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After two weeks of inspirational sport, emotional stories of human endeavour and a cinematic voyage through one of the world’s most iconic cities, the 33rd Olympic Games are now consigned to the record books.
Whatever your favourite magnifique moment from Paris 2024, it was hard not to get swept along by the Olympic spirit which burned brightly across the French capital.
The Games were a huge success and golf definitely played its part with two memorable tournaments; two worthy winners in Scottie Scheffler and Lydia Ko; incredible crowds and a golf course, Le Golf National, that underlined its position as one of finest we visit.
Paris was the third consecutive Games to feature golf, but it felt like the moment that golf truly arrived in the Olympics.
Our sport returned in Rio 2016 following an absence of 112 years and that was a wonderful reintroduction, albeit in a country where golf is not known or followed as widely as other sports. Following that, Japan was then an ideal market for golf in so many ways but, of course, the Tokyo Olympics were impacted by the global pandemic three years ago which precluded spectators.
This time, to see the sheer volume of the crowds that lined the fairways of Le Golf National almost took people by surprise, including some of our players. It was not just the numbers of fans who turned up though, it was also the way they supported players from the various countries, not just their own.
In that sense, there is certainly something different about an Olympic crowd and the players reacted to that special atmosphere.
From the moment that you heard the French players serenaded on the first tee with the La Marseillaise, to seeing Scottie Scheffler standing there in floods of tears and Lydia Ko’s pride at
completing the set of Olympic medals, it just reminded you of all that is good about our game. Playing for something bigger than yourself in events such as the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, Solheim Cup or the Olympics, unquestionably brings a different dynamic to our sport, which is intrinsically an individual pursuit for the majority of a player’s career. I always love to see how players react differently in these situations and you could see in Paris how much it meant to them to represent their country and their people.
There is also an additional unique aspect to the Olympics in that everything is focused on finishing inside the top three and winning a medal. There’s no prize money for finishing in the top ten, nor ranking points towards a season long contest to consider. That made for some compelling viewing, as well as some risk and reward golf, as 60 men and 60 women, representing 38 different countries, did everything in their power to get on that podium.
Rory McIlroy, as he so often does, articulated it wonderfully when he said it was “the best tournament I’ve ever played in apart from the Ryder Cup”. He said the two events were “the purest form of competition in our sport, as we don’t play for money in it”, adding, “it speaks volumes for what’s important in sport and I think every single player has had an amazing experience.”
At the end of it, Scottie, who was playing in his first Olympics, and Lydia, who won the silver in Rio and bronze in Tokyo, were deserving champions and are both are fantastic ambassadors for our sport. In my role as Chairman of the International Golf Federation, it was also incredibly rewarding to see players representing six different countries –USA, Great Britain and Japan in the men’s, and New Zealand, Germany and China in the women’s – win medals, emphasising just how global our sport is.
I was also delighted for some of our DP World
Tour members who will take so much from their Olympic experience. That includes Shane Lowry and Fabrizo Zanotti who were flag bearers for their respective countries, Ireland and Paraguay, Tommy Fleetwood who claimed the silver medal and Victor Perez, who came so close to adding to France’s impressive medal haul with a charging final round of 63 to finish fourth.
Le Golf National is undoubtedly a special place for Victor but also for Tommy, who won our Open de France there in 2017 and a year later won four out of five points on his Ryder Cup debut, forming the ‘Moliwood’ partnership with Francesco Molinari that has entered folklore.
The crowds we had for that Ryder Cup in 2018 were also exceptional, but the difference was they were naturally partisan, something that, of course, is among the many things makes the Ryder Cup so special in its own right.
Over the intervening six years, we have seen the legacy left by the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris, in terms of participation, the creation of new short courses and the way it has inspired players such as Victor and France’s other male Olympian, Matthieu Pavon, who earlier this year became the first French player to win on the PGA TOUR since 1907.
In the fullness of time, and as we look ahead to Los Angeles in 2028, I am certain this year’s Olympic golf competitions will prove to be just as impactful. Perhaps not least, as the moment that golf in the Olympics came of age.
GUY KINNINGS DP World Tour CEO
16 AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE GOLF
Could something like this in the UAE help to grow the game?
20 BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
The DP World Tour’s flagship event is just around the corner, and we can’t wait.
24 JAMIE CAMERO
One of the UAE’s leading ladies takes the next step in her dream to play professional golf.
42 THE TRACK, MEYDAN
Jordan Gallagher, Meydan’s new Director of Golf, gives us the lowdown on what’s happening at the venue.
46 SCOTT GRAHAM
Get to know Scott, the new professional at the CH3 Academy at the Els Club, Dubai.
48 RAYAN AHMED
The 17-year-old took to the States to play in some of the most prestigious amateur tournaments.
Two new speed-generating irons bring your game more distance and control. Both engineered to deliver ball speeds that launch shots higher and further with the stopping power to hit and hold greens.
It’s been a hectic period after The Open looking after my players on LIV Golf, but I’m delighted to see Brooks bag the win over Rahm at Greenbrier. The pair of them were just throwing darts over the last two rounds and looked like they could birdie every hole. That’s the issue when courses play soft, as the power players with great wedge control can just take courses apart.
However, that wasn’t the case at Valderrama. I just loved that event, as the course hasn’t changed over the years, and at just 7,100 yards, it’s a tough challenge regardless of how far you hit the ball. It’s also a great atmosphere, as everyone is on site all week, and the closing holes are so iconic. It’s a shame the JCB event in the UK wasn’t the same; despite the course being in great condition, there were too many blind shots, and logistically, the spectators struggled to access and exit the event. This is the challenge in the UK for non-links setups. When you get more than 10,000 spectators a day, we just don’t have the car parking and road networks, as most land neighbouring a championship course is likely to be a housing estate.
I’m also struggling to think of a new course that could deliver not just on logistics but also on the standard needed to give the leading pros a challenge. Having said that, the Centurion Club on the outskirts of London did a decent job and should be considered again.
One classic course that delivers is The Belfry, and I’m off there this week for the British Masters to keep an eye on Danny Willett. No matter how many times I’ve been there, the 2002 Ryder Cup still leaves a sour taste in my mouth, but it did provide me with a great memory as a player. I was once paired with a young Ian Woosnam there, and he went on to card two rounds in the mid-80s. My motherin-law was at the side of the final green and heard him say to his caddy, “I’m done with this game and might as well get a job as a club pro and sell balls in the shop.” Thankfully, the young Welsh lad picked himself up and went on to become a Major champion, a Ryder Cup stalwart, and lifted 52 professional titles.
Woosnam would always draw a crowd with his raw power, and that addiction to seeing the big hitters up close continues today. You can’t beat watching the likes of Rory, Bryson, Brooks, and Rahm
up close, as the speed these players generate is lost when you try to view it at home on television. However, don’t try to emulate them, as they are on a different level to even good pros, let alone amateurs. These players are able to drive comfortably at 120 mph with a ball speed of 180+ mph. Bryson figured out that once the ball gets above 185 mph, the dispersion and stability are affected, so he’s dialled the speed back. It’s a bit like running downhill; the moment you go past that sweet spot, your feet lose their rhythm, and things can go sideways quickly.
For amateurs looking to improve their game, don’t focus on speed too much; focus on controlling and understanding where the clubface is during the swing. The easiest way to achieve this is to fit a putter grip to a couple of practice clubs, making sure the flat part of the grip mirrors the face angle. Unfortunately, you can’t fit putter grips to your full set, as it’s prohibited by the R&A rules for any form of competition. I think that is madness, as you can fit a club grip to a putter but not the other way round. However, my tip must work, or they wouldn’t have banned its use.
While helping Alex out this month with a few gear tests, we tried out the latest Opus wedges from Callaway. Although I’ve had them to try for a few months, it was interesting to see how Alex was struggling with his distance control despite having the latest equipment. This showcased a common problem I see when players lose the wrist and shaft angle when chipping, as the butt end drives the club forward and the low point in the swing is lost. I got Alex chipping left hand below the right (as he’s right handed), like Matt Fitzpatrick, to get the wrist, arm, and shaft angle aligned so the low point remained constant. In no time, he managed to control his ball flight and appreciate the tungsten weighting in the Opus Platinum and how it gave a stronger flight over the standard Opus wedge. I think most golfers would benefit from chipping this way, and remember, it works for a US Open champion. n
Major Champions Francesco Molinari and Justin Rose have been named as the Playing Captains for the second edition of the Team Cup, formerly known as the Hero Cup, which will take place on the National Course at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort from January 10-12, 2025.
Molinari captained Continental Europe to victory two years ago and will go head-to-head with his Ryder Cup teammate Rose, who assumes the Great Britain & Ireland captaincy for the first time.
The pair will lead respective teams of ten DP World Tour Members in the three-day match play contest, with Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald also presiding over proceedings in the United Arab Emirates as he did in 2023.
In addition to Molinari and Rose, the teams will comprise the leading four available Continental European and GB&I members from the final 2024 Race to Dubai Rankings, with the five remaining players on each side being selected by the respective Captains in consultation with Donald. Donald, who will lead Europe for the second time at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black next year said: “I’m really pleased that the Team Cup is returning as it provided some invaluable experience for a lot of players last year. I think
all of us got a lot out of the week in terms of experiencing the uniqueness of a team environment. It also helped everyone involved to understand, through the Past Ryder Cup Captains who came and spoke to the players during the event, just what it means to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup.
“I am delighted that Francesco and Justin will assume the role of Captains. We saw what Francesco was capable of when he led Continental Europe to a great victory in 2023 and Justin was inspirational both inside and outside the ropes at Marco Simone last year. I’m excited to see them go head-to-head.”
Continental Europe Captain Molinari said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to captain Continental Europe again and to try and successfully defend the Team Cup. It was a really special week in 2023 and was great to see players from so many different countries across the Continent working towards one single goal. I have immense respect for Justin, he is a great competitor and going up against him and his team is a challenge I’m really relishing.”
Team GB&I Captain Rose said: “It’ll be strange going up against Fran in a match play competition
rather than him being on the same side, but it’s something I am really looking forward to, even though I know it will be tough given Fran’s history not just in this contest but in the Ryder Cup too. But there is so much exciting talent from Great Britain and Ireland on the DP World Tour right now – it will be great to have the chance to try and mould them into a winning team.”
As in 2023, the teams will compete in match play across one session of fourballs on the Friday, two sessions of foursomes on the Saturday and one session of singles on the Sunday, with every player taking part in all four of the sessions. Each match will be worth one point, with the team crossing the 12½ point mark winning the Team Cup.
Abu Dhabi Sports Council are returning as an Official Partner of the event, reaffirming their commitment to golf in the region in addition to their support of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Fans are now able to register for free General Admission tickets for the event, with Premium Experience options also available online. There will be a host of activities for all the family in the Championship Village, with food outlets, picnic areas and live entertainment.
UAE duo Rayan Ahmed and Abdulla Kalbat have both accepted invitations to compete in the prestigious Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, which will be held October 3-6, 2024, at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba in Gotemba, Japan.
Created in 2009, the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship was established by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), The R&A and the Masters Tournament to further develop amateur golf in the Asia-Pacific region.
The champion will receive an invitation to compete in the 2025 Masters Tournament and The 153rd Open, while the runner(s)-up will gain a place in Final Qualifying for The Open.
Kalbat is currently the highest ranked player from the UAE on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) in 529th. He became the youngest Emirati to earn ranking, when just 16 years old, with victory
at at the Junior Masters Golf Tour at The Track, Medyan earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Ahmed has been one of the standout stars for the UAE since representing the country last year. The 17-year-old secured both the Individual Gold and Team Gold at the GCC Golf Championship in Qatar in March, before narrowly missing the cut at the Abu Dhabi Challenge on his Challenge Tour debut after carding an impressive first round four under par 66.
Since then, he has won the inaugural GCC Youth Games and featured in both the US Junior Amateur Championship and US Amateur Championship, becoming the first player from the UAE to play in the latter two events.
Players from 38 APGC member organizations have accepted invitations with 113 players confirmed thus far for the 120-player field.
A new chapter in the history of the Bonallack Trophy and Patsy Hankins Trophy will be written when Al Hamra Golf Club plays host to the 2025 events.
Staged biennially, the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup-style match play contests pits teams representing the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) against their counterparts from the European Golf Association (EGA).
Featuring the best amateur golfers from the two regions, the 12th staging of the Bonallack Trophy and the fourth version of the Patsy Hankins Trophy will be held from January 8-10, 2025.
Among the star names to have appeared in the Bonallack Trophy since its inception in 1998 are Cameron Smith, Geoff Ogilvy, Min Woo Lee, Hideki Matsuyama, Takumi Kanaya and Kiradech Aphibarnrat for the Asia-Pacific and Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Danny Willett and Francesco Molinari for Europe.
In the Patsy Hankins Trophy, which was launched in 2016, Yuka Saso, Hannah Green, Patty Tavatanakit and Atthaya Thitikul have represented Asia-Pacific with Albane Valenzuela, Emma Spitz, Helen Briem, and Lottie Woad, currently number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, lining up for Europe.
Taimur Hassan Amin, Chairman of the APGC, said: “After the disruption caused by the Covid-19
pandemic which prevented us from staging these events between 2018 and 2023, we’re delighted to be back on track with the biennial scheduling.
“The Bonallack Trophy and Patsy Hankins Trophy are special events for both the APGC and the EGA as we get to see stars of the future who will go on to win professional Major titles.
“The continued success of these match play contests are testament to the close working relationship between the APGC and the EGA. We also greatly appreciate the support of the Emirates Golf Federation and Al Hamra Golf Club. Their efforts are central to the success of the 2025 gathering.”
General Abdulla Al Hashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and a Board Member of the APGC, added: “The EGF is honoured to play host to the 2025 Bonallack Trophy and Patsy Hankins Trophy.
“The talent on both sides of our regions is so high that, among past players who have taken part in the Bonallack and Patsy Hankins, we have now won numerous Majors and countless PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour events.
“We offer a very warm welcome to all players and officials and are confident that another memorable week of golf is in store in January.”
Mark Darbon has been appointed Chief Executive of The R&A and Secretary of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Darbon will succeed Martin Slumbers in the role leading the governing body and the organisation which runs The Open and AIG Women’s Open and invests in developing golf around the world in November. He will also become Secretary of the 270 year-old Club which has a global membership of more than 2,400.
A former senior member of the team leading the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012, Darbon is leaving his role as CEO of Northampton Saints, the Premiership Rugby club, to take up the St Andrews-based position.
Darbon (45) led Northampton Saints to
their first Premiership title since 2014 last month and implemented a commercial strategy which enabled the rugby union club to bounce back from the pandemic to achieve record revenues in consecutive seasons.
“I am thrilled and honoured to be taking up these positions with The R&A and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and to be moving into golf, a sport I have always loved,” he said. “The R&A is a globally renowned organisation and does so much to ensure that golf prospers from grassroots through to the professional game. I am looking forward to working with a hugely talented team of staff, the Club membership and such an impressive array of partner organisations to achieve even more success in the years to come.”
On the eve of the start of this year’s PGA FedEx Cup playoffs, the PGA Tour revealed a 39-event campaign starting January 2-5 in Hawaii and ending with next year’s Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta on August 21-24.
The biggest change in location for the tour involves the Truist Championship on May 8-11, which moves from Quail Hollow in Charlotte to The Philadelphia Cricket Club for one year so the North Carolina course can host the 2025 PGA Championship the following week.
The second leg of next year’s playoffs, the BMW Championship, will be played at Caves Valley in suburban Baltimore, which last hosted the event in 2021.
After a solid 2024 debut, the tour again will offer eight signature events with smaller fields and bigger purses. Those tournaments start with The Sentry and include the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Heritage, Truist and Memorial.
The last on the list is the Travelers Championship, which takes place just after the US Open at Oakmont on June 12-15.
“The new schedule and competitive changes introduced in 2024 were significant steps toward creating the best version of the PGA Tour for our fans and players,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said.
“Fields were significantly stronger across the board while the signature events provided fans more opportunities to see the PGA Tour’s best competing head-to-head.”
The lineup also includes The Players Championship on March 1316 with the Houston Open and Texas Open ahead of the Masters on April 10-13 at Augusta National.
Ryder Cup Europe confirmed last month he qualification process for the 2025 European Ryder Cup team which will defend the trophy against the United States at Bethpage in New York from September 26-28, 2025.
In a significant change from previous years – an alteration ratified by the DP World Tour’s Tournament Committee – there will be only one Ryder Cup Points List operational in the 2024/2025 qualification period, using points earned in accordance with a new tournament banding structure implemented by Ryder Cup Europe in consultation with Captain Luke Donald.
This represents an amalgamation of and a replacement for the two former lists utilised in previous qualification campaigns; ie: the World Points List (which was based on Official World Golf Ranking points accrued during the qualifying period) and the European
Points List (which was based on Race to Dubai Ranking points accrued during the qualifying period).
Just like 2023, six players will earn the spot through qualifying, while Donald will have six Captains’ Picks.
The qualification process for the 2025 European Ryder Cup team begun at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo and will end at the DP World Tour tournament which concludes on
Sunday August 24, 2025, a tournament which will be confirmed when the DP World Tour outlines its full 2025 schedule next month.
European Captain Luke Donald said:
“I am delighted to be able to confirm the details of the qualification process for our 2025 Ryder Cup team. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to get to this point and everything is now focused on doing all we can to retain the trophy in New York next September.”
Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, who rose from poverty in Puerto Rico to golf’s Hall of Fame, has died at age 88, the PGA Tour announced last month.
“A vibrant, colorful personality both on and off the golf course, he will be missed dearly by the PGA TOUR and those whose lives he touched in his mission to give back,” said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.
During his three decades as a professional Rodriquez had 37 victoriesincluding eight on the PGA Tour and 22 on the senior circuit.
Born into a poor Puerto Rican family, Rodriquez taught himself to play with rudimentary clubs carved from guava tree branches, striking crushed tin cans on baseball fields.
His father worked as a sugar cane cutter, and at age seven, he joined him to work at the plantations as a water carrier.
One day he wandered onto a golf course frequented by wealthy tourists and discovered caddies there earned more money. He joined them and only left caddying at age 19 to join the US Army.
He was always regarded an entertainer, celebrating birdies by waving his putter like a swashbuckling swordsman.
Rodriquez played local Puerto Rican tournaments before joining the PGA Tour in 1960.
He won his first tour title in 1963, and his final PGA Tour Champions title was in 1993.
How a struggling British farm in the 1990s has evolved into a golfing hub for all ages and abilities, might have found the key to attracting more youngsters to the sport.
By Alex Gallemore
Photography: Joanna Eardley
Tucked away in the centre of Cheshire’s Golden Triangle, and just 15 minutes from Manchester Airport, Adlington Golf Centre has developed from agricultural land into a leading golf and leisure venue. The journey began in the early 1990s with two farmers who had been feeling the effects of a difficult agricultural market. In search of growth, they drew inspiration from a supplier who loved golf. Fortuitously, this idea was born, and now the ‘golf seeds’ have blossomed into a 42-bay TrackMan floodlit driving range, two par-3 courses, a short game area, footgolf, and now an 18hole Australian Adventure Golf Course.
The Adlington Golf Centre remains a family business, and despite none of them being keen golfers, thankfully that hardworking farming mentality has meant they aren’t phased by the challenges that working the land brings. The Adventure Golf Course took close to six years to achieve planning consent due to being on Green Belt land, but thankfully their perseverance paid off.
Just weeks into opening, the Australian-themed attraction is drawing in families of all ages from across the region and beyond, many of whom have never played golf before and just want to have fun. It might be the largest of its type in Europe and cost millions of pounds to build, but imagine this setup in the UAE. We have some of the greatest championship courses in the world, which has been strengthened by TopGolf, but imagine how an Adlington Golf Centre setup would help grow the game.
Who would have thought that a Cheshire farming family might have one of the best grassroots showcases to bolster the sport’s appeal?
To find out more about the Golf Centre’s latest attraction and what else is on the horizon, we caught up with their Managing Director, James Moss.
Who’s idea was it to develop an adventure golf course at the range and why the Australian theme?
In 1999, we built our second golf course, a longer par-3 called the Graduate, to lead people on to something more challenging than the Academy course. However, only a few years after the Graduate Course opened, there was talk of a local relief road being built that would cut off three holes, rendering the course unplayable. We then needed to look for an alternative use for the remaining land, and an Adventure Golf Course seemed the obvious option. The Australian theme came about as we wanted to do something unique and different from the usual Dinosaur or Pirate themes often associated with Adventure Golf. The question then was, what theme? As a family, we have all been to Australia and have fond memories of visiting the country. Some of the family even lived over there for a while! We found this to be a common theme across many families in the UK; lots of people in the UK have friends or family in Australia, so we thought it would be a good theme that many could relate to.
From initial concept to completion, how long did it take to construct and what specialist firm did you employ?
As mentioned earlier, the hardest challenge was planning! Once that hurdle was cleared, the timeframe from concept drawings to opening was about 14 months. We used a specialist contractor (Dominic Developments) that delivered the entire project from concept drawings to structural designs, earthworks, and construction—a full turnkey operation. Our Adventure Golf Course is one of the largest in Europe, so turning it around in 14 months, especially with the wet weather we’ve had, is a huge credit to the team.
The 18 holes are fun, but did the whole family have input and what personal/ individual touches were incorporated into the designs?
All the family were involved throughout the whole project. We all had ideas as to how we thought each hole could play, and the contractors were also instrumental at this stage, adding their experience to the mix. We’ve added personal touches along the way, such as having all the family and staff’s handprints stencilled onto the walls of Uluru. The truck used on Hole 4 was also imported from Australia, so we’ve tried to make it as authentic as possible! Great thanks must also go out to a brilliant and visionary architect, Malcolm Tempest, who greatly encouraged us to enlarge the overall footprint of the development site and who influenced the concept of playing through the features rather than alongside them.
There are numerous fun ways to play each hole, with clever shortcuts. Were these designed or devised during the construction phase? That was a key part of our remit—we wanted there to be multiple ways to play the holes and an element of surprise every now and then. Although we had ideas for the shortcuts, most of them were devised during the construction phase.
It’s a great attraction for non-golfers of all ages, but how will you try to encourage people to move over to the range and onto the academy course?
We’re hoping that when people drive to play the Adventure Golf, they’ll see what else we have on offer and consider trying golf. We currently have a loyalty discount scheme for the Golf Centre, and our aim is to offer this across the whole site, allowing golfers and Adventure Golfers access to cheaper rates and offers.
What is next for Adlington Golf Centre?
Which hole was the greatest challenge to build and why?
King George Falls definitely presented the biggest challenge! It’s a 7.5m tall waterfall that you play through and is a 26-yard putt. Not only was it the biggest feature hole to create, but it was also at the back of the site, which meant it was the first hole to be built in the furthest location. The foundations alone contain 300m² of concrete and 25 tonnes of reinforcement steel—that was before the structure even got above ground level!
We’ve got a long list of future projects! The next focus for us is Food and Beverage, along with Padel courts. We’ve wanted to get into F&B for a long time but want to ensure we can do it well. Now that the Adventure Golf is up and running, we’ll assign some resources to deliver this in the near future. Padel courts should be an easy enough addition and will make our site appealing to an even broader range of clientele. Then we plan to update the driving range building, as it’s now over 30 years old. All of this is alongside the usual day-to-day goingson! n
‘Every week counts’ declared one of the slogans in the 2024 Race to Dubai promotional video, but none are as significant as BMW PGA Championship week.
The DP World Tour’s flagship event returns for its 70th edition this month, with the game’s leading names all bidding to etch their names onto the iconic trophy, which bears the names of legends like Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie, Bernhard Langer, and Nick Faldo.
Ryan Fox was the latest man to join the Who’s Who of greats to hoist the trophy last year, becoming the first player from New Zealand to do so and the first from his country to win a Rolex Series title.
“I’m immensely proud,” said Fox following his triumph. “It’s such an iconic tournament. I know Michael Campbell has won around here when it was the match play event and to add to that history here and create some of my own is very special.”
Fox captures the essence of what it means to players in that quote alone: this week holds significant meaning. Whoever adds to the storied legacy of Wentworth and the BMW PGA Championship on September 22 will be remembered with great fondness for years to come.
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Par 4 | 491 Yards | 449 Meters 2023 scoring average: 4.19
The 15th hole is usually quite a demanding tee shot that is usually a driver. If it’s downwind you can possibly hit a 3 wood depending on how firm it’s playing. There’s a ditch that runs tight to the right edge of the fairway and across the fairway at 340 yards. You normally try and hit a driver down the left half of the fairway to obviously take that ditch out of play. The second shot is around a 6 iron to a green that plays three of four yards downhill. The green runs away from you front to back and slopes right to left, so you try and land it middle-right half of the green to let the ball feed into right to left to the flags. It’s one of the toughest finishing holes so you take your four and get out of there.
The opening stretch at Wentworth Club’s West Course is renowned as one of the most challenging on the DP World Tour, and last year’s BMW PGA Championship was no exception. The course lived up to its reputation, with the first and third holes emerging as two of the toughest. Champion Ryan Fox gained more than two-thirds of a stroke on the
Par 4 | 473 Yards | 433 Meters 2023 scoring average: 4.31
There’s two ways of playing the first hole and it depends on the wind conditions. You can hit a 3 wood to the top of the hill between 280-290 yards which will leave an elevated second shot down to the green with a 5 iron. The second option is to be a bit more aggressive and hit driver over the top, but the fairways slopes dramatically left to right and the normally ends up in the right-hand rough. Getting onto the green with that second shot from the rough isn’t as easy as you think, so the sensible play is to hit the 3 wood off the tee and leave yourself a 5 iron into the middle of the green. It’s a challenging hole so take your four and move onto the second.
three most difficult holes, the first, third and 15th, which helped propel him to become the first player from New Zealand to ever win the BMW PGA Championship.
Here, legendary caddie Billy Foster walks us through the challenges posed by these three holes and offers insights on how this year’s field should approach them.
Par 4 | 459 Yards | 420 Meters 2023 scoring average: 4.22
This one is up there with one of the toughest holes on the golf course. It’s an uphill tee shot with traps up the right which you can’t really carry. Basically, you try and hit a driver at the right edge of the left-hand bunker off the tee which leaves you in the region of a 5-6 iron for the second shot uphill. The green has a false front so if you’re short it will roll off the front, you’ve also got deep bunkers left and right as well as plateau at the right-hand side, the front and another one middle-left at the back. It has three different levels so it’s a tricky green but a lot easier if you get it on the right level. If you don’t, you’re facing a very tricky two putt and if you miss the green you’ve got those deep bunkers so it’s quite difficult to get your chip close to the pin because of the three different levels. It’s one of the most challenging holes on the golf course.
FEATURES
UAE star golfer Jamie Camero arrived in America last month, leaving behind the nation that helped launched her into the global golfing spotlight as she continues to pursue her dream. Will Kent caught up with the 18-year-old talent just before she set off, diving into this exciting new chapter of her life.
Photography: LET & Will Kent
Competing in any sport at an international level is as rare as finding a diamond in the rough - though in my case, it’s usually just another lost golf ball. In fact, only around 0.003 percent of the world’s population ever reach that elite global level. Yet, at just 18 years old, Jamie’s already achieved this and is now taking the next step in her rapidly growing golf career.
The teenager is the latest local talent to pursue a future through the American college system, a pathway that’s becoming increasingly common and accessible for players in the Middle East. Its potential for success was demonstrated recently by Rayhan Thomas’ impressive victory in India just months after turning professional. Like Rayhan, Jamie was also born in Dubai.
She made the move to the University of Central Florida (UCF) on a four-year golf scholarship last month and isn’t expected back in the United Arab Emirates until December for a short break. With 12,500 kilometres between Dubai and Florida and an eight-hour time difference, the adjustment is a significant lifestyle change, especially for an 18-year-old.
“I’ve been waiting to do this for a while now,” said Jamie ahead of her move. “I’m more than just excited, I’m also a bit sad to leave my friends
and family, but it’s something I’ve been working for. I think I’m more than ready.
“The idea to head to America came when I saw other golfers here in the UAE commit, and I was bit younger then, probably around 12 to 13 years old. I committed to UCF at the beginning of 2022.
“Other than it being a great place for golf with great facilities, I really like the work motive of my coach, Emily Marron, and how she brings about practice and competing. I know it’s going to be a tough test out there but I think she’s the right person to push me.
“Adjusting to that higher level of competition week in and out will be a lot different, and that’s what I’m looking forward to the most as well as travelling around America playing different courses. That will be great.”
Jet setting, though, is something she’s used to having played in numerous countries as well as representing the UAE in recent times. From Canada to Thailand, and more recently to the Czech Republic for the Ladies European Tour, she stands out as one of the most experienced 18-year-old golfers I’ve met. These opportunities have been earned, while she’s also been supported by the Emirates Golf Federation.
“It’s been a dream come true to represent the country,” she added. “It’s always been something I’d think about, competing in all of these high level
events and even pro events. To make it there is another thing, and I feel like it’s something that’s a result of my hard work.
“It’s just been amazing. I’ve had plenty of opportunities to play golf at many places to differing standards, and I think it’s grown me a lot, not just as a player but also as a person.”
I first remember watching Jamie at the Espirito Santo Trophy in October at Abu Dhabi, and was impressed by her temperament. Calm, composed, and unruffled, she fired a 71 in round three - the UAE’s best score of the week.
The chance to compete alongside some of the world’s top amateurs back then offered invaluable experience. More recently, she had the opportunity to get up close with the best again on the Ladies European Tour in the Czech Republic which will have no doubt offered even greater insights into what it takes to become an established professional.
“Their attention to detail with every single shot is what I noticed the most,” she added. “They work hard for every shot, and it means so much more to them than to the regular amateur. I saw that playing in the LET where a lot of the ladies kept their composure well, but every shot was emotional for them. They really do whatever it takes the play the perfect shot.”
Her departure leaves behind a legacy as one
of the brightest young stars in the country, a shining light for the female, junior, and amateur game. While her journey takes her across the world, her impact on UAE golf will be felt long after she’s teed off in Florida. Fortunately, she still has ambitions to represent the UAE when possible.
“I’m planning to complete my four years in America, work hard from there, and just continue to represent the UAE and make some bigger events,” she added. “I’ve been able to compete in high level events, but to win one is what I’m also working towards in the near future.
“It doesn’t get much better than the UAE. The facilities despite being a small place are great, but nevertheless still growing rapidly. There are new upcoming facilities both day in, day out.
“Junior golf has changed the most in my opinion, the standard is growing a lot, but even the opportunities for juniors and the junior development programmes has been taken to the next level from when I started. I think that’s been the biggest growth in the game that I’ve observed in the UAE, and I can’t wait to see what this country looks like in a few years.”
It’s clear that Jamie’s story is just getting started. With a strong foundation of hard work, dedication, and support from the Emirates Golf Federation, she’s already achieved what many can only dream of. From representing the country on international stages to tackling the
challenges of college golf in America, her future looks incredibly promising.
We wish her nothing but success - and here’s hoping she’s back on the cover of this magazine
in the not-so-distant future. Only next time, fingers crossed she’ll be swapping out that golf club for a well-deserved trophy.
Play well, Jamie.
As we all know, doing anything outside between May to September is a draining task. Only the brave tee it up during these months, but if you’re an aspiring professional golfer like Jamie, you don’t have much choice.
“In Dubai, I would play early in the morning around 6am until 10am while it’s not crazy hot,” she said.
“Then I would gym in the afternoon, have some lunch, then I would come back in the evening when it’s a bit cooler and play some holes.
“It hasn’t been the easiest training here in the summer, but it still has to be done one way or another. I do hit some balls on the range, but there’s also been a lot of short game work this summer in particular.”
Photography: Getty Images
BBY JONATHAN CRADDOCK
ryson DeChambeau is one of the most exciting and unique players in golf today - a true mad scientist of the sport, where physics meets precision. Known as “The Golf Scientist,” the American approaches the game with an analytical mindset, using biomechanics and mathematics to unlock maximum power and efficiency. It’s really impressive to watch, and he does things his own way with great success.
Did you know he designed his own set of clubs tailored to his one-of-a-
DeChambeau’s tall stance and vertical club shaft optimises power and consistency, aligning with his single-plane swing philosophy. This setup minimises variations, encourages consistent strikes, and enhances energy transfer. By leveraging his strength and creating an efficient wrist hinge, he achieves impressive speed and accuracy, making balance, power, and precision the foundation to his game.
kind swing after majoring in physics at SMU? Standing 6’1” and weighing over 200 pounds, Bryson has transformed his body into a powerhouse, regularly sending drives over 350 yards. With his distinctive routine, he merges science with artistry on the course. Let’s take a look at his fantastic move which has earned his two U.S. Open titles to date. As we break down his swing sequence, we’ll discover how this innovative golfer masterfully blends numbers, mechanics, and creativity to leave his mark on the sport.
As he moves to the halfway back position, he maintains a single-plane swing that promotes alignment and fluidity. This technique enables him to keep his arms and club on the same plane, which is crucial for consistent ball striking. His focus at this stage is on maintaining a connection between his body and the club.
Reaching the top of his backswing, Bryson maximises his torque by activating his core muscles. This is a pivotal moment in his swing, where his body is spiralled and ready to unleash power, at the Peter Cowen Academy we call this “loaded.” The stored energy here is essential for generating speed and distance.
In the transition, he showcases the power of his hip movement as he shifts his weight smoothly from his back foot to his front foot. This critical motion is not just about moving; it’s about generating speed. Research shows that leading with the hips can significantly increase swing speed, allowing Bryson to produce ball speeds often exceeding 190 mph!
He maintains his spine angle and alignment early in the downswing, a crucial aspect that helps ensure consistency. This moment showcases the harmony of his biomechanics; with his hips still driving down and around, they create a seamless connection between the lower and upper body.
Bryson’s impact showcases a masterful blend of control and balance, essential for a consistent swing. His dynamic balance highlights his unique fluidity, transitioning smoothly from raw power to precision. This balance helps keep the clubface square, maximising the chances of hitting the sweet spot and achieving both distance and accuracy.
As he transitions, he utilises the stored energy from his spiralled position at the top of the backswing, unleashing it with precision and timing. The science of this movement is all about torque, and his ability to rotate his hips independently from his upper body creates a powerful kinetic chain.
This halfway-down position is more than just a moment in the swing; it’s a crucial point where science, precision, and athleticism meet. At the Peter Cowen Academy, the focus is on creating power earlier in the downswing to ensure delivery matches the desired shot outcome, rather than relying on the moment of impact to generate power.
Remarkably, despite his incredible power, he exhibits minimal excessive movement or jumping from the lower half. Rather, Bryson showcases an efficient transfer of energy through each segment, with all parts moving seamlessly in the same direction.
This focus on strength and technique shines through in his performances, especially in long drive competitions where he consistently churns out incredible distances. His ability to generate such powerful swings not only keeps him competitive on Tour but also in the thrilling world of long drive.
At impact, Bryson’s clubhead speed often exceeds an astonishing 130 mph, solidifying his position as one of the fastest hitters in golf history. This explosive moment is the result of a perfectly timed sequence, and the power generated here allows him to routinely launch drives over 400 yards.
Finally, Bryson’s finish position is tall, with his body fully rotated towards the target, showcasing a balance between power and poise. This finish not only highlights his strength but also his commitment to maintaining form, reflecting Bryson’s ethos of “turning your body through the shot” rather than relying solely on arm movement.
By two-time
I see a lot of amateurs try to hit it high, and do all the wrong things in the process. It just takes a little bit of knowledge to hit a 3-wood from the fairway. This is a club that I like to be able to shape both ways, so it’s important to get fitted for. It’s one of the most important clubs in my golf bag.
For me, when I’m hitting it off the tee I want to hit it long with a mid to low ball flight. Then when I’m on the fairway, I want to hit something high and be precise. This is because you want to stop the ball on the green. There are few basics, your stance and ball position. It’s between a driver and a three iron, so you want to have it somewhere close to your left heel. If you want
to it high, it could be a bit more forward. Just don’t go too far.
The most common mistake for an amateur is trying to pick up the ball off the turf. You’ve got to make sure that you brush the ground, or even hitting down on the ball. Let the loft get the ball in the air. Don’t lean back trying and try to hit up on it.
Your hands are always in the middle of your body, not behind or in front. In other terms, very neutral, straight down and below your chin. In my mind the only thing that changes is the ball position. My top tip is don’t try to force it, make a smooth swing and trust the club to get the ball in the air.
Did you know?
Grillo, a standout talent from South America, first began his golfing journey at just five years old when he first picked up a club. By 2008, he was a quarter-finalist at the US Junior Amateur, and the next year, he earned the Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Award.
In 2015, Grillo secured his PGA Tour card, and in a remarkable debut, he clinched victory at the 2016 Frys.com Open, outlasting Kevin Na on the second playoff hole. Since then, he’s been as high as 23rd in the OWGR as well as winning again on the PGA Tour last year.
● TITLEIST GT DRIVERS
● CALLAWAY OPUS WEDGES
● PXG GEN7 IRONS
● CALLAWAY PARADYM AI SMOKE
TRIPLE DIAMOND MAX DRIVER
TITLEIST GT SERIES
In recent years, drivers have been marketed around forgiveness and fairway finding. I’ve been in this game for a long time, and even I was starting to get drawn in by the spiel. Thankfully, Titleist has snapped me out of the comfort zone of focusing on my driving accuracy percentage, as their latest GT range has got the blood pumping with increased ball speeds, and the thrill of booming drives has returned.
When it comes to distance, Titleist hasn’t been the front runner for a while. The TSi was a huge leap forward, but other manufacturers have had the slight edge in terms of firepower. Though Titleist has never skimped on build quality, their latest GT range continues this tradition. The big question is why the likes of Billy Horschel have put it straight in the bag, and has Titleist finally caught up or overtaken the competition?
Recently, I’ve been struggling to comfortably carry 250 yards. When I decided to step up my swing speed, the spin rate climbed, and my ball flight stalled. This meant the GT3 and GT4 would be the only two worth testing. Standing over the GT3, I felt comfortable over the ball, and I could see the loft paired with the classic crown. That look reminded me of the old Titleist 910, but that was where the similarities stopped.
After just hitting three balls, I could see my ball speed mirrored that of drives I would have been trying to hit out of the screws of current manufacturer heads. The even bigger surprise was that the spin rate was averaging around 2,500 RPM. Carrying 250 yards was not a problem with the GT3, and even the punishing low face strike managed to not only get airborne but came close to the others. Out of 15 drives, I hadn’t managed to get the ball speed to top 158 mph, so it was time to give the GT4 a rip.
The slightly smaller 430cc GT4 head was not intimidating at address, but with more weight located at the face compared to the GT3, I was mindful that in order to get the performance out of this club, I would need to open my shoulders and not try to steer the club through impact. In other words, just tee it high and let it fly!
The result was not what I’d expect from a Titleist driver. My ball speed from a 106 mph swing speed average was 161 mph, and the odd ball crept over 163 mph. The carry distance was averaging 263 yards and totalled 284 yards with a spin of 2,000 RPM. The worst out of 15 drives, which came right off the bottom of the club, carried 251 yards and ran out to 277 yards. The crown jewel of a strike cleared 273 yards and stopped just shy of 300 yards!
The GT line’s mid-launch, low-spin offering. Built for players whose spin rates tick above 3,000 RPM, leading to distance loss, GT4 is Titleist’s spinreducing driver, delivered in a more compact 430cc package. Front and back weight ports allow players to tune spin reduction by choosing the position of the 11-gram and 3-gram weights. Available lofts: 8, 9, 10, 11 degrees (RH and LH).
GT3
High launch, lower spin (relative to GT2). For players who find the centre of the face more often and seek adjustability in their driver via the Adjustable CG Track, which is positioned closer to the face than in TSR3. Five CG locations can be selected (H2, H1, N, T1, T2). Available lofts: 8, 9, 10, 11 degrees (RH and LH).
Titleist GT2
The GT line’s high launch, low spin driver. Built for players who don’t always find the centre of the clubface and need a higher MOI driver but don’t want to sacrifice ball speed. Featuring a single rear weight, GT2 is longer back to front than TSR2 and more traditionally pear-shaped. Available lofts: 8, 9, 10, 11 degrees (RH and LH).
Seamless Thermoform Crown: Breaking with titanium tradition, Titleist leveraged an ultra-light proprietary matrix polymer for the crown of the club to allow for precise mass placement for the unique objectives of each model in the GT line. Tuning PMP materials also allowed engineers to deliver “Titleist sound and feel.” Engineers wrapped the crown to the sole via an “advanced thermoforming process,” which eliminates any visible seam between the materials for a cleaner look in the three-times-lighter-than-titanium crown.
Split Mass Construction: Thanks to the GT’s Seamless Thermoform Crown, engineers were afforded more discretionary weight to position throughout the clubheads of the GT line. They elected to “split” the mass, pushing some toward the front of the club for enhanced ball speed and some toward the rear for greater stability, thanks to increased MOI. Weight positions differ in each of the three models to contribute to the intended aims of each model.
Improved Aerodynamics: Thanks to the above elements, engineers were afforded more flexibility with the aerodynamic designs of the GT line. The crown and sole curvature are engineered to reduce drag and increase clubhead speed.
Speed Ring with VFT: The aim here is to deliver more ball speed off the face on both on- and off-centre strikes. Speed Ring boosts the COR of the centre of the face, while Variable Face Thickness (VFT) produces greater ball speed on offcentre strikes thanks to a thinner face around the perimeter.
New Face Graphics: Drawing on tour player feedback, the new design is intended to help frame the ball squarely at address.
Spending a little more to upgrade the shaft to Tour AD VF-6 X flex was worth every penny, and the GT4 driver is going straight in the bag. To have the confidence to pound drives once more and approach greens with a club or two less has certainly makes this challenging game a little easier. I also managed to test the GT fairway metals, which will be in our October issue, but does the same success story continue? You will just have to wait.
TITLEIST GT SERIES
Callaway is renowned for making drivers, fairway metals, irons, and even balls these days, but to date, they haven’t mastered the wedge. Could their latest Opus wedge change everything?
For a year and a half, Callaway had a prototype wedge on tour, allowing them to refine the shape that the best players in the world want around the greens.
These wedges are what the brand is calling the most tour-validated wedges in Callaway’s history. Everything about the shape of these wedges has been designed based on tour-player feedback, and I believe that the shape of these wedges will be loved by better and more confident golfers. The higher toe peak and radius on the leading edge are just a few of the changes made compared to recently released wedges by Callaway. For those seeking a more drastic change in ball flight, the Opus Platinum wedges offer a much more piercing ball flight but still provide extreme stopping power; however, these do come in at a slightly higher price point of $229 compared to the $179 of the standard Opus model.
The big talking point with this wedge is the Spin Gen face technology. The new face features a tighter pitch, putting more grooves on the face. It also includes an offset groove-in-groove design that provides spin when opening the face, while a new aggressive face blast delivers spin and bite on partial shots. These three elements work in conjunction to provide crisp, tour-level spin and control. There are four grind options to choose from, which come in the popular S grind, forgiving W grind, versatile C grind, and tour-favourite T grind.
The premium offering comes in the shape of the Opus Platinum wedge. This fuses advancements from metal injection moulding and tungsten for launch control. MIM construction uses a proprietary blend of metals to precisely dial in performance and feel. By using tungsten high in the topline, Callaway has been able to provide players with a shot that will naturally launch lower, offering more control and spin into the green.
“I’ve had the Opus wedge since after The Open. I prefer the Platinum model with added tungsten, as it gives a slightly stronger ball flight and makes distance control much easier. I also like the way Callaway has rolled the sole on the lower lofts, and the leading edge is straighter on the 58-degree model. The visual is so important for players, along with controlling their ball flight. I don’t like to see players lob their wedges onto greens. A lower, controlled flight is how wedges should be played, and the Opus model will certainly help achieve that when paired with the right technique.”
Prices Opus Platinum from $229
Opus from $179
The Opus comes in brushed chrome and black, while the Platinum is available in chrome and blue. As for stock shafts, the Platinum comes in True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid 115 Gunmetal steel and UST Mamiya Recoil Dart HDC 65 graphite. The standard Opus comes in the same specifications but does not offer the Gunmetal finish.
For the better player who likes to flight wedges and factor in spin, the Opus wedge is right up there with the best. The Platinum model offers more control due to the added tungsten, but it is limited to two grinds, S and Z, and comes in 54, 56, 58, and 60 degrees. While you can strengthen the lofts by two degrees when ordering, it’s a shame you can’t get down to 48 degrees.
PXG made a name for themselves back in 2014 when they launched their Gen1 iron. Fast forward 10 years, and their founder, Bob Parsons, vision and passion remain as strong as ever, as they unveil their latest Gen7 iron. I’ve played their irons over the years and currently have a set of Gen6 Double Black 0311P in the bag, and I’ve not been tempted to switch them out for anything else this year. So, the new Gen7 makes this test even more interesting.
Before we dive into the comparison and technology, you need to understand who the irons are aimed at. The 0311P is a performance player’s iron, while the 0311XP is for the player who needs assistance with distance and tighter dispersion.
PXG’s successful formula has been based around having the thinnest face possible while backfilling the cavity with an advanced polymer to provide feel and distance.
Has Evolution Gone Too Far?
The reason I haven’t changed my GEN6 0311P irons is that I’m comfortable with the gapping, dispersion, and trajectory control, along with a great feel at impact. Before I tested the GEN7, I was concerned that enhancing the formula might disrupt the balance of their best iron to date.
There are similarities in technology between these irons, as they are both five times forged and feature Power Channel Technology and an ultra-thin face. However, they differ in a number of ways. Firstly, the PXG GEN6 XCOR2 technology, which is the polymer that sits in the hollow body of the iron, allows weight to be saved and placed low for a low centre of gravity and a higher MOI. Combine that with PXG's ultra-thin face, and you’re going to get great speed, forgiveness, and distance across the face.
In the Gen7 PXG irons, the new QuantumCOR technology is lighter, which allows more weight to be redistributed low and to the backside of the golf club, further increasing the MOI. The weight saving has allowed the addition of tungsten in the toe for better stability on off-centre hits, and the titanium bezel has also allowed weight to be saved. Milling on the back of the club again helps to create a consistently high-performance head, which allows for enhanced feel and performance.
This has to be the easiest head-to-head test ever. I just took my GEN6 7-iron with a Steel Fibre 110g Reserve shaft set to two degrees flat at a loft of 32 degrees and applied the same setup in the GEN7 head.
The GEN6 carries 175 yards with an apex height of 95 feet, while I can push it to carry 180 yards when needed without the club feeling unstable. Working the flight is also effortless, hence why these are in the bag. The 8-iron carries 165 and the 9-iron 155 yards, so I’m not wanting more distance from an iron, but a tighter dispersion on poor strikes would be the main characteristic improvement to prompt a change.
Straight off, the GEN7 is a better-looking club, as it isn’t as cluttered on the back. The singular titanium bezel enhances the aesthetics, and the tungsten screws located in the GEN6 have been removed. Though a clean muscle-back finish with all the clever tungsten bevels hidden from view would be the ultimate look for a performance player’s iron.
Having hit only a handful of balls, I was delighted but shocked. The dispersion was ever so slightly tighter than the GEN6, but that lowered head weight might have improved the MOI; however, the 7-iron’s apex height was just shy of 120 feet! That’s more than 20 feet higher than the GEN6. The surprise was that both clubs carried exactly the same distance, give or take a yard. The ball speed was marginally faster in the GEN7, but controlling the trajectory was a challenge as the ball just wanted to kick up.
Who Does the New Tech Benefit?
For any player wanting more speed and distance, and who struggles to get the ball airborne, both the 0311 GEN7 P and XP heads would be worth trying. The feel is remarkable for a performance iron, but make sure you get fitted. Bombing a 7-iron close to 200 yards sounds impressive, but you need to gap from your wedges up.
The GEN6 irons will be staying in the bag for now, but I’m going to apply a little DeChambeau science and play around with the GEN7 lofts and shaft lengths to dial in the gapping and ball flight from 210 down to 130 yards. PXG sent a sample GEN7 7-iron two degrees strong, and that dropped the apex height to 95 feet but carried 185 yards.If we can dial in the other yardages and flight the GEN6 might get a rest.
The GEN7 P is great looking and performing players club though I might be tempted away from the black finish. All I need to do is find a way to gap them corretly, which isn’t easy due to their high launch and speed.
The GEN6 Double Black might be showing signs of a tough life ... but they are staying in the bag for now.
N E W P R O V 1 ® & P R O V 1 x
Outper f o rm with n ew P ro V 1 and P ro V1x , f e a t uring l o nger di s t an c e , m o re c o ns i s t en c y and unri valed c o n t ro l
Right before we start, yes, Callaway has added another driver to their 2024 lineup. Currently, we have the Paradym Ai Smoke MAX, Triple Diamond, Max D, and MAX Fast. Now we can add the Triple Diamond MAX, but these are getting rarer than hen's teeth, as it is arguably the most forgiving lowspinning driver Callaway has ever made. But why the late entry, you might wonder?
Two other well-known manufacturers have seized a sizable market sector with their 10K models, which blend forgiveness and performance regardless of the impact on the face. Callaway has reacted by blending the characteristics of their performance head, the Triple Diamond, with their forgiving MAX model.
The result is so good that we think that unless you are Xander Schauffele, players with average to fast swing speeds would be better suited to the Triple Diamond MAX. Even Callaway Tour players have made the switch!
The face is shallower, and the head is deeper than the Triple Diamond, but that is where the forgiveness comes from. From the first couple of strikes, you can see it spins a little more, but the flight is strong, and my low heel strikes still managed to carry 245 yards.
The stock shaft is the Project X Denali stiff or X stiff, but considering this head spins more than the Triple Diamond, you will need to get fitted for a custom shaft if your swing speed is 105+ mph—that’s if you can locate a Triple Diamond MAX driver.
We tested it at the Pete Cowen Academy and managed to fit a 60g Diamana Tour X shaft, dropping the spin rate from 2600 rpm to 2300 rpm. The feedback and acoustics you get from the head are amazing, but the performance is the standout factor. Just by changing the shaft and playing around with the loft, I was carrying 260 yards with just a 104 mph swing speed, regardless of the impact.
We couldn’t get the total yardage or ball speed past the Triple Diamond, which explains why many of the Callaway staff players opt for that head. However, out of 15 balls, the Triple Diamond MAX had a 19% tighter dispersion. The longest drive was recorded at 286 yards, and the shortest at 271 yards. Twelve out of the 15 balls found the fairway, and three made it into the semi-rough. Not a reload in sight!
For players with average to fast swing speeds, you would struggle to find a better Callaway driver. It’s just a shame more haven’t been produced. Let’s hope Callaway has learned from customer demand, as the market is crying out for forgiving drivers that don’t spin too high.
RICK BEVAN TALKS TO THE TRACK, MEYDAN GOLF’S NEW DIRECTOR OF GOLF, JORDAN GALLAGHER, TO CLEAR UP THE CONFUSION SURROUNDING PLANS FOR THE MUCHLOVED PAY AND PLAY COURSE ONCE AND FOR ALL
Photography: Will Kent
“What is happening with The Track, Meydan? I thought it was closing?”
It’s a question I must have been asked 20 times in the past six months. It’s also a query that I wasn’t able to give a definitive answer to as I’d heard multiple different stories regarding the plans for the muchloved nine-hole pay and play club since its closure was initially announced at the start of 2023.
So, I set out to do some investigative journalism and give the good golfing people of the UAE an accurate answer once and for all! My initial digging hit an immediate buffer when word came back from upper echelons of power at the Meydan Hotel that I would have to wait until they’d recruited their new Director of Golf over the summer to get an interview.
Enter stage left, Mr Jordan Gallagher.
“The definite answer is, we’re open and we’re staying open!” smiles the Scotsman who took up his position at The Track at the end of July. “I realise there’s been a lot of confusion about whether we’re closing or not and we were in a position where I don’t think even the people who make the calls really knew what was happening – or had made a decision on what was happening – until around a couple of weeks ago
when I was in a meeting with the asset manager from Dubai Holdings.
“Essentially, we’ve been guaranteed three years. We’ll be open for at least the next three years and we’ve been we’ve been tasked to put together CapEx and staffing plans to tide us over for the next few years, so that that’s that’s the direction I’ve been given from ownership.
One of the issues The Track has faced since former Director of Golf Stephen Payne left the club, is that there has been nobody overseeing the finer details that need to be constantly addressed in order to stay competitive in the marketplace.
“As for the reasons it was meant to be closing, my guess is as good as yours, but the direction is quite clear now.”
So, there you have it folks. No real estate being built where the floodlit course once lay. No expansion to 18 holes. No new location…it’s, ‘as you were,’ for the much-loved Peter Harradine-designed track !
“Precisely,” says Gallagher. “My challenge is going to be to get it back to where it was in terms of levels of service quality etc. Obviously, over a period of time, particularly when the owners have had an eye on a certain area of the business closing, we’ve not been reinvesting the way we should. We need to look at golf carts. We need to look at on-course furniture. We need to look at staff...we need to look at everything basically. So, it kind of feels like a bit of a fresh start, you know?”
“A good example is the way we were listed on the Troon International app,” says Gallagher. “No one had looked at it so there was no dynamic pricing. The pricing was far too high so we were shown at the bottom of the list…we were more expensive than The Els Club! So, it’s lots of things like that, kind of short term wins that I’m already working on and you’ll now see us towards the top of that app.
“I think in terms of reputation, and people thinking we’re closed when we’re not, that’s going to take time. But what’s interesting is it’s not like we’re not doing any rounds. When I was back in the UK before coming over, the situation when I spoke to people sounded very bleak. But from a number of rounds perspective and a GOP perspective, the year hasn’t actually been anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be. I thought I was coming back to nothing. We have operational staff, it’s not like we have no staff, we just need to add to it. It’s not like we have no golfers. We’re not doing as many rounds as previous years but we’re only 20% behind last year. My focus is on the quality levels going forward and making sure that the staff are trained properly to actually provide the service we need to. That’s something that we are working on, and that I’m working on, on a daily basis.”
It’s not Gallagher’s first rodeo as far as life in Dubai is concerned. He previously spent five years in the emirate, first as Retail Manager and then Head of Custom Fitting for Pro Sports International with stints at Jumeirah Golf Estates and Emirates Golf Club, before taking a teaching pro role at The Address Montgomerie Dubai. It was during this period that he did his Advanced PGA qualification, becoming one of the youngest people in the world to achieve the prestigious certification, and his Club Manager’s diploma.
Having moved back to Scotland in early 2022, taking up a role as freelance Head PGA Pro at
Baberton Golf Club in Edinburgh, Gallagher had been looking for an opportunity to step up to the next level in his career.
“Phil Henderson (General Manager at Al Zorah) played quite a key key role,” says Gallagher. “I’ve known Phil for years and he reached out to me about a opportunity at Al Zorah. Ironically, because I didn’t have lots of experience in Troon and Stephen Payne was leaving Medan, Stephen actually ended up getting the job. So the irony of it is, I ended up taking Stephen’s position here at Meydan! I received a phone call from DJ Flanders, the Senior Vice President at Troon, who invited me to come back out and it was a challenge that suited me for where I am in my life at the moment.”
Having worked in the region previously, Gallagher has built up a solid network of contacts in the industry who he can turn to for support and advice as he sets out on this new challenge at Meydan.
“I went and had lunch with Tom Rourke, the GM at The Els Club recently,” he says. “He was a great sounding board because he was here at Meydan for a number of years, so he understands the club. Stephen’s been great as well as he was the last person in the role here. That’s the great thing about being part of Troon, it allows us to access all this experience within the company. DJ and Clinton Norris, the Director of Sales and Marketing, have also been fantastic. I’ve seen them three or four times in the space of three or four weeks. It’s been good to try and understand what what direction they want to go in and understand the background from their side.”
Outside of the Troon network, Gallagher credits Stephen Hubner, Club Manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates, as being a big influence on his career.
“Stephen was a big influence because he was my Director of Golf for years at Jumeirah Golf Estates,” he says. “You would see the way he
operated, particularly with people. I think his people skills are basically second to none and I think that goes a long way in this region.
“I’m probably quite an emotional person and at times you need to take emotion out of half the stuff that goes on over here because you can take a lot of stuff personally and can end up letting yourself down. There are better ways to deal with it and seeing the way Stephen managed, not only the people below him, but his interactions with the owners and those above him, was exceptional.”
The news that one the UAE’s most affordable golf courses is very much still open for business will be a joy to the ears of many but for Gallagher, it’s not only price that sets The Track apart.
“I don’t want to go down the route of solely talking about pricing, because pricing is one thing, but I think we have more than one USP. We’re quite a casual club. It’s a casual, fun and unintimidating environment which is clear to anyone who plays somewhere else then comes here. I also don’t think we talk enough about the location and the access
here. Dubai has grown quite a lot in the 2.5 years since I left and there’s a lot of traffic. But here, you’re in and out – you don’t have to deal with any traffic and of course you can play nine holes under the floodlights in the evenings. So it’s a very timeefficient experience which suits a lot of people with busy lives.
“The setting speaks for itself. I drove the course late late one evening last week, and, you know, you have the views of the Burj there and everything, but there’s also a lot wildlife, the water, and it feels quite tranquil when you’re out there compared to some of the other courses.”
And Gallagher’s final message to the golfing public of the UAE? “It’s business as usual! Moving forward I’m looking for our team to deliver the best service we can possibly provide. We keep looking back at where the club once was, but I’m more interested in looking forward and becoming even better. I said to the guys, it’s a four-star course in terms of pricing, but I want to deliver a five-star experience.”
Photography: Will Kent
The Claude Harmon Performance Golf Academy has recently welcomed Scott Graham, a teaching professional with a strong background and a reputation for excellence. Scott’s eager to infuse his extensive knowledge and passion for the game into one of the region’s most prestigious golf academies. Having spent over a decade in the UAE, Scott joins The Els Club, Dubai, bringing with him not only a wealth of expertise but also a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving local golfing scene. We recently caught up with him to learn more about his journey and what led him to this exciting new chapter in his career.
On motivations to join the Els Club, Dubai
The main motivation behind joining the Els Club and particularly the Claude Harmon academy was the opportunity to join an elite team of coaches which as a unit are able to help a players’ physical, mental, technical, and performance side. The great thing about the coaching team here is that everyone works together to help each individual player rather than just one person looking after one individual. Everyone works as a team to achieve each players goals and needs. Also, working for an academy under the Harmon name is amazing as you get exposed to a lot of elite players not just in the region but across the world. Some of top players in the world come here to practice and of course attracting great players attracts great coaches so it’s an opportunity for me to learn and grow as a coach, and hopefully improve my craft.
On leading the GEMS Elite Programme at the academy…
The Elite golf programme provides a pathway for junior golfers allowing them to gain qualifications both academically and vocationally without impacting their training, coaching and development. Students enrolled in the elite golf programme receive a first class education from the GEMS First Point school, as well as coaching down here at the Claude Harmon academy. The clear objecting we have towards achieving their goals, combined with a bespoke education programme and personalised timetable that allows them to still facilitate their golf practice. My role is being the lead development coach, firstly helping to make sure the golf doesn’t impact their education side. Obviously with student athletes, school is always going to be number one, but once the timetable is set for kids then we can set aside their programme here at the academy. Over the summer we’ve implemented a bit more structure to the programme partnering with a strokes gained app which will help all players to truly understand their game and make better decisions about how to play and practice. This will help to improve their scoring average throughout the year and hopefully build and work towards a golf scholarship that combines with their studies.
On how the golfing scene has changed in the UAE… I’ve been in the UAE now 11 years, worked at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club for a few years, Montgomerie more recently and now the Els Club. In the time I’ve been here the biggest thing that’s stood out is the amount of courses and indoor golf simulators. Definitely the accessibility for players
has massively increased over the last 10 years, for sure. The golfing boom post Covid is not quite the same as it was, but it’s still higher than it was pre-Covid. A lot of people since Covid have realised that golf is a great outdoor sport. We are very blessed that in this country we get seven to eight months of really good weather on some of the best courses in the world. I definitely think golf is on the rise. I think having more opportunity to play whether it be indoor or outdoor has helped increased participation and more importantly just getting golf out there. A lot of people who may have never played golf before end up playing at Topgolf or come to one of the driving ranges and realise they really like the sport. This has a really good knock on effect to more members joining clubs, more people coming for lessons and growing the game.
On his life in golf and how much he still plays…
Prior to coming to the UAE, I played a lot of golf growing up, starting when I was 7 where I was playing at county level and with the School of Excellence. I followed golf at the University of Birmingham where I graduated with a degree in Applied Golf Management and completed my professional golf qualification at the same time. When first moving to the UAE I played a lot at the UAE PGA events. That was a fantastic way to meet fellow professionals, play the different courses and take part in a bit of competition along the way. Recently I’ve had a back injury that has put me out of playing over the last eight months. The goal this season is to play a lot more again, the guys here at the academy are all great players so I’m looking forward to the competition.
THE UAE NATIONAL TEAM STAR HAS CREATED GOLFING HISTORY OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS, BECOMING THE FIRST PLAYER FROM THE COUNTRY TO PLAY IN BOTH THE US JUNIOR AND US AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS. WILL KENT CAUGHT UP WITH THE 17-YEAR-OLD TO GET THE LOWDOWN ON HIS RECENT HISTORY-MAKING TRIP ACROSS THE ATLANTIC.
Photography: Will Kent
Ahmed has been slowly making a name for himself over recent months, representing the country in a host of prestigious events. I first saw him play at the Eisenhower Trophy last year in October, and it was clear to me then he was destined to great things.
Since then, he’s helped the UAE win medals on the international stage as well as going on to make his Challenge Tour debut. More recently, the youngster created his own little piece of history once again by playing in a prestigious amateur event Tiger Woods won three times – the US Amateur Championship.
Talking to him, you’d easily forget he’s only 17. His confidence, emotional intelligence, and openness is remarkable. While most teenagers are still figuring out their future, Ahmed has a clear vision for his, fuelled by his love for the game and an insatiable hunger to improve.
From the pressure of representing his country to facing off against some of the top young talent globally, he shared his insights on the highs and challenges of his history-making run, offering a glimpse into the mindset that has already set him apart at such a young age.
On his recent trip playing in America… I had travelled to US with a plan to play IMG World Championships at Torrey Pines, the Junior PGA at the Congressional and US Junior Amateur at the Oakland Hills. Tucked in between these was my qualifier for US Amateur in Colorado, and this was the second time in two years that I’ve travelled to the USA for tournaments.
Last time I came to America the standard of tournaments that we had was very different to the ones that I have just played in. I think that’s the most critical learning for me; the quality of the field, the difficulty of the golf course, the scale of the tournament and the pressure it creates is what is needed for me to really develop to the next level.
Over the past couple of months weeks, I went from Texas to California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio Maryland, Minnesota, passing through a dozen more states.
I played some of the most iconic courses in tournament conditions including Torrey Pines, TPC Scottsdale, Firestone, Oakland hills, Congressional, Hazeltine amongst others. I tasted the highs of winning against the best and the lows of being humbled by the course many a times.
What is consistent across all of my exposure is the confidence that I have gained as a golfer which is invaluable. I’ve emerged out of these tournaments more confident of my ability to compete at the very top, more aware of where my gaps are and most importantly I am now more convinced as to which factors to prioritise. I focused entirely on technique, put now it’s is mind, body, technique.
For the first year, USGA has changed the qualifying process to a two-step qualifiers. I had been exempt from the first leg that meant that I would be playing the very best in stage two. I played the best round of my life at the Columbine Country Club in Colorado to win the final leg as a medallist with an outstanding score of three under 69 at a 7300 yards course against a very tough field.
The whole spectre of playing the US Amateur, a tournament won thrice by Tiger and by the greats of golf was extremely exciting for me. Equally exciting was the fact that I would be travelling to Hazeltine in Minnesota, the site of the recent 2016 Ryder Cup.
On competing against the very best… The first leg was to be played over two rounds at 6800 par 70 Chaska Tour Course, followed by a gruesome 7550 yards par 72 Hazeltine. A brutal test of golf at both courses.
I nearly played myself out of the tournament in the first six holes on day one, going six over through six. However, I came back strong with an eagle and a birdie to close the day at 74.
Day two at Hazeltine I started strong with two birdies on the front nine. I was one over through nine and knew I needed at least two birdies to make the cut. This is where I got really desperate and made some bad mistakes on a very tough course.
While Hazeltine was playing at 7550 yards, accuracy was really critical. It paid off as long
as I didn’t chase the distance I didn’t have. In the end, there were a lot of learnings for me while playing with some of the biggest names in the amateur world. Patience is key. Bad holes will come and you have to stay calm through them.
I was completely drained, sad and angry after shooting a 74 on day one of US Amateur. While tired I went to the putting green in the evening to find Miles Russell, the 15-year-old who recently played on the PGA Tour, who was also practicing there. He was practicing while laughing and joking around with his coach. I went back to find that he also played a 74 just like me, yet his attitude was very different from mine. I came back to finish 74 from six over and was sad, while he was focused and relaxed. A big learning. Thanks, Miles.
On what he’s learned, as well as what’s next… All and all, I’m really thrilled to have played at the biggest tournament and the toughest field of my life. For next year the target is to make it to these big tournaments and enter the winning circle.
What I’m focused on is the kind of exposure I have gained, playing against the top international golfers, looking at their planning, the skill, and course management. That’s what I am building on. Shot by shot, where can I improve? And while I will continue to work on my game and my body, my single biggest focus is to work on the mental side of my game. That’s where the difference stands between good and truly elite players. With that said, I’m really confident for my final year as a junior.
“
I played the round of my life to win the final leg as a medallist. The whole spectre of playing the US amateur, a tournament won thrice by Tiger was extremely exciting for me.”
Perugia
The Middle East is home to some of the world’s most spectacular golf courses, but it’s also a gateway to new adventures. With several world-class airports at our disposal, golfers can easily embark on short flights to explore fresh destinations. Will Kent recently did just that as he jetted off to Antognolla Resort and Residences in Italy to uncover one of Europe’s best-kept golfing secrets.
Ilove living in Dubai, but summer here can feel like living in a giant sauna. Walking out the front door into the usual wave of heat is more of a morning jolt than a triple espresso. It was time for an escape - and my golf clubs were coming with me.
This time the chosen destination was Perugia, a small city just two hours from Rome by car. It’s home to the world-class Antognolla golf course which was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, and is well-known for being as spectacular as it is challenging. Despite being deep in the Italian countryside, it’s surprisingly accessible as there’s an airport nearby which is where I flew into.
The course itself surrounds a stunning 12th century castle which is currently being transformed into a luxury Six Senses resort, featuring an upscale hotel, residences and huge spa. You can view this castle from nearly every hole, and it offers an incredibly view. Lining your tee shot up with a medieval building in the distance is not something many of us do very often, and a welcome change from the usual cranes along our eyeline in Dubai.
“A golf course like this with the upcoming resort is not easy to find,” said Costantino Rocca, the resort’s ambassador who was present during my trip to the venue. “It’s special, and in nature like this it’s important to create a nice experience for everyone.
“I hope more people come here because this region is fantastic, for food, for golf, for everything. When you play on this course you can see the castle, vineyards and all the nature. It’s beautiful.”
It’s hard to disagree with Rocca, an icon of European golf and one of the only players to ever beat Tiger Woods in a Ryder Cup. The Italian also played over 500 times on the DP World Tour, so it’s safe to say he knows what a good course looks like.
“I have agreed to become an ambassador of this big project because in Italy we need something like this,” he continued. “It started back in 2018 with the renovation of the golf course which is now fantastic, and then new buildings and the beautiful castle, and we hope to bring more people here.
“The course is varied with short and long holes, water near to the green, water near to the tee shot. I think it’s a very good composite course which is varied with dog legs, uphill and downhill holes. It’s really interesting.”
After playing the course twice myself, I can’t agree more with the five-time DP World Tour winner. I loved the course, going on to shoot back-to-back 85s which, for me as a mid-handicapper, is a great score on a layout such as this. Every single hole is very different, and it asks so many questions of you as a player. You would definitely not get bored if you played Antognolla every day.
No lie is the same
All four of the par-threes play downhill to varying levels, while the mountainous terrain offers a great challenge throughout all 18 holes. Flat lies are hard to come by, and the water hazards are strategically placed. The par-five dog leg eighth hole is also one of the most distinctive holes of golf I’ve ever played, while I would say the fifth is my favourite. I also really enjoyed the opening hole with the forest and hills as the background for the first tee shot.
Away from the course, there’s a grass driving range, a practice putting and chipping green along with a delightfully quaint restaurant which has a superb menu and even better service. Once the new residences are
“A golf course like this with the upcoming resort is not easy to find. It’s special, and in nature like this it’s important to create a nice experience for everyone.”
- Costantino Rocca
finished in 2026, this will undoubtedly be one of the leading golf venues in mainland Europe.
“People in the UAE should come here because it’s a very different offer from what they have in their country,” said César Burguiere, the Director of Golf at Antognolla. “This is Italy, which is well known for culture, gastronomy, and now golf courses.
“One of the issues that Italy has had in the past is people would never
think about going to Italy to play golf. But things have changed, not least because of the Ryder cup, which helped a lot in drawing attention to Italy as a golf destination. It’s very encoruaging, and our future guests from the UAE and globally will now find international standards here and a breaktaking view of the 12th century castle, as an icing on the cake.”
The future is indeed bright for Italian golf. The recent Ryder Cup held at Marco Simone generated a remarkable €262 million in economic activity – a record for a Ryder Cup and an impressive 11% increase on 2018 in Paris. It’s a sign of bigger things to come for Italian golf, both in
terms of growth and international recognition.
But as I packed up my clubs and prepared to leave Antognolla after a fantastic few days, I couldn’t help but reflect on the seamless blend of history, natural beauty, and challenging golf that this unique destination offers. It’s clear that Italy is rapidly becoming a must-visit for golf enthusiasts worldwide, and Antognolla, with its rich heritage, stunning landscape, and world-class facilities, is poised to be a jewel in the crown of European golf destinations, offering a truly unforgettable experience for players of all levels.
Due to Perugia’s central location, you are spoilt for choice with regards to flight options. If you don’t mind a short layover in a destination like Budapest, you can fly from the UAE to Perugia for as little as 500 AED one way with a budget airline.
However, if you’d rather a direct flight, you can fly to Rome or Florence and then drive two hours to the resort. Abu Dhabi to Rome flying with Wizzair can be as little as 300 AED on the correct day, so it’s very affordable.
If you’re flying from Europe, then a direct flight to Perugia’s small airport then becomes possible. I flew from London Stansted with Ryanair, and within five minutes of getting off the plane I was through to the easily-located car hire. It was one of the least painful airport experiences I’ve ever had.
If you’re eager to head to Antognolla now to get your fix of golfing action, then there’s an abundance of hotel options in the city all for a reasonable price. I stayed at the four-star Sangallo Palace Hotel which was great. It was located just a short walk from the impressive medieval city, while it was a 30 minute drive to the course.
However, it could be worth delaying – or planning a second trip – to enjoy the upcoming upscale Six Senses resort where there will be 71 guest rooms and 17 branded residences right on the doorstep of the golf course. It’s set to be complete in 2026, and I was fortunate enough to have a tour of the area. Some truly spectacular views to say the least!
Green fees during the week are currently priced at €90 (360 AED), while at the weekend they rise to €100 (400 AED). I’m told that they’ll be increasing as the developments continue to progress, so if you want to experience the course for cheap then be quick.
Buggy hire is extra and while not essential, it’s a tough walk in places as there are some holes with big elevation changes. However, if you’re bored of the enforced buggy system in the UAE then you may like the walk regardless of the terrain.
Food in the on-site La Boiola restaurant ranges around €20 (80 AED) per dish while hotel prices are reasonable in the surrounding area and are in line with most European cities. All in all, it’s a destination that should not break the bank while still providing a fantastic and enjoyable golf trip.
I was surprised to see that the buggies didn’t offer a GPS system, so be sure to bring your range finder. Or, use the yardage book which is provided by the club, which is what I did. I actually prefer this method of playing golf, but this is just to pre-warn you incase you plan to hire a buggy.
Also, the surrounding vineyards and wineries are well worth a visit after your round. I took a short trip to Vineria del Carmine where several activities are on offer, from wine tasting to cooking classes. I highly recommend a visit if you have time as this venue is just a 10 minute drive away.
The only similarity I could find after 36 holes was the brilliant course condition as Antognolla was pristine, and it rivals any Dubai venue for its’ level of upkeep. But what about the actual design of the course?
“Some of the hole designs, maybe they are similar, but the course in general, not really,” replied Rocca. “Here in Antognolla, it’s not flat, this is the difference to Dubai. It’s challenging for this reason.
“If you go to Scotland or Dubai, there are a lot of different characteristics with their golf courses. It’s the same here at Antognolla, it’s unique.
“You can play golf well, but if you never play up or downhill, then you don’t improve. It’s trickier to card a good score on a course with a lot of terrain.”
DP WORLD TOUR VENUE / 18 HOLE COURSE
CHAMPIONSHIP 18 HOLE COURSE
PAR3 / ACADEMY COURSE HOTEL
DRIVING RANGE & SHORT GAME AREA
What3words bestows.swum.meaty
Opened: 2004 Course Designer: Ian Baker-Finch
Yardage: Comp 7,691 yds / Mens 7,056 yds / Ladies 5,503 yds
Facilities:
Gree Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 545 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 645 AED
Website: www.dubaigolf.com/egc
What3words: chewing.gratify.headliner
Emirates Golf Club opened in 1988 and was the first all-grass championship golf course in the Middle East. Designed by Karl Litten, it quickly became a landmark for golf in the region. The club gained international recognition for its renowned facilities; stunning views of Dubai’s skyline and home of the Dubai Desert Classic.
Facilities:
MAJLIS COURSE
Opened: 1988 Course Designer: Karl Litten
Yardage: Comp 7,319 yds / Mens 6,896 yds / Ladies 5,568 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 1250 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 1395 AED
FALDO COURSE
Opened: 1996 Course Designer: Nick Faldo
Yardage: Comp 7,348 yds / Mens 6,916 yds / Ladies 5,443 yds
Costs:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 695 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 795 AED
What3words sever.crate.gesture
Opened: 2018 Course Designer: Gary Johnston
Yardage: Comp 7,283 yds / Mens 6,785 yds / Ladies 5,513 yds
Facilities:
Gree Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 718 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 851 AED
What3words revived.stages.potions
Opened: 2003 Course Designer: Karl Litten
Yardage: Comp 7,009 yds / Mens 6,849 yds / Ladies 5,340 yds
Facilities:
Costs:
Non-member midweek green fees: 760 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: 875 AED
Website: www.elsclubdubai.com
What3words: lapses.rife.puddle
Renowned as one of the finest golfing destinations in the Middle East, the experience of The Els Club is one that creates everlasting memories and should be on every golfers must-play list. Those who appreciate life’s finest pleasures will embrace this true sporting gem which has been designed by Ernie Els, former U.S. Open and Open Championship winner.
Facilities:
Opened: 2008 Course Designer: Ernie Els
Yardage: Comp 7,538 yds / Mens 6,829 yds / Ladies 5,343 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 445 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 595 AED
Costs Lessons available from 395 AED / Range balls 100 AED
Website: www.jumeirahgolfestates.com/golf-club
What3words: nuggets.grumpy.hitch
Facilities:
The Earth course is the proud host of the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai - the culmination of the DP World Tour season. This sharply defined, sculptured course inspired by the great parklands of Europe and North America, paints a magnificent pastiche of ora, rolling terrain and rushing water.
Opened: 2009 Course Designer: Greg Norman
Yardage: Comp 7,706 / Mens 7,045 / Ladies 5,425
Costs:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 680 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 840 AED
Opened: 2009 Course Designer: G. Norman
Yardage: Mens 7,062 / Ladies 5,425
Costs:
Non-member midweek green fees: 695 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: 875 AED
Lessons Available at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, enquire directly with the club for more
Website: www.jagolf.com
What3words: treads.earache.immaculately
Designed by the world-renowned Peter Harradine, JA The Resort Golf Course is both scenically stunning and a fair yet exciting challenge to players of all ability. With over 20 years’ experience the golf course has established itself as a must play golf destination in Dubai.
Facilities:
Opened: 1998 Course Designer: Peter Harradine
Yardage: Comp 2,933 yds / Mens 2,686 yds / Ladies 2,686 yds
Costs:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 365 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 440 AED
EGF fees: From 410 AED
Website: www.topgolfdubai.ae
What3words: supplies.holdings.eyesore
While not on a golf course, Topgolf is sports entertainment complex that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game that everyone can enjoy, paired with an outstanding food and beverage menu, climate-controlled hitting bays and music. Topgolf Dubai has an energetic hum that you can feel right when you walk through the door.
Make a reservation in advance with Topgolf’s simple online booking tool or walk right in and put your name down. Reservations aren’t required, though you may end up waiting longer during peak times.
What3words programmer.apart.honeymoon
Course Designer: Colin Montgomerie
Yardage: Mens 6,686 yds / Ladies 5,406 yds
Facilities:
A links-land style oasis with over 200 acres and featuring 14 lakes and 81 bunkers which will challenge players of all levels.
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 680
Non-member weekend green fees: From 840
What3words crowned.inversely.begged
Opened: 2017 Course Designer: Gil Hanse
Yardage: Mens 6,839 yds / Ladies 5,119 yds
Facilities:
A premier destination for golfers, covering 500 acres of land, with holes 10 to 18 played under LED floodlights for a night golf experience.
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 595
Non-member weekend green fees: From 750
Website: www.abudhabigolfclub.abudhabi
What3words: exploit.crowned.workers
An 18-hole Championship course, including nine hole floodlit course offers stunning beauty and challenge for all skill levels. But that’s not all as the club has exceptional dining and leisure facilities, including multiple restaurants and bars, a fitness center, and a swimming pool including the 5-star VOGO Abu Dhabi.
Facilities:
Opened: 1998 Course Designer: Peter Harradine
Yardage: Comp 7,600 yds / Mens 6,796 yds / Ladies 5,802 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 625 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 785 AED
Summer deal Four rounds on The National Course is AED 1,225 between May & September
Website: aesgc.com
What3words: crafty.sphere.helping
The vast resort has a scenic 18 hole championship golf course and a 9 hole academy golf course, located just a short drive away from Dubai. It recently hosted the Abu Dhabi Challenge on the Challenge Tour, and is well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Facilities:
Opened: 2007 Course Designer: Gary Player Yardage: Mens 6,129 yds / Ladies 5,282 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 400 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 500 AED
Website: www.alzorahgolfclub.ae
What3words: situated.snares.card
Set within a stunning natural environment, with flowing dunes and an in-land Mangrove area, the highly desirable location will provide golfers with a unique golf experience with water levels shifting with the tides throughout the day, and completed with pristine course conditioning of the paspalum grass.
Facilities:
Opened: 2015 Course Designer: Jack Nicklaus Yardage: Mens 6,522 yds / Ladies 6,071 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 645 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 695 AED
Brough to you by:
Website: www.viyagolf.com/yaslinks
What3words: awarded.legroom.alleys
Yas Links Abu Dhabi represents the first true links golf course in the Middle East region, designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world’s leading golf course designers. The Championship Links course is located on the west shores of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s island of entertainment, also offering a luxurious clubhouse, gym, swimming pool, male spa, along with truly world-class, floodlit practice ranges, now with state of the art Toptracer technology and Golf Academy.
Facilities:
3 D R G
Opened: 2010 Course Designer: Kyle Phillips
Yardage: Comp 7,461 yds / Mens 7,037 yds / Ladies 6,236 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 550 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 550 AED
Website: www.viyagolf.com/saadiyat
What3words: daily.talents.quilts
Set by the Arabian Gulf with dolphins and other sea-life as your spectators, the course utilises existing salt water lakes and beach dunes in its highly-rated design. This Par 72 course is conceived to challenge for both pros and amateurs with 60 bunkers.
Facilities:
R G 18
Opened: 2010 Course Designer: Gary Player
Yardage: Comp 7,784 yds / Mens 7,268 yds / Ladies 5,290 yds
Green Fees:
Non member mid-week green fees: From 650 AED
Non member Weekend green fees: From 845 AED
YAS ACRES
Website: www.viyagolf.com/yasacres
What3words: laughable.takes.preferring
A spectacular addition to the Abu Dhabi golf scene, this Fry/ Straka-designed golf course is situated within the heart of Yas Acres community. The world class 3700 yard, 9-hole golf course serves up both a challenging game and a breathtaking backdrop for the community. It’s a also floodlit with fantastic practice facilities so you can hone your skills late into the night.
Facilities:
Opened: 2021 Course Designer: Fry/Straka
Yardage: Comp 3,700 yds / Mens 3,422 yds / Ladies 2,554 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 350 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 350 AED
Lessons A 45 minute lesson with a professional is available from 480 AED while there are discounts for large packages. A 12 lesson bundle as an individual guest is 4,320 AED.
What3words perform.possessing.above
Opened: 2007 Course Designer: Peter Harradine
Yardage: Mens 6,989 yds / Ladies 5,815 yds
Facilities:
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 601 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 709 AED
Lessons 599 AED for a 6-week program
TOWER LINKS
What3words remains.flank.flap
Opened: 2004 Course Designer: Gerald Williams Yardage: Mens 7,098 yds / Ladies 5,496 yds
Facilities:
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 200 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 275 AED
Packages Enquire for all day golf deals inclusive of F&B
What3words goofily.tangle.motorist
Opened: 2012 Course Designer: Greg Norman Yardage: Mens 6,849 yds / Ladies 6,016 yds
Facilities
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 58 OMR
Non member weekend green fees: From 70 OMR
Exclusive stay and play deals are available
What3words gloves.segments.defended
Opened: 1969 Course Designer: Graham Marsh Yardage: Mens 6,316 yds / Ladies 5,317 yds
Facilities:
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 35 OMR
Non-member weekend green fees: From 35 OMR
Costs 30 minute tune-up available from 20 OMR
What3words riddle.heads.tips
Opened: 1971 Course Designer: Bill Longmuir Yardage: Mens 6,527 yds / Ladies 5,430 yds
Facilities:
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek greens fees: From 22 OMR
Non-member weekend greens fees: From 22 OMR
Website: www.dohagolfclub.com
What3words: ideals.flagged.missions
At the centre of golf in Qatar, Doha Golf Club stands tall as a 27-hole venue including an 18-hole championship course. It’s one of the oldest courses in the region, and is now a green oasis surrounded by impressive views. It’s also hosted the prestigous Qatar Mastersa regular feature on the international DP World Tour schedule.
Facilities:
Opened: 1998 Course Designer: Peter Harradine Yardage: Comp 7,374 yds / Mens 7,179 yds / Ladies 5,867 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 700 QAR
Non-member weekend green fees: From 850 QAR
Costs Range balls available from 25 QAR / Club hire available for 200 QAR
What3words tiger.purist.delay
Opened: 2019 Course Designer: Jose Maria Olazabal Yardage: Comp 7,307 yds / Mens 6,947 yds / Ladies 6,501 yds
Facilities:
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 350 QAR
Non-member weekend green fees: From 400 QAR
for 4,542 QAR
What3words just.spaces.bashful
Opened: 1999 Course Designer: C. Montgomerie
Yardage: Comp 7,243 yds / Mens 6,799 / Ladies 4,985
Facilities:
Gree Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 55 BHD
Non-member weekend green fees: From 75 BHD
Lessons
Single 50-minute lesson available for 44 BHD
