Worldwide Golf - 100th Anniversary Issue by Worldwide Golf

Issue 100, January 2009

TIPS GEAR STYLE PROPERTY FASHION TRAVEL

WORLDWIDE

Golf Est:1999

A N N I V E R S A RY I S S U E

Middle East’s No.1 Golf Magazine

ELS●PLAYER●NORMAN●FISHER●NEWS & VIEWS Official Publication of the Emirates Golf Federation & the Arab Golf Federation

CONTENTS THIS MONTH’S WORLDWIDE GOLF MIDWEEK OPEN: Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, January 19th

Issue 100, January 2009

Join the Emirates Golf Federation and make sure you have a registered handicap for the 2009 Midweek Opens

TIPS GEAR STYLE PROPERTY FASHION TRAVEL

WORLDWIDE GOLF’s first Midweek Open of 2009 takes place during the Desert Swing when the focus of attention for the golf world is firmly fixed on the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club (Jan15-18), the Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy at Doha Golf Club (Jan 22-25) and the Dubai Desert Classic on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club (Jan 29-Feb 1). Worldwide Golf’s hugely popular Midweek Open series starts the New Year at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa on Monday, January 19, the day after the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. Please note that all players wishing to take part in the 2009 Worldwide Golf Midweek Open series must have a registered handicap with a golf club or with the Emirates Golf Federation.

WORLDWIDE

Golf

● 18 holes of golf;

● Shared golf cart with GPS;

● Range balls and access to the practice facility prior to

play and use of the Locker Rooms;

● Tournament shirt.

● Fish and chips supper after play.

Due to the fact that many players wishing to take part in our Worldwide Golf Midweek Opens have been denied the opportunity by entered players failing to turn up or cancelling their registration at least two days before the tournament, participants are asked to pay in advance, either by credit card, cheque or cash. Should they have to withdraw, their money will be refunded if they notify Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa at least 48 hours in advance of the tournament.

Est:1999

For further details contact David Burke at Worldwide Golf on 04 340 3785. E-mail: davidb@wspdubai.com or pennyh@wspdubai.com

ENTRIES CLOSE WHEN 52 PLACES ARE FULL. FINAL DATE FOR ENTRY IS JANUARY 7. TO SIGN UP TO PLAY PLEASE REQUEST AN ENTRY FORM FROM davidb@wspdubai.com or pennyh@wspdubai.com

Great day enjoyed by all at our 6th Midweek Open presented by ECCO

WORLDWIDE

Our 6th Worldwide Golf Midweek Open presented by ECCO at Four Seasons Golf Club last month was another enormous success. The limited edition tournament saw 92 competitors tee off in a 1.0pm shotgun start and a great day in a wonderful atmosphere was enjoyed by all. We would like to thank our sponsors ECCO, for supporting the event, and Four Seasons Golf Club. For a full report of the tournament turn to the Arabian Golf pages. In next month’s Worldwide Golf we will announce further details of our 2009 Worldwide Golf Midweek Open series.

Golf Est:1999

Midweek Open

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Worldwide Golf Midweek Open

WORLDWIDE

Golf Est:1999

MANY experts agreed that it was a brave step for us to take when we launched our monthly golf magazine Worldwide Golf in November, 1999. At that time the only grass golf courses in the UAE were Dubai Golf’s 18 hole Majlis and Wadi courses at Emirates Golf Club, the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, the nine hole course at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa and Nad Al Sheba, which is currently closed, due to redevelopment of the Racecourse. We believed that golf in Dubai and the UAE would grow in line with business, tourism and residential developments. But we couldn’t have predicted the dramatic increase in golf during the past nine years. The enthusiasm, support and commitment of our Chairman, Sheikh Saeed bin Hasher Al Maktoum was such that we were convinced Worldwide Sporting Publications and Worldwide Golf would be a success in the long term. Mike is a former Fleet Street national newspaper editor with a lifetime’s experience in international publishing at the highest level and Alex, a golf ‘nut’ who decided to pursue a career in new media and graphic technology instead of taking his place at Coventry University to study Architecture. Alex moved to Dubai with his family in 1999 and was instrumental in getting Worldwide Golf off the ground. David Burke, who had considerable experience in the golf scene in the Gulf, joined Worldwide Golf in May 2001 as Advertising and Marketing Director and has played a vital role in driving the company forward. Our initial thoughts have been proved correct. The parent company, Worldwide Sporting Publications, has become arguably the biggest global publisher of official golf tournament programmes and during this decade it has produced official magazines for some of the biggest tournaments in world golf consistently in more than 20 countries, many of which are in dual languages. Through our international official golf tournament programmes we have been able to spread the word about Dubai as a golf and tourism destination. The Middle East has a history of new magazines springing up from nowhere and disappearing just as fast but we were able to convince our readers and advertisers that we were here for the long term. We did receive vital backing from several farsighted people who believed that one day the UAE could become a genuine golf and tourism destination. For their help and support we are very grateful. It is significant that among our Columnists we have three legends of the game in Gary Player, Greg Norman and Ernie Els, which in itself is testament to the prestige Worldwide Golf has achieved.As we mark our 100th edition of Worldwide Golf with this January 2009 issue we can look back on nine years of progress where we have gained a lot of friends and made a genuine contribution to the growth of golf in the Middle East – and taken golf in the Gulf to a worldwide audience. We are humbled at the many messages we have received from a number of individuals in the golf industry whom we greatly respect and who have been an enormous support to us over the years. We can look forward to our next 100 issues of Worldwide Golf with renewed confidence.

On behalf of Sheikh Saeed bin Hasher Al Maktoum, Chairman of Worldwide Sporting Publications and Worldwide Golf, we thank all the individuals who have taken the time to offer their congratulations to Worldwide Golf on reaching our 100th edition. WHEN we started Hydroturf back in 1995, we covered the entire Gulf plus Egypt but in this large land mass, there were only four or five grass golf courses. This year Hydroturf is supplying product and services to more than 50 grass golf courses, so this reflects a huge increase driven by real estate and tourism over the past 13 years. This year will end with the golfing world looking at The Race to Dubai culminating with the Dubai World Championship at the Earth Course. During the past nine years Worldwide Golf has successfully recorded the growth of the golf industry and is the clear market leader. Hydroturf congratulates Worldwide Golf on its 100th edition and its successful past and looks forward to both Hydroturf and Worldwide Golf being part of an even more successful future for Golf in the Middle East in the years to come. Colin Baxter, Managing Director, Hydroturf.

MY family and I have had close associations with Dubai for many years and in all that time I have seen Worldwide Golf become a better and better magazine. The publication has kept pace every step of the way with the rapid increase in golf course design and construction and carried interesting features and interviews with many of the leading players in world golf. The magazine has also covered every angle in The Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship. Not only that but Mike and Alex have very cleverly utilised the many official golf tournament programmes they publish around the world to promote and publicise golf and tourism in Dubai, the UAE and the Middle East. I congratulate them on their 100th edition and I wish them well for the future. Thomas Björn, European Tour Chairman of the Tournament Committee.

Mike and Alex Gallemore

WHEN Mike and Alex Gallemore approached me early in 1999 with the idea of launching Worldwide Golf I welcomed it with open arms. Their concept of combining international news, views and features with coverage of golf in the region seemed like a real benefit for us all. At that time Dubai only had Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Nad Al Sheba Club and Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa as grass courses, with the sand course at Dubai Country Club. It didn’t seem much on which to base a publication of such magnitude but Mike and Alex were enthusiastic and determined to make it work. There were rumours and plans afoot for numerous golf courses throughout the region but nothing confirmed or underway. I could see that a monthly magazine of such quality would help to increase the interest of golf in Dubai, and that the official tournament programmes that Mike and Alex published for the various Tours provided a further outlet to promote and publicise Dubai and the region to a worldwide audience. I was pleased to support Mike and Alex’s Worldwide Sporting Publications company and Worldwide Golf from the outset and I have worked closely with them ever since. Their success has paralleled that of Dubai Golf, and Dubai itself. Worldwide Golf has provided a vital service for the golf industry in the region and they must be congratulated on achieving the milestone of their 100th edition. There have been a number of golf publications that have been and gone in the UAE in recent years but I always believed that Worldwide Golf would stay the course. I’m pleased to have been involved in the success story of Worldwide Golf from the beginning, and I wish Mike and Alex well for their next 100 issues. Maybe by that time Mike will have taken up my challenge of a round of golf in exchange for a year’s advertising! Rodney J. Bogg, Managing Director, Dubai Golf.

A N N I V E R S A RY I S S U E

Middle East’s No.1 Golf Magazine

ELS●PLAYER●NORMAN●FISHER●NEWS & VIEWS Official Publication of the Emirates Golf Federation & the Arab Golf Federation Jan_Cover.indd 1

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Cover: Montage of some of the Front Pages of Worldwide Golf since its launch in November 1999.

Messages from respected figures in golf S T R E N G T H

S TA M I N A

F O C U S .

G O O D

S E N S E

O F

HISTORY SPECIAL

H U M O U R

CADDIE

SNACK

SINCE our launch issue in 1999 there have been highs and lows aplenty in the golfing world and we’ve made it our No.1 goal to bring you all the news and action in the region and from around the globe. We’ve also seen our publication grow to become the biggest sports title in the Middle East. Here’s a look back at some of the big stories.

Jim “Bones” Mackay has been Phil Mickelson’s caddie since the lefty turned pro in 1993. Mickelson gives credit to Bones for tips that helped him win The Masters. Alex Gallemore talks to Bones about a few funny moments the pair have encountered over the years.

Q: What’s the oddest thing you’ve had to put in the bag for Phil?

A: Wow, that’s got me. I know. It was the 1999 U.S. Open and Amy (Phil’s wife) was expecting Amanda (their first child). Amy was nine months pregnant and it was touch and go whether Phil would play or not. We made it to the first tee but I had a beeper in the top of the bag – on vibrate of course! We managed to make it through all four rounds and finish second. Not a bad result considering we expected the bag to start shaking at any moment. As it happened, Amanda was born the following day.

Q: What’s the best tip for a struggling amateur? A: Take up another sport!

1999 WE launch in November 1999 in the aftermath of a controversial defeat for Mark James’ European Ryder Cup Team at Brookline, Massachusetts. The Americans had fought back from 10-6 down with an emphatic display in the Sunday singles to win by one point, 14 ½ -13 ½. But the Europeans complained of hostile heckling from U.S. fans and their frustration was confounded when players, wives, officials and supporters ran onto the green to mistakenly celebrate what they

thought was the Cup-winning putt after Justin Leonard holed at the last in his match against Masters Champion José Maria Olazábal, who was still to putt with an attempt to halve his match. The ‘Battle of Brookline’ is put into context a month later when the golf world is rocked when the much-respected U.S. Open champion Payne Stewart, is tragically killed in a plane crash. Tiger Woods wins his second Major, the U.S. PGA. Paul Lawrie is an unlikely winner of The Open.

The winners of the morning shotgun event at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Craig Finlayson, Simon Shirreffs, Richie Davidson and Craig McLovin with Saeed Al Budoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation (left).

John Daly’s camera tricks

A SPECTATOR was left with a broken camera after John Daly threw it against a tree during the first round of the Australian Masters. Daly was preparing to take a shot by some trees when spectator Brad Clegg started taking photos. The American then reportedly took the camera from Clegg and hurled it at a tree shouting: “You want it back? I’ll buy you a new one.” Daly later said: “It was very rude to put a camera that close to my face.” The two-time Major winner missed the cut.

TEAM spirit was the name of the game as the National Day Golf Tournament sponsored by the National Marine Dredging Company produced some impressive scores in benign conditions at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. The team of Craig Finlayson, Simon Shirreffs, Richie Davidson and Craig McLovin carded a brilliant 81 points to win the morning shotgun event while the magniﬁcent four of John Fellingham, Tejan Fadlu-deen, Paul King and Joel Neale combined to take the honours in the afternoon session with a sensational 87 points. The morning shotgun was a tight affair with the winners being decided on a countback after the top two teams returned a haul of 81 points. Emiliano Dernasconi, Arshad Waheed, Eka Onggo and Mr. Rajalekha had to settle for the runner-up spot, one point ahead of the third-placed team of Kevin Roy, Sattm Rehman, Patrick Mulligan and Shomail Ghaub. The afternoon shotgun was a different story as John Fellingham’s

Woods’ bagman slates Mickelson

Harrington takes the plaudits

2000

2001

THERE are many events making the headlines in 2000 and most of them involve the scarcely believable exploits of a certain Mr. Eldrick Woods, better known as Tiger. Woods, already the custodian of two Major Championships by the time he begins the 2000 season having just celebrated his 24th birthday, annihilates the competition during what becomes known as “The Year of the Tiger”. He tops the money list for the third time with $9,188,321 in prize money, setting or equalling 27 PGA TOUR records in the process. Consecutive Major victories at the U.S. Open, The British Open and The Masters make him the youngest player ever to complete golf’s ‘Career Grand Slam’ of all four Majors.

ON September 11, 2001 al-Qaeda terrorists launch attacks on the United States, deliberately crashing hijacked planes into the Twin Towers at the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in addition to another plane believed to be heading for the White House before passengers and crew courageously intervene. It is the biggest attack on America in history and almost 3,000 people are left dead. The implications of the atrocities are felt around world including on the golf course. As a mark of respect to those who died the World Golf Championships-American Express Championship at Bellerieve Country Club, St. Louis is cancelled along with the 34th Ryder Cup Matches at The Belfry, which are postponed until the following year.

Our October 2000 issue examines Woods’ recordbreaking year with everybody from Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Nick Faldo and Tiger’s late father Earl having their say. Like every golf publication in the world, carrying Tiger Woods features is something we were to become increasingly familiar with!

K.J. Choi Honourary Asian Tour Member

KOREAN star K.J. Choi has accepted an invitation to become an Honourary Member of the Asian Tour, joining Vijay Singh in the roll of honour. Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said Choi was an inspiration to many players as he had honed his game in Asia before going on to become a top-class player. The U.S.-based Choi said: “I feel very honoured and respected. When I started playing professional golf, the Asian Tour was where everybody in Asia had wanted to play. For me to be inducted as an Honourary Member of the Tour is truly rewarding.”

2008 was quite a year for Padraig Harrington. The Irishman was named the Player of the Year on both The European Tour and the U.S. PGA TOUR after his sensational double Major haul. He was also credited with The European Tour’s Shot of the Year at The Open Championship after he nailed a 5-wood from 220 yards to within eight feet on the penultimate hole. It was a good year for Europeans on American soil as Bernhard Langer was named the Champions Tour Player of the Year. Langer won three times on the circuit and was also named the Rookie of the Year.

TIGER Woods’ caddie Steve Williams has annoyed his employer after admitting to a journalist that he and Phil Mickelson ‘have no respect’ for each other. “I don’t particularly like the guy [Mickelson],” said Williams. “He pays me no respect at all and hence I don’t pay him any respect. It’s no secret that we don’t get along, either.” Woods later said he was ‘disappointed’ by Williams’ remarks and that the matter had been discussed and ‘dealt with.’

Ballesteros discharged from hospital

SEVE Ballesteros has been discharged from La Paz hospital in Madrid after undergoing a fourth operation on his brain. The five-time Major winner was diagnosed with a tumour in October and has had three operations

Corey Pavin scceeds Azinger in Ryder Role. COREY Pavin will succeed Paul Azinger as the U.S. Ryder Cup Captain at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales, 2010. “The Ryder Cup is in my blood,” said Pavin, a two-time Ryder Cup winner as a player. “It is the greatest event in the world, certainly in golf. Pavin wasa Member of the last American

side to win on European soil in 1993 at The Belfry and featured in three Ryder Cups in total. He was Tom Lehman’s Assistant Captain at the K Club in Ireland when Europe won in 2006. Pavin, who won the U.S. Open in 1995, also played for the U.S. in The Presidents Cup in 1994 and 1996.

No.

Name

Club

Points

1 2 3 T4 T4 T4 T4 8 9 10

VIKRAM JUDGE MATTHEW TURNER JOEL NEALE JOHN FELLINGHAM MALCOLM TENNANT PURNA SHARMA KOUROCHE ACHTARI KHALID YOUSUF STEWART CRANSTON PETER SHAW

DCGYC EGC EGC DCGYC SWGC SGSC EGC EGC SWGC DCGYC

30 24 22 18.5 18.5 18.5 18.5 16 15 14

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LADIES’ GROSS ORDER OF MERIT TABLE AFTER THE FIRST EVENT 25TH ABU DHABI LADIES OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Friday, 28th – Saturday, 29th November 2008 Al Ghazal Golf Club

No.

Name

Club

1 2 3 T4 T4 6 T7 T7 9 10

ANGELA SCURR SUE HENDERSON AGNES ANWAR ADELE MCKELVEY SANA TUFAIL NANNA NIELSEN CLAIRE FENSOME ANINA BESTER SANDRA GRENET NASHA SARKARI

AGGC ADGC UGA ARGC ADGC EGC EGC AGGC TEC DCGYC

Points 30 24 22 19.5 19.5 18 16.5 16.5 15 14

Remaining Events

Friday, 9th - Saturday, 10th

JANUARY 2009 Dubai Creek Men’s Amateur Open

Friday, 6th - Saturday, 7th

FEBRUARY 2009 Emirates Amateur Open

Friday, 20th - Saturday, 21st

BMW Men’s OpenADGC

Friday, 6th – Saturday, 7th

MARCH 2009 3rd RAK Men’s Open

AHGC

Friday, 20th – Saturday, 21st

36th NBAD Men’s Open

AGGC

Friday, 24th – Saturday, 25th

team emerged as clear winners, two points ahead of the team of Dileep Kumar, Arvind Kittur, Sunil Oharan and Raj Janakdhan. Top UAE national golfer Khaled Yousuf led his team of Saeed Malik and Dino and Jay Varkey to a creditable third-place finish with 84 points. Both the morning and afternoon shotgun starts followed the team Stableford format (three-quarter handicap allowance) with the best two scores in a team counting towards the scores. The tournament, organised by the Emirates Golf Federation, generated an overwhelming response with more than 200 golfers signing up for the event which was held to celebrate the 37th National Day of the UAE. The top three teams in each shotgun event were presented with their prizes by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, and Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the Federation. “We are delighted with the huge response to the tournament and this clearly reflects on the growing profile of the event which has now become a permanent fixture on the UAE calendar,” said Albudoor. “Of course, there was a festive feel to the tournament, but the intensity level didn’t drop on the course as the scores clearly suggest. I would like to thank all the players and our sponsors, the National Marine Dredging Company, for making the event such a huge success.”

EMIRATES GOLF FEDERATION LADIES ORDER OF MERIT SUPPORTED BY GULF NEWS

2008 – 2009 MEN’S ORDER OF MERIT TABLE AFTER THE FIRST EVENT SWGC MEN’S OPEN FRIDAY, 14TH – SATURDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER 2008 SHARJAH WANDERERS GOLF CLUB

Remaining Events

In our October, 2001, issue Gary Player calls on his fellow professional golfers to lead the way in restoring a sense of normality to life after the horrific terrorist attacks. He says: “Sport has a leading role to play in overcoming the tragedy. Today’s superstars should be showing the way that we must not give in to terrorists. That goes for all the top golfers in the world game. They must make the extra effort to prove that everyone has got to get on with living their life.”

www.wwgolf.biz

Caddie Jim ‘Bones’ McKay

MICHELLE Wie put her mid-season injury woes behind her by finishing tied seventh at the LPGA Qualifying School to earn her full playing card for the 2009 season. The 19-year-old closed with a 74 to finish with a 12-under-par total, well within the top 20. “Considering everything that was written about me, this has been a tough period of my life,” she said. “I have worked hard, and finally I’ve got something for my accomplishment.”

Worldwide Golf is up and running with the legendary nine-time Major Champion Gary Player as our Executive Editor. The Black Knight dissects the events at the controversial Ryder Cup at Brookline in his first ever Column, while our second issue pays tribute to the late, great Payne Stewart.

A: Phil and I were at Pebble Beach when a guy on a push bike comes flying past us. We all look at each other and start to smile. Then another guy shouts from the gallery: “Hey that’s my bike!” He then ducks under the ropes and gives chase on foot. Moments later he makes a flying tackle and takes the other guy clean off the bike. The players and the gallery fell about the place laughing. That’s something you rarely see during a golf tournament!

EGF National Day Golf Tournament

to remove it and a fourth to correct a bone defect. Ballesteros has been allowed home but doctors warned there was still some way to go in his recovery.

Michelle Wie secures her LPGA Card

Q: What’s the funniest moment on the course you’ve witnessed?

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NEWS SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE GOLFING GLOBE

DIVOTS

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

APRIL 2009 BMW Men’s Open

DCGYC

Friday, 20th Saturday, 21st

EGC Majlis

Friday, 27th Saturday, 28th

TMD

FEBRUARY 2009 3rd RAK Ladies Open Emirates Ladies Amateur Open

AHGC R1 – EGC Wadi R2 – EGC Majlis

MARCH 2009

Friday, 20th Saturday, 21st

Ladies Amateur Open

Thursday, 2nd Friday, 3rd

BMW Ladies Open

TMD

Friday, 24th Saturday, 25th

BMW Ladies Open

ADGC

DCGYC

APRIL 2009

19/12/08 09:12:22

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Divots

National Day Golf Tournament

WORLDWIDE GOLF COLUMNISTS WWG COLUMNIST

Ernie Els is the most successful South African golfer of his generation. Els, nicknamed ‘The Big Easy’ due to his easy-looking swing, has won three Majors and seven World Match Play Championships during a career that spans close on two decades. Els has two U.S. Opens to his name and won The Open Championship in 2002.

ERNIE

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. This year he broke the appearance record at The Masters Tournament when he made his 51st start.

ELS

CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF SUPPORT

HEN I wrote my first column in Worldwide Golf back in April 2006 I remember I started by saying how pleased I was to be involved with the magazine and with Worldwide Sporting Publications, who have done so much to promote golf in this region and also boost Dubai’s reputation as a golf and tourism destination. It still feels good to be part of the team. I think it’s been an enjoyable partnership and I’d like to congratulate Worldwide Golf on reaching the fantastic milestone of its 100th issue with this January 2009 edition. On a personal note, I hope you’ve enjoyed my contributions to the magazine each month and that it has given you a bit of an insight into the life of a Tour Professional. It’s not all a bed of roses, obviously! But I still love what I do and I count myself a very lucky man. Looking back, it was around the time that I wrote my first column that I remember we had just completed the planning stages of The Els Club hole-routings at Dubai Sports City and started work on the golf course. Worldwide Golf followed the progress of the work, issue-by-issue right up to the opening in January 2008, just as they’ve done for many of the golf courses in the Middle East over the last nine years. Indeed Worldwide Golf and Worldwide Sporting Publications, through the Official Golf Tournament Programmes they publish for the big events all around the world, have done a great deal to promote and publicise golf not only in the Middle East but globally. They can take a lot of credit for putting many of the golf courses in this region on the world golfing map and, as I said before, for helping put the spotlight on the UAE as a golf and tourism destination. I always believed that Dubai and the UAE would become a must see and play destination and with all that has been happening over the past nine years this prediction is now coming to fruition. The pace of growth and development in this region has been incredible. Seriously, I can’t believe how much it has changed since I first started coming here in the early 1990s. It’s good to say that all the changes have been for the better. Anyway, looking ahead to 2009 there is, as always, much to get excited about. I’ve been a professional golfer now for 20 years and for me the buzz of a new season never seems to wear off.

In 2009 I get to start my season in Hawaii, which is great news. I always love starting my season with the PGA Tour’s traditional back-to-back tournaments, the Mercedes-Benz Championship and the Sony Open. I’ve got a pretty good record in Hawaii, having won the Sony twice and the Mercedes once. I’ve really missed playing there these past few years, but, thankfully, a win at the 2008 Honda Classic put that right. The timing couldn’t be sweeter, because in January we also have the official opening of one of our new golf courses, Hoakalei. We’re all very excited about this project. It was a serious challenge constructing a course on this site, with a great deal of lava rock that was tough to cut through. But as I have learnt these past few years, what’s challenging from an architectural standpoint often makes for a wonderful golf course and I think that’s the case here. We’ve got a great mix of holes, incredible views, and the way we’ve designed the hole-routings the course will never play the same from one day to the next. The course is undoubtedly good enough to host a professional tournament and I’d love to have the Sony Open there one day. It really would be a wonderful venue. As for 2009 as a whole…well, I’m consciously not making too many bold predictions. I’m not one for setting absolute specific goals, anyway. I never have been, to be honest, and especially not this year. I’m coming off the back of a season where my golf was mixed, to say the least, and where I made quite a few

significant changes. I’ll just take it week-by-week, make sure I try to enjoy my golf and keep working hard. I’ve certainly been working hard over the winter months and, as I said, with a good start in Hawaii I’m hoping to kick-start my year and get some momentum and play well going into the Majors through spring and summer. In order to achieve that, the one thing I must do is putt better than I did in 2008 and also be more consistent. I’ve got a couple of different techniques I’ve been working on to help me on the greens and if that bears fruit it could be a strong year, because the swing changes I’ve made with Butch Harmon are really starting to come together. I feel like I’m swinging it well and hitting the ball great. The last piece in the jigsaw, as it were, is confidence. So yeah, the game is still there, I just need to get myself in the right frame of mind for winning golf tournaments. Obviously, with the family now being able to spend more time at our United States base in Jupiter, Florida, that’s going to affect my PGA Tour schedule a little bit and, basically, make things easier for me travel-wise. Also, The European Tour’s Race to Dubai has begun and that will bring a new look to their end-of-season Tour schedule. As I said, there’s a lot to look forward to in the year ahead. In the meantime, it just leaves me to thank everyone for their support over the last 12 months and to wish all the readers of Worldwide Golf a very healthy and prosperous New Year. ■

LTHOUGH golf has proved to be a resilient sporting industry over the years, in this period of global financial crisis we have to do everything we possibly can to look after our tournament sponsors and supporters, who are the lifeblood of the professional game. I’ve made this point forcibly throughout my

PLAYER

career that we don’t always take enough care of sponsors and try to give them as much value as possible for their contribution. With the banks, investment companies and the car industry in so much financial turmoil it could have a devastating effect on the schedules of The European Tour and the PGA TOUR in the States, next year, not to mention all the other golf tours around the world. There are more than 16 events on the 2009 PGA TOUR schedule alone where the title sponsor is a car company or a financial institution. It’s very difficult for car companies and banks, and a lot of other businesses that are suffering, to pay out millions in sponsorship when they are having to make overhead cuts and redundancies to stay afloat. To keep them interested in continuing their sponsorship every effort must be made to hold on

FIRST encountered Mike and Alex Gallemore in Ayrshire on the eve of The 133rd Open Championship in July 2004. That was the year that Todd Hamilton surprised everyone by beating Ernie Els in a play-off at Royal Troon. That day, I met with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and David Spencer of Nakheel to execute an agreement for the three golf courses at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai. It was a never-to-be-forgotten moment which brought together two companies who shared the same goals and ambitions, Nakheel and Great White Shark Enterprises. It was an exciting opportunity to design and build unique golf courses to complement Nakheel’s amazing project at Jumeirah. I had been a regular to Dubai over the previous two decades, long before I played the 1994 Desert Classic and I have been completely captivated by the Emirate ever since. I had followed the meteoric development and progress of Dubai very closely. It is a credit to the Maktoum family to have the vision to be able to look ahead 30 years and envisage just what they could achieve. I am still amazed at those achievements – the development of its luxury hotels, its trade and business expansion, offices and facilities, its airline and, of course, its golf courses. I was always excited at Dubai’s evolution into a world class tourism destination and business centre and I am constantly impressed at the imagination and drive of Dubai in creating such outstanding and unique developments in no time at all. Mike and Alex Gallemore were there in Scotland that year at the invitation of David Spencer to report that historic signing for their Worldwide Golf magazine and they have followed the progress of golf in Dubai and Jumeirah Golf Estates every inch of the way. It was a great pleasure when I joined Gary Player as a Columnist in Worlwide Golf in March 2005. I have enjoyed having a platform to share my thoughts on golf in particular, Great White Shark Enterprises, and life in general through the magazine. I can remember what it was like in Dubai back in 1999 with the only 18 hole courses the Majlis and the Wadi at the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and the 9 hole course at Jebel Ali Resort & Spa. Although Nad Al Sheba Club existed, it has since closed due to the new development of the Racecourse. There was a lot of speculation about new golf

to them – and that means the players must play a more active part. I’ve seen situations where players have opted out of playing in the pro-am with the sponsors or attending the official dinner. If there were three pro-ams and two official dinners at the tournament they should be there, showing their support for the event and the sponsor. One of the reasons the sponsor has contributed so much to the tournament is often because

he wants to involve his business guests and colleagues in the occasion so that they can meet the players in an informal, relaxed atmosphere and generally rub shoulders with the top players. It’s part of what sponsorship is all about and you’ve got to give the sponsor as much value for his money as you possibly can. When a sponsor and his guests have had an enjoyable experience at the event, he’s likely to do it again the following year. Many sponsors take an active role in the organising of the tournament and they are entitled to customise many of the arrangements to suit their requirements. They expect the help and support of the players and they should get it without any hesitation. Now, more than ever before, professional golf needs to hold on to its sponsors to keep the ball rolling – even if it means reducing prize money. Players

www.wwgolf.biz

GREG

NORMAN

CONGRATULATIONS ON A REMARKABLE MILESTONE

21/12/08 12:24:04

Ernie Els

Golf legend Greg Norman is the finest Australian golfer of his generation. He won two Open Championships among 84 tournaments worldwide spanning three decades and is now Chairman of Great White Shark Enterprises. One of the most recognisable men in the game.

SPONSORS ARE VITAL FOR SUCCESS

I THINK IT’S BEEN AN ENJOYABLE PARTNERSHIP AND I’D LIKE TO CONGRATULATE WORLDWIDE GOLF ON REACHING THE FANTASTIC MILESTONE OF ITS 100TH ISSUE WITH THIS JANUARY 2009 EDITION. ON A PERSONAL NOTE, I HOPE YOU’VE ENJOYED MY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MAGAZINE EACH MONTH AND THAT IT HAS GIVEN YOU A BIT OF AN INSIGHT INTO THE LIFE OF A TOUR PROFESSIONAL. IT’S NOT ALL A BED OF ROSES, OBVIOUSLY! BUT I STILL LOVE WHAT I DO AND I COUNT MYSELF A VERY LUCKY MAN.

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GARY

Picture: Kevin Saunders. Elevating experience for Gary Player as the Black Knight’s caddie gives him a lift to get a better view of the distance to the green on the 16th hole at the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola over the Links at Fancourt last month.

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courses but there were no new courses under construction at that time, so it was a brave move for Sheikh Saeed bin Hasher Al Maktoum to launch a monthly magazine like Worldwide Golf with Mike and Alex. Worldwide Golf has played a vital role in promoting and publicising golf in the Middle East – and around the world through their golf tournament programmes, and covering every aspect of the development of the game. The circulation has increased month on month and it also has the biggest and most comprehensive database of registered golfers in the region. It is a remarkable milestone in reaching its 100th issue with this January 2009 edition and it has been gratifying that so many players and individuals in the industry have offered their congratulations. With The Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship Worldwide Golf will play an even more pivotal role in the months and years to come and I’m looking forward to writing my column in the next 100 editions. I’d like to add my congratulations to Sheikh Saeed, Mike and Alex and all the team at Worldwide Golf in their forethought in creating the magazine for the benefit of the game and for golf in Dubai and the Middle East. IT WAS great fun playing with Camilo Villegas in our Merrill Lynch Shootout last month. We managed to conjure up a tournament-best 15-under 57 in the final round but it wasn’t enough to get close to the winners, Scott Hoch and Kenny Perry, who finished on 31-under 185 for the three rounds. It turned out to be a lucrative tournament for 48year-old Ryder Cup star Kenny and 53-year-old Scott, who became the oldest player to win the tournament

in its 20 year history. Raymond Floyd was 51 when he won the event with Steve Elkington in 1993. Kenny and Scott split $730,000 prize money. Camilo and I had to settle for third place on 25-under 191, two shots behind the big-hitting J.B.Holmes and Boo Weekley, who gave Scott and Kenny a run for their money. They started the final day four shots adrift after Scott and Kenny had taken a comfortable lead with a birdieeagle-birdie finish on Saturday night in the betterball format. Boo and J.B. started to close in but when Kenny birdied 16 and eagled 17 for the second day in a row, it was pretty much all over. It was the end of a magical year for Kenny, who won our event with John Houston in 2005. I would like to thank all the other teams who contributed so much to a wonderful three days: Nick Price-Jeff Sluman; Zach Johnson-Scott Verplank; Jerry Kelly-Steve Stricker; Stewart Cink-Fred Couples; Paul Azinger-Rocco Mediate; Graeme McDowell-Ian Poulter; Brad Faxon-Scott McCarron; Woody Austin-Mark Calcavecchia; and Chris DiMarco-Fred Funk. I AM looking forward to visiting our golf course design development at The Wave in Muscat in the New Year. The award-winning project is Oman’s first ocean-front golf course, which includes our 18-hole signature course, a country club, teaching academy, driving range, tennis complex, marina, retail facilities and the much-acclaimed residential development. IT WAS relieving to hear the news that Seve Ballesteros had been discharged from hospital in Madrid on December 9 after four separate operations on a brain tumour. I hope he quickly recovers from his terrible ordeal.

IT WAS A GREAT PLEASURE WHEN I JOINED GARY PLAYER AS A COLUMNIST IN WORLWIDE GOLF IN MARCH 2005. I HAVE ENJOYED HAVING A PLATFORM TO SHARE MY THOUGHTS ON GOLF IN PARTICULAR, GREAT WHITE SHARK ENTERPRISES, AND LIFE IN GENERAL THROUGH THE MAGAZINE

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Greg_Norman_Columns.indd 2

Gary Player

ROSS

FISHER

2009 IS GOING TO BE A HUGE YEAR!

HAD a lovely break over the Christmas period and the batteries are now fully recharged, so I’m itching to get back out there and start competing again. Last year was amazing. I managed to achieve the goals I set out for myself at the beginning of the season and then some. It was great to get my second title under my belt at The European Open and I was particularly pleased with the consistency I showed towards the end of the season with five top 10s in a row and then an 11th place at the Volvo Masters. I had a great time in China at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup, where I got one of my first experiences of playing team golf at the top level by partnering Ian Poulter for England. It was a really great experience and I was proud to represent my country. Poults is a great guy and a fierce competitor and I think our big-hitting styles were well suited to each other. We put in a decent performance to finish in sixth place on 15under-par after rounds of 69-74-63 and 67 but it was tough after a long hard season. I was glad to get back home for a rest! Christmas was great fun and Jo and I really enjoyed having both our families at our house on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. I’m really looking forward to this year. The Race to Dubai is massive for The European Tour and this is a huge year for me. We’ve got the three tournaments that make up the Middle East Swing to kick things off and, with a place in the Dubai World Championship at stake this year, getting off to a good start is even more vital than usual. In fact, every single tournament we play has now taken on added significance, thanks to The Race to Dubai, so I need to make sure that I’m in the mix as often as possible. I love Dubai. It was where I first started getting a bit of attention

when I played with Tiger Woods in the final round of the of the 2007 Desert Classic and finished fifth. I’ll certainly be doing everything in my power to make sure that I qualify for the Dubai World Championship come November. There are a lot more tournaments for me to play this year having had such a good season last year and I’m fortunate that I can plan my schedule quite nicely to accommodate the World Golf Championships events in America as well as one or two other events over there. It’s going to be a busy year but an exciting one – I can’t wait to get started. ■

Above: Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter during the Omega Mission Hills World Cup at the Mission Hills Resort, China. Right: Ross Fisher drives off the first tee watched by Tiger Woods in the final round of the 2007 Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club.

“I love Dubai. It was where I first started getting a bit of attention when I played with Tiger Woods in the final round of the of the 2007 Desert Classic and finished fifth – so I’ll be doing everything in my power to make sure that I’m there come November.” – Ross Fisher www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz 33

19/12/08 10:43:53

Greg Norman

ROSS Fisher is one of the hottest young stars on The European Tour. Having only joined the Tour in 2006 he already has two titles under his belt, including a wonderful victory at this year’s European Open at The London Golf Club.

Ross Fisher

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ECCO REVEAL NEW LOGO ECCO have revealed a new logo concept – Four Dots – that is premiering with their Spring/Summer 2009 golf shoe collection, which arrived in the stores last month. Expressed in a variety of forms across the uppers and outsoles of each shoe in both the men’s and women’s lines, ECCO’s Four Dots were directly inspired by the four, circular-formed letters of the company’s iconic logo. “The 2009 collection contains an exceptional array of new designs, making

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NIKE DYMO DRIVER SQ Dymo Driver: WWG Verdict This driver definitely looks the part with its sleek lines and red and black war paint, and having put it thoroughly through its paces we’re happy to report that it also plays very nicely. After some initial teething problems we soon found the Dymo to be a driver of real quality. We tested the 9.5 degree model which is weighted towards the front and excellent for low winddefying drives with less spin. The head is more traditionally shaped than its square counterpart and despite not having quite

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BY CLAUDE HARMON Adam Scott has one of the greatest modern swings in the game. To achieve prestigious distance off the tee, while maintaining perfect balance shows that the key areas of his swing are working as a unit. This doesn’t happen overnight and takes years of dedication, practice and devotion. In this issue we analyse the key areas of Adam’s swing that make him one of the best in the game.

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THE ClicGear 2.0 Cart was voted Best New Product at the Orlando Golf Trade Show and it’s not difficult to see why. The full-size, three-wheel push cart is a great choice for the tech-savvy and fitness-conscious golfer who is eager for the benefits of walking without placing stress on their backs, arms and shoulders. From a biomechanical perspective leading experts all agree that a push cart is a scientifically better choice than a pull cart and the ClicGear 2.0 with its fully height adjustable handle and low friction tyres is an excellent example of modern day form and function. Incorporating a unique patented ‘slide to close’ folding mechanism, allowing the trolley to fold up to an incredibly small 24” tall by 15” deep by 13” wide, and constructed from high quality duraluminium the cart is stylish, functional and durable. The impressive design is complemented further by many advanced features, including a locking handbrake, full size storage console, fully adjustable bag brackets and handle height, maintenance-free wide wheels, beverage holder and detachable umbrella holder. The ClicGear 2.0 Cart is reasonably priced and can be supplied in seven colours: Black, Orange, Red, Silver, Kiwi, Lavender and Blue. To find your nearest stockist contact JS International. Email: sales@jsint.com or visit www.jsint.com

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AFTER A LONG DAY ON THE COURSE, IT ’S ALWAYS GO OD TO TAKE TIME OU T TO FRESHEN UP Issue 100, January

exceptional short game. To extend the sweet area higher into the toe of their MX-100 Irons, Mizuno has engineered a Y-Tune cavity pad which enlarges the sweet spot to match the miss-hit patterns of developing golfers for greater consistency and accuracy in their short shots.

SUPER-HIGHTECH and surprisingly simple to use, the Archos 7 Internet Media Tablet is a wonderful travel companion. It has the power and capacity of a laptop in a handy 7” screen size unit. You can connect to a wireless network as you would with a laptop and surf the web, check emails, stream media files, watch online TV channels and listen to music. It’s all very simple to use, even for those technophobes among us. You can transfer files quickly from your computer using the USB cable and all the options for music, video, email etc are displayed as touch-screen icons that take you straight to where you want to go. There is a ‘Media Club’ that allows you to purchase or rent movies or music and you can add a ‘DVR Station’ that allows you to record movies and TV programmes and turns your TV into a full size multimedia viewing platform. The TVportation plug-in enables you to broadcast live TV to a portable device, such as a Smartphone, laptop or the Archos 7 anywhere in the world via a WiFi connection, meaning you can watch your favourite programmes at home or on the go. 108

FOR greater forgiveness, Mizuno have Y-Tuned their new MX100 Irons, extending the sweet spot into the toe area and have modified the U-Grooves to give the ball superior spin. All this leads to giving mid to high handicap golfers all the distance, accuracy and playability they need for an

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as much technology packed into it, it does produce slightly more length and is perhaps better suited to the more advanced player who will find it easily manageable. As with the fairway woods, the new grips are great, although so were the old ones, so they are perhaps solving a problem that didn’t really exist! The ultra lightweight shaft is wider than its predecessor and, along with the ‘Power Bow Weighting’ in the clubhead, allows for a powerful and smooth swing and stays steady at impact. All in all, it’s a good club for good players.

MIZUNO MX-100 IRONS

IN keeping with the new direction and goals of the United Arab Emirates Golf Association the Board has created a new logo for the Emirates Golf Association. “There was always some confusion with the name of the UGA, with some people believing it stood for United Golf Association and not realising that it was a shortened version of the UAE Golf Assiociation,” says General Manager, Saeed Al Budoor. “Emirates Golf Federation – EGF – is instantly recognisable in that it represents the seven Emirates of the UAE. We think this will help the image of the EGF and underline the fact that the Federation looks after the golfing interests of all the seven Emirates.”

Abu Dhabi Golf Club Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club Al Ain Golf Club Al Ghazal Golf Club Al Hamra Golf Club Arabian Ranches Golf Club Doha Golf Club Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Emirates Golf Federation News Emirates Golf Club Four Seasons Golf club Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Katameya Heights Golf & Tennis Club Riyadh Golf Club Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club Sharjah Wanderers The Montgomerie Dubai Tower Links Worldwide Golf Midweek Open

this the ideal time to launch the Four Dots concept,” says Michael Waack, Head of Global Golf for ECCO. “Seen throughout the entire collection, this logo is a consistent branding element. It serves as an ideal representation of those characteristics unique to ECCO in the global footwear marketplace and helps further distinguish the look of our golf shoes.” You can even watch a short film tracing the inspiration behind the Four Dots logo, which is currently available at www.ecco.com

FOR the next in our series on Nike Golf’s new SQ Dymo range we’re looking at the standard SQ Dymo Driver.

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A model of success going from strength to strength: Audi has further upgraded its A6 fullsize class model line. Powerful engines have been added to the line-up and innovative technologies reduce fuel consumption by some 15 per cent across the range. A refined suspension system and new hightech assistance systems have further enhanced the driving experience, while the MMI operating system comes in the guise of a new, even more powerful generation. The further improved Audi A6 model line, comprising the sedan and S6, will be launched in the Middle East in the first quarter of 2009.

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A wonderful clean and crisp summer version of Calvin Klein’s Eternity for Men. Aquatic and citrus notes blend with floral undertones to make this a fresh, light and modern scent perfect for daytime or evening wear.

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Q&A

A RY I S S U E ANNIVERS ELS ●PL AYE

R●N ORM AN●

FISH ER● NEW

S & VIEW S

ation & the Arab

tes Golf Feder

ation of the Emira

Official Public

Middle East’s No.1 Golf Magazine Golf Federation

Q: Who is your golfing hero and why? A: For me there is only one golfing idol – the late Payne Stewart. He was well known for his flamboyant clothing. However, he was a great player and his sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct was a credit to the game and an example to us all. Q: If you were head of the R&A, what rule would you change? ESPA CONCEPT FIRMING FACE MASK A: Rule 24-1. Ball resting against a rake in a bunker – if the Anmoves intensively powerful creamthe containing richtopelan silt blended with ball when you remove rake thenmineral you have replace the ball. This to me is unfair asimprove often rakes up and uniformity. Plant magnesium and chlorophyll, to help skinare firmness against the of thecypress, bunker,protective preventing the ball from extracts ofside soothing frankincense and potentilla, combine rolling down to toabsorb a flat lie. Thesweep rule should be changeIntensely to with kaolin and away impurities. replenishing and allow you tothe move the rake and playall the ballinfrom wheretoitrevitalise and protect nutritious, precious ingredients work harmony comes to rest. even very dry, skin.

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WWG MIDWEEK OPEN FOUR SEASONS GOLF CLUB, DECEMBER 14, 2008

Est:1999

Midweek Open

No.6

SIXTH OPEN SUCCESS

THE sixth Worldwide Golf Midweek Open, played at Four Seasons Golf Club presented by ECCO on Sunday, December 14, was another resounding success. The limited edition tournament was a great event in which to sign off of the Series for the 2008 season with 92 competitors teeing off in a 1.0pm shotgun start. The overall champion was Dr. Nawf Fawaz (14), who scored 44 Stableford points. In Division ‘A’ two players tied on 38 points but the winner was William Buchanan (6) who won on a countback from

Jaques Borchardt (10). Third place went to Marty Brown (14) who scored 36 points. Marty would have won the Longest Drive, but unfortunately his 363 yard drive on hole 8 was one hole too early as the Longest Drive competition was on hole 9 – where Marty only just made it past the ladies tee! Division ‘B’ was won by Rabih Sfeila (28), who scored 42 points, just one point ahead of second placed S.Srinivasan (18) while Colin Gow (27) took third place with 40 points. The Ladies Winner was Marlyn Radford ( 28), with 41 points.

in Us! ldwide Golf Midweek Come anthde reJo or sponse to our W at we

s, th SUCH has been me competitor arly from first-ti ul ic rt pa s, rie . Open se the near future stage more in cluding from in d, are looking to an m de se the ongoing e ug ga us lp in playing, plea To he are interested u yo if , rs be em non-golf club m tails to de ur yo d om forwar b@wspdubai.c id av d : AT E RK BU DAVID

JEBEL ALI HOSTS JANUARY WORLDWIDE GOLF MIDWEEK OPEN GET your entries in quickly for the ﬁrst Worldwide Golf Midweek Open to be held at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa on Monday, January 19. Entry fee for a limited ﬁeld of just 52 is only AED295. Due to the fact that many players wishing to take part in our Worldwide

Golf Midweek Opens have been denied the opportunity by entered players failing to turn up or failing to cancel their registration at least two days before the tournament, participants are asked to pay in advance, either by credit card, cheque or cash. Should they have to withdraw,

their money will be refunded if they notify Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa at least 48 hours in advance of the tournament. For further details contact David Burke or Penny Brown at Worldwide Golf on 04 340 3785. www.wwgolf.biz

THIS MONTH’S WORLDWIDE GOLF MIDWEEK OPEN: Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, January 19th

Join the Emirates Golf Federation and make sure you have a registered handicap for the 2009 Midweek Opens WORLDWIDE GOLF’s first Midweek Open of 2009 takes place during the Desert Swing when the focus of attention for the golf world is firmly fixed on the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club (Jan15-18), the Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy at Doha Golf Club (Jan 22-25) and the Dubai Desert Classic on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club (Jan 29-Feb 1). Worldwide Golf’s hugely popular Midweek Open series starts the New Year at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa on Monday, January 19, the day after the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. Please note that all players wishing to take part in the 2009 Worldwide Golf Midweek Open series must have a registered handicap with a golf club or with the Emirates Golf Federation.

Get your New Year off to a flying start at the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open supported by Peugeot at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa on Monday, January 19, 2009 MAKE your first New Year’s Resolution your entry to the first Worldwide Golf Midweek Open at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa on Monday, January 19. Entry fee for a limited field of just 52 competitors is only AED295. All competitors will receive: ● 18 holes of golf; ● Shared golf cart with GPS; ● Range balls and access to the practice facility prior to play and use of the Locker Rooms; ● Tournament shirt. ● Fish and chips supper after play.

For further details contact David Burke at Worldwide Golf on 04 340 3785. E-mail: davidb@wspdubai.com or pennyh@wspdubai.com

ENTRIES CLOSE WHEN 52 PLACES ARE FULL. FINAL DATE FOR ENTRY IS JANUARY 7. TO SIGN UP TO PLAY PLEASE REQUEST AN ENTRY FORM FROM davidb@wspdubai.com or pennyh@wspdubai.com

Great day enjoyed by all at our 6th Midweek Open presented by ECCO Our 6th Worldwide Golf Midweek Open presented by ECCO at Four Seasons Golf Club last month was another enormous success. The limited edition tournament saw 92 competitors tee off in a 1.0pm shotgun start and a great day in a wonderful atmosphere was enjoyed by all. We would like to thank our sponsors ECCO, for supporting the event, and Four Seasons Golf Club. For a full report of the tournament turn to the Arabian Golf pages. In next month’s Worldwide Golf we will announce further details of our 2009 Worldwide Golf Midweek Open series.

www.wwgolf.biz

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Golf Est:1999

Midweek Open

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PLAYER INTRODUCTION

Worldwide Golf’s Executive Editor

PLAYER

GARY

CONGRATULATIONS! W HEN I was invited to become the Executive Editor of Worldwide Golf in 1999 and write an Introduction and Column in the magazine I was pleased to be involved with a publication which I believed would help promote and foster the game of golf in the Middle East and beyond. To be able to celebrate the 100th issue of Worldwide Golf is quite and achievement and something everyone should be very proud of. Worldwide Golf has done everything it set out to do. To my knowledge it is the only golf magazine in the world that has carried a report of every single official tournament on The European Tour and the PGA Tour in the United States over that 10 year period. The combination of international news, player and personality features and local information has proved an unqualified success. I’m happy to say that everything I said in my welcome message to readers of Worldwide Golf in that first issue 10 years ago has been delivered. I’d like to congratulate Mike and Alex and their team for all their expertise and hard work, and the Maktoum family for their remarkable vision in helping to create such an outstanding golf magazine, which is now recognised throughout the region.

WHEN Worldwide Golf was launched back in November 1999 this is what I wrote (right) – and I am pleased that my predictions have come true:

Gary Player with Mike and Alex Gallemore playing in the Gary Player Invitational at Wentworth Club in 2000.

Gary Player on his visit to Dubai for the launch of Worldwide Golf in 1999, pictured with Mohammed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties and one of the most influential personalities in golf in the region over the last 15 years.

I have been travelling the world meeting people and playing golf for close on fifty years – and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Having visited almost every golfing country there is, plus a good few where the seeds of the game are just beginning to burst through, I believe that the concept of Worldwide Golf is something I can identify with. To bring the game closer to the golfing enthusiast with news, views, reports and results from around the world and from their own specific area will provide a great benefit to golf. I have made my own contribution towards spreading the popularity of the wonderful game of golf and I am delighted to be involved with a publication that is driven by that intention. I have worked with Mike Gallemore in his editing and production of magazines for the PGA European Seniors Tour for a number of years and appreciate the professionalism of Mike and his company in publishing a series of authentic, quality magazines which have helped, in their own way, progress the European Seniors Tour. Mike and his son, Alex, and everyone involved with Worldwide Golf have the best interests of the game of golf at heart and I know they will produce a magazine we can all be proud of. We hope you enjoy Worldwide Golf. Good reading – and good golfing.

www.wwgolf.biz

ERNIE

ELS

CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF SUPPORT

WWG COLUMNIST

IN THE MEANTIME, IT JUST LEAVES ME TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR SUPPORT OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND TO WISH ALL THE READERS OF WORLDWIDE GOLF A VERY HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

www.wwgolf.biz

GREG

NORMAN

CONGRATULATIONS ON A REMARKABLE MILESTONE

WWG COLUMNIST Greg Norman introduces the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Father of Golf Course Designâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pete Dye at his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Mike Gallemore pictured at the historic moment in Ayrshire in 2004 with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and Greg Norman. Picture taken by Alex Gallemore

www.wwgolf.biz

GARY

PLAYER

SPONSORS ARE VITAL FOR SUCCESS

“I have to thank all our sponsors who did so much to make our ninth Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola last month over the Links at Fancourt such a resounding success. We raised a record R3.5 for charity thanks to all our big-hearted supporters. ” – GARY PLAYER career that we don’t always take enough care of sponsors and try to give them as much value as possible for their contribution. With the banks, investment companies and the car industry in so much financial turmoil it could have a devastating effect on the schedules of The European Tour and the PGA TOUR in the States, next year, not to mention all the other golf tours around the world. There are more than 16 events on the 2009 PGA TOUR schedule alone where the title sponsor is a car company or a financial institution. It’s very difficult for car companies and banks, and a lot of other businesses that are suffering, to pay out millions in sponsorship when they are having to make overhead cuts and redundancies to stay afloat. To keep them interested in continuing their sponsorship every effort must be made to hold on 56

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WWG COLUMNIST WINNING SMILES from Italy’s Costantino Rocca, who finished ninth on the 2008 European Seniors Tour Order of Merit; Engen Petroleum executive Alan Pearson; Gary Player; Retief Goosen, two-times winner of the U.S. Open Championship, and Spanish actress and model Ines Sastre, who also won the Gary Player Invitational in 2004.

have been happy to take the big money over recent years but now they might have to get used to taking a little less. I don’t know how everything will work out in the New Year but I do know that the players are going to have to put in as much effort as they possibly can to enable the tours to hang on to as many sponsors as they can. The final event on the Ladies European Tour, the Indian Ladies Masters, which was due to be played in Bangalore last month, was a victim of the global credit crunch. The Indian Masters on the Asian Tour and cosanctioned by The European Tour, scheduled for February 2009, has become another casualty. Even Buick’s nine year endorsement of Tiger Woods has come to a premature end. All this may well be a sign of things to come. Ninth Gary Player Invitational I have to thank all our sponsors who did so much to make our ninth Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola last month over the Links at Fancourt such a resounding success. We raised a record R3.5 million for charity thanks to all our big-hearted supporters and a great week was had by all who played and attended the event. Spanish actress and model Ines Sastre, Engen Petroleum executive Alan Pearson, and professionals Retief Goosen and Costantino Rocca joined forces to carry off the spectacular new Player Trophy in winning the alliance fourball competition. The team’s score of 35-under-par put them eight shots ahead of the runners-up, BBC radio’s DJ Spoony, Mary Weaver and professionals Omar Sandys and Peter Mitchell, who finished third on the 2008 European Seniors Tour Order of Merit. It was the second victory for Ines, who was on the winning team in 2004 and she said she was already looking forward to coming back next year

Two-time winner of the Gary Player Invitational, Spanish actress and Model Ines Sastre, proudly holds aloft the new tournament trophy.

to defend her title. In the betterball competition European Seniors Tour stalwart Bobby Lincoln and Sunshine Tour star Gareth Mulroy teamed up to score a final-day 64 for 18-under-par to beat the pair of Goosen and Rocca by three shots. It was Bobby’s second win in the event. The fantastic thing about this game of ours is that you can all have a lot of fun in a friendly atmosphere, play a relaxed yet competitive tournament and generate vital funds for muchneeded charities at the same time. The secret of success is to keep everyone happy and involved in the occasion, from the sponsors and supporters to the players and the spectators and I am pleased to say that everyone was delighted to be there. ■

Gary Player with the winners of the Gary Player Invitational betterball competition, Sunshine Tour star, Gareth Mulroy (left) and European Seniors Tour stalwart Bobby Lincoln with the trophy. www.wwgolf.biz

A home for life the new heart of Muscat Designed and built by the best in the business From the earliest stages of planning to the construction underway today, the developers of The Wave, Muscat have focussed on a single principle: quality. Bringing together superb materials, the ď&#x192;&#x17E;nest minds and a collective passion for excellence, The Wave, Muscat is setting new standards in Oman. Architects Tombazis, Triad, Santini and OBM are world renowned for the buildings they design, and the homes at The Wave, Muscat are true classics in the collection. Take a tour of the show villas and apartments today, and experience the quality for yourself.

300 berth Marina | Greg Norman Golf Course | 6km pristine beach Call today! +968 2 454 5428 - email:info@thewavemuscat.com - www.thewavemuscat.com The Wave, Muscat, is being developed through a joint venture comprising Waterfront Investments S. A. O. C. (representing the Government of the Sultanate of Oman), National Investment Funds Company (representing the Omani Pension Funds), and the UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim Group.

WWG COLUMNIST

ROSS

FISHER

2009 IS GOING TO BE A HUGE YEAR!

WORLDWIDE

Golf Est:1999

Mike and Alex Gallemore

WORLDWIDE GOLF has made a significant impact in the lives of the region’s golf enthusiasts, balancing local interest stories with coverage of the globe’s top golf news. Heartiest congratulations on your 100th edition! Patrick Bowers, Vice President, Golf - Dubai Event Management Corporation.

CONGRATULATIONS to all at Worldwide Golf on your 100th issue. Since your first edition of Worldwide Golf back in 1999, golf has grown in this region beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. I am looking forward to your next 100 editions. Keep up the great work in making sure that golfers of the Middle East are well informed of local, regional and international events. Michael Braidwood, General Manager, PGA Professional, The Montgomerie at The Royal Golf Club, Riffa Views, Bahrain.

golf in DUBAI congratulates WORLDWIDE GOLF on their 100th edition. Mohammed Juma Buamaim, Vice Chairman & CEO of golf in DUBAi.

WHEN I was first at the Emirates Golf Federation with Nick Tarratt we had a very close working relationship with Mike and Alex Gallemore and Worldwide Golf. The magazine did everything we hoped it would do in promoting the Federation and over the years it has been a huge asset to golf in the Emirates. When the new Board of Directors was formed last November we were pleased to renew our partnership with Worldwide Golf and we are again working very closely with Mike and Alex and David Burke to promote and publicise the Federation and grow the interest in golf in the UAE, particularly among Nationals and juniors. On behalf of myself and Chris Vallender and all the Members of the Emirates Golf Federation Board of Directors we would like to congratulate Worldwide Golf on its 100th edition and we look forward to the next 100 issues. Saeed Al Budoor. General Manager, Emirates Golf Federation.

ON BEHALF of everybody at International Sports Management, may I congratulate Worldwide Golf on achieving its 100th edition. Rarely in the annals of sporting history has a publishing venture achieved so much in such a short length of time. I look forward to reading many more of your publications and wish for you as bright a future as has been your past. Andrew Chubby Chandler, Managing Director, International Sports Management.

WORLDWIDE GOLF is the granddaddy of the golf publications in the UAE and Middle East. Mike and Alex Gallemore had a vision in the late 90s and thankfully for the golf industry here in the UAE they stuck with it from the time when there were only a select few courses, to today’s booming golf market. I firmly believe that Worldwide Golf and their Dubai-based Marketing Director David Burke, have been an important part in the growth of the UAE golf industry by continually showcasing the courses and industry people in the region and by bringing innovative and creative concepts to print that appeal to both the golfer and the non-golfer alike. We at Troon Golf have enjoyed playing a small part in your magazine through the instruction section. Thank you Worldwide Golf for all you do for this great game and congratulations on your 100th issue. I look forward to the next hundred issues! Mark Chapleski, Area Managing Director, Vice President, Troon Golf Middle East, Dubai, UAE. CONGRATULATIONS to Worldwide Golf on reaching their 100th issue. Ping has been a regular advertiser in the magazine for many years and we have seen the publication grow in stature and improve year on year. Worldwide Golf does a great service to the golf business in the region in so many ways and I wish them continued success for their next century. Good luck for the future. John Clark, Managing Director, Ping Europe. WELL done Mike and Alex and everybody at Worldwide Sporting Publications in reaching your century with your Worldwide Golf magazine. Anything that has your stamp on it is bound to be a winner. Darren Clarke.

ALTHOUGH I’ve been in Dubai since 1979 I didn’t start playing golf until my wife, Angela, bought me a set of clubs for my 50th birthday – and I haven’t look back since, except to find my ball. I got into announcing 15 years ago at an Asian Tour event at the Creek when Peter Downey asked me to step in. When I saw the list of unpronounceable names I told him he could do it – but I did it anyway. That led to a long association with the Desert Classic and I’ve loved every minute of it. When the legendary Annika Sorenstam had finished playing the last event of her career at the Emirates Golf Club last month she came over and presented me with a signed glove, saying: “This is for you, Bob, for all you have done.” It’s moments like that which makes it all worth while. My interest in golf has been fuelled by Worldwide Golf. Angela and I have followed its progress right from the beginning in 1999 and we regard it as one of the best magazines in golf. It’s a must read and it can take the credit for supporting the growth of the game in the UAE. We both read it cover to cover and do our best to spot any mistakes and typos. Unlike most magazines in the Middle East there are very few. We’d like to add our congratulations to Mike, Alex and David on reaching their 100th issue and we’re looking forward to reading the next 100 editions – and more. Bob and Angela Connor. THE last eight or nine years has been a period of immense growth for golf in the UAE. This has been in terms of the standard of the golf played, the number of people playing and the facilities available to the public. Worldwide Golf has been present, documenting it all step by step with high quality articles and pictures and keeping local golfers fully abreast of anything and everything that matters on the local and international golfing scene. A great job, really well done. Congratulations on your 100th edition. Here’s to another 100+ issues. Martin Duff, Director of Golf, Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club.

CONGRATULATIONS to Worldwide Golf on their 100th birthday. We have been closely involved with Worldwide Golf and Worldwide Sporting Publications from the time Worldwide Golf was launched in 1999. We have been delighted with the growth in circulation of the magazine over the years and the increase in pagination and stature. It is a high-quality magazine, which has struck the ideal balance of international and Middle East news and views, plus some great Columnists. Worldwide Golf has become an increasingly popular magazine for our passengers. Through Worldwide Sporting Publications’ official golf tournament programmes around the globe the message of Emirates Airline and Dubai has been carried to an even greater readership. Worldwide Golf and Worldwide Sporting Publications have played a crucial role in promoting Emirates Airline and Dubai as a golfing and tourism destination and we wish them well for their next 100 issues. Roger Duthie, Manager Group Sponsorships, Emirates.

CONGRATULATIONS to Worldwide Golf on reaching your 100th issue. We have worked well with all at Worldwide Golf and their parent company Worldwide Sporting Publications for a number of years. They have featured several of our players and we have been pleased with the highly professional manner in which they operate. Worldwide Golf is a quality magazine that does an excellent job in the Middle East, a region that has become an important centre for world golf with the Middle East Swing, The Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship. Good luck for the future – and for your next 100 issues. Johan Elliot, Sportsyard.

LIKE a good vintage your magazine has improved with age. Your columnists regularly provide an incredibly new and imaginative insight into golf course design. We thank you for your unparalleled support and sincerely hope that you will remain the Middle East’s No.1 Golf Magazine. Peter Harradine, Harradine Golf. WE at Al Dobowi subscribe and advertise with Worldwide Golf magazine. We are very satisfied with the coverage, the articles and the overall presentation of the magazine. As an advertiser we see value for our money spent and as a reader we get a lot of information. We wish you all the best on your 100th issue. Keep up the good work. Surender Kandhari, EGC Captain and Chairman AL Dobowi Group. THE Middle East has always been an important region for The European Tour with the ever-growing Gulf Swing of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, Commercialbank Qatar Masters and the Dubai Desert Classic but with The Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship it has now become even more important. Worldwide Golf has gained a reputation over the years as an authentic, informative and entertaining monthly magazine. It has the ideal blend of international and local news and views and as a player I always enjoy reading the publication to find out what’s going on around the world. Congratulations on reaching your 100th birthday and enjoy the celebrations. Robert Karlsson.

WE have been involved with Mike and Alex Gallemore for a number of years and they run a very efficient and professional international publishing company in Worldwide Sporting Publications. They publish a number of our official tournament programmes in various parts of the world, several in dual languages, and have always produced magazines of the highest quality for us. Their Worldwide Golf magazine has grown steadily since its launch in November, 1999 and is now the most widely read golf monthly in the Middle East. All at IMG congratulate Worldwide Golf on reaching the milestone of its 100th edition and we wish the magazine the best of success for the future. Guy Kinnings, IMG Senior Vice President and Director of Golf, (Europe, Africa, Middle East). I CAN recall Mike and Alex coming to see me early in 1999 to discuss their plans to launch Worldwide Golf. Their ideas seemed sound to me and I was pleased to support the magazine with advertising. Back in 1999 there were very few 18 hole grass courses so it was a courageous step to take in bringing out a new monthly golf magazine when there was so little golf in the area. Magazines had a habit of coming and going very quickly in the UAE but it was clear that they were determined to stay the course. Having Gary Player as Executive Editor from the outset was a huge boost and I remember having a fascinating meeting with Gary and Marc Player at Mohammed Alabbar’s house. The magazine got off to a great start and I have been pleased to see it grow from strength-tostrength over the years. Mike and Alex have steadily gained the respect of everyone in the golf business in the UAE and the magazine is a credit to their enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to publishing such a quality magazine. Golfers in the Middle East are fortunate to have such an outstanding monthly. I congratulate Worldwide Golf on its 100th edition. I’m sure the next 100 will continue their excellent tradition. Rai Legnar.

A GREAT deal has changed on the golf scene in the UAE since Worldwide Golf was launched back in 1999. In those days the only 18-hole grass courses were the Creek Golf & Yacht Club and the Majlis and Wadi courses at Emirates Golf Club. There was, of course, also Nad Al Sheba, which is currently under redevelopment with the Racecourse. Before then we played our golf at the sand course at Dubai Country Club and brought along a small piece of astro turf to tee off from. It was a great day when the Emirates Golf Club was established. It was a courageous move to launch a magazine like Worldwide Golf nine years ago but the instincts of the team at Worldwide Golf have proved correct. Golf has grown tremendously in just a few years. With so many more golf courses now and with many more under construction Dubai and the UAE is becoming a golf destination. It’s great for local golfers like me but it’s also great for the growing number of visitors to Dubai. I’m an avid reader of Worldwide Golf. I go through it briefly when I get each month’s edition and then I read it thoroughly when I get home. I then leave it for my son to read. Congratulations on reaching your 100th edition and keep up the good work. Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director, Dubai Duty Free (former Captain of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, and former Captain of the Emirates Golf). THE growth of golf in the Middle East is not only due to the continuing addition of world class golf courses and facilities which attract an ever increasing market. Without the coverage that the region is given by great golfing publications such as Worldwide Golf our place as a standout golfing destination would not reach the market that it does. Keep up the good work Worldwide Golf and congratulations on reaching the ton.” Roger Morris, Club Manager, Four Seasons Golf Club

WE at Doha Golf Club, Qatar, have been delighted to be involved with Worldwide Golf since its inception. Our members receive complimentary copies each month and find it a must read magazine as it covers all the regional golf action and reports, but also updates us all on what is happening in the big wide world of golf. Congratulations on your 100th edition and we look forward to another 100 issues. Chris Myers, Director of Golf, Doha Golf Club, Qatar.

CONGRATULATIONS to Worldwide Golf on reaching its 100th issue from all at Titleist, Footjoy and Cobra. We have worked with Worldwide Golf since its inception in 1999 and have seen it grow in stature as a publication both locally and internationally to a point where Worldwide Golf has become an integral part of the expanding Golf industry in the Gulf. Again we would like to say congratulations to all at Worldwide Golf on reaching the milestone of 100 editions and we look forward to the next 100. Gary Miller, ACUSHNET LTD., VP EUROPE. WORLDWIDE Golf has over the years been a consistent supporter of the local golfing scene and provided the industry with a professional platform and image. On behalf of the United Arab Emirates Professional Golfers Association, congratulations on this significant achievement in reaching your 100th edition and thank you for all your support. We look forward to continuing to work with you to grow the game of golf. Well done! Jeff O’Brien, UAE, PGA

I FIRST encountered Mike and Alex Gallemore and their company, Worldwide sporting Publications, in 2007, when I was Sales and Marketing Director of Riffa Views Signature Estates, Bahrain. As a fully integrated project, I entrusted them with the main advertising and promotional drive to our golf-focused audience and it certainly paid dividends. Worldwide Golf is a top magazine and it turned out to be the ideal marketing publication for us, as Mike and Alex were always there to facilitate with ideas and suggestions. Worldwide Golf provides an excellent service to the Golf, Tourism and Property industries and I congratulate them on their 100th issue. I wish them well for their next century! Hugh O’Shea, former Sales and Marketing Director of Riffa Views Signature Estates,

Bahrain. WE are all big fans of Worldwide Golf, from Ian to the design and management team. Not only is the magazine a good read but it’s also great to look at. Congratulations to all at Worldwide Golf on reaching your 100th edition. You produce a great magazine and we wish you well for your next century. Ian Poulter Design.

I remember the launch of Worldwide Golf back in 1999. I’ve been involved in golf management at several clubs in the UAE since the 1980s and won numerous competitions on sand and grass. I’ve followed the progress of Worldwide Golf from the outset and I’m an avid reader. It provides everything golf followers need on a global and local front and it has played a crucial role in the growth of the game in the region. Al Ghazal Golf Club, the capital’s No.1 sand course, send their congratulations and felicitations to Worldwide Golf for their 100th ‘milestone’ issue and we look forward to the next 100 issues. The monthly editorials and valuable information Worldwide Golf provides is always keenly anticipated by our members and guests. Keep up the good work. Angela Scurr, Manager, Al Ghazal Golf Club, Abu Dhabi.

THERE’S no doubt that the game of golf has seen tremendous growth in the region in recent years and Worldwide Golf has played an important role, covering what matters, providing expert analysis, and generally supporting this wonderful sport of ours. These are exciting times indeed. Dubai is fast becoming the epicentre of the modern game and with the advent of The Race to Dubai the game, not only in the Middle East but the entire world, is entering the stratosphere for everyone involved, whether that’s the world’s finest players, fans like you and I, or the media. From Leisurecorp’s perspective 2009 will be a HUGE year. As The Race to Dubai gathers pace, we host the 138th Open Championship at Turnberry, and Jumeirah Golf Estates opens to the world when the global season culminates in the thrilling climax of the Dubai World Championship. Worldwide Golf will be there every step of the way and I’d like to thank an excellent publication for their continued support. See you at the Dubai World Championship in November. David Spencer, Leisurecorp CEO-Golf.

I’VE enjoyed a great working relationship with Worldwide Golf and been pleased to see the growth in popularity of the magazine. It’s not surprising it’s the biggest and best golf monthly in the Middle East and I’m pleased to congratulate them on achieving their 100th issue. Having made my base in Dubai a few years ago I can imagine that it must have been a brave step to launch the magazine back in 1999. But just look at Dubai and the region now with the three Middle East Swing tournaments, The Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship. It’s also been good to be featured in the official golf tournament programmes that they produce around the world. I wish all at Worldwide Golf success for the future and their next 100 editions. Henrik Stenson.

CONGRATULATIONS to Worldwide Golf on reaching its 100th issue from all at the European Senior Tour. We have worked hand-in-hand with Mike and Alex for more than 13 years during which time Worldwide Sporting Publications’ have done a magnificent job publishing our tournament programmes. Whether our tournaments are in Spain, Eastern Europe, Bahrain, Barbados, Turnberry or Woburn no obstacle is too great. Worldwide Golf is an outstanding magazine and it has done a great job in widening the interest in golf in the Middle East and promoting the Tour. We wish Mike and Alex and their team all the best for their next 100 issues. Andy Stubbs, Managing Director, European

Senior Tour. I REMEMBER first meeting Mike Gallemore in the mid-1990s at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse at the Dubai World Cup when Mike was primarily involved with horseracing publications, having been Editor of The Sporting Life in England for a number of years. Mike, and his son Alex, who was working in Dubai for the publishing company of which Mike was Commercial Director, began discussions on the potential of a local golf magazine in my then role as General Manager of the UAE Golf Association. Little did we know that from those early beginnings in 1999 that Worldwide Golf would develop into what it is today with a distribution in excess of 20,000 copies every issue throughout the region and the support of both the Emirates Golf Federation and the Arab Golf Federation. In addition, we congratulate Worldwide Sporting Publications on producing over 75 Golf Tournament programmes every year throughout the world. The commitment of the Worldwide Sporting Publications team to Dubai, the UAE and the region is unquestionable. Congratulations on your 100th issue of Worldwide Golf. Keep up the good work and here’s to the next 100! Nick Tarratt – Director The European Tour International. ON behalf of the partners of Thomson Perrett & Lobb, I would like to congratulate Worldwide Golf on reaching its 100th issue. I have watched golf grow all over the world, but the speed and scale of development in the Middle East has been – and continues to be – extraordinary. Worldwide Golf has done an outstanding job in documenting the development of golf in this region and we look forward to welcoming the magazine to some of our own projects in the UAE and Egypt as they take shape in the coming months and years.” Peter Thomson, Thomspn, Perrett & Lobb, and five-times winner of The Open Championship.

MIKE and Alex Gallemore’s Worldwide Sporting Publications have been publishing official tournament programmes for us since 1995 and over the last 14 years we have enjoyed an excellent working relationship. Worldwide Golf was launched in 1999, carrying reports, features and interviews on The European Tour and keeping their readers up-todate with the latest events on the Tour. We congratulate the Gallemores and their equally industrious team on reaching this considerable milestone of the 100th edition of Worldwide Golf. The magazine’s coverage of The Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship has been comprehensive, not only in Worldwide Golf but also in the official golf tournament programmes the company publishes worldwide. With The European Tour’s new facility at Jumeirah Golf Estates and The Race to Dubai, WSP and Worldwide Golf can look forward to many more successful editions. We look forward to working closely with Mike and Alex and their team in the future. Keith Waters, Director of International Policy, The European Tour.

CONGRATULATIONS in reaching your milestone with Worldwide Golf and good luck on the way to your next hundred and more. Your publications are always highly readable, brilliantly designed and wonderfully produced. Lee Westwood. I WISH to send my sincerest congratulations to you

all on this fantastic milestone. When I arrived in Abu Dhabi in October 1999, Mike and Alex were one of the first golf industry professionals to welcome and assist me in my contributing role of opening Abu Dhabi Golf Club – this extended into our European Seniors Tour event which we operated and marketed within eight weeks of signing an agreement back in October 2000. Mike and Alex published the official tournament programme for the Seniors event. My relationship continued with great assistance from David Burke during the pre-opening and operation of Al Hamra Golf Club in updating your readership on our progress. Now back in Abu Dhabi with Aldar Golf I look forward to sharing our news with your readers as well as celebrating your double centenary in years to come. Congratulations on a great magazine and your ongoing support of golf in the UAE. Chris White, General Manager Aldar Golf. Chairman Golf Club Managers UAE. CELEBRATING its 100th issue since the inception

of the magazine is testament to the loyalty and commitment Worldwide Golf has given to both the UAE and the International Golf Market. The magazine’s continued coverage and support of golf without doubt plays a very significant role in the development and enjoyment of the game. Our congratulations to everyone involved at Worldwide Golf and we look forward to the next exciting 100 issues. James Williams Director of Golf, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa.

2008 Review: MARTIN Kaymer, the man with the smoothest German golf swing since Bernhard Langer, claimed his maiden European Tour title when he crushed the field at Abu Dhabi Golf club. Kaymer, whose hero is Ernie Els, barely put a foot wrong as he defied his lack of experience and cruised to a highly impressive wire-to-wire victory. “This is an unbelievable feeling. The back nine was tough, especially with players like Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood chasing me,” said the 2007 European Tour Rookie of the Year. “I was struggling a bit on the front nine but I just tried to stick to my game plan and hit fairways and greens.” Kaymer won by four shots from Stenson and Westwood after shooting a final round 74 for a 15-under-par total. “I thought I had a chance right up until the end,” said Westwood. “I was really pleased with the way I played tee to green but nothing really happened for me on the greens. I holed from about 15 feet on the second but apart from that nothing went my way.”

History: Chris DiMarco, with his wife, Amy, on the bag, silenced the big guns in 2006 but the overwhelming yardage of

the Abu Dhabi Championship has largely played into the hands of the power players in recent years. This year again looks to continue the trend, especially if the course receives any rain building up to or during the event. With such a quality field the leaderboard will be packed with big names but there’s is a twist in most tales. Zach Johnson tamed the long hitters at The Masters in 2007. Augusta that year was set up at 7,445 yards but he beat Woods to the Green Jacket by two shots with a master-class in course management and conservative consistency.

GET SET FOR THE HEAVY ARTILLARY! AT 7,500 yards the Abu Dhabi Championship is home to the longest course on the Middle East Swing so you’d expect a power-hitter to dominate the event and with past and defending champions Paul Casey and Martin Kaymer they proved that theory correct. Chris DiMarco proved the statisticians wrong at the inaugural 2006 Abu Dhabi Championship by clinching the title by just one shot from Henrik Stenson. DiMarco took the unusual step of having his wife, Amy, caddie for him for the first time in a long time and between them they worked hard on hitting fairways and greens, making sure they attacked the right holes. With the putter running hot he sunk four birdies and an eagle in a final round 5-under 67. With only three past winners it’s hard to forecast a style of player the course favours but in 2006 three big drivers were hot on the heels of the President’s

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Cup hero. Runner-up Stenson led the way off the tee with a 310-yard driving average, which enabled him to play shorter iron approach shots and take on the pins. For this reason he hit an impressive 86% of all greens but despite this he couldn’t get the putter going and only averaged 30 putts per round. Sergio Garcia was third and was nearly a statistical carbon copy of Stenson. Averaging 291 yards off the tee, 86% greens in regulation and 30 putts per round, the Spaniard just couldn’t get it going on the greens. Ricardo Gonzalez was the better of the three who were in contention with the putter, averaging 28.2 putts per round but was 10 per cent less accurate with his approach shots. IN 2007 Paul Casey powered his way to victory but the pattern was slightly different from the previous year. The Englishman averaged 301 yards during the week, hit

85% of the greens and averaged 29.2 putts per round. However, the runners-up didn’t continue the pattern. Peter Hanson averaged 280 yards but had an amazing 90.3 greens in regulation average and Miguel Angel Jiménez was on average 30 yards behind Casey but still managed to record 82% in greens in regulation. LAST year the long course was favouring the power drivers who were constantly bombarding the pins with higher lofted clubs in comparison to the rest of the field. But the guys who kept on peppering the greens were always going to be knocking on the door at the top of the leaderboard. Renowned for being a big hitter Martin Kaymer German breezed to a famous victory last year. The yound German was 12th in driving distance for the week with 286.9 yards but, more importantly, he

EVENT PREVIEW GUIDE was second in greens in regulation with 81.9% and followed it up with 29.2 putts per round. Stenson was once again runner-up but despite his 28 putts per round average he could only manage 69.4% in greens in regulation. Who’s best suited to the Championship Course? YOU can’t deny that the bigger hitters have an advantage in playing a course as long as 7,500 yards. But accuracy plays just as important a role. The power players might be able to make the greens with a more lofted club and take on the par-5s without hesitation but they’ve still got to hit the greens and perhaps go on the defensive with

certain pin placements. You can never write off any player who’s got the putter glowing white-hot but at Abu Dhabi that’s only a benefit if you’ve found the green in regulation. For this reason the course might encourage the big hitters but it still rewards the accurate golfer as all the winners to date have achieved more than 82% in greens in regulation.

Lowest under par winning score: 268 (-20), Chris DiMarco, 2006. Biggest final round comeback by a winner: 3 shots, Paul Casey, 2007. Wire-to-wire winners: Martin Kaymer, 2008. You don’t get much longer: The 2008 layout, measuring 7,500 yards made it the fourth longest course in European Tour history. The longer courses are: Royal Johannesburg and Kensington East Course (2007 and 2008 Joburg Open at 7,590 yards); Medinah Country Club (2006 U.S. PGA Championship at 7,561 yards) and Whistling Straits (2004 U.S. PGA Championship at 7,514 yards).

PAST WINNERS: 2006: Chris DiMarco 2007: Paul Casey 2008: Martin Kaymer The Course: Par-72, 7,500 yards Championship course, designed by Peter Harradine. Tildwarf Bermuda grass is used on the greens throughout the year with Seashore Paspalum and Bemuda 419 used for the tees, fairways and rough. Seven saltwater lakes are dotted around the course which has the fairways flanked by various palm trees, ornamental trees and shrubs. The greens are generously large in places, but the pros have to make sure they’re on the correct side of the undulations to avoid a three-putt.

Lee Westwood collected the Omega prize for shooting the lowest round last year with a third round 65.

Richard Finch secured the Etihad Airline prize for making a total of 23 birdies over the four rounds at last year’s event.

ONES TO WATCH WITH greens in regulation leading the way as the most accurate statistic to look out for, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that the 7,500 yards Peter Harradine course is a monster of a track to tame. Finding greens is crucial but the longer hitters with good iron play and steady putting will have the edge over the average drivers and great putters.

Robert Karlsson is riding high after a lucrative 2008 season. With a solid all round game and a bag full of confidence the Swede will have his sights set on victory.

World No.2 Sergio Garcia will be looking to increase his lead in The Race to Dubai. One of the game’s greatest ball strikers and another player full of confidence.

Ross Fisher has the length and iron play to win. A good finish at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup showed he’s got the mental edge required to win.

Oilver Wilson could win his first Tour title this week. His solid iron play and sharp short game could take him to the top of the final leader board.

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2008 Review:

Adam Scott marked his second appearance at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters last year with an outstanding second victory. The Australian shot one of the finest final rounds on The European Tour Schedule last year to win by three shots from 2006 winner Henrik Stenson. Scott shot an 11-under-par 61 to cruise to victory, shaving two strokes off the course record and leaving Stenson very disgruntled having himself shot a 65. “It’s not often you go out and shoot 65 and lose by three to somebody who played in front of you,” said the Swede. “I’m happy with the way I played and just take my hat off to Adam. That was fantastic, the best round around here.” Scott, who first shot into the limelight in 2002 with his win at Doha, was delighted to have secured his sixth European Tour title. “I just came out of the gates firing this afternoon,” he said. “To string off five birdies in a row was ideal It kept me right in the tournament from there, and to keep it going it put pressure on those guys who were leading. Suddenly they were chasing.”

Adam Scott proudly holds the impressive pearl trophy at the 2008 presentation with Andrew Stevens, Group CEO, Commercialbank of Qatar and Hassan Nasser Al Naimi, President, QGA.

The Commercialbank Qatar Masters trophy has been engraved with Major winners and Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup team Members but the event has also had some surprise results. Along with illustrious winners which include Stenson, Ernie Els and Scott you’d think that the Peter Harradine-designed course would be tailor-made for the big hitters but when you analyse the results you can only be surprised at how all the statistics work out.

STATISTICS PROVE THAT THE BEST PUTTERS SHOULD WIN THE statisticians had yet to begin their number crunching when Scotland’s Andrew Coltart romped to a two-stroke victory in the inaugural event in 1998. But we do know that Coltart kept the ball in play wonderfully well all week and his mastery of the greens ultimately proved the difference as he collected his inaugural European Tour title. THE stats were first recorded in 1999 when the then unknown Paul Lawrie raced onto the scene by clinching the title by seven strokes. Lawrie’s figures show that the key to the Scotsman’s success was his all-round consistency as he placed inside the top seven for all disciplines. With a 279.1-yard driving average, he only missed 25% of the fairways, which helped him to hit 81.9% of the

greens in regulation. He finished it off with a putting average of just 27.7 putts per round. It was an early indication of a player in the form of his life. He went on to lift the Auld Claret Jug in July at Carnoustie.

fairways in regulation but somehow averaged an unbelievable 25 putts per round.

The following year Rolf Muntz won by five strokes from Ian Woosnam. At six foot five you’d think at first glance that he won by muscling the ball round the course, but you couldn’t be further from the truth. He averaged a mere 266 yards off the tee but he found 73.6% of the greens in regulation and sunk the most birdie putts in doing so.

In 2002 a young Australian called Adam Scott delighted golf fans in the Gulf with his “Tiger-like” swing and positive attacking style. Averaging 289.5 yards off the tee and finding 72.2% in greens in regulation he proved a formidable talent among the establish names but it was his putting that showed he was the real deal. With just a 26.2 putts per round average he put in a perfectly balanced display of power, grace and precision.

In 2001 Tony Johnstone proved to be a statistician’s nightmare, as he ranked nowhere in any category apart from putting. He only just managed to find half the greens and

In 2003 Darren Fichardt beat fellow South African James Kingston in a play-off. Kingston had the slight edge on the stats but both of them were tied second on

EVENT PREVIEW GUIDE the putts per round that week with 27.2. Ironically, Paul McGinley topped the putting that week with 27.5, which saw him finish in third place just two off the play-off. Raymond Russell topped the greens in regulation with 79.2% but 32.2 putts per round meant he ended tied 24th. Joakim Haeggman was, in 2004, another winner who dominated the event with effective putting. Despite a strong driving average of 73.2% he only managed a 68.1% greens in regulation percentage. But when found the putting surface he was red-hot with just 26.7 putts per round. The only player to better Haeggman that week with the putter with 26.2 was Brian Davis, who finished the tournament tied third. In 2005 Ernie Els edged out Henrik Stenson by one shot to take the title. Even though Stenson was marginally more accurate Els was one shot less on average per round with the putter. It was Robert Karlsson who really got the putter going that week, heading the stats with 25.7 putts per round. But he only managed to hit 55% of greens in regulation and finished four shots off the lead in tied fifth place. At long last it all came together for Henrik Stenson as he went one better than the previous year to win the tournament in 2006. He dominated off the tee with a 314.1-yard driving average, hit 72% of all greens in regulation and only made 27.5 putts per round. Again it was the putters who led the charge with Paul Broadhurst finishing second in the tournament and third in the putting stats with 27.2 – equal with Darren Fichardt, who was king of the greens with 26.0 putts per round.

In 2007 Retief Goosen produced one of the most sensational finishes the world game has ever seen to edge it by one shot from Nick O’Hern. Goosen was in a class of his own from tee to green, driving the ball an average 293 yards and finding 83.3% greens in regulation but the putter was the only reason why O’Hern was hot on his heels. Goosen was 28th in the putting stats that week with an average of 29.7 per round, while O’Hern was second in the table with 27.2. Graeme McDowell was the hottest with the putter with just 27.0 putts per round and despite averaging only 273 yards off the tee and finding just 68% of greens in regulation he still managed to tie for fourth place just three off Goosen! Four years after his first win in the Commercialbank Qatar Masters Adam Scott added his second win last year. This time round he was on average four yards longer off the tee but he wasn’t as hot with the short stick, recording an average of 28.7 puts per round. But his iron play showed a huge improvement, with his greens in regulation, improving by 13.9%. ,

Qatar facts and figures Youngest winner: Adam Scott, 21 and 244 days – 2002 Oldest winner: Tony Johnstone, 44 and 313 days – 2001

PAST WINNERS: 1998: Andrew Coltart 1999: Paul Lawrie 2000: Rolf Muntz 2001: Tony Johnstone 2002: Adam Scott 2003: Darren Fichardt 2004: Joakim Haegman 2005: Ernie Els 2006: Henrik Stenson 2007: Retief Goosen 2008: Adam Scott The Course: Designed by Pete Harradine, Doha’s Championship Golf Course measures 7,355 yards from the tournament tees and is a truly testing course. Hole 9 clocks in at 639 yards while the finishing hole is also a lengthy 587 yards. Five of the par-4 holes are over 400 yards while the fairways are littered with bunkers and natural rock formations. Water is also plentiful as are the cacti – 65 in total are dotted around the course. The course’s winter grass programme had summer Bermuda grass switched over to Kentucky blue for the cooler season. Bermuda grass grows horizontally, making putting more difficult. Kentucky blue grass grows vertically, allowing for a softer lift as the grass wraps around the clubface on the fairways.

Wire-to-wire-winners: Henrik Stenson – 2006 Retief Goosen – 2007 With his win in 2007, Retief Goosen extended his record of consecutive winning years on The European Tour to nine, dating back to the 1999 season.

ONES TO WATCH THE history of the Commercialbank Qatar Masters highlights the fact that this is a course for putters. But when the big guns like Els, Stenson and Goosen fire, they can seriously damage a leader board, as Adam Scott displayed last year with a devastating final round 11-under-par 61. There are also the solid putters who can keep in contention right to the end by chipping away at the top of the leader board and often opening up a useful gap.

Henrik Stenson is always going to be towards the front and if the putter is working well he’ll be tough to top.

Adam Scott has fallen down the World Ranking but a good round is all it would take to get his confidence back.

David Howell has battled with back issues but he’s hung in there with some great putting. If he can keep fit he’ll be a danger.

S.S.P. Chowrasia led the putting stats on The European Tour in 2008. If his greens in regulation beats 68% he could be up there.

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2008 Review Tiger Woods did what he does best at the Dubai Desert Classic last year – win. The World No.1 sunk a sublime downhill birdie putt on the 18th green to avoid a play-off and secure his second Dubai Desert Classic title. Playing in the last group, only Ernie Els could beat Woods’ clubhouse lead and he needed an eagle to win or a birdie to tie and force a play-off. The three-time Desert Classic champion went for the green in two but caught a faint gust of wind and found the water short of the green. The Big Easy made a bogey for a share of third place with fellow South African Louis Oosthuizen. “It was a pretty exciting final round,” smiled Woods, who celebrated his birdie putt in fine style on the 18th green. Els however, was disappointed that lady luck didn’t smile on him. “The second shot on 18, it was right where I had it, but I could see the gust got it in the air and it didn’t have much of a chance in the end,” he lamented.

The past winners of the Dubai Desert Classic reads like a Who’s Who of golf. From the 16 individual winners, five are Major Champions and 11 have Ryder Cup caps. In recent years the Classic has been dominated by the likes of Ernie Els, Tiger Woods and Henrik Stenson leading you to believe that the Majlis Course favours the 300+ yard boomers. Their prestigious length off the tee is without doubt a help but the stats prove that greens in regulation is the key ingredient. Big names have won when their putting average has been 31 putts per round or less for the week. But a solid putter has also proved that they can hang in there and win when the top ranked players don’t fire on all cylinders.

IT’S ALL ABOUT GREENS IN REGULATION TO WIN THE CLASSIC 2001 was arguably the greatest Dubai Desert Classic to date, as Thomas Björn battled it out with Tiger Woods on all four rounds and it was the Dane who held his nerve coming down the last to clinch the title. Tiger was 30 yards longer off the tee and found 80.4% greens in regulation compared to Björn’s 66.7%. But Björn’s short game was unshakeable. True to form, Woods averaged 27.7 putts per round, a figure when paired with his other formidable stats would normally see him overpower the field. But Björn just kept on rolling in a succession of crucial putts to average only 26 putts per round. The following year Ernie Els powered to victory driving the ball an average 294 yards and hitting 74% greens in regulation. Surprisingly, Niclas

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Fasth nearly mirrored Els’s stats to finish runner-up but the two-time U.S. Open Champion had the edge with the putter with just 27.5 putts per round. Ernie Els narrowly missed out on successfully defending his title 12 months later as Robert-Jan Derksen closed with a final round 67 to win by a shot. From tee to green Els was formidable, driving the ball 18 yards further than the previous year. He was also 4 per cent more accurate in greens in regulation than he was in 2002. His only statistic that was down on the previous year was his putts per round – at 29. That turned out to be the only area in which the Dutchman could capitalise, and despite being 26 yards shorter off the tee and less accurate in greens in regulation he was a vital 1.3 putts per round fewer – and that was all it took to secure Derksen’s first European Tour title.

In 2004 Mark O’Meara, then 47, became the oldest winner of the Dubai Desert Classic in a starstudded field that included Ernie Els and O’Meara’s close friend and World No.1 Tiger Woods. Driving the ball 279 yards, O’Meara was out-muscled off the tee by most of his rivals but his steady 79.2% greens in regulation and 28 putts per round average was all that was needed for the American to win by one shot from Ireland’s Paul McGinley, who had matched O’Mears shot-for shot almost all the week. Els once again failed to get the putter going with just 30 putts per round while Tiger wasn’t much better with 29.2. Our man Ernie Els found himself with the winner’s cheque the following year and his name etched on the trophy for the third time. Having seen how his

EVENT PREVIEW GUIDE putting had fallen statistically over previous years you’d think that victory was due to Els finding his form on the greens. In reality, he was the 64th best putter that week with an average of 31.2 putts per round but once again he demoralised the field by driving the ball 310 yards and found 91.7% greens in regulation. He still managed to finish 19-underpar, one clear of Miguel Angel Jiménez and Colin Montgomerie, but what could he have done if that putter was running hot? 2006 saw Ernie Els and Tiger Woods lock horns both statistically and at the top of the leader board. Only a play-off could separate the pair. The interesting statistic came from the Australian lefty Richard Green. He was 26 yards shorter off the tee and 10% less accurate than Els and Woods but he finished just one shot behind them as he averaged just 27.7 putts per round in comparison to their 30.5. In 2007 Dubai resident Henrik Stenson remarkably replicated Ernie Els’ winning statistics from 2005. With an astonishing 91.7% greens in regulation, averaging 30.5 putts per round and driving the ball well over 300 yards, Stenson out-‘Elsed’ Ernie by just one shot. The three-times Classic winner was averaging 29.5 putts per round but Stenson’s seven percent advantage in greens in regulation proved to be the winning margin. Tiger Woods averaged 28.5 putts per round but he struggled to find the fairways and, in turn, couldn’t attack as many pin positions.

PAST WINNERS:

the World No.1 was the third best putter in the field with just 27.2 putts per round. Marcus Fraser led the putting stats with only 26 putts per round but had to settle for a tie for 33rd place. To prove that merely finding the greens was not the crucial key to success, James Kamte led the greens in regulation statistic with 81.9% – but finished tied for 44th place.

1989: Mark James 1990: Eamonn Darcy 1992: Seve Ballesteros 1993: Wayne Westner 1994: Ernie Els 1995: Fred Couples 1996: Colin Montgomerie

DESERT CLASSIC FACTS AND FIGURES

1997: Richard Green 1998: Jose Maria Olazábal

Most wins: 3 – Ernie Els 1994, 2002 – 2005

1999: David Howell

Lowest 72 hole score: 266 (-22) Thomas Björn – 2001

2001: Thomas Björn

2000: Jose Coceres 2002: Ernie Els

Lowest final round by a winner: 65 (-7) Robert-Jan Derksen – 2003

2003: Robert-Jan Derksen 2004: Mark O’Meara

Biggest final round comeback by a winner: 3 shots – José Maria Olazábal in 1998; Robert-Jan Derksen in 2003

2005: Ernie Els 2006: Tiger Woods

Play-offs: Mark James beat Peter O’Malley in 1989; Seve Ballesteros beat Ronan Rafferty in 1992; Richard Green beat Greg Norman and Ian Woosnam in 1997; Tiger Woods beat Ernie Els in 2006

Last year Tiger Woods wasn’t any more accurate off the tee than the previous year and his radar was off the mark when it came to greens in regulation. He managed to find only 69.4% in greens in regulation compared to 77% in 2007 but the putter made up for the deficit, as

2007: Henrik Stenson 2008: Tiger Woods

The Course: Tifeagle Bermuda grass is used on the greens at the Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf Club which Karl Litten designed back in 1987. The Par 72 – 7,301 yard course was the first all-grass 18-hole championship golf course in the Gulf region. The course features hundreds of indigenous species of flora and fauna, beautifully complemented by meandering fairways and seven fresh and saltwater lakes.

ONES TO WATCH The Dubai Desert Classic has attracted some of the biggest names in the game since the tournament was first announced on The European Tour schedule back in 1989. Since then there have been a number of different styles of winner from the big hitters such as Fred Couples and Tiger Woods to the radar-accurate players like Mark O’Meara and José Maria Olazábal

Ernie Els is tailored for the Majlis Course. His record round of 61 has stood for 14 years. If he get the irons firing the putts will drop.

Playing on home soil Henrik Stenson has both the knowledge and resources to clinch a second Dubai Desert Classic title.

Rory McIroy, the 2007 Desert Classic amateur champion, now settled into life in Dubai and the Tour has the talent to top the leader board.

Jeev Milkha Singh ended the year strongly on the Asian Tour and the ‘golf in Dubai’ ambassador will be looking to impress.

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T H E M O S T C E L E B R AT E D S H O E O N T H E E U R O P E A N T O U R .

It’s been yet another Champagne season for FootJoy, with 25 wins on The European Tour, more than all other brands combined. FootJoy was worn by more players at every event during the 2008 season, as the Pro’s put their trust – and their feet – in their favourite shoe of the range. From Classics ® to DryJoys® to ReelFit™, the comfort and performance of the #1 Shoe in Golf is always worth celebrating.

Source: Sports Marketing Surveys Ltd Pro Sports International, PO at Box 26723, Dubai, UAE. Learn more about new DryJoys footjoy.co.uk/dryjoys Sign upSttoIves, TheCambs Comfort Zone, ourSign free e-newsletter, at thecomfortzone.info FootJoy, PE27 3LU up to The Comfort Zone, our free enewsletter, at thecomfortzone.info

ALEX GALLEMORE talks exclusively to CAMILO VILLEGAS

SPIDERMAN BECOMES

A REAL SUPERHERO PGA TOUR titles are like buses. You wait two years, nine months and seven days for one and then two come along in consecutive weeks. OK, so maybe they’re not exactly like buses but you get the point, and 26-year-old Colombian hotshot Camilo Villegas found out last season that hard work and perseverance bring their rewards...eventually.

he big-hitting, lady-killing Latino was in danger of becoming a classic case of style over substance, better known for his smoulderingly good looks, bulging biceps and trademark ‘Spiderman’ method of reading putts than he was for his success on the golf course. Make no mistake, Lindeberg’s favourite clothes horse is a marketing man’s dream but now he has the results to justify all the attention. He rocked up at Oakland Hills Country Club having seemingly ironed out the problems that have afflicted him with the short stick, which, along with a marked improvement in his all-round game, led him to a top-five finish.

It was merely the appetiser to what was to come and before you could say “Who’s a pretty boy then?” he was tearing up the PGA TOUR Play-offs for the FedExCup with successive victories at the BMW Championship and THE TOUR Championship. His back-to-back double put him second behind Vijay Singh in the bigmoney Play-offs and elevated him to seventh in the Official World Golf Ranking. The Colombian cult hero had finally delivered the goods, as many experts predicted. The good news for European golf fans is that he’s signed up for The European Tour in 2009 and The Race to Dubai – so we’re going to be seeing a lot more of him! 4 www.wwgolf.biz

VILLEGASEXCLUSIVE

“WITH MY PUTTING I DID A LITTLE ADJUSTMENT WITH MY HANDS AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I FELT LIKE I COULD RELEASE THE BLADE A LOT BETTER AND PUT A LOT OF GREAT ROLLS ON THE BALL.” Q: What made you decide to join The European Tour and The Race to Dubai this season? Camilo Villegas: I’ve had it in mind to join The European Tour for several years but if you’re not top 50 in the world it’s pretty hard to fit in both schedules. I played great the second half of last year – accomplished a lot of my goals, got in a good spot in the world ranking and I believe that it was the right time to do it. It also happened to be that this year is the start of The Race to Dubai and I’m sure it’s going to catch a lot of guys’ attention. The game of golf is a worldwide game and it’s been growing big-time all around the world. It’ll be nice to see more players from the PGA TOUR and more U.S. players playing internationally. Q: There’s certainly a lot of money on offer if you’re a toplevel professional at the moment – US$10 million for the FedExCup, US$20 million for The Race to Dubai – with the current global economic situation do you think that this will continue? Camilo Villegas: I don’t exactly know how the financial crisis will affect our job but I guarantee that it will affect it one way or the other. The bottom line is, all we can do is treat the sponsors well, keep them happy, and play good golf. Q: You turned in some wonderful performances over the closing stages of last season (tied fourth in the PGA Championship, tied third in the Deutsche Bank Championship, won the BMW Championship, won THE TOUR Championship) where was the turning point and what do you put your upturn in fortunes down to?

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FASHION ICON of the Nineties, Jesper Parnevik, who was one of the early pioneers of fairway fashion. Never shy of trying something new but never off the peg, the outgoing Swede teamed up with fashion designer Johan Lindeberg and the alternative golfing look was ‘officially’ born.

Camilo Villegas: I think that maybe the U.S. Open was the turning point (finished tied ninth). I started playing a lot better there and hit some great shots. When we got to the U.S. PGA Championship there was a big change with my putting. I did a little adjustment with my hands and all of a sudden I felt like I could release the blade a lot better and put a lot of great rolls on the ball. After that I started seeing good results pretty quickly. Q: So was it purely down to your putting or was there anything else? Camilo Villegas: Well it was a little bit of everything. When you’re playing good everything seems to be so easy. When you’re playing bad and you’re struggling, you’re always searching for the ‘fix’.

FASHION ICON of the new generation of young, trendy, hip heroes of the game, Colombia’s Camilo Villegas, who was voted “the sexiest bachelor of 2006” by readers of GQ Magazine. Outfitted by Johan Lindeberg.

Q: The way you’re playing at the moment, it’s a shame Tiger’s not there for you to challenge. Are you looking forward to him coming back, whenever that may be? Camilo Villegas: Yes and no. Tiger’s great for the game. Do we miss him? Yes, definitely and it’ll be great when he does come back. But he’s injured and he needs to recover fully and I’m sure he’ll do everything he needs to do to come back strong. Q: You’ve got a pretty good relationship with Sergio Garcia and Anthony Kim – you guys could be described as the modern day ‘Brat Pack’. Do you enjoy your time away from the course with those guys? Camilo Villegas: I do. Sergio and Anthony are great guys and not only do I have a great relationship with them I believe that I have a great relationship with all of my peers on Tour. It’s fun – all the guys see each other day after day so why make it tense? 4

“WHEN YOU’RE PLAYING GOOD EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE SO EASY. WHEN YOU’RE PLAYING BAD AND YOU’RE STRUGGLING, YOU’RE ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR THE ‘FIX’.” www.wwgolf.biz

VILLEGASEXCLUSIVE

“IF AT THE END OF THE DAY YOU CAN BE A POSITIVE EXAMPLE FOR PEOPLE THEN THAT’S ALL YOU CAN ASK FOR.” Q: You took up cycling in recent months. What do you like about it? Camilo Villegas: Well I don’t know about the racing part or the competition part but I am pretty hooked up with cycling. I love it man, it’s just one of those things! Q: I guess it’s also about getting time on your own and getting away from your life on the golf course and your media requirements and public profile? Camilo Villegas: Yes, the right balance in your life is key. You’ve got to find the things that motivate you and the things that make you feel peaceful and that get you away from other things. I love cycling and I’ve been into it quite intensely for about the past six months. Q: Is it something of a relief for you that people are finally talking about your golf rather than all of the other stuff that goes with being Camilo Villegas? Camilo Villegas: If people like the way you play, the way you dress, the way you look, that’s all good. But the bottom line is to play good golf. Q: You’re something of a cult hero in Colombia as far as golf is concerned. What has the reaction to your success been like your homeland? Camilo Villegas: It’s been great. The media and the fans back home have been very supportive and the game of golf is growing significantly there now. If at the end of the day you can be a positive example for people then that’s all you can ask for. Q: We have to ask – what’s the deal with the ‘Spiderman’ worm’s eye view pose when you’re lining up putts? Camilo Villegas: Ha-ha. Yeah I get that one a lot! A couple of years back I was hitting the ball really good but struggling with my putter so I was trying different things to do something about it. One day in the middle of the round I thought, “maybe if I get down lower I’ll see it better.” It felt kind of good so I kept it going. ■ www.wwgolf.biz

PLAYER QUOTES JOKES WORD OF THE MONTH CARTOONS

n anybody relax “Relax? How ca u have to grip and play golf? Yo u?” – Ben Hogan the club don’t yo

Mrs Brown’s golfing special Mrs Brown was out golfing one day when she hit her ball into the woods. She disappeared into the trees to look for it and found a frog in a trap. The frog looked up at her and said: “If you release me from this trap, I will grant you three wishes.” Not a person to miss a trick, Mrs Brown immediately freed the frog. The frog thanked her and said: “I’m sorry but I failed to mention that there is a condition to your wishes – that whatever you wish for yourself, Mr Brown will get 10 times more or better!” Mrs Brown replied: “That’s OK – I’m happy

to accept your condition. For my first wish, I want to be the most beautiful woman in the world.” The frog warned her, “You do realise that this wish will also make Mr Brown the most handsome man in the world, women will flock to him like bees to honey.” Mrs Brown replied: “It’s not a problem, because I will be the most beautiful woman and he will only have eyes for me. So, “KAZAM” - Mrs Brown is the most beautiful woman in the world! For her second wish, Mrs Brown asked to be the richest woman in the world. The

frog said: “That will make Mr Brown the richest man in the world and he will be 10 times richer than you.” Mrs Brown said: “It’s not a problem, because what’s mine is his and what’s his is mine.” So, “KAZAM”- Mrs Brown is the richest woman in the world! The frog then inquired about her third wish to which Mrs Brown answered: “I’d like a mild heart attack.” The moral of the story: Women are much more clever than men. So don’t mess with them.

Killer Hook LAST week a pair of weekend warriors were playing a round and one of the guys hit a humongous hook that hit a car’s windshield. Not wanting to get into trouble they quickly finished their round. Coming up the 18th they see a 16

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policeman stood by the green. When they get there he asks, “Did any of you guys hit a hook off the 14th tee into the car park?” The culprit owned up to which the policeman says: “Well your ball went through

“Th you e reaso him r head n the laug dow pro t hing n is ells y o .” – so y Phy ou c u to ke a llis e Dill n’t see p er

the windshield causing the 80year-old driver to have a heart attack and die.” The culprit then asks the policeman: “What should I do?” The policeman replies: “Well I would try opening your stance a little...”

Golf is a day spent in a round of strenuous idleness. – William Wordsworth

WORD

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OF THE MONTH...

CLUBHOUSE QUICKIES

The Rules of Golf According To Dennis The Menace AS we all know, the rules of our game are plentiful and often a might confusing even for the most seasoned of golfers. So what better way to explain them than to get everyone’s favourite rascal to do it for you, as publishers Aurum have done with their hilarious book, The Rules of Golf According To Dennis The Menace.

Rule 12-1. Searching for Ball Rule 12-1. Searching for Ball Rule 12-1. Searching for Ball

WINDCHEATER A shot played low into the wind. Played with strong backspin it starts low and rises toward the end of the shot.

I KNOW THAT’S INOT ALLOWED, KNOW DENNIS —NOT BUTALLOWED, THE PAGE IS THAT’S MYSTERIOUSLY MISSING KNOW DENNIS — IBUT THE PAGE IS FROM MY RULE BOOK! THAT’S NOT ALLOWED, MYSTERIOUSLY MISSING DENNIS — BUT THE PAGE IS FROM MY RULE BOOK! MYSTERIOUSLY MISSING FROM MY RULE BOOK!

GNGNGN

DID

YOU KNOW...

Golf was still a very dangerous sport in 1491 under the reign of Scotland’s King James IV. If you were caught playing the new 7/11/07 3:00 PM Page 32 game there was a stiff fine to pay, as well as being sent off to the dungeons for an unspecified period of time. If you didn’t play the game but allowed others to use your land for the sport you were in serious trouble, too. Not only were you fined and imprisoned but you also lost your land.

GN GN ASH A GN SH AS H

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In searching for his ball anywhere on the course, the player may touch or bend grass, for rushes, bushes, whins, or the but may only touch to the or extent Inlong searching his ball anywhere on heather the course, thelike, player bend necessary torushes, find and identifywhins, it, provided that this doesbut notonly improve the lie of long grass, bushes, heather or the like, to the extent In searching for his ball anywhere on the course, the player may touch or bend the ball,and the identify area of his intendedthat swing, or his not line improve of play. the lie necessary to rushes, find it, provided of long grass, bushes, whins, heather orthis the does like, but only to the extent the ball, the area of his intended swing, or his line of play. necessary to find and identify it, provided that this does not improve the lie of the ball, the area of his intended swing, or his line of play.

Crouching Manley

Although shut in for three years surrounded by the eternal snow and ice of the Antarctic, Arbroath golfer Munro Sievwright did not neglect his practice with club and ball. His luggage included three clubs and a dozen red-painted golf balls. In the light of the midnight sun he hit adventurous shots along the white wasteland on fairways of hard-packed snow.

RHYME TIME 1st Proof C lie M Y Some golfers awake 1st Proof C M Y at1stnight, Proof C M Y And brood on what went wrong, I’d rather think of what went right, It doesn’t take as long!

Stuart Manley, who has earned his playing card for The 2009 European Tour, can’t quite get to grips with the Camilo Villegas crouching yoga technique when reading putts.

K P.31 L K P.31 L K P.31 L

Tickets for the 2009 Du available online at ww com.

I would like to deny all allegations by Bob Hope that during my last game of golf, I hit an eagle, a birdie, an elk and a moose. – Gerald Ford www.wwgolf.biz

NEWS SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE GOLFING GLOBE

DIVOTS to remove it and a fourth to correct a bone defect. Ballesteros has been allowed home but doctors warned there was still some way to go in his recovery.

Michelle Wie secures her LPGA Card

John Daly’s camera tricks

Harrington takes the plaudits

K.J. Choi Honourary Asian Tour Member

Ballesteros discharged from hospital

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SUMPTUOUS SWEDEN WIN OMEGA MISSION HILLS WORLD CUP “IT’S A GREAT HONOUR TO PLAY FOR YOUR COUNTRY, AND OBVIOUSLY EVEN BETTER WHEN YOU WIN. SWEDEN HAD ONLY WON IT ONCE BEFORE, IN 1991, SO IT WAS ABOUT TIME WE CHANGED THAT AND GOT OUR NAME UP THERE AGAIN. I HOPE WE CAN CONTINUE.” – Henrik Stenson

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THE OMEGA MISSI0N HILLS WORLD CUP

“THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN EVENT IN SWEDEN THAT’S BEEN BIG. THE MEDIA FOLLOW IT A LOT. I JUST HOPE THIS TOURNAMENT CAN KEEP GETTING BETTER BY THE YEARS. I THINK IT WAS A BIT BETTER, WITH THE QUALITY OF THE PLAYERS HERE THIS YEAR, THAN LAST YEAR.” – Robert Karlsson

HE two highest-ranked players in the field, Sweden’s Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson, paired up to win the Omega Mission Hills World Cup by three shots at Mission Hills Golf Club in China. Recently crowned European No.1 Karlsson and World No.12 Stenson produced a final round 9-under 63 in the foursomes for a 27-under-par total to beat the Spanish pairing of Miguel Angel Jiménez and Pablo Larrazabal to the title. “It’s a great honour to play for your country, and obviously even better when you win,” said Stenson. “Sweden had only won it once before, in 1991, so it was about time we changed that and got our name up there again. I hope we can continue.” The Swedes started the final day four shots back from Australia’s Brendan Jones and Richard Green and the Spaniards but began purposefully with five birdies. Having wiped out the overnight deficit by the turn they began the back nine in a share of the lead. Quick-fire birdies on holes 11, 12, 14 and 15 saw them streak ahead and neither the Spaniards or the Australians could match their birdie blitz. “It means a great deal to us to win,” said Karlsson. “This has always been an event in Sweden that’s been big. The media follow it a lot. “ I just hope this tournament can keep getting better by the years. I think it was a bit better with the quality of the players here

this year, than last year.” It was the second World Cup win for Sweden after Per-Ulrik Johansson and Anders Forsbrand paired up for victory in Rome in 1991. The Spanish pair, who were leading after the second round, didn’t gel like they had earlier in the week and only managed a 2-under-par 70 to slip to defeat. “We played well today, we just didn’t hole the putts,” said Jiménez. “But that’s it, that’s the game. We made 2-under par today in foursomes, but we just didn’t make enough birdies and so we didn’t win.” Larrazabal added: “We enjoyed it a lot. But I was not that confident this week. The best team today was Sweden, so congratulations to them.” Australia carded a 76 to finish eight shots behind the winners, level with the Japanese pairing of Ryuji Imada and Toru Taniguchi on 18-under-par. “Things just didn’t happen for us. We were making little mistakes which we had not made the first three days,” admitted Jones. “It’s a different golf course coming from the rough.” Scoring was low on day one as Germany’s Alex Cejka and Martin Kaymer combined to shoot a 10-under-par 62. Australia were a shot further back while Spain, Canada and the USA carded an 8-under 64. Sweden opened their account with a 7-under 65. The second day saw Spain storm into the lead with a sensational 63 in the alternate

Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal crouches to point the way as Miguel Angel Jiménez looks over their putt on the 17th hole during the final round of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup at the Olazabal Course, Mission Hills, Shenzhen, China. Despite taking a fourshot lead at halfway with a sensational 63 Larrazabal and Jiménez had to settle for second best.

FLASHBACK TO 1991! Anders Forsbrand and Per-Ulrik Johansson celebrate on the 18th green after winning the World Cup of Golf for Sweden for the first time in their history, at La Querce Golf Club in Rome.

shot foursomes format. Their performance gave them a four-stroke lead over Germany and Australia heading into the weekend. The Swedes stayed in touch on 12-under after a 67. Day three saw the Spaniards drop into a share of the lead with Australia after an upand-down day. Jiménez had given the duo a three-stroke lead midway through the round after holing a 50-foot pitch shot. But the drama wasn’t over as the Australians clawed their way back, thanks to Jones keeping his nerve and holing a testing four-footer for birdie on the last to give them a 9-under 63. However, having given themselves a platform to build on, neither the Australians nor the Spaniards could find their A-game on the final day and Sweden showed the galleries just why they were the pretournament favourites with a scintillating display of golf. ■

“WE PLAYED WELL TODAY. WE JUST DIDN’T HOLE THE PUTTS, BUT THAT’S IT, THAT’S THE GAME. WE MADE 2-UNDER PAR TODAY IN FOURSOMES, BUT WE JUST DIDN’T MAKE ENOUGH BIRDIES AND SO WE DIDN’T WIN.” – Miguel Angel Jiménez www.wwgolf.biz

GEAR

Bag Boy Company Release the new 2009 version of their popular Revolver Pro Cart Bag >>

PLAYER TECHNOLOGY HARDWEAR FOOTWEAR APPAREL BALLS

NIKE DYMO DRIVER

www.nike.com/nikegolf

FOR the next in our series on Nike Golf’s new SQ Dymo range we’re looking at the standard SQ Dymo Driver. SQ Dymo Driver: WWG Verdict This driver definitely looks the part with its sleek lines and red and black war paint, and having put it thoroughly through its paces we’re happy to report that it also plays very nicely. After some initial teething problems we soon found the Dymo to be a driver of real quality. We tested the 9.5 degree model which is weighted towards the front and excellent for low winddefying drives with less spin. The head is more traditionally shaped than its square counterpart and despite not having quite

MIZUNO MX-100 IRONS FOR greater forgiveness, Mizuno have Y-Tuned their new MX100 Irons, extending the sweet spot into the toe area and have modified the U-Grooves to give the ball superior spin. All this leads to giving mid to high handicap golfers all the distance, accuracy and playability they need for an

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WWG STYLE

BAG BOY REVOLVER PRO CART BAG United States-based The Bag Boy Company have released the new 2009 version of their popular Revolver Pro Cart Bag. The simple yet ingenious USP of these bags is the revolving top, which allows easy access to every club in the bag. Clubs also stay protected and looking new longer with 14 individual club clips incorporated into the moulded top-to-lock clubs in place and 14 full length box dividers to prevent the shafts from twisting together. In addition to the 10” 14-way top with full-length dividers, the 2009 Revolver Pro Cart Bag sports new features such as a removable cooler pocket, two external putter wells and a quick-to-access ball sleeve. The bag also comes with eight functional pockets with ample storage, two fur-lined valuables pockets and clip for keys, a tee holder, moulded trunk handle for easy lifting, and a cart sleeve to help prevent the bag from twisting. www.bagboycompany.com

NEW TROUSERS FROM DWYERS & CO PREMIUM GOLF BRANDS have begun a partnership with esteemed clothing manufacturer Dwyers & Co. The clothing company has been in existence since 1820 when its founder, James Dwyer, launched his Haberdashery in Cork, Ireland, and having formed a reputation as one of the finest concerns of it’s kind, it is now joining forces with PGB to bring the same intricate detail and thoughtful design to the world of golf with two trouser collections. The two collections fall into two distinct camps – the Black Label classic line and the Red Label contemporary line. Both lines are packed with attention to detail and inspired by tradition. The only distinguishing features between the two lines is the trouser cut, with the Black Label collection featuring single pleat, straight leg design, whereas the Red Label collection is styled using flat front, boot cut tailoring. Both collections are offered in a wide range of fabric and colour choices with exquisite hand-stitching, which belies the attractive price tag. www.dwyersandco.com

RIFE CAYMAN BLADE WE ran the rule over Rife’s Two-Bar Hyrbid Tour Mallet in last month’s Worldwide Golf and were seriously impressed. This month it was the turn of the Island Series Cayman Blade and we haven’t changed our minds that Rife are serious challengers to the more established manufacturers in the market. Rife Cayman: WWG Verdict More of an ‘everyman’s putter, the Cayman Blade is a great choice for those who prefer a more traditional look and feel. Like the Two-Bar Hybrid Tour Mallet, the weighting and feel of the Cayman Blade is superb, which allows for a really smooth and steady stroke. The club comes with its own Custom Fitting System which allows you to adjust the lie angle of the shaft to match your natural setup position, making it easier to reproduce

a consistently accurate stroke. As with all Rife putters, the grip is also extremely comfortable and the patented “RollGroove Technolgy” promotes a smooth, quick, forward roll on the ball, reducing skid. The mid-slant hosel means that there is a slight toe bias in the weighting, making it easier to produce an ‘open to close’ swing path. Having tried our two Rife putters now our only problem is that we can’t decide which one we prefer! Another big thumbs up for Rife. www.rifeputters.com

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909 PERFORMANCE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN.

INTRODUCING TITLEIST 909 DRIVERS. Driving is about confidence. And confidence is directly connected to what you see at address, what you hear and feel at impact, and how your driver performs on every swing. The new Titleist 909 drivers deliver Tour-proven, high performance looks, sound, feel, distance, control, consistency, quality and confidence. One of these three drivers will optimise your launch conditions, and help you play your best. Discover all the details at titleist.co.uk

Pro Sports International, PO Box 26723, Dubai, UAE. Sign up to In The Swing, our free e-newsletter, at intheswing.info Explore our website at titleist.co.uk.

Claude Harmon III

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Pro swing analyist >>

SWING

PRO LOOK

CLAUDE HARMON III, DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION, BUTCH HARMON SCHOOL, DUBAI SPORTS CITY

ADAM SCOTT POWER & GRACE BY CLAUDE HARMON Adam Scott has one of the greatest modern swings in the game. To achieve prestigious distance off the tee, while maintaining perfect balance shows that the key areas of his swing are working as a unit. This doesn’t happen overnight and takes years of dedication, practice and devotion. In this issue we analyse the key areas of Adam’s swing that make him one of the best in the game.

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SWING ADAM S CLAUDE HARMON III, DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION, BUTCH HARMON SCHOOL, DUBAI SPORTS CITY Adam employs a very modern set up at address. Notice how his lower back is flat. I see too many players with too much curve or arch in their lower back. Even though this position may look too rounded to you, this is a very powerful position to start from.

Adamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bad move off the ball is for the club to get working too much on the inside of the ball. My dad is always telling Adam to feel as if he is standing the shaft up as he makes his backswing. Which means he needs to try to get the shaft working in a more steep direction as opposed to around and flat.

2 Great footwork here at impact. I see too many players with their right heel too much off the ground at impact. The right and left arm are matching as the club is delivered to the ball. If you want to hit the balls straighter, try to match these foot and arms positions.

The upper body is now starting to work back on top of the lower body as the downswing starts. Adam uses his legs for both support and power. The head position in pictures 3 and 5 are almost exactly the same. Which means Adam has stayed very level and tall during both the backswing and downswing.

5 68

6 www.wwgolf.biz

SCOTT

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The hands are directly over the right shoulder at the top of the backswing. The clubface is a bit on the shut side here, which Adam fights when he plays poorly. The elbows are close together and there is no over swing of the golf club.

Notice here how the clubhead is still in front of Adamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body. Adam plays his best golf when the club works in front of his body. The clubface is in a very square position and the shaft is working very close to the right forearm. All signs that Adam is swinging the club up on a plane.

4 Adam is one of the serious long hitters on Tour, yet he always manages to keep his balance. A great drill for you to try the next time you are hitting your driver is to hold this position until your ball lands. If you are swinging the club under control, it should be no problem. This is a great drill to help you find and maintain your balance.

The right shoulder has worked under the chin through impact and the club is exiting high and to the left. The chest has continued to turn and is now facing the target. Also notice how the right hand is working over the left, which allows Adam to draw the ball. If you can see too much of your left elbow at this point in your swing, you are pulling across the ball too much.

PRO LOOK

8 www.wwgolf.biz

Emirates Golf Club 26th January-1st February 2009

Twenty years of Classic golf PROGRAMME

Monday 26th January • Practice Day Tuesday 27th January • Challenge Match Wednesday 28th January • Pro-Am Thursday 29th January • Round One Friday 30th January • Round Two Saturday 31st January • Round Three Sunday 1st February • Final Round & Presentation

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For further information on the Tickets & Hospitality booking, please visit www.dubaidesertclassic.com or call Tel: +971 4 380 2 112

WAYNE JOHNSON – INSIDE THE ROPES WAYNE JOHNSON is our correspondent for The Race to Dubai. Heavily involved in the planning and promotion of The Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship, Wayne is able to give a unique insight into the progress of the competitions and a behind-the-scenes (and ‘inside the ropes!’) look into The Race to Dubai – as well as giving us his views on the latest happenings in golf.

Pearl of a start in South Africa T HIS month’s Inside the Ropes marks the first of our ‘terrific trio’ in the 2008-2009 Race to Dubai – and is easily the most enjoyable article I’ve had to do so far. Why do I say that? Well, I’m writing this sitting at my laptop on the veranda of the Pearl Valley Golf Estates clubhouse, looking over the hustle and bustle of the players getting ready for the 2008 South African Open. And, incidentally, waiting for my breakfast to arrive. Leisurecorp acquired Pearl Valley in 2007 and it became our first golf course outside Dubai. I may be a bit biased, but this has to be one of the most beautiful settings for golf anywhere in the world. If I look up, I can see the forbidding Drakenstein Mountains surrounding the Cape Winelands and I have to tell you, it’s absolutely fantastic. With Pearl Valley came the South African Open, the second oldest open championship in golf. One of our first jobs was to sit down with the Open organisers and negotiate a longer-term deal, as we were convinced this was a course that should be a regular home to Tour events. I am pleased to say that we managed to do so, and we’ve seen a real development of the tournament over last year, when the Leisurecorp

team was first involved. First, there’s been a real boost to the quality of the field. South Africa’s “big five” are all here and while I’d love to think that Justin, Henrik, Lee and Darren and the like all flew down because they wanted to catch up with their old mate Wayne, it’s clear that it has more to do with The Race to Dubai! Even at this early stage of the season, players are looking to build up some money in the bank, in the hope of getting their ticket to Jumeirah Golf Estates booked as early as possible. The €1 million in prize money on offer here means it’s definitely worthwhile playing. Second, I think we’ve seen some great improvements to the course itself. Early on, we invested millions in new planting and landscaping around the course and an additional year’s growing has definitely helped. This is now one of the finest golf courses in the world, but don’t take my word for it, I was just listening to Trevor Immelman describe the fairways as some of the best, if not the best, that he’s ever played on. Third, I hope we’ve been able to add something to the event itself. This year, for example, Ivor Robson, the official starter of The Open Championship since 1975, has brought the most

recognisable voice in golf to the first tee of the South African Open for the very first time. It’s just one of a number of ways in which we’ve been trying to add more to the Championship. Ernie Els just described Leisurecorp’s influence on the event as just what South African golf needed and that one of the best compliments we could ever hope to receive. I described this as the first of a ‘terrific trio’ as we have three Tour events being hosted on Leisurecorp courses this year. In the summer, The Open Championship is at Turnberry, which will be opening after a major refurbishment to the hotel and six months’ intensive work on the course. And of course, come next November, we have the Dubai World Championship itself, at Jumeirah Golf Estates. That’s a pretty challenging set of events to be hosting and we’re very well aware that the eyes of the world will be on us, looking to make sure we’re delivering what we promised. But here in Pearl Valley it’s a case of ‘so far, so good’ which makes my position here on the veranda even better…and I think that’s my scrambled eggs arriving. Until next month, as they say in these parts, Totsiens! ■

DRIVING

RANGE

WWG WHEELS

AUDI A6 Sedan and S6 >>

RIDE COMFORT PERFORMANCE SPACE BRAKING

AUDI A6 THE MODEL OF SUCCESS WITH NEW STRENGTHS

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DRIVING

RANGE The Audi A6 is the sportiest business sedan on the market – and also the most successful

Powerful and Efficient

Three gasoline engines are available on the new Audi A6, all offering the advantages of direct injection with the cutting-edge FSI and TFSI technology. Intensive engineering refinements have maximized the engines’ power and efficiency across the model line with fuel economy been improved by 15 per cent. Their power is transmitted to the front or to all four wheels via the high-comfort tiptronic or the continuously variable multitronic transmission. The range starts with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the 2.0 TFSI which delivers 125 kW (170 hp). With regard to V6 engines, Audi is bringing out a new version of the 2.8-litre FSI with 162 kW (220 hp) equipped with the innovative Audi Valvelift System (AVS). This varies the intake valve lift in two stages, with the effect of increasing torque and lowering fuel consumption. An attractive new addition to the engine line-up is the V6 with 3.0 litres displacement and power output of 213 kW (290 hp). Audi implements the optimum package for each engine, which is why the 3.0 TFSI is equipped with a supercharger – the T in the TFSI logo no longer stands just for Turbo, but for supercharging in general. Without increasing fuel consumption in any way, this supercharger technology produces spontaneous engine response. The delivery of torque right from idling speed is formidably strong; a muscular 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) of torque is maintained constantly between 2,500 rpm and 4,850 rpm. The 3.0 TFSI, combined with tiptronic and quattro drive, accelerates the A6 Sedan to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.9 seconds. It keeps on going up to a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) – the kind of performance that up to just a few years ago was the exclusive preserve of eight-cylinder engines. Nevertheless, the supercharged V6 demonstrates exemplary economy: in the EU cycle, it covers 100 km on 9.4 litres of fuel (25.02 US mpg).

New Generation

Since it first appeared in 2002, the Audi MMI operating system has set the standard for the perfect integration of a multitude of functions. In the A6, a new generation of this system is fitted. The basic concept with the central control knob and large buttons for the function areas remains virtually unchanged. But now a cap has been integrated into the central control knob which can be operated like a joystick, thus making navigation on the monitor even quicker and easier. The MMI is based on a modular system. The standardspecification base MMI already features attractive audio and operating functions. The full version, MMI navigation plus, is a high-tech system with impressive performance. Its most appealing attributes are a DVD drive and a hard drive with 40 GB of memory for navigation data. It can be used to store music files and also has capacity for up to 10,000 telephone directory entries. The computer unit includes an 800 MHz processor and a 500 MHz digital signal processor which can play DVDs in 5.1 Dolby Digital quality. The new MMI navigation plus integrates a double tuner for perfect FM radio reception and a six-channel sound system. It features an innovative voice control system capable of whole-word recognition of navigation destinations. The MMI can be expanded with the

Comfort

The spacious A6 interior with its elegant lines and perfect craftsmanship has a sumptuous lounge feel. With softer upholstery, the rear seats are now even more comfortable. Their L-shaped head restraints can be lowered well out of the way and are a stylish design feature. A bundle of elaborate details helps to significantly lower the already low noise level even further. The character of the cockpit is also one of sophisticated elegance. The instrument cluster has been remodeled with higherresolution graphics and a new frame now accentuates the display. Numerous tasteful aluminum and chrome trim details adorn the interior, including the steering wheel, emphasising the luxurious ambiance. The

addition of further components. The additional modules consist of two more sound systems, a double tuner for digital radio reception, an analog/digital TV tuner, a CD changer, a multimedia interface to connect up the customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iPod or USB memory medium, and an integrated telephone. The improved Audi A6 will be available at dealerships in the Middle East from the first quarter of 2009. Despite the many new features, its entry-level price is virtually unchanged: the A6 2.0T starts from 155,000 DHS .

A6 Stats 3.0 TFSI Performance:

Cylinder V6 Valves per cylinder 2995 Max power (rpm) 290/4850 Max torque (Nm/rpm) 420/2500 Transmission 6-speed tiptronic Top speed 155mph Acceleration 0-60mph 5.9secs

Fuel Consumption:

CO2 emissions2 Miles per gallon

219(g/km) 25.02

Exterior Dimensions: Height Length Width Wheel base Trunk space

1459mm 4927 mm 1855 mm 2843 mm 19.95 cubic feet

new inlays are in Aluminum Radial on the 2.0T and in walnut brown or with the natural look of open-pore wood on the 2.8 and 3.0T . All colours and materials are harmoniously coordinated. The regular seats in the 2.0T are upholstered in a new fabric, in Milano leather in the 2.8 and 3.0T and the optional sports seats are available in Alcatara leather upholstery. Soft armrests in the doors offer even more comfort. The integral head restraint system reduces the risk of whiplash injury from a rear collision. Customers with especially dynamic tastes can opt for the S line exterior package, which adds a raft of sporty touches to the body. The features in the Audi exclusive programme, on the other hand, are tailored to the needs of the luxury-minded individualist.

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HISTORY SPECIAL

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE SINCE our launch issue in 1999 there have been highs and lows aplenty in the golfing world and we’ve made it our No.1 goal to bring you all the news and action in the region and from around the globe. We’ve also seen our publication grow to become the biggest sports title in the Middle East. Here’s a look back at some of the big stories.

2000

2001

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2002 TIGER Woods takes his Major tally to eight with victories in The Masters and the U.S. Open. He takes his overall PGA TOUR title haul to 34, surpassing Jack Nicklaus with the most wins ever before the age of 30, and not surprisingly tops the money list for the fourth consecutive year – and fifth time in total. On The European Tour Retief Goosen is made an Honorary Member after successfully defending the Harry Vardon Trophy for topping the Order of Merit for the second year running.

Our December 2002 issue features an interview with double table-topping South African Retief Goosen in which he tells us: “To have the trophy in my cabinet again is something special. But I’m exhausted. I’ve been travelling a lot and there was a point in the last couple of months when I knew I was getting tired, but realised I had to keep going.”

2003 FOR the first time in three years Tiger Woods fails to win a Major and for the first time in five he fails to top the money list as he plays second fiddle to Fijian Vijay Singh. Woods’ shortcomings are largely explained by the fact that he missed the start of the season after undergoing surgery to his knee, which causes him trouble throughout the year. He still manages five wins to claim his sixth PGA TOUR Player of the Year Award! One of the biggest stories of the year is that of Mike Weir becoming the first Canadian and the first left-hander since Bob Charles (1963 British Open) to win a Major with victory at the Masters. America’s Ben Curtis wins The British Open at his first attempt.

2004

2005

THE legendary Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus, winner of a record 18 Majors, retires from professional golf after missing the cut at The British Open. On the LPGA Tour Annika Sorenstam wins her eighth and ninth Majors consecutively while Michelle Wie turns professional six days shy of her 16th birthday. Colin Montgomerie rolls back the years by topping the Order of Merit for the eighth time in his career, having won seven in a row from 1991. Tiger Woods wins his second British Open, at St. Andrews to go with his Masters title.

VIJAY Singh becomes golf’s first Ten Million Dollar Man, winning nine titles, including his third Major at the U.S. PGA Championship to top the money list for a second consecutive season with a record $10,905,166. He surpasses Tiger Woods as the No.1 player in the world. Todd Hamilton is named PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year after his surprise victory at The British Open at Royal Troon. Retief Goosen wins the U.S. Open. Phil Mickelson beats Ernie Els by a shot to win The Masters

In the December 2004 issue we look back over Vijay’s remarkable career and the season that gave his bank manager almost as big a smile as he wore himself!

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Weir tells us in our May 2003 issue: “This win is for me and my family. It’s also a big win for Canadian golf and the fans who have been so supportive of me.”

A second golf legend joins the editoral team at Worldwide Golf when Greg Norman starts his monthly column. Monty tells our November 2005 issue: “I think after I won (the Order of Merit) for the third time – four, five, six and seven were almost expected. When you’re six years away and then you come back to this position again, I think it means an awful lot more than any of the other ones even put together.”

HISTORY SPECIAL

2006 THERE’S drama on The European Tour as money leader Paul Casey falls ill at the season-ending Volvo Masters and is edged out of the top spot on the Order of Merit by Irishman Padraig Harrington (pictured right with European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady). The PGA TOUR announces a shake-up in their format with plans for the new FedExCup Series that will see players competing all season to earn points to qualify for a lucrative four-event play-off Series at the end of the new condensed ‘Regular Season’ while a new ‘Fall Series’ will see fringe players compete to earn their cards for the following year. Tiger Woods wins his second successive British Open, at Royal Liverpool – his third overall – and adds the U.S. PGA. Phil Mickelson wins The Masters. Australia’s Geoff Ogilvy wins the U.S. Open

Another year, another global golfing star comes on board as Ernie Els brings a different dimension to our rapidly expanding team of major columnists. We clear up some of the confusion engulfing golf fans around the world regarding the complicated workings of the PGA TOUR FedExCup Series with a fullproof explanation in our November 2006 issue.

2007 IT’S a year of firsts in the Majors as Zach Johnson, Angel Cabrera and Padraig Harrington become first-time Major winners at The Masters, the U.S. Open and The British Open respectively. Harrington becomes the first European Major winner for eight years. Tiger Woods wins his fourth U.S. PGA Championship and his 13th Major overall. He also wins his sixth World Golf Championships-Ca Championship and his sixth WGC-Bridgestone Invitational before predictably becoming the first winner of the FedExCup Series. There’s colossal news towards the end of the year as The European Tour and Leisurecorp jointly announce plans in Dubai for the new US$20 million Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship – The Race to Dubai starting in Shanghai in November 2008, culminating in the Dubai World Championship November 19-22.

In April we take on rising European star Ross Fisher as our fourth montly columnist following his fifth place finish at the Dubai Desert Classic. Ross has since won twice on The European Tour. We talk to Angel Cabrera following his hard-fought victory in the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club as he tells us of his remarkable rise from humble beginnings to fame and fortune: “Economically it was rough. We were poor. There was no money for school and I wasn’t able to finish elementary school so I had to work as a caddie to put food on the table.” Our December 2007 issue carries the details of the new Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship as the story unfolds.

2008 Tiger Woods’ injury then subsequent withdrawal from the remainder of the season following his 15th Major victory at the U.S. Open in a play-off dominates the news. Padraig Harrington continues his meteoric rise to become one of the biggest stars in the world game by winning his second and third Majors consecutively at the British Open and the U.S. PGA Championship. Annika Sorenstam, sadly, bids farewell to the ladies game at the Dubai Ladies Masters. South Africa’s Trevor Immelman beats off the challenge of Tiger Woods to win The Masters by three shots. We report from the U.S. PGA Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club, scene of Padraig Harrington’s third Major triumph in six attempts. The smiling Irishman tells us in our September issue: “I know I love the idea of the back nine of a Major on a Sunday. I love it so much that I’m actually disappointed I’m seven months away from the next Major, and I don’t know what I’m going to do.” www.wwgolf.biz

Congratulations on the centenary edition of Worldwide Golf. www.dubaigolf.com

SNOW GOLF

SNOWGOLF World Championship 09 motivated by PNYG

Former England football star Glen Hoddle and World Cup snowboard racer Heidi Krings having fun with Snowgolf.

EXT month the Austrian town of Obertaurn plays host to The SNOWGOLF World Championship 2009. The most prestigious golf event played on snow, motivated by PNYG, the three-event will be played January 29-31. The Championship also includes a world premiere – the thrilling climax of the “Million Dollar Putt,” where competitors and spectators have the one-off chance to hole a putt worth $1 million. Snowgolf, the alternative for all golfers who want to experience their favourite sport played in the snow, is a youthful, trendy and challenging competition which brings together the various elements of tradition, sport and luxury lifestyle in a truly innovative way. Past winner in the Salzburger snow, Edward Prince from Anhalt, is again taking part in the legendary event which will thrill golfers and non-golfers alike from all over Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the United States. Among those taking part will be Olympic champions, World champions and celebrities from film and TV. The 9-hole Championship Course (Par36, 2.600m) is built into the landscape

around the “Gnadenalm,” creating a dreamlike snowscape in Obertauern´s impressive mountain region. The snow fairways are prepared by snow machines, with ‘out of bounds’ set by natural deep snow. The putting surfaces (“Whites”) are prepared by hand. The SNOWGOLF World Championship motivated by PNYG has “the Million Dollar Putt“ set in a special putting arena. All participants and some of the spectators will get the chance to make the putt of their life – to hole a putt for $1m, donated to a non-profit organisation or foundation of their choice. At the beginning of the new Snowgolf season 30 cm of fresh snow was provided in Abu Dhabi for actors from Austria who were surprised when they made their first chips and putts on snow in 35 degrees. More than 100 golfers from all over the world had their first experience of Snowgolf at the Emirates Palace Golf Cup and were thrilled with the idea. During the glamorous evening event at the Emirates Palace Hotel, a draw was made for a free starting ticket for next month’s SNOWGOLF World Championship.

Below: Snow fun in the sun at the Emirates Palace Golf Cup, Abu Dhabi – Austrian celebrities, Peter Tichatschek, Andrea Fendrich and Sascha Wussow with organiser Christian Hölzl.

For more information contact Christian Hölzl at office@golfandmore.at Internet: www.snowgolfworldchampionship.com and www.golfandmore.at PNYG:COMPANY is partner and creative director of the “Million Dollar Putt Contest.” For further information about PNYG please visit www..pnyg.com. www.wwgolf.biz

Doha Golf Club Management and Staff would like to congratulate Worldwide Golf on producing 100 issues of a spectacular magazine!

Doha Golf Club

Tel. +974 4960777, Fax +974 4 8 3 479 0, info@dohagolfclub.com, www.dohagolfclub.com

S T R E N G T H

S TA M I N A

F O C U S .

G O O D

S E N S E

O F

H U M O U R

CADDIE

SNACK

Q: What’s the oddest thing you’ve had to put in the bag for Phil?

Q: What’s the best tip for a struggling amateur? A: Take up another sport!

ARABIAN

WWG

ANNOUNCEMENT

nuary 2009

Issue 100, Ja

ION TRAVEL H S A F Y T R E P STYLE PRO TIPS GEAR

E D I W D L R WO

f l o G Est:1999

Clubs Abu Dhabi Golf Club Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club Al Ain Golf Club Al Ghazal Golf Club Al Hamra Golf Club Arabian Ranches Golf Club Doha Golf Club Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Emirates Golf Federation News Emirates Golf Club Four Seasons Golf club Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Katameya Heights Golf & Tennis Club Riyadh Golf Club Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club Sharjah Wanderers The Montgomerie Dubai Tower Links Worldwide Golf Midweek Open

AR ANNIVERS ELS●

Y ISSUE

R M A N ● F IS P L AY E R ● N O

Middle East’s No.1 Golf a M gazine & V IE W S

HER●NEWS

deration irates Golf Fe

tion of the Em

Official Publica

olf Federatio

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EGF National Day Golf Tournament The winners of the morning shotgun event at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Craig Finlayson, Simon Shirreffs, Richie Davidson and Craig McLovin with Saeed Al Budoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation (left).

EMIRATES GOLF FEDERATION LADIES ORDER OF MERIT SUPPORTED BY GULF NEWS

2008 – 2009 MEN’S ORDER OF MERIT TABLE AFTER THE FIRST EVENT SWGC MEN’S OPEN FRIDAY, 14TH – SATURDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER 2008 SHARJAH WANDERERS GOLF CLUB No.

Name

Club

Points

1 2 3 T4 T4 T4 T4 8 9 10

VIKRAM JUDGE MATTHEW TURNER JOEL NEALE JOHN FELLINGHAM MALCOLM TENNANT PURNA SHARMA KOUROCHE ACHTARI KHALID YOUSUF STEWART CRANSTON PETER SHAW

DCGYC EGC EGC DCGYC SWGC SGSC EGC EGC SWGC DCGYC

30 24 22 18.5 18.5 18.5 18.5 16 15 14

Remaining Events

LADIES’ GROSS ORDER OF MERIT TABLE AFTER THE FIRST EVENT 25TH ABU DHABI LADIES OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Friday, 28th – Saturday, 29th November 2008 Al Ghazal Golf Club

No.

Name

Club

1 2 3 T4 T4 6 T7 T7 9 10

ANGELA SCURR SUE HENDERSON AGNES ANWAR ADELE MCKELVEY SANA TUFAIL NANNA NIELSEN CLAIRE FENSOME ANINA BESTER SANDRA GRENET NASHA SARKARI

AGGC ADGC UGA ARGC ADGC EGC EGC AGGC TEC DCGYC

Points 30 24 22 19.5 19.5 18 16.5 16.5 15 14

Remaining Events

Friday, 9th - Saturday, 10th

JANUARY 2009 Dubai Creek Men’s Amateur Open

FEBRUARY 2009

Friday, 6th - Saturday, 7th

FEBRUARY 2009 Emirates Amateur Open

Friday, 20th - Saturday, 21st

BMW Men’s OpenADGC

Friday, 6th – Saturday, 7th

MARCH 2009 3rd RAK Men’s Open

AHGC

Friday, 20th – Saturday, 21st

36th NBAD Men’s Open

AGGC

Thursday, 2nd Friday, 3rd

BMW Ladies Open

TMD

Friday, 24th – Saturday, 25th

APRIL 2009 BMW Men’s Open

TMD

Friday, 24th Saturday, 25th

BMW Ladies Open

ADGC

DCGYC

Friday, 20th Saturday, 21st

3rd RAK Ladies Open

EGC Majlis

Friday, 27th Saturday, 28th

Emirates Ladies Amateur Open

Friday, 20th Saturday, 21st

Ladies Amateur Open

AHGC R1 – EGC Wadi R2 – EGC Majlis

MARCH 2009 DCGYC

APRIL 2009

E M I R AT E S G O L F F E D E R AT I O N

ARABIAN GOLF

‘a huge success’ Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, Ibrahim AbdulMalik, Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Welfare and EGF Board Member, Darwish Al Qubaisi (National Marine Dredging Company) with the winners of the afternoon shotgun event holding their prizes – John Fellingham, Tejan Fadlu-deen, Paul King and Joel Neale.

RESULTS - 1.0pm Shotgun

RESULTS - 8.0 am Shotgun

Winners

Runner-up

Third place

Nearest to the pin Nearest to the pin Longest Drive Longest Drive

John Fellingham, Tejan Fadlu-deen, Paul King, Joel Neale (87 points) Dileep Kumar, Arvind Kittur, Sunil Dharan, Raj Janakdhan (85 points) Saeed Malik, Khaled Yousuf, Dino Varkey, Jay Varkey (84 points) 14th (ladies): Vicki Rogers 5th (Men): Frans Van De laak 4th (ladies): Sandra Grenet 12th (Men): Jay Varkey

Runner-up

Third place

Nearest to the pin Nearest to the pin Longest Drive Longest Drive

Craig Finlayson, Simon Shirreffs, Richie Davidson, Craig McLovin (81 points) Emiliano Dermsconi, Arshad Waheed, Eka Onggo, Mr. Rajalekha (81 points) Kevin Roy, Sattm Rehman, Patrick Mulligan, Shomail Ghaub (80 points) 14th (ladies): Wilma Foulkes 5th (Men): Jerry Durosett 4th (ladies): Sharon Hall 12th (Men): Tony Stafford

EGF Membership and Handicap Scheme Affiliate Membership Affiliate membership is paid by members who are a member of a golf club, either inside or outside the United Arab Emirates. Every member of a golf club in a country that has a Golf Union, Association, Committee or Federation has to be a member of that organisation either directly, ( if you are a member of an overseas club), or indirectly, ( if you are a member of a local club). This enables the member to hold a valid, recognised handicap obtained through playing in sanctioned Opens and other club competitions. Members directly affiliated to the EGF receive the benefit of reduced prices at golf clubs. It is the affiliate members’ responsibility, including members who have their home club outside the UAE to ensure that their home club receives sufficient scorecards in order to maintain their handicaps. The members’ home club is always responsible for maintaining their handicap and issuance of their handicap certificate. Handicap Scheme Membership This membership is designed for those golfers who

are not members of golf clubs, for whatever reason, but still would like to have a handicap and play in competitions. Golfers must fill in an application form either online at www.ugagolf.com or at the EGF office and supply a copy of their passport and residence visa. The golfer will then, after paying the membership fee, become a member of the EGF and be given a membership card. This would not entitle the member to an automatic handicap, however, and the member would have to produce three 18-holes or six 9-holes scorecards in order to establish a handicap. These cards must not be older than six months and must be filled out correctly with the date the game was played, the members’ name, all the scores filled in and signed by both the member and marker, who must be a member of a golf club or a member of the EGF. If the members’ scores are not of a standard where the average score is a 28 handicap then the EGF may require the member to visit a PGA Professional to obtain a playing certificate in order to be able to play on the golf course and improve their scores to the level required. After the member has obtained a handicap they will be issued with a handicap card by the EGF.

www.wwgolf.biz

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LINDA WESSBERG

ARABIAN GOLF

IT’S GREAT TO BE BACK LINDA Wessberg was delighted to be back in Dubai and playing in the Ladies Masters again – for a number of reasons. “I love this place, the sights, the shopping, the hotels, the weather – everything,” says Linda. “I also love this tournament and the Majlis Course. It’s in great condition and with the unusual amount of rain Dubai has had recently the course isn’t playing as fast as usual, which suits me fine. “Last year I was recovering from a troublesome knee injury which affected my 2007 season and this year I’ve just got back into the game after a serious shoulder injury which has all but wiped out this year’s campaign. “It was a peculiar injury. I could play three or four holes without a problem and then I’d play a shot and the pain would be like a knife going into my shoulder. I’ve had all the X-rays and treatment and after several weeks of rehab I’m now working out and enjoying my practice. EMOTIONAL “At last year’s Dubai Ladies Masters I played with Annika and it was an emotional week here at Emirates Golf Club with her playing her final Tour event. I played with Annika in the Solheim Cup at Halmstad GolfKlubb in Sweden. “That was a fantastic experience,” says Linda. “The atmosphere, the crowds and the whole event was like nothing I’d ever seen before. I loved it. The entire tournament was so much fun. I get such a buzz playing in front of big crowds who create a great atmosphere. It was a thrill to play in my own country and pair up with Maria Hjorth in our Saturday better-ball to tie with Paula Creamer and Brittany Lincicome, and then beat Cristie Kerr in the singles.” The two Swedes, Linda and Maria, were both wild card picks of Captain Helen Alfredsson in the European team that lost the Solheim Cup 16-12. “Annika and I lived only an hour-and-a-half from each other and we are all very proud of her in Sweden. She’s done such a lot for ladies golf throughout her career and the game could not have had a better ambassador. We’re all going to miss her – but maybe now some of us will have a better chance to win. It was a sad moment on the Sunday when she finally bowed out but we all wish her well for the future. “I’m sure Lorena Ochoa and Yani Tseng will make it just as difficult to win tournaments but at least it improves our chances considerably.”

Linda’s shoulder injury limited her to just two top-ten finishes on the LPGA Tour in the United States last season but she’s now looking forward to an injury-free season ahead. Linda first burst onto the scene in 2003 on the Ladies European Tour as the Telia Tour Player of the Year and Swedish Match Play Champion. She then went on to win qualifying school for the 2004 season and in her rookie year she took the Ladies European Tour by storm. The tall, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Swede from Gothenburg hit the ground running on the Tour, finishing second in the Ladies Open of Portugal, tied third at the French Open, and sharing fifth place at the KLM Ladies Open to finish the season ninth on the Order of Merit. In her five seasons on Tour Linda, aged 27, has proved she has the game and the determination to make it to the top. She won her maiden victory on the Ladies European Tour at the 2006 Wales Ladies Championship, beating Laura

Davies by one shot with a birdie finish at the 72nd hole. She had three further top tens and three more top 20s to finish the season sixth on the New Star Money List with €142,414. IMPORTANT Linda added a second LET win in June last year at the Vediorbis Open de France and shared second place at the Golf Punk Ladies English Open. She earned €157,455 and finished the season in eighth place on the money list. Linda is delighted with her Ecco sponsorship deal, which is now in its fourth year. “I think that footwear plays an important role in the life of a Tour golfer and wearing Ecco shoes has made a big difference to me,” she says. “The great thing is they’re so comfortable – and that’s vitally important – but they’ve also so stylish and funky. I love the new range and the fabulous colours. “I went into the Dubai Ladies Masters knowing I was very rusty and without any expectations. I was not too disappointed that my five-over 74 – 75 was not good enough to make the cut at three-over. “Still, I’m looking forward to the New Year and to playing a full season in perfect health and fitness.”

www.wwgolf.biz

THE MONTGOMERIE, DUBAI

ARABIAN GOLF

FERGUSON’S 9-PT WIN IN BMW CITIZENS STABLEFORD JOHN Ferguson ran away with the Men’s Division ‘B’ in a recently held BMW Citizens Stableford with a score of 47 points – nine points clear of Ayaz Afridi. The Ladies Division ‘A’ saw another title win for Debbie Murray who finished three points ahead of Charmaine Bruwer. Tight battles were fought out in Men’s Divisions ‘A’ and ‘C’ and Ladies ‘B’ division as only one point separated the winners from second place in each case. Richard Smith claimed the Men’s ‘A’ Division on 38 points, ahead of Johnathon Toms while in Division ‘C’ John Murray topped the pile ahead of Kevin Barry

with 37 points. The Ladies Division ‘B’ saw Sheena Reese take the title with 32 points against Linda Mahoney’s 31. In addition to four major mixed and open club tournaments, BMW sponsors eight Citizens Stableford competitions during the winter seasons which are designed specifically for The Montgomerie Dubai golf members only. Nearest the Pin prizes were awarded to: Men’s – Dillon Gohil; Ladies – Sheena Rees. The Men’s Longest Drive winner was Gary Moore, while Ladies Longest Drive winner was Barbara McBean.

CONTACT (04) 390 5600 www.themontgomerie.com GREEN FEES All rates are in UAE Dirhams (AED) 1st October 2008 to 31st May 2009 Visitor: 725 UGA Member (Thurs-Sat): 580 UGA Member (Sun-Wed): 510 Green Fees are inclusive of 18 holes of golf, shared cart and access to the Practice Facility with unlimited range balls prior play. All green fees are subject to 10% Dubai Municipality fees. Current Twilight Rate (2:00PM onwards) - AED 225 GOLF SERVICES Club Rental 18 holes: 190 Club Rental 9 holes: 125 Shoe Rental : 55 Driving Range: 120 Hole Academy Course: 120 Range + Academy Course:200

ABU DHABI GOLF & EQUESTRIAN CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

Schwarte family shine in Rotana Junior

UAE NATIONAL DAY TROPHY

AN Eid day in December provided the perfect opportunity for ADGEC to host the busiest Rotana Junior League Event of the season so far. More than 110 young golfers participated in round three of the seven-event series – all of them eager to play well. Tom Mason claimed the handicap trophy in the 18-hole event with an outstanding return of net 66 from his 27 handicap. Gross champion was

The UAE team celebrate their participation in the competition.

Phillip Buultjens who returned a very creditable gross 83. In the ten-hole event the Schwarte family had a great evening, with Till Schwarte claiming the Boys Trophy with 26 points and Emilie Schwarte taking the Girls’ Trophy with 15 points. The hugely competitive three-hole event was as close as ever, with C.J. Van Der Meje edging home in the Boys field with 15 shots. Alex Tawil came in just one shot further back in the runner-up spot. Anna Niederlander was the Girls Champion, carding a solid 17 shots. In the ‘Nippers’ two-hole event, Mustafa Afzal was victorious in the Boys field, taking just 12 shots to cover the two holes, while Taylah Collins topped the pile in the Girls category with 24 shots.

Emilie Schwarte, surrounded by Father Christmas ‘lookalikes,’ collects her prize for winning the Girls’ Trophy.

A WONDERFUL day’s golf was had on UAE National Day as 24 teams competed in a ‘Best Two from Four’ Stableford Competition. Participants were encouraged to wear their ‘National Dress’ during the day which made for some amazingly colourful scenes on and off the golf course. Buggies were festooned with flags, players were wearing football shirts, a few teams even had ghetto blasters with them blaring out their National Music around the Golf Course. On the first tee, every team had to sing their National Anthems and all the performances were recorded on video and played back at the evening presentation which was very entertaining. After all the players had walked off the course and counted their scorecards it was revealed that Team USA, consisting of Tom Jones, Tim Langford, Carroll Dahoun and Elizabeth Campbell were the winners. They lifted the trophy after scoring a sensational 94 points.

DOHA GOLF CLUB

Lutton and Jacobs Win Jaidah Group Challenge

A SUNNY day in November saw a total of 108 keen golfers – mostly leading business executives – gather to participate in a two-ball Texas Scramble challenge sponsored by Jaidah Group. The tournament commenced at noon with a speech by the COO of Jaidah Group, Bengt Schultz, followed by a shotgun tee-off for 96 men on the 18-hole Championship Course. Later in the afternoon the 12 ladies teed off on the nine-hole Academy Course. Clarke Lutton and Lauren Jacobs combined to win the Men’s Trophy with a net score of 63 while the Ladies Champions were Cazzie Millington and Lindsay Milner who scored a net 28. There were 15 other prizes presented, one of which was a coveted prize for the player who could hit Nearest the Pin in two shots on Hole 15. The prize up for grabs was the chance to drive a Chevrolet Corvette for a week and, after all shots were made and measured, it was Sammy Rose who came out the closest.

THE Qatar Golf Lovers organised their third Ryder Cup-themed golf tournament recently which saw the reigning champions Canada fall to defeat against the Rest of the World team.

Pictured above: The winning team captain Pavan Singh with Team Canada’s captain Laurie Tulk (left), sponsor of the event Fazal Kazi and QGL President PK Mathew

I N T E R C O N T I N E N TA L R I YA D H G O L F C L U B

AMERICA’S JUAN ROSADO BEATS STRONG INTERNATIONAL FIELD AT THE 4TH BANQUE SAUDI FRANSI OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP THE fourth Banque Saudi Fransi Golf Open Championship was concluded on Friday 5th December as more than 100 players of 12 different nationalities competed for the prizes. American golf enthusiast Juan Rosado of Vinnell Arabia signed for a 73 point total which saw him walk away with the first prizes of a Titleist golf set and bag and an airline ticket, courtesy of Air France. Rosado played solidly over the two days to claim the title and Baby Joseph, Assistant Golf Club Manager said: “We are really happy to host this event for the fourth consecutive year. It has become very popular in the middle east with players coming from Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain and other parts of the region.”

C0NTACT +996 1 465 5000 6146 recreation@icriyadh.com INFO Opened in 1997 Course 18 Holes Par-71 6,724 yard Championship Course. State of the Art Golf Academy and grassed Driving Range. Designer: Peter Harradine WEEKLEY RATES 9 holes – SR 75 18 holes – SR 100 WEEKEND RATES 9 holes – SR 100 18 holes –SR 140 HIRE Club Hire 120dhs RANGE BALLS: SR 15 per bucket

Bassam Jallad, Director of Sales for Air France Riyadh presents the prizes to all the day’s winners at the Banque Saudi Fransi Golf Open Championship.

BUGGY HIRE: SR 40

ARABIAN GOLF

DOHA GOLF CLUB

BOO WEEKLEY JOINS THE STARS COMING OUT TO SHINE IN DOHA Boo Weekley delights the galleries at Valhalla during The Ryder Cup as he ‘gallops’ down the fairway.

LOCATION Close to West Bay Lagoon, 8km north of central Doha. CONTACT +974 483 2338 info@dohagolfclub.com INFO 18-hole 7,374-yard par72 Championship course accompanied by a floodlit 9-hole Academy Course with spectacular views of the West Bay Lagoon. Designed by Peter Harradine. RATES Championship Course 18 holes – 575DHS 9 holes – 390DHS Academy Course 18 holes – 280DHS 9 holes – 150DHS

World’s top players heading for the Commercialbank Qatar Masters

HE richest Middle East event on last year’s PGA European Tour, the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy, will be staged at Doha Golf Club for the 12th time from January 22-25, 2009. Won in 2008 by Australian Adam Scott courtesy of a final round course-record 61, the tournament is rightly regarded as a powerful component of the trio of events that make up the Middle East Swing. It was Scott and not Tiger Woods or Martin Kaymer (who won in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively) who walked away with the biggest winner’s cheque for playing in the Gulf over one of the most demanding courses in the region. Last year’s Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy, attracted more than 16,000 spectators to the Doha Golf Club who took advantage of the complimentary entrance – the only PGA European Tour event to be free of charge to the public in the Middle East. “Doha’s population may not be as great as the other regional venues on the Tour, but the spectators appreciate the undoubted quality of the field as well as the unique challenge offered by Doha Golf Club,” said Qatar Golf Association (QGA) President Hassan Al Nuami. “While entries are still open for the 2009 event, we are unable to finalise the entry list but spectators and sponsors can rest assured that we are already attracting a world class field with one or two surprise names in store.” One big name player who has confirmed to play this year is American Ryder Cup star Boo Weekley. The colourful Floridian will make

his Middle Easy debut at Doha Golf Club and organisers are delighted to welcome him to the country. “Boo Weekley brought something different to The Ryder Cup so we are expecting him to be a big favourite with the galleries,” said Al Nuami. “Although the event has been staged 11 times, it has never been won by an American. Boo certainly has the talent and the game to win in Doha, although I am sure he knows it won’t be easy over a course we believe is the toughest on the Middle East Swing.” PROUD Commercialbank Group CEO, Andrew Stevens, is happy with how preparations for this year’s event have gone. “Although our prize-fund breakdown has yet to be revealed, it is fair to say we are proud of our position as the richest event to be staged in the Middle East during 2008,” he said. “With the support of the Qatar Golf Association and the Qatar Olympic Committee, we have seen the tournament grow to become one of the leading tournaments on the Tour’s international calendar. “We have a wonderful venue, a world-class infrastructure and an all-star cast of players who have helped propel the event to a height few could have imagined just a few years ago. “At Commercialbank, we are proud to play our part in helping promote Qatar to a global audience through our flagship Commercialbank Qatar Masters, as well as our support sponsorship of events like the Sony Ericsson Championships –

sporting properties that place Doha and Qatar on the global stage at a time when it is importance to show confidence and ambition from the region.” Doha Golf Course General Manager Chris Myers also believes the event is the most challenging of the three Middle East tournaments. “I think all the players agree that Doha provides a real test of golf with a biting desert wind capable of ruining even the best golfer’s scorecard,” he said. “In addition, the course was designed by Peter Harradine and is renowned for its lush green fairways, challenging greens and water hazards, which dominate an area that used to be a desert wasteland but is now a world-class Tour venue.”

Adam Scott with the trophy for winning the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy, in 2008, having previously won in 2002. www.wwgolf.biz

D U B A I C R E E K G O L F & YA C H T C L U B

Oh, What a Win THE soft conditions at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club helped S.H. Oh take the Overall prize at last month’s BMW Medal competition with a fine net 68. A thunderstorm had only just cleared its way from the course before play was due to start which left the grass freshly watered. Oh’s result could have been more dominant had it not been for a triple and quadruple bogey over his last four holes. He managed to steady himself to finish with a solid par on his last hole to confirm the victory. Runner-up in Men’s ‘B’ Division was Ashok Galgotia with a solid net 71. Paul King continued his rich vein of form by finishing in the prizes of the Men’s ‘A’ Division for three months in a row with his superb net 68 to take first place from Jaques Borchardt and Shahram Shamshee who both returned a net 70. Borchardt took second place after a countback. Shamshee’s gross 75 won the Lowest Gross score prize for the day. The Ladies Division saw two up-and-coming golfers take the prizes with Diya Chopra in first place with net

ARABIAN GOLF

S.H. Oh receiving the BMW trophy from DCGYC Captain Abdul Aziz Al Hakim and David Gray, Golf Operations Executive at DCGYC.

C0NTACT (04) 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 Design Originally: Karl Litten Redesign: European Golf Design in association with Thomas Björn

69 and Shloka Desai in second place three shots back on net 72. Dubai Creek’s prestigious Men’s Amateur Open sponsored by Omega will take place on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th January where Vikram Judge will be looking to increase his record number of wins to seven. The next BMW monthly medal will be staged on Saturday 3rd January.

VAN HEUSDEN CROWNED 16th DUBAI DUTY FREE WORLD GOLF CUP CHAMPION MIKE Van Heusden was crowned the 16th Dubai Duty Free World Golf Cup Champion at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club after two excellent rounds. Van Heusden carded 38 points over the first round at Four Seasons Golf Club and followed it with 35 points at the Creek to take the title by a single point. He was one of more than 100 players who participated in the annual event which is open to representatives from the travel retail industry and attracted 70 overseas visitors. Commenting at the successful conclusion of the tournament, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said: “This tournament has gone from strength to strength over the years and we are delighted to say that some of our players have been here every year since 1993. “My thanks go to my team at Dubai Duty Free and to the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and Four Seasons Golf Club for making this year’s event so enjoyable.”

LOCATION Deira, opposite Deira City Centre

Steve Flanagan claimed the overall visitor’s winner title with a total of 72 points while the overall Dubai-based winner was Sandy McPherson with 70 points. The overall runner-up prize went to Jan Baljet with 72 points and in third place overall was James Kfouri with 71 points. Other winners in the Men’s Division were Gurbax Singh, Joseph Andrade, Ian Walton, Kevin Walsh, Colin Matthews and Khalid Al Halyan. The overall Ladies Division visitor winner was Nancy Millar with a grand total of 70 points, five clear of secondplaced Satnam Kaur. The best placed Dubai-based score was recorded by Jacqui Barry who took home the silverware with 72 points, while the other winners in the Ladies Division were Naema Maya, Carmel King, Carla Reidel, Karin Mounib, Vicky Smith and Stephanie Thomas. In the Senior category, Fred Taylor was triumphant with his total score of 67 points with Ara Nakhnikian finishing runner-up, one point back. Super Seniors Winner was the sprightly Gunther Becker, finishing with a grand total of 62 points for back-to-back wins over the last two years. Also collecting prizes from Dubai Duty Free for their Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive efforts over the two days were Vicki Smyth, Satnam Kaur, Tom Palmer, Sandy McPherson, Naema Maya, Jacqui Barry, Khalid Al Halyan, Colin Matthews, Nancy Miller, Giles Marks, Nic Bruwer, Stephanie Thomas, Steve Flanagan and Toby Andrews.

RATES The Shoulder Rates below are valid from 1st October 2008 until 15th November 2008, and from 1st April 2009 until 31st May 2009 Winter rates Dubai Creek Course: 18 holes Par-3 course: 9 holes

Rack Rate 18 Shoulder Peak 695 Shoulder Off Peak 595 Winter Peak 795 Winter Off Peak 695

9 75 75 75 75

UGA Shoulder Peak 625 Shoulder Off Peak 535 Winter Peak 715 Winter Off Peak 625

75 75 75 75

Junior Shoulder Peak 490 Shoulder Off Peak 490 Winter Peak 560 Winter Off Peak 560

55 55 55 55

WINTER HIRE RATES Price (Dhs.) Club Hire Practice Balls (per bucket of 50 balls) Shoe Hire Trolley Hire

170 30 65 25

Mike Van Heusden receives the winner’s trophy from Colm McLoughlin, with George Horan (left), Sinead El Sibai, Salah Tahlak of Dubai Duty Free along with Tour Professional, Des Smyth (right) looking on. www.wwgolf.biz

ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

Driving Range Opening Day CONTACT (02) 558 8990

ABU Dhabi Golf Club celebrated its much-anticipated Opening Day of its new practice facilities on November 28. The festivities began when General Manager, Ian Gardner, performed the ribbon cutting ceremony (pictured right) and was followed by The Golf Institute by Troon Golf’s Instructional Staff simultaneously hitting tee shots. The 450 guests were treated to a full day’s entertainment of instructional clinics, raffle draws, Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin competitions, a Callaway Demo Day, and a BBQ buffet. The new facility boasts a five zone, Bose Surround Sound System, a fairway practice bunker, six target greens, a 145m x 40m grassed tee, and a short game area to hone your skills from 75 yards. All the staff at Abu Dhabi Golf Club would like to thank the members, guests, media, sponsors and VIP invitees who joined in the celebrations.

INFO: The 27 hole championship course, managed by the worldrenowned Troon Golf, weaves through undulating terrain that features palms, ornamental trees and shrubs, as well as nine spectacular saltwater lakes. The experience provides a toughbut-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. OFF PEAK RATES: National Course Non Member AED 325 EGF Member AED 260 WEEKEND RATES Non Member AED 390 EGF Member AED 320 Buggy Hire & Range Balls included in the above rates.

Immelman joins the ADGC stars TREVOR Immelman (pictured right), the 2008 Masters Champion, has joined the impressive list of star players competing in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, on January 15-18. Immelman’s ice-cool performance at Augusta National beat off the challenge from Tiger Woods to become the first South African since Gary Player to wear the Green Jacket. immelman, aged 28, joins another reigning Major Champion, Padraig Harrington, who won the 2008 British Open Championship at Royal

Birkdale and the U.S. PGA Championship. The likeable Dubliner also won The 2007 Open at Carnoustie. Paul Lawrie and Michael Campbell are two other Major winners in the field which includes leading players Colin Montgomerie, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Ian Poulter, World No.8 Henrik Stenson and Paul Casey, winner of the tournament in 2007. Also competing is current World No.2 Sergio Garcia, winner of THE PLAYERS Championship, golf’s ‘fifth Major,’ and the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai, the first event in The Race to Dubai.

Junior Camps a great success during the recent holidays THE Golf Institute by Troon Golf hosted a series of half day junior golf camps during the National Day and Eid Holidays. The camps were a tremendous success with 110 spots being filled over the eight days with children ranging in ages from 4 to 14. The three hour sessions were filled with topics like swing fundamentals, putting, chipping, etiquette, and rules. Golf Institute Instructors Roland Schippers and Damian McHugh were complimented on how they provided a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere for the juniors to improve their skills. More junior camps will be run throughout the year during school breaks. The Youth Performance Programme will be commencing in mid January. For more information on junior programmes, call 02 558 8990 and ask for the Golf Desk. www.wwgolf.biz

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DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC LINES UP CHAMPIONS’ PARADE TO MARK ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY

DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC 1989-2008 ROLL OF HONOUR 1989 Mark James (England) 1990 Eamonn Darcy (Ireland) 1992 Seve Ballesteros (Spain) 1993 Wayne Westner (S.A.) 1994 Ernie Els (S.A.) 1995 Fred Couples (USA) 1996 Colin Montgomerie (Scotland) 1997 Richard Green (Australia) 1998 José Maria Olazábal (Spain) 1999 David Howell (England)

A GLITTERING parade of past champions, many of whom are still calling the shots, will mark the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Dubai Desert Classic which gets underway at the Emirates Golf Club from January 26 to February 1. The galaxy of champions, which includes big guns like Ernie Els, Henrik Stenson, and Thomas Björn, will be hoping to conjure up another piece of magic on the Majlis course to revive golden memories. Mark James was the inaugural winner of the region’s longest-running European Tour event in 1989. James, who went on to become Europe’s Ryder Cup captain at Brookline in1999, took home around $55,000 for his victory, while Tiger Woods collected $416,660 for his second Classic triumph last year. After two decades of Classic glory it is now one of the premier events on The European Tour. Even though 2008 champion Woods will miss the tournament due to knee surgery rehabilitation, the tournament’s star quality will be as high as ever with the event’s 120man line-up boasting one of the strongest early-season fields in world golf. “We are

inviting all our past winners to honour them for their contributions in raising the profile of the event,” said Mohammed Juma Buamaim, Vice-Chairman and CEO of ‘golf in Dubai’ – the promoters and organisers of the event. “Dubai Desert Classic champions like Fred Couples, Wayne Westner, José Maria Olazábal and José Coceres will join our ‘golf in Dubai’ ambassadors Ernie Els, Henrik Stenson, Thomas Björn, Jeev Milkha Singh, Mark O’Meara and Colin Montgomerie among other past winners in a field which promises an intriguing four days. PASSION “This will be a ‘Classic week’ which will truly underline how Dubai has grown to become one of the world’s most exciting golfing destinations. Dubai’s continued passion for golf is unquestioned and we welcome the backing of the golfing community as well as our loyal sponsors for what has been accomplished and for what we aim to achieve in the future.” Mohammed Yahya, Manager, Corporate Relations and International Affairs, DUBAL,

2000 José Coceres (Argentina) 2001 Thomas Björn (Denmark) 2002 Ernie Els (S.A.) 2003 Robert-Jan Derksen (Holland) 2004 Mark O’Meara (USA) 2005 Ernie Els (S.A.) 2006 Tiger Woods (USA) 2007 Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 2008 Tiger Woods (USA)

the main sponsors of the tournament, commented: “We are again delighted to be the main sponsor for the Dubai Desert Classic,” he said. “It’s a role we have enjoyed since 1990. “DUBAL’s ongoing support of world-class golf tournaments, organised by ‘golf in Dubai,’ is one of the many ways that our company invests in the development of Dubai by helping showcase the superb tourism and business infrastructure offered by Dubai and the UAE to international audiences. “The Dubai Desert Classic offer DUBAL a fine opportunity to nurture stronger relationships with our local business associates. “We are proud that our support of the Desert Classic has helped raise Dubai’s profile in the world golfing community. Today, the name of Dubai is synonymous with golfing facilities par excellence and a great deal of the city’s popularity as a golf destination is down to the success of the Dubai Desert Classic.” Tickets for the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic are available online at www.dubaidesertclassic.com.

E M I R AT E S G O L F C L U B

ARABIAN GOLF

Bruppacher’s brilliance on the Majlis WALTER Bruppacher triumphed in a recent Gentlemen’s Stableford Tournament sponsored by men-u over the Majlis course with a stunning 40-point total. In an extremely close contest Bruppacher birdied his final hole – the 166-yard 4th hole – to clinch the title by one point from Tom Green and Alan Lindsay. The other highlight of his round was a magnificent birdie on the famous 18th hole. Tom Green claimed the Longest Drive on hole 8 to add to his runnerup prize and in turn reduce his handicap to 4 having started the season off on 10.

LOCATION Emirates Hills, Interchange 5 Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Hard Rock Café CONTACT (04) 380 2222 egc@dubaigolf.com Book online tee times at www.dubaigolf.com INFO Majlis Course – 1988 Wadi by Faldo Course – 1996, redesigned in 2006 COURSES Majlis – 18 holes, Par 72, 7211 yards, championship course Wadi by Faldo Course – 18 holes, Par 72, 7433 yards Designer: Majlis Course – Karl Litten WINTER RATES

Water Bruppacher (centre) with Club Captain Surrender Singh (right).

Jenny Ayres stars in Westar Medal JENNY Ayres triumphed in the December addition of the Ladies Monthly Medal sponsored by Westar Properties. Ayres signed for a level par net 73 over the Faldo Course following ten bogeys and eight pars, a consistent performance matching her 10 handicap. Carolyn Thompson continued her fine form this season as she managed to card a net 74 to take the runner-up place in Silver Division ‘A’ (handicap 0-12). Val Pullan, another player in fine form following her victory the previous month, carded an 80, the best gross of the day. Yong Bok Chun clinched Silver Division ‘B’ (handicap 13-20) with a net 77, one shot clear of Mihee Kil. Janet Curtis also came in with a 77 to win Bronze Division (handicap 21-36).

Wadi by Faldo : 18 holes EGC Majlis: 18 holes Par 3: 9 holes

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Solheim Cup squad practice at Emirates Golf Club WITH just eight months remaining until The 2009 Solheim Cup is contested at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois, European Solheim Cup Captain, Alison Nicholas, is raring to go. Nicholas, perhaps Europe’s most organised captain in history, invited eight potential team members for a group practice session at Emirates Golf Club last month, following the Dubai Ladies Masters. Her aim is to get to know some of the possible team members better before she announces her captain’s picks at the 2009 RICOH Women’s British Open in August. Those who attended the practice session were European No.1 Gwladys Nocera, fellow French star Anne-Lise Caudal, newly-named Ryder Cup Wales Rookie of the Year, Melissa Reid, from England, last year’s leading rookie Louise Stahle of Sweden, Spain’s Tania Elosegui and multiple LET champions Laura Davies, Lisa Hall and Martina Eberl. “I asked players who are in current form and there was a mixture from the European

Solheim Cup ranking, the Ladies European Tour’s New Star Money List and the Rolex World Rankings,” said Nicholas. “However, I am not excluding anybody from my plans. There are a lot of other players who could also be considered if they come into form in 2009 and I will be watching very closely “The day provided the opportunity for everyone to get to know each other better and gave me a chance to see their games a little more closely.” Emirates Golf Club General Manager Chris May was equally excited at the opportunity to host potential team members from the European squad: “To have a small attachment with the European Solheim Cup Team and provide them with an opportunity to practice and build some team spirit in advance of the matches was fantastic,” he said. “The golf course was in great shape following the Dubai Ladies Masters, and as everybody knows our practice facilities are second to none.”

Solheim Cup Captain Alison Nicholas (centre right) and Joanne Morley (centre left) are joined by four potential front-runners to make the 2009 European Solheim Cup Team: (from left to right), Tania Elosegui, Anne-Lise Caudal, Martina Eberl and Gwladys Nocera. www.wwgolf.biz

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DUBAI LADIES MASTERS

A LEGEND BOWS OUT GERMANY’S Anja Monke stole the limelight from Annika Sorenstam in winning the Dubai Ladies Masters last month in what was the Swedish legend’s final ever competitive tournament. Sorenstam bowed out with a birdie on the 18th but had to settle for seventh place as the young Monke claimed her second Ladies European Tour title of the season with a three-shot victory over Italian Veronica Zorzi. Monke shot a final-round 68 for a 13-under total to win by three from Zorzi and four from England’s

However, she has not ruled out a possible return to Dubai. “There are few places around the world where I’ve taken an afternoon to do something, but this place is unique,” said Sorenstam. “To come here and relax in the afternoon, and just experience things that I can’t do at home – the falcons, the camel rides, the sunsets, and the service, there’s nothing like it. “I love it here, obviously the culture is very different from where I come from, but the people are really nice, I love the food, I love the cleanliness.

Laura Davies. Sorenstam finished on 6-under for a tie for seventh. “I’m feeling very happy,” said Monke. “I mean, I had to play my game no matter what or where the focus is.”

For me it’s exotic.” Sorenstam leaves the game with 89 career titles, including 10 Major championships, which is more than any other female professional golfer. She raised the bar for ladies golf and is an inspiration to

For the majority of fans the focus was on Sorenstam. She began solidly with a 70 and then fired herself into contention with a 66. However, on

millions of young golfers everywhere. At the age of 38, arguably the greatest player the female game has ever seen has said goodbye.

the Saturday she fell down the leaderboard after shooting 75 and a victory on her final appearance fell out of reach. Undeterred she stepped up to an eight-footer

“I still love the competition and winning tournaments, but the daily demands and amount of time required to stay near the top have become more than I desire,” Sorenstam said. “I have a lot

for birdie on the final green and duly knocked it in to the delight of the galleries and her fellow professionals.

going on and the last thing I’m going to be doing

“It means a lot. When you get that kind of respect from the players it breaks your heart,” she said of her fellow Tour players who watched her finish and clapped her off the green. “I felt it today and it was very special.”

is sitting on a couch.” Hopefully we’ve not seen the last of Annika in Dubai,

Sorenstam claimed the first two Dubai Ladies Masters titles in 2006 and 2007 and will now leave

a place where she’ll always be

the Tour to start a family with soon-to-be husband Mike McGee and focus on her business interests.

welcomed with open arms.

Introducing Clare Lipscombe Hi! Please let me introduce myself. My name is Clare Lipscombe and I am a Lady Professional Golfer from Al Hamra Golf Club. I am also the Events Coordinator at the club. I have been in the UAE since April last year and am very fortunate to be in such a great country doing a job that I love. I have been a Professional Golfer for the last six years and have played on the Ladies European Tour, South African Tour and also the Swedish Telia Tour. Two highlights so far have been winning a professional event in Finland and competing in the Australian Open. I was very fortunate to have played for England as an amateur, which was a huge honour. Two other fond memories of my amateur days were winning the English Ladies Strokeplay Championship at Gog Magog in Cambridgeshire and also The ‘Sunningdale Foursomes’ partnered by Stuart Little, beating Trish Johnson and Jamie Spence in the final. I was also very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work, play and practice at Wentworth whilst on Tour and before moving to the UAE. The whole of the UAE is a golfer’s paradise and to be able to work out here is just fantastic. I am very grateful for being given the opportunity to work here and look forward to meeting some of you in the near future. I must thank Worldwide Golf for allowing me to have a column in the magazine and each month we will look at all aspects of how to improve your game, from diet and fitness to technique and we’ll also look at golfing news from around the world. www.wwgolf.biz

FOUR SEASONS GOLF CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

Simon Bateman and Bandi Rao take prizes AS THE cooler weather enveloped the golf course, a gathering of ominous clouds appeared with the intent of dampening the competitive spirit of the Club’s Members as they embarked on their quest for victory in November’s Members Individual Stableford competition. Fortunately, the threat of heavy rain did not materialise and Simon Bateman went on to take the title in A Division with 35 points, edging out Bill Buchanan into the runner-up position on 34 points. In B Division Alister Yeo’s 35 points secured him a two point victory over Marlyn Radford, who finished runner-up on 33 points after countback. Bandi Rao’s impressive 39 points ensured clear victory earning him the title of Overall Winner for November’s Stableford competition. Nearest the Pin winners were Bill Buchanan on hole 3 and Ahmad Hamza on hole 11, with Pauline Smith’s outstanding drives winning her both competitions for Straightest Drive on hole 13 and Longest Drive on hole 9.

CONTACT +971 4 601 0101 www.fourseasons.com/ dubaigolf/golf INFO Course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. The 18-hole par-72, 7,303-yard championship course features a magical desert oasis theme. RATES

Division A Winner Simon Bateman (right) receives his prize from Golf Services Manager Craig Skimming.

ALOK PANT CRUISES TO DECEMBER MEDAL WIN

James Dummler (left) with Overall winner Alok Pant.

LOCATION Dubai Festival City, off Dubai 83, six miles out of Dubai City Centre.

A WILDLY inclement day presided not so silently over the Member’s December Monthly Medal as Alok Pant comfortably earned the title of Overall Winner with a 71. Bandi Raos carded an 87 to take the Gross prize while in Division ‘A’ Nawaf Fawaz beat Madhavan Pillai by one stroke with an 82 to top the pile while in Division ‘B’ the same margin saw Neil Grant win from Rabih Sfeila. Grant came home with a 73 to take the title. As with the day’s main play, the on-course competitions provided numerous close encounters with Neil Grant claiming Nearest the Pin on hole 3 and Madhavan Pillai winning the same prize on hole 11. Pauline Smith continued to stand tall for the ladies with an outstanding drive on hole 13 to claim victory while S.S. Kim made the straightest drive on hole 9.

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Keith Hutchinson and Ron Deville win EGF Medal A and B Divisions while Duncan Coyle carries off the overall title KEITH Hutchinson and Ron Deville produced impressive performances to win the Emirates Golf Federation’s Handicap Scheme Medal held recently at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa. Hutchinson fired a superb net 79 to take the honours in Division ‘A’, which followed the strokeplay medal format, while Deville carded 36 points to reign supreme in Division ‘B’, a good six points ahead of runner-up Paul Hutchinson.. The format of the Division ‘B’ was individual Stableford with a full handicap allowance. Duncan Coyle shot a tidy 80 to win the Best Gross overall title – the day’s most prestigious award. Dick Fear and James Rawlings won the Nearest the Pin prizes on 88

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holes 2 and 17 respectively while Tan Cheng Hock and Steve Taylor took the Longest Drive prizes on holes 4 and 18. The monthly event, organised by the Emirates Golf Federation, once again generated a good response despite inclement weather. The EGF Handicap Scheme Golf Days are open to all members of the Federation’s Handicap Scheme with a valid Handicap or a Playing Certificate. The intention behind organising the golf days is to create more playing opportunities for golfers who are not a member of any golf club. The next Handicap Scheme Medal event will be played at the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club on January 10 with a 1.30pm shotgun start.

Winners of the recent Emirates Golf Federation Handicap Scheme Medal with James Williams (left), Director of Golf at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, after the presentation.

TOWER LINKS GOLF CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

Daniel Player scores easy win THE baby-faced assassin that is Daniel Player triumphed in the December Medal with an impressive net 67 from his 15 handicap. Choir-singing enthusiast and plane spotter, Player was hell-bent on taming the course and did so with total ease as he went out in 4-over par 40, which included five straight pars from holes 1 through 4. Player found the back nine tougher as he recorded a triple-bogey on the relatively simple 14th hole. However, to his credit he readjusted himself and finished with a 42 which was good enough for the title. In-form ‘golfaholic’ Joe Wivou finished second, three strokes back with a net 70 from his 10 handicap. Wivou scored a gross 80 with complimenting nines of 40. Mohammed Darwish rounded out the top three in Division ‘A’ , scoring an even-par 72 net and was unlucky not to advance further up the podium as he, like Player, struggled on the 14th hole and made a quadruple bogey. Division ‘B’ winner Roger Van Norden has been battling the golfing demons of late but something changed for the better as he compiled 37 points to edge out Len Collins in a countback for the title. Van Norden scored 17 points over the front nine and 20 on the back – including 15 points from five holes – to secure the victory. Collins was unfortunate to miss out on the top spot as he has been recording some fine scores of late as well as reducing his handicap down from 28 to 26. He played an

LOCATION In Ras Al Khaimah, the golf course meanders through a mangrove reserve with the extremely solid round and could have clinched the title if Hajar Mountains serving as a not for a few errant shots on holes 8 and 9, where he failed picturesque backdrop.

to score. Third place went to the ever-consistent Mark Reid who went out in 17 points and returned in 19 points for a total of 36. Nick Allen recorded a 79 to win the overall Gross title.

C0NTACT +971 7 2279939 (Reservations Desk) golf@towerlinks.com INFO First Open: May 2004 Course – 18 holes Championship Floodlit Back-Nine Designer: Gerald Williams

The victorious Daniel Player after his impressivewin.

Tower’s finest hit Taba Heights

Wivou-lanche of points ZENIA Wivou has started life at Tower Links in style as she stormed around the course in 23 Stableford points to win The Sherwood’s Wednesday Social Stableford, despite failing to score on holes 14 and 15.. Sporting ability obviously runs strong in the Wivou household as young Zenia scored a gross birdie on hole 17, which netted her five points. Ae Yung Kim was again on the podium, finishing in second place with 21 points. Kim had a very tidy round with her only real blemish on hole 17 where she recorded just one point, which turned out to be the inspiration she needed, scoring a gross birdie on the 18th. Third place was decided on a countback with Kathy Richardson pipping Mike Robson after both had finished on 20 Stableford points. The Wooden Spoon was won by Richard Summerfield with his meager tally of 7 points.

The Tower Links ‘Dream Team’ of Simon Payne, Terry Belton, Dan Player and Mike Lamb line up prior to teeing off on the final day and finishing an excellent third. THE Tower Links ‘dream team’ quartet of Simon Payne, Terry Belton, Dan Player and Mike Lamb hit the Taba Heights Golf Resort, Sinai, Egypt, recently to finish a creditable third in the Taba Heights International Pro-Am. With the tournament format being the ‘best two from four’ Stableford scores and the fairways offering generous landing areas, the team felt confident of a top showing on the scenic links. The team got off to a good start on the first day with a tally of 77 points for 12th place but they knew that they had room for improvement. After an ‘early’ night, they teed off in cooler conditions on day two with an improved attitude and an eagerness to propel the Tower Links Team up the leader board.

With the winds gusting from early morning they knew that if they knuckled down and kept their spirits high a score similar to the previous day would have them sitting a few places closer to the leading groups. After another solid performance they tapped in their final putts for a 78-point haul to move up five places into seventh place on the overall leader board. As the sun rose on the third and final day the team knew they needed to deliver something special if they were to finish in a podium position. And that’s exactly what they did. Having familiarised themselves with the course over the previous two days they shot a superb final day 83 points to jump up the leader board and into a third place finish. www.wwgolf.biz

107

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Driver: TaylorMade Burner TP 9.5° Graffalloy Prolite Shaft 3 Wood: TaylorMade Burner TP 14.5° Aldila VS Shaft Rescue: TaylorMade Burner 19° Aldila VS Shaft Irons 3-PW: TaylorMade Burner XD Dynamic Gold S300 Shaft Wedges: TaylorMade Z-Spin 52°, 58° Putter: TaylorMade Rossa Belly Putter Ball: TaylorMade TP Black

Q&A

Q: When did you first start playing golf and where? A: At the age of 13. After hacking around my local park, my father’s work colleague suggested that I join the Junior Golf Clinic at East Dorset Golf Club. I soon became hooked on the game and went on to become Under-16 Dorset Junior Champion. Q: How long have you been in Dubai? A: I was offered the opportunity to move to Four Seasons Golf Club in October 2007. I had worked at The Wisley Golf Club in Surrey for six years prior to that. Q: What’s your favourite memory of your time spent in Dubai so far? A: My favourite moment has to be playing on the winning team in the Dubai Trophy. The amateurs gave us a tough match and it was nice to hole the winning putt. Q: What was your first set of golf clubs? A: My first set of clubs was a set of Mizuno TP-19, as used by Nick Faldo during his peak. A lovely looking blade but not the easiest to use! Q: Who is your golfing hero and why? A: For me there is only one golfing idol – the late Payne Stewart. He was well known for his flamboyant clothing. However, he was a great player and his sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct was a credit to the game and an example to us all. Q: If you were head of the R&A, what rule would you change? A: Rule 24-1. Ball resting against a rake in a bunker – if the ball moves when you remove the rake then you have to replace the ball. This to me is unfair as often rakes are up against the side of the bunker, preventing the ball from rolling down to a flat lie. The rule should be change to allow you to move the rake and play the ball from where it comes to rest.