 4.91 4.90 4.86 4.68 4.56

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Matt Kuchar Bubba Watson Nick Watney Keegan Bradley Sergio Garcia Brandt Snedeker K.J. Choi Ian Poulter Peter Hanson Mark Wilson Bo Van Pelt Bae Sang-moon John Senden Thomas Bjorn Jason Dufner Paul Casey Alvaro Quiros

USA USA USA USA Esp USA Kor Eng Swe USA USA Kor Aus Dnk USA Eng Esp

4.55 4.54 4.18 4.11 4.09 4.01 3.94 3.68 3.59 3.45 3.44 3.30 3.28 3.22 3.21 3.19 3.17

Sco USA Eng Swe Saf Aus Dnk USA Kor Ita Swe USA Sco Aus USA USA USA

3.15 3.13 3.12 3.12 3.07 3.02 3.01 2.99 2.93 2.90 2.89 2.86 2.83 2.75 2.75 2.70 2.68

WWGcolumnist

’M really looking forward to The Masters, especially after last year when I finished 15th. It was a great week and if I hadn’t missed a birdie chance on 15 and doubled 16th it could have been even better. It’s the only Major that I’m in at the moment so it’s taken on even greater significance this year and my caddie Adam and I are both excited about going back to Augusta. After being unhappy with my performances in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Dubai I took the decision to visit Nike Golf’s ‘Oven’ Research and Development Centre in Texas in order to get my equipment right ahead of The Masters. Adam and I spent three days there and I was really impressed with the place – it’s the best testing facility I’ve ever seen. They have all the very latest technology and I got a sneak peak at some of the products they’re developing for the future, which look amazing. The way Nike Golf is growing and where it’s heading looks very promising so it’s a great company for me to be involved with. I was checking the whole set up of my clubs and testing some new balls. I wasn’t entirely happy with the way my irons were set up – I didn’t feel they were going the desired distance – and wasn’t happy with my ball either. I left there with only one club the same as when I arrived – I got a whole new set of irons, a new wedge set up, different rescue and three wood, a new putter which is the same as the old one but set up differently, and a new golf ball. The ball is a brand new

Masters is vital development which hasn’t been released yet so it’s really exciting. I spent some time with a Japanese guy called Rikishi who’s like the Mad Scientist when it comes to golf balls. He was really interesting to listen to and it was great to get his feedback on all the different golf balls. We tested the different balls at Colonial – hitting shots into the wind and with the wind, all different kinds of shots from different angles to see if the ball was reacting the way we wanted it to. To spend a day with Rikishi gave me a valuable insight and it helped me a lot. The most impressive aspect of The Oven was the passion that everyone who works there has for what they do. They have a couple of guys specifically for wedges, three or four guys doing the irons, a couple of guys specialising in shafts and set-up and then a couple of guys for putters. It’s pretty full on and all the guys work really hard and care about what they do. They made me feel very welcome and all of them made the three days I spent there really worthwhile. After visiting The Oven I played in the Tavistock Cup and our Lake Nona Team won the event for the fourth time in a row which was great. I shot a combined 9-under with Retief Goosen and then in the singles I went round in 5-under in my first outing with the new clubs. I didn’t even feel like I played that well in the singles so to shoot

5-under is a really good sign. We also went to Augusta and played 18 holes which was really beneficial. It’s such an exciting place to visit – Adam and I were like kids in a sweetshop and that was just going for the day. It’s a magical place and I can’t wait to get back there. Augusta is one of those places where you have to do everything well. You need to drive it well and hit it long and into the right places on the fairway. The greens are firm and very fast and they’ll get quicker as the week goes on. Putting the ball in the right spot in the fairway is crucial so you can get the right approach into the green. Being able to attack the pins when you can is important but so is defending, knowing when to defend and where to hit the ball when you are defending. Sometimes it’s better to be 30 feet from the pin on the greens at Augusta than to come at it from the wrong side. Whoever putts the best is generally going to win the tournament. That’s the name of the game, if you’re not holing the putts you’re not going to contend. I’ve slipped down the World Ranking so The Masters is a really good opportunity for me. If I play well and have a good week I can break back into the top 100. If I have a really good week, who knows, it could get me into the top 75 or even the top 50. That’s where I want to be – top 50 or better. So it’s a vital tournament for me for many reasons. n

IN THE KNOW WITH ROSS FISHER rOss finished 15th at the masters last year after rOunds Of 69-71-71-73 fOr a 4-under-par tOtal Of 284

www.wwgolf.biz

STARS GATHER FOR BAHRAIN SHOWPIECE

www.wwgolf.biz

BAHRAIN INVITATIONAL THE ROYAL GOLF CLUB APRIL 13-14

www.wwgolf.biz

FJ ICON™

XPS-1™

U LT I M AT E F E E L & S T Y L E

E X T R E M E P L AT F O R M S TA B I L I T Y

PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES More of the world’s top ranked players wear FJ golf shoes than all other brands combined. With an expansive collection of performance golf footwear styles to choose from, these players can easily select a specific model that fits their individual needs. Prosports International

sales@prosports.ae

Tel: +971 4 3477737

footjoy.co.uk

DRYJOYS TOUR™

FJ SPORT

M O S T A D VA N C E D D R YJ OY S E V E R

LIGHT WEIGHT PERFORMANCE

TUTORIAL by Paul Wilson, Teaching Professional, saadiyaT beach golf club

Fun For all With 29 golf courses, 5 European Tour events and year-round playability, the GCC has fast become a truly world-class golfing destination. Abu Dhabi itself has 3 Championship-standard golf courses in Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Yas Links Golf Club. However, golfers should not be fazed by the ‘Championship’ tag, as we have tee boxes to suit golfers of all abilities. Engaging younger players, families and the local population through specific initiatives is essential to ensure regional participation rates in golf grow steadily. At Saadiyat Beach Golf Club a main focus is to provide an accessible and affordable introduction to golf – for all sections of the community. This tutorial will highlight how, after a little practice, golf can be a game for all the family!

www.wwgolf.biz

Hole No.5, Dolphin View SAADIYAT Beach Golf Club

O Larry De Souza

This challenging par 4 provides an amazing view of the Arabian Sea, which requires accuracy and distance. Keeping the ball on the fairway is a must, in order to control your approach shot into the green. GREEN

Handicap: 26 Golf Experience: 4 years Average Driving Distance: 260 yards

Finding the green without visiting the water or sand is a great result. After putting out the scores are as follows;

O Larry 5 shots = net 4. O

Max 5 shots = net 3.

O Silvia 6 shots = net 4.

O Silvia Garbagni

Handicap: 36 Golf Experience: 11 months Average Driving Distance:175 yards

TEE BOX When enjoying a round at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, it is important to choose the correct tee box for your ability.

O Silvia is playing from Red. (5,290 yards) O Max is starting from White. (5,992 yards) O Larry has chosen Blue Tees. (6,733 yards)

Max De Souza

Junior Golfer Handicap: 23 Golf Experience: 4 years Average Driving Distance: 240 yards

www.wwgolf.biz

Each player has selected Driver on this long par 4 hole, the aim here is right side of the fairway away from the water hazard.

TUTORIAL approaCh l Silvia has 100 yards to the green and

chooses a mid-iron, she plays towards the centre of the green for safety.

l Max who uses a pitching wedge from

50 yards, taking dead aim at the flag.

l Larry just missed the green to the right

Fairway l Silvia plays her second shot from 220 yards from the flag with a 3 wood safely down the fairway.

l Max decides to play it safe and play a mid-iron safety down the fairway.

l Larry takes the risk and hits a hybrid club towards

the right edge of the green â&#x20AC;&#x201C; giving him some margin for error should he need it.

and plays a chip-and-run with his 7 iron.

For information regarding Individual Lessons, Ladies Group Coaching and the Future Falcons Junior Program at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club â&#x20AC;&#x201C; please email theacademy@sbgolfclub.ae or visit www.sbgolfclub.ae www.wwgolf.biz

PLANET GOLF

Taba HeigHTs Taba Heights is a picturesque, year-round resort ideally situated in one of the most beautiful spots on the Sinai Peninsula. The resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s village and hotels meld smoothly into the breathtaking natural backdrop of untamed desert, cinnamon mountains, and vibrant sea. The spectacular natural setting is complemented by an offering of lavish four and five-star hotels. Worldwide hospitality leaders provide an unparalleled experience in relaxation and leisure. Each hotel offers an astonishing array of services and comforts set in innovative, state of the art facilities designed for those who wish simply to sit back and enjoy. Swimming pools, massage, gourmet cuisine and awe-inspiring views are only a few of the features offered across the board at Taba Heights. Taba Heights also offers you the chance to tee off on its very own 18 Hole Championship golf course, voted number one golf course in Egypt by www. top100golfcourse.co.uk, where you can enjoy the game under a crop of desert mountains overlooking an incredible expanse of blue water with a view of three countries.

www.tabaheights.com

www.wwgolf.biz

TUTORIAL Downhill lie in my opinion the downhill lie is one of the most difficult shots to master, although that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. By improving our understanding of how the slope affects the ball flight and by making some simple alterations at set-up, we can quickly turn bad shots into mediocre shots and mediocre shots into great shots. Firstly, we must recognise that if we are hitting the ball from a downslope then the ball flight will be lower and the ball will have a tendency to roll out more on landing. These factors combine to produce increased distance. To ensure that my ball doesn’t travel too far I tend to select a more lofted club (e.g. if its 5 iron distance switch to a 6 or 7 iron) Secondly, I will have a clear picture in my mind of any curve that I can expect in my ball flight as a result of the slope. Most of the time you will find that hitting from a downslope will produce a flight that curves left to right (for right handed golfers). This is due to the set up being angled down the slope and your body not being able to turn as well as it usually does, therefore producing a more upright, steeper swing path. One of the biggest problems I find with my pupils trying to hit from a downslope is that they try and force the ball up in the air and give it lift. This is the worst thing we can do as it will cause you to lean back on the shot and create a poor quality strike. Try to swing with the slope and always finish with a nice, balanced, composed followthrough.

Perfect Practice SerieS UnderStanding awkward LieS, Part 2

Key Points

n The correct club must be taken to compensate for the downslope. Take a more lofted club as the ball will take a lower ball flight with more run. n Aim slightly to the left (for right handed golfers) as the ball may take a more left to right flight. This is due to you not being able to turn and rotate your body as much as you usually would. n Your weight must be on the front foot to help promote a slight shoulder tilt whereby your shoulders will be parallel to the ground or your spine angle is perpendicular to the slope. n Swing with the slope and do not try to lift or force the ball into the air.

Ladies Lessons at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Suitable for all levels of golfer from beginners to experienced players

www.wwgolf.biz

CRAIG WADDEL PGA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL GOLF & yACHT CLub By: craigbywaddeLL, goLf ProfeSSionaL, dUBai creekDubAI goLf CREEk & yacht cLUB

uPhill lie for many golfers uphill lie shots tend to be slightly easier than those on a downhill lie. however, we must still take the time to understand the rules prior to executing shots from an uphill lie. Firstly, as the ball sits on an upslope the ball is effectively on a launch pad and creating additional loft to the clubface. This will give the ball some extra flight and cause it to go higher and shorter than usual. To compensate for this I always recommend that you use a lower lofted club. (e.g. If its 7-iron distance take a 6 or a 5). As with the ball on a downslope I also should have a clear picture in my mind what curve the ball flight may take. As your body is tilted up the slope it will produce a flatter swing path and a more shallow angle as you strike the ball. This usually produces a right to left flight for right-handed golfers, creating a touch of hook spin.

Key Points

n Take a lower lofted club as the ball will take a slightly higher flight. n Aim slightly right of target (for right handed golfers) as the ball will fly with more right to left spin. n Your weight should be towards your trailing foot to help promote the shoulders being parallel to the ground or the spine angle being perpendicular to the slope. n Swing with ease and do not change your swing. Let the clubhead follow the slope of the path and maintain balance throughout.

• Eight weeks of group lessons (8 hours), AED 995 per player • All equipment is provided • Unlimited use of driving range on weekdays before 3pm For more information call +971 4 295 6000 or email areservations@dubaigolf.com dubaigolf.com www.wwgolf.biz

Pete coweN PGA MASter ProFeSSioNAL

“PeoPle ThinK luKe hiTs iT sTraighT doWn The middle and onTo The green every Time buT he doesn’T. WhaT We’ve been Trying To do is PuT in a safe shoT he can go To all The Time. “ I’M convinced this is going to be one of the most fascinating Masters tournaments for years – and maybe one of the most momentous seasons for a long time. Hopefully, it will be another great year for the Europeans and particularly for my seven guys. I was so pleased with Padraig Harrington’s performance at the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook. Scoring a first round career-best 61 was just the sort of confidence booster Padraig needed. He’s worked incredibly hard for that. Now he just needs to get his consistency going to get back to where he was as a triple Major winner. It’s only a question of time before it all gells together. When you’ve just shot the lowest round of your 17-year Tour career you can’t be too far away from your best form. It’s not easy to shoot 10 under on any course, particularly at Innisbrook.

‘Padriag’s a lot happier’ But Padraig’s a lot happier working away on his game. He’s happier than I’ve seen him for a long time. I’ll be working with him again in Texas at the Shell Houston Open and then it’s off to Augusta. I’ll be working with all the guys at Houston and then again at The Masters. I did some work with Luke Donald at West Palm Beach. He’s got a very good coach in Pat Goss but I help out from time to time. I spent some time on the range with Luke last year and he’s a very impressive golfer. Pat’s got Luke putting well again and he could be in for another season like his record-breaking 2011. We spent a couple of days together at the Transitions Championship, which Luke won in

www.wwgolf.biz

‘Rory’s much more mature’ Understandably, Rory McIlroy is going to be the golden boy at Augusta and the galleries will be right behind him to see if he can make amends for his mistakes last year. It’s only 12 months ago since Rory squandered that four-shot lead in the final round to end up in 15th place. But Rory is a different proposition now. He’s learned a costly lesson and he’s a much more mature golfer. He knows how to win. He knows which shot to play and when to play it. He’ll be the man to beat but there are plenty of the world’s best who are bang on form and ready to try on that Green Jacket. I’d like to back the seven guys I coach against anyone else’s seven and see who wins the most tournaments this season. We’ll just have to see how The Masters pans out and how the rest of the season develops. It’s going to be a lot of fun. n

PETE COWEN COLUMN

“Luke wouLd dearLy Love to put a few yards on his distance but it doesn’t reaLLy matter to him. he’s certainLy not very bothered about it. he reckons everything is going fine. “

www.wwgolf.biz

RORY McILROY

SWING

F R A M E B Y F R A M E A N A LY S I S O F S O M E O F T H E B E S T S W I N G S I N P R O F E S S I O N A L G O L F RORY has always been an amazing talent and that was apparent from when I first worked with him. He was 14 years old and I was coaching the Irish National Golf Team. Even at that age he had a well-rounded game but it was his ability to take my swing comments on board, process them, and instantly put those changes into play which really impressed me. If he couldn't quite master a particular shot there and then he would certainly have mastered it by the next time we met up. The one area that amazed me more than anything, was just how far he could hit the ball off the tee, even at only 14 years old. As it turns out, Rory is genetically gifted and is able to double-load his hips, which is where his remarkable distance comes from. This is a rare gift. He's the only player to have passed through the Titleist Performance Center who could achieve this physcial movement.

As you can see from rory's set up position his arm hang is good, his posture is athletic and he's worked hard on his right shoulder alignment.

www.wwgolf.biz

By Pete CoWen PGA MASteR PRoFeSSIonAL tHe ACAdeMy At eMIRAteS GoLF CLUB in Association with Pete CoWen

This image is just prior to impact, but you can see he's squared the face of the club up, his forearms are parrallel and his shoulders are square.

With formidable power through the ball he maintains great balance. The combination of power and balance is one of the reason's why Rory can take courses on!

www.wwgolf.biz

Brought to you by

Driving Range Porsche 911 carrera

www.wwgolf.biz

www.wwgolf.biz 45 www.wwgolf.biz

Driving Range

Brought to you by

porsche 911 carrera

THe new Carrera is longer, lower, and wider than the outgoing model (code-named 997). It looks long, low, and wide in the metal and rides on a wheelbase stretched by 3.9 inches, yet the car itself is only 2.2 inches longer than the previous model. The biggest reason for upsizing, says Porsche, is to improve high-speed stability. We suspect it also has something to do with the upcoming hybrid model, too. The platform of the previous car lasted for two generations (from 996 to 997), but this one uses an all-new design with a variety of tricks to reduce weight. Forty-five percent of the Porsche’s parts are aluminum, including the floor pan, roof, and doors (the rear fenders, because of their complex curves, remain steel). even components that aren’t aluminum have been designed to shave weight. The MacPherson strut frontaxle assembly now weighs 4.4 pounds less than the old

one. Add it all up, and even though the new Carrera is larger than its predecessor, it is actually lighter than the 997 by about 100 pounds. A Carrera with the PDK transmission weighs 3,080 pounds. That’s impressive, considering there’s more safety and technology gear on board. The structure is not only lighter but also 25 percent more torsionally rigid. The base engine has shrunk from 3.6 litres to 3.4 to improve fuel efficiency, and yet, thanks to a raised redline of 7,800 rpm, it puts out more power. The larger 3.8-litre six from the S model now belts out a solid 400 hp. Both engines can be mated to a new seven-speed manual or the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. As in the Panamera sedan, both powertrains here now use Porsche’s Auto-Stop feature to shut down the engine and save fuel at stoplights. It defaults to the off position, so you have to manually

engage it, and then it remains on. We found the Carrera to be far less clunky than the system used on the Panamera. To boost fuel economy on the freeway, the new 991 uses a coasting feature that, in PDK models, disengages the clutch under no load conditions (cruising down a slight decline) and drops the revs to idle. You can even engage it manually by shifting the PDK gearbox up past seventh gear. Porsche is known for having a long list of available options to entice buyers. But now even base cars get some of the good stuff. A Carrera with no extra options now comes with full navigation system and 19-inch wheels and tyres. There is more standard and available luxury here then ever before, including a power adjustable steering column, dual zone climate control, and heated and cooled seats. n

the Bottom Line:

The new 991 is the most sophisticated 911 to date. The upgrades have made it devastatingly quick on a mountain road and easier to drive at high speeds. It’s now so adept at so many tasks that the driver has more confidence than ever before. It’s simply smoother, easier, and less fussy to drive very quickly. In short, all the 911’s rough edges have been buffed clean off. www.wwgolf.biz

Call UAE: 800 4333; Bahrain: +973 17349199; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: 800 244 2222; Kuwait: 222 64 222; Jordan: 06 593 1966 to find out more.

GHALIB GrABs GrAND FINAL PLACE

THE second qualifier in the eight-event TNT Trophy series took place at the Jumeirah Golf Estates on Saturday, March 10, with Suad Ghalib taking the spoils with a net score of 34 points. The hotly contested series will see each of the eight events taking place on a different golf course in the UAE with the Grand Final to be played at Yas Links on October 5, 2012. Each qualifying round is an 18-hole individual event, played in the Stableford format with a 3/4 handicap allowance and all competitors must have an approved EGF handicap, which is audited by the hosting golf club. Ghalib booked his place in the Grand Final with a wonderful performance around the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates to beat runner-up Brian McCarthy who will also line up at Yas Links along with third placed Graham Hallet. The next qualifying round will be held on Saturday, April 14, at the Al Badia Golf Course. The fourth event will be played at the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club on May 26 and then another event on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates on September 7, Arabian Ranches Golf Club on September 21, The Address Montgomerie Dubai on September 28 before the Grand Final in the first week of October. Jumeirah Golf Club Member Carl Wherret, whose wife gained a place in the Grand Final with a fourth place finish in the Ladies’ Division, said: “We would like to express our thanks to the TNT Express team who arranged the day. My wife played well enough to finish fourth and she looks forward to October at Yas Links but even without that “win” we would still like to express our appreciation for a sponsor who has gone above and beyond the norm that we have experienced as members of Jumeirah Golf Club.” Interested golfers can register for any series event, apart from the Grand Final, whether a member or guest by applying directly to the relevant club. The TNT Trophy is supported by TaylorMade, 7 days, Performance You, Crystal Gallery and Worldwide Golf as the official Co-sponsors.

The TNT Trophy Qualifying Events n Al Badia Golf Club n Emirates Golf Club Majlis course n Jumeirah Golf Estates Fire course n Arabian Ranches Golf Club n The Address Montgomerie, Dubai

April 14 May 26 September 7 September 21 September 28

n Yas Links ‘Grand Final’

October 5

The TNT Corporate Challenge at Jumeirah Golf Estates

TNT is launching The TNT Corporate Challenge, a three-man individual team event played over three rounds at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The best two from three indivual combined scores from each team in each of the three rounds will count. The leading team with the best two overall combined scores from three rounds will win a star prize. Entry fee for the three events will be AED 595 for each Member and AED 1,495 for each Member’s guest. The Calendar of Events will be: n Friday, 6th April on the Earth course; n Friday, 27th April on the Earth course; n Friday, 11th May on the Fire course. www.wwgolf.biz

Joel Neale WWGPLAYINGEDITOR

what a fantastic performance by my friends in the UaE National team who achieved a wondeeful win to be crowned the GCC Champions for the first time in the history of the tournament. The boys had the benefit of playing at the Creek but to put together a team score of gross 229 for a total of 676 was fabulous. They beat their nearest challengers Qatar by a margin of 17 shots and Bahrain, who had won every running of the championship since its inception 16 years ago, had to settle for third place with a team score of 694. The UAE Team took control of the championship right from the very start and never felt threatened by any of their competitors. Ahmed Al Musharrekh was a stalwart of the side. He contributed to the team’s score in each of the three rounds and deservedly he won the individual championship as well with a 54-hole gross total of 218 (par 213). He beat Bahrain’s Nasser Yaccob Saleh (224) by six shots and fellow team-mate Khalid Yousuf (225). The GCC Championship consists of; Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait. After winning Gold in the Arab Games in Doha, Qatar, last December and adding to that the GCC, the UAE National Team are going from strength to strength. My friend Khalid Yousuf said: ‘’It proved that we have the potential to move on to bigger and better things, one of which, we are hoping, is a top 25 finish in the Eisenhower Trophy. It’s an ambitious target, but definitely a possibility if we all work hard and play to our potential in the tournament.’’ Chris Vallender, who has been a big influence to the Team’s success, said: ‘’It’s very rewarding as a coach, not just for me but for everyone involved, especially the players. “It just goes to show that when the guys put in all those hours of practice and work hard on their game, not just for this particular tournament (GCC) but for the Arab Games as well, they can do it and that’s very ewarding. It’s great to see,” added the UAE National Team Coach.

Order Of Merit News Michael Harradine leads the Men’s Order of Merit on 230.5 to Craig Forrest, his closest competitor, on 140.5 points. With only three more events to go Michael looks

‘’It proved that we have the potentIal to move on to bIgger and better thIngs, one of whIch we are hopIng Is a top 25 fInIsh In the eIsenhower trophy. It’s an ambItIous target, but defInItely a possIbIlIty If we all work hard and play to our potentIal In the tournament’’ – Khalid Yousuf

UAE TEAm on A high Foods that are a great source of carbohydrates which are suitable for your golf bag; • Bananas – a great source of potassium, as well. • Almonds – calorific and a great source of protein, too. • Rolled Oat Bars (Nature Valley bars are good and taste good). • Fruits – apricots, oranges, plums, and pears are complex carbs that are high in vitamins, minerals and fibre. • Whole grain foods – Whole grains are high in fibre, have moderate protein levels, are low in fat and are also a good source of complex carbs. Examples include: rolled oats, wild rice, brown rice, oat bran and corn meal.

comfortable to take the 2011-2012 OoM title back to back. Over in the Women’s side, Sana Tufail (a Dubai Ladies Master’s 2011 competitor) looks in good shape to take victory over Kavita Sehmi as she leads 264 to 183 with only one event left on the calendar. Finally, heading into the juniors, it’s not just the weather that is warming up but things look much more tense as there is everything to play for in these last two events as Bilal Belaid leads on 109.75 to Philipp Urasch on 103.25.

Coping with the weather The weather has been a real challenge for everybody in the region over the last few weeks with shamals and dust storms stirring it up, making playing conditions that much tougher. These are all signs that the summer is fast approaching. It’s important to keep hydrated in these hot and humid conditions through a vast amount of water and electrolytesupplemented sports drinks to help

replenish the salts that our bodies lose during excess perspiration and the dry, windy conditions. Coconut water has been marketed as a natural energy or sports drink due to its high potassium and mineral content as well as antioxidants containing many health benefits. In these hot playing conditions it’s also important that we take on board sufficient carbohydrates. A typical 180lb. male pulling their bag on a trolley burns an average of 351 calories per hour and a 205lb. male burns an average of 400 calories per hour. Over a 4 to 5 hour period we are likely to burn 1500-2000 calories based on body composition and how few strokes you hit! The number of people you see with just a bottle of water and sports drinks without taking on board those vital carbohydrates are far too many. Insufficient carbohydrates cause your concentration and energy levels to dip, which is why in golf it is so crucial to get them in. I’d bet that with sustaining a constant energy level you can save yourself a few shots here and there! n www.wwgolf.biz

PETER

RichaRdson

JOEL NEALE PLAYING EDITOR WORLDWIDE GOLF TALKS TO: PETER RICHARDSON

www.wwgolf.biz

LocaL Scene iS brought to you by

Q: Having qualified for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic through finishing 2nd on the MENA Tour’s inaugural year, how did you feel to have made the cut in such a star-studded field with the likes of McIlroy, Westwood and Daly playing? PR: It was incredible. I wanted to continue the form I had from the MENA Tour as I was collectively 29 under par for the nine Mena Tour rounds, so to shoot under par in each of the first three rounds in the Desert Classic, I couldn’t have been happier. To be inside the top 45 in such a strong field through three rounds was fantastic. Unfortunately, I got caught out on a few holes in the last round in the strong winds but it was a great confidence boost to know when I play well I can compete with these guys and it was a great taster for my first European Tour event. Q: Do you feel that the initiative behind the MENA Tour has worked and will provide the platform for local players in years to come? PR: It’s obviously early days but I really hope it helps to bring through the local talent. It’s a great opportunity to test themselves against good players like Zane Scotland, Yasin Ali and Simon Dunn who have played on the main Tours in Europe and Asia. When I was younger I was lucky enough to play with very good players both back home in the UK and at college in the States and you see the level you need to reach and the parts of your game you need to improve to reach that level. Hopefully, the initiative of the MENA Tour will continue to grow and expand into other countries and give the guys from the region the opportunity to play close to home and provide the younger kids with something to aim for as they watch and read all the fantastic coverage the Tour received. Q. What’s next for you on the calendar, where do you think you will be playing most of your golf this year? PR: Well, currently it’s a quiet time of the year. I’m playing the first events on the ADT in Asia as there’s not much on in the UK and the Challenge Tour doesn’t really kick off till May so its a good opportunity to keep my game sharp and play against some great players. There’s a local tour called 1836 so I usually play a lot of those. I have category 12 for the Challenge Tour so I’m aiming to play as many as I can but with being category 12 I cant predict which events and how many I will get. So, depending on that, I’ll fill in the schedule by playing a mixture of ADT and 1836 as well as heading back to Dubai to play the MENA Tour at the end of the year. Q: Do you have any short term goals? PR: I’ve worked hard on my game over the last year, making some big changes to my swing to get it to where it needs to be if I’m going to make it on Tour. I’ve been playing consistently which has been very positive and generally shooting under par in every round. So short term goals are just to keep improving on that so when I get my opportunities to play on the Challenge Tour I’m ready to go and compete. At the time of writing my next big event is the Johor Masters on the ADT. I played well in the first event but just couldn’t quite put four good rounds together so the goal is to put four solid rounds together and hopefully

LOCAL SCENE if I do that I shouldn’t be too far away from winning. Q. Where do you see yourself five years from now? PR: With the improvements I’ve made with my game I feel that I’m capable of playing on the main Tours, given the chance, so hopefully in five years’ time I will have my main European Tour card, playing well on a consistent basis and hopefully have a maiden win or more to my name. Q: Do you have any pre tournament routine? Such as practice rounds or mapping the course? PR: I obviously have practice rounds before a tournament but nothing that falls into a routine. I know some guys who like to walk a course and just chip and putt around the greens one day and play the next but I’m pretty relaxed and just like to get a feel for the course and figure out a game plan for the tournament, deciding on what clubs to use off certain tees, where best to lay-up, and generally get a feel for the greens. Q: What would you say the most difficult thing about life on Tour is? PR: I know a lot of guys don’t like the amount of travelling but that’s never something that’s bothered me. As an only child I’m used to spending a lot of time on my own but when you’re away at tournaments you usually see the same guys so you’ve always got friends around. The time usually flies and I always enjoy travelling to wherever it may be. I like to get into a routine and comfort zone of finding where I’m staying, how I’m getting to the course and where to eat. Especially, when its some of the more exotic places. Once I have the routine I can just focus on playing golf. Q: What event do you look forward to most? PR: I played the Volvo China Open qualifier in Hong Kong for three years before they moved it due to the high chance of fog each year, and I narrowly missed out qualifying twice. Discovery Bay Golf Club is a beautiful golf course on top of a mountain and on a clear day has the most incredible views out over the sea towards Hong Kong Island. More recently Dubai has been a very special place for me with the MENA Tour and the Desert Classic so I will always enjoy coming back to Dubai. Once I have my main Tour card, if I get the chance to play in the Dubai Desert Classic year on year nothing will beat that as it was my first European Tour event and the Emirates course is out of this world. Q: When did you take up the sport? PR: My first shot was when I was only three years old. I hit a proper golf ball over a 6ft high fence with a wooden three wood down the road to the surprise of my family. But I properly started playing when I was 7 or 8 years old when I would go for Saturday morning coaching at my club which had just opened at the time. Q: Other than golf what are your other hobbies? PR: I love my music and watching TV, or a good movie whether at the cinema or on DVD. I also like to play FIFA on the wii when I’m now away playing.

Q: Favourite course? PR: I was fortunate enough at college in the US some great courses like Bay Hill, Muirfield Village and Olympia Fields to name a few but it has to be the Emirates Golf Club. I’ve never seen a course in such magnificent condition as it was for the Desert Classic. I could quite happily play there every day for the rest of my life. Q: What’s your lowest round, where and when? PR: I shot a 10-under 62 at my home course in college in 2006 in a team qualifying round. Our course is rated as one of the hardest on the college circuit. In tournament play my lowest round was 8-under 64 at Prestatyn. Q: Have you ever had a hole-in-one? PR: Yes, when I was 16. It was in winter so the hole was about 140 yards as opposed to the usual 160. The ball was resting against the flag. I didn’t realise it till I got closer. I did hit a shot in college that landed straight in the hole with a 6 iron from about 180 yards on the fly but it bounced out. !I’ve never been so disappointed! Q: Who do you think will win the Masters this year? PR: It’s hard to predict r with the number of guys who could win. Hopefully, Rory, Lee (Westwood), Luke (Donald) and Tiger will be battling it out down the stretch with a first Major win for Lee or Luke. But if Rory plays like he can it could be all over. Q: Favourite course in the UAE and why? PR: With playing the Dubai Desert Classic I have to say the Emirates, but also Al Badia is a great course (which is where I happened to win) so that has special memories for me. I loved the course and cant wait to go back for the MENA Tour 2012. Q: If you were head of the R&A what changes would you like to make? PR: There are a few Rules which could be updated that have come up in recent years that have overpunished players. One of the main ones is players being disqualified caused by people phoning in about infringements they’ve seen watching the live TV coverage. If the player and other players in the group have not seen anything and it can only been seen in slow motion on television then that’s not fair. Q: Which superhero would make the best golfer and why? Superman is obvious but there are so many others to choose from ? PR: I tried to find a reason to look beyond Superman but unlike many other superheroes, apart from his cape, he doesn’t have any bodysuit/armour that will obstruct him swinging. He’s got the strength and power to reach any par 5 in one but he also has the delicacy to play those soft shots around the green. Never mind his steely mental strength to make the right decisions and keep calm under pressure. n www.wwgolf.biz

SWiNg ANALySiS By

CHRIS VALLENDER NATIONAL TEAM COACH EMIRATES GOLF FEDERATION

Peter has a well balanced comfortable looking set-up to the ball.

good take away. club shaft and left forearm are nicely lined up pointing down the target line.

swing around his right hip a bit. his hands have moved away from his body and his left forearm is pointing left of the target line compared to frame 2.

www.wwgolf.biz

LOCAL GAME WITH PETER RICHARDSON

good extension of the arms away from the body and good position at the top of the swing. Because his left wrist is slightly bowed, the club face is more shut than square to the target line at the top of the swing. he has very good extension through the ball and swings to a well balanced, high finish.

www.wwgolf.biz

Q&A

Ahmed Al QuBAIsI Age: 10 From: Abu Dhabi Golf Club: Abu Dhabi City GC Q: How long have you been playing golf? A: For close to four years Q: Who is your favourite golfer? A: Luke Donald Q: If you could play with any three golfers as a fourball group who would it be? A: People from different countries Q: What is your favourite golf course? A: One with lots of obstacles

LOCALNEWS

A R A B I A N

Inspired UAE Team crowned GCC Champions for first time THE UEA Team won the GCC Golf Championship for the first time in their history at Dubai Creek last month due to some magnificent performances. The team closed with a score of a gross 229 for a total of 676 to beat their nearest challengers Qatar by 17 shots while Bahrain, who had won every edition of the Championship since its inception 16 years ago, had to settle for third place on a team score of 694. Ahmed Al Musharrekh, who contributed to the team’s score in each of the three rounds, put the icing on the cake when he won the individual championship as well with a 54-hole gross total of 218, well ahead of Bahrain’s Nasser Yaccob Saleh (224) and fellow UAE teammate Khalid Yousuf (225). The UAE Team have already won the team and individual gold medals in the recent Arab Games held in Doha and this resounding win in the GCC Championship has confirmed their credentials as

the number one team in the Arab world. Starting the final day 17 strokes clear of Bahrain they needed some good scores to seal the win and they didn’t disappoint with Ahmed Al Musharrekh and Yousuf shooting a 77 and Sohail Marzouqi carding a 75. Qatar produced the day’s best team score (225), but although it was not good enough to threaten the UAE it did help them relegate Bahrain to third place. Shaikh Fahim bin Sultan Qasimi, Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, congratulated the team on what he called “a fantastic victory.” “The boys have been working hard for a long time and the victory clearly reflects the rising standards of the game in the UAE,” he said. “I am really proud of their achievements. Every member of the team played a vital role, especially Ahmed who did really well to add the individual GCC Championship to his Arab Games gold medal.”

Q: What’s your favourite movie? A: Journey 2: Mysterious Island Q: Away from golf, what other activities do you like to do? A: Play football and spend time with my family Q: If you could have your pick of any car what would it be? A: An Audi, BMW or Mercedes – I can’t choose! Q: If you could have just one ‘super power’ what would it be? A: I don’t want super powers – I’d rather be a secret agent Q: What’s your favourite subject at school? A: Physical Education

www.wwgolf.biz

POWERED FOR DISTANCE. TO POWER YOUR GAME.

Prosports International sales@prosports.ae Tel: +971 4 3477737 www.titleist.co.uk

Available in play numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 00, 11, 22, 33.

Tech access INTeRNaTIONaL PaIRs

Presented by Cadillac

International-Pairs-Uae

www.golffrontiers.com

Menelaou and Estment score record victory PETER Menelaou and Garreth Estment will represent the Emirates Golf Federation Handicap Scheme in the 2011-12 Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac National Final after winning their Qualifier by a staggering five Stableford points. The Jebel Ali Golf Resort course was presented in immaculate condition and Menelaou and Estment secured a record-breaking victory to clinch a place in the final in June at Yas Links, Abu Dhabi. Estment was a late replacement when Menelaou’s partner Stefan Sickel was forced to withdraw due to injury but Garreth proved to be an ideal stand-in with both players contributing all the way through. Eight net birdies, along with a stunning net eagle on the 5th hole by Estment, led to their eventual 43-point total. The five-point victory margin was slightly misleading as Irish duo Shane O’Neill and John Fahy returned an impressive 41 points. However, their resulting disqualification due to an unintentional scorecard irregularity opened the door for Tyrone Evans and Shaun Little whose 38 points came from a very steady card. Third

Peter Menelaou and Garreth Estment are pictured with Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Golf Operations Manager, Stuart McMurdo. place was won by EGF stalwarts Mike Rifai and George Malcolm with an impressive 37 points. Tyrone Evans and Peter Menelaou played their way into the prizes by winning the Nearest the Pins on holes two and eight respectively.

International Pairs UAE swings through Sharjah A BUSY 24 hours in Sharjah saw the qualification of another two teams for the National Final of the 2011-12 Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac. Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club and Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club are two of the friendliest clubs in the UAE but both boast a stern test on their respective courses. Players teed off under floodlights at Sharjah G&SC and after a tense battle four teams finished in a tie for the top spot on 38 Stableford points. After an intensive countback the eventual winners were crowned and it was the husband and wife duo of Jin Man Lee and Young Park who made the final after their superior inward nine which included four net birdies in a row from the 13th. The fancied pairing of Ricky Dominguez and Nathan Fisher reached their final hole requiring just

one point to seal victory but the two scratch handicappers both made double bogey to ruin their chances. Their playing partners, John Gould and Mike O’Neill duly stepped in to claim second place on a countback although they also failed to score a point on their last hole. Westley Burke and Michael Conneely were pushed into fourth spot after an inward nine where they couldn’t maintain the form they displayed the first time around the 9-hole course. Abdul Moiz Khan and Mike O’Neill won the Nearest the Pin prizes on holes 3 and 8 respectively. An early start at Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club the following day saw 14 pairs competing on the sandy links. After finishing with 46 points, Keith Smithard and Maddie Fourie were on their way to the National Final but a clerical error on their card saw a two-

Winners Jin Man Lee and Young Park are pictured with SGSC Director of Golf, Martin Duff.

point reduction. A brilliant round that featured two net eagles and seven net birdies should have won the day but Keith and Maddie had to settle for second place as Dave Summerson and Paul Napper duly stepped in to claim the honours with 45 points. A combination of ten net birdies and eight net pars was good enough to see this strong pairing through to the Yas Links Final. In the 2010-11 National Final, Bob Driver and Claire Warburton from Sharjah Wanderers arrived with the highest score in qualification but were unable to transfer their form to grass. Summerson and Napper will be hoping they can make the transition more successfully. Third place was taken by Dave Gould and Irene Moody who will rue two net bogeys on the front-9 in among an otherwise good card of 43 points.

Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club Qualifier winners Dave Summerson and Paul Napper are pictured with Captain, Steve Burton and Lady Captain, Alison Stedman. www.wwgolf.biz

Introducing the Night Clubbing access card AED1,500 for three months. Includes three 18 hole rounds of night golf and discounts on additional rounds, including 18 holes for the price of 9 and AED205 for 9 holes. For further information please call +971 4 417 9999 or email kphillips@dubaigolf.com

dubaigolf.com

2011 – 2012 UAE INVITATIONAL SCRATCH GOLF LEAGUE Yas Links beat Al Badia in play-off to make Final YAS LinkS became the first team to qualify for the final of the 2011-12 invitational Scratch League after beating Al Badia in a tense semi-final at Emirates Golf Club. The four-game match, played on the neutral venue at the Faldo course at EGC, ended in a 2-2 tie and so a play-off was needed to determine the winning club. Two players from each side were selected for the sudden-death decider – Yas Links chose James Cook and David Domanski and Al Badia picked Brett Armstrong and Keith Nann. The hero of hour turned out to be James Cook who secured the victory for Yas with a birdie on the first extra hole. Armstrong and Nann both missed the green with their

approach shots. Cook had found the green in two and left himself a 20-foot uphill putt and after Armstrong and Nann had chipped on he calmly rolled in his birdie putt to seal the win to take the Yas Links team into the Invitational Scratch League Final. The final round robin match in League ‘A’ was also played over the weekend with Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club losing 3-1 to The Els Club in what effectively was a dead rubber with Emirates Golf Club already claiming the top spot in that group. The other semi-final takes place between Emirates Golf Club and Arabian Ranches Golf Club at Al Badia Golf Club on Friday 13th April with tee times from 12.00 pm to 12.30 pm.

Semi-Final ReSult (ABGC nAmes First):

Final league standings: Team

Games

Points

Bonus

Total

League a EGC The Els Club Al Ain ES&GC

League b

Arabian Ranches Sharjah Wanderers / Sharjah G&SC Tower Links / Al Hamra

League c

Al Badia Golf Club Al Ghazal The Address Montgomerie Dubai

League d Yas Links Dubai Creek G&YC Abu Dhabi GC

4 4 4

9½ 8½ 6

5 5 2

14 ½ 13 ½ 8

4 4 4

11 8½ 4½

4 6 2

15 14 ½ 6½

4 4 4

11 ½ 7½ 5

6 4 2

17 ½ 11 ½ 7

4 4 4

10 ½ 8 5½

7 4 1

17 ½ 12 6½

individual Performances in round robin matches Player (Team/Club)

Player (Team/Club)

Points

5&4 3&2 2&1 5&3

Matches

Patrik Daintry & David Domanski Henry Kim & Manny Ostojic Joe Howell & Ronan Hall James Cook & Dan Weisser

Points

lost to beat beat lost to

Matches

Kieran O’Connor & John Allen Brett Armstrong & Tim Sephton Keith Nann & Steve Kelshaw Chet Riley & Carl Downham

‘Yas Links’ Henry Kim and Manny Ostojic (left) with Al Badia’s Brett Armstrong and Tim Sephton (right) prior to their match. Armstrong and Sephton won 5&4.

Morgan Ashford (Al Ain ESGC)

Manny Ostojic (Yas Links)

Chet Riley (Al Badia)

3½

Doug McLennan (ARGC)

Rohit Gupta (EGC)

Gary Swan (ARGC)

Carl Downham (Al Badia)

Edoardo Gellapini (ARGC)

James Cook (Yas Links)

iain Lachlan (ARGC)

Paul king (DCGYC)

Paul nightingale (SWGC/SGSC)

Saeed Malik (DCGYC)

Malcolm Tennant (SWGC/SGSC) 4

Brett Armstrong (Al Badia)

Doug Cameron (Sharjah)

Tim Sephton (Al Badia)

David Voller (Els Club)

keith nann (Al Badia)

kory Thompson (Els Club)

John Allen (Al Badia)

semi-Final:

Vs To be played on Friday 13th April at Al Badia Golf Club.

Sharjah Golf & ShootinG Club www.golfandshootingshj.com

ContaCt: Tel : +971 6 548 7777 info@golfandshootingshj.com

Sharjah-Golf-Shooting-Club

GOLF SOCIETY LEAGUE

SAIF-Zone Golf Society League Semi Finalists decided THe quarter-finals of this season’s SAIF-Zone Golf Society League were a tense affair and making it through to the last four were MasSin 2, Mott MacDonald B, Dubai exputts 1 and the Sharjah Golfing Buddies. The closest battle of the day was between MasSin 2 and Darjeeling as one 6&4 win for MasSin 2’s Sunny Ramadas and Shahruddin Dino and one for Darjeeling’s Douglas Griebenouw and Brian Sholtz meant a play-off was needed to decide the outcome. Sadly for Darjeeling their campaign ended on the first extra hole and MasSin 2 progressed into the semi-final. Motts B went through after Mark Dupree

and Ian plant won their match 6&4 and Rory Thompson and Rob Russell tied their match with Dubal’s Reymundo Caliguia and Felipe Cuaresma. Thompson and Russell remain unbeaten throughout the competition but their halved match meant their winning streak had come to an end. Despite two gutsy performances from Gulf Rock, Dubai exputts 1 kept their hopes of winning alive with 1up and 2up wins while the Dubai Divots were not able to repeat last year’s feat of reaching the semis after their teams were beaten 3&2 and 3&1 by the on-form Sharjah Golfing Buddies.

rory Thomson and william neilson sTorm To Bmw vicTory Top pairing Rory Thomson and William neilson lived up to their billing as they cruised to victory over the opening nine holes in the BMW Members and Guests Social last month. The duo compiled a hugely impressive score of 26 points in the betterball Stableford format to take the honours. The prize over the back nine was won by petteri Suonio and Marko parnanen as they scored 24 points in the shambles Stableford to win in what was their first BMW Social event. The other prizes for the day went to paul Kane and Roy Holmes as they won the nearest The pin and Longest Drive awards respectively.

The winners from the March BMW Members and Guest Social are pictured with their prizes.

young Park steals show in Korean clean sweep

Slow and steady wins Coral Beach for J.Y. Kim A HIGHLY impressive score of 24 points gave 25-handicapper J.Y. Kim the victory in a recent Coral Beach Resort Midweek Stableford competition. S.W. Kang finished one point adrift to miss out on the overall prize but his score did help him secure the Division ‘B’ title. The ever-improving Mark Dupree sank three birdies in his round as he returned 22 points to win Division ‘A’.

K.J. Lee TAKeS KeMpInSKI In A 3-WAY CounTBACK

YounG park fired a 25-point total over nine holes to win the Coral Beach Resorts Midweek Stableford recently. parkmanaged two gross pars and four gross bogeys in what was a fine display of golf. Coming out on top in Division ‘A’ was Jinman Lee who returned 21 points while Seung In Lee made it a clean sweep for the Korean contingent as he also finished with 21 points to win Division ‘B’.

THRee players fiished with a net score of 31 over nine holes in the recent Kempinski Hotel Ajman Midweek Medal. After a nerve-rackingly tight countback K.J. Lee was finally crowned the champion thanks to his superior finish. Kim Jae Young took second place overall behind Lee but had the added added bonus of topping the pile in Division ‘B’. Adrian Adams returned a net 35 to take the Division ‘A’ title. www.wwgolf.biz

The Address MonTgoMerie dubAi www.themontgomerie.com

ContaCt: Tel : 971 4 390 5600 Fax: 971 4 360 8981

theaddressmontgomeriedubai

Paul Pitman and Debbie Murray crowned Club Champions CLUB Captain Paul Pitman held his nerve down the stretch to sign for a second round 83 and a 161 total to win the 2012 Club Championship by one shot from John Perry, with overnight leader Sam Constance struggling on day two, falling back into the pack with an 85. In the Ladies section Debbie Murray emerged victorious in a play-off with Kerry Fitzpatrick to win her first Club Championship title at the ninth attempt. Vice Captain Fitzpatrick had come from seven shots back overnight to tie with Murray but was unable to carry her momentum into the play-off.

Above: Debbie Murray putts during her sudden death play-off with Kerry Fitzpatrick. Right: A proud Paul Pitman stands on the 18th green after winning the Club Championship.

It’s all OK at The Montgomerie BMW

Left to right: Mike Thompson, Qamar Rasheed, Arshad Khan, Ok Young Cho, Fiona Linn, Debbie Murray, Valerie Saeed and Benjamin Graham.

OK Young Cho was a cut above as she scored 46 Stableford points from a gross 77 over 18 holes to win the Ladies Division ‘A’ title in the March BMW Stableford. Cho sealed an eight-shot victory ahead of Debbie Murray in Division ‘A’ who herself had carded a steady 38 points. Valerie Saeed sealed the honours in Division ‘B’ with a 42-point

haul for a one-point win over Fiona Linn. Benjamin Graham sealed the Men’s Division ‘B’ honours on 40 points, two shots ahead of Mike Thompson, while in Division ‘A’ a countback was needed to crown Qamar Rasheed the champion ahead of Arshad Khan. Both players scored 41 points but it was Rasheed who emerged victorious after their cards were compared.

Sub 60 seals March Rivoli Scramble AFTER a small delay due to fog there was nothing misty about the play of Cedric Fevre and playing partner Laura Richardson as they stormed to victory in the March Rivoli Scramble with a net score of 59.25. The high-low handicap pairing (8 and 31 respectively) managed to put together a fantastic gross 69 which saw them finish only a few shots off the best gross score of the day which was made by Sam Constance and Tej Ghuldu, who play off of 4 and 6 respectively. Vice Captain John Brash and General Manager Ed Edwards secured second place in the gross section with a countback victory over Joon Eun and Seng Gee Baek after both pairs shot a 67. However, Eun and Baek did secure the top spot in Division ‘A’ with their net 62.25 ahead of Mike Thompson and Andy MacDonald who shot a 63.5.

Pictured above (left to right): Robert Phillips, Debbie Murray, Cedric Fevre, Sam Constance, Tej Ghuldu, Laura Richardson, Jo Higgins, Mike Thompson, Ed Edwards and John Brash.

Stephen Steyn takes ECCO in style SCRATCH team stalwart Stephen Steyn put together a great round of golf in the ECCO March Monthly Medal to win the Gross Division by three shots from Russel Yeomans. Avoiding his usual 18th hole shinnanigans during his medals performances, Steyn held it together, dropping only one shot over the last six holes in difficult windy conditions to take first place. In Division ‘A’ Joon Eun once again topped the pile with a net 67, two shots clear of Masound Sobati with Alex Andarakis collecting third place with a net 70. www.wwgolf.biz

Chris King topped Division ‘B’ after a sensational net 63. King surprised everyone, including himself, by shooting the third best gross score of the day and after his handicap of 14 was deducted his net tally of 63 gave him a highly impressive two-shot win over Ben Graham. Debbie Murray won the Ladies Gross prize ahead of Rita Walker while a net 62 saw Fiona Linn dominate proceedings in the Net category. Lady Captain Anne Allan finished in second place with an excellent 66 with Jane Gray coming in third with a net 73.

Sana Tufail adds AGMC BMW to her titles

Sana Tufail pictured with Lady Captain Anne Allan.

JUNIOR player Sana Tufail continued her impressive winning streak this season with a convincing victory at the AGMC BMW Ladies Open recently as her gross 72 gave her a four-stroke victory over Kavita Sehmi. Ana Hurst scored a net 66 to top Division ‘A’ by two shots from H.H. Choi and new member Jo Higgins with Choi taking second place outright thanks to a better back nine countback. Division ‘B’ was played in a Stableford format and Kyung Sook Park won with a 42 point tally, three clear of Lady Captain Anne Allan.

Dubai Creek Golf & YaCht Club www.dubaigolf.com

DubaiCreekGolf

ContaCt: Tel : +971 4 295 6000 e-mail: dcgyc@dubai.com

dubaicreekgolfandyachtclub

LakdawaLa beats Mirza to CLub ChaMpionship AFteR two superb days of golf on the stunning Dubai Creek course Bayhaan Lakdawala was crowned the Club Champion for the first time after two consecutive scores of 76 gave him a 152 total for a one-stroke win over defending champion Miki Mirza and overnight leader tejan Fadlu-Dean. Lakdawala stood on the 18th tee with a two-stroke lead over his two playing partners, but surprisingly all three of them found the water with their tee shot. After they reloaded and found dry land Mirza was first to play and he nailed a fairway wood over 200 yards to within five feet of the flag. Fadlu-Dean followed, also with a fairway wood, but came up just short and Lakdawala then hit his shot short and left and left himself an uphill chip shot. He steadied his nerve and played a delightful pitch to within just three feet of the cup and gave a wave to the applauding gallery. When Mirza and FadluDean both missed their par efforts Lakdawala was left with two putts for victory which he gladly took. “I would like to thank the sponsors J. Lindeberg and Chervo for their support once again,” said Lakdawala after receiving the trophy. “Also Stephen Hubner (Dubai Creek, Head Golf Professional) and all of his staff at the Creek as they did a fabulous

left to right: brigitta Dagostin (Managing Director of Mona emirates trading – distributor of J. lindeberg and Chervo), Junior Champion Serifa D’Souza , Ladies winner Nasha Sarkari, Men’s Champion Bayhaan Lakdawala and Stephen Hubner, Head Golf Professional. job with the course and the running of the tournament and I am sure all of the players would agree. On a personal note it was very exciting to be in contention and back in the winner’s circle again.” In the Ladies Championship Nasha Sarkari made a successful defence of her title with scores of 83 and 80 for 163 and a two shot win over Naema Maya. It had looked as though Maya would win her first Club Championship when she had a onestroke lead playing the final hole but she made a

disastrous triple bogey seven. Sarkari made her eighth par in a row on the 18th to complete a near perfect back nine of 37 and she was duly crowned champion. the Junior Championship was a very one-sided affair as Serifa D’Souza blew the rest of the field away with scores of 80 and 79 to become the first female winner of the prestigious title. She won by a massive 15 shots over young Jai Bhalla who scored commendable rounds of 89 and 85.

tHe BISHOPS SeAL GRAND FINAL BeRtH

head Professional, Stephen hubner, is pictured with hugh and Mark bishop and Carpetland Managing Director Mansour khodjasteh.

tHe father and son duo of Hugh and Mark Bishop held off some strong competition to win the March Carpetland Open and seal their spot in the Grand Final in May in the process. the Bishops finished level alongside Yuko tsukiori and Chikako Inoue on 39 Stableford points but thanks to their better back nine they prevailed to take home the prizes. On receiving a coveted spot in May’s final Mark Bishop said: “It was a tough round of golf due to the strong wind. We are both delighted to have won this event and qualify for the Carpetland final. It’s an event we both enjoy playing in and a great fundraiser for charity.” Also finishing on 39 points to take third place were Fardeen Meeran and Jai Bhalla who also lost out on the countback.

MILIND NADKARNI tAKeS BMW-RIvOLI MeDAL MILIND Nadkarni shot a superb score of 66 to win the BMW-Rivoli Monthly Medal ahead of a field of over 80 players. On receiving his prize, Nadkarni said: “It was a difficult afternoon, with Shamal winds creating havoc for an average golfer like me. I decided to play safe, rather than my usual method of going for big hits and that helped. But most importantly the putter worked!” John Fellingham won the overall gross prize for the day while in the Men’s Division

‘A’ section Patrick Morrow took the spoils and Karup Devanana sealed the Division ‘B’ title. Joy Lirio scored a 73 to win the Ladies section while Adam Savage cleaned up in the Junior Division with a promising net 70. Head Professional at the Dubai Creek, Stephen Hubner said: “Conditions were extremely difficult today so I was very impressed to see so many good scores, with again an exceptional performance from our junior golfers.”

www.wwgolf.biz

Al BAdiA golf cluB www.albadiagolfclub.ae

ContaCt: Tel : +971 (0) 4 601 0101 Fax: +971 (0) 4 601 0102

Email: albadiagolf@ichdfc.ae

AlBadiaGolfClub

Anthony Su wins first PowerPlay Championship

Winner Anthony Su (right) with Mat Parker, Al Badia golf Professional .

ANTHONY Su recorded a superb score of 48 points to win the first ever PowerPlay Championship at Al Badia Golf Club last month by one point from Joe Rasmi and Khalid Samawi. Su used his ‘PowerPlays’ almost to perfection doubling his points on four holes after aiming for the black flag and scoring a net birdie. Even a penalty of three points on the 18th didn’t allow his closest rivals a look in. In PowerPlay Golf, players can choose to play to the easier red flag or the more difficult black flag. If they score a net birdie or better to the black flag, they earn double

Steve Kelshaw seals TaylorMade event THE third installment of the TaylorMade series was won by Steve Kelshaw after his 73 proved just enough to hold off the brave challenge from Brett Armstrong, who finished a stroke behind. Armstrong led the competition until the 17th hole but a fatal triple bogey put a halt to his progress as his playing partner Kelshaw birdied and went into the final hole a shot to the good. Armstrong replied with a birdie on the 18th to heap the pressure back on Kelshaw who held his nerve to also card a birdie and seal the win with a 3-under-par back nine. In the Net Division a 66 from Elizabeth Batson saw her take the honours ahead of Niang Li and Dave McAdams respectively while Martha Bimmel won both the Ladies Winner Steve Kelshaw with christina Birnicki. Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive challenges.

The elS cluB www.elsclubdubai.com

Stableford points. Each competitor was compelled to take exactly three ‘PowerPlays’ in the first eight holes and then another three between holes 10 and 17. They then had the option of a fourth ‘PowerPlay’ on the ninth and the 18th for a final bonus, while being aware that a net bogey or worse would result in three penalty points. After a card countback it was Rasmi who finished second thanks to his better back nine tally while Richard King won the Nearest the Pin prize and Sylvan Denis hit the Longest Drive.

Vinay Madan takes Route 66 to Rivoli Medal win VINAY Madan carded a net 66 in ideal scoring conditions to win the March Rivoli Medal. Madan, who was competing in Division ‘B’, carded five pars on his way to securing the overall prize while the overall gross winner was Brett Armstrong as he came home with a level par 72. Division ‘A’ was won by the ever-steady Nawaf Fawaz who hit a gross 80 with five consecutive pars to close out his round off his 14 handicap.

Winner Vinay Madan with Membership Manager, christina Bernicki.

ContaCt: Tel: +971 4 425 1010 golf@elsclubdubai.com

TheElsClubDubai

Sana Tufail seals 2012 Ladies Open SANA Tufail went round in 73 blows to win the 2012 Ladies Open last month while Julia Alhemoud won the net title in Division ‘A’. Finishing second behind Alhemoud was Monina Gadaca with a net 69 while in Division ‘B’ Judi Cahill went one better, shooting a net 68 to win by one from Jane Bishop. Be Williams struck the Longest Drive on the day down the 13th fairway while Louise Adams highlighted her accurate play by winning the Nearest the Pin prize on hole 4.

Left to right: Division ‘A’ winner Julia Alhemoud; Sara Moore, Membership and Events Manager; overall winner Sana Tufail and Division ‘B’ winner Judi Cahill. www.wwgolf.biz

ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com

ArabianRanchesG

ContaCt: Tel : +971 4 366 3000 Tel : +971 4 366 3355

arabianranchesgolfclub

Vice captain’s team make it four in a row

Club Captain Andy Scanlan, Lady Captain Catherine Hut with the victorious Vice Lady Captain Annie Hainey in the middle.

THE annual team event between the Vice Captain’s Team led by Annie Hainey and Eddie Ramage and the Captain’s Team led by Andy Scanlan and Catherine Hut delivered its usual excitement with a Ryder Cup style atmosphere. The Captain’s Team was desperate to do well as they have not yet tasted the spoils of victory in the past three events. This year the match once again came down to the wire with both teams tied on 12 points with 8 matches remaining. As the last couple of groups came in the pendulum once again swung in favour of the Vice Captains Team with the final result

making it 18 points for the Vice Captain’s Team against 14 for the Captains Team. The tournament was played as an Individual Stableford event in which the Stableford points from players in the Captain’s Team competed against the Stableford points from the players in the Vice Captain’s Team to determine each individual match result. Player of the Day among the Men was John Hainey, who returned a very impressive card with 40 Stableford points. In the Ladies Individual event Pernilla Karlsson returned 40 Stableford points to take the honours.

Karlssons crowned St. Patrick’s Day Cup Winners HAKAN and Pernilla Karlsson scored 47 Stableford points to win the second St Patrick’s Day Cup supported by Caddy Card held last month at Arabian Ranches. The format for the event was Betterball Stableford with each player using their handicap index as the allowance to be taken at the appropriate stroke index holes. The best net score between the two players was recorded in Stableford points at each hole. A net score of par gives you 2 points, net birdie 3 points, net eagle 4 points and a net bogey gives you 1 point. The winners’ card consisted of two halves

of 24 and 23 points. Having started on hole 7 in the shotgun format with 40 teams competing, their round included five net birdies with four net eagles and only two bogeys on holes 3 and 12. Both players shared scoring responsibilities equally with each contributing on nine holes during the round. The pair used the Betterball format to perfection and scored no worse than a net par on only two occasions. The Champions were closely pursued by eventual runners-up Graeme Wallace and Amanda Barrett on 46 points.

Max Burrow and Tobias Parkin secure opening SIAN Events qualifier Max Burrow and Tobias Parkin were crowned champions in the first of four qualifiers of the SIAN Events Golf Series recently to qualify for the Final which will be held in January 2013. On a perfect day for good scoring, Burrow and Parkin combined brilliantly to score 72 Stableford points and take the top spot by two points from Gary Swan and Graham Wood. In a format that required both players to score consistently the Champions posted Individual scores of 40 and 32 points respectively on their way to victory. Burrow and Parkin posted an outward half of 34 and an inward half of 38 points as a team. Both players made valuable contributions to the card and shared the responsibility equally. However, the round of the day did belong to Burrow, posting a brilliant gross 68. The prize presentation was conducted by Simon McDonald, Chairman and founder of SIAN Events, who thanked all the players for a fantastic turnout and a wonderful day.

McLennan and McKelvey take second successive Rivoli Medals Dougie McLennan returned a gross 1-over-par 73 to win his second consecutive Rivoli Monthly Medal supported by Speed Cleaning. McLennan, one of the top performers at the Club, had a steady round and got the job done on a day perfect for good scoring with nines of 37 and 36. “My thanks go to the sponsors for their support and I must congratulate all of the day’s winners,” said McLennan after receiving the trophy from Lady Captain Catherine Hut. In the Lady’s Division Adele McKelvey was not going to be outdone by her male counterparts and she posted a gross 76 to take home the title and, like McLennan, she collected her second Medal in succession. Beatrice Galeppini continued her great form and won the Ladies Net division with a net 66 while the net round of the day in the Men’s division belonged to Junior Member Aryaan Kumar who shot 69.

ALL SMILES: Max Burrow and Tobias Parkin are presented with their prizes after winning the first of the four qualifiers for the SIAN Events Golf Series by Simon McDonald Chairman and Founder of SIAN. www.wwgolf.biz

Jumeirah golf estates www.jumeirahgolfestates.com

ContaCt: Tel : +971 4 390 3333 Fax: +971 4 367 9584

Jumeirah-Golf-Estates

Shabir, Tania and Denise grab Stableford Series glory THE third and final round of the Stableford Series was concluded on the Earth course on a blustery day in early March with a number of golfers in contention for prizes in their respective divisions. The overall winner with a superb tally of 44 points in the difficult conditions was Shabir Yakub. He proved a worthy winner with three birdies to end the round on holes 16, 17 and 18 and in addition his approach shot to the 17th saw him pick up

the Nearest the Pin prize. Harnessing the gusty wind with precision and coming out on top in Division ‘A’ was Nadir Mohammadi as he compiled 37 Stableford points to win by two from William Treweek. In Division ‘B’ Steve Freed topped the pile with 36 points, one clear of Girodano Gelasini. However, one Gelasini did enter the winner’s circle as Tania outscored her husband by one point to win the

Ladies Division ahead of Anagha Pangarkar. At the end of play the overall results from the series were announced and Yakub’s win with 44 points helped him seal the Division ‘A’ honours with 76 points, one clear of Ayaz Afridi. Tania Gelasini collected the overall prize for the ladies, two ahead of second placed Chloe Dillon while the overall Stableford Series champion was Denise Fennell with 79 points.

Sun Le Rim takes Ladies Medal THE recent Ladies Monthly Medal sponsored by ECCO saw players greeted by blue skies and warmer temperatures and the scoring certainly reflected the conditions with Sun Le Rim taking top spot with a net 37. Rim opened up with successive 3s on holes one and two and her net score over the nine hole Fire course layout was good enough to secure the honours. The Gross prize was won by Mitsuko Emmerson as she came home in 47 blows while Fanny Marcourt won the Longest Drive prize on hole seven. Emmerson capped a fine day by winning the Nearest the Pin prize on hole 8.

Andy Nightingale and Deepa Subba seal a Mixed Open double ANDY Nightingale and Deepa Subba sealed the Net Division and the outright Mixed Open title recently after carding a tremendous score of 9-under-par 63. Finishing in second place after signing

for a 68 were Suad Ghalib and Les Reis while in the Gross Division Chloe Dillon and Stephen Fidler battled hard to win by eight shots from John and Teresa Summer with a superb 4-under 68.

Craig Finlayson first to ace the 11th Jumeirah Golf Estates member Craig Finlayson made history on the Fire course recently by becoming the first person to ace the Par 3 11th Hole. Finlayson managed the rare feet by holing his tee shot with a 6-iron to a pin located on the back portion of the green. At first glance the group thought his tee shot had gone long and over the back of the green until further investigation was called for and the thought struck Finlayson to look in the hole where he was delighted to find his ball.

Tower links Golf Club www.towerlinks.com

ContaCt: Tel : +971 6 548 7777 info@golfandshootingshj.com

Tower-Links-Golf-Club

Magic Manilyn seals Social win MANilYN Buxmann shot a gross 35 for a net 28 to win the recent Wednesday Social by seven strokes from Mohamed islam. Buxmann carded three birdies and just two bogeys over the nine holes and with her performance came a two-stroke reduction in her handicap. islam bounced back to his usual consistent form, finishing in second place after shooting a very respectable net 35, while Sean Quinn pushed Julian Nutting out of the prizes to claim third place with a net 36.

SHuklA AND iSlAM GOBBlE uP TuRkEY SHOOT PRizES ASH Shukla and Mohamed islam produced a net 27.6 to win the recent Wednesday Social which was played in a ‘Turkey Shoot’ format – three holes of scramble, three holes of betterball and three holes of greensomes. The duo combined perfectly to win by 1.7 shots from Dave Clark and Graham Farrington with Roger Floyd and Yuki Pellerine taking third place on 29.5.

Walker and lunan go loW to Win

Yuki PEllERiNE AND GREG MADDOx THE TAlk OF THE TOWER

DAVE lunan and Neil Walker won the Social Two-Player Scramble last month after shooting a gross 34 for a net 31.2 to cruise to a comfortable victory. The duo fired two birdies and an eagle on their way to the winner’s circle with their only blemish coming on hole 17 where they made an uncharacteristic and unwelcome bogey.

Yuki Pellerine and Greg Maddox dominated their respective divisions in the recently-played monthly medal after two stellar performances. Pellerine topped Division ‘A’ after a gross 86 equated to a net 71 while Maddox shot a gross 101 for a net 69 to win his first Medal in 24 attempts.

Al HAmrA Golf Club www.alhamragolf.com www.alhamragolf.com

AlHamraGolfClub

ContaCt: Tel : +971 7 244 7474

Al-Hamra-Golf-Club

Maiden Medal victory for thorell NEW member Johan Thorell carded a 79 to win his first Medal last month by two strokes from Rita Engelbrecht. Perfect conditions greeted players and Shawqi Sajwani took full advantage as he carded a 70 to win the Net Division by three shots from Mike Smith.

ANTHONY CASHMAN CASHES iN AT Al HAMRA TROPHY ANTHONY Cashman scored 37 Stableford points to win the 2012 Al Hamra Trophy last month, one point clear of Greg Harris. The top of the leaderboard was a busy place as six players entered a card countback to decide who would take third place. Eventually prevailing with a better last six holes was Cindy Rials. Mohammed Darwish took the Nearest the Pin prize on hole 7 while Bill Grosser took the prize on hole 11. www.wwgolf.biz

Dirab Golf & Country Club is the first certified grassed 18-Hole Par-72 championship and 9-Hole Par 27 Academy golf course in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located 45 kms south west of Riyadh City and nestled in the picturesque Tawfig valley, the club features lush tree-lined fairways and perfectly manicured greens. Open all year round, the course offers a driving range and practice facilities- 9holes are floodlit, enabling play after sundown. Having hosted the 1st Saudi Arabian National Amateur Championship in 2001, 10th Annual GCC Golf Championship in 2002, BMW World Qualifier Tournament in 2004, Dirab Pro-Am Golf Tournament in 2005, 28th Pan Arab Golf Tournament in 2008 and Saudi Oger Amateur Golf Championship in 2009, Dirab Golf & Country Club is equally suited for seasoned golfers and for those wishing to learn the sport.

YAS LINKS GoLf CLub

ContaCt: Tel : +971 2 810 7777

YasLinksGC

yaslinks.com

info@yaslinks.com

YasLinksGolfClub

Thompson is let in on the Cipriani Secret UNING Thompson secured the honours in the Cipriani Secret Stableford last month with a score of 31 points. Players completed the course normally and totted up their Stableford scores on each hole but at the end of play the ‘secret’ of which ten holes were to count toward the teams’ totals was revealed. Thompson, who had played steadily

throughout, was crowned the champion after her total scores from holes 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 helped her finished three points clear of Consuelo Casanova Nuno. Scoring in the team event was very close and winning by just one point was the group of Joe Howell, Biran McCLure, Chesley Noble Ditchfield and Alex Barclay with 85 points.

Sharon Hall (centre) is pictured with Golf Operations Officer Victoria Hassett (left) and Sales Executive Carly Tjader.

Lady Captain seals the March Medal LADY Captain Sharon Hall shot a gross 80 – the lowest of the day – to seal the honours in last month’s Monthly Medal. In the net divisions Uning Thompson shot an impressive Net 67 to beat Christine Khan by two shots with Derren Sanders taking third after a net 74.

Yas Links Members pip the Yas Staff in epic see-saw contest A TEAM of Yas Links Golf Club Staff took on a team of Club Members in a special tournament last month with the Member’s emerging victorious 6 – 3. The format for the day was betterball match play with two members of Staff taking on two Yas Links Members in each flight.

The Staff got off to an encouraging lead with Imelda and Roy winning their match 5&4 against Ryan Hunter and Ervin, and William Reyes defeating Justin Wesctott and Roman Hawczak 2&1. The Staff picked up another win as J.J. and Luciano Galvez defeated James Wood 2&1. Two matches were

dIrAb GoLf CLub

incredibly tight but the Members gradually clawed their way back into the contest with two nailbiting wins that were decided on the 18th hole. In the remaining matches the Members continued to take charge, sinking putt after putt to defeat the Staff.

ContaCt: Tel : +966 1 812 6671 Email: info@dirabgolf.com

www.dirabgolf.com

Jang and Yoo team up to win Xerox Golf Challenge qualifier THE eighth qualifying round of the 14th Annual Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge took place recently and the husband and wife pairing of Khalid Jang and Mi Jung Yoo sealed victory ahead of Lance Jones and his playing partner Kapila. John Davis and Chris Ledwidge took third place ahead of Il Joong Kim and Mira Jung on a countback after both pairs hit the same total.

M.S. Kim takes Best Gross in FUCHS Open Golf event M.S. Kim clinched overall Best Gross honors in the 5th Annual Fuchs Open Golf Tournament while In Kyu Park had the overall Best Net. The First Division contest was won by Rabie Fares with Faisal Salhab finishing runnerup and Omar Hariri taking third place. In the Second Division Ilha Wurzer came home first, followed by Mohd. Benamer in second place and Anjum

Mulla was third. The Third Division first place was claimed by David Treadgold, with Isao Nagaya in second place and Jerry Don Carolis came in third. Mi Jung Yoo, Mi Ra Jung and Miki Park were the top three in the Ladies Division. Faisal Salhab and Jung hit the Men’s and Ladies Longest Drives while Moiz Ahmed took the Closest to the Pin prize.

Georgia Coughlin claims Gross prize in Monthly Medal GEORGIA Coughlin picked up the overall gross prize at the recent Radisson Blu-Riyadh Monthly Medal after a fine round of golf. The best net title went to Mi Jung Yoo while in Division ‘A’ Sile McIlroy took the honours ahead of Myungok Hwangbo and Caroline Wright. In Division ‘B’ Choi Kim topped the pile ahead of Li Ni while in the Omega Division Fauzia Shamim won from Martine Himmescoete and Kazuko Nagaya.

Master CraftsMan

“I have always saId I have the best R&d facIlIty In the woRld – the PGa toUR.” For years, Bob Vokey has learned from the best. He’s walked with the world’s best players on courses and practice areas of nearly every PGA Tour stop. He watches their short games, evaluates bunker technique, gathers feedback and enhances wedge performance for those finesse scoring shots that can decide a tournament or even a major. Bob uses this depth of experience to develop wedges that perform for every shot-making style and course condition and to help all players build confidence and shoot lower scores. Every wedge that Bob grinds and shapes must be a precision scoring tool for his name to be engraved on it. To learn more about Vokey Design® wedges, visit Vokey.com and find out which are best for your game.

Prosports International - sales@prosports.ae - Tel: +971 4 3477737 titleist.co.uk

abu dhabi golf Club

ContaCt: Tel : +971 2 558 8990

www.adgolfclub.com

Abu-Dhabi-Golf-Club

dino Varkey crowned 2012 Men’s open chaMpion DINO Varkey held his nerve in the final round of the eighth annual Abu Dhabi Men’s Open sponsored by TaylorMade to close out a one shot victory over Spanish professional Adrian Otaegui on a windy Saturday afternoon recently. Rounds of 68 and 75 were enough for Varkey to take the title and he could even afford to make a triple bogey on the Par-4 17th in the final round. Brian McCarthy beat a high-class field to clinch the overall best gross with a four over par total of 144. Second place went to Craig Forrest (152) and third went to Ross Hopwood who lost out on a second round playoff to Forrest after also posting a score of 152. In the net division John Hunt took first place with steady rounds of 71 and 73 (144) to beat his closest rival Jerome Martin by five shots with Bahan Lakdawala taking third place on 150.

Dino Varkey collects his prize from Men’s Captain Mike Larter.

choi, park and gosselin win riVoli YOUNG Chang Choi shot an outstanding score of 46 points to take the top spot in Division ‘B’ of the March Rivoli Medal, six points clear of second placed Steven Ord. Taking the top spot in Division ‘A’ was Mike Parks as his 40-point total helped him scoop a two-point win over Daniel Siegal. Muriel Gosselin took the top spot in the Ladies Division after winning a back nine countback with Lina Tyson with both players locked on 32 points. Left to right: Respective winners of the March Rivoli Medal B Division, A Division and Ladies Division. Young Chang Choi, Mike Parks and Muriel Gosselin.

‘Trained Brain’ night big success ABU Dhabi Golf Club’s PGA Professional and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) master practitioner Martin Robinson hosted a unique workshop last month to help ‘brain train’ golfers who want to fast-track their game and achieve lower scores. Robinson, a qualified NLP coach with certification through the ‘Trained Brain’ institute, introduced some handy tools and techniques for golfers that can be used to ensure they are able to deal with some of the ‘states’ on the golf course that hinder performance and allow players to produce their best with confidence and a positive attitude.

Future Falcons Fly the Flag in al ain LAST month the Future Falcon team of Adam Game, Rossa O’Kane, Aaron Parker and Matthew Chisnill went to Al Ain to represent the Future Falcon programme in the Junior Inter Club/ Schools League under the guidance of teaching pro Kim Boulden. With three out of the best

abu dhabi City golf Club www.adcitygolf.ae

four Stableford scores counting over 9 holes, the Abu Dhabi Future Falcons scored a total of 43 points, finishing third on the day and remaining in third place in the league table. Considering the team missed out in round 1 to be where they are at this stage is a superb achievement.

ContaCt: Tel : +9712 445 960

Abu-Dhabi-City-Golf-Club

sen hada driVes hoMe his adVantage CHENDRA Sen Hada came out on top in the thrilling climax to the Volvo Order of Merit at the end of February. After seven Qualifying Events the Top 40 players in the Order of Merit qualified to take their spot in the inaugural Volvo Grand Final and with double OoM points on offer in the Grand Final more than half the field had a realistic chance of being

crowned champion. However, after the calculations were made Chendra Sen Hada secured the overall top spot after shooting the third best score of the day – 33 Stableford points. Jonathon Craig took a huge leap up to second place on the ranking by scoring 38 points while Lady Captain Sandie Carrington jumped from 21st place to third with a 32 point haul on the day.

Chendra Sen Hada receives the trophy from ADCGC Club Captains and Steve Grey, National Sales Manager of Volvo.

Momentum continues in Round 5 of Rotana Junior League OVER 100 aspiring champions turned out for the fifth round of the Rotana Junior League last month with a range of kids from ages 4 – 16 teeing it up. The 10-hole boys event was won by D..J. Benson who scored 22 Stableford points to win by four points from Ashay Patel while in the girls’ event Mathilde Biensant won with 12 points. Kien Deschpande won the 3-hole event with a gross 12 while Charlotte Cunningham secured the girls’ honours with an 18 shot tally. The ‘Nippers’ 2-hole event was won by Shiraz Munir who took the boys’ trophy with 13 shots while Diksha Hada won the girls event with a score of nine shots. www.wwgolf.biz

al ain equestrian shooting & golf Club www.aesgc.ae

golf@aesgc.ae

ContaCt: Tel: +971 3 702 6400 Fax: +971 3 768 3331

Golfin Alain

NEESE AND BROWN ON TOP IN EMIRATES AIRLINE CLuB CHAMPIONSHIP JASON Neese and Lindsay Brown were crowned the respective Men’s and Ladies Champions in the Emirates Airline Club Championship last month after two splendid performances. Neese held on to win a play-off with Lyndon Chalmers after both players had posted scores of 153 over two rounds. Neese secured the victory with a two-putt par after finding the middle of the green in regulation on the first hole of sudden death. Chalmers had to settle for second place with Eoin Cunniliffe finishing third. The youngster’s score of 71 on the opening day was the lowest of the weekend. Paul Ashford won the Net title after a 65 on the first day and a 66 on day two for an 11-under-par total, seven clear of David Miles with Russell Cash finishing third on 140. In Division ‘A’ Peter Young came out on top with

a 141 total, one clear of Jim Doig while in Division ‘B’ Nick Peacock took the honours by one stroke from Harry Van Wky with a 144 total. Brown dominated the ladies section after she won by a massive 23 shots from her mother, Jenny, with Ruth Langer finishing third a further three shots back. Brown, who was playing in her final event as an amateur before turning professional, opened with a sensational 71 to take a commanding lead which no-one in the field was able to get close to. The Ladies Net title went to Ruth Muirhead as rounds of 71 and 74 gave her a three shot win over three players. Marja Kohn took second place outright thanks to her second day score of 71 with Anne McCarthy relegated to third place. The Ladies Division ‘A’ winner was Lyndel Christensen the two winners, lindsay brown and Jason neese are pictured with emirates on 163 while Martine Garbutt took the spoils in representative shoaib farooqui. Division ‘B’ with a 153.

t gh i tl o Sp

Junior mEmbEr Dane SanDforD Jnr. NatioNality: English Q: What age did you start playiNg golf? A: i wAs 18 months old, swinging A club out thE bAck gArdEn. Q: Who Would you have play aloNgside you iN your dream four ball? A: sEvE bAllEstEros, nick FAldo And rory mcilroy.

Q: Who is your favourite golfer of all time? A: FrAsEr mclAughlAn. Q: What is your favourite film? A: thE lord oF thE rings trilogy Q: What is your favourite car? A: dodgE vipEr. Q: What do you WaNt to be WheN you groW up? A: A proFEssionAl golFEr

al ghazal golf Club www.alghazalgolf.ae

ContaCt: Tel : +971 2 575 8040 Fax : +971 2 575 8041

Al-Ghazal-Golf-Club

sEbAstiAn hEisElE crownEd thE nbAd Abu dhAbi opEn chAmpion SEBASTIAN Heisele from Dillingen Golf Club in Germany won the 39th NBAD Abu Dhabi Men’s Open last month with a gross 152 total, one shot clear of AGGC Professional Mark Ireland. Local professionals Simon Payne and David Gray both finished with a 156 total but it was Gray who took third place outright thanks to his better opening round of 71. The Amateur Gross Division was won by the current EGF Order of Merit leader Michael Harradine on 153 with AGGC’s Riad Majali taking second place on a countback from Dino Varkey on 160. Leading after the first round in Net Division was AGGC’s Colum Boyce on 71, however, he was blown off course during the second round and Kiwi Stan Nikau sneaked in and sealed the title with a 153 total. Ramesh

Emmanuel took second place, one shot back with Vernon Whaanga finishing third on 154. The highlight of the day was a windassisted hole-in-one by Trevor Varri on hole 3. Varri’s ball didn’t actually go in the hole, it came to rest just shy of the cup. With the wind howling he chose to mark his ball and pick it up. When he came to putt he replaced the ball and it promptly blew into the hole. Trevor, who is R&A Rules qualified, knew the exact Rules Decision and realised that it meant a hole-in-one, but requested the Referee to reconfirm it as he had to take himself out of the decision process. The decision 20-3d/1 was confirmed and an hour later Varri was ringing the bell celebrating the first hole-in-one in the history of the Men’s Open – and one which will never to be forgotten!

abu Dhabi open Champion sebastian heisele with abdulla al shamsi from nbaD.

trevor Varri celebrates his remarkable wind-assisted hole in one.

All the winners on the day are flanked by Club Captains Peter McManus and Deborah Castle. www.wwgolf.biz

This is where the headline goes in Georgia Reg

Let us Entertain You... and Your Guests

Pic 1

is where thewe subhead goes in AtThis Muscat Hills specialise inGeorgia hostingregular This ismanaging where the body copyyour goes in Gill Sans regular and explains what the current offer is. This is where the and corporate events body copy goes and explains what the current offer is. This is where the body copy goes and explains what the offerwe is. take all of the stress and hassle out of organising a corporate event by managing it for you on At current Muscat Hills your behalf. Our 18-hole Championship Golf Course, world-class Golf Academy and Licensed Clubhouse is an ideal This is where the body copy goes and explains what the current offer is. This is where the body copy goes and location forwhat you to clients, find new andgoes showcase your products brand.offer Better still, is explains theentertain current your offer top is. This is where the partners body copy and explains what theand current is. This youwhere donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the evenbody needcopy to play golf as explains we have what a widethe range of Corporate packages to the fit everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fromexplains teamgoes and current offer is. This is where body copyneeds goes and what activities the current offer is. This is where the body copytogoes and explains the current and offergolf is. clinic as well! building to product launches we have it all. Not mention the oddwhat golf tournament This is where the body copy goes and explains what the current offer is. This is where the body copy goes and explains what the current offer is. This is where the body copy goes and explains what the current offer is.

Pic 2

Pic 3

Pic 4

www.muscathills.com www.muscathills.com & Country office Phone: +968contact 24510065 Fax: +968 24510277 To Muscat find outHills moreGolf about what we Club can do for your business our Marketing Manager, Nora Dimitrova at nora@muscatgolf.com or +968 245 1 4080

Muscat hills golf club www.muscathills.com

ContaCt: Tel : +968 245 14080 Fax: +968 245 10277

MuscatHills

Email: booking@muscatgolf.com www.muscathills.com

Muscat-Hills-Golf-Country-Club

INAuGuRAL AuDI QuATTRO CuP EVENT A BIG SuCCESS FOR OMAN THE Audi Quattro Cup held a qualifying event in Oman for the first time in its 21-year history recently and the event was a huge success with Henri ObameOndo and Christian Carlton winning on the day with 45 Stableford points. The Audi Quattro Cup sees 52 countries around the world host qualifying events to determine who will represent them in the World Final that takes place in November this year at Arabella Golf Club, South Africa. An impressive field of 100 players took to the Championship course at Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club which resulted in Obame-Ondo and Carlton

heading to South Africa after finishing three points clear of Mukesh Sawhney and Alex Borges. This was the first time that Oman has been given the opportunity to participate in Audi’s International series, courtesy of Wattayah Motors. Sawhney and Borges both received Audi golf bags for finishing second while the third placed team of Gary Battersby and Sha Sudha (39 points) took home Audi sports bags. Jameela Daud and Aman Atwal won the Closest to the Pin prizes on the day and subsequently went home with new Titleist putters. The Longest Drive

winners on the day – Rani Virmani and David Rebello – both won Titleist fairway woods. Husam M. Al Zubair, Chairman of Wattayah Motors, awarded the prizes to the winners and had the honour of handing Obame-Ondo and Carton the symbolic ticket to South Africa. Abdel Karim Awwad, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Audi Oman, said: “We are very proud to launch this hugely successful global event in Oman for the very first time. The event was very successful and we are looking forward to this becoming a major fixture on the annual golfing calendar in Oman.”

Definitive 2012 visage gPs system arrives TWENTY five new Precedent golf carts from Club Car fully equipped with the new 2012 Visage GPS System have been delivered to Muscat Hills G&CC and have been put to immediate use for members and guests alike. The revolutionary ‘Visage’ GPS system helps maximise a player’s enjoyment over the 18-hole Championship course as its ground-breaking features offer golfers a more interactive game of golf with advanced full-hole fly-overs, superior 3D graphics, yardages, distances and course maps at the touch of a button. “The new carts and Visage system are a great new addition to Muscat Hills, with all of the

technology a real benefit to the golfer and it also makes my life easier as I can monitor the pace of play from a central location” said David White, Golf Operations Manager. Director of Golf Ray Stopforth is delighted with the carts and wants to bring more to the club. “We plan to add another 50 new carts to our fleet next year, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to developing Muscat Hills into a first class golfing experience,” he said.

Club Captains welcomed KAREN D’Amours and Latif Razek have been voted Club Captains for 2012 to liaise between the club members and the management. Both have been members at the club since its inauguration in 2009 and Director or Golf, Ray Stopforth, welcomes the appointment. “With the nominated representatives in place it can only add benefit to the presence of Muscat Hills in Oman and help provide a vital link between Muscat Hills and other Clubs in the region,” he said. “The Club Captain is an influential figurehead in a golf club and we look forward to working with our new Captains this year.”

stay and play packages now available

sephton wins imperius asset golf Day

AL Nahda Resort & SPA, Muscat, have announced a new partnership with Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club whereby both parties will cooperate in promoting Stay and Play golf packages. “We are very pleased that Al Nahda Resort & SPA is now able to offer a cost effective and easyto- book golf package to its guests.

RuSSELL Sephton won the Imperius Asset Management Golf Day at Muscat Hills last month by virtue of a countback over Tom Frederiksen. Sephton, who plays off a 19 handicap, emerged victorious thanks to his superior score over the last nine holes. Taking third place was Steve Blee on 41 points. Sanjoli Singh topped the Ladies section with 37 points while Jameelsa Duad won the Nearest the Pin prize on the 14th and Nabeel Ijaz struck the Longest Drive down the 4th fairway. Tim Blogg, Managing Director of Imperius Asset Management Oman, said: “I don’t want to spoil this great golf day with a long speech, I just want to thank you all for attending and participating in the 1st Imperius Asset Management golf tournament. We plan to turn this into an annual tradition.”

This expands our portfolio of services and opens new avenues of services we can offer our guests. “Thanks to partnerships like ours with Muscat Hills – a spectacular 18-hole golf course – Oman will be recognised soon as a must-visit destination for tourists from all over the world,” said Phillipe Freugerre, GM of Al Nahda Resort.

www.wwgolf.biz

The perfect place. Fly in. Drive off. Almouj Golf. Inspired by Oman. Designed by Greg Norman. World-class golfing has never looked better: the 18-hole Almouj Golf links course is set between the stunning Hajar Mountains and tranquil Indian Ocean. It’s also never been more convenient: thanks to its location just minutes from Muscat Airport and close to The Wave, Muscat, enjoying its 5-star facilities will fit in perfectly with your business schedule. You can even use our golfing equipment – with our compliments. Should your meeting run late, fit in a round or practise your swing at our floodlit 9-hole par-3 course and driving range. Afterwards, make your way to our fully-equipped clubhouse and enjoy the culinary delights prepared by our top chefs. For more information about Almouj Golf and its facilities, or to make a booking visit www.almoujgolf.com; alternatively, call our reservation team on +968 22 00 59 90 who will be happy to help with any questions you may have.

THE GOLF COURSE

•

THE ACADEMY www.almoujgolf.com

•

5 STAR FACILITIES

the royal golf club bahrain www.theroyalgolfclub.com

RoyalGolfCLub

ContaCt: Tel : +973 17 750777

TheRoyalGolfClub

St Patrick’s Day Craic SAINT Patrick’s Day was celebrated in style at The Royal Golf Club as a special Irish-themed four-player team event was held and coming out on top was the team of Bijan Majidi, Pauline Jeakings, Murtuz Zamanly and Mureed Nusseir with a score of 89 points. They scored a massive 20 points on the last two holes to storm to a three-point victory over Mikael Leijonberg, Nil Berg, Adam Guy and Simon Brebner. Second and third place had to be separated by a countback after two teams finished on 86 points and ending up in third was the three-player team of Sami Al Khayer, Matt Sedgwick and Todd Graham. The side contests had an Irish twist with Roy Gardener winning the ‘Nearest the Irish Flag’ on hole 6, Matt Sedgwick won the ‘Inside the Shamrock’ prize on hole 15 and Dena Wales took home the ‘Most Appropriately Dressed’ award.

Royal Golf Club representative Cormac Flannery (centre) with the winning team of (left to right) Bijan Majidi, Pauline Jeakings, Murtuz Zamanly and Mureed Nusseir.

Grand Prix Marked with an F1 Scramble

April Sporting EvEntS At thE royAl golf Club

AFTER a year in the Motor sports wilderness, Bahrain is all geared up for the 2012 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and to celebrate, The Royal Golf Club is inviting players to join in the excitement at the annual F1 Scramble on Saturday 21st April – a themed golf event that boasts some excellent prizes for the all winning teams.

Date

event

time

Open tO

13th & 14th

Bahrain invitational

tBC

21st

F1 Scramble

2-tee start, 7:30am

all

every Saturday

Wee monty Family Day

10am-2pm

all

ONLINE BOOKING SySTEM LAuNCHED

every Sunday

Ladies taylormade Stableford

8.30am shotgun

all ladies

THE Royal Golf Club has announced the launch of its full online booking service using BRS, one of Europe’s most successful software systems for tee time bookings. Now members and visitors alike can view tee time availability and reserve their preferred time online in real time. For further information, please visit the Royal Golf Club website: www.theroyalgolfclub.com

every monday

ecco monday Stableford

1pm shotgun

all

a&e monday madness night Series

6:30pm

all

every Wednesday

Ladies Golf Competitions – different formats 8:30am shotgun

all ladies

every thursday

midweek Stableford

all

almouj golf the wave muscat www.almoujgolf.com

until 2pm

ContaCt: Tel : 00968 22005990 email : info@almoujgolf.com

facebook.com/almoujgolf

Peterson, Welling, Shackleton and Kendall take St. Patrick’s Day Scramble ALMOuJ Golf. The Wave, Muscat, Oman, was awash with green shirts and plenty of Gaelic flair on the afternoon of March 16th for the St Patrick’s Day Scramble, where eight teams of four players participated in an undeniably exciting round of golf. Taking the title on the day with a fantastic gross 68, net 59.1 was the team of yvonne Welling, John Petersen, Catherine Shackleton and Nathan Kendall. The team’s score of almost net 15 under par was highlighted with a fantastic back nine of gross 33.

Stayprime Pro Elite GPS Sytems installed

Left to Right: Almouj Golf General Manager, St. John Kelliher with the winning team of John Peterson, Yvonne Welling, Catherine Shackleton, Nathan Kendall and James Wood.

Almouj Golf recently mounted Stayprime Pro Elite GPS Systems on its entire fleet of 67 EzGo golf carts, harnessing the latest technology which offers golfers and club officials’ unique functionality on and off the golf course. The GPS system allows golfers to use touch screen technology

to plan shots with precision and provides up-to-date information about the varying holes and hazards. It also features a full ondemand 3D flyover for every hole and tips from the Pros on how best to navigate through the Sultanate’s first sea-facing PGA Championship golf course. www.wwgolf.biz

T H E R I YA D H G O L F C O U R S E . . .

. . . E X P E R I E N C E A PA R A D I S E F O R ALL GOLF LOVERS IN SAUDI ARABIA

P.O. Box 84329 Riyadh 11671 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia www.riyadhgolfcourses.com In for m a t i o n a n d t e e -t i m e s c a l l : + 9 66592315787 or e - ma il: r gc .re c e pt ion@ hot ma il.c om

Doha golf club www.dohagolfclub.com

ContaCt: Tel : +974 4496 0777 info@dohagolfclub.com

Doha-Golf-Club

AmCham Qatar second annual event another big success THE American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar (AmCham), a non-profit making organisation dedicated to fostering mutual cooperation and understanding between Qatar and the United States through trade, commerce and investment, hosted its Second Annual Golf Tournament in Doha last month. The team representing the Qatar National Facility Services were crowned winners with a narrow 0.02 victory over the team from Qatargas. AmCham Qatar members and executives from the Qatar business

community participated in the event sponsored by twenty companies, highlighted by Platinum sponsors Chevron, Commercialbank Qatar, ExxonMobil and Qatargas. “We were overwhelmed with interest for the tournament and would like to thank all of the players who participated,” said AmCham Qatar Chairman, Robert Hager. “We appreciate the gracious support of our sponsors and U.S. Ambassador Susan L. Ziadeh who helped welcome players to the tournament.”

The winning team from the Qatar National Facility Services are presemnted with their prizes by AmCham Qatar Chairman Robert Hager.

Burrow, Al-Kaabi and Wang qualify for Singapore BMW Golf Cup World Final DAVID Burrow, Nasser Ali Al-Kaabi and Yanling Wang (pictured left with their prizes) won the Qatar Qualifier for the BMW Golf Cup International recently and will go on to represent Qatar in the World Final at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore. Amateurs from across Qatar teed it up with the hope of qualifying and the three winners will now be flown to Singapore to compete against teams from 30 countries from across the globe in a bid to be crowned the overall winners.

Jean Hay lifts inaugural Grand Hyatt Doha Ladies event JEAN Hay scored a solid 39 Stableford points to win the inaugural Ladies Golf Tournament sponsored by the Grand Hyatt Doha at Doha Golf Club

RiyaDh golf couRses

recently. Hay’s tally saw her win by two points from Uzma Mir with Victoria Helson taking third place on 37 points on a countback.

Jakub wins Guardian Wealth YoUNGSTER Jakub Hrinda (9 handicap) took first place in Flight ‘A’ of the Guardian Wealth Management Medal last month after shooting a net 69. Bo Christer olsen (16) topped Division ‘B’ with a net 71 while Madoka Koda (25) took the spoils in Division ‘C’ with a net 74. Laila Hrinda (14) won the Ladies Division with a 76. ContaCt: Tel : +966 592 3157 87 info@riyadhgolfcourses.com

www.Riyadhgolfcourses.com

MIA TAKES THE TITLE IN LURPAK-SPoNSoRED MARCH MEDAL

THE March Monthly Medal marked the half-way point of the season at Riyadh Golf Courses and the lady members took to the course in a quest for glory. This is the first full season at RGC with a Ladies Section with sponsors Lurpak providing prizes for all the winners on the day. Mia Hendricks took home the title with Frauke Lentsch taking second place and Lini finishing third. J.S. Song struck the Longest Drive and Sara Lu shot Nearest the Pin while there was a special prize for Caroline Wright as she completed the round with the fewest putts – just 28.

Left to right: The winners on the day, Caroline Wright, Lini, Frauke Lentsch, Mia Hendricks, J.S. Song and Sara Lu. www.wwgolf.biz

FALDO GOLF SERIES MIDDLE EAST Al Bishei wins Faldo Series Middle East Championship Qatar National team player ali abdulla al Bishei claimed top spot in the prestigious Faldo Series Middle East Championship at the royal Golf Club on a weekend which bore witness to some superb golf on the Club’s challenging Montgomerie Championship course. Al Bishei topped the multinational field of 44 contestants aged 21 and under, representing a staggering 16 different nationalities, with rounds of 71 and 73 respectively. He fired an impressive 9 birdies during the 36-hole strokeplay event, finishing on level par 144 for the tournament. Although the 17-year-old held the lead from start to finish, he only knew for sure that the title would be his when he reached the treacherous 15th hole on the final day with a great chip-in birdie which he calmly followed with three solid pars. This gave Al Bishei a comfortable six shot cushion from his nearest competitor and playing partner, Oscar Spolander. Spolander, who finished on a six over 150, also displayed some fantastic golf over the weekend but ultimately was undone by a treble and two double bogies over the two rounds, which proved the vital difference between the two players. The under-16 boys’ category was won by Slovakia’s Jakub Hrinda who shot rounds of 81 and 78 for a total of 159. This was enough to fend off the challenge of South Korea’s Kim Jung Bin who finished on 163. In the girls’ section, Britain’s Georgia Coughlin won the under-21 category with an overall score of 161 while the under-16 category was won by Kuwait’s talented youngster Julia Alhemoud with an outstanding score of 156. With both girls eligible to compete in their respective

Ebrahim Esbai with overall winner Ali Abdulla Al Bishei categories for the next three years, they are definitely names to watch for the future in this worldwide event. The action-packed weekend also featured a 9-hole event on the Club’s Wee Monty par 3 course for younger players. Khalifa Al Habal won with 33 leaving Ali Ehab in the runner-up spot with just one shot separating them. Tournament Director Cormac Flannery of the Royal Golf Club said: “It was a fantastic weekend of golf with some great scoring. It was nice to see a good showing from our own juniors which will give them confidence going into future events. This was a good opportunity for young golfers around the region to experience competitive play on a European Tour standard course and I wish them all the best in their budding golf careers.” The prizes were presented to the winners by the Royal Golf Club’s 2012 Captain Ebrahim Esbai and all the competitors enjoyed lunch afterwards in the Club’s Majlis function room at the end of the day’s play.

introducing metal-x. With the new Odyssey Metal-X™ Putter line,

it’s a match

made in putt-draining heaven. The revolutionary insert features an aircraft

aluminum face

backed by urethane, for incredible feel. The highly defined face pattern creates

a mechanical

lock with the golf ball’s dimples at impact to impart a consistent roll on the ball,

allowing for precise distance

control. Thirteen distinct models of Metal-X Putters are waiting.

Ebrahim Esbai (centre) with category winners Georgia Coughlin, Julia AlHemoud, Ali Abdulla Al Bishei and Jakub Hrinda. Results: Overall winner: Ali Abdulla Al Bishei (QA). Boys under-21: Winner – Ali Abdulla Al Bishei (QA 71 & 73 – 144), Runner-up – Oscar Spolander (SE 73 & 77 – 150). Boys under-16: Winner – Jakub Hrinda (SK 81 & 78 – 159), Runner-up – Kim Jung Bin (KOR 83 & 80 – 163). Girls under-21: Winner – Georgia Coughlin (GB 78 & 83 – 161), Runner-up – Tabea Lutz (DE 95 & 90 – 185). Girls under-16: Winner – Julia Al Hemoud (KW 78 & 78 – 156), Runner up – Deanna Ngo (SIN 84 & 86 – 163).

that’s how we roll.

odysseygolf.com facebook.com/odysseygolf

youtube.com/odysseygolf

©2012 Callaway Golf Company. Odyssey, the Swirl Device, #1 Putter in Golf and Metal-X are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Callaway Golf Company. Golf Digest and the Hot List logo are the property of Conde Nast Publications. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner(s).

the face of golf is changing. and it’s going to ca use some friction. www.wwgolf.biz

TWO DRIVERS. ONE RESULT. LONGER & STRAIGHTER DRIVES. The External weight and large variable thickness face in the G20 results in unrivalled forgiveness and longer straighter Drives. The i20 Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aerodynamics coupled with the sleek matt black finish are designed to give you an improved ball flight more accuracy and the confidence to Play Your Best. For more information visit PING.com

Like, follow and download us.

Locker room

technology

titleist back pack

THIS handy backpack from Titleist is the perfect accessory for the travelling golfer. It consists of two central compartments, one padded section big enough for a 17” laptop and a U-shaped pocket with organisers for accessories. www.titleist.com

tiger woods pga tour 13

THE man himself proved he’s back to his best with his recent win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the game he puts his name to is also back and better than ever before. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 13 features all-new tempo, swing plane and shot power controls, allowing golfers to take full control of their swing. There’s also an adjustable shot setup allowing players to address the ball in a number of ways to create limitless shot types with just one club. You can take to the course with any

ONE of the brightest new stars in Omega’s Constellation family is the Co-Axial 27 mm in 18 Ct red gold. It is not only uncompromisingly elegant but equipped with the brand’s proprietary Co-Axial calibre 8521, from OMEGA’s family of mechanical movements widely considered to be among the world’s finest. The luxurious timepiece’s brushed case with polished claws is crafted from 18 Ct red gold. The matching bracelet has brushed links and polished bars set with 144 full-cut diamonds totalling 0.54 carat. The bezel is paved with 32 full-cut diamonds with a total weight of 0.50 carat making the Constellation a real shining star among watches. www.omega.com

omega’s bright new star is pure gold

one of 22 PGA Tour golfers including Woods, Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and Bubba Watson as you play your way around some of the best courses on the planet in a bid to become World No.1. You can also play other gamers online and invite them to your own exclusive country club and team up to gain quicker access to downloadable golf courses or compete for the coveted Club Championship. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 13 is also available for Xbox Kinect for the first time. www.easports.com

garmin approach s1 golf watch UNlIKE any other, the Garmin Approach S1 combines a highsensitivity GPS receiver with a lightweight, flexible sport watch, to give you distance information to the front, back and middle of the green. You can measure individual shot distances, track how far you walk on the course and then use the alarm to get you up in the morning ready for your tee time. The Garmin Approach S1 is golf’s first full-featured sports watch and golf GPS in one. The S1’s cool look belies its tough, rugged, waterproof design. Fitted for course playability, S1 also functions as an everyday watch. There’s an alarm, rechargeable lithium-ion battery and S1 sets its time and time zone automatically. It’s also compliant with USGA and R&A rules. www.wwgolf.biz

Blair

Blair O’Neal is one of America’s leading ladies. WWG asks her a few questions...

o’neal What age did you first pick up a club? I was 11. Most of the men in my family played golf and I think I kind of had some natural ability from the beginning. Outside of golf, do you like watching/playing other sports? I love going to basketball games and I really like going to hockey games. Those are probably my two favourite sports to watch, other than golf, of course. What about American Football? Ha ha, yes, I almost forgot. I played as a quarterback for the Phoenix Scorch in the Lingerie Football Bowl during a two-year break I had from golf a few years back. Why did you take a break away from the game? It was all getting a bit too much and a bit too expensive to travel everywhere and I took some time out to do a bit more modelling which I had done shortly after turning professional when I left college. What do you prefer – golf or modelling? I love modelling but golf is my passion. The modelling helps pay for my golf expenses! It’s a great mixture. Vogue front cover or Major Champion? Major Champion. Maybe after that it might help me get a Vogue covershot. Tell us something we might not know about Blair O’Neal? I was a member of the United States Jr. Ryder Cup Team in Spain in 1997. What are you goals for the future – top model or top golfer? Gaining my Tour card is the ultimate goal but I want to have fun on the way.

THE NEXT BREAKTHROUGH IN GOLF BEGINS AT YOUR FEET. STABILIZING HEEL

Stabilizing Heel Three spike configuration achieves the ideal balance points for the foot

Three spike configuration achieves the ideal balance points for the foot.

LOW TO THE GROUND

Low To The Ground

Close-to-the-ground construction increases balance, stability, ground feel, and swing power.

Supports the body’s preferred motion paths by mimicking the natural cushioning system of the foot

YAK LEATHER UPPER

Yak Leather Upper

Extremely breathable and remarkably strong, Yak leather makes the BIOM’s superb fit possible.

Superb strength, breathability and fit

HYDROMAX LEATHER

Hyrdromax

Provides superb weather and perspiration resistance

Water resistant leather.

The BIOM Golf shoe brings players closer to the ground and is lighter than any other performance golf shoe. Meanwhile, its low-profile design and stabilization bars provide exceptional swing stability.

Available at leading Golf Clubs and ECCO Shops in UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain & Egypt. Tel:+971-4-299 3885 Ext-103 Email: ae.golf@ecco.com Web: ecco.com/golf