Worldwide Golf April 2024

BUBBA WATSON

HOW TO MASTER AUGUSTA NATIONAL

APRIL

BUNKER TIPS

DON’T LET PLUGGED LIES RUIN YOUR SCORECARD

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PARIS CALLING UAE’S GRENVILLE-WOOD HAS EYE ON THE OLYMPICS

GOLDEN TOUCH UAE UNDER 18 BOYS WIN GCC CHAMPIONSHIP

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VOICE OF THE TOUR

Guy Kinnings takes the helm of the DP World Tour

A new chapter in the history of the DP World Tour begins on April 2 when Guy Kinnings becomes our Chief Executive Officer.

In some respects, it is significant change for the Tour, given only four people have previously held the position since the Tour was established 52 years ago: John Jacobs from 1972-1975, Ken Schofield from 1975 – 2004, George O’Grady from 2005-2015 and Keith Pelley, who has been in office since 2015.

However, Guy has been a central figure at the Tour for the past six years, working closely with Keith and the rest of our Executive Leadership Team. He is also hugely experienced elsewhere in the golf industry, so we are fortunate to have strong succession planning which will ensure a seamless transition of leadership.

I have known Guy personally since 2002 and worked closely with him over the past five years, having joined the Tour in 2019, a year after Guy made the move himself from IMG shortly before the 2018 Ryder Cup.

During that period, he has overseen significant growth of the Tour’s commercial operation, including being a key figure in the landmark agreement for DP World to become title partner of the European Tour Group from the start of the 2022 season.

When you spend any time with Guy at an event, you get a true appreciation of the scale of the relationships he has right across the game of golf, and indeed the wider sports industry. That is certainly applicable here in the Middle East, a region he has spent a significant amount of time in

during his 35 years working in our sport.

In both his time at the Tour and previously with IMG, where he was Senior Vice President and Global Head of Golf, Guy has been a constant and visible presence for all our partners in this region, including Falcon Associates, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Emirates Golf Federation and, of course, the aforementioned DP World.

As Deputy Chief Executive, Guy also worked together with Keith on all of the bigger strategic matters relating to our Tour in recent years, including our Strategic Alliance with the PGA TOUR and the ongoing discussions to bring greater alignment and unity in the men’s professional game.

As he returns to Toronto to join Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Keith leaves a terrific legacy, having cultivated a culture of innovation, inclusivity and globality that now truly defines our Tour.

His tenure has been a transformational eight and a half years for our Tour and we are all rightly proud of what we have achieved together. We are now all looking forward to continuing that momentum under Guy’s stewardship and, hopefully, reaching even greater heights.

Guy’s term in office begins with the season’s first Major Championship, the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, where hopefully one of our DP World Tour members will finish the week adorning the famous Green Jacket.

The Masters is always a special week for anyone in golf, but it is particularly so for the first timers, which this year will include our reigning DP World

Tour Championship winner, Nicolai Højgaard. There will also be a debut for Nicolai’s Ryder Cup teammate Ludvig Åberg, who memorably made a record-breaking appearance in golf’s greatest team competition last September before playing in a Major Championship.

Whilst the eyes of the golfing world will be on Augusta, for us here in the Tour’s Middle East office, we will also be busy continuing our preparations for the upcoming Abu Dhabi double-header on the Challenge Tour.

It will be the second consecutive year we have held back-to-back Challenge Tour events in Abu Dhabi, thanks to our partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation, with the Abu Dhabi Challenge taking place at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club from April 18-21, followed by the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club from April 25-28.

So far, two of our Challenge Tour Graduates from last year have gone on to enjoy success on the DP World Tour in 2024, with Matteo Manassero winning the Jonsson Workwear Open and Jesper Svensson claiming the Porsche Singapore Classic.

We look forward to seeing which of the current Challenge Tour class will succeed in Abu Dhabi and take a significant step towards the DP World Tour.

Tom Phillips Head of MIddle East DP World Tour

16 COURSE FACTS

Augusta National has evolved since it first staged the Masters Tournament in 1934 and has one of the most iconic stretches in the game.

18 DID YOU KNOW?

The first Major of the season always throws up some dramatic facts.

20 GREEN JACKET

1O facts about one of the most sought after ‘trophies’ in the game.

24 BUBBA WATSON

The 2014 Masters champion explains what it takes to win around Augusta National.

MASTERS SPECIAL Features

30 ZONING IN ON PARIS

Emirati golfer Joshua GrenvilleWood is flying the flag for the UAE on golf’s biggest stage with qualification for the 2024 Olympics now firmly in his sights.

UAE WIN GOLD

The UAE’s Boys 18 & Under golf team soared to victory last month, clinching the gold medal at the prestigious GCC Golf Championship in Qatar.

WOMEN’S

GOLF DAY

WGD Founder Elisa Gaudet talks exclusively to Rick Bevan about the side hustle that has grown into the world’s biggest female golf development initiative.

59 CLUB AWARDS

Emirates Golf Club retains the top award with the Els Club and Al Zorah joining them in the winner’s circle.

JUNIOR ASIAN GOLF ACADEMY

The UAE’s most promising young talents are set for developmental boost with the region’s first residential golf school.

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Gear

58

CALLAWAY HOUSE TEST

Is the latest Callaway Paradym Smoke Ai worth the money?

52

PGA Professoanal Jonathan Craddock explains how Justin Rose tackles one of the most challenging bunker shots. MASTER THE PLUGGED lIE

60 FOOTJOY PRO/ SLX CARBON

The most stable and comfortable shoe we have tested to date is also a huge hit on Tour.

62

PING I520 IRONS

Workability of a blade with greater ball speed and forgiveness.

63

PING G730 IRONS

Their highest performing iron to date packs a punch but also tighter dispersion rates.

54 THE GREAT ESCAPE

PGA Professional Jackson Bell shows you a quick way to escape the plugged lie.

56 HOLE MORE PUTTS

Four-time DP World Tour champion David Horsey shows you how.

57 SHAUFFELE’S STEP OUT DRILL

Why loading the right side with a wedge and transfering onto the left during practice helps with the feeling of power shifting.

GOLF IS AT A MAJOR CROSSROAD

The negotiations between the Tours and LIV Golf (PIF) are ongoing, but even if things get resolved this year, schedules for the next two years have already been put in place. Hopefully there can be a quicker resolution to get the best players back into the Majors and larger tournaments.

I’m in America at the moment, working with my players, but it’s a challenge to say the least with the current professional golfing climate. Previously, I could just catch up with them all prior to a PGA Tour event and then during the relevant practice rounds. These days I’m all over the place, but ironically most of my players are based on the LIV Golf League and things will feel more normal going into their event in Miami the week before the Masters.

Out of the LIV Golf line up I will only have two players at Augusta, Brooks Koepka and Joaquim Niemann. Both stand a great chance of winning, but I’ve got to have a proper catch up with Brooks. He will be fired up, finishing twice now at the Masters will not sit well with him. I know McIlroy, Scheffler and Rahm are regarded by many in the press as favourites, but I don’t see why. Rory has not won a Major in 10 years; Scottie and Rahm have only three Majors between them, yet Brooks finished runner-up last year and went on to win the PGA Championship and isn’t considered a favourite?

That will suit Brooks, he isn’t flying under the radar, but will want to win to silence to critics and more importantly, bag another Major.

Golf courses suit a players’ eye or not, and Augusta National highlights this when you see how well many of the past champions perform. Just look at Langer and Couples, they can still make the cut regardless of their age, on a course that is now more than 7,500 yards. It’s not all about distance off the tee but managing your way round the challenges.

I’ve just been working hard with one past champion, Danny Willett, who is coming back to fitness after shoulder rehab. He’s doing brilliantly and hopefully might tee it up on Thursday. He will be able to play a few practice rounds beforehand to see where his game is at and call it one way or the other just before the start. That’s the great thing about being a former winner, you get a spot regardless. So, you are not taking away an invite by playing or pulling out at the last minute.

Standing on the range at Augusta will still feel odd without the likes of Westwood, Stenson and Poulter. In addition to not have the likes of Talor Gooch and Thomas Pieters just highlights the field does not contain the best golfers in the world.

This might play a part in Willett committing to start, as if you factor in the limited field and where the cut might be, he just needs to beat

around 20 players over the two rounds.

The Masters will also be the first Major for Guy Kinnings as head of the DP World Tour and it will be interesting to see how he does things differently to Keith Pelley. But we need to remember the DP World Tour is run by a committee, and just like Keith, Guy will just be one voice at the table. I do hope that the DP World Tour try to keep hold of their star players more, as trying to entice sponsors for regular events has got to be a challenge when you gift your 10 best players each year PGA Tour cards, especially when many of your European household names are at LIV Golf.

I keep on hearing that all this is about growing the game. But what does that exactly mean? It sounds impressive, but how is all this growing the game?

Surely, growing the game should be about making the game more accessible to those not currently involved, and not those actively playing. Golf remains a minority sport and that will only change if we give more people, especially the kids, the opportunity to play.

Clubs around the world continue to close due to lack of funds and in turn that limits the game. Not everyone can afford to join a country club and municipal courses have always been the backbone of the game. Affordable golf for the masses is needed, especially if we are trying to provide a stepping stone into the game from Topgolf or Toptracer ranges.

Golf is at a crossroads in more ways than one.

MASTERS TOURNAMENT CROSSWORD

Masters crossword

Complete the crossword puzzle below

Across

Down

Name:

Created using the Crossword Maker on TheTeachersCorner.net

ACROSS

2. Last player to win the Masters via a play-off

DOWN

2. Last player to win the Masters via a play-off

5. Only player to card 11 birdies in a single round

1. Type of cheese used in the tournament’s signature sandwich

1. Type of cheese used in the tournament's signature sandwich

6. First player to make albatross on the second

5. Only player to card 11 birdies in a single round

8. Chairman of Augusta National

6. First player to make albatross on the second

3. Former U.S. Secretary of State that became one of the first female members at the club

3. Former U.S. Secretary of State that became one of the first female members at the club

9. Low amateur at last year's edition

8. Chairman of Augusta National

4. Oldest player to make the cut

4. Oldest player to make the cut

10. First champion to receive a Green Jacket

9. Low amateur at last year’s edition

11. Name of the bridge on the 15th

10. First champion to receive a Green Jacket

11. Name of the bridge on the 15th

7. The highest score recorded on a single hole at the Masters

7. The highest score recorded on a single hole at the Masters

Snead / 11. Sarazen

2024 MASTERS

This year’s Masters Tournament tees off on Thursday April 11th with the three favourites being Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and defending champion Jon Rahm. Brooks Koepka has a point to prove after narrowly missing out last year and you can’t overlook the inform Joaquin Niemann. This year the LIV Golf membership will have a strong presence at the first Major of the season and could set the tone for how headlines develop in the drama that has become the battle for professional golf.

Photography: Getty Images

TOURNAMENT

COURSE FACTS

Augusta

National Golf Cub

Par 72

7545 yards

The par-4 11th hole is the all-time leader for the hardest hole at the Masters, averaging 4.303 strokes. The low year for the hole came in 1995, playing at an average of 4.064 while the high year came in 1956 when it played at 4.644.

EASY

The par-5 13th hole is the all-time leader for the easiest hole at the Masters, averaging 4.775 strokes. The low year for the whole came in 2019, with an average of 4.474 whole the high year came in 1975 when it played at 5.042.

5th HOLE

The par-4 fifth hole was the hardest hole in 2023, playing at +0.32 to par. Champion Jon Rahm played the hole in one over par, mixing three pars with a bogey during his third round which was played during heavy and persistent rain on Saturday.

TOUGH FINISH

The par-4 18th was the second hardest hole last year, with 92 bogeys made by the field –the most on any hole across the week. Rahm made a birdie during the opening round as he played the hole in level par for the four rounds, with only two other players in the top ten and ties making a birdie over four days.

AZELEA

More than 30 varieties of azaleas can be found around the course and are the most identifiable plant patrons come across. The 13th hole, aptly named Azalea, contains more than a thousand of the shrubs.

ICONIC BACK NINE

Augusta National’s second nine includes some of the game’s most recognisable holes, including the trio known as Amen Corner (11-13). Those holes were not the backdrop for the conclusion of the inaugural Masters, however. The first Masters was played with the first hole as No. 10 and vice versa. The routing was reversed before the second Masters and has been used ever since.

MORE SPEED

One of the biggest changes in Augusta National’s history took place four decades ago, when the course’s famous putting surfaces were converted from Bermuda to bentgrass, allowing the tournament to achieve the green speeds that it is known for.

INCREASED YARDAGE

For 2024, the tee box at the par-5 second hole has extended back and to the left by about 10 yards, in an effort to bring the right fairway bunker more into play.

DID YOU KNOW?

If Tiger Woods makes the cut at this month’s edition, he will become the outright leader of consecutive cuts made at the tournament with 24. The former World No.1 is currently tied with Fred Couples and Gary Player on 23.

PHIL ON TOP

Phil Mickelson leads the way in career scoring average for players to have played 100+ rounds at Augusta National, averaging 71.3 over 114 rounds. Tiger Woods tops the leaderboard for players that have competed in 75-99 rounds on 71.1, while Rory McIlroy sits at the summit of 50-74 rounds with 71.5.

BIRDIE KING

Jordan Spieth carded the most birdies in a single tournament with 28 in 2015.

LAST MINUTE

Six golfers have won the tournament with a birdie on the 72nd hole – Art Wall (1959), Arnold Palmer (1960), Gary Player (1978), Sandy Lyle (1988), Mark O’Meara (1998) and Phil Mickelson (2004).

COMEBACK JACK

The biggest final day comeback came in 1956 when Jack Burke overcame an eight-stroked deficit to win the title. Amateur Ken Venturi, who held the 54-hole lead, shot a final round 80 while Burke carded 71 to beat his compatriot by one shot.

GARCIA’S GREEN MOMENT

Sergio Garcia took 19 attempts to win a Green Jacket, the most of any Masters champion. At the other end of the table, Horton Smith (1934), Gene Sarazen (1935) and Fuzzy Zoeller (1979) won the tournament on debut.

REPETITION

On four occasions a single player has carded the exact same score over four rounds. Walter Hagen 76-76-76-76 (1939), Lew Worsham 74-74-74-74 (1954), Kenny Knox 75-75-75-75 (1987) and George Archer 75-75-75-75 (1989).

STAT PACK

Lowest round: 63 – Nick Price (1986), Greg Norman (1996)

72-hole low score: 268 – Dustin Johnson (268)

Most wins: Jack Nicklaus – 6

Defending champion: Jon Rahm

PRICELESS?

Tiger Woods has five Green Jackets hanging up at home, but what are they worth?

In 2013, the jacket owned by Horton Smith, winner of the inaugural Masters in 1934, sold for $682,229 to an unnamed buyer.

10 GREEN JACKET

FACTS

As for the Green Jackets, they have been produced by the Hamilton Tailoring Company for the past three decades. It takes a month to produce each jacket and once the brass buttons and icon badge have been added, the new owner’s name is stitched inside the label.

If you don’t have the right criteria to become a member, you could win The Amateur run by the R&A and earn a start in the following year’s Masters Tournament. Having defeated the best amateurs in the game, you just need to top the leaderboard ahead of Koepka and company before you slip on that jacket!

1. The idea for the “Green Jacket” came from Bobby Jones. While attending a dinner at Royal Liverpool, Jones noticed how the captains wore red jackets. He brought this idea back to co-founder, Clifford Roberts, and they chose green for the colour of the jackets that August National members would wear.

2. The first Green Jacket to be awarded to a winner of the Masters Tournament was in 1947 when Sam Snead won.

3. In 1937, club officials started the custom of Augusta National members wearing a green blazer during Masters week so patrons could identify reliable sources of information. The club extended the tradition to Masters champions with Sam Snead’s win in 1947, indicating the winners were to become honorary members of Augusta National.

4. The previous year’s winner awards the Green Jacket to the winner of the Masters each year. If the winner is a returning champion from last year, the Augusta National president has the honour of presenting the returning champion with the green jacket.

5. The first Masters champion to win the Green Jacket two years in a row was Jack Nicklaus in 1966. Nicklaus won The Masters six times during his career.

6. The first international golfer to wear the Green Jacket was South African golfer Gary Player, who won The Masters in 1961.

7. The Green Jacket that the Masters champion puts on at the ceremony is not the actual jacket he will keep. This

jacket is owned by Augusta National Golf Club and must be returned 12 months later before the Masters.

8. Winners are presented with a replica Green Jacket that they may keep to commemorate their win of the Masters tournament.

9. Winners of the Masters must wear their Green Jacket whenever they play at Augusta National or visit.

10. To make sure that the champion will have a jacket that fits, there are several Green Jackets in various sizes stored on site at Augusta National. As the tournament concludes, employees begin to pull jackets in the sizes of the top players to have a correct sized Green Jacket ready for the winner.

GOLF NEWS

Rahm to serve Spanish feast

Past winners of the Masters Tournament are set to enjoy a Spanish feast at next month’s Champions Dinner, with reigning champion Jon Rahm serving up several Basque country inspired delights.

The meal starts with six options for tapas and pintxos, Spanish words for starters and small snacks.

They are Ibericos (Acord-fed Iberian ham cured pork loin), Idiazabal con Trufa Negra (Idiazabal cheese, black truffle), Tortilla de Patatas (Spanish omelette, onions with confit potatoes), Chistorra con Patata (Spicy Basque chorizo and potato), Lentejas Estofadas (Mama Rahm’s classic lentil stew), Croqueta de Pollo (Creamy chicken fritters with confit potatoes).

The salad course is an Ensalada de Txangurro which is Basque crab salad and potato.

For the main course, the likes of Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus will get to choose between Chuleton a la Parrilla, a Basque ribeye steak with Tudela lettuce and Piquillo peppers, or Rodaballo al Pil-Pil, a typical fish dish from Basque Country with turbot and Navarra white asparagus.

Play Masters Fantasy

Golf fans can again have a stake in the tournament results with the return of Masters Fantasy in 2024. Although no prizes will be up for grabs for players in the Middle East, bragging rights will be on the line between you and your buddies at the first Major Championship of the year.

Masters Fantasy, accessed via www.

“You have two options,” Rahm said at a press conference hosted by Augusta.

“It will be turbot fish with white asparagus. It’s a white fish, very local from where I come from, which actually most common is cod or sea bass, but I don’t like cod so I refuse to have something I don’t like at my dinner.

“When I tell you that this has definitely been rent free in my head...I usually have no issues public speaking. No problem. I’ll get up there and talk about anything,” Rahm told reporters during a video call organised by Augusta National Golf Club.

“Then finally, it will be what in northern Spain is known as chuletón, which is basically a ribeye that is seared on

basically a regular grill with a bit of coal, basically smoked and seared.

“Usually, traditionally they will basically serve it to you already cut up and then you have a hot plate that you can cook it up to your temperature. Most people in northern Spain go about as much as medium rare. If you go past that, you’re going to get a weird look just because that’s how we are. Very proud people of what we do, and meat usually is high quality.”

For those that still have enough room in their stomachs, the evening will end with Milhojas de Crema y Nata, a puff pastry cake with custard and chantilly cream.

“Finally, it will be what in northern Spain is known as chuletón, which is basically a ribeye that is seared on basically a regular grill with a bit of coal, basically smoked and seared.” –Rahm

masters.com/fantasy or the Official Masters App, is a free-to-play fantasy game that allows users to casually compete against friends, family or the world. Users will earn or lose points based on how well their chosen players perform. You can create an account at any time but can only pick players who have not yet teed off for the day.

Bubba Watson Mastering the Masters

Photography: Getty Images

Bubba Watson Mastering Masters

en years ago, Bubba Watson joined one of the most exclusive clubs in the world of golf by becoming just the 17th player to win a Green Jacket at the Masters Tournament on more than one occasion.

It’s a club unlike any other, featuring the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, with Watson remaining the last man to achieve multiple wins on the hallowed turf of Augusta National following first-time winners in the nine editions since his second triumph in 2014.

While the American’s first victory is remembered so fondly for his miraculous 45-yard hook from the pine straw at the tenth on the second play-off hole with Louis Oosthuizen, his second win is perhaps looked back on as the time he stole the spotlight from a then 20-yearold Jordan Speith seeking a Green Jacket on his first outing in Georgia.

The duo couldn’t be separated after 54 holes, tied for the lead on five under par ahead of the final round, as Spieth looked to beat Tiger Woods as the youngest winner of the event.

The youngster dueled with Watson for much of the day, at one point holding a two-stroke lead, but the Texan’s chances were sunk in the water of Amen Corner and he carded 72 to end five under, with a matured Watson shooting a final round 69 to win by three from his

compatriot and Jonas Blixt.

“Gosh, I had a three-shot lead, so that made things a little bit easier even though I was still nervous and scared coming down 18,” Watson told Worldwide Golf, referring to his memories of his historic second victory.

“I had a three-shot lead playing with the great Jordan Spieth, I was thankful he won the next year and not that year! My memories really are just seeing the maturity of Spieth, I think he was 20 at the time, and I was playing with him on that Sunday.

“It was interesting seeing him in action, as well as my son being on the 18th green. My daughter asks me every year if I can win so she can also be there. I tell her I’m trying!”

While the 14-time PGA Tour winner has slipped down to a barley believable 1767th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) following his move to the LIV Golf circuit in 2022, Watson is guaranteed a start, for now, into the Masters Tournament for a lifetime as a former champion.

SWEET 16

This month he will make his 16th trip down the iconic Magnolia Lane, so you’d think those nerves and butterflies in the stomach that a first timer gets wouldn’t apply to this two-time champion, who celebrated 20 years as a professional in 2022.

Think again.

“Sixteen, really? Wow,” he exclaims.

“That’s crazy because I do still get nervous and excited. My kids now are old enough where they get excited because of the par three competition as they want to caddie for me.

“Last year I made a hole in one on the fourth, which was 67 yards, and my son told me I didn’t have that shot. I made the ace, turned to him, laughed and said ‘I guess I do have that shot!’

“The tournament just fills you up with energy and excitement. The game of golf buzzes that week because it’s the Masters. No matter what part of the world you’re from, you want to win the Masters, even if you do say something different to the media. That’s the one you always put on your list.”

The magic of the Masters certainly rubs off on Watson.

In his 15 starts at the first Major of the season, the 45-year-old has only missed

the cut twice, with three additional top 20s alongside his two victories. Beyond Augusta, Watson has played 42 Major Championships, failing to make the weekend on 19 occasions while only mustering four top 20 finishes.

What is it about Augusta National Golf Club that works so well for him?

“It’s funny, it’s shaping shots, right?” he says.

missed the fairway by a couple of feet. That isn’t golf, that’s not fun.

“So, the Masters gives you the opportunity to hit more creative shots. Me personally, I always feel I’m able to pull something off,

Behind Tiger’s memorable chip-in on the 16th in 2006, it’s arguably the most replayed clip in the history of the game, especially during a Masters week.

“You hit it in the rough, it’s a slight rough, or the trees and you can play out of there – shot shaping is key around Augusta.” - Bubba

“You hit it in the rough, it’s a slight rough, or the trees and you can play out of there –shot shaping is key around Augusta.

“If you look at all the past champions, at some point they’ve had to create a shot. Even if that’s chipping out to the right side of the green so you can chip up and make par, they still had to do something.

“But then you go to U.S. Open, you’re chipping out sideways and you’ve only

no matter if I hit it way in the trees, opposite fairway or whatever it is, I always feel there is a chance for me to pull something off.

“You don’t always feel that at the other Majors, especially the U.S. Open.”

The most creative and talked about shot of Watson’s career is the aforementioned spectacular 52-degree wedge shot from the trees on the second play-off hole at the tenth.

It was Watson at his brilliant best in what he described as “Bubba golf”, an inventive, daring approach where he relies on his imagination, skill, and boldness to get around the course.

The quirky left-hander, who has never had a professional lesson, can curve the ball at ease with his standout pink driver, while his lanky frame and aggressive swing enable him to launch the ball miles.

It’s that creativeness with a club in hand that has made him a firm fan favourite over the years.

“I love it, even if me and you were playing

Photography: Getty Images

back home just for giggles, I still want to pull off the most creative shots,” he says.

“That’s what pulls be me back to the golf course and encourages me to play golf at a high level – I want to create memorable shots in certain moments.

“The Masters was the biggest moment ever and I pulled it off, but that’s the challenge. That’s what motivates me to show up, not to hit 18 birdies in a row, but to hit a wild shot or a shot that hasn’t been seen. That’s the creative side and wanting to pull that shot off.”

In the ten years since Watson’s second triumph at Augusta National, the course has undergone a fair few changes.

EVOLUTION

The most notable of those have come in the last few years, with the iconic par-5 15th, historically the tournament’s second-easiest hole, lengthened by 20 yards in 2022, while the tee at the par-4 11th - the start of the infamous Amen Corner - was moved back an extra 15 yards, with the change also seeing the fairway recontoured and several trees removed to the right of the fairway.

Last year, the 13th hole, one of the most famous in all of golf, saw its tee box moved back 35 yards, onto adjacent property that Augusta National bought for millions of dollars in 2017.

More length has been added ahead of this month’s edition, with the longest hole on the golf course, the par-5 second named Pink Dogwood, playing to 585 yards after the club moved the tee box back 10 yards and to the left.

Those changes have added 110 yards to

“Unless I win, I’m not going to be happy with it, but if I win, I think the course is great!” - Bubba

the course compared to 2014.

“You’re going to feel like you need to turn a little bit more,” said Watson on the latest change to the second.

“I haven’t been there yet, but I don’t like the changes.

“A few years ago, they took the roars away when they added length, but then they wanted to bring the roars back so people could make eagles. Now it seems like we’re backtracking with the changes made to 13, 2, 18, which is so far back, and 7 is also a long way back. I remember when Tiger won, he was hitting lob wedge in there, and that

My first one!

green is built for a wedge, not a 7 iron.

“I’m old school, I want to see and hear the roars. I want to see what Tiger did and see someone do that again.

“Unless I win, I’m not going to be happy with it, but if I win, I think the course is great!”

With Watson guaranteed a start in the Masters until he decides to put the clubs away, he could well have another 20+ years of witnessing plenty more changes at Augusta National to combat the modern player’s distance off the tee.

Sandy Lyle played last year’s edition at the age of 65, while Bernhard Langer and Fred Couples continue to defy their age by competing against the game’s elite, with the latter creating history in 2023 by becoming the oldest player to make the cut at the age of 63 years old and 187 days.

The 15-time PGA Tour winner surpassed Langer’s record he set in 2020 when the German was 63 years old and 80 days.

Does Watson envisage having the same longevity as those greats?

“I’m hoping I have the chance to do that because of my health and staying healthy,” said Watson.

“You always see Fred Couples’ name up there. Those are guys that have been around that course so much that they have a ton of experience and course knowledge that gives them an advantage, even as older as they are than the rest of us.

“And then you’ve Phil (Mickelson) last year finishing tied second, it’s great.

“I feel like I have a chance as long as I do my part by staying healthy and giving it my all on the practice range.” 

Gosh, that’s a great question, I don’t know. Some people have a lot of steak, a lot of meat. I’ll tell you the honest truth, sometimes I eat before I go there because I never check what meal people are having. Sometimes I’ll eat before to ensure I’m getting something decent in me. The Champions Dinner is also late, I don’t eat late now because of my two kids. That’s our secret, don’t tell anybody!

What’s been the best Champions Dinner?

ZONING IN ON

JOSHUA

Paris

GRENVILLE-WOOD

EMIRATI GOLFER JOSHUA GRENVILLE-WOOD IS FLYING THE FLAG FOR THE UAE ON GOLF’S BIGGEST STAGE WITH QUALIFICATION FOR THE 2024 OLYMPICS NOW FIRMLY IN HIS SIGHTS. HERE, WILL KENT CAUGHT UP WITH THE BIG-HITTER TO REFLECT ON THE LAST SIX MONTHS WHICH HAS SEEN HIM STEP FIRMLY INTO THE GOLFING SPOTLIGHT.

Grenville-Wood’s foot is firmly on the gas with no sign of slowing down. Four top ten finishes in the last 12 months along with some other handy results have propelled him closer to the ultimate goal: the 2024 Olympics.

He’d be the first to admit that teeing up in Paris was incredibly unlikely this time last year as he was still affiliated his home nation, England. However, he was one of a few expats in October to have been granted a UAE passport with the prized opportunity to represent the country on a global stage.

This change in citizenship has opened up a completely new world of possibilities for the 26-year-old, with appearances in a multitude of high-profile events, including this year’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic. It’s proof to other aspiring pros here in the region that the route to top also exists in the Middle East, rather than just the common American college pathway.

“There has been an abundance of amazing opportunities,” said Grenville-Wood of his citizenship switch. “I get to work with some amazing people in Dubai and play some pretty cool events, and get my name out there which I think I’ve done pretty well so far.

“My goal right now is to get inside the top 370 of the world to hopefully qualify for the Olympics this year. The last few months I’ve been really paying attention to that in terms of getting that world ranking down as much as possible before the cut off for qualification.

“I need to keep putting myself in good positions in tournaments. The EGF and the change to the UAE citizenship has really helped with that. They have given me a stage and platform to show off my talent.”

The qualification for the Olympics is complicated, but the cut off is June 17 with the field of 60 players determined by the Olympic

Golf Rankings, derived from the Official World Golf Rankings. The top 15 players will be eligible to play, with a cap of four players per country. Additional spots are allocated based on their world ranking and allow up to two players per country not already represented in the top 15.

While the 26-year-old still has work to do to meet the mentioned criteria, he’s within touching distance of breaking into the world’s top 400 for the first time in his career which would be a significant milestone. This has come following a string of impressive results, many of which have come under the desert sun.

A share of second place at last year’s Abu Dhabi Challenge appeared to be the catalyst for this uplift in form, with more recent top tens coming in Qatar as well as Ras Al Khaimah on the DP World Tour. He came agonisingly close to winning in India on the Challenge Tour last month, too. The signs are positive.

“The average day in Dubai would be normally five to six hours of practice at the CHIII Performance Golf Academy, then I’ll go to the gym for an hour and a half”

“Just behind Olympic qualification, my goal is to be playing on the DP World Tour by the end of the year,” added Grenville-Wood. “Whether I get my card through Q-School, through Challenge Tour or whether I get a card through how I’ve played so far on the DP World Tour so far this year. They are my two goals right now, so we’ll just keep working away.

“Obviously I’ve played well in the Middle East, but I just think it’s the style of golf at the higher level. I previously struggled a little bit on the Challenge Tour because they’re very fiddly courses, and they’re not really the same as the level of the DP World Tour.

“The DP World Tour courses are wider and you get rewarded for good ball striking off the tee. I’ve got some good length behind me with my driver so in Dubai and Middle East you can take advantage of that as the courses reward that. On the DP World Tour nearly every week they are playing golf courses where good driving gets rewarded.”

Fortunately for the Emirati golfer, there are two more significant events this month in the region to help boost his Olympics hope even further as the Challenge Tour returns to the UAE. Starting with the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain followed by a visit to Saadiyat Beach GC the week after, it’s another chance for him to shine.

“Very excited,” he added about the prospect of playing in both of those events “It’s amazing to see golf booming in the region and more tournaments every year, with a commitment from the DP World Tour and Challenge Tour to keep coming back. It’s fantastic that we can have two Challenge Tour events here in April on two great courses. It’s really good to see we are able to have these events and help local guys out as well as show off golf in the region.”

It’s clear that while Grenville-Wood was born in England, he’s ever grateful to be representing the UAE and is flourishing as an Emirati. The support the EGF and the UAE have given him have helped him reach his potential and beyond as he looks to take his game to the next level. The coming few months could be pivotal not just for his own career, but also the UAE.

But when he’s not travelling the globe teeing it up in tournaments chasing his dream, he’s

back home, in Dubai, sharpening his skills. The margins at the top of this game are so razor thin between making it and not, and fortunately for him he has the perk of having access to amazing local facilities.

“The average day in Dubai would be normally five to six hours of practice at the CHIII Performance Golf Academy, then I’ll go to the gym for an hour and a half,” added GrenvilleWood. “After that, then I’ll go do my recovery which is normally an ice bath, or sauna and steam room. Obviously, I’ll be eating healthy as well. The goal is just staying active and working on what needs to be worked on.”

To many of us – or to me, at least – that might seem like a blissful day away from the office, but for elite golfers grappling with mortgages, bills, and the relentless pressure on their careers, it’s not a luxury, it’s a lifeline. Every swing carries the weight of their dreams, every putt is a makeor-break moment, and the intensity of it all must be suffocating. In this unforgiving arena of professional golf, Grenville-Wood is not only surviving, but he’s thriving, with a spot at the Olympics now within his grasp. Good luck to him.

HOW TO HIT IT AS FAR AS GRENVILLE-WOOD

The big hitter has fast built a name for himself as one of the longest drivers in golf, averaging 339 off the tee at this year’s Ras Al Khaimah Championship. But how exactly does he manage to hit it so far?

“The thing that separates the big hitters from the short hitters in the willingness to lift in the gym,” he says. “It’s all good doing your stretching and golf specific exercises, but if you don’t lift heavy, you’re not going to get stronger and more explosive.

“I pride myself on lifting heavy in the gym, and killing my body like a bodybuilder would. Creating that bigger physique, more powerful and explosive. That’s one thing that most golfers don’t want to do, because they are scared of getting injured or something.

“I think that’s the most important thing to hitting it further, and I think I’ve proven that, but I do understand it changes from person to person.”

In a display of sheer dominance, the UAE’s Boys 18 & Under golf team soared to victory last month, clinching the gold medal at the prestigious GCC Golf Championship hosted at Doha Golf Club in Qatar. Will Kent caught up with the team on their return to Dubai to get the full low down on the experience.

Guided by the triumphant trio of Rayan Ahmed, Mohamad Skaik, and Rashid Al Jassmy, the UAE’s team asserted their dominance over their competitors which culminated in a staggering 54-shot win. This triumph not only foreshadowed future successes for these young talents but also marked a week of notable achievements, including the UAE Men’s team — comprised of Sam Mullane, Thomas Nesbitt, Ahmad Skaik, and Jonathan Selvaraj — securing the Silver Medal.

However, amidst the collective triumph, individual brilliance shone brightly. At just 17 years old, Ahmed showcased his exceptional skill by winning the individual gold with an impressive score of seven over par in tricky conditions, Mohamad Skaik closely followed suit, securing the silver medal, trailing just four shots behind his teammate. Meanwhile, Al Jassmy rounded off the formidable lineup with a commendable fourth place finish in the individual category, further solidifying the team’s outstanding performance.

I travelled to the newly-established GOLFTEC facility on City Walk in Dubai to catch up with Ahmed and Skaik to find out exactly what it

feels like to win a gold medal for the UAE and to discover what’s next for the youngsters.

WWG: Firstly, congratulations, what a win! But before we reflect on your recent success, how cool is this facility that we’re currently stood in?

Skaik: Yeah, I like it. Every time I usually do a fitting they just have a Trackman. They just show me the club, but here I can see what my body is doing. You have everything.

Ahmed: It’s brilliant. It’s the first time I’ve seen technology being used, it’s like a Trackman but way more detailed. You have a full model of yourself. You can change your entire swing if you want to!

WWG: Your recent win in Qatar was pretty special too, how do you reflect on that week?

Ahmed: We both played really well. The course wasn’t boring, it’s very well designed. It’s a DP World Tour event course and really unique which I really enjoyed.

Skaik: The course was very tough. It was very windy, a very good experience for us. The greens were very firm and the pin positions were so tough the whole time. The fairways were tight, and the rough was thick. Everything was hard

about it, nothing was easy. The way I played, it was the best week I’ve had in golf. All of these conditions and I shoot these scores, it was a great week.

WWG: Representing the UAE especially at such a young age must be such an honour. What’s that like?

Skaik: It’s a very good feeling. Playing for my country, playing for the UAE, and winning, to be able to show how good the UAE is. We also get more opportunities to play international events. It’s amazing.

Ahmed: Yeah, I’m really grateful to be part of the EGF. I’m really grateful to Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi and General Abdullah Alhashmi, for them to put me in this position. This is like a dream. Dubai has been my home, and now I get to be called a UAE citizen playing for their team.

WWG: Do you both have aspirations of turning professional in the future?

Skaik: Hopefully, but I can’t plan my future right now. In these next years, how I progress in golf, that’s how I can plan my future.

Ahmed: Yeah, next step is to play college golf at a really high level. From there, see what my

golf does. Right now, the plan is just to play as many tournaments as possible to try and get really high national rankings. Get in contact with coaches around the world, to chase our dream.

WWG: And how did this all begin? How did you first get into playing the game of golf?

Skaik: My Dad started first. He took me once to Montgomerie Golf Club. I tried it for the first time. I liked it, but I was just playing for fun. I started taking it seriously very late, which I wish I didn’t do. That’s how I got into it.

Ahmed: I also started pretty late, around 11 to 12 years old, and I’m 17 now. I was first a member at Dubai Hills. My Dad brought me into it, started from the red tees hitting it about 120 yards. I just kept playing every day, I found it really interesting. The following year I moved to the Montgomerie and was a member there, my game has progressed ever since. Now I’m off plus four.

WWG: What does your schedule look like for the rest of 2024? Are you staying here for the summer?

Skaik: We’re going to have a summer camp with the elite team of the UAE. We’ll travel to a country and have a three week camp there. We will be playing every day and practicing non-stop. It’s a different

experience for us, being able to play in different weather conditions and on a different type of grass.

WWG: That’s great, and no doubt another useful experience for you both. Beyond this summer and the rest of 2024, where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Skaik: Playing golf on Tour, that’s the goal. We’ll try to make it to the PGA Tour or DP World Tour. Both Tours are very tough, and are also very good places to play. Ahmed: In 10 years? I’ll be 27. Yeah, I would have turned pro by then hopefully, playing on the Tour as well. That is the life that we both want.

WWG: And finally, who’s been your favourite player to watch growing up?

Ahmed: I didn’t really watch much of Tiger. At that time and because of my younger age, he was past his prime. For me, it’s been Rory. His swing is amazing.

Skaik: For me, Tiger. When I used to watch him, I enjoyed watching him more than any golfer in the world. The way he plays on the course, when he misses a shot, he’ll come back with a par or birdie. Nobody was expecting it from him!

SKAIK “

HOPEFULLY, BUT I CAN’T PLAN MY FUTURE RIGHT NOW. IN THESE NEXT YEARS, HOW I PROGRESS IN GOLF, THAT’S HOW I CAN PLAN MY FUTURE.”

GAUDET RINGS THE CHANGES FOR WOMEN’S GOLF

Elisa Gaudet, Founder of Women’s Golf Day, talks exclusively to Rick Bevan about the side hustle that has grown into the world’s biggest female golf development initiative.

Ronald Reagan did it in 1985. Nelson Mandela did it in 2002. Sylvester Stallone, Robert Downey Jnr and Bradley Cooper are among those from Hollywood’s A-List to have had the honour. Tiger Woods did it in 2007 and, as was often the case in the noughties, Phil Mickelson chased on his coattails and followed suit in 2008.

Presumably, unless you have Jedilike pub quiz knowledge, you haven’t guessed what I’m referring to yet so let me explain…

The thing that all these esteemed high achievers have in common is that they have all been granted the rare privilege of ringing the bell to signal the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on the trading floor.

It’s an honour given to heads of state, CEOs of global corporations, famous movie stars and global sporting icons. Game changers in their respective fields.

First online event

When Elissa Gaudet set out on her mission to get more girls and women playing golf in 2016, it’s fair to say she could never have imagined that just five years later, she would be joining that illustrious list. But that’s exactly what happened when she rang the bell to open the world’s most influential trading market in May 2021 to coincide with Women’s Golf Day’s first ever online event, WGD Palooza, which generated over 4.2 m impressions in less than 3 hours!

Not many people get to chime the famous bell, even fewer do it twice. But Gaudet is a member of that more exclusive group having been invited back to do it again last year, again

to coincide with Women’s Golf Day, granting her a unique opportunity to use the global platform to amplify her message.

“It was a tremendous honour and a dream realised,” says Gaudet. “We opened the New York Stock Exchange for Women’s Golf Day with our partners that are listed on the NYSE on two occasions, in 2021 with Callaway and 2023 with Acushnet.

More opportunities

“Bringing women to the forefront of the conversation and giving them more opportunities is our goal. The tradition and ceremony of, and around, the NYSE opening bell was amazing. Seeing the podium filled with strong women from different parts of the golf industry really sends a message that this is possible for anyone. Our company mission is to engage, empower and support and we really try to live out and execute those ideals in all we do. Not just talk the talk but walk the walk. Shining a light on women and golf at the biggest financial platform was a great way to walk.”

Gaudet developed the idea for Women’s Golf Day having worked in the golf industry for over two decades. She’d seen sporadic initiatives here and there but nothing on a global scale and nothing that really got to the heart of the matter.

Increasing female participation in the sport was clearly a key objective, but what she really wanted to do was to create a global movement connect and engage women in a wider sense, using golf as the glue.

“We had this thing, in the US, Golf 2020. It was like a symposium where they discussed best practices and got

“Our company mission is to engage, empower and support and we really try to live out and execute those ideals in all we do. Not just talk the talk but walk the walk. Shining a light on women and golf at the biggest financial platform was a great way to walk.” – Elisa Gaudet

people together from all parts of the industry in Ponte Vedra, Florida,” says Gaudet whose golf industry experience spans USA, Europe, Asia and Latin America, and has included running the 2002 EMC World Cup for the PGA TOUR and spearheading sponsorship, marketing, and PR for the Tour de las Americas.

“And they’d talk about it whenever there’s a downmarket…it’s amazing how many people come out of the woodwork when there’s a down economy saying, ‘I want juniors and women.’

“But it’s not like getting a carton of milk. You can’t just go to supermarket and pick it up. It takes a little bit of nurturing and growth, it’s a relationship like any other relationship.”

The concept for Women’s Golf Day events is a simple but effective one. Clubs and golf venues around the world are encouraged to put on an event specifically for women and girls.

Events are typically four hours with the first two hours being a fun nine-hole shotgun scramble or participants can opt to use that time taking a golf lesson. In the second two hours all the participants come together for a social activity. The latter section will sometimes feature a guest speaker or business development and networking element. The idea is to create an environment where women and girls can build a foundation in golf by establishing network of friends and golf professionals that will ultimately support their continuation in the game. It’s also about making new connections and fostering opportunities beyond the golf course.

Data Analysing

“It’s really based on a lot of data that I had read about,” says Gaudet. “Women were quick to try golf, but equally quick to leave. What we’d read about how women interact, what they respond to, and all the data that came back had said, golf was too long, it wasn’t welcoming, it wasn’t friendly. So, we took all those data points and we flipped it on its head. We made it short format, we made it super fun and inclusive.

“It was a little side project, a side hustle. I was doing the consulting and the business side of golf. And, you know, it took off, so big!”

The Massachusetts native is not overstating. The inaugural Women’s Golf Day in 2016 was in itself, a smash hit with 418 events taking place in 28 countries around the world. The following year saw a 68% increase with 711 events in 46 countries getting on board and that figure has now swelled significantly further with 1300 locations in over 84 countries having participated, introducing thousands of new golfers to the sport in the process.

“Women were quick to try golf, but equally quick to leave. What we’d read about how women interact, what they respond to, and all the data that came back had said, golf was too long, it wasn’t welcoming, it wasn’t friendly. So, we took all those data points and we flipped it on its head. We made it short format, we made it super fun and inclusive,”

– Elisa Gaudet

What started out as a single day each year now stretches across an entire week with golf venues across the globe hosting a female focussed event on at least one day between the last Tuesday in May and the first Tuesday in June in what is the fastest growing female golf development initiative in the world.

“Eighty-four is a really mind-blowing number,” says Gaudet. “I’d be hard pressed to think of 20 countries where you’d play golf and I tell you we didn’t do any outreach, other than social media, to engage these locations. We started with the usual suspects – Canada, UK, Europe, some in Latin America and then it just blew up.

Getting Involved

“It’s really trying to get people to get involved and to succeed. And then it’s meant to be a feeder programme. So we’re not going to tell pros how to teach or what to do, or what’s the ‘Women’s Golf Day’ way to play golf. We’re bringing the horse to water, you have to make it drink.”

Gaudet believes that golf clubs and venues that don’t focus on attracting more women on a consistent, year-round basis, are missing a trick in a big way.

“Once you get the women there you should be talking about junior programmes and ongoing programmes they can access to keep them coming back,” she says. “All the clubs want to create more league players but they’re missing the forest for the trees. A woman could go have her daughter’s 16th birthday party, her 50th wedding anniversary or corporate outing at the club and they will make more money than having that woman be a league player and playing two times a week, every week, for a year.

“So, it’s really looking at our industry from an economic perspective. We have a slide in our deck and it’s got Taylor Swift, how much she made on the concert tour, how much she made in the movie. The Barbie movie made $1.4 billion and then there’s Beyonce... We have all these amazing data points about how women are responsible for $4.3 trillion a year. But nobody pays attention to it. Whether you like their music or not, or you saw the movie or not, you have to be living under a rock to not understand that women are economic influencers.

Following in Footsteps

“And for the golf industry, it’s a ‘two for one.’ If you get the woman, you’re often getting the children too because they’re gonna see their mother playing and want to do the same.”

The impact of Women’s Golf Day has reached the very highest echelons of the sport, gaining support from the R&A, USGA & PGA as well as many other organisations, federations, governing bodies and industry leaders. “I always joke that on my tombstone, that’s probably what it’s gonna say,” she says with a smile. “I got the three of them (R&A, USGA and PGA) to work together because I don’t know any other entity that has them working together.

“What I found there’s a lot of fragmentation in the industry and we wanted to eradicate

“What I found there’s a lot of fragmentation in the industry and we wanted to eradicate that. So, our webpage is really like a centralised resource for everything from how to get a handicap to club fitting, driving range locations, junior programmes, memberships – all of that stuff is on there for multiple countries.” – Elisa Gaudet

that. So, our webpage is really like a centralised resource for everything from how to get a handicap to club fitting, driving range locations, junior programmes, memberships – all of that stuff is on there for multiple countries.”

The website also features information on where to find official Women’s Golf Day events in your area as well as a ‘Golf Facebook’ type feature which allows golfers to connect with each other. “We pivoted during Covid, like everyone did, and the digital element became more important,” says Gaudet who has received multiple international awards for her achievements with Women’s Golf Day. “Which I guess some ways was probably a blessing as that’s just where the future is.”

Indeed, Women’s Golf Day’s digital impact has been equally as impressive as its physical one. The WGD Palooza event has been so successful its now an annual online gathering and last year #womensgolfday generated a staggering 194 million impressions with 397,143 engagements and a reach of over 92 million.

Gaudet’s journey from conceptualising Women’s Golf Day to ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange epitomises the intersection of passion, purpose, and perseverance. Her vision transcends the boundaries of the golfing world, empowering and connecting women globally. From igniting a movement to fostering economic influence, it’s an impact that reverberates far beyond the fairways. n

Emirates Golf Club retain top 59club Award

Els Club and Al Zorah also among the big winners

The UAE golf industry came together for what has become one of the most eagerly anticipated gatherings of the year as the annual 59club MEA Service Excellence Awards were hosted aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 with Emirates Golf Club, The Els Club and Al Zorah among the big winners of the night.

The coveted ‘Ultimate Service Award’ went to Emirates Golf Club, who defended their title for a second year in a row. Dean Nelson, Club Manager, Emirates Golf Club commented: “Winning the 59club Ultimate Service Excellence Award is not merely an achievement; it stands as a testament to the club’s steadfast dedication to delivering an extraordinary experience for all members and guests.

“My heartfelt gratitude extends to our devoted colleagues who consistently go above and beyond to ensure service excellence permeates every department of our club. This award would not be attainable without the hard work and dedication of this exceptional team.

“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to 59club for their invaluable support. Their role not only involves measuring our service but also entails a continuous commitment to innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of service excellence.”

Celebrations for the Els Club, Dubai ensued having seen their Membership and Agronomy departments awarded team of the year titles as well as a Gold Flag designation for the club. Tom Rourke –General Manager of The Els Club Managed by Troon Golf International said:

“We’re delighted to receive this recognition from 59club of our Gold Flag designation as well as the team awards for Agronomy Team of the Year and Membership Team of the Year. This is greatly deserved by The Els Club team who tirelessly work to exceed our member and guest’s expectations. We continuously evaluate and review our guest

FEATURES

59 CLUB AWARDS

journey utilising the independent and benchmarked data from 59club to evolve the experience to the high standards of Ernie Els, Troon Golf International and Dubai Sports City”.

Further celebrations on the evening went to Al Zorah Golf Club as they clinched the prestigious Retail Team of the Year for their unparalleled excellence in service and sale processes, and to Arabian Ranches Golf Club as they fought off fierce competition for the Food & Beverage Team of the Year. Dubai Hills Golf Club were awarded the Sustainability Award, presented by Adam Hoult from Neutral Carbon Zone (NCZ), who were also commissioned with making the event carbon neutral. Adam explained: “The clubs answered sustainability questions and demonstrated their current sustainability activities. These were assessed and graded by which activities would have the greatest impact. Using a weighted scorecard NCZ ranked the clubs by order of sustainability impact, Dubai Hills becoming the overall sustainability award winner.”

Trump International Golf Club, Dubai once again secured the my59 Ultimate Service Excellence Award for the fifth consecutive year, showcasing their unwavering dedication to continuously enhance customer service through thorough analysis and improvement based on extensive satisfaction surveys. As proceedings unfolded, Jumeirah Golf Estates took to the stage to collect the award for Operations Team of the Year, testament to the hard work and dedication of the team led by Franco Botha.

The complete list of properties achieving Gold Flag Designations on the night were: Abu Dhabi City Golf Club; Al Hamra Golf Club; Al Zorah Golf Club; Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club; Dubai Hills Golf Club; Els Club, Dubai; Emirates Golf Club; Jumeirah Golf Estates; Montgomerie Golf Club, Dubai; Saadiyat Beach Golf Club; Trump International Golf Club;& Yas Links, Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile three Silver Flag Designations were awarded to Arabian Ranches Golf Club, JA Resort Golf Course and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, with The Track, Meydan Golf claiming Bronze Flag status.

Mark Bull, Director 59club MEA said: “We’re ecstatic to acknowledge the outstanding teams and managers who shone brightly throughout the evening. Heartfelt congratulations to all the deserving winners! A huge thanks extends to our title sponsor, Luxury Carts Group, and to the QE2 for graciously hosting a night of tremendous celebration. Special gratitude to Tom Lynch, from 59club Global, who provided a captivating overview of 59club’s remarkable journey and the thrilling future that lies ahead.”

A full list of award winners from the 2024 Service Excellence Awards are featured below:

1. Golf Membership Team of the Year: The Els Club, Dubai – led by Agnes Wesolowska

2. Retail Team of the Year: Al Zorah Golf Club – led by Stephen Payne

3. My59 Ultimate Service Excellence: Trump International Golf Club, Dubai – led by Martin McDonagh

4. Sustainability Award: Dubai Hills Golf Club

5. Food & Beverage Team of the Year: Arabian Ranches Golf Club –led by Ryan Smith

6. Agronomy Team of the Year: Els Club, Dubai – let by Alex McDowell

7. Golf Operations Team of the Year: Jumeirah Golf Estates – led by Franco Botha

8. Ultimate Service Excellence: Emirates Golf Club

FEATURES

UAE SET FOR GROUND-BREAKING

RESIDENTIAL GOLF SCHOOL

The UAE’s most promising junior golfers are to be given a unique opportunity to develop their golf skills on a daily basis while receiving a world class education with the establishment of the Middle East region’s first Junior Asian Golf Academy (JAGA).

ACADEMY

The ground-breaking initiative, which has received backing from the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), promises to 10x the speed at which the region’s leading young talents progress by immersing them in golf practice every day under the tutelage of JAGA certified international coaches while staying on a residential boarding school style campus.

Alongside their golf practice, they will benefit from a tier one Canadian High School Diploma, which is rated in the top five education systems in the world, and gain access to some of the top universities in the world including Harvard, Stanford, University of Toronto and Penn State.

General Abdullah Alhashmi. “We look at other countries across the globe and see this platform has been established and successful for decades. The results are clear, this platform creates elite golfers while giving boys and girls an education, learning life skills, and building personal values on and off the course.”

The JAGA teaching and measurement

player development, allowing for a global expansion of standardised measures and customised training programs,” said John Laroche, CEO and Founder of the Junior Asian Golf Academy.

“The Emirates Golf Federation believe that by having an Academy that offers quality education, high performance athletic training, and elite competition will provide a platform to produce elite golfers in the region,”

- Emirates Golf Federation Vice Chairman, General Abdullah Alhashmi.

“The Emirates Golf Federation believe that by having an Academy that offers quality education, high performance athletic training, and elite competition will provide a platform to produce elite golfers in the region,” said Emirates Golf Federation Vice Chairman,

methodology includes a coloured belt system similar to that seen in karate or judo whereby key progression milestones are marked with a new belt as students continue on their path to mastery of the sport.

“The JAGA-Way Belt Progression system revolutionises the golf industry by bringing objectivity, consistency, and repeatability to

The new golf boarding school facility in the UAE, which is set to open in September, is being established following the success of the world’s first Junior Asian Golf Academy which is located at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand where Scotsman Alan Murdoch – a former Asian and Challenge Tour player – is Director of Golf.

Aside from best-in-class golf coaching and education, JAGA, in partnership with the EGF and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), are running over 25 World Amateur Golf Ranking events for Super Elite, Elite and Apprentice level student-athletes across

five countries (Singapore, Vietnam, UAE, Thailand, India).

The first of the Optimas-JAGA International Series events, designed to provide student-athletes in Asia and Africa with more opportunities to compete in world-class events without the burden of extensive travel, is set to take place at Al Ain Equestrian Golf & Shooting Club from April 11-14 with the course sure to be in excellent condition with the rising stars of the Challenge Tour due to lock horns a week later.

“JAGA would like to thank the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation and Emirates Golf Federation for partnering with JAGA and understanding our vision,” said Laroche. “As junior golf continues to rapidly develop in the region we feel that it is important to provide players with the platform to compete and gain exposure for the next level. We would also like to thank Optimas for their generous support with the International Series which will be a springboard for these student-athletes.”

Alhashmi, added: “We at the Emirates Golf Federation look forward to working alongside JAGA and the different opportunities that they provide for the region. The International Series event in April will give the top players across the Asia Pacific and Africa an opportunity to showcase their talent.”

Visit www.j-aga.com to find out more

“As junior golf continues to rapidly develop in the region we feel that it is important to provide players with the platform to compete and gain exposure for the next level,”

- John Laroche, CEO and Founder of the Junior Asian Golf Academy.

Photography: Getty Images

BY JONATHAN CRADDOCK PGA PROFESSIONAL, Peter Cowen Academy

JUSTIN ROSE

PLUGGED LIE SWING SEQUENCE

It doesn’t take long to find a highlight reel of 2013 U.S. Open winner Justin Rose playing outstanding bunker shots throughout his amazing career. He’s another of my favourite players of all time, so what a pleasaure taking you through his movement.

At the time of writing, the Englishman’s sand save percentage for the current season is at 64 percent which ranks him inside the top 20 on the Tour. Last season he was second on 65 percent. The statistics don’t lie, and even in the

Rose considers his bunker play to be one of his strongest assets, and considering his stats I wouldn’t argue. The first thing you will notice here is the lie of the ball. Due to this lie, we see Justin making certain alterations to a standard bunker shot with the weight considerably more to the left and the ball further back in the stance.

latter stages of his career, the Ryder Cup star remains one of the best and most consistent bunker players in the world.

Here, the former world number one is pictured at the recent Arnold Palmer Invitational playing out of a plugged lie at a greenside bunker. These shots look daunting, but they really don’t need to be. With some simple set-up adjustments and tecnique changes you can learn to master this shot. Hopefully you can pick up a tip by looking through these images with me.

Lowering the body’s centre allows the Englishman to create what he refers to as a shallower angle of approach into the sand. Due to the lie, he’s using a more vertical blow but there are still fundamentals to take note of. The second thing you’ll note is his body weight is on the left side with the left toe open.

Maintaining more body weight left allows him to control his low point and the left toe out sets his intended swing line slightly to the left of the target line which will encourage the use of the bounce and loft.

Rose has built some very solid and simple constants during the takeaway. I know many reading this fear bunker shots, but you shouldn’t. I always say in the bunker if you ripple the sand correctly you can actually get away with not striking the sand in exactly the correct place as the sand will cushion the ball onto the green.

The 43-year-old brilliantly allows his shoulders to lower his arms into a great delivery position with his shoulders allowing his hands to remain passive. From this downward pressure the toe is beginning to square in a downforce, with the body action increasing its movement down and around.

In the next few frames you’ll not see a lot of difference as Rose has really worked the leading edge vertically into the sand to ensure the clubhead has sunk below the ball to push the sand and ball forward. Another way to a play a plugged lie is the ‘heel cut shot’ which utilises a forward ball position and lower hands.

You can see his body’s lowered, weight is over the forward knee and his left toe is approximately 45 degrees open. This simple body action is accompanied by a simple wrist hinge and elbow fold. Note how the loft is still on his golf club with the toe of the clubface behind the heel.

In this particular bunker shot we see the ball is in a plugged lie. Usually I would advise the ball position is played off the left foot and the hands, square to the toe line at address, or behind the ball to encourage bounce and loft. This simplifies a normal bunker shot significantly.

Regardless of the technique, you can learn from Rose’s quiet hands here. 99 percent of amateurs I see overuse their hands, usually the right hand turning over the left for a right-handed player. Top tip: Golfers suffering with speed through the sand should try a 10 finger grip or a split grip with the right hand below the left to create more leverage on the grip.

What we notice in this frame is how Rose has begun the downswing with a lowering of his arms. Take a look at the previous frame and compare his shoulder turn. Not a lot of movement, right! Many issues I see from amateurs are caused by a poor relationship between the body action and hand, arm and shoulder action.

However, due to the lie of the ball, Rose has his hands in front of the club as he’s using the leading edge to dig the sand. Moving the ball position back in the stance is one way to play this shot. Due to the reduced loft on the club it’s worth noting the bounce is reduced and therefore the sand will pressure the ball out lower and with less control.

Understanding technique behind how to ripple the sand is the key to consistent bunker shots. This is really knowing how the clubhead reacts when it enters the sand or grass. With all wedges, the back edge of the golf club is always lower than the leading edge. Having a the correct wedge with the right bounce for your swing is very important.

BY JACKSON BELL TFA TEACHING PRO @JACKSONBELL01

Photography:

PLUGGED LIES: THE EASY ESCAPE

Escaping a plugged lie in the bunker doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds. Here, I’m going to walk you through the correct way to escape these tricky situations in the sand and hopefully get you on your way to shooting lower scores.

Firstly, set up with a wide stance with the ball slightly further forward. When the ball is plugged deep in the sand like this, we need to make sure we get a little bit steeper into the back of the golf ball. By doing that, we need to really try and set our sternum left of the ball. The weight is more on your lead foot.

From here, open the face of your chosen highlofted wedge and then proceed to take your normal grip. When the ball is plugged like this, you’re best trying to throw the heel down into the ball with energy. Throwing the heel down like this is what helps the club dig and it’s vital in these situations.

Then, it’s all about retaining speed and committing completely to the shot. I often see amateurs in my lessons struggle with this, so make sure you pick your landing zone, set up correctly and hit sand before just before the ball. It will take some practice, but these shots shouldn’t be as daunting as they first seem. Good luck!

Watch Jackson explain this simple drill in greater detail by scanning the QR code to the right!

Photography: Getty Images

HOLE MORE SHORT PUTTS

BY FOUR-TIME DP WORLD TOUR WINNER DAVID HORSEY

First of all, you’re going to need solid mechanics with the putter in hand as without this, you really are going to struggle with any consistency to start the ball on line. I’d actually recommend using putting training aids in this situation, such as putting gates or a putting mat template with an arc line on it. Find what works for you as these various things can help ensure you’re starting the ball on line with great feedback.

Once your mechanics are sound and your confidence is high, you’ve got to pick your line and commit to it. You’ve got to find a way that suits your eye, such as using a line on the ball or a small mark on the ground in front of the ball. Everybody is different so this is very personal choice, but make a decision and stick to it.

So many people miss putts, especially in the amateur game, by not committing to it. This isn’t to be understated as it’s absolutely vital when on the putting surface. If you pick the right line combined with good mechanics, then there’s no reason why you should miss. This has helped me win four DP World Tour tournaments, so hopefully my advice here can help you, too!

DID YOU KNOW?

Horsey represented Great Britain & Ireland in the 2007 Walker Cup at Royal County Down Golf Club. It was a tournament stacked full of talent, which included Rory McIlroy, Danny Willet, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson and Webb Simpson. In fact, Horsey went on to beat Simpson 1UP in the Sunday singles.

SCHAUFFELE’S ‘STEP OUT’ DRILL

BY WORLD NO. 5 XANDER SCHAUFFELE

Every once in a while, it’s fun to throw a little extra onto the golf ball and hit it further. For me, to try and squeeze a few extra yards out of my drives is to try a simple ‘step out’ drill. This helps me to feel the ground a little bit more and initiate the weight transfer properly. This is the easiest way for me to try and pick up my ball speed, and therefore my carry distance. It’s my version of how to ‘give it a little extra’.

It started off as a drill for me to get my body into a better sequence. Initially, I’d start with a wedge and just take practice swings. I’d load all of my weight onto my right side in the backswing, and then step into the shot in the down swing with my left leg. You can feel everything come into sync. Golf is a static sport, so this is nice way to do something else.

I do also take this feeling to the course. I wouldn’t take my entire lead foot off the ground like I’m practicing on the range with this drill, but I would lift my heel instead. In tournaments I do this heel lift all the time, it gives me a good feeling of when to start down into the ball.

My Dad has been my coach and he’s always tried to bring other sports and motions into golf since I was young. He would take things I like and incorporate this into golf. This drill feels like a full chain reaction to help unload everything onto the golf ball. One key thing to remember if you try it is that you should feel a lot of weight transfer right to left. Give it a try!

Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver, 10.5°, with a Mitsubishi

Diamana PD 70 TX shaft

3-Wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond, 16.5°, Mitsubishi Kai’li White 90 TX shaft

Hybrid: Callaway Apex UW, 23°, Mitsubishi Kai’li White 90 TX shaft

Irons: Callaway Apex TCB irons (4-PW), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts

Wedges: 52° Callaway Jaws Raw wedge, Titleist Vokey SM6, 56° (at 57°) & a Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks Proto, 60° (61°)

Putter: Odyssey Toulon Design Las Vegas Prototype 7CH

Photography: Getty Images

By Will Kent

IS THE CALLAWAY PARADYM AI SMOKE REALLY WORTH THE MONEY?

New drivers are all the rage again at the moment with a seemingly never-ending supply of upgraded technology. Tighter dispersion, further carry, more ball speed… It’s the same every year, and if you’re like me you’ve become pretty sceptical over the marketing ploys of these major manufacturers.

With that said, there’s always the urge to test out new gear and as a regular golfer, I do often have to scratch the itch to see if things have actually moved on. The introduction of AI technology is also starting to startle some extra intrigue, too.

I wanted to test the latest Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke driver against an older Callaway model which I currently have in the bag, the Rogue ST Max. My decision to stick with the driver despite it being an older club is simply down to the fact I just enjoy using it. My level of golf as a midhandicapper is at the standard that if it’s playable,

here that I haven’t been paid specifically to write this, and this is a 100 percent honest review, but the difference between the two clubs was clearer than night and day.

After 10 shots following a warm up, I was averaging my usual 250-260 yards of carry with my 9 degree Rogue. My dispersion was pretty wide, both left and right, but the expected distance was there with an occasional long one. This was the norm, with around 157mph of ballspeed. In truth, I was actually hitting it pretty well.

Step up the Paradym. The Callaway guys installed a stiff shaft – as opposed to my existing regular flex – on a 9-degree Max head. The set-up was completely different, but the two clubs felt similar in weight when in my hands. I’d have predicted a small improvement at this stage, but not what I saw.

My average ballspeed was up 4mph to 161mph, which was leading to between 6-10 yards further of carry. That alone was a major boost for me. However, the main improvement was the dispersion. It was around 50% tighter was this newer club and that is no exaggeration.

Admittedly, this was a small sample size with 10 shots each, but the performance was very impressive. I could envisage my handicap coming down very quickly with the use of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max. That’s a bold statement to make, but it was clear I’d be hitting so many more fairways while also gaining some extra yardage.

The club itself was outstanding, but the fitting

Photography: Joanna Eardley

Comfort & Stability

Footjoy Pro/SLX Carbon

Swings are faster and more athletic, which makes stability one of the most important features in golf footwear development.

There appears to be a wide variety of golf footwear manufacturers these days. A growing number have added a golf line using technology from their sports range but only a select number have designed shoes to enhance a golfer’s performance. Until now, style and comfort have been the key selling points, but FootJoy has moved the goal posts in terms of R&D with their latest Pro/SLX line.

As the market leader in golf footwear, the brand has always been one step ahead of the competition, as they are soley a golf brand, and therefore have decades of experience of understanding the requirements of the golfer.

The modern game has become a lot more athletic and teaching practices by the likes of Master PGA Professional, Pete Cowen, have golfers of all levels learning how to use the ground to build more stable and powerful swings.

At the elite level of the professional game, the slightest advantage can make all the difference, which is why Footjoy has invested so much in developing the Pro/SLX. This spikeless shoe is all about stability and energy transfer, the two elements that are key to building a more efficient swing and score card.

The Technology

FootJoy has introduced a game-changing new traction design called the ‘PWR TRAX System’ in the Pro/SLX.

It features a moulded 3D ‘X-Wing’ that redistributes energy generated in the swing to the perimeter of the golf shoe. This was inspired by race cars chassis to maximise perimeter stability and traction.

The ‘Race Trak Outsole’ with radial disc traction harnesses and extends into the ground to increase the overall traction footprint. The 3D X-Wing also provides increased stability as you swing and engage with the ground.

FJ’s own ‘StratoFoam’ remains in the midsole, offering exceptional comfort and is designed to absorb and return energy with every step. Around the ankle is a 3D ‘Moulded Collar’ that locks the foot in place for supreme comfort and a reliable, consistent fit.

An FTF+ foam surrounds the StratoFoam midsole for a stable platform when swinging. An exposed heel stabiliser and side wall TPU wrap help to control lateral and upper movement.

Other features and benefits include a premium ‘ChromoSkin’ leather as well as a ‘Laser Plus Last’ including a full rounded toe, standard fit across the forefoot and instep, and a slightly narrower heel.

By Alex Gallemore

Verdict

If you want to critique this shoe based on looks, you are missing the point. It goes without saying they are comfortable, but the whole point of this shoe is performance. Recently I’ve enjoyed my golf, swinging at 75% of my max swing speed, finding fairways and greens more often, but I’m down on distance as a result. The moment I try to up the speed, I get too much lateral sway in the transition with the driver, and I move the low point in the swing towards the ball. This results in a steeper angle of attack and the spin rate climbs. The swing speed might have increased but the distance is shorter due to the elevated spin and my dispersion is not as tight. The Pro/SLX is not a wonder shoe that can increase your swing speed, but what I found with the more stable platform was the ability to swing at 85% before the lateral transitional sway became noticeable. I’ve practiced in the shoe for a week and played a couple of rounds and the shoe remains as supportive. It will be interesting to see how long it takes before the Pro/ SLX wears and its stability benefits fade. I’m quite hard on shoes and ordered a second pair to rotate, as these will be the shoe I’d certainly wear in competitive rounds this year.

PING i530

The forgiving blade

PING are renowned for producing forgiving performance irons, but not a brand you would traditionally associate for producing blades. As technology has advanced over recent years, the traditional blade created for the better player has evolved. In the past, a blade was for the purists with a swing speed more than 110mph and a consistent strike pattern, but now top amateurs and Tour players want enhanced forgiveness and performance from their blades.

PING has some of the best R&D in these areas and their recent i530 blade design has the better player in mind that is searching for some extra yards.

The blade enthusiasts will appreciate the thin top line, narrow sole and shallow face height. The i530’s clean, premium look features a new machining technique that thins the back wall of the hollow-body design, saving weight to increase forgiveness and tighten dispersion.

The new PING i530 also packs a punch. Enhanced yardages come from an internal weight pad that provides a deeper and thinner face-to-sole transition for more face flexing. This then allows weight to be pushed down to lower the centre of gravity for more ball speed. A polymer applied inside the head on the back of the face improves feel and sound while maximising face bending.

The body design contributes to distance by accentuating face bending. The lower CG is more aligned with where impact occurs, and distance-optimised lofts help ensure more distance and higher max height.

Verdict

This club is aimed at the mid to low handicapper that is looking for more ball speed. They are like the PING i230 on steroids, but with all clubs with a lower CG and strong lofts keep a close eye on the spin rates when it comes to holding greens in the Middle East. The loft on a i530 7 iron is just 29 degrees to compared to 33 in the i230. The feel isn’t the same as a forged blade, but the polymer insert does prevent the i530 feeling like a hybrid. You are still able to shot shape but have the comfort of knowing you are not going to be penalised massively in terms of distance from a poor strike. For this reason we are huge fans of the i530.

Fully forged from 8620 carbon steel, the bladestyle, tour-inspired design is engineered for the highly skilled player who puts a premium on workability and trajectory control. Shorter blade lengths, less offset and narrow sole widths optimized to perform in all conditions give elite shotmakers unmatched precision

This Tour-proven, players-style iron delivers consistent, predictable distance control and tight dispersion. An activated elastomer insert creates discretionary weight to lower the CG for more distance while enhancing feel and sound in conjunction with a multi-material badge.

PING i230

THE FORGIVING CANNON!

PING G730

Their most powerful iron to date

When one of the games’ leading manufacturers, that is a leader in the field of game improvement irons, comes out with their most powerful iron to date, you need to pay attention. These clubs are not about feel and workability, these are designed for the golfer that needs help to get the ball further down the fairway and as straight as possible. Forget spin rates and holding greens. These bad boys are about making the game more enjoyable by adding muscle to the bag.

The set starts at a five iron and goes up to a wedge, with additional utility clubs available in 45, 50 and 56 degrees. Don’t get fixated on the number on the sole of these clubs, as they are all about assisting the higher handicap player achieve a consistent distance. The five iron for example is just 21.5 degrees and can be adjusted in the power spec to 20 degrees. Yes, a Tour player with the right shaft could carry the ball further than a their three iron, but that is not what these clubs are about.

Generating typical distance gains of approximately five yards from the flexing, hyper 17-4 stainless steel face

“The G730 irons are engineered for golfers who can benefit from more distance and a higher level of forgiveness and consistency to shoot lower scores,” explains John K. Solheim, PING’s CEO and President

Verdict

High, straight and long

As expected, there is more offset to the head, which PING says is a key factor in helping to get the ball airborne easier and more consistently.

The lofts of each iron have also been custom engineered, to make sure that the configuration allows maximum performance right through the bag. The G730 wedges have not been added to make up the numbers. All four wedges have machined faces and grooves to improve performance and added control.

PING has obviously listened to players that used the outgoing 710 model. The black finish on the 710 did not wear well and that has been replaced by a more durable Hydropearl 2.0 silver finish. The new PurFlex insert has also improved the feel in the 730 head and gives a better sense of feedback from the strike. Something we feel is overlooked in game improvement irons.

“The new G730 brings them all that in an easy to hit, confidenceinspiring design. It’s the longest and most forgiving iron in our current lineup and is a great solution to help maximise the performance of a lot of golfers. We’re excited to bring them an iron that’s engineered to make the game easier and more enjoyable.”

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