Middle East Dubai Golf Magazine Number 1 October 2011

Official Media Partner Middle East

ISSUE 130, OCTOBER 2011

MIddle east’s No.1 Golf MaGazINe

ALVARO QUIROS

EuropE’s Top GuN

emIRATeS AIRLINe INVITATIONAL meNA TOUR ChRISTINA KIm GARy PLAyeR GReG NORmAN

Thomas talks about his reocrd year and how life begins at 40!

PRO TIPS

PeTe COweN LOOKS AT why LUKe DONALD NeeDS TO ImPROVe Off The Tee BASICS: The GRIP IS Key hOw TO RUN IT UP OR BACK IT IN fROm Off The GReeN

ISBN 978-9948-15-427-3

9 789948 154273

BJORN IS BACK

LUCKIEST BALL ON EARTH

WIN A PLACE IN THE 2011 DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PRO-AM

EUROPEAN TOUR NEWS l DIVOTS l LOCKER ROOM l WORLD ROUND-UPS Official Publication of The Emirates Golf Federation & The Arab Golf www.wwgolf.biz Federation1

Worldwide Golf Executive Editor Since 1999

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

L

UKKE Donald is on the verge of creating an amazing record in becoming the first player to win the Money List on both sides of the Atlantic since the respective Orders of Merit for the two Tours first began.

It’s the highlight of every golfer’s career to win his Tour’s Order of Merit but two win the Money List on both The European Tour and the US PGA Tour in the same season is a phenomenal achievement.

Obviously, it helps that the four Majors and the World Golf Championships events are recognised on both Tours but it means that you’ve got to be so consistent to do the double.

The 33-year-old Donald, who went to the top of the Official World Golf Ranking when he won the flagship event of The European Tour, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, way back in May, is enjoying the best season of his career. He’s learned how to make the most of his talents. He’s not one of the game’s big hitters. His driving distance average is way short of the leading players. But where Luke scores is with his accuracy and his short game.

He’s also taught himself how to adapt to the courses in the United States and the very different courses in Europe.

The man he beat that day at Wentworth in a play-off was fellow Englishman and Ryder Cup team-mate Lee Westwood. Their second visit to the 18th that gave Donald victory knocked Lee off the top of the World Ranking into second place and they’ve been 1-and-2 in the Ranking ever since.

Wentworth has long been a second home for me in England. It’s where I won the World Match Play Championship five times between 1965 and 1973 and where we still hold our Gary Player Invitational charity events. It’s one of England’s greatest golf venues and one of the most traditional golf clubs in the game. The BMW PGA Championship is second only to The Open on The European Tour schedule. It always attracts huge crowds and there’s a unique, relaxed atmosphere to the place.

Both do a lot for the game Both Luke and Lee are very nice young men who do a lot for the game and I don’t think it will be very long before each of them wins a Major. Lee has come so close a number of times and Luke was tied fourth in The Masters Tournament in April and tied eighth in the US PGA Championship. Lee was third in the US Open and eighth at the US PGA Championship.

When Luke finished tied for third in last month’s Tour Championship in Atlanta, behind winner Bill Haas, who beat Hunter Mahan in a play-off, Donald further strengthened his grip on the World’s top spot.

In fact, his haul for the four events of the PGA Tour Play-offs for the FedEx Cup amounted to $1,319,466.

Luke got his season on both Tours off to a flier in

CALL ME No.1: Luke Donald raises his index finger to signal his number one position in the World Ranking after winning the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, beating Lee Westwood in a play-off, and relegating Lee to World No. 2 – and they’ve been 1-and-2 in the Ranking ever since.

February by winning the World Golf ChampionshipsAccenture Match Play Championship in Arizona, collecting $1.4million in the process, taking him to the top of both Tour’s Money Lists. Since then he’s had two seconds, two thirds, and 13 top 10 finishes on the US PGA Tour, and taken his total to $5,837,214 in prizemoney earnings. You can’t get much more consistent than that.

In my hey-day that level of prizemoney was way beyond anyone’s wildest dreams but in those days we were more interested in the honour and the glory of winning tournaments and not in how much money we would earn. If you combine the prizemoney earnings of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and myself it would not have amounted to the $10 million that Bill Haas made from winning the FedExCup. But I say good luck to them. If the game can afford to pay that level of prizemoney then that’s fine by me. I only ask that the players put something back by supporting charities and I’m pleased to say that they do just that – with golfers generating more in charity fundraising than any other sport there is.

The Tour Championship was Bill’s first win of the season, having lost out in two play-offs, and although his FedExCup winnings didn’t count on the Money List the $1.4million he collected for winning the Tour

Championship took him to 20th place on the World Ranking and shot him from 22nd to 7th on the US PGA Tour Money List.

On The European Tour Luke Donald has also been successful. He’s played just three European Tour events, won two – The Barclays Scottish Open and the BMW PGA Championship – and finished runnerup in the Volvo World Match Play Championship.

With the Fall Series in the US, the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai and the $15 million Dubai World Championship to come in December Luke has the opportunity to go even further ahead on the two Orders of Merit.

The secret to success in golf is consistency. Luke Donald is the most consistent player in world golf.

He very rarely has a bad round and when he has a bad hole he invariably retrieves the situation at the next. His course management is second to none.

He knows what his strengths are and how to play to them and he knows how to win.

With The European Tour having the top three players in the world with Donald, Westwood and Rory McIlroy and with players like Thomas Björn and Justin Rose winning tournaments again, the Grand Finale to the Tour’s season, the Dubai World Championship, is sure to be a wonderful climax to a memorable 2011. n www.wwgolf.biz

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Over 100 destinations worldwide

Contents

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Regulars

Features

Official Media Partner Middle East

1

gary player introduction

30

pete cowen series

32

Pete cowen swing: luke donald

35

troon tutorial

38

dubai golf tutorial

40

greg norman column

43

divots: news items

47

ross fisher column

49

clubhouse quickies

ISSUE 130, OCTOBER 2011

MIddle east’s No.1 Golf MaGazINe

12 quick 9 with christina kim: Off-the-wall Q&A

with one of the most fun-loving American characters on the LPGA Tour.

14 thomas björn talks in an exclusive interview with Worldwide Golf about how he’s made a dramatic return to form with three wins this season, including back-to-back titles, to climb up to seventh place in The Race to Dubai.

ALVARO QUIROS

EuropE’s Top GuN

BJORN IS BACK

Thomas talks about his reocrd year and how life begins at 40!

PRO TIPS

emIRATeS AIRLINe INVITATIONAL meNA TOUR ChRISTINA KIm GARy PLAyeR GReG NORmAN

PeTe COweN LOOKS AT why LUKe DONALD NeeDS TO ImPROVe Off The Tee BASICS: The GRIP IS Key hOw TO RUN IT UP OR BACK IT IN fROm Off The GReeN

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the race to dubai

54

gary player column

57

official world golf ranking

FRONT COVER: Alvaro Quiros.

59

world round-ups

8

67

arabian golf

93

equipment

96

in the bag: Club pro

ISBN 978-9948-15-427-3

ISSUE No. 130, october, 2011 Published by: Worldwide Sporting Publications Ltd, Browside Barn, 4B Stoneheads, Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire SK23 7BB England. mike@wspglobal.com alex@wspglobal.com Tel: +44 01625 535081 Fax: +44 01625 537487 Editor-in-Chief: Mike Gallemore Executive Editor: Gary Player

9 789948 154273

LUCKIEST BALL ON EARTH

WIN A PLACE IN THE 2011 DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PRO-AM

EUROPEAN TOUR NEWS l DIVOTS l LOCKER ROOM l WORLD ROUND-UPS Official Publication of The Emirates Golf Federation & The Arab Golf www.wwgolf.biz Federation1

europe’s top gun: Big-hitting Spaniard, Alvaro Quiros explains in an exclusive Q&A with Worldwide Golf how he manages to generate such power off the tee to make himself one of the longest drivers in world golf.

24 Dubai world championship: The climax to The Race to Dubai gathers pace as players produce a final burst to get into the Top 60; the Dubai World Championship Presented by DP World and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic rated in the top five tournaments in the International Schedule; Details on hospitality packages and free tickets.

30 emirates airline invitational: Following

their announcement last month that the Emirates Airline Invitational Hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah has been sanctioned by The European Tour, the date of the Pro-Am has now been revealed. Young Dhruv Nair’s St Andrews adventure and the first Carpetland Golden Ticket Qualifier.

45 ross bain: The UAE-based Tour pro, who finished fourth in the opening MENA GOLF TOUR event, played at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, gives his verdict on the first tournament of the four-event series.

51 the solheim cup and the vivendi seve

trophy: Europe’s famous win against the USA in Ireland and Great Britain and Ireland’s victory over Continental Europe in Paris.

Editor: Alex Gallemore Publisher: Mike Gallemore Senior Editor: Richard Bevan Editors: Todd Staszko, James Reeves, Tabitha Florence Design Manager: Joanna Eardley Technical Manager: Mark Collinge Editorial Panel: Gary Player, Mike Gallemore, Alex Gallemore, Richard Bevan, Todd Staszko

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

Printed by: Raidy, Dubai

BPA Worldwide Audited Average Monthly Qualified Circulation 15,401 (July-Dec 2010)

Advertising & Marketing Director: Rasha Siriani rasha@wspdubai.com Worldwide Golf specifies that post-press changes may occur to any information given in this publication and takes no responsibility for goods or services advertised.

June 2009 SSN 1- 46805671 Approval UAE National Media Council: Ref.816 30/5/2007 Trade Licence No. 1/104375/15280 www.wwgolf.biz

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PLAYER Exclusive

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The power appeared when I was in my teens and as I grew bigger the power just got bigger.

top gun A lv a r o

q u i r o s

ALVARO QUIROS is one of the biggest hitters in world golf. At 6ft. 3ins. He topped the Driving Distance Category in his rookie year on The European Tour in 2007 and repeated the feat in 2008 and 2009. He arrived on the international scene with a bang by making the perfect start to his European Tour career in winning the first tournament he played as a full European Tour Member – the 2007 Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek, South Africa – and he’s won an event every year since then, including the 2009 Commercialbank Qatar Masters. Last year he finished 14th on the Race to Dubai and tied for third in the Dubai World Championship. He’s currently leading the Driving Averages so far this year with 310.8 yards. In this revealing Q&A, exclusive to Wordlwide Golf, Quiros explains how he manages to generate such power off the tee.

WWG: What is the secret to the awesome power you generate off the tee?

AQ: It’s a secret and if I tell you, then it’s not a secret anymore! To play football on the beach in the south of Spain you have to be quick. I played a lot of football there so I sincerely think it has helped me in many ways – speed, stability and balance, to name a few.

WWG: Have you always been a big hitter or is it something you’ve worked hard on?

AQ: The power appeared when I was in my teens and as I grew bigger the power just got bigger.

WWG: When did you realise that you could hit the ball much further than most people?

AQ: When they started to get irritated.

WWG: How much enjoyment do you take from hitting the ball so far – it’s obviously entertaining for the fans?

AQ: I obviously like it a lot and it’s a great advantage at times, no doubt. But it’s not necessarily what wins golf tournaments. I try to concentrate on other parts of my game in my search for more and bigger victories.

WWG: Every amateur wants to hit the ball further, what tips can you give our readers to help them generate more power and distance?

AQ: Try to feel as though you are dancing!

Nothing will help you more than a good tempo.

Very few people actually understand the swing well enough to “power” the ball further.

WWG: The huge distance you get off the tee means you obviously have to sacrifice something in terms of accuracy – how important is it to also have good iron play and a good short game when you are a big hitter?

AQ: It’s vey important. As I mentioned before, I spend much more time on practicing on the rest of my game than I do with my driving.

WWG: Is this something you’ve worked hard on since you started hitting the ball so far?

AQ: It’s always been important and growing up in Spain we all saw José Maria Olazábal and before that Seve and realised how important it is for you to have “good hands”.

WWG: Tell us how you began playing golf and what made you decide to follow the dream of www.wwgolf.biz

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When you’ve just won a big golf tournament it’s sometimes fun to jump in the lake – as Alvaro Quiros did to celebrate his victory in the 2009 Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy at Doha Golf Club, right and above, Quiros with Commercialbank Group CEO, Andrew Stevens and the trophy.

becoming a professional Tour player?

AQ: Well, my father has always been a good player and he introduced me to the game. I learned fast, I guess, and I started dreaming quite early, as most young golfers do.

WWG: How did you first come into contact with José Rivero and how much of an influence has he had on your career?

AQ: We were introduced to each other by a mutual friend and it has obviously shaped me quite a bit. He has a lot of knowledge and experience and I have learnt a lot from him – in fact, just about everything I know WWG: What are your memories of this year’s Dubai Desert Classic and where does that victory rate in your career achievements?

AQ: It was very important as I proved to myself that anything is possible. From thinking I was too far behind the leaders on Saturday night to all of a sudden being in contention early in the final round, to having a nightmare on the eighth hole, to making a hole-in-one on 11, to not thinking it would be enough…. Needless to say it was a roller-coaster ride but a very important ride for me.

WWG: Talk us through your hole-in-one on the 11th and also how you felt when it went in – to do that at such a crucial stage in the tournament when you had just dropped shots on the previous hole?

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Alvaro Quiros fact file: AQ: It was just perfect. It was one of those shots where you are not even that surprised when it goes in. Not that you can expect it to go in but it was perfect. It definitely gave me the belief that I was still in contention for the tournament.

WWG: You’ve also won the Qatar Masters (pictured above) and finished in the top three at last year’s Dubai World Championship – what is it about playing in the Middle East that seems to agree with you?

AQ: I’m not necessarily sure it applies only to me. All the Tour players love the region. It’s the wonderful sunny weather, the excellent golf courses, the wide variety of food. The Middle East has everything you could ever wish for when it comes to playing tournament golf!

Height: 6’ 3” European Tour wins: 5 Turned Pro: 2004 Born: January 21, 1983, Guadiaro, Spain Since 2007, Alvaro Quiros has averaged 300 yards+ off the tee on The European Tour. In 2009 he averaged 314.47 and so far this season he’s been crushing it an average 310.84 yards with the big dog.

His other stats aren’t too shabby either. His Putts per Round average has been under 30 from 2008-2011 and his Greens in Regulation accuracy is around the 70% mark, dipping to its lowest in 2008 with an average of 67.17.

During his five years on Tour, Quiros has earned €4,855,741 and has won one tournament every year, going back to his rookie year in 2007.

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HOME OF THE

QUICK 9

christina kim Christina Kim is one of the most recognisable players in Ladies golf. Known for her enthusiastic style of play (hurling abuse and encouragment at the ball after almost every tee shot or approach shot she plays) plus her flamboyant dress sense that puts Ian Poulter to shame, Kim is a three-time Solheim Cup player and in 2004 held the record as the youngest player to reach $1m in prizemoney on the LPGA Tour at the age of 20. She’s since taken her career earnings to more than $4 million. She’s a fun character and always creates a stir wherever she goes.

1) What is one experience you have had that you would never want to see again?

CK: Hear that someone very close to me is in hospital.

2) What’s one item of clothing you couldn’t live without?

CK: A colourful scarf.

3) What’s your favourite activity you do when you want to relax?

CK: Listening to music in the bath.

4) What would you like to do for a living if you were not a pro golfer?

CK: A doctor or a photographer.

5) Who is your favourite celebrity whom you have met?

CK: George Lopez.

6) If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

CK: Anyone who has experienced nirvana.

7) Is there anything you won’t eat?

CK: Bugs, even if they’re dipped in chocolate!

8) What invention do you wish you had thought of?

CK: The stethoscope.

9) Tell us something most people don’t know about you?

CK: Depite what many people think I’m not a “people” person.

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THOMAS BJöRN

THE Great dane is back THOMAS BJöRN is back with a bang. With his emphatic win at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters in February and with recent back-toback wins he’s back where he belongs in the top flight. Mike Gallemore talks exclusively to one of the game’s most respected and popular players.

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THOMAS BJรถRN

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With three wins so far this season and €1,381,444 in prize money it’s certainly been Thomas’ best year on Tour and it isn’t over yet!

T

HOMAS Bjorn has been one of the most valued Members of The European Tour for many years and when he fought his way back to the top flight with three wins – two in successive weeks – the golfing world celebrated with him.

The likeable Dane had gone four years without a win when he returned to form with an impressive victory in the Estoril Open de Portugal last June with a five-shot victory over Richard Green. That put him back on track but the real breakthrough came at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy in February.

“It’s been a long road back but I’ve worked hard at it,” says Thomas. “Now I’m on the up and enjoying life – and my game – again. The major turning point came at Qatar. To play so well over four rounds against such tough opposition gave me all the confidence in the world.”

Thomas produced some of his finest and most consistent golf to beat the big-hitting Spaniard Alvaro Quiros, by four shots, against one of the strongest fields of The European Tour season. “I’d been playing well in bursts over the past couple of seasons but had been struggling to put four good rounds together and getting into contention,” says Thomas.

“I knew it would come and shooting 65-66 in the second and third rounds in Qatar was just the boost I needed. I was able to build on that. Winning like that also gives you the realisation that you’ve got the support around you to succeed. Having that support is essential and it’s helped me through the bad times and through the good times. To go on and win back-to-back tournaments at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and the Omega European Masters in Switzerland gave me such a lift

and so much satisfaction.”

Thomas showed just how good he can be when he’s under pressure. At Gleneagles he emerged victorious from a five-man play-off to win the 12th title of his European Tour career before he headed straight to Switzerland where he fired a magnificent final round 9-under 62 to defeat Martin Kaymer by four shots.

“I realised last year that I needed to refocus and do something to get my game back together. I talked to Pete Cowen to see what could be done. Pete used to coach me around ten years ago but I appreciate how busy he is these days as the most sought-after coach in the business. We had an initial session and he introduced me to his assistant Mike Walker while still overseeing the situation.

“Mike and I got on really well and a lot of things started to come together. I have to say that the relationship has been a major contributor to getting back on form and winning tournaments again.

“We went back to basics and concentrated on what worked for me. When you’re younger you do things naturally. I’m 40-years-old now and as I’ve got older I’ve had to come to the realisation that there are things that I can’t do anymore. I’ve just had to accept that as you get older you have to understand the limitations.

“My swing is not picture perfect but it suits me and with Pete and Mike’s help we’ve got it to work for me. I now know how to swing it. It’s not the way I was doing it ten years ago but it’s good for me.

“All this hard work gradually started to pay off. As my game got more consistent my confidence started to return and, steadily, I got better and better. Now I’m back in the top flight and looking forward to making my way up The Race to Dubai and the World Ranking

“Now I’m on the up and enjoying life – and my game – again. The major turning point came at Qatar. To play so well over four rounds against such tough opposition gave me all the confidence in the world.”

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THOMAS BJöRN “We needed a definite finish to the Tour year. The Tour had become a bit bland. As one year finished another year started and a lot of our top players thought that not a lot happened at the end of The European Tour year.

Now we’ve got it with the Dubai World Championship.”

and THREE-IN-A-SEASON: Above – Thomas Bjorn plays his approach to the 18th at Doha Golf Club en route to winning the 2011 Commercialbank Qatar Masters; FIRST RIGHT: Thomas with the famous pearl trophy; SECOND RIGHT: Thomas with the Johnnie Walker Championship trophy at Gleneagles; THIRD RIGHT: Thomas with the Omega European Masters trophy in Switzerland.

and getting in the top 30, maybe the top 25, maybe higher. It’s a funny thing that when you come out of a lean period so many of your fellow players are pleased for you.

I’ve never been jealous or envious of the success of other players. I’ve always been happy to see others winning tournaments and I’m grateful that my supporters have been so happy for me.

“Many people outside the game don’t realise that it can be a tough life being a Tour pro. I’ve been travelling around the world since I was 14 playing on the Danish national team and it can be a very testing lifestyle.

It’s not as glamorous as people think. When you first go on Tour everything is exciting and it takes time to focus on playing golf and as time goes on you’ve got to learn how to take the bad times with the good.”

Thomas has given a lot back to The European Tour over the years and he’s always supported The Tour in every way he

can. “European golf is in an unbelievable position at the moment,” says Thomas.

“Obviously, The Tour is dependent on what happens with sponsors but they have handled things very well.

“We’ve got a Tour where everyone can play and a great deal has been done to avoid losing players to the US PGA Tour. We’ve shown in the Majors and through The Ryder Cup and the World Golf Championships just how strong our Tour is.

“Padraig Harrington showed the way with his three Major wins and proved that European Tour players can play the game. Now our guys don’t feel the least bit intimidated any more. When we play in the United States we have a different mindset.

We don’t feel that we’re the underdog any more. We know we can win tournaments, not just aim to get into the top five.

“The success of the Dubai World Championship has also focused the world’s

attention on The European Tour – and on Dubai. I lived in Dubai on and off for more than ten years and it’s like a home from home to me. We still have a lot of friends there and it’s a place that is very close to our hearts.

“The Tour has a great working relationship with Dubai and I think that it is exactly the right place to host the Grand Final of The Tour and the climax to our Tour season.

“We needed a definite finish to the Tour year. The Tour had become a bit bland. As one year finished another year started and a lot of our top players thought that not a lot happened at the end of The European Tour year. Now we’ve got it with the Dubai World Championship “The event sits very strongly amongst the players – everybody builds up to it. It’s in everybody’s mind around the world that this tournament is where the schedule comes to an end and the one all the players don’t

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THOMAS BJöRN “we’ve got an even broader multi-national Tour and it gives all the players a huge incentive. We’ve benefitted from it, too, with so many good Asian players joining.

Even some Americans have become members, showing up in Dubai. That adds to the feeling that the Tour is not just about being European but about all nationalities.” want to miss. They work all season to be in Dubai for the big event. It’s been a very successful tournament, particularly with the winners it’s had with Lee Westwood’s spectacular victory and then the play-off last year with Robert Karlsson beating Ian Poulter. It turned into what was needed and that was something more than just a golf tournament.

“It’s all about the whole year coming to a dramatic end. Someone has to come out on top having played well all year. It’s a magnificent event and it’s just what The Tour needed. If I make it to Dubai I know I’ve had a decent year but with the bonus money – if you’re in those top 15 places – then you’ve had a great year and it adds a bit more of an incentive throughout the year.

“The top 15 places also gives people down the list a bit more to play for.

Obviously, some people play to keep their cards on The European Tour but once that’s been achieved the Dubai World Championship appears quickly in players’ minds. It’s a disappointment for everyone who misses it, that’s for sure.

Incentive “I play golf to be at the Dubai World Championship. Winning a couple of times in a season like I have done makes it a special year for any player. A few years ago I’d look back on this and think: ‘that was a good year’ and almost start tailing off as the season petered out. But now there’s so much to play for it gives me an added incentive to keep going.

“The European Tour has welcomed many players from across the world as members and it’s because of the Dubai World Championship. They see it as a way of keeping membership of two Tours.

“We’ve taken everyone in. It’s now an even broader multi-national Tour and it gives all the players a huge incentive. We’ve benefitted from it, too, with so many good Asian players joining. Even some Americans have become members, showing up in Dubai. That adds to the feeling that the Tour is not just about being European but about all nationalities.” Prior to the Dubai World Championship Thomas will be partnering his good friend Anders Hansen in representing

Denmark in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China. Thomas has represented Denmark in four World Cups and he’s looking forward to the week.

“When Anders asked me to join him in the World Cup I jumped at the chance,” says Thomas. “We’ve always got on very well together and that’s part of the secret of success in the World Cup. Anders has had a fantastic year and now I’m playing well we’re capable of putting up a very good performance.” n

MEMORABLE MILESTONES IN THOMAS BJöRN’S CAREER: Top: Thomas is presented with the Omega Dubai Desert Classic trophy by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum after winning the tournament in 2001 at Emirates Golf Club.

Inset, above left: The one that got away – Thomas surveys his ball in the greenside bunker at the par-3 16th hole during the 2003 Open Championship at Royal St George’s where his double bogey cost him The Open, finishing one shot behind the winner, Ben Curtis.

Above: Thomas in top form at this year’s Open Championship at Royal St George’s where he finished fourth. www.wwgolf.biz

21

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23

DUBAI WORLD CHAMPionship ‘Dubai has two of the best’ DUBAI has two of the top five golf tournaments currently on the international schedule in the form of the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, according to Mike Lynch, writing on the acclaimed all-sports USA website, Bleacher Report.

Aside from the obvious choices such as The Open Championship and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth – The European Tour’s mid-season flagship event at the home of The European Tour’s Headquarters at Wentworth, England – few come bigger or better than the two Dubai tournaments.

Lynch lists The Open as the No.1 international event, with the PGA Championship second, the Dubai World Championship third, the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai in fourth and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in fifth place out of his top 20.

The Dubai Desert Classic was the first European Tour event to be held in the Middle East and has a past-champions list as illustrious as they come, with the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Fred Couples and José Maria Olazábal on the roll of honour. The Majlis Course was also the scene of Rory McIlroy’s arrival on the world stage with his first professional victory in 2009.

Played at Emirates Golf Club as the final event of The European Tour’s early season Gulf Swing, last year’s Dubai Desert Classic featured the grouping of Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood and Tiger Woods – the then top three ranked players in the world.

The Dubai World Championship may only be two years old but it has already established itself as one of the biggest events in world golf. With a prize

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fund of $7.5m it is comparable with the US PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship.

Comprising the top 60 players in The Race to Dubai, the tournament is played over four rounds with no cut, as the climax to The European Tour season.

Played on the world renowned Greg Normandesigned Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates on December 8-11 the event has quickly established itself as the Grand Final of The European Tour’s international schedule. In addition to the tournament’s purse, an additional $7.5m is divided up between the top 15 players on the final Race to Dubai ranking following the completion of the Dubai World Championship.

The Championship has become an event all the players want to play and spectators want to watch.

The past two winners at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Robert Karlsson in 2010 and Lee Westwood in 2009 will be among many of the world’s best at Jumeirah Golf Estates in December. This year’s Championship is set to become one of the highlights of the world golfing year.

Colin Smith, Director - International Business Development Middle East and Asia, European Tour, commented: “To have both the Dubai World Championship and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in the top five tournaments underlines just how far the Middle East – and particularly, Dubai – has developed since H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum had the vision to create an all-grass championship golf course out of the desert less than 25 years ago.

“The Emirates Golf Club set the professional process in motion and today the region boasts

some of the finest tournaments on our International Schedule – tournaments that continue to attract the finest players in the game. For the Dubai World Championship to be considered in the top three after just two events is a wonderful tribute to all those involved and a credit to the industry in the emirate.”

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Vice Chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai, the promoters and organisers of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, commented: “It’s a great honour to be recognised among the best in the business. Our tournament is all about history and tradition. Its reputation is built on the collective presence of the world class players who support the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.”

Hamad M. Bin Merjen, Executive Director Business Tourism, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said: “Over the years Dubai has become an amazing and unique destination for sporting events. Our many golf championships are certainly the cornerstones of our annual sports calendar. We are honoured to host these prestigious events in Dubai.”

1. The Open Championship 2. BMW PGA Championship, Wentworth 3. Dubai World Championship Presented by DP World 4. WGC-HSBC Champions, Shanghai 5. Omega Dubai Desert Classic 6. Barclays Singapore Open 7. Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Scotland 8. UBS Hong Kong Open 9. CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia 10. The Barclays Scottish Open

December 08-11

UAE GOLFERS AIMING TO STRIKE IT LUCKY at the DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

O

VER the coming month, every UAE golf club shortly.” In all, 60 players competing in the Grand Final affiliated to the Emirates Golf Federation fight it out for a coveted place in the Rolex Pro-am to be will be gripped by Race to Dubai fever as held on Tuesday, December 6, at the Earth course, venue golfers across the emirates fight it out for a place in for the 2011 Dubai World Championship, presented the Rolex Pro-Am at the Dubai World Championship,

by DP World. The Pro-am will see stars such as current presented by DP World.

World Number One Luke Donald, 2010 Dubai World All 17 EGF-affiliated golf clubs in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Championship winner Robert Karlsson and 2011 Major Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah have signed winners Charl Schwartzel (The Masters), Rory McIlroy (US up to take part in the ‘Luckiest Ball on Earth’ competition, Open) and Darren Clarke (The Open) tee up alongside an event that will see a winner from each club take part their amateur playing partners. Forty-eight hours later, in the Grand Final at the Earth course, at Jumeirah Golf the top 60 in The Race to Dubai will come together for Estates on November 15. the climax of The European Tour season, the $15 million EGF General Manager Saeed Albudoor said: “We Dubai World Championship presented by DP World. are delighted to support this ‘Luckiest Ball on Earth’ Getting the Luckiest Ball on Earth competition competition. It gives all Emirates Golf Federation golfers underway on October 7 are Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & in the UAE the opportunity to play in a high profile Golf Club; Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai; Al Ghazal Golf Club, club and nationwide tournament with the ultimate Abu Dhabi; Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai and Abu winner playing alongside one of the world’s leading Dhabi’s Yas Links. Tower Links Golf Club in Ras al Khaimah golfers in the Rolex Pro-am. We are especially excited to will stage the final qualifier on Saturday, October 29. have the 36-hole UAE National Championship to be held at l Jumeirah Golf Estates included as a qualifier. We would like to thank the organisers of the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World for this initiative, which I am sure will help raise the profile amongst all golfers of The European Tour’s season- ending climax to The 2011 Race to Dubai. To have an EGF Handicap Scheme Medal on the list of qualifying rounds is another boost for the EGF – this will be held at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa on Wednesday, 26th October. This means all golf club members and all nonmembers of golf clubs who Colin Smith, European Tour Director are part of the EGC Handicap – International Business Development Middle East and Asia Scheme have the opportunity to be part of this Lukckiest Ball on Earth initiative.”

Colin Smith, European Tour Director – International Business Development Middle East and Asia said he was pleased with the clubs’ feedback. “The response from the clubs has been incredibly supportive and we are delighted to have them all on board,” he added. “While each club will stage a qualifying round in October with the winners coming together to play for a place in the Pro-Am, there will also be a place in the Grand Final for the lucky player who finds a ‘special’ golf ball placed in the stack of range balls set up prior to each tee off time.

“In addition, the top three gross scorers in the UAE National Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates – as well as a special ball holder – will also qualify for the Grand Final. We are currently finalising some other key UAE calendar events and corporate golf days to complete the Grand Final field and will announce these

“We’re delighted that the UAE National Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates is also participating in the Luckiest Ball inititative, where the top three gross scorers plus the finder of the lucky range range ball will qualify for the Grand Final.”

CONFIRMED QUALIFYING ROUNDS FOR LUCKIEST BALL ON EARTH COMPETITION Fri 7 Oct

Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club Monthly Medal

Fri 7 Oct

Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai Monthly Medal

Fri 7 Oct

Al Ghazal Golf Club, Abu Dhabi Monthly Medal

Fri 7 Oct

Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai Monthly Medal

Fri 7 Oct

Yas Links, Abu Dhabi Monthly Medal

Sat 8 Oct

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club Monthly Medal

Sat 8 Oct

Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Monthly Medal

Sat 8 Oct

The Els Club, Dubai Stableford

Mon 10 Oct Emirates Golf Club

Monthly Medal – Ladies Fri 14 Oct

Abu Dhabi Golf Club Monthly Medal – Mens

Fri 14 Oct

Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club Monthly Medal

Fri 14 Oct

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Monthly Medal

Sat 15 Oct

The Address Montgomerie, Dubai Monthly Medal

Fri 21 Oct

Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras al Khaimah Monthly Medal

Fri 21 Oct Sat 22 Oct

UAE National Championship – JGE UAE National Championship – JGE

Sat 22 Oct

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Wed 26 Oct Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, Dubai Sat 29 Oct

Tower Links Golf Club, Ras al Khaimah Monthly Medal

www.wwgolf.biz

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McIlroy

CLARKE

Karlsson

Westwood

DONALD

DUBAI WORLD CHAMPionship

stars gather as the race gains pace WITH The Race to Dubai hotting up as the finishing line gets ever closer the stars of the game are summoning up a final burst to make sure they join the line up for the Dubai World Championship.

The World-ranked 1, 2, and 3, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy and World number 6 Martin Kaymer are all in the leading group and now Thomas Björn has joined them in the top ten with his recent back-to-back wins on The European Tour – along with Major winners Charl Schwartzel and Darren Clarke.

Two times winner this season on The Tour, Simon Dyson, is currently ninth in The Race to Dubai with Anders Hansen in sixth.

At the other end of The Race Kenneth Ferrie has improved his position significantly by winning last month’s Austrian GolfOpen presented by Lyoness.

The Englishman saw off his compatriot Simon Wakefield with a birdie at the first extra hole to take the €166,660 first prize, which moved him up from 99th to 55th place in The Race to Dubai.

Ferrie has given himself every chance of making his debut in The Race and is delighted at the prospect. “It feels amazing,” he said. “I haven’t won for six years and I was wondering if it was ever going to happen, so to get it done was fantastic.

“It means the world to me. I have been working very hard and doing all the right things, but I just haven’t had the results to back it up. So to win under the pressure of a play-off makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“My first aim this season was to win on The Tour again, and the next one was to finish inside the top 60 and make it to the Dubai World Championship field. It’s such a huge tournament and every player

on The European Tour wants to be a part of it.”

Joost Luiten virtually guaranteed his place in the season’s Grand Final, courtesy of his third place finish behind Ferrie at Diamond Country Club, in Austria. The in-form Dutchman, who has now finished in the top six in his past two events, climbed to 43rd place in The Race to Dubai after taking his season’s earnings up to €444,158.

With the final qualifiers expected to secure their places with around €550,000 in prize money, the battle to secure the final places is hotting up.

Many of the big names, such as Alvaro Quiros, Sergio Garcia, Louis Oosthuizen, Paul Casey, Graeme McDowell, Ross Fisher, Ernie Els and defending champion Robert Karlsson have all booked their seats for December. It will be interesting to see who succeeds in the coming weeks in making a last dash to get over the line.

complimenary tickets to the greatest weekend on earth

FANS looking to enjoy the third staging of the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World can get their complimentary tickets merely by logging on and registering at the tournament

website www.DubaiWorldChampionship.com

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December 08-11

tour warn earth course could bite back

A

S the third Race to Dubai gathers momentum towards the grand finale at the 2011 Dubai World Championship presented

by DP World, European Tour officials are confident that the venue, the Greg Norman-designed Earth course, will be in prime condition for the big event.

David Garland, the Tour’s Director of Tour Operations, gave a resounding vote of confidence to the demanding Earth course during a recent visit to Jumeirah Golf Estates, which will once again stage the final tournament of The Race to Dubai from December 8-11.

Garland, who had a full course briefing from Deputy Director of Tour Agronomy, Graeme MacNiven, revealed that the course might be about to bite back and give the field of 60 professionals their toughest test since the event was first staged in 2009.

“The Earth course has matured in all aspects since it’s official opening and the inaugural Dubai World Championship,” said Garland. “The greens are now truer as the levels are more consistent, the fairways are a little denser in grass cover and the trees, shrubs and other flora are all much bigger, thus penalising errant shots even more.

“Although there have been no other changes to the course, the agronomy team is overseeing this year, due to the later staging date, which will provide a tougher and more consistent rough than the previous two years.”

Last year saw around 50,000 spectators flock to Jumeirah Golf Estates for the second staging of an event won by 2008 European Number One Robert Karlsson of Sweden after a play-off with England’s Ian Poulter.

England’s Luke Donald currently leads The Race to Dubai from Northern Ireland’s US Open Champion Rory McIlroy with Charl Schwartzel – the 2011 Masters Champion – from South

David Garland, Director of Tour Operations European Tour, assesses conditions at the Earth course with Graeme MacNiven – Deputy Director of Tour Agronomy – during a recent visit to Jumeirah Golf Estates

Africa in third place. The top 60 players in the standings will battle it out for the $7.5 million prize fund and the $7.5 million Bonus Pool, which will be shared by the players in the top 15 places after the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World.

Garland added: “The tournament has quickly found its own identity and personality and become a very popular experience for the public, thanks to the undoubted quality of the field as well as the fantastic attractions off the course.”

Complimentary tickets for the 2011 Dubai World Championship held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, are available from the website www.DubaiWorldChampionship.com

Last Chance to Become a Marshal MEANWHILE, the target number of volunteer marshals required to help with the management of the tournament has almost been reached. Chief Marshal Jenni Hoskins says she has been delighted with the response. “We are very close to reaching our target numbers for volunteer marshals and urge those still interested in being involved to send in their applications as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

“Volunteers need to be fully committed, flexible and willing to co-operate where required at all times to ensure the success of the tournament. Being a marshal is a lot of fun and provides a rare opportunity to see the event from the inside.”

Those looking to apply as volunteer marshals can also find details at the website www.DubaiWorldChampionship.com

greatest hospitality on earth

THERE is a wide variety of hospitality options that allow fans the chance to combine world-class golf with gourmet refreshments in five-star surroundings.

Adjacent to the 18th green, the Hospitality Pavilion is the ideal place to network and entertain VIP guests while enjoying the best in world-class sporting action. The Hospitality Pavilion packages include: course and Hospitality Pavilion admission; access to contemporary lounge and dining facilities overlooking the 18th green; premium food and drinks served throughout the day; screens to watch the action from around the course; priority car parking; official tournament programme and daily draw sheet; and the services of a Dedicated Guest Management Event Team.

www.DubaiWorldChampionship.com

www.wwgolf.biz

27

Emirates Airline

INVITATIONAL DREAMLAND: Dhruv Nair stands on the famous Swilken Bridge at the Home of Golf, St. Andrews, after playing a practice round for the the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the Old Course with Graeme McDowell and Ross Fisher – Dhruv’s gift at the Gala Dinner at the 2011 Emirates Airline Inivitational Hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah,

Dhruv’s dream comes true DHRUV Nair had the day any young golfer could only dream about when he played a practice round with Greame McDowell and Ross Fisher at the Home of Golf last month.

Dhruv had played in the 2011 Emirates Airline Invitational Hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah as a Golden Ticket winner as the best junior at the Grand Final. The prize was Dhruv’s present from David O’Leary at the Emirates Airline Invitational Gala Dinner after Abdullah had gifted it to the former Al Ahli football manager, having outbid everyone in the charity auction.

Dhruv’s golf pro at the Creek, Mike Kinloch, who happened to be in St. Andrews for the Alfred

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Dunhill Links Championship, very generously offered to caddy for Dhruv.

Despite his understandable nerves Dhruv got off to a flier off the first tee, driving the ball just over 200yds. Dhruv finished with a bogey on Hole 1 but it was a remarkable achievement. Dhruv found it tough going over the following holes but he was driving the ball consistently well and recorded pars from holes 7 to 14 with a birdie on hole 9. He parred two of the final three holes to finish with a Gross 89 less 13 for net 76 which was par from the red tees.

“It was the greatest four hours of my life,” said Dhruv. “Graeme McDowell and Ross Fisher couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful. They asked

about my school, my home course, my practice routine, my girl friends and my stay in St. Andrews.

They advised me on how to play certain shots. They were so encouraging. It was a wonderful day.”

Dhruv’s father, Rajesh, who walked the course with the group, added: “We would like to thank all the people who made this happen for Dhruv.

Firstly, David O’Leary and Abdullah Al Naboodah for making such a generous gesture in presenting this special prize to Dhruv, Mike Kinloch, Stephen Hubner and his wonderful team of JDP professionals from Dubai Creek, James Bowring for his support and, of course, Graeme and Ross, who were just wonderful. He won’t forget this day.”

@EA_Invitational

Facebook.com/TheInvitationalUAE

GOLDEN TICKET QUALIFIERS ConfirmedNEWs Open Events so far: update l 19 October WGME Ladies Qualifier Els Club Dubai AM (AED495) l 25 October EGF Open Qualifier Yas Links (tee times) (AED495) l 7 November Junior Qualifier - (9 holes) Jebel Ali GC (AED150) l 14 November EGF Open Qualifier Faldo Course 1pm SG TBC (AED495) l 24 November Junior Qualifier 4pm (9 Holes) Sharjah Golf & SC (AED150) l 1 December EGF Open Qualifier Sharjah Golf & SC (AED350)

THE European Tour announce the Big Day

H

AVING last month announced their sanctioning of the Emirates Airline Invitational Hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah, golf’s most prestigious one-day Pro-Am, The European Tour have now revealed the date of the tournament as Monday, January 30th, 2012. With the event now placed on The Tour’s Pro-Am Calendar, the sixth running of the Emirates Airline Invitational is beginning to gather pace with the start of the series of Carpetland Golden Ticket qualifiers, which teed of at The Montgomerie Dubai last month.

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, which begins on Thursday, January 26, 2012 and ends on Sunday, January 29, 2012 will be immediately followed the next day by the Emirates Airline Invitational. Three days later, on Thursday, February 2, 2012 the Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy takes place, followed by the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Emirates Airline Invitational host, Abdullah Al Naboodah, commented: “The date of January 30th is ideal for all concerned and particularly for the players. They will all be in the vicinity for the first event of The Tour’s Middle East Swing and the Invitational will provide them with a relaxing, fun, yet competitive one-day ProAm. The date couldn’t be better.”

Nadim Lahad, Emirates Manager, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain commented: “We are looking forward to our second year in 2012 of sponsoring the Emirates Airline Invitational Hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah and the date of January 30 seems just right.

“The Invitational will further be used as a platform for Emirates to showcase our high quality services to an international audience and with the support of The European Tour we expect this reach to expand even further.”

Golden ticket qualifiers get underway THE first of the golden opportunities to play in the Emirates Airline Invitational Hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah, via the Grand Final, produced three deserving winners at The Montgomerie Dubai last month.

In first place was Ananya Sharma, who scored 66, one shot ahead of second placed Robert Webb who relegated Alan Salem into third place on a card countback.

The three winners of the qualifier will now go forward to the Golden Ticket Grand Final in January to compete for a place in the Emirates Airline Invitational.

It was an exciting start to the series sponsored by the new Official Golden Ticket Partner, Carpetland.

Over the coming months there are ample opportunities for amateurs to play their way into the Grand Final and join the star-studded field in the Emirates Airline Invitational as the one adult and one junior with the best net score.

A portion of the entry fee for all the qualifying events will be donated to Carpetland’s chosen charity. Each player receives a gift from Carpetland and Titleist prizes are awarded to the best players

Jebel Ali – EGF Qualifier TBC Confirmed members club event dates (AED150) Montgomerie Dubai

23 September

Tower Links

7 October

Jumeirah Golf Estates

8 October

Emirates GC

10 Oct (ladies - postponed)

Yas Links GC, Abu Dhabi

4 November

Sharjah G&SC

10 November

Al Ain ES&GC

11 November

Al Hamra GC

18 November

Arabian Ranches

19 November

Emirates GC

25 November (Men’s)

Sharjah Wanderers

25 November

Muscat Hills G&CC, Oman

2 December

Dubai Creek

3 December

Al Ghazal GC

9 December

Abu Dhabi City GC

9 December

Carpetland Open QR DCGYC 10 December Abu Dhabi Golf Club

16 December

The Els Club Dubai

17 December

Al Badia GC Dubai TBC Doha Golf Club, Qatar TBC

Emirates Airline Invitational Tournament Director, James Bowring, with two of the three qualifiers for the Golden Ticket Grand Final, Robert Webb and Ananya Sharma. on the day. Carpetland Group Marketing Director, Shahriar Khodjasteh, said: “It was great to get the Golden Ticket qualifiers off to such a good start at The Montgomerie Dubai and it will be interesting to see how the series will progress. It’s very rewarding

to be able to provide so many opportunities for golfers throughout the Middle East to get into one of the most prestigious and popular Pro-Ams in world Golf. The events will be coming thick and fast over the next three months.”

To enter the Golden Ticket Qualifiers please visit: www.emiratesairlineinvitational.com

www.wwgolf.biz

29

Exclusive

Straight from the Shoulder

Worldwide Golf continues its fascinating series of interviews by Mike Gallemore with the inimitable coach Pete Cowen of The Academy at Emirates Golf Club in Association with Pete Cowen.

Pete explains how difficult it can be for the leading players who have lost their game, to find it again.

I

’VE always said that my greatest reward is seeing the success of the players I coach. Well, in last month’s Worldwide Golf magazine I explained what a pleasure it has been coaching Simon Dyson since before he was a teenager and how pleased I was to see him win the Irish Open at Killarney – the biggest win of his career so far.

I said he was a youngster who was prepared to try anything and that he never had stage fright. I wrote: “I always knew that once Simon actually believed how good he is he would go on and do great things and now he can move up to another level – top 30,top 20, top 10 – who knows?”

Within a week or so of the September’s Worldwide Golf being delivered Simon continued on the glory trail, winning the KLM Open in the Netherlands – his third victory in the event.

He showed just why he’s such a threat now by keeping his composure to birdie four of the last seven holes and shoot a final round 66 which put him one shot ahead of David Lynn and two ahead of Rory McIlroy with Lee Westwood in fifth and Ross Fisher tied for sixth.

Typically of Simon he was more pleased to have his name on the roll of honour with Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer as the only three players to score at hat-trick of wins in the event, than he was to actually win it. It was Simon’s second win within two months and his seventh top ten of the season, which

took him to ninth in The Race to Dubai. I should be backing these guys instead of coaching them. I’m in the wrong job.

My closing sentence last month was to say that Simon will be in contention for all the big events this season. He’s proved me right in Holland and I’d like to see him prove me right on an even bigger stage – at the Dubai World Championship.

There will always be great players who are struggling to find their game. It can happen that even the top players can go off their game just by trying too hard to improve. You can see that in Padraig Harrington at the moment.

I’ve been working with Padraig at the Dunhill Links Championship and we’re making progress. Padraig has tried harder than anyone to get better. He’ll say he’s a better player now and that the results will come. But when you’re over 40 and you’ve got so many good youngsters coming through thick and fast, and suddenly you’ve got 30 to contend with and not 10, then it’s tough.

You’ve always got to try to improve your game.

Sometimes it takes time. Sometimes it doesn’t work but you can’t have a go at anyone for trying to improve themselves. If, as a coach, I thought I knew everything then I wouldn’t improve. So I’ve got to believe there’s a better way of doing it somehow.

I’ve got to try and find it even if I’m my own guinea pig. Luckily, I can hit the shots and I can spend 30 or 40 days hitting it a certain way to see if there is an improvement that can be made – before I can take it and try and apply it anywhere else.

I can’t apply it just by thinking it might work. You’ve got to do your own research and development before you can decide whether it does work.

Tiger Woods reckoned that he had to completely rework his golf swing before he could become a better player. The theory isn’t working at the moment.

The only thing I would say about a Tiger Woods comeback is, compare him with Seve, who is the only player you could put almost on a par with Woods.

Seve never won a Major after the age of 32. As good as he was. That might be down to family, personal, or health and fitness problems. But because you’ve made yourself so insular in making yourself the best in the world, like Woods has done, when you have to share it with people, like family or friends, you can suddenly lose your focus on what made you the best.

You can lose the mystique that Woods and Seve had. Seve had that mystique. He almost had a glow about him. People would turn around just to see him. Woods had that same aura. He had that sheen about him for a long, long time and you couldn’t get through it. But now that Woods has lost that magical barrier he’s became almost normal.

I actually believe Woods was the best in the world in our era. In the mid-90s up until 2008 he was just unbelievable. When people ask ‘will he ever come back? you’ve got to say, it’s highly unlikely. But this game always confounds you. You could have said that Lee Westwood could never come back from where he’d got to – but he did.

You could argue that if Westwood could do it then Woods can do it. But has Tiger got the same strength of character and determination that Lee has got. It’ll be interesting to see how Tiger performs in The Presidents Cup. That could tell us a great deal about how he’s coming to terms with his life and his game.

Another player who I’ve always respected and admired is Thomas Björn. I used to work with Thomas many years ago and he recently asked if I could help him again. He understood how busy I am so he started working with one of my assistants, Mike Walker. Thomas and Mike hit it off immediately and the result has been that Thomas has won threer times this year. That’s fantastic. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. I’m delighted for him. Watch him go, now.

Pete Cowen and Thomas Björn. “Thomas is back to his best and after his recent back-to-back wins his confidence is sky high. He’ll be a serious contender from here on.”

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“

I’ve been working with Padraig at the dunhill links championship and we’re making progress. HE’s tried harder than anyone to get better.

He’ll say that he’s a better player now and that the results will come. But when you’re over 40 and you’ve got so many good youngsters coming through thick and fast, and suddenly you’ve got 30 to contend with and not 10, then it’s tough.

“

Pete working with Simon on the range during the Volvo World Match Play Championship at Finca Cortesin in Spain.

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SIMON DYSON

SWING

F R A M E B Y F R A M E A N A L Y S I S O F T H E swing the has made

1

2

Set-up: Luke looks good and ready to go but his arms are just a little stretched.

The right shoulder is under him and his hands are getting away from the body.

7

Move away: Here his right shoulder and right arm are too deep moving away from the body.

3

Luke’s hands are too deep and way across his body. The hands and shaft need to be more central as the club is getting away from him.

Luke tends to ‘throw’ the club at the ball but he gets away with it through wonderful hand and eye co-ordination

8

9

By Pete Cowen PGA MASTER PROFESSIONAL The Academy at Emirates GOLF CLUB in Association with PETE COWEN L uke donald number one on both european & P G A T O U R S

4

Here Luke’s right arms is not supporting his left and the left wrist is starting to bow.

5

6

Down Swing: Good move with the lower body but the issue here is the left shoulder is starting to go up.

Top of Swing: Here you can see great balance but the wrist is still bowing.

Along with great timing, rythum and balance Luke manages to save the shot. But he knows that his weekness is off the tee and needs to target the crutial elements that will eliminate the downforce and flash speed shown in this sequence with a movement that enables him to put more pressure on the ball.

This in turn will give more distance and consistency to help him win Majors.

10

11

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33

TUTORIAL

run or spin? find the technique that works for you

by Geoff Lound, PGA Professional, Abu dhabi Golf Club

A common feature of the championship courses in the region are the challenging, multiple level greens. When your ball is resting on the fairway just short of the green and the pin placement is on the middle or back level, you face a critical club selection.

Play to your strengths or manage your weakness!

This tutorial focuses on two distinct options when negotiating multiple level greens. Depending on your standard of golf and proficiency with the short game, choosing the correct club and resulting style of shot is essential to lowering your scores.

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TUTORIAL

If you are a higher handicap golfer it’s time to go LOW and get the ball running!

Choosing a low loft iron such as a 5-iron will result in a high percentage outcome as it will help you to: l Strike the ball cleanly with a lower-tothe-ground swing arc. l Control distance with a shorter, shoulders-and-arms swing l Get the ball rolling early, giving it a better chance to maintain speed and momentum to finish on the correct level. l Achieve manageable results from poorly struck shots. l The backswing resembles that of the putting stroke and after impact, allow your body to rotate toward the target. l MPut the majority of your weight on your lead leg and keep it there during the stroke. This will encourage a downward strike onto the back of the ball. l Hands should move target side of the ball. Combined with the club selection, this will help the ball to remain low to the ground. At impact, the hands will return to this position. l Place your hands all the way at the bottom of the grip. l Combine this with a light grip pressure and a very relaxed lead arm to avoid having the arms and hands working independently to the body l Narrow stance and ball position in the MIDDLE.

l This will allow the club to naturally bottom out just after the ball and your body to rotate freely after impact. This motion (with passive hands and wrists) will help to improve your quality of strike and distance control.

36

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CLUB: FIVE IRON

by Geoff Lound, PGA Professional, Abu dhabi Golf Club

If you are a low handicapper with confidence around the green, go HIGH and spin it!

If you are a low handicapper with confidence around the green, go HIGH and spin it!

By hitting a higher trajectory shot with spin, you can take the guesswork out of the elevation changes and breaking greens. After lots of practice you can land it near the flag and spin it!

Set-up l Your weight favouring your lead leg with a narrow stance. l Grip down the club one inch and open the clubface a little. l Minimal shaft lean toward the target at address. l Ball position in the middle of your stance.

Key factors to create spin l Ball sitting on short grass to allow clean, crisp contact. l Grass getting between the ball and clubface will reduce spin and control. l Shorter, more aggressive swing with firm wrists. l Increased clubhead speed will increase the ball’s spin rate. l Slightly open clubface. This allows better use of the club’s bounce as well as allowing you to swing faster without the ball going too far.

CLUB: MOST LOFTED

l Desirable conditions to attempt this shot (after lots of practice!). l Landing the ball on a flat level with medium to soft greens.

Appropriate equipment l Make sure you have the correct club.

Maximum loft and clean grooves are a must. Also, a softer cover ball will help increase spin.

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37

TUTORIAL

The perfect Practice series part 2

THE GRIP It’s at this time of year, right at the beginning of the season, that everyone should make a point of checking over the fundamentals of good technique. This includes the grip.

The grip is important for the establishment of a good set up and swing for many reasons.

Most obviously, the hands are the only part of the body that directly touch the club. It is for this reason the hands play a major role in the positioning of the club throughout the swing.

If the hands are poorly positioned and the club incorrectly balanced, a bad grip can cause poor alignment and posture, faulty wrist and arm mechanics and unnecessary manipulation of the clubface and swing path. It’s very common even for an experienced golfer to arrive for a lesson with a major grip fault that is directly inhibiting his/her ability to make the swing he/she wants.

A Glove-ly Practice Session How to use your glove to practice the correct hold AN item of equipment that I would recommend for everyone to own is a golf glove. This is especially true for those of us practicing in the Middle East where the heat and humidity can be so intense at this time of year. Frequently this summer I have witnessed an iron impersonating a helicopter flying down the range, having been released from the hands of someone trying to hit balls glove-free. A good well-fitting glove, regardless of brand, can make holding the club lightly yet securely so much easier, and compensate for how hot and humid the conditions may be.

The glove, with a few well positioned felt pen marks, can also be used as an effective practice aid. The first mark to position on the glove is on the inside of the hand running in a straight line from the knuckle joint of the index finger across the base of the fingers to the top of the small fingers callus pad. (see picture above) With the fingers pointing to the ground, the red line should be placed against the target side of the grip. This will help to place the handle of the club in the correct part of the top hand, not too much in the palm and not too much in the fingers. A common mistake we see with new golfers is the club positioned too much in the palm of the hand. This leads to poor wrist and arm mechanics, a heavily bowed left wrist and a powerless shot. (see picture right)

Enjoy a midweek round at Dubai Creek this October from AED 395* 38

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by Mike kinloch

SENIOR Golf Professional

Having positioned the grip in the correct part of the hand, it should now be easier to get the top of the hand on the grip correctly. What we are looking for is the correct amount of rotation. If you were to stand upright and relax both your arms by your side, you would see that the arm and hand hang gently, rotated inwards (picture above).

This is approximately the amount of rotation you want when you hold the club with your top hand. If you do this correctly and fold the top of your hand over the grip, you should be able to see the two knuckles closest to your thumb, your index finger and middle finger.

To help and you check this, mark these two knuckles with a red pen.

If you hold the club and you are unable to see these two red dots, the hand is in a weak position and will have the tendency to leave the clubface open at impact. See more knuckles than are marked with the pen and this is classed as a strong grip and often results in a closed clubface at impact

dubai creek golf & yacht club

You can also mark a straight line down the centre of the glove’s thumb.

This is useful for two reasons. For righthanded golfers, the thumb should be positioned just to the right of centre and parallel to the grip of the club.

Here’s how it should look from the golfer’s perspective (picture above).

It’s worth noting that the thumb is not stretched way down the grip, it is placed neatly next to the hand in what is described as a ‘short’ position’. This helps to support the club at the top of the backswing and can help maintain a controlled and compact swing.

The line on the thumb of the glove also helps to position the right hand on the club correctly. When the bottom hand is placed on to the grip, it should comfortably cover the gloved thumb and line. (picture above). Again, if we keep the position of the right thumb short, it helps the overall shape of the right hand and positions it on the grip and top hand without any gaps or spaces.

Tee-riffic Practice NOW that we have the hands nicely positioned on the grip, we need to ensure that we keep the contact between the hands and the grip constant. It can be disastrous if our hands move out of position during the swing. To monitor the all important connection between the hands themselves, for right-handed golfers place a tee between the top part of the left thumb and the fleshy base of the right hand and thumb. (picture left).

YOU should be able to make practice swings and hit shots without this tee flying out of position. If the tee flies away, your hands are coming apart during the swing.

Another important contact area that can be checked using a well positioned tee, is between the heel of the left hand and the top of the grip. Some golfers open up the fingers of the left hand at the top of the grip to try and encourage more wrist hinge or because they are trying to make the feel as loose and soft as possible. (picture bottom left) This action invariably leads to inconsistency and an early release in the downswing. After taking your top hand grip in the way described earlier, push a

tee between the grip and the heel of the left hand. Again, this tee should remain in place as you swing back and complete your backswing. Both these drills help to groove the correct connection between the hands and grip and promote a compact and controlled position with the hands all the way through the swing. (picture below).

HOMEWORK One of the things that regularly prevents recreational golfers from improving their grip is that initially the change can feel uncomfortable. This does not mean it’s wrong, it’s just different from what you’re used to doing.

To make any change easier, start practicing a modified grip with your chipping, then pitching and slowly work up to the full swing. You can even practice the positioning of the hands on the grip at home, sitting on the sofa.

With enough correct repetition a change in the grip can become comfortable quite quickly.

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39

WWGcolumnist

Playing to the home crowd

“

Performance So Aaron put in a tremendous performance at East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, and had a chance of winning the golf tournament. He’s played extremely well for a few years now.

It was a tough selection but the advantages of bringing him to one of his favourite golf courses made good sense and that’s why Aaron was my second pick.

I always felt when I was playing for a place in The Presidents Cup Team, that if somebody was keeping an eye on me and wanted me to perform, I wanted to know about it.

I always like to know how people perform under pressure, and by having the knowledge in your head can be very useful.

At the end of the day, you need to know how players perform.

Getting into The Presidents Cup means you’ve got to be able to perform under the highest of pressures. It’s a lot more pressure 40

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knowing that we are playing in the backyard of Australia, I wanted to hopefully load up the team with as many Aussies as I possibly could.

“

A

S The Presidents Cup fast approaches I’ve decided on my two Captain’s picks. My first choice is Robert Allenby. He was an obvious pick due to his extraordinary performances around Royal Melbourne Golf Club over the years – he won one event there by ten shots. His love of the golf course is very much evident and he’s still playing the golf course there.

Robert is a great team player. He has a lot of tenacity in team competitions. His spirit in the locker room with the other guys is exemplary so he was an automatic pick for me.

My second pick was Aaron Baddeley. I arrived at my choice of Aaron in an interesting, round-about way. I put in a call to both Aaron and John Senden at the start of The Tour Championship out of courtesy. Also on my list was Vijay Singh, Camilo Villegas and last year’s Open Champion, Louis Oosthuizen.

Knowing that we are playing in the backyard of Australia, I wanted to hopefully load up the team with as many Aussies as I possibly could. With the way Aaron performed, and John Senden performed in The Tour Championship, I put them both on notice that they were under scrutiny, and whoever played the best at The Tour Championship would, obviously, get the final nod.

Ernie Els tees off on the first hole during day four of the 2005 Heineken Classic at the Royal Melbourne Golf Cl than playing in The Tour Championship in a stroke-play event.

I suspected both John and Aaron would play very well. John was just as excited about the phone call and looking forward to the week. In the event, Aaron played the better golf.

I adopted the same method with Geoff Ogilvy. I called Geoff up many weeks ago, because he had fallen out of the Top-10. I just said: ‘Hey, Geoff, I need you on the Team.

What can I do to help you relax your mind.’

Basically, I said to him, ‘don’t worry about it, you’re going to be on the Team, irrespective of whether you’re in the Top-10.’

I took the pressure off of him because he wanted to be on the Team so badly. By doing that, he went out there and played extremely well and got himself back in that Top-10. I went two different ways with my guys. I needed all of them. I needed Robert, I needed Aaron, I needed Geoff and I needed the three guys on the Team and it just worked out perfectly for us. I think the

environment is going to be exactly what it was like in The 1998 Presudebts Cup. There are going to be a lot of enthusiastic players out there. Obviously, the balance of my Team is predominately southern hemisphere guys – South Africa and Australia. But at the same time, the way my Team has balanced out, the pairings look very easy.

Excited All the guys are so keen to play, and I’m just as excited at the challenge ahead. I’ve spoken to every single one of them. They just want to get down there. They know they’ve lost The Presidents Cup every year except one, and they want to win it again in their own backyard. The intensity is going to be very high.

Freddie Couples was 100 percent correct.

Back in ‘98 guys were taking time off before they got to Melbourne and flew right in.

This time most of the guys are either going to be in the same time zone, whether it’s Singapore, China or in Australia, so they

Aaron Baddlely has the game to delight the home fans With one win this year at the Northern Trust Open on the US PGA Tour and finishing tied third at the US PGA Tour Championship, Aaron has put together one of his best seasons.

He lies sixth on the PGA Tour Birdie Average and eighth on the Par Breakers statistics, making him a true match play threat.

“

Robert is a great team player. He has a lot of tenacity in team competitions. His spirit in the locker room with the other guys is exemplary so he was an automatic pick for me. we prepare for it and who could be on the Team and who may not be on the Team. As the months went by and the players were changing dramatically, he started texting me more and more and ringing me about it.

I love that type of open communication with my guys. It’s been no different all the way through to Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, K.J. Choi, Y.E. Yang – all the guys have been up front with me about how they feel about The Presidents Cup.

Balanced Whether I pair Jason and Adam together is a decision I’ll make with Frank and Tim. We’ll go down there and prepare and see how the guys are playing and how balanced they are with themselves on the golf course and off the golf course and then decide.

There’s a lot goes into the pairings. People think it’s automatic, but when I look at my Team, it may look very simplified in a lot of ways, but it’s not a good idea to make that decision until you’re on the spot. Freddie’s

“

are going to be over the time zone. I think the competition is going to be closer and tougher than it was in ‘98.

I had constant communication with Adam Scott and Jason Day. It was non-stop.

I had to seek the opinion of those guys, and, obviously, my assistants, Timmy Clark and Frank Nobilo were integral parts as well. They all know each other’s game and they know them as individuals.

Adam was very forthright in his thoughts and opinions on having a Geoff Ogilvy or Robert Allenby or an Aaron Baddeley or a John Senden on the Team. He wanted to see it loaded up with Aussies, because it’s in our backyard. Jason Day and Adam have been standard bearers for the International side out there on Tour for a while now.

The enthusiasm they have shown, not just in the last month, but in the last six months has been fantastic.

When Adam was staying with me for the Florida Swing earlier this year, all we talked about was The Presidents Cup and how do

PICTURED ABOVE: Freddie Couples’ Captain’s Pick Tiger Woods with Greg Norman’s Wild Card Pick, Australian Robert Allenby.

choice of Tiger Woods and Bill Haas are phenomenal picks. One guy who has basically dominated the game for years and has a tremendous amount of respect out there, to young Bill who has done a fantastic job in earning his way on the Team.

Both Freddie and I have been in a really tough position. I had to leave off Major winners in Louis Oosthuizen and Vijay Singh.

I had to look at those guys and John Senden and Camilo Villegas who are playing really well – it really was a tough call.

In a way our work is done and we can prepare and get ready. Right now I’m enjoying practicing myself, which I haven’t been able to do for the last 12 months. Now the fun starts. www.wwgolf.biz

41

DIVOTS RULES EXPLAINED:

by Stuart McMurdo, Golf Operations Manager at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa

NICK Watney grounds out at the Deutsche Bank Having worked hard all year and leading the FedExCup standings before the PGA Tour Play-offs, Nick Watney did himself no favours by loosing his cool in the final round of the Deutsche Bank Championship at the TPC Boston course.

On the Par-5 second hole Nick hit his third shot from the back of the green into reeds in a water hazard. He elected to play the ball as it lay which was one of many options available to him. Whilst hitting from there he managed to chunk the ball deeper into the hazard ahead of him to the right.

He walked up to where he’d hit his ball and found it deep in the water unplayable. In frustration he then smashed his club into a rock in the hazard and walked back to drop the ball in the fairway, some 100 yards back from the green as the hazard was marked yellow – a water hazard.

A referee later informed Nick that he had grounded his club in the hazard (rule 13 – 4, prohibited actions in a hazard) and was penalised an extra two shots which took his score from a 9 to an 11, pushing him further down the FedExcup points list.

Who says the albatross is extinct After a recent golf trip to the Blue Canyon Course in Thailand, Dubai golfer John Fellingham will be forever reliving the par-5 ninth hole after carding his first albatross. Witnessed by Jean Francios Luquer, former general manager of the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, John hit a wind assisted drive 347 yards to set up an easy seven iron approach shot. The ball landed three feet short of the pin before rolling straight into the cup.

NEWs update

GB&I end eight year Walker Cup drought GREAT Britain and Ireland won the Walker Cup for the first time since 2003 with a superb 14-12 victory against the United States at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.

Entering the contest as underdogs the GB&I team raced into a 7-5 lead after day one and after the second day’s fourballs they led 10.5 – 5.5 heading into the final day’s singles.

With ten points on offer the chance of a comeback was strong for the USA and they started well, taking the opening two points on offer with Russell Henley defeating Tom Lewis 4&2 and Jordan Spieth defeating Andy Sullican 3&2.

Englishman Jack Senior steadied the ship, halving his match with Nathan Smith before Scotland’s Michael Stewart edged GB&I closer to victory with a 3&2 win over Patrick Rodgers. In a repeat of the 2009 singles Stiggy Hodgson played Peter Uihlein and once again the American prevailed with a 2&1 win but after

17-year-old Welshman Rhys Pugh downed the recently crowned US Amateur champion Kelly Kraft 2&1 it was left to Steven Brown to clinch the victory with a half point from his match with Blayne Barber.

“It’s just fantastic,” said Captain Nigel Edwards. “The boys have been awesome all week. They’ve got a fantastic team spirit. We were not

given much chance but I was not going to let them think that they didn’t have a chance.”

Chris Williams and Harris English made the scoreline more respectable for the USA with respective victories over Alan Dunbar and James Byrne while the top amateur in the world, Patrick Cantlay, halved the final match with Ireland’s Paul Cutler.

Donald and McIlroy say the Tiger Era is over CURRENT World Nos.1 and 3 Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy believe that Tiger Woods’ dominance on the game of golf is over following the American’s fall from form over the past two years.

“When you get that combination of injury plus the scandal that went on, mentally that’s quite scarring,” Donald said. “It’s a lot to take, even for someone with one of the strongest minds in golf – it’s a confidence sport.

“Even though Tiger’s only 35, there are a lot of young guys coming up – Rory McIlroy and Keegan Bradley and a bunch of others. I would assume a new era is upon us.”

McIroy said recently: ““We saw the best of Tiger in 2000 and 2001. I don’t think golf can be played any better than that but Tiger getting back to number one will be difficult for him because the fields are so much deeper.”

Lexi Thompson youngest winner on LPGA Tour at 16 AMERICAN Lexi Thompson made LPGA Tour history last month when she became the Tour’s youngest ever winner with a five-stroke victory at the Navistar Classic, five months short of her 17th birthday.

Lexi cruised to a 17-under-total with a final round 70 to take home a cheque for $195,000 with father Scott proudly watching on the bag.

The previous youngest winner in the women’s game was Marlene Hagge who won the Sarasota Open in 1952 aged 18. On the European Ladies Tour South Africa’s Ashleigh Ann Simon, then 18, is the youngest winner.

Shot of the month

Round of the Month

You don’t get any braver than Bill Haas with his wonder shot out of the water on the first play-off hole at the Tour Championship. He knocked in the following putt and went on to win the play-off and the 2011 FedEx Cup. You could argue that shot was worth more than $11 million!!

Thomas Björn is in the form of his life but he looked out of contention going into the final round of the Omega European Masters. With Westwood, McIlroy and Donaldson clear at the top of the leaderboard after the third round no one espected Thomas to produce a final round 62, containing 9 birdies, an eagle and two bogies to win by four shots. www.wwgolf.biz

43

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MENA GOLF TOUR

By ROSS BAIN

first tournament gets off to a flyer H AVING finished a creditable fourth in the first of the MENA Tour events, played at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club last month, I can declare the Tour a big success. I was expecting it to be good – and it was.

Golf in Dubai have got a long track record going back many years’ in organising and hosting world-class golf events so it was no surprise that everything ran very smoothly. There was a really friendly atmosphere throughout the whole three days and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

It was sensible to use golf carts because on one day temperatures were in the 40s and using carts certainly speeded up play. Slow play can be a problem with combined professional-amateur events but the amateurs playing at Saadiyat Beach were of a high enough calibre for that not to be of any concern.

“

Golf courses in the Middle East are never at their best at this time of year, at the end of the summer, but the Saadiyat Beach course could not have been in better condition for late September.

“

Golf courses in the Middle East are never at their best at this time of year, at the end of the summer, but the Saadiyat Beach course could not have been in better condition for late September. All the players were happy with the state of the course and I certainly heard no complaints.

Although golf in Dubai didn’t get the maximum number of entries for the first event, this is a very busy time of the year. It was a pity that the UAE National Team Members could not have played the event but I can understand that they had a clash of fixtures. With the various Tour Qualifying Schools and other events around the world like the Asia Amateur Championship, the MENA Golf

MEMORBALE MOMENT FOR MENA TOUR: Zane Scotland (above) carded a final round 67 to win the first event on the Mena Golf Tour Calendar at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi.

FINAL LEADERBOARD 1 Zane Scotland 2 Yasin Ali 3 Younes El Hassani 4 Ross Bain 5 Sean McNamara

Tour is competing against some well-established tournaments.

There were a number of familiar faces among the club pros taking part. I expected a few more but, again, this is the start of the new golf season and one of the busiest times of the year for them.

I was pleased to see my old friend Zane Scotland win the event on 8-under, shooting 67 in the final round and picking up the $9,000 first prize. That will have the effect of encouraging more professionals from the UK and Europe coming over to compete on the MENA Golf Tour. That level of prizemoney will entice a lot of European pros to play. Word will soon get around. The more amateurs who

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72 69 71 69 73

67 70 71 72 69

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make the cut and finish in the top 50, the more prizemoney there is for the pros. In the Saadiyat Beach event there were seven amateurs in the top 50, which means the total prizemoney was shared between 43 pros and not 50.

The MENA Tour can build on the success of this first event and I’m sure it will progress and attract many more players – professionals and amateurs. I can only play two more MENA Tour events before I head to India for the Indian Open and then to Houston in the United States for the US PGA Tour Qualifying School. I’ll be doing my best to win this second event. Let’s hope I do a Kenny Perry and get better and better as I get older. n www.wwgolf.biz

45

THE

LUCKIEST

BALL ON EARTH

YOUR CHANCE TO PLAY IN THE 2011 DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PRO-AM This December, the world’s greatest golfers are coming to Dubai to compete for the 2011 Dubai World Championship, presented by DP World. And you could be playing alongside them, in the curtain-raising Rolex Pro-Am on the iconic Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

There are 60 Balls - the Luckiest Balls on Earth - that will gain you entry into the deciding tournament.

Forty can be won through participating Emirates Golf Federation golf clubs. The remaining twenty are hidden amongst range balls throughout the participating clubs.

Find one, and you’re in. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Visit www.DubaiWorldChampionship.com for more information and entry details.

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WWGcolumnist

ALL EYES ON THE BALL – Ross Fisher and Graeme McDowell look on approvingly as young Dhruv Nair tees off on the Old Course at St. Andrews.

I

T’S been a strange few weeks for me on the golf course. On one hand I feel like I’m playing really well but I just haven’t been sinking the putts to make it count.

My caddie Adam said to me the other day, “As soon as you start holing some putts you’re going to win because you’re hitting the ball the best I’ve ever seen you hit it - from tee to green you’re playing great, your short game’s really sharp, your bunker play is world class.

As soon at the flat stick starts going and the putts start falling you’re going to be seriously contending and winning tournaments.”

We’re all in the same boat where that’s concerned. This game all comes down to holing putts – that’s what wins you tournaments and I’ve been working really hard on that side of things so, hopefully, it will start to pay off. I was doing some work with Dave Stockton Jnr at the PGA Championship and I was really excited by the results we were getting – I thought I’d found something – but just recently it’s not been going as well as I would have hoped.

I played nicely in Holland at the KLM Open, which is obviously a tournament that holds great memories for me as I won my first European Tour title there back in 2007. I had a decent first round of 66 which I had to finish on the Friday because the event was affected by weather.

I finished my opening round really strongly but then had a 55 minute wait before starting my second round which kind of did me in. I wish I could have kept going because I was in the rhythm. I started the second round with three bogeys and ended up with a 74 so I thought I was going to miss the cut. I was pleased that I didn’t but I was off very early the next day and shot a good score (67) so I knew I was going to have to go silly low to win it. I

PUTTS WIN EVENTS finished with a 66 for tied sixth so in the end it was a very positive week but it was one of those weeks where if I’d putted half decently I could have won by a few shots.

It was a similar story at the Vivendi Seve Trophy. I putted really well in the first match but that was as good as it got. I was paired with Scott Jamieson, who is a great prospect, and we bounced off each other really well to beat Peter Hanson and Raphaël Jacquelin 6&4.

Scott’s a great player. I’ve seen what he can do first hand and I was excited to play with him. It was a slightly new experience for me as I was one of the elder statesmen of the team and Paul (McGinley) asked me if I minded taking that role.

Positive week I said, “You know me mate, I’ll play with anyone,” and I think that helped him out. I really enjoyed it but unfortunately we lost our next match together against Nicolas Colsaerts and Matteo Manassero.

Overall, the week was really positive. I played nicely and it was good to end up on the winning team. I also enjoyed the responsibility of being one of the more experienced team members and Paul said some really nice things about me.

I played with him in the second round of the Dunhill Links Championship and he said he was going out for dinner with Ollie (Ryder Cup Captain José Maria Olazábal) during the Madrid Masters and would be putting in a good word for me. He said, “You’d be an asset to the team because you can play with

anyone and I think that will hold you in good stead.” Hopefully, I can play my way into the team on merit but if a pick were needed it’s good to know that there’s somebody who thinks very highly of you, putting in a word.

On the Monday before the Dunhill started young Dhruv Nair, who won the junior section of this year’s Emirates Airline Invitational at Yas Links, played with GMac (Graeme McDowell) and myself around St Andrews. It was an auction prize he’d been generously given by the ex-manager of Al Ahli FC, David O’Leary.

It was a great day and we all really enjoyed it. I was disappointed that I missed the first tee because my plane was delayed but I caught them up on the first green and we had a good time.

Druv played really nicely and both GMac and I thought he was a good kid and a good little prospect for the future. If he works hard he could have a great future ahead of him.

It says all about Abdullah Al Naboodah and the Emirates Airline Invitational to provide a trip like that for a young lad which he will remember for the rest of his life and use as inspiration to pursue his golfing career.

As for my own performance at the Dunhill it was a similar story. I played really well for the most part put I think my putting stats for the week were 32, 33, 34, 35, which is not going to cut it – so I know what I need to do. n

In the know wIth Ross FIsheR Ross FisheR Finished tied sixth at the KLM open and 64th at the dunhiLL LinKs chaMpionship. he contRibuted 2 ½ points to Gb& iReLand’s 15 ½ - 12 ½ victoRy oveR continentaL euRope in the vivendi seve tRophy in paRis and is cuRRentLy 79th in the oFFiciaL WoRLd GoLF RanKinG and 43Rd in the Race to dubai.

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47 47

PLAYER quotEs JokEs woRd of thE month CARtoons

CLUBHOUSE QUICKIES Top

weets

Top

@WorldwideGolf even with 1 leg you’re quicker than me!! I’ve worn a few dodgy outfits in my time but @ V good for an old ‘un!

WestwoodLee orange corduroy trousers & top – the in-form Jamie Donaldson is still are minging. Bright orange is what was you were dodging the mountain bike challenge thinking – Ian Poulter rips into Lee Westwood’s choice of attire with old friend and ‘sparring partner’ WWG Editor, Alex Gallemore.

at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.and WWG Editor.

woRd of thE month: Windcheater – A low, driving shot that is effective playing into a headwind. Amateurs often use this term after they’ve unintentionally hit a low, straight shot.

Monkey Business The pro at the country club was so rude.

When he beat you on the golf course he not only took your money he then told you everything you did wrong and suggested that you would never be able to hit the ball out of your own shadow.

One of the members had just about had enough, so he bought a gorilla and trained it to play golf. he then set up a game with the pro.

The day of the match arrived and all parties were ready. The first hole was a par five of 575 yards. The pro teed off splitting the fairway some 270 yards out.

The gorilla lumbered up to the tee, placed the ball on the ground and made a mighty swing. The ball rocketed off the clubface 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 575 yards and stopped five inches from the cup.

The pro just about fell out of his pants.

If this was an indication of the way things were going to go then he would never live it down. he immediately settled the bet, making excuses that he had urgent business across town.

As they walked from the tee the pro asked the member, “how does he putt?”

“The same as he drives – 575 yards,” came the reply. ”

weets

@WestwoodLee 10 million??

Really? I hadn’t heard. In that case I’d better really try today!

– Luke Donald in reply to words of encouragement from his compatriot regarding the amount of money on offer at the FedExCup.

Did you know?

In 1914, J.N. Farrar accepted a bet that he could complete a round at Royston Golf Club in under 100 … while carrying full infantry equipment, including rifle, haversack, field kit and water bottle.

He shot a 94.

Before a bridge was built for access, players wanting to play at Portmarnock Golf Club, just north of Dublin, had to walk to the course at low tide or take a rowing boat.

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49 49

TEAM NEWS

EuropE toast stunning solhEim succEss THE European Solhiem Cup Team ended a miserable run of three straight defeats at a wet and windy Killeen Castle in Ireland after a superb victory over their American counterparts.

Europe prevailed 15-13 on a dramatic final day after taking seven points from the singles matches to win the biennial competition for the first time since 2003.

“My team played with such heart and passion,” said European Captain Alison Nicholas. “The rookies were fantastic and the experienced players have done so well.

They are all champions – this is my proudest moment ever.”

On a day when pouring rain, gusting winds and the threat of lightning forced three suspensions of play, both sets of players were forced to dig deep to try and seal victory.

With the scores level at 8-8 heading into the singles, Scotland’s Catriona Matthew got Europe off to the perfect start by winning the

GB&I hang on to win the Vivendi Seve Trophy THE lower order of the Great Britain and Ireland side fought off a spirited comeback from their Continental Europe counterparts to successfully defend the Vivendi Seve Trophy.

Trailing 11 ½ - 6 ½ overnight, Jean Van De Velde’s Continentals stormed out of the blocks, winning the first five singles matches to bring the scores level.

However, that was as good as it got as wins for Scott Jamieson, Mark Foster and Ian Poulter, along with half points from Ross Fisher and David Horsey secured GB&I a 15 ½ - 12 ½ victory.

“Lucky I had the team well balanced – not just in experience but with guys in form balanced nicely throughout the team,” said GB&I Captain Paul McGinley (pictured below with the trophy).

Van de Velde had loaded his top order with form players and it immediately paid off as Thomas Björn came from three down to beat World Number Two Lee Westwood 2 and 1.

Anders Hansen then beat Simon Dyson 1-up, Francesco Molinari and Alex Noren won their respective matches with Jamie Donaldson and Robert Rock 4&3 and Miguel Angel Jimenez made light work of Open Champion Darren Clarke, defeating him 4&2.

But it wasn’t to be for Continental Europe as Jamieson, Poulter and Foster each defeated their opponents, Pablo Larrazabal, Matteo Manassero and Raphael Jacquelin on the 18th to give GB&I their sixth consecutive triumph in the event.

“It was extremtly close,” lamented

first match 6&5 against Paula Creamer before Sophie Gufstason defeated Stacy Lewis 2-up to put Europe two clear.

Karen Stupples notched a point without hitting a ball after Cristie Kerr, her opponent in the anchor match, was forced to forfeit their game due to tendonitis in her right arm.

Despite their early setbacks America fought back with victories from Vicky Hurst, Morgan Pressel, Brittany Lang and Christina Kim but it wasn’t enough as Europe strode home with impressive wins from Suzann Pettersen, who birdied the last three holes to come from behind and beat Michelle Wie; Azahara Munoz who beat Angela Stanford 1-up and Christel Boeljon who defeated former Women’s World Match Play Champion Brittany Lincicome 2-up.

Two half points each from rookie Caroline Hedwall and the vastly experienced Laura Davies helped Europe reach their target before celebrating in front of the famous Irish castle. www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz

51 51

HOSPITALITY

The Hospitality Pavilion, overlooking the 18th hole, offers superb viewing and premium dining in luxurious, climate-controlled surroundings. For more hospitality details call +971 56 789 3865 or email: Hospitality@DubaiWorldChampionship.com.

Visit www.DubaiWorldChampionship.com for more information.

RACE TO DUBAI

As of September 26, 2011

tHe european tour r aCe to DuBai r anking Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Name

Country

DONALD Luke ENG McILROY Rory NIR SCHWARTZEL Charl RSA WESTWOOD Lee ENG KAYMER Martin GER HANSEN Anders DEN BJÖRN Thomas DEN CLARKE Darren NIR DYSON Simon ENG NOREN Alexander SWE LARRAZÁBAL Pablo ESP JIMÉNEZ Miguel Angel ESP QUIROS Alvaro ESP COLSAERTS Nicolas BEL POULTER Ian ENG YANG Y. E. KOR GARCIA Sergio ESP MOLINARI Francesco ITA MANASSERO Matteo ITA AIKEN Thomas RSA HANSON Peter SWE FOSTER Mark ENG JACQUELIN Raphaël FRA GOOSEN Retief RSA LEVET Thomas FRA KARLSSON Robert SWE CASEY Paul ENG COETZEE George RSA EDFORS Johan SWE ROCK Robert ENG OOSTHUIZEN Louis RSA ANDERSSON HED Fredrik SWE DONALDSON Jamie WAL HORSEY David ENG OLESEN Thorbjørn DEN McDOWELL Graeme NIR BOURDY Grégory FRA LYNN David ENG JAMIESON Scott SCO FISHER Ross ENG MOLINARI Edoardo ITA ELS Ernie RSA LUITEN Joost NED GREEN Richard AUS MOORE Ryan USA LAWRIE Paul SCO CABRERA-BELLO Rafael ESP COLES Robert ENG VAN ZYL Jaco RSA MARTIN Pablo ESP

Tournaments Played 10 15 15 16 17 19 17 19 23 21 25 22 16 15 13 11 10 16 15 19 17 19 21 15 16 10 13 21 21 25 17 21 20 21 25 13 22 19 24 17 16 11 20 15 8 17 26 24 18 21

Prize Money

Rank

€3,778,199 €2,151,474 €2,023,252 €1,913,751 €1,873,115 €1,618,037 €1,381,444 €1,346,160 €1,298,904 €1,015,235 €935,229 €907,380 €879,937 €844,111 €805,369 €751,592 €747,418 €744,103 €741,087 €734,031 €706,981 €691,095 €688,929 €667,051 €635,027 €626,311 €614,739 €607,571 €596,255 €595,025 €591,823 €579,665 €568,085 €563,586 €553,227 €551,281 €537,361 €536,310 €497,025 €465,418 €464,018 €457,153 €444,158 €439,979 €433,000 €429,408 €424,718 €420,686 €419,164 €418,533

51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

Name

Country

GALLACHER Stephen FINCH Richard WHITEFORD Peter GAGLI Lorenzo FERRIE Kenneth DAVIES Rhys RAMSAY Richie HAVRET Grégory AGUILAR Felipe CHOWRASIA S.S.P LAWRIE Peter KJELDSEN Søren LOWRY Shane BOYD Gary WALL Anthony KINGSTON James NOH Seung-yul ROSE Justin WOOD Chris WIESBERGER Bernd DERKSEN Robert-Jan CABRERA Angel LARA José Manuel FRASER Marcus MORRISON James SINGH Jeev Milkha GONZALEZ Ricardo OTTO Hennie DREDGE Bradley GONNET Jean-Baptiste FISHER Oliver WIEGELE Martin GARRIDO Ignacio HOEY Michael NILSSON Christian SJÖHOLM Joel JONZON Michael HARRINGTON Padraig GOYA Tano ZANOTTI Fabrizio DUBUISSON Victor HOWELL David TULLO Mark WATTEL Romain FLOREN Oscar JACOBSON Fredrik SIEM Marcel STORM Graeme McGRANE Damien DEL MORAL Carlos

SCO ENG SCO ITA ENG WAL SCO FRA CHI IND IRL DEN IRL ENG ENG RSA KOR ENG ENG AUT NED ARG ESP AUS ENG IND ARG RSA WAL FRA ENG AUT ESP NIR SWE SWE SWE IRL ARG PAR FRA ENG CHI FRA SWE SWE GER ENG IRL ESP

Tournaments Played 21 22 24 20 25 23 23 21 22 18 18 21 19 21 23 20 19 9 22 27 20 5 23 13 24 26 15 21 22 21 25 26 24 23 21 26 25 13 24 22 20 22 23 25 22 4 24 24 25 24

Prize Money €417,294 €409,329 €397,971 €397,424 €389,400 €388,331 €384,575 €382,526 €377,245 €370,593 €366,274 €364,155 €360,121 €359,225 €357,850 €350,362 €348,140 €345,001 €339,534 €333,357 €322,217 €320,742 €309,044 €299,215 €298,612 €285,396 €284,802 €284,296 €278,642 €276,835 €271,318 €270,886 €267,348 €264,279 €262,201 €256,711 €255,257 €253,588 €253,359 €252,824 €251,876 €245,567 €244,106 €240,129 €238,303 €235,697 €233,452 €231,165 €230,439 €222,993

e x p l a n at i o n o f t H e e u r o p e a n t o u r r a C e t o D u B a i 2 0 1 1 The Race to Dubai on The 2011 European Tour International Schedule will feature 50 tournaments in 29 destinations, including new events in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Malaysia and Sicily, culminating in the Dubai World Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The curtain came down on The 2010 Race to Dubai with Sweden’s Robert Karlsson finishing the year in style by winning the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World while Martin Kaymer secured The Harry Vardon Trophy by finishing European Number One ahead of Ryder Cup colleague Graeme McDowell. The third edition of The Race to Dubai will again conclude with the Dubai World Championship and will again carry a prize fun of $7,500,000 while The Race to Dubai Bonus Pool remains at $7,500,000 to be divided between the leading 15 players at the conclusion of the season.

The Race To Dubai bonus Pool 1 US$ 1,500,000 2 US$ 1,125,000 3 US$ 750,000 4 US$ 600,000 5 US$ 525,000

6 US$ 450,000 7 US$ 412,500 8 US$ 375,000 9 US$ 337,500 10 US$ 300,000

11 US$ 262,500 12 US$ 243,750 13 US$ 225,000 14 US$ 206,250 15 US$ 187,500

WWGcolumnist

GAry PlAyer iS A true leGend of the GAme. the South AfricAn iS one of only five PlAyerS to hAve won A cAreer GrAnd SlAm of All four mAjorS. he hAS won A totAl of nine mAjorS And nine Senior mAjorS, AmonG 167 tour eventS worldwide.

BJORN AND ROSE GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS

I

T’S always good to see a player who’s been struggling to find his form getting his game back together and winning tournaments again. It’s happened to Thomas Björn and Justin Rose in recent weeks and I’m delighted. They are both two of the nicest players in the game.

I couldn’t have been more pleased to see Thomas Björn win back-to-back tournaments at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and the Omega European Masters in Switzerland. He’d won the Estoril Open de Portugal last year to end a four-year draught without a win.

He started the season in the best possible way by winning the third tournament of The European Tour’s Middle East Swing in February, the Qatar Masters, in confident style by four shots from the 2009 champion Alvaro Quiros.

Thomas has done a lot in representing The European Tour players. He was appointed Chairman of The European Tour’s Tournament Committee in 2007 and has done an excellent job. He’s one of the most popular and most respected players on The Tour and he’s always been prepared to help his fellow players and The Tour.

european success He was the first Dane to play in The Ryder Cup and contributed considerably to Europe’s success. He was on the winning team on both occasions he played, at Valderrama in 1997 when Seve was Captain and at The Belfry in 2002 when Sam Torrance was Captain. He was also one of Bernhard Langer’s Vice-Captains at Oakland Hills in 2004 and one of Colin Montgomerie’s ViceCaptains at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales last year when Europe defeated the USA by one point.

He also played in the Continental Europe Team in the Seve Trophy against Great Britain and Ireland five times from 2000 and went on to Captain the Team in 2009. Thomas has represented Denmark in four World Cups and later this year will partner Anders Hansen in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China.

54

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He’s an all-round team player but he’s also a very talented and determined individual. He showed just how good he can be when he’s under pressure at Gleneagles when he had to endure a five-man play-off before winning the 12th title of his European Tour career. It was a case of last man standing as it took five successive trips down the 18th hole before Thomas’s third birdie in a row knocked out the remaining George Coetzee.

The following week Thomas shot a magnificent 9-under 62 in the final round to defeat Martin Kaymer by four shots.

Thomas played the last five holes in fiveunder having started his final round three shots off the lead. Thomas’s three wins matched Luke Donald’s three wins in the

2011 season. It was also good to see Justin Rose winning again – becoming the first European to win one of the events in the PGA Tour’s Play-offs for the FedExCup series and the first to win the BMW Championship in the US since 1934.

Justin was unfortunate not to be selected as a Captain’s pick by Colin Montgomerie in last October’s Ryder Cup, having won twice on the US PGA Tour last summer. But Justin took his disappointment on the chin and continues to play well in the States despite not having won on The European Tour since 2007.

Justin had the good grace to admit that it was a bizarre final round at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, Chicago, in the

Above: Thomas björn is congratulated by his caddie after shooting a nine-under-par 62 to win the omega european Masters at Crans-Sur-Sierre in Switzerland.

Above: Justin Rose celebrates his first victory of 2011 in September’s bMW Championship at Cog Hill in Chicago, the third event of the US PGA Tour Playoffs for the FedexCup..

LeFT: Consummate professional David Toms is presented with the Payne Stewart Award prior to the US PGA Tour Championship at east Lake Golf Club, Atlanta.

third event of the four-tournament PGA Tour Play-offs for the FedExCup. He was five shots ahead with ten holes to play and seemed to be coasting to victory. With a bogey on the 15th his lead had been cut to one shot by Australian John Senden but he chipped in on the 17th for an unlikely birdie and calmly twoputted the final hole for an eventful victory.

I WAS pleased that the US PGA Tour have recognised David Toms in awarding him the Payne Stewart Award for his dedication to helping at-risk children. David is a fine golfer but, more importantly, a fine man.

I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the Payne Stewart Award, which is given to a player who shares Payne Stewart’s respect for

the tradition of golf, commitment to charity and presentation of himself and the sport through his dress and conduct. As a recipient of the Award in 2006 I know what a great honour it is.

THE Australian Open has received a huge boost with Emirates Airline taking up the title sponsorship of the event.

As a former winner of the Championship (Gary took the title seven times between 19581974) it’s good to see Emirates extend their golf sponsorship for this year’s event at the Lakes Golf Club in Sydney from November 10th -13th.

Emirates already sponsor 18 golf tournaments worldwide, including the Australian PGA Championship which I was also fortunate enough to win in 1957.

I WAS delighted to hear that the 27-hole course we designed at Jinji Lake Golf Club, Suzhou, eight years ago on reclaimed land has become the first golf club in mainland China to receive Golf Environment Organisation certification.

It is an honour and something we can be very proud of. Protecting the environmental integrity of a golf course and the surrounding land is something that I and our entire design team is very serious about and Jinji Lake Golf Club being the first to receive the GEO certified ecolabel is fantastic. A commitment to environmental sensitivity can only be successful if the management team is committed to doing so and the team Jinji Lake Golf Club has clearly made the commitment – well done to all of them. n

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55 55

They’ll love the view.

You’ll love the challenge.

“The Dunes” – Par 4 – 455 Yards

Welcome to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, home to the Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront course, designed by golfing legend Gary Player.

This captivating destination is poised to become one of the world’s truly great courses. Enjoy a round with your friends with our exciting offer this October.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club four-ball package: • Thursday to Saturday - AED 2,300 • Sunday to Wednesday - AED 1,600 • Inclusive of an AED 200 voucher per group to spend on day of play at the Club To book, call us on +971 2 557 8000 or email info@sbgolfclub.ae

www.sbgolfclub.ae

O F F I C I A L

W O R L D

G O L F

R A N K I N G

As of MoNDAY sEPTEMbEr 26, 2011

ArouND ThE worlD oN ThE EuroPEAN Tour & us PGA Tour

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Luke Donald Lee Westwood Rory McIlroy Steve Stricker Dustin Johnson Martin Kaymer Jason Day Phil Mickelson Adam Scott Matt Kuchar Nick Watney Webb Simpson Charl Schwartzel K.J. Choi Graeme McDowell Bubba Watson Justin Rose Hunter Mahan David Toms Bill Haas Ian Poulter Kim Kyung-Tae Paul Casey Robert Karlsson Jim Furyk Brandt Snedeker Keegan Bradley Anders Hansen Thomas Bjorn Simon Dyson Zach Johnson Jason Dufner Martin Laird Francesco Molinari Geoff Ogilvy Bo Van Pelt Rickie Fowler Matteo Manassero Darren Clarke Retief Goosen Alvaro Quiros Gary Woodland Y.E.. Yang Miguel A Jimenez Ernie Els Ryo Ishikawa Sergio Garcia Ryan Moore Aaron Baddeley Tiger Woods

Eng Eng Nir USA USA Deu Aus USA Aus USA USA USA Saf Kor Nir USA Eng USA USA USA Eng Kor Eng Swe USA USA USA Dnk Dnk Eng USA USA Sco Ita Aus USA USA Ita Nir Saf Esp USA Kor Esp Saf Jpn Esp USA Aus USA

Pts. Avg

Tot. Pts

Events

10.71 7.90 6.85 6.66 6.57 6.54 6.01 5.69 5.64 5.59 5.27 4.94 4.90 4.69 4.48 4.45 4.28 4.20 4.20 3.93 3.84 3.71 3.70 3.65 3.52 3.50 3.47 3.36 3.34 3.31 3.31 3.30 3.29 3.27 3.26 3.25 3.25 3.21 3.20 3.20 3.19 3.12 3.10 3.09 3.07 2.91 2.90 2.90 2.84 2.80

567.73 371.17 356.10 273.10 328.65 327.08 270.48 272.89 282.03 302.09 263.62 266.63 264.66 253.32 241.71 213.53 231.32 227.01 205.98 212.28 195.94 200.16 173.68 197.27 172.28 189.19 187.46 177.98 173.77 178.88 165.51 168.23 177.46 176.74 166.32 175.33 175.28 128.43 166.62 172.73 159.40 146.63 167.53 166.82 165.70 156.98 142.13 147.88 153.10 111.89

53 47 52 41 50 50 45 48 50 54 50 54 54 54 54 48 54 54 49 54 51 54 47 54 49 54 54 53 52 54 50 51 54 54 51 54 54 40 52 54 50 47 54 54 54 54 49 51 54 40

Pts. Gained 458.93 217.79 252.53 207.56 249.65 203.46 226.97 201.03 206.62 216.62 224.62 262.49 219.28 210.20 91.14 166.67 167.02 158.74 186.33 171.94 96.62 114.18 74.08 111.87 75.40 173.45 181.17 149.22 157.95 142.71 97.59 155.14 135.53 73.81 99.14 113.41 122.13 88.70 140.12 78.32 125.38 161.08 132.93 91.18 46.74 93.40 123.86 103.54 161.48 45.42

51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

Jonathan Byrd Louis Oosthuizen Peter Hanson Edoardo Molinari Vijay Singh Robert Allenby Mark Wilson Tim Clark Fredrik Jacobson John Senden Lucas Glover Rory Sabbatini Ryan Palmer Charley Hoffman Chez Reavie Charles Howell-III Sean O’Hair Yuta Ikeda Scott Verplank Camilo Villegas Ben Crane Alexander Noren Ross Fisher Richard Green Bae Sang-moon Kevin Na J.B. Holmes Tetsuji Hiratsuka Anthony Kim Nicolas Colsaerts Steve Marino Chris Kirk Jeff Overton Padraig Harrington Hiroyuki Fujita Brian Davis Raphael Jacquelin Robert Garrigus Brendan Jones Spencer Levin Fredrik Andersson Hed Pablo Larrazabal Tommy Gainey Jamie Donaldson Carl Pettersson D.A. Points Davis Love-III Stewart Cink George Coetzee David Horsey

USA Saf Swe Ita Fji Aus USA Saf Swe Aus USA Saf USA USA USA USA USA Jpn USA Col USA Swe Eng Aus Kor USA USA Jpn USA Bel USA USA USA Irl Jpn Eng Fra USA Aus USA Swe Esp USA Wal Swe USA USA USA Saf Eng

Pts. Avg

Tot. Pts

Events

2.73 2.67 2.61 2.56 2.55 2.51 2.50 2.50 2.47 2.47 2.44 2.43 2.42 2.23 2.20 2.20 2.20 2.19 2.15 2.14 2.12 2.11 2.09 2.08 2.06 2.05 2.02 2.02 2.01 2.00 1.98 1.98 1.97 1.94 1.93 1.91 1.86 1.85 1.83 1.83 1.82 1.81 1.78 1.76 1.69 1.69 1.68 1.65 1.65 1.65

147.33 141.73 130.72 138.47 127.32 135.48 135.12 100.06 130.92 133.37 114.73 131.03 130.92 118.41 96.95 118.90 112.20 118.44 85.85 115.65 106.02 114.02 106.55 93.74 82.24 106.43 93.08 109.06 98.29 87.99 103.11 99.02 104.24 104.62 104.08 103.02 100.22 92.52 75.21 98.68 92.79 97.66 96.32 88.20 91.31 91.21 78.85 77.66 85.85 83.92

54 53 50 54 50 54 54 40 53 54 47 54 54 53 44 54 51 54 40 54 50 54 51 45 40 52 46 54 49 44 52 50 53 54 54 54 54 50 41 54 51 54 54 50 54 54 47 47 52 51

Pts. Gained 140.00 58.78 82.48 51.32 114.71 75.16 150.45 28.13 114.74 104.28 96.06 122.08 83.93 64.33 98.43 105.00 68.95 51.60 63.64 57.84 42.73 103.56 48.87 43.96 66.92 78.08 63.80 58.74 52.89 79.09 95.33 83.03 50.23 42.54 39.58 63.46 73.33 75.14 33.49 92.08 54.25 91.31 87.38 60.94 61.89 87.86 57.87 44.45 82.65 53.84

Over 100 destinations worldwide

WorLdround-ups Tournament: Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles

25 – 28 Aug 2011

venue: The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland

Björn prevAils in five-mAn plAy-off THOMAS Björn won a mammoth fiveman play-off at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles to clinch his second title of the season and his 12th career victory on The European Tour.

The Great Dane kept his composure after carding a 3-under-par 69 to finish on 11-under and then seeing off Mark Foster, George Coetzee, Bernd Wiesberger and Pablo Larrazabal in the five-hole play-off.

With five players tied at the top sudden-death was required with the players replaying the par-5 18th until one man remained. Wiesberger bogeyed the first hole and was out first before Larrazabal followed with a bogey on the second hole.

The three remaining players then all made birdies on the third trip down the 18th before Foster dropped out with a bogey to Björn and Coetzee’s birdies. Björn then sealed the victory on the fifth hole with his third birdiein-a-row to seal his first win since the Commercialbank Qatar Masters earlier this season.

“I played nicely this week. I played fantastic on Thursday and I played great today,” said Björn. “I didn’t putt my best and I probably should have done better than I did today. In the

end, it was all down to Mark’s mistake really on the last, but that happens in golf. But the way I played the last three play-off holes – I can’t be more proud of that.”

Foster had the chance to win the tournament with a par on the last in regulation but he made a costly bogey to card a 72 and fall back into the playoff and he lamented his bad luck on the greens throughout the week.

“I played well, the greens were tricky but I didn’t hole one putt,” said the Englishman. “I holed one putt in two days, and I’m out in a play-off. I’ve just got to keep going.”

Coetzee carded his second consecutive 5-under 67 to get to 11-under-par and despite losing out in sudden-death his was pleased with how he played. “I think I did well. I stayed with it. I’m quite happy with the way I handled it,” said the South African. “I’ll take second place, it’s an improvement on my best finish. Next time I’ll go one better. Hopefully.”

Home favourite Stephen Gallacher finished in a share of sixth place alongside Joel Sjöholm on 10-underpar while Spaniard Ignacio Garrido, who held the overnight lead alongside Foster, took a share of eighth place after shooting a 74.

in the Bag Driver: Fairway Wood: Hybrids: Irons (4-pw): Wedges: Putter: Ball:

Callaway RAZR Hawk (9.5º) Callaway Diablo Octane Tour 3-wood (15º) Callaway Heavenwood (20º), Callaway Diablo Edge Tour (21º) Callaway X-Prototype Callaway X-Forged Odyssey Black Series i X #1 Callaway Tour i(z)

Winner: Thomas Björn cheQue: €266,629

Winning Score: 11-under-par – 277 (68, 69, 71, 69) runner-up: Mark FoSter, george coetzee, Bernd WieSBerger, paBlo larrazaBal (deFeated in play-oFF)

FACT FILE

Thomas Björn’s play-off victory at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles was his second sudden-death play-off victory on The European Tour. His first came in 2005 when he defeated Brian Davis and David Howell at the British Masters.

25 – 28 Aug 2011

Tournament: The Barclays venue: Plainfield Country Club. Edison, New Jersey

Winner: dusTin johnson cheQue: $1,440,000

DusTin Time AT The BArclAys AMERICAN big-hitter Dustin Johnson won the rain-shortened Barclays tournament in New Jersey by two strokes from defending champion Matt Kuchar to collect the fifth US PGA Tour title of his career and his first of the season.

With Hurricane Irene making its way up the North West coast of America the decision was taken by Tour officials to cut the event to a 54-hole Saturday finish to try and miss the bad weather – and Johnson prevailed with a 19-under total, two clear of his Ryder Cup colleague Kuchar.

“It feels great,” said Johnson. “I feel like I’ve played pretty well all year but just haven’t quite been able to get that win. The putter has been lacking a little bit. This week I finally rolled in some putts, so this feels really good.”

Preferred lies were in effect for all three days and the soft greens allowed players to take dead aim at the pins which resulted in low scores across the leaderboard.

Johnson opened up with a 66 to sit three shots behind Kuchar but then shot a 63 to Kuchar’s 65 to move just one behind with 18 holes to play. Johnson then closed with a 65 to Kuchar’s 68 to clinch the title.

Brandt Snedeker made the biggest move with a superb closing 61 to rise 26 places into a share of third place alongside veteran Vijay Singh on 16-under-par.

Jonathan Byrd finished on 15-under-par for fifth place while Brian Davis, Camilo Villegas, Justin Rose and Y.E. Yang finished one stroke further back in a share of sixth place in what as the first event of the PGA Tour’s Play-offs for the FedEx Cup. www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz

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WorLdround-ups Tournament: Omega European Masters

01 – 04 sept 2011

venue: Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans Montana, Switzerland

BrilliAnT Björn wins BAck-To-BAck TiTles THOMAS Björn matched the lowest round of his illustrious European Tour career to win his third title of the season and second title in succession at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland.

The Dane posted a magnificent 9-under-par 62 to turn a three stroke deficit into a commanding four stroke win over Germany’s Martin Kaymer.

“The way I finished was special and it’s been an amazing two weeks,” said Björn, who played the last five holes in 5-under-par to stamp his authority on the tournament. “I started hitting my wedges so well last week in Scotland and kept it going. Golf seems easy sometimes and you have to remember that when you are not playing so well.”

Björn began the day three behind overnight leader Jamie Donaldson and started slowly with three pars before a bogey on the fourth. However, he bounced back with four straight birdies and another at the 11th saw him take the lead.

He gave a shot back on the 12th before sinking a 12-foot eagle putt on the 15th after a stunning second shot.

He then sank two putts from within ten feet to birdie holes 17 and 18 to take

the title on 20-under-par as all other challengers faded down the stretch.

Kaymer had started like a train, going out in 6-under with two eagles and two birdies but parred the remaining nine holes for a 65 and a 16-under-par total.

Donaldson posted a 70 to finish in third place alongside Rory McIlroy and Jaco Van Zyl – who was the last man to qualify for the tournament – on 15-under.

Lee Westwood shot himself into contention with a third round 64 but his challenge on the final day failed to materialise as he settled for a share of sixth place on 14-under after a 70.

Defending champion Miguel Angel Jimenez put up a spirited display as he attempted to become the first player to retain the trophy since the late Seve Ballesteros in 1978 but weekend rounds of 67 and 66 couldn’t rescue his opening rounds of 70 and 68 and he finished ninth alongside his compatriot Alejandro Cañizares.

Englishman Nick Dogherty ended his run of 21 missed cuts with a superb opening round 63 and second round 72 but couldn’t build on them and weekend rounds of 72 and 73 saw him finish on 4-under-par in 45th place.

in the Bag Driver: Fairway Wood: Hybrids: Irons (4-pw): Wedges: Putter: Ball:

Callaway RAZR Hawk (9.5º) Callaway Diablo Octane Tour 3-wood (15º) Callaway Heavenwood (20º), Callaway Diablo Edge Tour (21º) Callaway X-Prototype Callaway X-Forged Odyssey Black Series i X #1 Callaway Tour i(z)

Winner: Thomas Bjorn cheQue: €333,330

Winning Score: 20-under-par – 264 (68, 68, 66, 62) runner-up: Martin kayMer – 268

FACT FILE

With his win at the Omega European Masters, Björn becomes the second player in the 2011 season to win three times, following Luke Donald (WGC-Accenture Match Play, BMW PGA Championship and Barclays Scottish Open). Björn won the Commercialbank Qatar Masters earlier this season before his back-to-back wins.

Tournament: Deutsche Bank Championship

02 – 05 sept 2011

venue: TPC Boston, Norton, Massachusetts

Winner: WeBB simpson cheQue: $1,440,000

simpson Downs reAvie in BosTon WEBB Simpson won his second US PGA Tour title in the space of a month with a play-off victory over Chez Reavis at the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston – the second event of the PGA Tour Play-offs for the FedExCup. Simpson shot a 6-under 65 to finish on 15-under while Reavie bogeyed the par-5 18th in regulation to shoot a 66 and wind up in a play-off. Both players birdied the first extra hole but Simpson prevailed at the next attempt with a birdie to Reavie’s par.

“It’s been a whirlwind of a few weeks,” said Simpson, who won the Greenbrier Classic three weeks earlier. “This is my fourth tournament in a row. I missed the cut at the US PGA and then won in Greensboro for my first win ever and I haven’t really had time to reflect on that because the Play-offs started.

“So I don’t really know what to think right

now, but I’m certainly thankful for the chance to win and being able to finish the round with a birdie and then birdie the first two holes in a play-off was truly awesome.”

Reavie admitted he was disappointed with his finish but happy with his performance over the four days.

“It was a good day and I played great all day,” he said. “My game plan on 18 with a one-shot lead was to lay it up, take a wedge and make a two-putt par. Unfortunately, my wedge didn’t quite work out and I hit it long.

But, all in all on the day I played fantastic.”

Brandt Snedeker put together a final round 66 to finish on 13-under par and in a share of third place alongside World No.1 Luke Donald (67) and Australian Jason Day (68). Jim Furyk finished one shot further back while Bo Van Pelt carded a 66 to finish on 11-under-par for seventh place outright. www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz

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WorLdround-ups Tournament: BMW Championship

15 – 18 sept 2011

venue: Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Lemont, Illinois

rose in full Bloom in weT chicAgo JUSTIN Rose survived a late scare in damp conditions at Cog Hill on the outskirts of Chicago to wrap up his first victory of the season at the BMW Championship – the third of the PGA Tour’s Play-off series for the FedExCup. The Englishman had a five stroke lead with 10 holes remaining but that was whittled down to one by Australian John Senden after Rose hit his second shot into the trees on the par-5 15th and wound up with bogey.

However, after another poor iron shot approach to the 17th he chipped in for an unlikely birdie to give himself a two-shot cushion heading down the last. Rose then found the heart of the green and two-putted for par to seal his third US PGA Tour title at the expense of Senden who is still in search of a maiden title.

“I took on a few crazy shots,” admitted Rose. “The manner in which I won this tournament rates as high as the best tournament I’ve ever won because I went wire-to-wire.

“I think mentally this is the best I’ve ever been in terms of being totally under control with my emotions, being very calm, being very aware of the situation and feeling comfortable with it.”

Rose opened up with a stunning

8-under 63 to storm into the lead, two clear of Americans Webb Simpson and Mark Wilson. After a second round 68 he found himself in a share of the lead with Wilson who had carded a 66 but Wilson then fell away with a 77 to leave Rose with a four stroke lead heading into the final day ahead of Senden on 9-under fellow Australian Geoff Ogilvy lurking one shot back.

Rose got his final round off to a shaky start with a bogey on the par-3 second hole but battled back with birdies on holes 6 and 7. He bogeyed the ninth to go out in level par but he maintained his lead.

Senden was playing steadily and picked up shots around the turn to pile the pressure on Rose and when the 33-year-old bogeyed the 15th Senden, who was playing alongside him, was just one shot back.

But Rose bounced back and effectively clinched the title with his superb chip from just short of the 17th green.

World No.1 Luke Donald had another steady week with a fourth place finish behind Ogilvy who finished third and clinched his automatic spot in Greg Norman’s International Team for The President’s Cup.

in the Bag Driver: Fairway Wood: Irons (3-pw): Wedge: Wedge: Putter: Ball:

TaylorMade R11 (8º) TaylorMade R9 3-wood (13º), TaylorMade R11 5-wood (17º) TaylorMade Tour Preferred MB Forged TaylorMade TP XFT ZTP (54º) Cleveland 588 (60º) TaylorMade Corza Ghost TaylorMade Penta TP

Winner: jusTin rose cheQue: $1,440,000

Winning Score: 13-under-par – 271 (63,68,69,71) runner-up: john Senden – 273

FACT FILE

Justin Rose became the first European winner of the BMW Championship since Harry Cooper won way back in 1934 and he is also the first European to win one of the PGA Tour’s Play-offs for the FedExCup..

08 – 11 sept 2011

Tournament: KLM Open venue: Hilversumche Golf Club, Hilversum, Netherlands

Winner: simon dyson cheQue: €300,000

Dyson seAls A DuTch hAT-Trick SIMON Dyson won the KLM Open for the third time in his career with a superb final round 4-under 66 for a one-stroke victory over compatriot David Lynn. The 33-year-old Yorkshireman holed four birdies in the final seven holes to sign for a 12-under-par 268 and pick up his second title of the season and sixth overall on The European Tour.

“I started a bit shakily with some wayward drives but I’m really pleased,” said Dyson. “After that bogey on the 11th, I played some flawless golf.”

Dyson joins an elite list of three-time winners of the KLM Open that includes the late Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer and the victory saw him move inside the top 30 on the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be on the same

trophy as names like those two,” he beamed.

“It’s something special, a dream come true really. To win any title once is tough but to win it three times is a fantastic feeling.”

Dyson began the day two shots behind Scotland’s Gary Orr and South African James Kingston but after both leaders dropped a shot at the first the tournament was open.

Dyson made his move on the back nine with three birdies in succession from the 12th to move clear and then posted the clubhouse target with a birdie on the par-5 closing hole.

Lynn, who had made up ground with an eagle on the par-5 12th following a bogey on the 11th needed to eagle the last to force a play-off but had to settle for a birdie and outright second place. Rory McIlroy took third place on 10-under thanks to a 67 while Orr finished fourth with a 71. www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz

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WorLdround-ups Tournament: The Tour Championship by Coca-Cola

22 – 25 sept 2011

venue: East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

Bill hAAs scoops The Big one in ATlAnTA BILL Haas, son of Jay Haas, defeated Hunter Mahan in a winner-takes-all sudden-death play-off to win The Tour Championship by Coca-Cola and the FedExCup to pocket just shy of $11.5million.

The Americans went head to head for the biggest prize on the US PGA Tour after they both finished on 8-under-par – making it mathematically impossible for any of the other challenger to win the FedExCup. Luke Donald, Webb Simpson and Dustin Johnson didn’t finish high enough on the final Tour Championship leaderboard to win the FedExCup meaning Haas and Mahan were left to shoot it out in extra time.

Both players scrambled for par on the par-3 18th before Haas made another stunning up and down from shallow water in one of the biggest hazards in golf – the East Lake, left of the 17th green. Haas then prevailed on the following hole – the 18th again – after Mahan caught his bunker shot too thinly and missed his downhill par putt.

“It’s not worth the stress,” Haas smiled when asked if he was thinking about the $10m bonus for winning the FedExCup. “I was just trying to win the golf tournament. Actually, even more than that, I was just rying to hit good shots in the moment.”

Haas didn’t hit a good shot on their first trip down the 18th. He was fortunate his ball went so far right it ricocheted off a grandstand and back into some trampled down rough, just shy of a greenside bunker. He superbly got up and down to save par and take the play-off to the 17th but then immediately blocked his drive into a fairway bunker. He pulled his approach from the sand, bounding it through the green, down a bank and into the lake before he hit his miraculous recovery to save par again.

“I got an unbelievably fortunate lie.

It was basically a bunker shot and it was all or nothing,” said Haas. “I was very lucky.” Haas would not have won the FedExCup had Luke Donald – runnerup to Jim Furyk in 2010 – finished outright third or Simpson 18th or better.

Instead, Donald finished tied for third because K.J. Choi saved par with a seven footer on the 18th and Simpson finished 22nd after carding a 3-over 73. “It would be tough to lose by a shot again like I did last year,” Donald said after his round, before the final calculations were made, while Simpson said: “If I come up short, it stinks.”

Mahan summed it up best after watching Haas’s lucky breaks in the play-off, saying: “It seemed to me like he was destined to win this week.”

in the Bag Driver: Fairway Wood: Irons (3-PW): Wedges: Putter: Ball:

22 - 25 sept 2011

Titleist 910D2 (8.5º) Titleist 910F 3-wood (13.5º) Titleist 710 CB Titleist Vokey Design Spin Milled (54º and 60º) Scotty Cameron Studio Select Kombi mid Titleist Pro V1x

Winner: Bill haas cheQue: $1,440,000

Winning Score: 8-under-par – 272 (68, 67, 69, 68) runner-up: hunter Mahan – 272 (deFeated in play-oFF)

FACT FILE

Bill Haas had been in two play-offs on the US PGA Tour in 2011 and lost them both before he downed Mahan for the $10m pay-off at The Tour Championship.

Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas defeated him at the Bob Hope Classic in February and he lost out to Scott Stallings at the Greenbrier Classic in July.

Tournament: Austrian GolfOpen presented by Lyoness venue: Diamond Country Club, Atzenbrugg, Austria

Winner: KenneTh Ferrie cheQue: €166,660

simpson Downs wAkefielD in AusTriA KENNETH Ferrie picked up his third European Tour title and his first since 2005 at the Austrian Open after defeating compatriot Simon Wakefield in a suddendeath play-off.

The pair both finished on 12-under-par after matching 5-under 67s but it was Ferrie who prevailed with a birdie on the par-4 18th after Wakefield made a hash of his hole.

“I feel amazing right now,” said Ferrie.

“I haven’t won for six years and I was wondering if it was ever going to happen in the end. To get it done was fantastic.

“It means the world to me. I have been working very hard and doing all the right things but I just haven’t had the results to back it up. So to win here, under the pressure of a play-off, is amazing and it makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Wakefield is still waiting for his maiden European Tour title but did take the positives from his second place finish as the prize money of €111,110 took him up to 102nd on The Race to Dubai, well within the top 115 who automatically retain their European Tour playing privileges.

“At the end of the day, if you shoot 5-under on the final day in the final group and don’t win it’s difficult to take but I’m happy with the way the week has gone,” he said. Dutchman Joost Luiten finished third on 11-under for his fourth top-ten of the season while Denmark’s Thomas Norret took fourth place on 9-under.

Young Englishman Tom Lewis finished on 6-under-par for a top-ten finish in his first professional event following his heroics for the GB&I Walker Cup team. www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz

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LOCALNEWS

A A RR A A BB II A A N N

Ahmed Al mushArrekh hits top form At the AsiAn AmAteur ChAmpionship

A

hmed Al musharrekh fired a final round 1-under-par 71 to finish 24th at the Asian Amateur Championships in singapore last month to post the best ever result by a uAe national player on the international circuit.

Al Musharrekh opened with a 3-over 75 and then posted solid rounds of 70, 72 and 71 to finish 1-over-par for the tournament.

The major highlights came during the second round as he eagled the 16th and birdied the 17th to make the cut – which fell at 6-over-par – with ease.

In the final round, Ahmed rolled in five birdies, including four on the back nine, to round off his performance in style.

“Ahmed has done the UAE proud,” smiled Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation. “His performance in this prestigious championship which attracted leading players from 36 Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) member countries, just shows he has the game and the mental toughness to compete at any level.

“He has worked really hard on his game and his scores reflect that. I wish him the very best for his future assignments.

We, at the Emirates Golf Federation, are committed to providing our players with the best possible opportunities to hone their skills.”

Khalid Yousuf (pictured right with Ahmed Al Musharerrekh at the Asian Amateur Championship), the other UAE player in the field, needed to break 70 to make the cut, but stumbled on the final stretch. He signed off with a 3-over-par 75 in the second round to miss out on playing at the weekend by four shots.

“For both players their participation in the Asian Amateur Championship was a step in the right direction,” said Saeed Albudoor. “Khalid Yousuf may have missed the cut, but we really appreciate his commitment to the game and his commitment to improving his golf.”

“He Has worked really Hard on His game and His scores reflect tHat. i wisH Him tHe very best for His future assignments. we, at tHe emirates golf federation, are committed to providing our players witH tHe best possible opportunities to Hone tHeir skills.”

– sAeed Albudoor, GenerAl mAnAGer, emirAtes Golf federAtion.

www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz

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WWG LOCAL FOCUS

EMIRATES GOLF FEDERATION

uAe seCure third plACe After lAte surGe the uAe team produced a late charge to finish an excellent third in the 31st Arab Golf Championship played recently in rabat, morocco.

The team began the day in fourth place but combined well to post a score of 238 for a 72hole total of 948 and take the final place on the podium at the expense of Lebanon by four strokes.

Hassan Al Musharrekh was the star of the team as he produced rounds of 67, 72 and 75 for a 214 total to take the honours in the Individual Juniors section by five shots from Ayoob Lagerati of Morocco.

Hassan’s elder brother Ahmed, who played a key role in guiding the UAE to third place in the team championship, also made his presence felt, finishing fifth in the Senior Individual Division with a 72-hole total of 307, just six shots behind Moroccan Mohamed Belaroussia.

The host nation were the victors of the Team Championship with a score of 896 with Bahrain taking second place on 930.

The UAE Team admitted that there is room for improvement ahead of future team competitions. “We targeted a win, that was our goal and we fell a little bit short of that so there was some disappointment. But we can take a few positives out of it and we can learn a lot from it and try and progress going forward,” said Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation. “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Hassan, who

played really well. Winning a gold medal means he is the number one junior golfer in the Arab world – and that’s a great honour.

“Also, Ahmed played brilliantly in the Senior Division, contributing to the Team’s score each day. His top-five finish in the Senior Division will go a long way in boosting his confidence.

Overall, I think we did very well.”

The No.1 ranked UAE golfer, Khalid Yousuf, was the star of the opening round as he struck

a hole-in-one on the par-3 ninth hole at the Royal Golf Club, Dar es Salaam for his first ever career ace.

“I couldn’t see where the ball landed but then everyone standing around the green went wild, cheering and clapping, and I knew that could only mean one thing,” smiled Yousuf. “It was a bit surreal as I walked up to the hole to get my ball. I couldn’t really believe it. It took me a couple of holes that day for it to sink in.”

mAryAm Al mArzouqi eArns shArjAh membership the aim of the uAe national junior programme, which was launched last year by the eGf, is to continually identify and develop young uAe national players and provide them with the best possible opportunities to learn the finer points of the game of golf.

One of the youngest participants who benefited most from the programme is Maryam Al Marzouqi (pictured left) who went on to win one of the Par-3 Events held throughout the season.

Maryam’s efforts paid off when Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club offered her free Academy membership and she will now train under the watchful eyes of professionals headed by Ben Derbyshire.

Following on from a successful season, the Federation’s present goal is to introduce more Emirati juniors to the game through structured programmes at UAE golf clubs.

Aimed at creating young stars for the future, the club sponsors 18 selected junior golfers, who are given free Academy membership which ensures regular practice and play to hone their golfing skills.

Membership is offered for the duration of a session which is an eight week period and is sustained based on constant performance analysis.

Ahmed And mAhmood shine in the seAson-openinG pAr-3 event

Ahmed Albudoor with EGF Board memberMohammed Al Musharrekh.

Ahmed Albudoor and mahmood skaik emerged victorious in their respective divisions in the opening event of the national par-3 league at dubai Creek Golf & yacht Club recently after some solid golfing displays.

Ahmed produced a consistent round of gross 32 to beat last year’s overall winner Abdulla Bin Thani in Division ‘A’ for players aged under-16 while Mahmood defeated Reema Al Heloo and Maryam Mazouqi on a countback after the three signed off with an identical gross 28 in the under-12 Division ‘B’.

The Par-3 League, introduced last year as part of the National Junior Programme to create awareness about the game among newcomers, once again generated a tremendous response with as many as 30 youngsters signing up for the opening event.

Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, said: “It’s encouraging to see the league grow in popularity among juniors. We are introducing more events for them this season and I hope they will go a long way towards honing their skills.

“I am sure with continued support from parents, the league will grow bigger and better with time. We are also grateful to all the participating golf clubs for their help in making the league such a success.’’

more Competitions Added to nAtionAl junior proGrAmme the emirates Golf federation will be introducing a series of new tournaments this season, aimed at creating a competitive environment for juniors to take their game to a new level.

One of the major highlights of the season is the return of the National Junior Championship which will be played alongside the long-awaited UAE National Championship in the last week of October.

The National Day junior tournament at the par-3 course at Yas Links Golf Club is the other addition to the National Junior Programme calendar this season scheduled to take place on December 1st.

A Par-3 League, introduced last year to create awareness about the game amongst newcomers, will continue this season with two different age divisions – under-16 and under-12.

Thirty budding juniors signed for the opening event, reflecting the growing popularity of the league.

The National Pairs Tournaments, where senior players will be paired with juniors, will also be added to the calendar, providing another opportunity for the players to hone their competitive edge.

Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf

UAE Juniors pictured after the conclusion of the opening fixture of the National Junior Programme Par-3 League last month.

Federation, is upbeat about the success of the new initiatives. “We are pleased to introduce some new events for our youngsters who are on the Junior National Programme,” he said.

“Exposure to these events and the ones already existing will provide an ideal springboard for young Emiratis to rise to greater

things – hopefully, of course, to the UAE national teams. Creating a strong pool of junior players is paramount to producing a future generation of champions.

“We are really proud of Hassan Al Musharrekh who improved his game dramatically by regularly competing in these tournaments.

“His winning of the Gold

Medal at the recent Arab Golf Championship held in Morocco will, hopefully, inspire and motivate fellow junior golfers to emulate his success.” The National Junior Programme is supported by Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Al Badia GC, Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club, Emirates GC, Abu Dhabi GC and Abu Dhabi City GC. www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz

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Location: Dubai Festival City, Al Badia, Dubai

ARABIAN GOLF

course: Par 72 Championship Course with four teeing options.

contact: el: +971 (0) 4 601 0101 Fax: +971 (0) 4 601 0102, Email: albadiagolf@ichdfc.ae

Al BADiA golF CluB the ‘peRFect duO’ WIN AGAIN

NAWAF FAWAz tAkes the septemBeR medAL

BRETT Armstrong and John Guest compiled an impressive 45-point haul to take the Summer Swing Betterball Open on a perfect day for golf during which a cooling breeze took the edge of the summer sun.

Between them they carded five gross birdies as they matched the score of Richard Kim and H.S. Park and then prevailed in a card countback.

The shot of the day came from Armstrong as he sank

AN outstanding net 69 helped Nawaf Fawaz secure the Best Net honours in the September Monthly Medal on a beautiful day.

Scoring was excellent across the board and the overall gross title was won by John Allen who carded a 78.

Allen fought off tough competition from Club Champion Brett Armstrong and a few members of the Scratch Team players, to take the title.

In Division ‘A’ Mark Fitzpatrick signed for a net 72 to win by seven strokes from Brett Armstrong while in Division ‘B’ Katrin Kamer-Wilke scored a net 70 for a three-stroke victory over Clive Stanley.

a splendid raking 25-foot downhill putt for birdie on the 7th which set them on their way to their second victory in as many weeks In third place on 44 points were Clive Stanley and Tina Bogale as they narrowly missed out on figuring in the countback. They scored an impressive 25 points on the back nine, including three 4-point holes but had to settle for third place overall.

BuILd yOuR GOLF GAme At AL BAdIA’s GOLF AcAdemy THE Golf Academy at Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City has launched an exciting new range of lesson packages.

Al Badia’s team of qualified Golf Professionals have designed several new programmes to help golfers of all abilities fine tune their skills, including ladies, junior and corporate lesson packages, as well as a programme for beginners.

The ‘Winter Lesson Package’, priced at AED5,995, is suitable for golfers who would like to develop their game and maintain their competitive edge.

Golfers will receive a full body MATT Lab session in the region’s only TaylorMade Performance Lab; lessons with a PGA golf professional; development sessions on the driving range; green fee vouchers and special discounts in Al Badia’s various food and beverage outlets and Spa InterContinental at the Golf Club.

Al Badia’s ‘Beginners Learning Programme’ is an ideal introductory opportunity to get to grips with the game of golf. This is a three stage learning programme with each stage consisting of four weekly sessions in groups of a maximum eight people for an hour. The aim is to prepare beginners for the demands of the

Membership Manager, Anne Creasy, presents Net winner Nawaf Fawaz with his prize.

RAmAsAmy A WORthy WINNeR

Take your game to the next level with the new range of lessons on offer at Al Badia Golf Club.

course and introduce them to the game of golf.

Specialised programmes for juniors and ladies remain available and have quickly become two of the Golf Club’s most popular programmes. With an improved structure and more schedules to be opened, the ‘Junior Development

IN scorching heat the recent Member’s Stableford competition saw Devan Ramasamy prove himself a worthy winner with an impressive 39-point total.

Ramasamy played consistently well throughout and had a great day on the Par-5s, scoring 12 points and a valuable four points on hole 5, one of the toughest on the course.

Colin Gow took Division ‘A’ with 37 points after winning a countback with Mike Groves while Division ‘B’ was won

by John Wartig on 36 points. Wartig also prevailed after a countback over Nick Groves. However, Nick did have the consolation of securing Nearest the Pin honours on the 7th.

Programme’ is a great way to train children aged 16 years and below and equip them with the basic fundamentals of golf.

Ladies group sessions will continue to take place, providing the chance to learn new golf skills and unwind over a refreshing drink at the restaurant. www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz

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© 2011 PING P.O. Box 82000 Phoenix, AZ 85071

At PING, we’re always thinking about your game and how to improve it. In the new G20® Series, we’ve applied our more than 50-years of engineering know-how to optimize the entire set to fit your game and your swing. With new materials, like the Ti 8-1-1 used in the G20 driver and the elastomer cavity badge found in the G20 iron, we’ve advanced our award-winning designs even further. Each club is engineered to bring your game more distance, more accuracy and more consistency. It all adds up to more enjoyment. All you need is a custom fitting. We’ve taken care of everything else.

Prosports International, P.O. BOX 26723 DUBAI, UAE

To find your perfect fit, visit ping.com

Location: Emirates Road (311) in the heart of Arabian Ranches.

ARABIAN GOLF

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

ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB

info: Arabian Ranches Golf Club opened

its doors in February, 2004 and was built as a true 18 holes, par 72 desert-style grass course, a signature course designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design. coURSE: Championship Course 7691-yard par 72.

IN FORm KeLLy stRAChAN wINs the eCCO LADIes DAy KELLY Strachan scored 40 Stableford points to take the spoils in the ECCO Ladies Day last month, three points clear of Dee Fowler who took second place.

Kelly has been in superb form of late and peaked at just the right time to win this prestigious ECCO event.

Leslie Hill-Smith took the final place on the podium with a 36-point hall for third place.

Pictured from left to right: Lady Captain, Catherine Hut; Men’s Winner, Douglas McLennan; Overall Champion, Kim Chiang; Lady Winner, Beatrice Galeppini; and Club Captain Andrew Scanlan.

KIm ChIANG FIGhts BACK tO wIN the DOuGheRty tROphy KIM Chiang won the 36 hole Dougherty Trophy recently after a stunning fightback in the second round saw her win on a card countback against Douglas McLennan after both players had compiled 75 Stableford points.

In what was the second time the event has been hosted by 2009/10 Lady Captain Fortuna and husband Tony Dougherty, Chiang signed for a

superb 41 point haul on day two to come from six points back after round one and clinch victory.

McLennan (6) raced into the lead after the opening 18 holes on 40 points, closely pursued by Markus Hacker and John Onuonga on 39 and 37 points respectively with Chiang way back on 34 points.

However, Chiang’s 41 points on day two saw her climb up the leaderboard

and into a tie with McLennan who failed to match his opening day heroics and carded a 35. Chiang’s better score on the closing 18 earned her the winner’s trophy.

McLennan did take consolation in the fact that he won the Men’s Division ahead of Onuonga by one point while the Ladies winner was Beatrice Galeppini as she secured a four-point win over Adrienne Fullerton.

Left to right: Third placed Lesley Hill Smith, winner Kelly Strachan and runner-up Dee Fowler after the ECCO Ladies Day.

supeR sCORes IN the DuBAI Duty FRee seNIORs Cup TONY Grayling (ARGC) and John Mills (AGGC) were crowned Overall Champions in their respective Stableford and Gross Divisions at the Dubai Duty Free Seniors Cup last month after a fabulous day of golf.

Seventy two players competed in the event which was open to Men, 50 years and above, and Ladies, 45 years and above, and it was Grayling who impressed as he scored 41 points to win by three from Chris Ward (EGF).

Ward didn’t leave disappointed as his performance secured the Men’s Division title by one point from Chris Redley (ARGC).

Mills (AGGC), the 2010 ARGC Seniors Club Champion, fired a one over par 73 to win the best gross by two shots as he took advantage of the short course layout with

consistent outward and inward scores of 36 and 37.

In the Ladies Division, home player Adrienne Fullerton returned a well balanced card of 39 with nine’s of 19 and 20, which edged out Sheila Alban (ARGC) by virtue of a countback after Sheila had also produced consistent rounds of 20 and 19 points..

Commenting on the turnout and standard of play, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said: “This is the 14th running of the Seniors tournament and we had some incredible scoring today.

“Our thanks go to all our participants and to the Arabian Ranches Golf Course for their efforts in ensuring a great day was had by all.”

Dubai Duty Free’s Colm McLoughlin and George Horan present the prizes to Overall Champions Tony Grayling and John Mills.

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PERFORMANCE BY DESIGN

c 2011 Greg Norman Collection. All Rights Reserved. Greg Norman and the Greg Norman collection logo are registered trademarks of Great White Shark Enterprises Inc. GREGNORMANCOLLECTION.COM

• EMIRATES GOLF CLUB • MUSCAT HILLS GOLF CLUB, MUSCAT, OMAN. • DUBAI CREEK GOLF CLUB • DUBAI DUTY FREE • DOHA GOLF CLUB • ROYAL GOLF CLUB, RIFFA, BAHRAIN. • Greg GOLF SHOP – VILLAGIO MALL, DOHA. • trademarks JUMEIRAH ©2011 Norman Collection.

All Rights Reserved.

Greg Norman and the Greg Norman Collection logo are registered of GreatGOLF White ESTATES Shark Enterprises Inc. GREGNORMANCOLLECTION.COM • ABUDHABI CITY GOLF CLUB • KATAMEYA HEIGHTS – EGYPT • DIRAB GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, RIYADH, KSA. • TABA HEIGHTS GOLF CLUB & RESORT, EGYPT • ROLLING HILLS GOLF CLUB, DHEHRAN, KSA. • GREG NORMAN SHOP, DUBAI MALL. • TOWER LINKS GOLF CLUB, RAS AL KHAIMAH

Location: Emirates Hills, Interchange 5 Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite the Hard Rock Café.

ARABIAN GOLF

contact: (04) 380 2222 egc@dubaigolf.com Book online tee times at www.dubaigolf.com

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

info: Majlis Course – 1988 Faldo Course – 1996, re-designed in 2006 Courses: Majlis – 18 holes, Par 72, 7,211 yards, Championship course.

Faldo Course – 18 holes, Par 72, 7,433 yards.

DESiGnERS: Majlis Course – Karl Litten Faldo course – Sir Nick Faldo

petRe, CALey, sANGANI ANd WOOLLACOtt tRIumph IN septemBeR medAL

Left to right: Tania Sangani, Janine Craig, Lady Captain Caroline Jones, Maria Petre and Viv Caley after the September Ladies Medal.

THE September Ladies Monthly Medal produced some excellent scoring over the Majlis course with Maria Petre taking the top prize in the Silver ‘A’ Division (hcp 0-14) with a net 67.

Viv Caley was also on song as she carded a 79 to win the Best Gross prize and her net 71 saw her take the runner-up spot behind Maria in Division ‘A’.

Tania Sangani clinched the Silver Division ‘B’ with a net 69, four shots ahead of Janine Craig in second place. The best score of the day came in the Bronze Division (hcp 24-42) as Lucy Wollacott signed for a net 66 to win by a mammoth 12 strokes ahead of Young Ja Loon

pROs BeAt the AmAtueRs tO WIN 10th tItLe THE professional team, captained by Malcolm Young, won the twelfth edition of the Dubai Golf Trophy with a narrow victory after their amateur counterparts made a stirring comeback in the singles.

Going into the final day the professionals led 10 - 6 after a series of fourballs and foursomes matches and were rightly confident ahead of the 16 singles matches.

However, the amateurs fought back, making the

pros work for their victory with only two losses in the opening eight fixtures over the Faldo Course. After a tense afternoon, pros Fraser McLaughlan and Ryan Smith triumphed in quick succession in their matches on holes 16 and 15 to take their team’s score to 16.5 – the total needed to win the title outright.

The final score was 17-15 as the pros celebrated their tenth win in 12 editions of the event.

Winner Anand Lakhiani received his prize from EGC Vice Captain Moshe Kolie after winning the Engineers Cup.

ANANd LAkhIANI seALs the eNGINeeRs Cup

emIRAtes ALL set FOR sCRAtCh LeAGue tItLe deFeNCe EMIRATES Golf Club have been drawn in League ‘A’ of the 2011/12 UAE Invitational Scratch League as they go in search of their fifth successive victory in the event.

Bob Driver, co-cordinator of the league said: “We are delighted that all the invited clubs have agreed to

participate in this season’s Scratch League. Emirates Golf Club will once again start as favourites as they have won the event four times in a row. Arabian Ranches are the only other team to triumph when they took the inaugural event in 2006.” The leading teams in each of

the four groups will progress to the semi-finals before the Grand Final at a venue to be confirmed.

Emirates will have to navigate their way past The Els Club and Al Ain Equestrian Golf & Shooting Club if they are to qualify from League ‘A’ for the semi-finals.

A SUBLIME Stableford score of 41 points saw Anand Lakhiani make a winning start to the season as he cruised to a 4-point victory in the Engineers Cup recently.

Played off the Championship tees on the Majlis course, Lakhiani blew the field away with a stunning display of golf.

Robert Curtis took second place with 37 points with Choon Park taking third place after losing out on a card countback with Curtis.

Kevin Roy signed for 35 points to win Division ‘A’ (hcp 0-12) with Malcolm Wood forced to take second place after losing on a countback. Suresh Shewakramani went one better to card 36 points and take victory in Division B (hcp 13-24), one clear of Nigel Hopkins. www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz

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Play, Dine, Learn, Train & ShoP Al Hamra Golf Club offers something for all whether the seasoned golfer, the intrepid beginner, the fitness enthusiast or the culinary lover.

Experience our welcome.

Al Hamra Village, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 6617 Tel: +971 7 2447474 enquiries@alhamragolf.com www.alhamragolf.com

Location: Off Emirates Road (direction Sharjah), after the Green Community roundabout, exit on the right side.

ARABIAN GOLF

JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES

contact: Tel: +971 4 390 3333 Fax: +971 4 367 9584 www.jumeirahgolfestates.com/golf/

info: The first two of four courses – Fire and Earth – opened for play on December 1st 2009.

Greg Norman designed both courses with Earth playing host to The European Tour’s final tournament on The Race to Dubai – The Dubai World Championship.

RyAN PeRkINs FIRes IN the sePtemBeR RIvOLI medAL ON a hot and humid day the 57-strong field performed admirably in difficult playing conditions and it was Ryan Perkins who came out on top in the Net Division with a superb score of 6-under 66.

With the fast-running greens, the rough up and a slight wind blowing, scoring was difficult out on the Fire course but Perkins made it look easy as he secured 10 pars and two birdies for a three-stroke win over Terry Waite and Mark Nancarrow who had to be separated by a card countback. Waite prevailed and took the runner-up spot thanks t his superior back nine.

Don Whyte returned a 3-over 75 to win the Gross honours after nines of 37 and 38 while Mike Groger and Ryan Perkins took home the Nearest the Pin prizes on holes 8 and 14 respectively.

Summer Open winner Alex Loh shakes hands with Alasdair Webster, Golf Operations Supervisor, Jumeirah Golf Estates, after scoring 38 Stableford points to win by just one point

ALeX LOh cROwNed summeR OPeN chAmPION Ryan Perkins celebrates his victory in the September Rivoli Medal after shooting a 6-under 66 in the Fire course.

ALEX LOh returned two consistent nines of 19 points for a 38-point Stableford haul to win the Jumeirah Golf Estates Summer Open in sweltering conditions on the Fire course.

Loh made gross birdies on holes 6 and 12 which helped propel him to a one-point victory

over fellow JGE member Declan Devenney with Jason Grimley taking third place on 36 points.

The on course special events saw Travis Cowgill and Gregory Trinh claim the Nearest the Pin awards with Don Whyte and Jenny Ayres taking home the prizes for the Longest Drives.

Location: Deira, opposite Deira City Centre.

DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB

ALAN stANtON Gets stRAIGht BAck IN the wINNING GROOve

thRee shOt wIN FOR shewAkRAmANI SURESh Shewakramani took top honours in the September edition of the Dubai Creek BMW Medal with a net 71 for a three-stroke victory over Aziz Al hakim in Division ‘B’.

In what were tough scoring conditions Shewakramani made it look easy as he posted the low net round of the day.

In Division ‘A’ Rakesh Shah proved too good for Pat Morrow as he signed for a net 72 and a two-stroke victory while in the Ladies section Joy Lirio edged out Maureen Platt with a 74.

Farbod Dowlatshahi showed some early season form by posting a gross 75 for the low gross score of the day.

In the new and ever-expanding junior section of Dubai Creek, hrithik Khurana’s

contact: Tel : + 9714 295 6000 dcgyc@dubaigolf.com Book online tee times at www.dubaigolf.com

info: First Open 1993, redesigned in 2005.

Course: 18 holes, Par 71, 6,857 yards, Championship course.

Original Designer: Karl Litten.

Redesign: European Golf Design in association with Thomas Björn.

net score of 75 was good enough to secure him a maiden victory at the club. With the number of juniors at the club increasing all the time, the junior section looks set to become one of the most competitive divisions at the golf club. Pictured below is September BMW Medal winner Suresh Shewakramani receiving his prize from Kenny Monaghan, Golf Pro at Dubai Creek.

ALAN Stanton won the August BMW Monthly Medal with some rock steady play. The South African, who had just returned from a three-month break from golf, showed little-to-no rustiness as he carded a gross 75 for a net 70 to take the title in Division ‘A’.

“It was great to be back playing,” said Stanton afterwards. “The course was in great shape and I really want to thank our new superintendent Matt Perry for his hard work since taking over at the Creek.” Finishing runner-up in Division ‘A’ was Alok Pant two shots off the winner after a frustrating double bogey six on the closing hole. Division ‘B’ saw Pritam

Merchandani shoot a net 76 for a one-stroke victory over Robert Platt. In the Ladies Division Chikako Onoue snatched victory on a card countback from Maureen Platt. Paul King won the prize for shooting the lowest gross with a 74.

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ARABIAN GOLF

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA

Location: The resort course is situated within the idyllic grounds of Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, approximately 40 minutes away from Dubai city centre, exit 13 on Sheikh Zayed highway.

info: First opened 1997.

contact: Tel : +971 4 8836000

DESiGnER: Peter Harradine.

coURSE: Championship standard 9 hole course – par 36.

ROB LettS, SOReN kRAeN, DAvID GRIFFeN AND jAmeS hADjeR wIN FIGS ROB Letts played a Captain’s knockl in leading his team of soren Kraen, David Griffen and James Hadjer to the narrowest of victories in the one-year anniversary FIGs Golf Day recently.

Both the Letts team and the team of Brad Wylie, Steve Mayne and Max Piccolo came in with an 84-point Stableford haul but it was Letts and his men who prevailed after a card countback.

Four points back in third place were the lineup of Liam King, Gavin McDonald and Christine

Hudson while the Nearest the Pin winners were Simon Fowler and Rob Letts for their approache shots to holes 11 and 17 respectively.

In the Longest Drive competitions David Bond and Steve Mayne launched their tee shots way down the 7th and 18th fairways respectively to take home a prize each.

Pictured right is the winning team and the runners-up team who both finished with equal points – from left to right: Nick Burnett, Soren Kraen, Rob Letts, James Hadjer, David Griffen, Steven Pardoe, Brad Wylie and Raj Ranavayah.

DRySDALe teAm ScRAmBLe tO vIctORy ALAN Drysdale led his team to victory in a recent Swing card tournament as he, Kieth Rayson, Robert Siegel and Joel Marantan scored a net scramble score of 28.95 over nine holes to win by 2.7 strokes.

Finishing second with a net 31.65 was the team of Andy Gomez, Tom Chisolm, Phil Herson and Nick Burnett with Dorothy Donnan, Damian Milton, Max Tolbert and Ed Hesson taking third place on 31.9 strokes. The low scoring was impressive given that club officials announced a rule that players could only carry four clubs in their bag for their round.

To add to the honour of playing in the team that came home in second place Phil Herson completed a wonderful afternoon by also picking up both the Nearest the Pin prize and the Longest Drive prize on holes 2 and 9 respectively.

Pictured left (from left to right): Golf Operations Manager, Jebel Ali, Stuart McMurdo, with Robert Seigel, Keith Rayson, Joe Marantan, Captain Alan Drysdale and Stuart Fee.

THE MONTGOMERIE DUBAI

Location: Just off the 5th Interchange of Sheik Zayed Road towards Emirates Hills. Follow signs for Emirates Hills and then follow signs for The Address Montgomerie, Dubai. contact: Tel: +9714 390 5600 Fax: +9714 360 8981

coURSE: 18 hole Championship; 7,308 yard par 75 from the Black Pearl tees; 6,753 yard par 72 from the Sapphire tees; 6,172 yard par 69 from the Emerald tees; 5,401 yard par 71 from the Ruby tee 9-hole Academy Course.

info: Opened October 2002

DESiGnER: Colin Montgomerie

ScOReS GO LOw AS the heAt RISeS WITH the temperature soaring, Graham Henderson and Alastair Law braved the elements to produce a display that defied the heat as they carded a gross 66 to win the recent two-man Rivoli Scramble.

Their score was impressive enough to constitute a five-stroke victory as Paul Pitman and Eric Koeman finished in second place on 71.

Jeffrey Singer and Akraim Skaik joined forces extremely well to take the Net Division with a fantastic 61.75 while Jonathan Perry and Robert Webb secured the Division ‘A’ honours with a net 64.5

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Location: 2km from Tasjeel Auto Village behind Emirates Road. A five minute drive from University City.

ARABIAN GOLF

info: A 9-hole fully floodlit course designed by Peter Harradine.

Played twice results in a par-72 layout in excess of 7,300 yards.

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

SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB

mISCROm wIN the CuP IN A wARm-uP FOR the LeAGue

Winner Gerry Gunnane (second from the left) is pictured with Claire Badger, Golf Business Development & Sales Manager at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club (left), Ines Drauschke, Marketing Executive Kempinski Hotels and Adnan Ashraf, Marketing Manager Kempinski Hotels.

GuNNANe BIG FINISh CLINCheS KemPINSKI GERRY Gunnane secured the top honours in the Ramadam Stableford Series Final sponsored by Kempinski Hotel Ajman POS thanks to a hot run of form towards the 1 end of the campaign.

2 With the event lasting for 31 days the 3 4 format allowed players to play as many 5 9-hole rounds as they liked, taking their 6 best five scores to count as their total.

7 Although Gunnane started fairly slowly 8 he managed to claw his way to the top of 9 the leaderboard thanks to a Stableford total 10 of 113 from his best five rounds, six points clear of second-placed T.S. Char.

The event has grown dramatically since its inception last year as 173 players teed it up in the hope of winning a two-night stay at the luxurious Kempinksi Hotel Ajman – a 200percent increase on the 2010 figures.

Char flew into an early lead with impressive scores of 22 and 21 points during the first week’s play and even though he managed to bag another 22 and two more 21s he just couldn’t quite finish

results from the Ramadam Stableford Series Name Gerry Gunnane T.S Char John Wilson Ian Delahunt Golden Kim David Young Jin Man Lee Jaydeep Sarkar Normita Demesa William Neilson

Rounds Played 9 13 14 6 15 5 9 9 17 9

Total Score 113 107 104 102 100 99 97 93 91 90

top of the pile. Gunnane then fired scores of 25, 23, 23, 22 and 20 to clinch the title.

Other notables were John Wilson and Ian Delahunt who scored 104 and 102 to take third and fourth place respectively.

Golden Kim took fifth place and was the only other player to finish with triple figures, ending the competition with 100 points exactly to take fifth place.

THE annual warm-up for the SAIF Zone Golf Society League took place late last month with the third annual running of the Golf Society Cup. Teams are invited to play an 18 hole betterball medal competition and it gives all competitors a good chance to mingle and enter for the 2011/12 Golf Society League which starts later this month.

The field was full with 28 teams entering and taking the honours with a net score of 10-under 62 was the MISCROM Golf Society, represented

by Norhadi Alias and Mohammad Shahruddin.

Their impressive outing was definitely a tale of two halves as they put together an incredible 7-under 29 net score for the first nine holes before returning with a 33 over the back nine.

Scoring was superb on the day and TEAM WEATHERFORD Golf Society missed out on the top spot by just one stroke with the DAVAO 2010 (FIGME) Golf Society finishing third with a net 64.

Martin Duff, SGSC Director of Golf, said the day was a huge success and commented on the fact that the event showcases juat how much golfers really enjoy the chance to compete through their own personal societies.

For more information on society related activities at SGSC contact Claire Badger on 06 5487777 or email golfsales@golfandshootingshj.com

SGSC 3rd Golf Society Cup Winners MISCoM alongside Golf Business Development Manager, Claire Badger.

PASCAL ReIGhNeR ReIGNS SuPReme IN the SGSC RAmADAN OPeN PASCAL Reighner from France triumphed in the second edition of the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Clubs Ramadan Open.

The 24 handicapper received 30 shots around SGSC’s Championship course due to play being off the Black & Blue tees, measuring almost 7,300 yards.

On the front nine Reigner only managed to return a modest haul of 17 points. But although his back nine didn’t start too promisingly, with

a return of just one Stableford point on the 10th hole, the Frenchman caught fire over the remaining eight holes.

His round was tranformed as he scored two net eagles, four net birdies and two net pars to complete a remarkable back nine of f 25 points and an unsurpassed total of 42.

Overall winner Pascal Reighner is pictured third from the right with the other winners in the SGSC Ramadan Open. www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz

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ContaCt: Tel : +9712 558 8990

ARABIAN GOLF

ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB

Info: The 27 hole championship course, managed by the world-renowned Troon Golf, weaves through undulating terrain that features palms, ornamental trees and shrubs, as well

as seven spectacular saltwater lakes.

The experience provides a tough-but-fair challenge, with lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers and generous greens.

Designed by Peter Harradine, planting had begun way back in 1992, accounting for the well-established look the Club presented even on the day of its inauguration.

HwANG Nets septemBeR medAL S.J. HWANG took the Gross honours in the September Monthly Medal with a superb gross level-par 72 while Robin Carrow took the Net prize with the same total, three clear of Daniel Song.

The Men’s 25-28 hcp category saw Hany Abdelnour shoot the low round of the day – a 71 – to beat Ricus Lehmkhul by two strokes.

In the Ladies Net Division Marcia Massengill took the spoils with an excellent 75, three shots clear of Hilary Knight.

Pictured left: Gross winner S.J. Hwang shakes hands with Club Captain Tony Martin as he receives his prize for winning the September Monthly Medal.

dAVId de ANGeLO wINs tHe LONG ‘wALk’ THE Keep Walking Series 2011 couldn’t have ended in a more dramatic climax – with David De Angelo emerging victorious from a three-man shoot-out with Mike Larter and Leon Pretorious. The Finals Day on 28th September was the culmination of 26 weeks of competition stretching back to last April.

Going into the final day, Leon had been leading the series for the past two months, holding off the fchallenge from 2010 Keep Walking Series Champion David De Angelo. Vice Captain Mike Larter kept himself within striking distance with consistent performances throughout the series. In

the Finals Day Strokeplay Competition David De Angelo scored a respectable Net 37 to take 3rd place outright behind Week 25 winner Be Williams.

Leon could only follow up with a Net score of 39 to share 5th place on the night. This meant that on the final day David overtook Leon and managed to retain his title and become the 2011 Keep Walking Series Champion by a narrow 1.5 points.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club thanked African & Eastern for their sponsorship and support of the 2011 Keep Walking Series and look forward to hosting the event again next Summer.

A&E’s Natasha Bosch and winner David De Angelo.

AL GHAZAL GOLF CLUB

LoCatIon: Just 400 metres from Abu Dhabi Airport by road ContaCt: Tel : + 971 2 5758040 Fax: +971 2 5758041

CLUBHOUSE BAR Tel: +971 2 5758044 ACADEMY DIRECT Tel: +971 2 5758185 www.alghazalgolf.ae Email: golfclub@adhc.adac.ae

cOmBeR, ARyA ANd BesteR, Best OF tHe BuNcH PETER Comber secured the Net honours in Division 2 of the September Monthly Medal with a best-of-the-day score of 1-over-par 72 in extremely hot and humid conditions.

Peter was first to admit that it was tough in the heat but with a 35 on the front nine and a 37 coming home, his score was good enough

RecORd tuRN-Out FOR ‘HIt ‘N GIGGLe’ eVeNt THE recent ‘Hit ‘n Giggle’ competition organised by Club Captain Peter McManus saw a record number of 56 players take part in the nine hole Texas scramble format.

The team of Bernie Blanchard, Sabrina Sambola, Jamie Smith and Chris Saunders walked away

with the top prize after an entertaining and fun day’s play. Pictured right (from the left) are: Club Captain and organiser of the event, Peter McManus, with the happy winning team of Bernie Blanchard, Sabrina Sambola, Jamie Smith and Chris Saunders.

for a two-stroke win ahead of Adda Haouara.

Division 1 honours went to Vinod Arya with a 74, two clear of Kevin Darroch, while in Division 3 Steve Coulson beat junior Julian Hawalitzky by a single stroke to take the title.

The Ladies Division was won by Anina Bester with a 76, six clear of second-placed Bobo Bradley.

info: The Championship Golf Course offers a picturesque and challenging experience for all golfers. The professionally designed par 71 course measures 6612 yards from the black tees and 6129 from the blue tees.

Location: Al Ain PO Box 1471, UAE

ArABiAn golF

Al Ain EqUEsTriAn, shOOTinG & GOlF ClUB

contact: Tel : +971 3 7026400 Fax: +971 3 7683331 golf@palmsportsresort.com

Chalmers baCk after a summer in the sand

The FuTure is BrighT For Junior golF in Al Ain JUST 18 months ago the Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club was unrecognisable as both a facility and a Golf Club.

Then known as The Palm Sports Resort, the club boasted a nine hole course, clubhouse and not much else. As it stands, AESGC is becoming one of the fastest growing facilities in the UAE – and the progress of the Junior Golf Programmee has been running in tandem with the expansion of the course.

January 2010 saw the arrival of Scottish PGA Teaching Professional, Fraser McLaughlan. Having been heavily involved in various junior programmes in Scotland, Fraser decided to try and carry on his work in Al Ain. On arrival, the club had only five junior members and no Junior Competitions.

Through different recruiting programmes and several coaching options, the junior section started to expand. Within three months the Al Ain kids were enjoying their first taste of competitive golf.

Strength to strength A field of 35 made history by being the first players to play on the new Academy 9 Hole par 3 course, making the day a double celebration. Since then, the junior section has gone from strength to strength.

The Junior Programme strengthened even more when Dubai-based Fruit Company, Unifrutti Asia came on board to be the main Junior Sponsor earlier this year. Representative, Andres Venegas joined forces with the club and funded all club tournaments and various interclub outings.

Unifrutti’s input was different from typical sponsorship deals. Not only did Andres offer financial support, he made sure that he or one of the company’s representatives were on hand to show moral support at each and every event. On the back of the success of the

THE first tournament after the summer break took place in the form of the Hertz Thursday Social on 1st September and Lyndon Chalmers let his clubs do the talking as he returned a score of 20 points to top Division ‘A’.

Played on the back nine, conditions could not have been more difficult as players took to the course in the middle of a sandstorm at the 4:30pm shotgun start.

With four months of the season remaining Chalmers was in the chasing pack in the Golfer of the Year standings and was clearly in the mood for points.

After a summer of indifferent scores a few of the ‘experts’ at the club had written him off but Chalmers secured a 2-point victory over Stephen Garbutts after a solid display of ball striking.

Duncan Murphy took the title in Division ‘B’ on 17 points, one clear of Larry Benson who made a welcome return to the podium courtesy of a run of three pars over his closing holes.

Division ‘C’ also saw just one point seperating the two players as Randy Scott secured the honours ahead of Phil James on 14 and 13 points respectively.

The Nearest the Pin prize at Hole 17 went to Dane Sandford Snr while the Longest Drive by the men was struck by Lex Cassiere and for the ladies Lindsay Brown struck the mightiest blow.

Fraser McLaughlan and Unifrutti Asia representative Andres Venegas with the pop-up banner for Unifrutti, sponsors of the Juniors. last few months, Andres has also been talking to Arabian Ranches and Dubai Creek to lend support to their junior programmes.

When kids are given an opportunity to compete and be coached on a regular basis, it’s no surprise when marked improvements come to fruition. This has been no different in Al Ain. Ten year old Dane Sandford is now a regular in the Senior Tournaments, already down to a handicap of 14. Young Aussie, Morgan Ashford, picked up his first golf club less than a year ago and is now the club’s lowest handicapper playing off 2 at the age of 17.

Ireland’s Eoin Cuniffe reduced his handicap from 24 to 3 in a year. On top of this Eoin has just been crowned the youngest ever Club Champion in the Clubs history. Kids as young as 5 are regularly completing the Academy Course in fewer than 40 shots.

AESGC Junior profilES

PeTer WhiTTAker, Aged 6 Q: What age did you start playing golf?

A: Two years – with plastic clubs.

Q: Who would be be your dream 4-ball?

A: Seve Ballesteros, Luke Donald and Ian Poulter.

Q: Who is your favourite golfer of all time?

A: Without any doubt – Seve Ballesteros.

Q: What is your favourite film?

A: Rango.

Q: What is your favorite car?

A: A McLaren F1.

Q: What will you be when you grow up?

A: A professional golfer or a whale protector! www.wwgolf.biz

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# 1 G L OV E O N TO U R .

More players on the US and European Tours choose to wear FootJoy. Players like Luke Donald, Fredrik Jacobson and Davis Love III, who rely on the best fit and performance of the FootJoy StaSof ® and SciFlex ™ golf gloves.

From the performance of the premium Pittards ® Taction™ APL ™ Cabretta leather to the incredible feel, breathability and grip, the best players in the world know that FootJoy gloves are the most technically advanced and highest quality gloves available. To discover for yourself why the world’s best count on FootJoy, visit footjoy.co.uk/gloves.

Source: Darrell Survey (US) Sports Marketing Surveys Ltd (Europe). Pro Sports International, PO Box 26723, Dubai, UAE footjoy.co.uk Available from: Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Al Badia, Al Ghazal, Dirab Golf Club, Doha Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai Duty Free, Emirates Golf Club, Golf House Super Store, Golf Shop Direct, Katameya Heights, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mirage Golf Resort, Nad Al Sheba Club, Riffa Golf Club,The Montgomerie Dubai, Sports Mart Doha, ME Golf Kuwait.

Location:

ARABIAN GOLF

MUSCAT HILLS GoLf & CoUnTry CLUb

Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club is located near Muscat International Airport and oman Air’s main office. Within minutes from major shopping areas, first class restaurants, hospitals, international schools and Muscat’s main Central business District.

contact:

Club: +968 245 14080 fax: +968 245 10277 Email: ray@muscatgolf.com Web: www.muscathills.com

NORA dImItROvA, muscAt hILLs’ New mARketING executIve BULGARIAN national, Nora Dimitrova, has become the new Marketing Executive for Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club’ as the club looks to increase participation levels in the sport in Oman.

Nora has spent the last 18 months working on the launch of the Pravets Golf and Spa Club in her native Bulgaria and is looking forward to her new role in Oman.

“I am really excited about the opportunity of joining the team at Muscat Hills,” she said. “I have spent some time in the Middle East and I am impressed by the quality of the facilities and the general interest in golf.

“I believe my background in Bulgaria in trying to grow the awareness and participation of the game will serve me well in Oman.” Prior to working

at Pravets, which, like Muscat Hills, is managed

by Braemar Golf Developments of St Andrews, Dimitrova spent five years as the Editor of ‘Golf and Spa magazine,’ Bulgaria’s number one leisure publication.

She has also spent time working for the Bulgarian Golf Association on their junior golf development programme.

Muscat Hills’ Golf Marketing Director John Cockayne has welcomed Nora’s appointment, saying: “To have someone of Nora’s capability and all-round marketing and PR skills join Muscat Hills is a big bonus for us.

“The interest in golf in Oman is on the increase, which is why we are investing in people of Nora’s calibre to help us meet this demand.”

Nora Dimirova: “i’m really excited about the opportunity of joining muscat Hills. i believe my background in Bulgaria in trying to grow the awareness and participation of the game will serve me well in oman.”

pOpuLAR mIxed OpeN tO Be INtROduced LATER this month Muscat Hills G & CC will host their first Mixed Open after witnessing the success the tournaments have enjoyed across the Gulf in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Bahrain.

The Muscat Hills Mixed Open will take place on October 27-28 and will be played in the popular Greensomes format. Sponsored by the Al Nahda Resort and Spa, the entry fee of OR60 per couple includes a practice round and lunch on the two tournament days.

The sponsors are also offering attractive rates for any overseas competitors to stay at the resort for the duration of the event.

“This is an important event on our fixture list as it gives us an opportunity to show off our fantastic golf course to golfers from around the region,” said Director of Golf Ray Stopforth (pictured bove right). “My thanks go out to the Al Nahda Resort and Spa for their generous support of the inaugural Mixed Open.”

Paul o’Hara is presented with the trophy by H.E. Dr. mohammed al rumhy after his victory in the Eid al Fitra Tournament.

pAuL O’hARA shOOts LOw tO wIN eId AL FItRA eveNt NEW member of Muscat Hills Golf & Ciountry Club, Paul O’Hara, secured the top honours at the Eid Al Fitra Tournament recently after an excellent net 68 gave him a two-stroke victory over Tom Fredrikson.

William Welsh finished third in the Net category with a 72 while the Best Gross prize went to Oman Open Champion, Jilan Jenggi, who went round in 74 strokes.

“More than100 competitors took part in this newly created event and because it was such a roaring success we have decided to make the tournament an annual event on our calendar,” said Golf Operations Manager David White.

thINk pINk chARIty AwAReNess dAy MUSCAT HILLS G&CC will mark the global Breast Cancer Awareness Day of October 21st with a Think Pink Charity Day where players will be encouraged to wear pink on the course.

In addition to the Think Pink Day and the inaugural Mixed Open, which is scheduled for the following weekend, the newly refurbished Clubhouse and Driving Range is set for a ‘grand opening’ on October 27th which will complete a busy month at Muscat Hills. To help celebrate the opening, English trick-shot star Kevin Carpenter will deliver a 45-minute performance of breathtaking entertainment with every club in the bag – and a little bit more.

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THE 2011 VOLVO WORLD GOLF CHALLENGE QUALIFYING EVENT AT RIYADH GOLF COURSES Wednesday: Nov. 16 practice day Thursday: Nov. 17 1 st. round double shotgun Friday: Nov. 18 Final round.

TOURNAMENT FORMAT; - 36 holes stroke play - Entry limited to 144 players.

- Cut: top 50 gross & top 22 nett players.

ENTRY FEES: RGC members Sar.550 Non members Sar. 700 For award dinner only: Sar 325

- Players must be 18 years over to win the VOLVO major prize due to travel restrictions.

- Registration will be on Wednesday 16 till 06.00 pm - Open to all Amateur golfers from all GCC and Arab countries.

ENTRY FEE INCLUDES:

- 18 holes practice round - 36 holes tournament - range balls / golf cart.

- tournament gift - breakfast & lunch ( 17/18/nov)

HOW DO I REGISTER: - Entry application is available online at www.riyadhgolfcourses.com or www.volvogolfksa.com or send a completed entry form by email at info@riyadhgolfcourses.com not later than 10 November 2011.

LOCATION: Situated just 20 minutes drive from Bahrain’s capital, Manama, the Royal Golf Club boasts the country’s only 18hole grass golf course which

ARABIAN GOLF

ROYAL GOLF CLUB BAHRAIN

forms the stunning centrepiece of Riffa Views, a residential lifestyle community.

CONTACT: Tel: +973 17 750777

AL NOAImI sees cLeARLy IN BAhRAIN OptIcIAN pOweRpLAy SAGER Al Noaimi was crowned overall champion of the Bahrain Optician Ramadan PowerPlay Series recently and sealed it in style by scoring 25 points – one of the highest hauls of the series – in the final event.

The PowerPlay Stableford was held on the Par3 Wee Monty Course and Sultan Abdulla took second place on 20 points with Abdulla Al Hakam finishing third with 18.

“It’s been a great five week series,” said John Wilson, Golf Operations & Events Manager. “I would like to thank Bahrain Optician for their generous sponsorship of what has been a very popular series throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Well done to Sager and to Sultan for some great golf.”

Pictured left to right: Club Captain Ed Daly; winner Saqer Al Noaimi; Lady Captain Debbie Lane; runner-up Sultan Abdulla and Men’s Vice Captain Ebrahim Esbai.

DAte set FOR ROyAL pRO Am

OUT NOW

The Royal Golf Club’s highly popular annual Pro Am Tournament is set to take place on Wednesday 30th November on the Montgomerie championship course and is expected to feature a number of PGA Professionals from around the Gulf region. The event officially starts with a Calcutta Auction which will be held in the Club’s Members’ Lounge on the evening before the tournament where teams will have the opportunity to bid for the Professional of their choice.

Three options for local and regional golfers wishing to take in The Royal Pro Am: OUT NOW

Entry Fee: BD500 to sign up a team of three amateur players.

Hole Sponsorship: BD750 to include a team of three players plus on-course branding for your company.

Silver Sponsorship: BD1,000 to include a team of three players plus on-course & clubhouse branding. n All three options include green fees, carts, driving range access, a special lunch sponsored by Projects System Group and prize-giving ceremony. n There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs, to be announced nearer the time.

For full details or to sign up online, visit www.theroyalgolfclub.com

OUT NOW

October Events at The Royal Golf Club Date

Event

Time

Open to

Every Saturday

Wee Monty Family Day – only BD15 per adult, kids play free

10am to noon

All

Junior Saturday Series Medal

3pm Shotgun

All Juniors

Every Sunday

Ladies Callaway Stableford

8:30am shotgun

Ladies

Every Monday

Ecco Monday Stableford

1.00pm shotgun

All

BMMI Monday Madness Night Golf Series – BD20 for 9 holes

6.30pm shotgun

All

VIVA Corporate Night Golf League

from 6pm

Registered teams

Every Wednesday Ladies golf competitions – different formats

8.30am shotgun

Ladies

Saturday 15th

Annual Pro’s Challenge – take on the Club’s PGA Pros

1.00pm shotgun

All

Sunday 16th

Gent’s Think Pink Event (9 holes)

6.30pm shotgun

Men

8.30am shotgun

Ladies

9.30am shotgun

Ladies

Every Tuesday

Wednesday 19th Ladies Think Pink Event – Montgomerie Course (18 holes) Ladies Think Pink – Wee Monty (9 holes)

KempINsKI GOLF DAy On Friday 21st October The Royal Golf Club will host the inaugural Kempinski Golf Day. The Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre opened recently in Manama amid much publicity and this event marks one of the hotel’s first connections with the local and expatriate business/golfing community since their grand opening.

The tournament will be played in the individual stableford format, teeing off with a 7.30am shotgun start and is open to Club Members and invited guests only. www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz

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ARABIAN GOLF

DIRAB GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Location: Nestled in the picturesque Dirab Valley below the Tuwaiq escarpment, just 30 minutes drive from the diplomatic quarters of Riyadh, take the Makkah national road and turn left to Dirab.

The golf course is situated just off the Dirab Road. contact: Tel: +966 1 812 6671 Email: info@dirabgolf.com

dAte set FOR sAudI OGeR OpeN ChAmpIONshIp

info: Opened in 1991, Dirab GC is the only grassed Championship golf course in Saudi Arabia with 9 of the 18 holes floodlit for night golf. coURSE: 7,420 yards par 72 Championship Course with driving range and practice facilities.

dIRAB LAdIes set FOR ABu dhABI test

Dirab Golf & Country Club and Saudi Oger are pleased to announce that the 3rd Annual Saudi Oger Open Golf Championship will take place on October 19th – 21st.. To enter this prestigious competition contact Dirab Golf & 2010 Winner Khaled Attieh with Fahad Abunayyan of Dirab Golf & Country Club and Mazen Fayed of Saudi Oger.

Country Club on info@dirabgolf.com.

DIRAB Ladies are currently undergoing an actionpacked autumn in their Ladies Clinic under the supervision of Bouchaib El Jadiani (Dirab Golf & Country Club Pro and Manager) as they prepare for a trip to Abu Dhabi for a ‘Solheim Cup’ themed tournament.

Lady Captain Flore Bouzann will lead a team of Ladies to Abu Dhabi and they will play on October 10th at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, October 11th at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club before the final day on October 12th at Yas Links Golf Club.

JuNIORs CONtINue theIR ImpRessIve pROGRess DIRAB Golf & Country Club are continuing with their Junior Lessons this October. These will take place on Friday afternoons. Pictured above is Bouchaib El Jadiani, Dirab Golf & Country Club Pro and Manager, working with the juniors on the practice range in a recent teaching programme. For further information about the Junior Lessons at Dirab Golf & Country Club, please contact: info@dirabgolf.com.

Location: Ras Al Khaimah The course meanders through a mangrove reserve with the Hajar Mountains serving as a backdrop.

ARABIAN GOLF

TOWER LINKS GOLF CLUB

contact: Tel: +971 7 2279939 (reservations desk) E-mail: golf@towerlinks.com

info: First opened in May 2004, Tower Links Golf Club has an 18 hole Championship Course and the back nine is floodlit for evening play.

DESignER: Gerald Williams

GeRRy GIBsON OFF tO A FLyeR

mIke RIChARdsON RetuRNs tO hOme IN ON sOCIAL vICtORy MIKE Richardson stepped back on the familiar fairways of Tower Links recently and walked away with the top prize in the Social Stableford.

Richardson shot a more than respectable total of 21 Stableford points with the highlight of his round coming at the 13th where he recorded a gross birdie.

Three players finished on 20 points

and after a countback Lily Naya was awarded second place, John Holland took third and Ray Labonte missed out on a place on the podium by taking fourth.

John Hurley finished bottom of the pile despite all the hard work he has been putting in. Hurley is looking forward to playing in the cooler temperatures of the winter.

GERRY Gibson began the new season with a bang after shooting 18 points over the back nine to win a Wednesday Night Social Stableford tournament last month by just one point from three players.

Adam Gibson, Jeff Glasgow and Yuki Pellerine all secured 17 points but after a card countback Adam Gibson was awarded second place, Jeff Glasgow was relegrated to third and Pellerine had to settle for fourth place.

Whilst not one of the highest winning scores, Gerry handled the challenging conditions better than the rest of the field.

He will have taken a great deal of confidence out of this win, so look out for him mount a serious challenge for the 2011/12 Golfer of the Year Title.

The wooden spoon winner was Joe Madin after he lost out in his battle with the rough. Joe posted just six Stableford points to finish in last place.

ALL SMILES as the jubilant prizewinners celebrate after the Wednesday Night Social Stableford.

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razr range The complete range is available in Callaway’s RAZR XF Graphite shafts with light, regular and stiff flexes or with True Temper GS95 shafts.

Currently the only club in the range not available to lefties is the 5-Hybrid (don’t tell Phil Mickelson).

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92-95

BlaCk pVD Finish Black PVD Finish ‘Physical Vapour Deposition Finish’ comes from a hightech process that produces a distinctive stealth look for reduced glare.

95

Top GEAR

multi-steel ConstruCtion

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IN ThE bAG

The forged 1025 Carbon Steel Body is perimeter weighted for a higher moment of inertia and increased forgiveness for a soft, responsive impact. The 455 Carpenter Steel Face is stronger than traditional stainless steel and generates faster ball speeds.

higher launCh angle The increased head size and added offset makes it Callaway’s most forgiving hybrid, designed to produce shots that fly higher, longer and straighter.

RAZR SHARp Callaway launCh premium set THE Callaway Razr FX set of premium hybrids and irons are forged with a thin, high-strength clubface made of 455 Carpenter Steel on a body of 1025 Carbon Steel. Weight saved through the lightweight face is repositioned around the perimeter, which Callaway says results in these irons having the highest MOI of any Callaway

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iron to date. The rear of the clubhead includes an aluminum-and-thermoplastic medallion, which helps lessen vibration and creates a pleasing impact sound and feel. The Razr FX hybrids have larger clubheads and extra offset, and the face uses a “Zero Roll Design.” The result is more help in getting the ball on a desired launch angle, and the

Zero Roll Design produces a higher launch angle on a ball struck low on the clubface.

The line includes 3, 4 and 5 hybrids, plus 3-9 irons, pitching wedge, gap wedge and sand wedge. A retail set comes with two hybrids and six irons to give you the option to tailor your set to match your game.

new CluBs / teChnology

Rickie’s just the tickEt foR pumA PuMA GOlF have seen ‘significant’ growth in sales this year, thanks in no small part to the unique style of Ryder Cup star Rickie Fowler.

The youngster, who is still to win on the uS PGA Tour, sets off on his final round charge decked out from head to toe in all-orange and he’s fast become one of the most talked about players in the world.

When Puma announced a limited run of the all-orange spikes Fowler flaunts, the 500 pairs sold out “instantly” according to Bob Philion, President of Cobra-Puma Golf, and growth in sales have been “substantial.”

While some may struggle to match these Cell Fusion Argyle Golf Shoes with a pair of casual slacks, there are other colour schemes available including white/black, black/silver and white/ orange.

“It’s cool to have the fan following I have and to have an impact on some young fans,” Fowler said. “I definitely want to be a good role model, someone who the kids’ parents allow them to look up to.”

bRIdGEsToNE J40 hybRIds BRIDGESTOnE’S new J40 hybrids, designed with an improved shape and a more optimal weighting, are said to be their longest, most forgiving hybrids yet.

According to Bridgestone, the J40 hybrid is the ultimate in soft-yet-solid feel, thanks to the 17-4 stainless steel head composition.

A thinner crown design allowed Bridgestone to redistribute weight on the perimeter of the head for more forgiveness.

Available in lofts of 18°, 21° and 24°, the J40s are expected to fill the bags of both the budding amateur and the serious low-handicappers.

odyssEy offER loNG puTTERs To ThE mAssEs WITH belly and long putters working so successfully on the uS PGA Tour (recent winners include Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson, Bill Haas and Adam Scott) the boffins at Odyssey Golf have decided to launch a range of longer flat-sticks for the public.

Versions in lengths of 43-, 48- and 50-inches of the White Ice D.A.R.T. putter are hitting the shelves this month, giving budding amateurs a chance to emulate what some of the top pros are doing. Phil Mickelson put a belly putter in his bag in September after using a classic blade for the majority of his career and others are sure to follow suit.

www.wwgolf.biz

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top gear

pING lAuNch NEw IpING puTTER App To TARGET GAmE-ImpRoVEmENT PING have launched a brand new app which has been designed to identify the player’s stroke type and impact angle in order to help the golfer improve his putting.

The iPING app also measures the tempo of the putting stroke, and after a series of putts, the clever software records the consistency in each area before establishing a Putting Handicap which reduces as the golfer’s consistency improves.

The app is available to download from the iTunes store for free, and it works in conjunction with a cradle that clips onto the putter shaft.

Mizuno jPX Wedges The new JPX wedges from Mizuno feature a slightly larger head and a more rounded toe and leading edge while the faint cavity in the back of the head manages to add forgiveness.

The face features the same ‘Quad Cut’ grooves as the other wedges from Mizuno with the same loft-specific groove shape. This means the grooves are deeper and narrower in stronger lofts and wider and shallower in weaker lofts for maximum spin – depending on the type of shot you are likely to play with each club.

Unlike the Mizuno MP wedges, the JPX is made from a cast 8620 steel and finished in a twotone double nickel chrome. The JPX offers long-term durability and a satisfying feel. The JPX wedge is available with degrees ranging from 50-60.

bRIdGEsToNE IN ThE pINk foR bREAsT cANcER AwARENEss BRIDGESTOnE Golf are offering a new limited edition version of the TOuR B330-RX in pink to support national Breast Cancer Awareness Month during October.

Adding to the company’s popular white and yellow B330-RX balls, Bridgestone will release a limited quantity of several thousand Pink TOuR B330RX balls and with every purchase Bridgestone will contribute a portion of the proceeds to the charity.

“Breast cancer awareness is a cause that many here in our Bridgestone family hold close to their hearts, as the disease has impacted on all of us in some way at one time or another,” said Brandon Sowell, Bridgestone Golf’s Director of Marketing. “We are excited to have the opportunity to use this limited edition Pink B330-RX to help raise awareness and funding in support of finding a cure.”

Perhaps the most iconic user of the pink ball is Bridgestone Ambassador Paula Creamer, whose usage of the ball on the lPGA Tour has increased the popularity of pink balls, especially the Pink Bridgestone B330-RX she uses during the final round of most tournaments.

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in tHE

BAg

Fraser Mclaughlan Head TeacHing Professional

al ain equesTrian, sHooTing & golf club dRiVeR: TaylorMade Superfast 2.0 TP, 8.5° x stiff graphite shaft

3 Wood: TaylorMade Superfast 2.0 TP, 13.5° x stiff graphite shaft

5 Wood: TaylorMade Superfast 2.0 TP, 18.5° x stiff graphite shaft

At what age did you first start playing golf?

FM: I was 10 years old when I first became a member of Wishaw golf Club in Scotland. From that day onwards I have been completely hooked. I used to play every day after school. My dad would pick me up, drive me to the course and caddy for me. My first handicap was 40 and my first tournament score was 133!

When did you move to Abu Dhai and Al Ain and what do you think of the place?

FM: I took the job in Al Ain on January 2nd 2010. I had never visited the uAE before so it was a bit of a culture shock, although it didn’t take me long to settle in. The members are great and I love my job. My wife moved over about 12 months ago and we can see ourselves being here for a long time. We now see Al Ain as home.

What was your first set of clubs?

FM: My first clubs were a full set of Gary Player blades made by Anvil. I still have them back in Scotland. I picked one of them up when I was visiting home this summer and I nearly had a heart attack when I saw how small the heads were.

irons 4-9: TaylorMade Burner 2.0, 6.5 rifle shafts

Who would be your dream fourball?

FM: Tiger Woods, lee Trevino and Steven Hubner. Tiger was the guy I watched and worshipped growing up so it would be awesome to see him in action so close up. Trevino would be in there for his shot-making ability and, of course, entertainment value while Steven is my Dubai Trophy partner and is a childhood friend. I’d like him to play so I’m not the worst golfer in the group!

He’ll kill me when he reads this!

Wedges: TaylorMade RAC 52, 58°

LoB Wedge: TaylorMade RAC 52, 58°

PutteR:

TaylorMade 110 est79 model

Who is your golfing hero and why?

FM: Tiger Woods by a country mile. Since I was 16 I have looked forward to turning on the TV to watch Tiger tee it up. Some of the moments he has provided us with coming down the stretch in Majors will never be repeated. I watched him at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic earlier this year and the aura about him was still incredible. I know he has made a few mistakes of late and there is no question his golf is suffering as a result but I have no doubt he will be back as strong as ever in the next two years.

Remember the old saying: Form is temporary, Class is permanent!

If you were head of the R&A, what rule would you change?

I would ban belly and long putters. I find it hard to believe that they ever got approved in the first place. Being from Scotland and having great pride in the game’s history and tradition, I think the long putters are out of place. Old Tom Morris would turn in his grave!

A GOLF SHOE DOESN’T NEED TO LOOK LIKE A GOLF SHOE

Available at leading Golf Clubs and ECCO Shops in UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain & Egypt. Tel:+971-4-299 3885 Ext-158 Email: ae.golf@ecco.com Web: ecco.com/golf