Worldwide Golf - Issue 103, Gary Player by Worldwide Golf

Issue 103, April 2009

TIPS GEAR STYLE PROPERTY FASHION TRAVEL

WORLDWIDE

Golf Est:1999

Celebrating in Style Executive Editor Gary Player is hosting The Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Invitational at the Majlis Course.

Middle East’s No.1 Golf Magazine

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB’S 21ST ELS●PLAYER●NORMAN●FISHER●NEWS & VIEWS Official Publication of The Emirates Golf Federation & The Arab Golf Federation

Worldwide Golf’s Executive Editor

PLAYER

GARY

PLAYER INTRODUCTION

The par-3 seventh hole at the Emirates Golf Club, Majlis Course, which I’ll play with each of the fourballs who will participate in the Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Invitational presented by ECCO and hosted by Gary Player on April 24th. The course was designed by Karl Litten, who worked at Gary Player Design at the time the course was established.

CELEBRATION TIME! I

AM pleased to be hosting the Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Invitational presented by ECCO under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum at the Emirates Golf Club Majlis Course in Dubai on Friday, April 24. The Invitational comprises a clinic I will do on the driving range at the Emirates Golf Club followed by a 1.30pm shotgun start tournament and an Awards Dinner I will host in the evening. There’s also a VIP Special Brunch at the Golf Club hosted by the South African Business Council and attended by the Ambassador, H.E. Yacoob Abba Omar, where I’m sure to meet some old friends. I have made frequent visits to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Oman in recent years and I can recall the trip I made when I was invited to become the Executive Editor of Worldwide Golf back in 1999.

Appropriate It’s appropriate that the Worldwide Golf Invitational will be played at the Majlis Course, which was designed by Karl Litten, who worked for us at Gary Player Design at the time the course was established. It was a real whistle-stop tour of Dubai when I made my first visit and I met a lot of very interesting people at the golf courses. I also had the pleasure of visiting the racecourse at Nad Al Sheba, which I understand has recently been completely redesigned and is now one of the most impressive tracks in world racing. I bought one of the greatest successes of our stud farm in South Africa, the stallion Wolfhound, from Sheikh Mohammed a few years ago. Wolfhound has produced some prestigious winners for us in South Africa and in Europe. My involvement in the Middle East goes back a long way, to designing The Cascades at Soma Bay on the Red Sea coast, near Hurghada, in Egypt, which is built

on an old military base, to our project over recent years at Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, which is one of the most interesting sites I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I will be visiting Abu Dhabi before driving down to the Emirates Golf Club for the Invitational and I can’t wait to see how things have progressed at Saadiyat Island. It was very gratifying to read the kind words some of the world’s leading golfers had to say about the course when they hit some balls off the 13th tee and down the beach while they were in the Emirate to play the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. Henrik Stenson, Robert Allenby, Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia and Paul Casey all said they were impressed with the layout. “Seeing the Gary Player Course was great – the wind has been well utilised in the design and it will be very links like,” said Paul, who went on to win the tournament. Having designed more than 300 golf courses worldwide I really do believe this will be one of the finest oceanfront courses I’ve ever done. It has been a pleasure working with the TDIC and I have nothing but admiration for what Abu Dhabi is doing and how they are going about it. Popular destination We’re also working on projects in Oman and when we leave Dubai we’re flying off to Morocco to visit our two courses there under development, Mogador, at Essaouira, near Marrakech and Mazagan, at Le Jadida, near Rabat. I’m convinced that Morocco will become a popular golf and tourism destination in the near future. The Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Invitational at the Emirates Golf Club later this month will be a wonderful opportunity to renew some old friendships and acquaintances and make some new ones. I’m really looking forward to the day and I hope to see you there. ■ www.wwgolf.biz

CONTENTS GOLF COMPETITION OF A LIFETIME

Issue 103, April 2009

TIPS GEAR STYLE PROPERTY FASHION TRAVEL

WORLDWIDE

Golf

Carnoustie Golf Links, Scotland.

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QUESTION: WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE GOLFER WHO HAS

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Est:1999

Send you answer by e-mail to: WIN@sportingpublications.com Subject: VisitScotland/Evolution golf Scotland Competition. Normal Worldwide Sporting Publications rules apply. Entries must be received by Monday, May 11, 2009. Winners will be announced in the June issue of Worldwide Golf.

HERE’S your chance to win the trip of a lifetime, courtesy of VisitScotland and Evolution Golf Scotland. Return flights from Dubai International Airport to Glasgow International Airport with accommodation at Gleneagles and St Andrews plus self-drive car hire, are all on offer along with the opportunity to play rounds at the Kings Course at Gleneagles, Kingsbarns, St Andrews New Course and Dukes Course, and Carnoustie. Two nights accommodation in Gleneagles are followed by four nights at the St Andrews Old Course Hotel in a week you’ll never forget. The world renowned Gleneagles Hotel has been a 5 Red Star hotel every year since 1986 and is set in 850 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside while The St Andrews Old Course Hotel, one of the most famous and recognised Hotels in global golf, offers views over the most famous golf course in the world and is situated in the heart of Fife’s links golf community. Both are World Class facilities amongst World Class golf courses. Unique golf courses can be found round every bend in the Kingdom of Fife and amidst breathtaking scenery there are hidden gems like Crail, Anstruther and Lundin Links which can be just as fascinating and challenging as the revered Old Course at St Andrews. A clutch of some of the most celebrated golf courses in the world lie within the Kingdom of Fife – the ideal destination for golf purists and historians alike. Evolution Golf Scotland specialise in providing a tailor-made experience in Scottish Golf Vacations due to its personal expertise of Scottish golf and an unrivalled quality of service. Whether it’s the venues of past and future Open Championships like Carnoustie or St Andrews that you desire or the parkland beauty of Gleneagles, Evolution Golf Scotland can provide the right package, perfectly custom-fitted for you, the individual. Visit www.evolutiongolfscotland.com; www.visitscotland.org; www.conventionscotland.com; www.visitscotland.com. Evolution Golf Scotland: Head Office, 41 Owendale Avenue, Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, Scotland ML4 1NS. UK telephone: +44 141 416 3298; UK Mobile: +44 7980 225559; Kuwait Mobile: +965 66039646.

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of deliver.

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Kingsbarns Golf Club, Fife, Scotland.

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Celebrating in Style

Competition - Win the trip of a lifetime LEGEND GOLF & SAFARI RESORT THE LEGEND SIGNATURE HOLE DESIGNERS HOLE 1 - Trevor Immelman HOLE 2 - Thomas Björn HOLE 3 - Jim Furyk HOLE 4 - Bernhard Langer HOLE 5 - Michael Campbell HOLE 6 - Colin Montgomerie HOLE 7 - Mike Weir HOLE 8 - Camilo Villegas

Executive Editor Gary Player is hosting The Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Invitational at the Majlis Course.

HOLE 9 - Justin Rose HOLE 10 - Padraig Harrington HOLE 11 - Raphaël Jacquelin HOLE 12 - Ian Woosnam HOLE 13 - Luke Donald HOLE 14 - Robert Allenby HOLE 15 - Vijay Singh HOLE 16 - Sergio Garcia HOLE 17 - K.J. Choi HOLE 18 - Retief Goosen

Sergio Garcia, who designed the 16th hole at Legend, at the spectacular par-3 ‘Extreme 19th’ which is positioned high up on the towering Hanglip Mountain, with the green, shaped in the contours of the continent of Africa, some 400 metres below. “I’ve never seen a hole like it – it’s unique,” said Garcia. “I’m so glad I made par with one of my balls.”

Middle East’s No.1 Golf Magazine

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB’S 21ST “THE EXTREME 19TH IS AWESOME! I LOVE THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE, THE HELICOPTER, THE VIEWS, THE DRAMA, THE GREEN IN THE SHAPE OF AFRICA. THE CONCEPT IS FANTASTIC AND I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO COMING BACK AND TAKING IT ON AGAIN.” - PADRAIG HARRINGTON www.wwgolf.biz

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

Cover: Gary Player - Celebrating in Style 43

Legends Golf & Safari Resort TRAVEL FEATURE

NEWS SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE GOLFING GLOBE

Sharm El Sheikh THE climate in Egypt means that, like the UAE, building golf courses brings its own special challenge as far as irrigation and turfing goes but as I was to find out, the country has met this challenge head on with some wonderful developments and now has much to offer the intrepid fairway explorer. By Richard Bevan

SOMETHING FOR

EVERYONE

DIVOTS

CELEBRATING THE 21ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE MIRACLE IN THE DESERT –

THE EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

Woods is set receive US$3 to m for playing in the Australian Masters.

Jivai Shin shines in HSBC win

Villegas honoured by President

REIGNING Ricoh Women’s British Open Champion, Jiyai Shin, added another feather to her cap with a come-from-behind 2-shot victory at the Women’s HSBC Champions in Singapore, ‘the Asian Major’ of women’s golf. Shin shot a final round 66 for an 11under total to come from six shots behind and lift her first trophy of the season.

COLOMBIAN President Alvaro Uribe honoured Camilo Villegas with the Order of San Carlos at the Government Palace recently for his services to sport.Villegas, who won twice on the PGA Tour last year, is one of Colombia’s biggest sports stars and was humble in his speech after receiving the award. “I don’t do what I do for a living to receive awards, but when they arrive I know that I’m going in the right direction,” he said.

BACK in 1986, who would have imagined that a plot of sand 40 minutes outside Dubai in the middle of the desert, would 20 years later become universally renowned as one of the most hallowed venues of golfing splendor that would attract the world’s best players year-on-year? That person was His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE.

Above: The pool at the Maritim Royal Peninsula. Right: One of the spacious and luxurious superior rooms at the Royal Peninsula. Below right: The Jolie Ville Championship Golf Course. Below: The Siam Thai restaurant at the Royal Peninsula.

E visited the Sinai Peninsula and found it to be an ideal place to combine a general holiday with a golf break due to the fact that there’s plenty to keep the non-golfers occupied while you’re on the course. For the first week stayed at the Maritim Royal Peninsula in Sharm El Sheikh, which backs onto an 18hole Championship golf course. The Royal Peninsula actually has a sister hotel, the Maritim Jolie Ville Golf & Resort, which as the name suggests, has traditionally targeted the golf tourist, but the Royal Peninsula is newer, plusher, quieter and just as convenient for the golf course as the two hotels are situated at opposite ends of the beachside layout. Traditionally built primarily as a business hotel, with the International Conference Centre right next door, the Royal Peninsula, headed up by progressive thinking German Manager Michael Fuhrmann, is now attempting to lure some of the lucrative golf trade. The combination of five-star facilities, quiet setting and convenient location makes the Royal Peninsula the perfect choice for the executive travelling golfer. The golf course itself is an impressive track, which was brought to international attention in 2005 when it hosted the European Seniors Tour’s Jolie Ville Sharm El Sheikh Seniors Open. Situated a stone’s throw from the Red Sea with the majestic Sinai Mountains in the backdrop the Jolie Ville Championship Golf Course is in a wonderful setting. Considering the aforementioned

HEIKH Mohammed had a vision for Dubai and entwined within it was his desire for Dubai to become recognised as a haven for sporting events and a place for sporting champions to perform. Few can argue that his foresight has been nothing short of remarkable. As the Emirates Golf Club celebrates its 21 year of operations, the vision that His Highness had set out for Dubai so many years ago is now becoming reality and frames the golfing masterpiece that is the Emirates Golf Club. The Emirates Golf Club has touched the lives and hearts of many people over its famed history, and will no doubt continue to do so as new golfers are born, champions are crowned, and tourists sample the increasing delights as Dubai paves the way for more success. 1986:

1986: 1987: 1988:

1988: 1988: 1988: 1989: 1990: 1992: 1992:

1993: www.wwgolf.biz

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed has a vision to develop a grass golf course with the intention of placing Dubai firmly on the world’s sporting map. Karl Litten is appointed course architect and the Majlis Course was born. The Majlis Course starts construction. In March, the President of Pakistan, the late Zia Ul Haq, officially opens the Emirates Golf Club in a lavish ceremony. An ‘East v’s West Desert Challenge’ match also featured, which saw Rodger Davis and Graham Marsh (East) and Sam Torrance and Howard Clark (West) battle for the honours. An announcement that Dubai would host the first event of the 1989 European Tour Schedule surprises the golf world. John Lewis and Margaret Bain named inaugural Club Captain and Lady Captain respectively. The Emirates Golf Club hosts the Pan Arab Championship – the first time this event had been held in the UAE. Mark James wins the 1st Dubai Desert Classic – then named ‘The Emirates Airlines Desert Classic’. The Majlis Course hosts the first of three Ladies European Tour Invitationals. The Emirates Airlines Desert Classic is renamed the ‘Dubai Desert Classic’. Won by Seve Ballesteros. To cope with increasing demands Karl Litten is appointed to design a 9-hole course at Emirates Golf Club, which would later to be known as the ‘Wadi Course’. The 9-hole ‘Wadi Course’ opens.

A Free Foursome in Scotland – The Home Of Golf!

25 14

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1994: 1994: 1995:

The Majlis Course is voted ‘Best Course On Tour’ by Golf Weekly. Work begins to extend the Wadi Course to 18-holes. The European Tour players vote The Majlis Course ‘The Most Popular Golf Course On Tour’. 1996: The second 9-holes of the Wadi Course opens. 1996: ‘Dubai Golf Establishment’ is established under the Chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum to centralise the management of all government courses, namely: Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and Dubai Golf and Racing Club. 1996: Colin Montgomerie hits ‘The European Tour Shot Of The Year’ to the 18 green on his way to winning the Dubai Desert Classic. 2001: Tiger Woods makes first appearance in the Dubai Desert Classic. 2003: Le Classique Chef, François Porte, voted ‘Restaurant Chef of the Year’ by Grumpy Gourmet. The PGA Centenary Course 2005: The Majlis Course is voted into the ‘Top 100 Courses Outside of at Gleneagles, 9th hole America’ by Golf Digest. 2005: The Wadi Course is closed, to be remodeled by Nick Faldo. 2006: Nick Faldo opens the new ‘Faldo Course.’ 2006: Woods wins his first Dubai Desert Classic, with a 269 (-19) total. In honor of Homecoming Scotland 2009, a year-long celebration 2006: The inaugural Dubai Ladies Masters is held on the Majlis Course. inspiredWon by Robert Burns’ 250th birthday, VisitScotland is giving away by Annika Sorenstam. 2008: Bothof thefree Majlisfoursomes Course and the across Faldo Course are voted into ‘Top thousands a selection oftheScotland’s 550 100 Courses Outside America’ by Golf Digest. golf clubs. It could be aof Championship course such as Royal Troon

or the PGA Centenary at Gleneagles, host venue of the 2014 Ryder H.H. Sheikh ButtiLothian or Cup. Or a classic links course such as The Glen in East Al Maktoum at the Old Course at Moray Golf Club, designed by Old Tom Morris the presentation as Sam himself. Or one of our new courses, such as ceremony the spectacularly situated Torrance and Howard Machrihanish Dunes in Kintyre or The DukesClark at St holdAndrews. the trophy after winning the ‘East v West Desert

Claim your free foursome byChallenge visiting Match’

against Australia’s www.driveithomescotland.com Rodger Davis and Graham Marsh. The event was organised to mark the opening of the Emirates Golf Club in 1988.

Drive It Home is a VisitScotland promotion, delivered in collaboration with the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association

Woods to play Down-under TIGER Woods will play in Australia for the first time in more than a decade in November this year at the Australian Masters but the announcement has divided opinion among players both past and present. Peter Thompson, 5-times Open winner and a former Australian Open champion commented: “In my view it’s going to damage our national Open. Tiger won’t be playing in that but it sucks up potential sponsorship.” However, Stuart Appleby said Woods would have a positive influence on the local circuit. “It will be great for the game and it will bring out a lot of people who haven’t seen him before in person – and not just on a video game,” he said.

Emirates Golf Club 21st Anniversary

Rory makes the Americans sit up and take notice

NO sooner had the ink dried on the first part of our exclusive Rory McIlroy interview last month than the Irish Boy Wonder jetted off to the USA to show the world just why we’re so excited about this outrageously talented youngster. First he made his debut in the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson, Arizona, and introduced himself to U.S. PGA Tour golf fans and the watching media with some spectacular and fearless displays, defeating Louis Oosthuizen, Hunter Mahan and Tiger Woods’ conqueror Tim Clark, before losing out in the quarter-finals to eventual champion, Geoff Ogilvy. Then he made the trip over to Miami where he again set tongues wagging with another sensational performance in a World Golf Championships event, putting himself right in the hunt with opening rounds of 68 and 66 before a 72 and a 73 over the weekend saw him fall away slightly to finish in a still-very-respectable tie for 20th place. We caught up with Rory for Part 2 of our interview after the CA Championship where he talked about his experiences and his excitement ahead of his first Masters later this month.

European Seniors Tour first in SA

Romero wraps up Toshiba Classic EDUARDO Romero picked up his first Champions Tour title of the season at the Toshiba Classic thanks to a final round 3-under 68 for a one-stroke win over Joey Sindelar and Mark O’Meara. Romero joins Rodger Davis (Australia), José Maria Canizares (Spain) and Bernhard Langer (Germany) as the fourth international winner of the Toshiba Classic at Newport Beach Country Club.

THE European Seniors Tour will make its first visit to South Africa next season when the Berenberg Bank Masters takes place at the Gary Player designed The Links at Fancourt in George in March. Player, a threetime Senior Open Champion, said: “I’m delighted to be a part of the Berenberg Bank Masters next year, and I truly believe there couldn’t be a better venue for the European Senior Tour to make its debut in South Africa. The Links will be a true test.”

Bain on form in SAIL Open DUBAI-based Scot Ross Bain shot 67, 68, 66, 70 for a 17-under par finish and a share of ninth place at the SAIL Open in India on the Asian Tour. Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat cruised to victory after setting a new Asian Tour 36-hole record of 20-under. Nirat finished on 32-under for an 11-stroke victory.

WWG: That includes The Masters of course, how excited are you about that? Rory McIlroy: I can’t wait. It is going to be my second event back when I do get out there. It is right around the corner and the closer it gets, the more excited I’ll be. It’ll be a great week for me and hopefully one that I will do well at. I got a nice letter from Gary Player after I won in Dubai. He said to me, “The more you practice, the luckier you get.” So that’s a pretty good piece of advice.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Michelle Wie signs with IMG TEENAGE LPGA Tour star Michelle Wie has chosen IMG as her management company after signing a worldwide deal with the company last month. “I’m very excited about this season which represents a fresh new start for me,” said Wie who got through Q-School late last year. “There is such great talent and competition on the LPGA Tour and my focus is on building the foundation for a long and successful career, and of course, getting that first tournament win. I believe that IMG, with all of their resources worldwide and achievements in professional golf, will help me reach those goals.”

Randhawa clinches Thailand Open INDIA’S Jyoti Randhawa won the Singha Thailand Open with a two-stroke victory over up-and-coming Welsh prospect Rhys Davies. Randhawa carded rounds of 68, 68, 62, 65 for a 17-under 263 total. “I need to relax a bit and chill out,” said Randhawa after the victory. “I came here, I swam, I went scuba diving and I enjoyed myself, and here I am - I’ve won a golf tournament. I learned a lot and I need to do this more often.”

“He was cooking pretty much naked so I tried to play golf pretty much naked,” – Henrik Stenson on taking inspiration from The Naked Chef Jamie Oliver who cooked in Dubai recently, when Stenson stripped off to play out of a lake at the WGC-CA Championship. www.wwgolf.biz

Divots

in Belfast and did the usual sorts of things that someone my age would do. I don’t think I live that much of a different life away from golf than most of my friends. Most of them are at University and I get to see them when they’re home, and we all do the same things. WWG: Has your girlfriend been any influence in your golfing career? Rory McIlroy: She makes sure I keep my feet on the ground and that I remain very humble, I know that! She’s been great. She’s very supportive and she handles it very well. She tries to stay out of it as much as possible and she certainly doesn’t want to be thrust into the media spotlight. WWG: I understand you’re quite a student of Tiger. What would you say was his finest moment?

WWG: What are your memories of watching The Masters as a young boy, maybe dreaming of one day playing at Augusta and were you always confident that you’d make it to that level? Rory McIlroy: I was never confident that I’d make it to that level but I always dreamed that I would. My first memory was of Nick Faldo beating Greg Norman in 1996 and I could tell you every shot that Tiger played in 1997. Since then I’ve watched every one. I think The Masters is very special. It’s on the BBC in Britain and you only used to get to see the back nine but now you get to see some of the front nine as well. It’s got a little bit of mystique about it because it’s such a special event and I’m really looking forward to playing it. WWG: You’re just 19 years old and you’ve been thrust into the spotlight. Do you have the chance to lead a normal 19-year-old’s life away from golf or is it just all golf? Rory McIlroy: No, I think I lead a pretty normal life. I got home the Monday after the Desert Classic and saw my friends and family. I went for a couple of nights out 15

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Travel Feature

RORYQ&A McILROYPart2

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Rory Mcilroy - Part 2

Rory McIlroy signs autographs for spectators after the finish of his second round of the World Golf ChampionshipsCA Championship at Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, Florida last month.

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

ELS

TIME FOR A BIT OF FUN AND CHARITY

’M writing my Column from our house at West Palm Beach in the United States having just got back from a couple of days’ play in the Tavistock Cup at Lake Nona. This tournament has grown so fast and so quickly since it started in 2004, but I’m not surprised at that. We have some great players on both sides, so it’s kind of a good mix, and obviously wherever Tiger goes you know you’re going to have plenty of media attention and an increase in the number of people who want to watch him play. Joe Lewis and the Tavistock Group really look after us and it makes for a nice, enjoyable couple of days. The matches themselves are played in a good spirit. It’s not too intense, but it’s still competitive and we try and show some good golf out there. We raise a lot of money for charity, too, which is the most important thing of all. This year was another fun couple of days’ golf. My Lake Nona team were really up for this match. We were on home turf and looking to get back on terms with Isleworth who have won this more times than we have. It seemed like the Isleworth guys were really up for it, too, though. The standard of golf on the first day was incredible. The scoring was probably the lowest since we started this in 2004. The two teams were a combined 92-under par. Even in a fourball-betterball format, that is some going. We were 6-4 down overnight, but managed to turn that deficit around and in the end win by 17 points to 13. All credit to my team; the guys played great and Graeme McDowell shot the low score of the day - how fitting it was that an Irishman should win that prize on St Patrick’s Day! It was about time we won this thing again, otherwise we might have had to get a club out of Phoenix to play this! We don’t want that. This event is a lot of fun and I can’t wait for these two great Clubs to go at it again at Isleworth in 12 months time. It’s always a lot of fun. Anyway, back to more serious business. I said in my last column that I’d been working my tail off trying to turn my game around. Well, things are starting to happen and the progress I’ve made these past few weeks is extremely satisfying. I may not be happy with all of my finishes, but I’m happy with the state of my game. To be honest, I’m so excited about the rest of this season. I really feel like I have some great golf in me. I was looking forward to playing the Northern Trust

Open at Riviera Country Club, Los Angeles, as it’s one of my favourite golf courses on the PGA Tour. And you know, there was a lot of good stuff out there. I made 17 birdies and an eagle and hit a lot of quality golf shots. But I was just a little too inconsistent and that showed in my scoring, with rounds of 71, 67, 73 and 70 to finish at three-under par and tied-51st. That wasn’t anywhere near close to the position I was looking for, but my attitude this season is to take something positive from every week and just try to keep building momentum. That’s exactly what I did going into the following week’s World Golf Championships–Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson, Arizona. That tournament hasn’t always been a happy hunting ground for me, but at least this year I got on a bit of a roll and made it to the last eight. I made something like 16 birdies and an eagle in my first three matches plus a bunch of good putts. I had a bit of an off-day, as they say, against Stewart Cink in the quarterfinal and so that was where the story ended for me. But overall I took quite a lot from the week. The following week, it was great to go back to the Honda Classic as defending champion. The script didn’t quite go to plan, though. I had to make a tricky, downhill eight-footer for birdie on the 18th on Friday just to make the cut. At least I was there competing at the weekend and I played much better the last couple of days. I hit something like 80 per cent of fairways and greens in regulation and finished with a 66. PGA National is a tough golf course, so that was a nice way to sign off for the week. The WGC–CA Championship at Doral, Miami, wasn’t a perfect tournament, either, but again there was such a lot of good stuff in my game. The level of consistency isn’t quite where I’d want it to be, but I’m getting there. I’m so pleased with the swing changes I’ve made with Butch Harmon and my putting feels good, too. Now I just need to get out of my own way and start shooting the scores that reflect the way I’m playing. Talking of Butch Harmon, Doral was a good week for him. The top two players, Phil Mickelson and Nick Watney, are both under his wing and Jeev Milkha Singh, who finished fourth, has worked with Butch recently, too. As I said, I couldn’t be happier with my golf swing. I honestly think I’m hitting it as well as I have at any time in my career. No wonder Butch is in big demand these days! ■

GARY

GREG

PLAYER

NORMAN

Gary Player talks about some of the favourite courses he has designed among the 300-plus courses he has created around the world

Ernie Els celebrates with members of his Lake Nona team after winning the 2009 Tavistock Cup against Tiger Woods’ Isleworth team at Lake Nona, Florida.

OW that we’re fully into the 2009 season I’ve got a lot of big events to prepare for and I’m looking forward to the challenge. On the eve of the Shell Houston Open and then The Masters I’ll need to be on top of my game but I’ve never entered a tournament I didn’t think I had a chance of winning. So you can be sure I’ll be giving it my best shot. I’m also starting to look at the form of the players who will make up The Presidents Cup Team for Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco in October. I was with the United States Captain, my good friend Fred Couples, at the ADT Skills Challenge in December when he made a big deal out of outdriving me in the Longest Drive competition. I joked that I’d get my own back by stealing some of his team secrets when I partnered his Assistant Captain, Jay Haas, at the Wendys Champions Skins Game. As opposing Captains Fred and I rib each other at every opportunity. It’s all good fun but we’re deadly serious about who wins the Cup. I’ve always been a believer in widening the horizons of the game and The Presidents Cup provides a great opening to do that. The responsibility as far as I’m concerned is expanding the game of golf on a global basis, and that’s true for each one of my Team Members. If I can instill something that really has intrinsic value into each one of these players about what The Presidents Cup is all about, they are going to take that back to their respective countries around the world and promote the game of golf. That means a lot to me. Our International Team has had a great start to the season with Geoff Ogilvy’s win at the Mercedes-Benz Championships in Hawaii and then his fabulous victory in the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson, Arizona. His 4 & 3 beating of Paul Casey gave him his second Accenture Match Play win in three years, having won at La Costa Resort and Spa at Carlsbad, California, in 2006, the same year he won the U.S. Open at Winged Foot. Geoff has proven in

SOME OF MY BEST WORK

’M delighted to be a part of the European Seniors Tour’s first event in South Africa next year when The Links at Fancourt will host the Berenberg Bank Masters in March. I truly believe there couldn’t be a better venue for the European Seniors Tour to make its debut in my homeland. The Links will be an enjoyable test for the players – it was the venue for The Presidents Cup in 2003, the inaugural Women’s World Cup of Golf in 2005, and the South African Open Championship on The European Tour in 2006, which was won by my fellow countryman Retief Goosen. South Africa has terrain which is perfect for golf courses and another South African design I’m proud of is the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City. The course hosts the Nedbank Golf Challenge each year and last December long-hitter Henrik Stenson made light work of the course in storming to a superb 11-stroke victory. Johannesburg is a city which hosts another of my favourite courses in South Africa – Blair Atholl. I designed the course in a special loop shape so only holes 1 and 18 run alongside each other, which gives it a unique feel. It’s a true delight. Leopard Creek in the north west of South Africa is another superb facility which is perfect for all levels of player. Situated on the southern border of the Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek presents a 360-hectare development bordered to the north and the west by the picturesque Crocodile River and the Kruger National Park, which provides an ideal backdrop for a magnificent game of golf. Situated 40km north of Durban, Zimbali Lakes, a part of the new IFA-developed Fairmont Hotel & Resort, is a course that offers phenomenal views out over the Indian Ocean, thanks to the rugged terrain upon which the course is designed. South Africa is a fabulous destination for golf and I’m delighted to have created so many wonderful courses there.

Below: Graeme McDowell poses with the Payne Stewart Salver Award for the best individual score during the second day of the 2009 Tavistock Cup.

Ernie Els

The Links at Fancourt, George, South Africa

Leopard Creek, Malelane, South Africa

Gary Player Country Club, Sun City, South Africa

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LOOKING FORWARD TO THE PRESIDENTS CUP

recent years that he is now one of the world’s best players and he’ll be one of the leaders of this year’s International Team. Geoff made some great comments after his victory in Hawaii about being fully focused for this year’s Presidents Cup. I have spoken to several players about this year’s competition, and it is very clear to me that the International Team will be a focused, energetic and an excited group of players. Everyone I talk to cannot wait to get to Harding Park in October. I’m pleased to say that I have agreed to serve for another five years on The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organisation of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). The Advisory Council provides guidance to The Institute’s board of trustees in the areas of outreach, fundraising and strategic planning. The members are selected to enhance The Institute’s ability to cultivate relationships with current and potential donors, as well as communicate the importance of the work conducted by The Institute. I’ve said from day one that if I was going to get involved with The Environmental Institute for Golf, I wanted to be actively involved. I am very pleased with the progress we have made in increasing environmental stewardship on golf courses and I am looking forward to building upon that. I’m playing the Shell Houston Open this week on a sponsor’s exemption as a warm-up for The Masters the following week. I’m aware that Augusta has been has been lengthened by 155 yards and many trees have been added since I last played The Masters in 2002 (Norman has been second three times and third three times in The Masters). I’m looking forward to seeing what the golf course is like. As far as I’m concerned it’s a brandnew golf course to me and I’m sure I’ll have a lot to learn. I earned my Masters invitation with my performance at last year’s British Open but when I went to Royal Birkdale I was probably a 300-1 underdog to win the Championship. That means

you can go out there and enjoy the game a lot more. When you’re at the tip of the spear, everybody behind you is throwing other spears at you. Your competitive juices are always there, but when you’re not under the microscopic you can play with a little bit more freedom in your mind. I kind of enjoyed that. I won’t have any expectations at Augusta. I earned my way in there. I wasn’t given an exemption, which is a tremendous positive for me. I’ll just go to enjoy the week, enjoy every step I take, and play the best golf I can possibly play. I would love to get to the weekend. That would be a great goal to have. It was rewarding to read the comments Jeev Milkha Singh made after playing our Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates last month. Jeev is an accomplished golfer who finished fourth in the World Golf Championships-CA Championship at Doral and is one of India’s sporting heroes. I’m pleased that so many leading players have been so complimentary about the Earth Course. It’s an encouraging boost to the Dubai World Championship on November 19-22. I can’t wait to see how the players take up the challenge for the biggest prize in golf. ■

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Gary Player

ROSS

FISHER

A GREAT TIME IN THE STATES!

’M writing this month’s column on the eve of my first Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, which I’m really looking forward to. Arnold Palmer’s reputation and his history means that it’s a tournament all the players want to play and it’s played round a phenomenal golf course – one of the best in America. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in the States so far. I was really pleased to get to the semi-finals of the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona. It was my first World Golf Championships event and I went there feeling kind of under prepared due to the snow in the UK that prevented me from practising properly the week after I returned home from the Dubai Desert Classic. I only really had a week to prepare so I felt like I did as much as I could but I wasn’t feeling entirely happy when I arrived at the golf course. It was one of those weeks where as the tournament went on I just felt

Jeev Milkha Singh, who came fourth in the World Golf Championships-CA Championship at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, last month.

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 the 2008 European Open. He is currently 32ND on the Official World Ranking.

better and better. Every part of my game just clicked into place. I was driving it really well, my irons were good, my short game was really good and I started to hole some putts. When you start doing that you know you’ve got a good chance in any tournament. I was really disappointed that I didn’t give Paul Casey a better game in the semis. I felt like I had a really good chance after winning a couple of holes. I gave him 13, the par-5, and then to scrape out of the 14th with a half from the position I was in was a bonus. But 16 was key. If my chip shot had gone in and he hadn’t holed his six to eight footer, it would have been a different game. But hey, I gave myself a chance by holing a good putt on 16 and then unfortunately got a bit unlucky on 17. I hit my drive too well and it went through the fairway. But, to be honest, by then I was absolutely shattered. I was mentally drained from the

Above: Ross Fisher hits his tee shot at the 15th during his semi-final match in the World Golf ChampionshipsAccenture Match Play Championship in Arizona. Ross was beaten 2 &1 by fellow Englishman Paul Casey, having beaten Robert Allenby, Pat Perez, Jim Furyk and Justin Leonard to make the last four.

morning game with Justin Rose and felt a little bit fatigued so I feel like I really need to work on my fitness level. You could see that Paul was still battling on throughout our match and if you looked carefully you could tell that I was getting a bit tired. It’s a long week but my fitness is definitely an area I’m looking to improve. Looking back I’m still really pleased with the week and I think it’s a mark of how far I’ve come that I can walk away from a tournament as big as that and be slightly disappointed not have won it. Then it was off to Doral for the WGC-CA Championship, where I didn’t do quite as well. I finished 3-under in a tie for 46th place. It’s one of those courses that I just don’t like that much. I find it very flat, and for me it doesn’t have that much character to it. Personally, I think such a big tournament should be played on a better golf course but you’ve still got to go out there and play well. But it really wasn’t my week. I didn’t play particularly well and I struggled around the greens. They were very grainy. I haven’t played much on grainy greens but the more I play in America, the more I’ll get used it. Once I’ve played the Bay Hill I’ll be heading home for a week and then flying back across the pond for another first – my first Masters. I grew up watching the tournament on television so to play in my first one is a great achievement and I’m sure it’ll be a great experience. I’ve played the course recently and I was very comfortable there. It’s a great course and it suits my game so I’m feeling good – but I’m trying not to think about it too much at the moment. I’m also pleased to tell you about my new management company, Horizon Sports Management in Ireland. I had a great time at IMG but I felt it was time for a change and GMAC (Graeme McDowell) had great things to say about them so I decided to move. They’re a small and very attentive bunch and it’s great to be part of the family. ■ www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz 29

Greg Norman

Ross Fisher

Claude Harmon III

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THE CURRENT LEADER OF THE RACE TO DUBAI, WHO HAS SHOT UP TO FOURTH PLACE IN THE OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKING, IS ENJOYING A MEMORABLE SEASON. THE AUSSIE, WHO WON THE 2006 U.S. OPEN STARTED HIS 2009 CAMPAIGN WITH A WIN AT THE MERCEDESBENZ CHAMPIONSHIP IN HAWAII BEFORE WINNING THE ACCENTURE MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP LAST MONTH – HIS THIRD WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS TITLE.

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Date: 26 Feb – 01 March 2009

Tournament: Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open Venue: New Kuta Golf Club, Bali, Indonesia

EE R: ID NE JA IN AI W CH G ON TH

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THAILAND’S Thongchai Jaidee claimed his third European Tour victory with an impressive twostroke victory at the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open. Jaidee held a one-shot lead heading into the final day and went to the turn in 4-under 33 to increase his lead to four, but a bogey on the 14 saw his lead cut by Steve Webster to just one as the Englishman made birdies of his own. However, Jaidee birdied the 16 to ease the pressure and he carded a 69 for a two-shot win over Webster, Simon Dyson and Alexander Noren. “My driving, putting and iron game were all good today. I felt very confident out there which helped me a lot,” said Jaidee. “I knew the pin positions and I was putting well. I missed the green but chipped in on the fifth hole, which was great and on the seventh I was off the green on the left side but I knocked it in from 12 feet. Those were key holes for me.

“I was unlucky on the eighth because my ball was plugged in the bunker and on the 14th the wind kept changing direction and I ended up putting my ball into the rough. But I made a nice comeback on the 16th with a good drive and second shot and I putted well from there.” Jaidee clamed €163,867 for the win and moved up to 21 place on The Race to Dubai ranking and a place at the season-ending Dubai World Championship is high on his agenda. “My key target this year is to finish in the top 60 in The Race to Dubai,” he said. “That’s my main goal. My second is to get into the top 50 in the World Ranking. I’ve been trying to do that for a long time and I have not been able to make it but now I think that I have a very good chance.” England’s Richard Bland and Spain’s Rafael Cabrera Bello finished in a share of fifth place on 9-under after rounds of 70 and 65 respectively.

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FACT FILE: Thongchai Jaidee upped his putting on the final round as he completed the 18 holes with just 25 putts – two shots better than his efforts on days 2 and 3 and 7 strokes better than his first round. However, the Thai was fortunate enough to chipin twice which aided his path to victory.

WINNER’S CHEQUE:

€163,867

WINNING SCORE: 12-UNDER-PAR - 276 (71,69,67,69) RUNNER-UP: SIMON DYSON, ALEXANDER NOREN, STEVE WEBSTER - 278 Tournament: Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun Venue: El Camaleon Golf Club, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Date: Feb 26 – 01 March 2009

W W G LO C A L F O C U S

WILSON TAMES WIND TO WIN IN MEXICO WHILE the top-64 players in the world were in Arizona battling for the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship Mark Wilson collected his second U.S. PGA Tour title at the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Mexico thanks to a two-shot victory over compatriot J.J. Henry. Wilson was the joint-leader after the second and third rounds and took the lead in his own right on the second hole of the final day. He held on as the weather worsened to secure his first win since the 2007 Honda Classic. Wilson made three birdies going out and birdied the 12 to consolidate his lead. A slight wobble occurred as he bogeyed holes 14 and 16 but he managed to close with two pars for

R: ON NE S IN IL W KW AR M

ARABIAN

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WINNER’S CHEQUE:

$630,000

victory as the black rain clouds gathered. “The golf course played very differently today,” admitted Wilson. “The rest of the week we had east-southeast winds. Today we had northwest winds. So some of the holes early on where I was hitting driver and 5-iron, I was hitting driver and a wedge or 3-wood and 9-iron, stuff like that.” Wilson posted a 68 to win from Henry who also carded a 68 but could have exerted more pressure had it not been for back-to-back bogeys on 16 and 17. Kevin Streelman came home with a 6-under 64 to jump up from 19 overnight into a share of third place with Heath Slocum who carded a 67.

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Golf Est:1999

Midweek Open

An invitation to The Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Invitational presented by ECCO and hosted by Gary Player. Full details on Page 10

A F T E R A L O N G D AY O N T H E C O U R S E , I T ’ S A LW AY S G O O D T O TA K E T I M E O U T T O F R E S H E N U P

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This Skin Cleanser from Ying Yang features coconut oil, witch hazel, apple cider vinegar and spring water to cleanse without the need for soap or detergents. Applied to cotton wool, it removes dead skin cells and impurities, leaving the skin clean, smooth, gently exfoliated and moisturised.

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ROSS McARTHUR

What month of this year was the 100th edition of Worldwide Golf? The par-3 seventh hole at the Emirates Golf Club, Majlis Course, which Gary Player will play with each of the fourballs during The Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Invitational.

To enter visit: www.wwgolf.biz and click ‘Competitions’

Clubs Emirates Golf Federation Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club Al Ghazal Golf Club Al Hamra Golf Club Arabian Ranches Golf Club Dirab Golf Club Doha Golf Club Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Emirates Golf Club Esnaad Golf Day Four Seasons Golf Club Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Katameya Heights Golf & Tennis Club Palm Sports Resort Al Ain Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club Sharjah Wanderers The Montgomerie, Dubai The Royal Golf Club, Riffa Views

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Q&A: Q. When did you first start playing golf and where? A. I first started playing two weeks before my eleventh birthday on Boxing Day. My parents had bought me a set of clubs and a membership to the local course for Christmas and I started playing with my friends from school. I’m the only person in my family who currently plays the game! Q. How long have you been in Dubai? A. I moved to Dubai from my hometown of Hull in February 2008. I was the teaching professional at Cave Castle Golf Club in East Yorkshire where I had been stationed for eight years. Q. What’s your favourite memory of your time spent in Dubai so far? A. A lot of the other boys will have said last year’s Dubai Trophy. I have to agree but for a slightly different reason. Alan Mckenzie and myself had a fantastic first-day match against Matthew Turner and Sean Thornberry which went to the last hole. To win the Trophy was a great experience. However, the highlight had to be watching the Football League Championship Play-off Final in the Emirates Clubhouse after the first day’s play - watching the mighty Hull City win their place into the English Premier League for the first time in their history against Bristol City. It’s a fond memory and I’ll never forget where I was when it happened! Q. What was your first set of clubs? A. Lynx Predator Irons and Wilson Snead Persimmon Woods! Q. Who is your golfing hero and why? A. The first real hero I had was Nick Faldo. My first real memory of watching golf was the last day collapse of Greg Norman at the 1996 Masters. I remember thinking I had heard of Faldo for years before I was even interested in golf and the way he played that day was faultless. As a more modern day hero I would have to say Sergio Garcia – his ball striking is fantastic but he’s unpredictable and is always exciting to watch.

Groom Room

Q. If you were head of the R&A, what rule would you change? A. If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s hitting a shot that is in bounds but you can’t make a swing because of the white stake in the ground which marks the ‘out of bounds’. If I were in charge I would allow the posts to be removed in order to play the shot.

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A Daimler Brand

Two sporting legends finally met. Mercedes-Benz is proud to be partner of the 2009 Masters in Augusta.

www.mercedes-benz.com/masters

ALL NEW WEBSITE NOW ONLINE THE techno boffins at WWG Towers have finished their tinkering and the wait is finally over, so without further ado we give you the brand new, all singing, all dancing Worldwide Golf website! For some time now we have been developing a site worthy of our status as the Middle East’s No.1 golf magazine and we think that with www.wwgolf.biz we’ve pulled it off, even if we do say so ourselves! The new state-of-the-art site is packed to the rafters with great features. Keep up-to-date with news from around the golfing globe; post and watch video footage; use the extensive forum section to chat with friends, find a playing partner, or trade gear; win a stack of amazing prizes in the competitions area; or play a variety of fun packed online games. We’re confident that in www.wwgolf.biz Middle East golf fans finally have a website tailored specifically for them.

NEWS

The news section brings you up-to-the minute developments as they happen, both locally and internationally. Worldwide Golf has forged a reputation over the past decade for delivering the most comprehensive local golf news around whilst never neglecting happenings further afield and www.wwgolf.biz allows us to do that even faster!

FORUM

The forum is the section of www.wwgolf.biz that we’re probably most excited about as it’s where you readers can form your own online community. There are various sections for you to discuss anything at all that’s on your mind, golf-related or otherwise! Ask for advice; exchange tips; find a playing partner; buy, sell or trade gear; post video footage; clarify the confusing world of rules and handicapping!

PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF

Try your luck with a game of online golf as well as a host of other tantalising games and post your best scores on the forum!

READ THE LATEST AND PAST ISSUES ONLINE You can now read Worldwide Golf anywhere in the world by accessing the fully interactive online version on www.wwgolf.biz The online publication allows you to grab and turn pages just like a real magazine, or skip straight to your favourite section via the interactive contents page. Plus you need never worry again if you’ve missed an issue because there is a huge selection of past issues in the ‘read online’ section as well!

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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

ELS

TIME FOR A BIT OF FUN AND CHARITY

Ernie Els celebrates with members of his Lake Nona team after winning the 2009 Tavistock Cup against Tiger Woods’ Isleworth team at Lake Nona, Florida.

Below: Graeme McDowell poses with the Payne Stewart Salver Award for the best individual score during the second day of the 2009 Tavistock Cup.

WWG COLUMNIST

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THIS MONTH’S WORLDWIDE GOLF MIDWEEK OPEN: The Faldo at Emirates Golf Club, April 9th

Join the Emirates Golf Federation and make sure you have a registered handicap for the 2009 Midweek Opens WORLDWIDE GOLF’s eighth Midweek Open has an added benefit for golf fans throughout the Middle East. Following the overwhelming success of the 2009 Middle East Swing one of the greatest legends in the game, Gary Player, is coming to Dubai on April 24 – and you have a chance to see the great man in person through our Worldwide Golf Midweek Open on 9th April. But remember, to enter our Midweek Opens you must have an Emirates Golf Federation Official Handicap Certificate or golf club handicap. It was very gratifying that all the golfers who entered our seventh Worldwide Golf Midweek Open at Jebel Ali Resort & Spa on January 19th turned up on the day to play and it was even more rewarding that every competitor had a valid Official Handicap Certificate. 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. We now have a database of more than 1,000 golfers keen to take part and we thank all our sponsors and participants for their involvement in the series

THE 8th WORLDWIDE GOLF MIDWEEK OPEN WORLDWIDE presented by ECCO and supported by Gary Player, Thursday, 9th April, 2009, 1.00 pm Shotgun Midweek Open Start on the Faldo at Emirates Golf Club

Golf Est:1999

JOIN our special Qualifying Event for The Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Issue Invitational presented by ECCO and hosted by Gary Player, under the Patronage of our Chairman His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum, on Friday 24th April, at the Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club. Our thanks to Rod Bogg and Dubai Golf and the Emirates Golf Club, the EGF, Neil Hamp-Adams of Driving Force Sports Marketing and Events, and the South African Business Council for their support. Net proceeds of the Invitational will go to The Gary Player Foundation. Four winners of the 8th Worldwide Golf Midweek Open at the Faldo at Emirates Golf Club on Thursday, April 9th, with a 1.00pm Shotgun Start, will receive Special VIP Invitations to The Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Issue Invitational presented by ECCO and hosted by Gary Player on 24th April – which includes a VIP Invitation to the Gary Player Clinic, 18-holes tournament, Shotgun Start at 1.30 pm on the Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf club, followed by an Awards Dinner hosted by Gary Player. There is also a Special VIP South African Business Council Brunch hosted by Gary Player at 10.30am at the Emirates Golf Club attended by The Ambassador, H.E. Yacoob Abba Omar. (SABCO members AED 150/-; non-members AED 200/-). To book a table or individual seats e-mail: brunch@d4rce.com. The 8th Worldwide Golf Midweek Open on 9th April is an Open individual Stableford event for male and female golfers with an official handicap. TO ENTER, please e-mail David Burke (davidb@wspdubai. com) or Penny Brown (pennyh@wspdubai.com for an entry form and simply complete the form and fax it back to Emirates Golf Club at 04 3801752. Entry Fee (AED 450) includes: Green Fees; shared golf cart; Range Balls; Tournament Prizes and Buffet at the Prize Presentation and DM fees. Prize includes 4 VIP Special Invitations to The Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Issue Invitational presented by ECCO and hosted by Gary Player, under the Patronage of our Chairman His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum at the Emirates Golf Club on 24th April – which includes a VIP Invitation to the Gary Player Clinic, 18-holes tournament, Shotgun Start at 1.30pm on the Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf club, followed by an Awards Dinner hosted by Gary Player. 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 event, players 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 the Emirates Golf Club at least 48 hours in advance of the tournament. Date: Venue: Time: Format: Tee’s: Entry Fee: Closing date:

www.wwgolf.biz

Thursday 9th April The Faldo at Emirates Golf Club 1.00 pm shotgun start 18 holes Stableford full HCP allowance. Men Blue / Ladies Red EGF members/ UAE resident and visitors with Official HCP AED 450 5th April on a strictly first come first served basis

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CLUBHOUSE QUICKIES

Bran Flakes They were both 85 years old and had been married for 60 years. Though they were far from rich, they managed to get by because they watched their pennies. Though not young, they were both in very good health, largely due to the wife’s insistence on healthy foods and exercise for the last decade. One day, their good health didn’t help when they went on a rare holiday and their plane crashed, sending them off to Heaven. They reached the Pearly Gates and St Peter escorted them inside. He took them to a beautiful mansion, furnished in gold and fine silks, with a fully stocked kitchen and a waterfall in the master bath. A maid could be seen hanging their favourite clothes in the closet. They gasped in astonishment when he said, “Welcome to Heaven. This will be your home now.” The old man asked St Peter how much all this was going to cost. “Why, nothing,” St Peter replied, “remember, this is your reward in Heaven.” The old man looked out of the window and right there he saw a Championship golf course, finer and more beautiful than any ever built on

WORD

OF THE MONTH...

Sandbagger – Look out for these. A golfer who falsely posts high scores in order to inflate his handicap making him more difficult to beat in matches.

DID

YOU KNOW...

The chances of making two holesin-one in a round of golf are 1 in 67 million.

Earth. “What are the greens fees?” grumbled the old man. “This is Heaven,” St Peter replied, “you can play for free, every day.” Next they went to the clubhouse and saw the lavish buffet lunch, with every imaginable cuisine laid out before them, from seafood to steaks to exotic deserts and free flowing beverages. “Don’t even ask,” smiled St Peter to the man. “This is Heaven, it’s all free for you to enjoy.” The old man looked around and glanced nervously at his wife. “Well, where are the low fat and low cholesterol foods and the decaffeinated tea?” he asked. “That’s the best part,” St Peter replied. “You can eat and drink as much as you like of whatever you like and you will never get fat or sick.” “This is Heaven!” The man exclaimed. “No gym to work out at?” ”Not unless you want to,” was the answer. “No testing my sugar or blood pressure or....” ”Never again – all you do here is enjoy yourself.” The old man glared at his wife and said: “You and your bloody Bran Flakes. We could have been here 10 years ago!”

Quiet Please! It was a sunny Saturday morning, a little before 8.0 a.m. and a high-handicapper was on the first hole at his local golf club and beginning his preshot routine, when a piercing voice came over the clubhouse loudspeaker: “Would the gentleman on the women’s tee go back up to the men’s tee please!” The man could feel every eye on the course looking at him but he was still deep in his routine, seemingly impervious to the interruption. Again the announcement boomed out: “Would the man on the women’s tee kindly go back up to the men’s tee.” He simply ignored the request and kept concentrating, when once more, the voice yelled, “Would the man on the women’s tee go back up to the men’s tee!” Finally, the man lost his patience, turned around, cupped h hands and shouted back: “Would you please keep quiet and let me play my second shot!” www.wwgolf.biz

CELEBRATING THE 21ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE MIRACLE IN THE DESERT –

THE EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

HEIKH Mohammed had a vision for Dubai and entwined within it was his desire for Dubai to become recognised as a haven for sporting events and a place for sporting champions to perform. Few can argue that his foresight has been nothing short of remarkable. As the Emirates Golf Club celebrates its 21st year of operations, the vision that His Highness had set out for Dubai so many years ago is now becoming reality and frames the golfing masterpiece that is the Emirates Golf Club. The Emirates Golf Club has touched the lives and hearts of many people over its famed history, and will no doubt continue to do so as new golfers are born, champions are crowned, and tourists sample the increasing delights as Dubai paves the way for more success. 1986:

1986: 1987: 1988:

1988: 1988: 1988: 1989: 1990: 1992: 1992:

1993: 14

1994: 1994: 1995: 1996: 1996:

1996: 2001: 2003: 2005: 2005: 2006: 2006: 2006: 2008:

The Majlis Course is voted ‘Best Course On Tour’ by Golf Weekly. Work begins to extend the Wadi Course to 18-holes. The European Tour players vote The Majlis Course ‘The Most Popular Golf Course On Tour’. The second 9-holes of the Wadi Course opens. ‘Dubai Golf Establishment’ is established under the Chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum to centralise the management of all government courses, namely: Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and Dubai Golf and Racing Club. Colin Montgomerie hits ‘The European Tour Shot Of The Year’ to the 18th green on his way to winning the Dubai Desert Classic. Tiger Woods makes first appearance in the Dubai Desert Classic. Le Classique Chef, François Porte, voted ‘Restaurant Chef of the Year’ by Grumpy Gourmet. The Majlis Course is voted into the ‘Top 100 Courses Outside of America’ by Golf Digest. The Wadi Course is closed, to be remodeled by Nick Faldo. Nick Faldo opens the new ‘Faldo Course.’ Woods wins his first Dubai Desert Classic, with a 269 (-19) total. The inaugural Dubai Ladies Masters is held on the Majlis Course. Won by Annika Sorenstam. Both the Majlis Course and the Faldo Course are voted into the ‘Top 100 Courses Outside of America’ by Golf Digest. H.H. Sheikh Butti Al Maktoum at the presentation ceremony as Sam Torrance and Howard Clark hold the trophy after winning the ‘East v West Desert Challenge Match’ against Australia’s Rodger Davis and Graham Marsh. The event was organised to mark the opening of the Emirates Golf Club in 1988.

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB 21ST Left: The Majlis course begins to take shape as the holes are grassed in 1987 prior to the course opening in 1988.

Ed Bain – Club Captain 1990-91 “Everything changed for me and many others when Emirates GC burst upon the scene. Suddenly Dubai became a place for a long-term stay, enjoying top class golfing facilities only previously available in Europe and America. You could enjoy a better lifestyle here every day, all year round”. Margaret Bain – Lady Captain 1988-90 “The opening of Emirates GC was met with excitement and anticipation as we had eagerly watched this amazing oasis in the desert being constructed. A new group of golfing friends from many nationalities was quickly established and the icing on the cake was to be invited to become the first Lady Captain of the Club. We had 70 ladies with no previous golfing experience.” Ross Bain – 1st Junior Member To Become A Professional (Now playing full-time on the Asian Tour) “Emirates GC has been integral to my development as a golfer. I grew up and learnt the game on the fairways of the Majlis course and 21 years on I am still indebted to the members and management for their continued support of my professional career.” Adrian Flaherty – Senior Golf Professional (19881993), Director of Golf (1998-2003) “The creation of Emirates GC provided the community with a world class facility that transformed lifestyles and leisure time in Dubai. The creation of the club played a key part in the start of local and worldwide attention to Dubai as a city of the future”. James Williams – Head Professional / Director of Golf (1988-1998) “The ten years I worked at Emirates GC was a truly wonderful thrill and experience. I remember my first day, driving along the Sheikh Zayed Highway (in those days, one lane either way!) and seeing the magnificent clubhouse in the distance. I knew I could look forward to a great adventure and I wasn’t disappointed. “What an impact Emirates Golf Club had on Dubai and around the world. The magnificent facilities played a major role in families, individuals and businesses making Dubai their permanent home rather than a two or three year stopover. I arrived thinking I’d stay for a few years

now, 22 years later, I’m still here!” “To the Emiratis it was initially and literally a green Oasis in the desert, the perfect place for a picnic, although they were often disturbed by strangely dressed men and women wielding sticks at a little white ball! However, it didn’t take long for them to be tempted into trying out the game and, within a couple of years there were many locals taking up the sport.” “I can count myself very fortunate that I was the first Head Golf Professional at the first grass golf course in the Middle East, alongside a very young and energetic Rod Bogg, the General Manager.” Rod Bogg – General Manager (1987-1992) & Managing Director (1999-Present) “Arriving in Dubai in 1987 and seeing a concrete pad where the clubhouse would go, and a few shoots of green poking through acres of sand, I couldn’t have dreamed how the next 22 years would change my life, or the lives of the many people who have been involved in what would become known as the Miracle in The Desert - the Emirates Golf Club. “To have played a small part in the growth of this very special Golf Club, and to have worked with so many incredible people, has been both a pleasure and a privilege. Who will ever forget the young James Williams toiling on the range before the first Desert Classic, or his young 20-year old assistant with the shock of red hair – now known to us as Adrian Flaherty? And the first New Year’s Eve with Tom Barry leading the founder members in the conga to the sounds of Jamie and the Divots, with Pedro Pido and Barry Carter on guitar, Charlie Fennigbauer on drums and James providing the vocals wonderful people and wonderful memories.” “Twenty years on and we have a new management team in place – equally dedicated and equally talented. There are still many of the founder members with us, to whom the Club owes a huge debt of gratitude, not just for their business, but also for creating the fantastic Club ‘spirit’ that still exists today. “None of this would have been possible without His Highness Sheikh Mohamed’s vision all those years ago, nor without the fantastic support, trust, and leadership that we have received from His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed, our Chairman for the past 15 years. I only hope that we have achieved Their Highness’s vision in creating a very special place in many people’s hearts.” ■

Above: Rod Bogg gets in a spot of practice while the clubhouse is under construction.

Above: A teenage Ross Bain receives one of the ﬁrst of many trophies he was to win at his home club, the Emirates Golf Club.

Above: James Williams in the early days of the Emirates Golf Club. “The ten years I worked at the Emirates GC was a truly wonderful thrill and experience.”

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WORLD GOLF CHAMPIOSNHIPS - ACCENTURE MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP VENUE Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Marana, Arizona. 1st Prize $1,400,000

OGILVY GUNS DOWN CASEY IN

“I THREW A LOT AT HIM BUT HE DIDN’T FLINCH. IT WAS VERY IMPRESSIVE.” – Paul Casey

DESERT DUEL V

GEOFF Ogilvy out-gunned Paul Casey in the final of the World Golf ChampionshipsAccenture Match Play Championship in Arizona with a 4&3 victory over 36 holes. The duel was between two Arizona-based sharpshooters who have lived in Scottsdale for years and are both members of the same club. They even played a practice round together at Dove Mountain weeks before the Championship rolled into town to get a look at the new course – and it clearly paid off. Casey was in fine fettle en-route to the final while Ogilvy built his performances steadily before dominating the Englishman in the final. Ogilvy went 1-up on the first hole and stayed in front throughout with some solid golf, demonstrating the demeanour of a seasoned veteran. Ogilvy closed out the morning session with a 3-up lead and continued to perform calmly in the sweltering desert heat despite a mini-comeback from Casey at the beginning of the second 18. “I was out of the blocks fast this afternoon and made three birdies over the first eight holes and still lost two holes, so he played great golf,” said Casey. “I threw a lot at him but he didn’t flinch. It was very impressive.” Casey bogeyed hole 9 to lose the 27th hole and go 6 down, but an eagle at the 29th gave him faint hope. The next hole was halved but Casey birdied the 31st to take the match to another hole. Ogilvy was presented with a putt for victory on the 33rd hole and he duly obliged. “The whole weekend I played fantastic golf. I played two unbelievable players yesterday – Rory (McIlroy) is going to be one of the best players in the world,” said Ogilvy. “Stewart Cink is very hard to beat in this tournament, always up there, and then Paul today – one of the best players out there – he’s a really great competitor head-tohead. I’ve been on the wrong end in this final and it’s not a very nice feeling, but it’s a very satisfying week to play well, I’m really happy with this.” The win was Ogilvy’s third WGC title – only he and Tiger Woods have won more than two WGCs – and it took him up to fourth in the Official World Golf Ranking. “I think when Geoff plays the golf he played today, you have to put him in that category,” said Casey who was quick to sing the Aussie’s praises. “He’s a quiet guy. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t get the attention he deserves or the recognition he deserves. But he’s a phenomenal golfer.” In the consolation match Stewart Cink beat debutant Ross Fisher 1-up to take the $600,000 prize while Fisher took home $490,000. Ogilvy collected a cheque for $1.4 million to leap to the top of The Race to Dubai standings. ■

ROUTES TO THE FINAL

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Casey

Ogilvy

Round 1 bt Aaron Baddeley (Aus) 1-up

Round 1 bt Kevin Sutherland (US) at 19th

Round 2 bt Mathew Goggin (Aus) 6&4

Round 2 bt Shingo Katayama (Jpn) at 19th

Round 3 bt Peter Hanson (Swe) 3&2

Round 3 bt Camilo Villegas (Col) 2&1

Quarter-Final bt Sean O’Hair (US) 4&3

Quarter-Final bt Rory McIlroy (NI) 2&1

Semi-Final bt Ross Fisher (Eng) 2&1

Semi-Final bt Stewart Cink (US) 4&2

PHIL BREAKS HIS

WGC DUCK

HIL Mickelson shook off the tag of ‘best player without a WGC title’ thanks to a one-stroke victory over compatriot Nick Watney at the WGC-CA Championship in Miami. Mickelson held off Watney’s challenge closing with six straight pars for a 3-under 69 and a 19-under total which took him up to No.2 in the Official World Golf Ranking and closer to Tiger Woods in points than he has ever been before. “I fought hard all day and wasn’t really able to pay attention to some of the great shots that Nick hit because I was so worried about keeping my energy level high and steady throughout the round,” said Mickelson who suffered from exhaustion and dehydration at various stages on Saturday

and Sunday. I haven’t eaten much in three days but I fought hard. I knew I was playing some of my best golf coming in here and I was playing well, so I’m very excited to have finished it off.” Watney, who won the Buick Invitational earlier in the season, almost forced a play-off on the 18th but his 30-foot birdie putt from the fringe pulled up inches short of the cup. “I’ll get over this,” he said. “It’s a positive week. I played really well. I beat 78 of the best players in the world – beat Tiger, which is always good. I’m very pleased with the way I’m playing.” Mickelson’ won wire-to-wire after a first round 7-under 65 gave him a share of the lead alongside Jeev Milkha Singh, Retief Goosen and Prayad Marksaeng. Mickelson stormed into a two-shot lead after the second round with a 66, while Watney moved into outright second place after a 67. The third round saw the pair take control as they finished together on 16-under – four shots ahead of Milkha Singh and Camilo Villegas. With such a healthy lead heading into Sunday it seemed unlikely that the pair could be caught with the tough pin positions and this proved to be the case. Watney and Mickelson played out a fascinating match play duel which saw the lead change hands twice before the turn. Watney eagled the 10th to get to 4-under and catch Mickelson who made birdie, however Watney bogeyed the next hole to fall back behind Mickelson. More drama unfolded as both players bogeyed a hole they were looking to score on – the par-5 12th – which kept Mickelson one stroke ahead. Watney went in search of birdies down the closing six holes but could only manage pars and with this Mickelson showed his experience by matching pars of his own. On the final green Watney’s birdie attempt was tracking nicely into the cup but pulled up agonisingly short leaving Mickelson with a routine par putt for victory. “It looked like it was going in,” Mickelson said of Watney’s crucial putt that seemed certain to take the contest further. “I’ve been there, man,” said a much-relieved Mickelson. “I know that feeling. It’s not a great one. But I played well all day. There were a lot of holes that you could make birdie on, and there were some very tough pars. I’m very pleased to have won today.” Jim Furyk closed with a 67 for third place on 16-under with Milka Singh alone in fourth place on 14-under. England’s Oliver Wilson shot the best round of the day with a bogey-free 6-under 66 for a share of fifth place alongside Villegas who closed with 71. ■

WORLD GOLF CHAMPIOSNHIPS - CA CHAMPIONSHIP VENUE Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami, Florida, USA. Purse $1,400,000

“I FOUGHT HARD ALL DAY AND WASN’T REALLY ABLE TO PAY ATTENTION TO SOME OF THE GREAT SHOTS NICK HIT.” – Phil Mickelson

“I PLAYED WELL ALL DAY. THERE WERE A LOT OF HOLES THAT YOU COULD MAKE BIRDIE ON, AND THERE WERE SOME VERY TOUGH PARS. I’M VERY PLEASED TO HAVE WON TODAY.” – Phil Mickelson www.wwgolf.biz

RORYQ&A McILROYPart2 Rory makes the Americans sit up and take notice

WWG: How valuable have your three weeks in the U.S. been? Rory McIlroy: It’s been great, a lot of people have gotten to know me, which has been great and I have had a lot of support out there. It has been a great three weeks but I am looking forward to getting home for a couple of weeks and I’ll be raring to go and get back out there and play some more. It has been great and I feel that if I can do a little bit of work at home I’ll get myself ready for the next stretch. WWG: That includes The Masters of course, how excited are you about that? Rory McIlroy: I can’t wait. It is going to be my second event back when I do get out there. It is right around the corner and the closer it gets, the more excited I’ll be. It’ll be a great week for me and hopefully one that I will do well at. I got a nice letter from Gary Player after I won in Dubai. He said to me, “The more you practice, the luckier you get.” So that’s a pretty good piece of advice. WWG: What are your memories of watching The Masters as a young boy, maybe dreaming of one day playing at Augusta and were you always confident that you’d make it to that level? Rory McIlroy: I was never confident that I’d make it to that level but I always dreamed that I would. My first memory was of Nick Faldo beating Greg Norman in 1996 and I could tell you every shot that Tiger played in 1997. Since then I’ve watched every one. I think The Masters is very special. It’s on the BBC in Britain and you only used to get to see the back nine but now you get to see some of the front nine as well. It’s got a little bit of mystique about it because it’s such a special event and I’m really looking forward to playing it. WWG: You’re just 19 years old and you’ve been thrust into the spotlight. Do you have the chance to lead a normal 19-year-old’s life away from golf or is it just all golf? Rory McIlroy: No, I think I lead a pretty normal life. I got home the Monday after the Desert Classic and saw my friends and family. I went for a couple of nights out 18

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Rory McIlroy signs autographs for spectators after the finish of his second round of the World Golf ChampionshipsCA Championship at Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, Florida last month.

RORY McILROY

Rory McIlroy: His finest moment probably came at Pebble Beach in 2000. He won by 15 shots. He was 12-under par and I think the next best was 3-over! He just blew the field away. He also won his first Major by 12 shots, which is pretty special. He’s won over 60 times around the world He’s won 14 Majors and even won one on one leg – not many people could do that! WWG: How do you find the golf courses in America – do you feel you can have success on them in the future? Rory McIlroy: I played quite a bit of junior golf in the States. There was always a junior tournament in Doral just before Christmas and I always went over to play in that. I played events in the San Diego area and played the Orange Bowl a couple of times. So the junior golf I played over there gave me a lot of experience. I think the style of golf

over in America suits my game. I hit it quite high, I’m able to get the ball to stop pretty quickly and I’m pretty long off the tee. WWG: Can you remember what age you were when you did your first interview and what is your general attitude towards the press and the media and all the attention you receive? Rory McIlroy: I think I was probably about six or seven when I did my first newspaper interview so I’ve been doing it for about 12 years now. I was quite well known in Ireland before I turned pro so I did a few interviews here and there but obviously nothing like I’m doing now. I view everything that I’m doing now with the press as a good thing. When people want to talk to you it means you’re doing well. I’d be more concerned if nobody wanted to talk to me, so I view it as a positive thing. ■

Rory McIlroy tees off admist the gallery and saguaro cactus en route to his 2 & 1 loss to eventual Champions Geoff Ogilvy in the quarterfinal of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championships at Tucson, Arizona in February. www.wwgolf.biz

Head for the Home of Golf and be

Carnoustie

COTLAND can boast more than 550 golf courses within its fair lands so the ardent golfer is spoilt for choice. Be it a windswept coastal links experience or an inland leafy parkland course, Scotland has it all. The inland delights of Gleneagles hosts three Championship golf courses including the famous Kings Course which first opened in 1919. Designer James Braid wanted to test players’ ability on every hole, which makes shot-making a true precedent. After a testing 18-holes there are few better hotels in the world to come back to than The Gleneagles Hotel. The magnificent facility has been awarded the full 5 Red Star rating from the Automobile Association every year since 1986 and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and is one of the Great Golf Resorts of the World. Located in lush and tranquil surroundings in

850 acres of stunning Perthshire countryside, Gleneagles is home to a wide range of exhilarating outdoor leisure activities. True Links Experience If it’s a true Scottish links experience that takes your fancy there is nowhere more luxurious and authentic than St Andrews. The St Andrews Old Course Hotel, situated on the Old Course itself, is an historic facility with magnificent views over the most famous golf course in the world. St Andrews is the Home of Golf, the geographic and cultural centre, where the game has developed over centuries and where its laws and conventions are made and preserved. It’s the place everyone who plays the game wants to visit at least once in their golfing lifetime. Its world famous Old Course is at the heart of the historic game but is

just one of many fantastic courses available in the area, amid scenic splendour that only Scotland can offer. The Old Course is not the only jewel in St Andrews’ crown – the St Andrews ‘New’ Course was laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1895 and was originally intended as a relief course for the Old, which was by then struggling to keep pace with demand. It runs alongside the Old Course and were it not for its close proximity to the most famous course in the world the New Course would warrant a much bigger international reputation than it already owns. Tight fairways lined by thick gorse and whin, subtle greens and four of the most testing par three holes in golf are its hallmarks. The Kingsbarns Golf Links site has long been known for its intimate connection with the sea. The fact that its golf origins

spoilt for choice...

The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews, Scotland date back to 1793 is testimony to the attributes of the site, which foster ideal conditions for links golf amid interesting natural terrain. This unique part of East Fife, only five miles from St Andrews itself , has undulating ridges and hollows and is set against the spectacular rugged coastline of the North Sea – which is directly in the player’s view for more than half the course. Carnoustie Golf Links, host of two of the most dramatic Open Championships in recent memory in 1999 and 2007, is one of the most challenging links layouts in the region. Three Championship courses make up the Carnoustie Golf Links and all of them provide a real test for any level of golfer. Golf courses of the calibre of Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, Crail and Anstruther – coupled with the world-renowned courses at St Andrews – showcase the fact that the Kingdom of Fife is arguably the finest destination for golf on the planet. Homecoming Scotland 2009 Golf in Scotland is set to benefit even further next year as the country celebrates its Year of Homecoming – with golf forming a key theme of the year-long celebrations. Inspired by the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, Homecoming Scotland 2009 will encourage people of Scottish descent, Scots, and those who simply love Scotland, to come home in 2009 and take part in an inspirational celebration of Scottish culture, heritage and, of

course, some of the many great contributions Scotland has given the world: Burns himself, Golf, Whisky, Great Scottish Minds and Innovations. To help facilitate this, VisitScotland have called upon the expertise of Kaleem Akbar, Evolution Golf Scotland’s Middle East representative, to assist in measuring the region’s appetite for Scottish Golf Vacations. Highlight of the Year The Golfing highlight of the year will undoubtedly be the return of The Open Championship to Turnberry – the venue famous for the 1977 ‘Duel in the Sun’ between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Scotland is rightly recognised as The Home of Golf throughout the world and the staging of the 138th Open Championship, golf’s oldest Major, is a triumphant highlight of the Homecoming Scotland 2009 calendar. Off the greens, A Whole in One Golf Exhibition, to coincide with The Open, will feature a wide range of iconic artefacts such as the Claret Jug and the Challenge Belt, as part of an exploration of the story of golf and its impact on fashion, tourism, social history and – the great game itself. From The Open Championship to The Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond Golf Club, the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie, 2009 will be an unmissable year for golfers to return to where it all began. ■

Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland

For information on VisitScotland – www.visitscotland.org. For business tourism information – www.conventionscotland.com. For visitor information – www.visitscotland.com or call 0845 22 55 121. Homecoming Scotland 2009: A celebratory programme of events across Scotland until 30 November 2009. Spread the word and join the celebrations – www.homecomingscotland2009.com For information on Evolution Golf Scotland – www.evolutiongolfscotland.com; Tel: +44 1414163298; +965 66039646.

www.wwgolf.biz

GREG

NORMAN N

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE PRESIDENTS CUP

Jeev Milkha Singh, who came fourth in the World Golf Championships-CA Championship at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, last month.

WWG COLUMNIST

Greg Norman, Captain of The International Team for The Presidents Cup with his good friend and opposing USA Captain, Fred Couples. “I have spoken to several players about this year’s competition, and it is very clear to me that The International Team will be a focused, energetic and an excited group of players,” says Greg. “Everyone I talk to cannot wait to get to Harding Park in San Francisco in October.” www.wwgolf.biz

TRAVEL FEATURE

SOMETHING FOR

EVERYONE

Sharm El Sheikh

SOMETHING FOR

EVERYONE

and most impressive I’ve seen and it’s hard to imagine ever struggling to get a sun lounger. There’s a restaurant/bar on an island in the middle of the pool serving a wide choice of cuisine and the staff are attentive to your every need. For evening meals you can choose from a buffet stocked with a wonderful selection of main meals, salad and dessert or alternatively there are two fantastic à la carte restaurants – an Italian called Al Forno or our favourite, Siam, serving delicious Thai food cooked by a multi-award-winning chef.

challenges regarding irrigation, the par-72 course is impressively green and plays to a high standard. Several water hazards are dotted around the course providing a good test and also attracting a wide variety of exotic birds. Each hole has four tees, catering for the variety of skill levels the course attracts, while the tiff-dwarf greens are of PGA Tour standard and play with a wonderful consistency. The Jolie Ville Championship Golf Course also has three short game practice holes and two putting areas as well as a fully stocked pro-shop. After a hard day on the course the luxurious Royal Peninsula is an extremely inviting hotel to come back to. If you like a lot of space you won’t be disappointed – the rooms are massive. Our superior room had the biggest bed I’ve ever seen, a huge sitting area, and a bathroom with two showers and two sinks! All rooms are equipped with LAN wireless Internet connections and if you have additional requirements, there is a state-of-the-art business centre. The pool is also one of the biggest 26

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Facilities The multitude of facilities at the Royal Peninsula include tennis courts, a basketball court, five-aside football pitch and a full range of watersports, which take place from the hotel’s own private jetty a short courtesy bus ride away. There is also a relaxing Spa, complete with sauna and steam room where fully trained masseurs await to work away all the aches and pains resulting from your efforts on the golf course. Marginally further down the budget scale but no less impressive is the all-inclusive Sultan Gardens Resort, where we stayed for our second week. If the Royal Peninsula is most suited to the travelling executive golfer then the Sultan Gardens Resort is definitely the best choice for those travelling with the family – something illustrated by the fact that the resort picked up a Trip Advisor ‘Travellers Choice: Best for Families’ award for 2009. Like the Royal Peninsula, the Sultan Gardens enjoys a convenient location right beside the Jolie Ville Golf Course and is also situated on its own beautiful private 220-metre sandy beach, where intriguing coral formations and a multitude of exotic fish species can be explored. As the name reveals the Sultan Gardens’ 520 rooms, suites and beachfront villas nestle among a vast array of exotic

trees, flowers and plants and you can spend hours simply wandering through the many twists and turns of the plentiful gardens. But if wandering isn’t your thing there’s much more to keep you occupied. There are five pools for a start – two of them heated and one with its own waterslide! You can work on your putting skills at the 18-hole mini golf course, experience Egypt’s legendary scuba diving through the resort’s Dive Centre, try a variety of water sports, or relax in the Health Club (we tried the Jacuzzi and the aromatherapy massage both of which hit the spot nicely!). If none of the above take your fancy there’s always, (deep breath), tennis, volleyball, squash, table tennis, football, billiards, American pool, foosball and darts! And if you like organised activities there’s an extensive animation team as well as a dedicated Kids Club. Comfortable The rooms are a good size with everything you need for a comfortable stay. We had a junior suite, which had it’s own kitchen and lounge area complete with satellite television and optional broadband Internet access. The food and drink system at the resort is much simpler than some allinclusive establishments – you’re given a wristband when you arrive and that’s it, there’s no endless signing procedure. You can get snacks pretty much all day from the pool and beach bars, while for evening meals there is again a choice between a well-stocked buffet or two a la carte restaurants. Down by the beach there is the delightful Seafood Market, serving a wide variety of fresh fish or you can get a lovely Italian meal at Casa Mia. We were treated to some outstanding meals in both of the à la carte restaurants that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the finest eateries around the world.

TRAVEL FEATURE Pictured left: One of the ﬁve pools at the Sultan Gardens Resort. Bottom left: Il Pomodoro Italian restaurant in Naama Bay. Right (from top to bottom): A night view of the pool bar at Sultan Gardens Resort; The kids pool complete with waterslide; The Taj Mahal Indian restaurant at The Baron Resort; The Sinai Golf Heights.

With service to match, it really was a pleasure dining in the Sultan Gardens Resort. After dinner you can relax in the Shisha bar or enjoy the nightly entertainment before going for a boogie in the resort’s own nightclub. The second local golf course we checked out was the Sinai Golf Heights. The 18-hole development was designed by Ronald Frame and was halfway through being built before it ran into funding problems. Challenge But it has now been taken on by a new developer, who has grand plans for a 1.3 million square metre golf, hotel, retail and residential complex. There are currently only nine holes of the course completed – due to open this summer – but they’ve been finished to a decent standard and will offer a good challenge to even the most seasoned player. Again, the Sinai Golf Heights is in a privileged setting along the Red Sea coastline with abundant grass and plentiful shimmering lakes throughout the course. The current nine-hole layout has a wide variety of holes with the water hazards and a reasonable smattering of well-placed bunkers providing more than enough to get your teeth into. The fairways and greens are in good condition while, as with the Jolie Ville Course, the surrounding desert scrub places accuracy at a premium. There are a multitude of activities to keep you entertained when not playing golf in the Sinai region. For nightlife, Naama Bay is a vibrant and bustling concoction of sights, sounds and smells. There are many modern nightclubs as well as relaxing bars kitted out with cushions where a traditional Shisha pipe can be enjoyed along with

a drink. Just about every type of food imaginable can be enjoyed in Naama Bay from traditional Egyptian fare to more Western delights. As far as restaurants go Il Pomodoro is in a delightful outdoor setting overlooking the main promenade and does a decent standard of Italian cuisine that won’t break the bank. The attached award-winning Tandoori is also well worth a visit while both restaurants are conveniently located for the best bar in Naama Bay – the Roof Bar, which is, not surprisingly, on the roof of the Camel Hotel and offers stunning vistas of the whole area. The more adventurous of spirit and palate should take a trip slightly out of town to the beachside Indian restaurant, the Taj Mahal. This place is part of the Baron Resort and not only is the experience of enjoying a meal whilst looking directly out over the Red Sea an unforgettable one, the food is as good as any Indian meal I’ve tasted. Delights There are plenty of excursions to keep you busy away from the golf course on the Sinai Peninsula, from boat trips and scuba diving in the Red Sea to an overnight trip to Cairo to see the Pyramids. We opted for some highly uncultured but seriously enjoyable fun in the shape a quad bike safari in the desert and a day out at the local karting track! All in all, Sharm El Sheikh is the perfect place to visit for those travelling with friends or family who may not want to spend every day on the golf course. There is enough golf in the immediate vicinity to keep golf-lovers occupied while the rest sample the many other delights on offer. With more Championship courses like Taba Heights and Soma Bay within easy reach, you can always arrange a day trip to escape for some peace and quiet! ■

USEFUL LINKS

Flights and accomodation can be booked through On The Beach Holidays: www.otbeach.com Maritim Royal Peninsula / Jolie Ville Golf Course: www.maritim.de Sultan Gardens Resort: www.sultangardensresort.com Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant: www.baronhotelsegypt.com Excusions / Sinai Golf Heights: www.uncoveregypt.com Il Pomodoro / Tandoori / Camel Roof Bar: www.cameldive.com www.wwgolf.biz

WWG COLUMNIST

ROSS

FISHER

A GREAT TIME IN THE STATES!

DRIVING

RANGE

WWG WHEELS

MAYBACH ZEPPELIN

Styling and Technology >>

RIDE COMFORT PERFORMANCE SPACE BRAKING

MAYBACH ZEPPELIN THE Maybach brand has launched the new Maybach Zeppelin to spearhead its luxury saloon model range. The new model represents the absolute pinnacle in the high-end luxury saloon segment. It makes it a worthy successor to the legendary Maybach Zeppelin, which was revered worldwide as the ultimate in high-class automotive engineering in the 1930s.

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DRIVING The MAYBACH ZEPPELIN is being built in a limited edition of just 100 worldwide

A WORLD-FIRST SYSTEM FOR A FINE INTERIOR FRAGRANCE CUSTOMERS are also able to opt for an especially refined equipment detail that is exclusive to the Maybach Zeppelin – an extremely high-quality perfume atomiser, the only one of its kind in the world. It easily eclipses all previous efforts to produce something similar, both in terms of its visual appeal and its operation. Its sophisticated technology and premium fragrances create a unique aromatic experience in the Maybach Zeppelin’s interior at the push of a button – stimulating the senses of the occupants not with an overpowering perfume but with a soft, delicate scent. The system’s core component is an internally illuminated Plexiglass sphere on the rear centre console, into which Maybach Zeppelin owners can insert a vial of their

preferred fragrance. Aroma experts took the human sense of smell into consideration when designing the control mechanism. As the nose adjusts to smells in such a way that it no longer perceives them after a short while, the perfume atomiser switches off after about ten minutes to prevent the occupants’ sense of smell from being overwhelmed to the point where they can no longer enjoy the fine aroma. Once the system has switched off, the fragrance quickly evaporates. Thanks to the sophisticated control and the high-quality perfumes used, the fragrance does not seep into either the interior materials or the occupants’ clothes. Reactivating the atomiser later allows the aromatic experience to be enjoyed all over again.

WWG WHEELS

MAYBACH Zeppelin 62 Technical data Engine:

Top speed 250km/h Acceleration 0-100km/h 5.1secs* Torque 1000 at 2000 - 4000rpm Nm Cylinders 12/V 3 valves per cylinder

Dimensions: Length Width Wheel base Turning circle Trunk space

6.165 m 1.980 m 3.827 m 14.82 m 605 litres

* Provisional figure

STYLING THE hallmark features of the new Maybach flagship’s unique sense of style include a stunning paint finish, featuring a shoulderline in a contrasting colour, as well as the exquisite materials in the interior, whose long list of optional extras includes a world first – a perfume atomiser. The new model’s performance even outclasses the rest of the Maybach range, making it the most powerful Maybach ever. The limited-edition special models bear a number of discreet identifying markings in the interior. The centre console in the front, the partition screen that is available as an option for the Maybach Zeppelin 62, plus the silver champagne flutes included as standard are all marked with the lettering “MAYBACH ZEPPELIN”, while the door sill panels and the key ring are engraved with the word “ZEPPELIN”. On the exterior curving “ZEPPELIN” lettering appears below the distinctive double “M” emblem on the radiator grille and on the boot lid to instantly give away the elite status of the Maybach Zeppelin. The new Maybach Zeppelin is being built in a limited edition of just 100 worldwide with the first models due to be delivered to customers in September 2009.

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The PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles, 9th hole

A Free Foursome in Scotland – The Home Of Golf!

In honor of Homecoming Scotland 2009, a year-long celebration inspired by Robert Burns’ 250th birthday, VisitScotland is giving away thousands of free foursomes across a selection of Scotland’s 550 golf clubs. It could be a Championship course such as Royal Troon or the PGA Centenary at Gleneagles, host venue of the 2014 Ryder Cup. Or a classic links course such as The Glen in East Lothian or the Old Course at Moray Golf Club, designed by Old Tom Morris himself. Or one of our new courses, such as the spectacularly situated Machrihanish Dunes in Kintyre or The Dukes at St Andrews.

Claim your free foursome by visiting

www.driveithomescotland.com Drive It Home is a VisitScotland promotion, delivered in collaboration with the Scottish Golf Union and Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association

NEWS SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE GOLFING GLOBE

DIVOTS Woods is se receive US t to $ for playing 3m in the Australian Masters.

Jivai Shin shines in HSBC win

Villegas honoured by President

Woods to play Down-under

European Seniors Tour first in SA

TIGER Woods will play in Australia for the first time in more than a decade in November this year at the Australian Masters but the announcement has divided opinion among players both past and present. Peter Thompson, 5-times Open winner and a former Australian Open champion commented: “In my view it’s going to damage our national Open. Tiger won’t be playing in that but it sucks up potential sponsorship.” However, Stuart Appleby said Woods would have a positive influence on the local circuit. “It will be great for the game and it will bring out a lot of people who haven’t seen him before in person – and not just on a video game,” he said.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Turnberry, Scotland

In July 2009 The Open Championship returns to Scotland, The Home of Golf and to the mighty Turnberry, Turnberry, Scotland universally renowned as one of golf’s greatest challenges. So what better way to celebrate Scotland’s year of Homecoming than to experience the drama and excitement that only The Open in The Home of Golf can deliver. In Julyover 2009 The Open to Championship to Scotland, Thenever Home Golfaand to the mighty Turnberry, With 550 courses choose from returns across Scotland you’re faroffrom course that’s perfect for you. From universally renowned as one of golf’s greatest challenges. So what better way to celebrate Scotland’s of visit hidden gems to legendary links you’ll always find somewhere you want to play at a time that suits. So year why not Homecoming than to join experience the drama thatWe’ll only see The you Open The Home of Golf can deliver. Scotland in 2009 and the celebrations inand Theexcitement Home of Golf. oninthe tee! With over 550 courses to choose from across Scotland you’re never far from a course that’s perfect for you. From For further information visit homecomingscotland2009.com hidden gems to legendary links you’ll always find somewhere you want to play at a time that suits. So why not visit For further visit Scotland in information 2009 and join thehomecomingscotland2009.com celebrations in The Home of Golf. We’ll see you on the tee!

For further information visit homecomingscotland2009.com

GOLF COMPETITION OF A LIFETIME

Carnoustie Golf Links, Scotland.

WIN THE HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME FOR TWO GOLFERS TO SCOTLAND AND THE KINGDOM OF FIFE – THE HOME OF GOLF ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE GOLFER WHO HAS

RECENTLY RETURNED TO THE GAME, WHO WON THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP AT St ANDREWS IN 2005?

To enter the competition log on to: www.wwgolf.biz and click ‘competitions’ Normal Worldwide Sporting Publications rules apply. Entries must be received by Monday, May 11, 2009. Winners will be announced in the June issue of Worldwide Golf.

Kingsbarns Golf Club, Fife, Scotland.

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OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKING

A R O U N D T H E W O R L D O N T H E U. S . P G A T O U R & E U R O P E A N T O U R AS OF MARCH 23, 2009 1 Tiger Woods 2 Phil Mickelson 3 Sergio Garcia 4 Geoff Ogilvy 5 Padraig Harrington 6 Vijay Singh 7 Camilo Villegas 8 Robert Karlsson 9 Henrik Stenson 10 Kenny Perry 11 Steve Stricker 12 Paul Casey 13 Jim Furyk 14 Anthony Kim 15 Lee Westwood 16 Ernie Els 17 Rory McIlroy 18 Stewart Cink 19 Mike Weir 20 Martin Kaymer 21 Adam Scott 22 Retief Goosen 23 K.J. Choi 24 Justin Rose 25 Justin Leonard 26 Alvaro Quiros 27 Miguel A Jimenez 28 Jeev Milkha Singh 29 Luke Donald 30 Robert Allenby 31 Trevor Immelman 32 Ross Fisher 33 Ben Curtis 34 Ian Poulter 35 Zach Johnson 36 Tim Clark 37 Oliver Wilson 38 Dustin Johnson 39 Nick Watney 40 Andres Romero 41 Sean Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hair 42 Stephen Ames 43 Shingo Katayama 44 Graeme McDowell 45 Rory Sabbatini 46 Aaron Baddeley 47 Davis Love-III 48 Louis Oosthuizen 49 Mathew Goggin 50 Prayad Marksaeng

USA USA Esp Aus Irl Fji Col Swe Swe USA USA Eng USA USA Eng Saf Nir USA Can Ger Aus Saf Kor Eng USA Esp Esp Ind Eng Aus Saf Eng USA Eng USA Saf Eng USA USA Arg USA Can Jpn Nir Saf Aus USA Saf Aus Tha

Pts. Avg 8.86 8.66 7.53 6.36 5.91 5.86 4.94 4.88 4.87 4.83 4.37 4.34 4.31 4.28 4.17 4.16 3.93 3.73 3.67 3.46 3.41 3.40 3.39 3.38 3.25 3.20 3.01 3.00 2.99 2.98 2.97 2.97 2.93 2.90 2.87 2.79 2.69 2.64 2.62 2.60 2.48 2.48 2.46 2.45 2.42 2.33 2.31 2.30 2.27 2.25

Tot. Pts 354.20 406.88 376.36 298.74 301.19 293.11 247.19 244.17 243.49 251.02 196.87 208.43 202.36 214.11 220.85 229.06 176.97 179.10 179.68 186.93 156.99 190.16 173.11 155.61 175.36 134.41 168.52 212.89 119.44 172.88 151.50 157.31 129.06 147.76 137.69 159.14 145.48 105.61 139.02 140.34 134.03 113.94 137.69 134.66 125.67 109.28 99.18 119.42 134.04 141.91

Events

Pts. Gained

40 47 50 47 51 50 50 50 50 52 45 48 47 50 53 55 45 48 49 54 46 56 51 46 54 42 56 71 40 58 51 53 44 51 48 57 54 40 53 54 54 46 56 55 52 47 43 52 59 63

14.95 150.19 31.46 131.03 19.01 8.14 46.28 20.11 49.85 87.98 73.46 113.75 43.73 30.54 13.97 34.66 86.79 35.75 43.81 46.45 30.45 89.56 30.56 37.87 35.91 70.69 24.49 38.55 35.97 22.97 8.82 33.09 8.76 17.88 63.14 31.27 32.06 67.68 104.94 25.40 47.27 16.02 8.08 6.45 23.67 15.85 37.93 73.46 26.62 21.88

Pts. Avg 51 Richard Sterne 52 Stuart Appleby 53 Hunter Mahan 54 Soren Kjeldsen 55 Peter Hanson 56 Rod Pampling 57 Anders Hansen 58 Pat Perez 59 Soren Hansen 60 Lin Wen-Tang 61 Kevin Sutherland 62 Boo Weekley 63 Angel Cabrera 64 Charl Schwartzel 65 David Toms 66 D.J. Trahan 67 Thongchai Jaidee 68 Brendan Jones 69 Ryo Ishikawa 70 Dudley Hart 71 Carl Pettersson 72 Richard Green 73 Ryuji Imada 74 Ben Crane 75 Chad Campbell 76 Darren Clarke 77 Woody Austin 78 James Kingston 79 John Rollins 80 Anthony Wall 81 J.B. Holmes 82 Francesco Molinari 83 Gonzalo Fdez-Castano 84 Hiroyuki Fujita 85 Azuma Yano 86 Alexander Noren 87 Gareth Maybin 88 Scott Verplank 89 Mark Wilson 90 David Smail 91 Charley Hoffman 92 Fredrik Jacobson 93 Rocco Mediate 94 Brandt Snedeker 95 Brian Gay 96 Charlie Wi 97 Charles Howell-III 98 Bart Bryant 99 Estanislao Goya 100 Hideto Tanihara

Saf Aus USA Dnk Swe Aus Dnk USA Dnk Twn USA USA Arg Saf USA USA Tha Aus Jpn USA Swe Aus Jpn USA USA Nir USA Saf USA Eng USA Ita Esp Jpn Jpn Swe Nir USA USA NZl USA Swe USA USA USA Kor USA USA Arg Jpn

2.25 2.24 2.21 2.17 2.17 2.16 2.15 2.10 2.09 2.09 2.06 2.06 1.99 1.99 1.97 1.94 1.86 1.86 1.85 1.83 1.82 1.80 1.79 1.79 1.78 1.75 1.74 1.73 1.72 1.71 1.66 1.64 1.60 1.58 1.58 1.57 1.56 1.56 1.54 1.54 1.54 1.54 1.53 1.53 1.49 1.49 1.49 1.48 1.47 1.46

Tot. Pts 112.34 122.94 117.00 123.66 121.25 127.53 107.30 111.44 115.16 83.53 107.30 107.10 101.37 111.23 80.83 112.41 106.26 83.80 73.87 73.21 105.55 79.24 103.90 71.65 94.59 97.77 99.14 91.85 92.89 99.27 86.09 88.38 86.17 75.77 80.34 86.29 62.45 73.18 83.40 78.63 90.88 75.47 73.58 90.22 93.84 84.86 84.70 68.17 58.67 73.07

Events Pts. Gained 50 55 53 57 56 59 50 53 55 40 52 52 51 56 41 58 57 45 40 40 58 44 58 40 53 56 57 53 54 58 52 54 54 48 51 55 40 47 54 51 59 49 48 59 63 57 57 46 40 50

6.82 8.72 16.97 15.31 22.47 23.74 52.48 44.63 17.28 2.05 13.99 14.65 12.53 24.55 43.63 30.56 29.24 2.05 0.00 0.00 10.65 8.78 13.42 25.33 7.99 10.24 8.89 9.91 54.00 32.66 14.70 11.97 11.98 13.87 1.24 21.09 7.21 5.98 31.45 11.58 57.62 8.97 5.95 1.31 26.98 22.59 40.17 9.57 26.70 1.47

Over 100 destinations worldwide

GARY

PLAYER

Gary Player talks about some of the favourite courses he has designed among the 300-plus courses he has created around the world

SOME OF MY BEST WORK

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The Links at Fancourt, George, South Africa

Leopard Creek, Malelane, South Africa

Gary Player Country Club, Sun City, South Africa

WWG COLUMNIST MIDDLE EAST THE Middle East will always hold a special place in my heart because I won my first ever professional tournament in Egypt, the Egyptian Match Play Championship in 1955, and I believe I’ve given something back to the country by way of thanks in the shape of Soma Bay – my first golf course design in the Middle East. The golf market in the region is growing and growing and one course in the Middle East that is starting to take shape is Saadiyat Beach Golf Course off the coast of Abu Dhabi city. When The European Tour’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship took place in January five of the top players in the field looked around the site and gave some very positive feedback. Paul Casey, who went on to win the tournament, was especially complimentary in his comments. Casey will be back to defend his title in 2010 when the tournament is

played at our Saadiyat Island course. More than a third of the course has views of the Arabian Gulf coastline where dolphins are regularly spotted and it will also boast two freshwater lakes and one saltwater lake. There’s something unique about Saadiyat Island which excites me. Set alongside the world’s largest cluster of renowned cultural institutions, such as the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi museum and the Louvre museum, this course will raise the bar and set a new standard for golf courses across the Middle East region – if not the world. The Kingdom of Oman is another destination in the Middle East where I’m designing an exciting course. Oman is an emerging golf market and has a lot of potential and I’m positive my course at The Malkai, as well as a second course there, will be a huge success.

REST OF THE WORLD MANY of my favourite golf designs are in very different locations, situated all around the world, in Asia, Europe, South and North America and Africa. The BlackSeaRama is situated in a stunning location in Bulgaria which offers sensational panoramic views over the Black Sea. Another stunning location is the Chateau de Taulane in Provence, France. Set in the shadows of the Castle of Taulane an enchanting atmosphere is created as the course winds through hilly, picturesque countryside with a wide variety of holes suitable for all handicaps. A far cry from Europe is the CostaBaja Resort & Marina in Mexico. It’s my first design in Mexico and I’m thrilled to be building a course at such a stunning site on the Sea of Cortez in La Paz. South of Mexico I’ve design my first course in South America in Mendoza, Argentina, at Aymuray. As a course that will follow the natural lie of the land in the valleys of the Andes I believe it will become one of the most spectacular places to play golf in Latin America when it opens next year. I designed the Championship Course at Kranj Sanctuary in Singapore with nature in mind, as I do with all my courses. A unique feature of this golf course is that it provides

public access via a nature trail to designated bird-watching sites. My two courses at Ria Bintan in Indonesia are both spectacular in their own right. The Ocean Course features deep forestation and huge elevation changes whilst also overlooking the sea. The inherent natural beauty of the site has been retained and enhanced to bring the visitors’ focus closer to nature and the natural surroundings.. In Morocco I have designed a classic coastal links at Mazagan. Golf holes are shaped using the natural contours of the land and sand dunes and offer wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean. In South Carolina I designed Cougar Point on Kiawah Island in 1996 and it quickly became one of my favourite layouts. It’s a strategic track which causes the golfer to ‘think’ their way around the course and it was recently voted ‘Golf Course of the Year’ by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association. I’ll continue in search of the very best natural habitats that the world has to offer in designing a golf course. Looking after the environment, natural terrain and the inhabitants will always be my top priority. Nothing gives me more pleasure than a golf course designed with nature in mind. ■

Aymuray, Mendoza, Argentina

Cougar Point, 6th hole, Kiawah Island Resort, USA

BlackSeaRama, Varna, Bulgaria

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LEGEND OPENS ITS GATES

THE LEGEND GOLF & SAFARI RESORT AT ENTABENI IN SOUTH AFRICA – A UNIQUE GOLFING EXPERIENCE

OW Africa’s most talked about leisure venue is unlocking the doors to its majestic Monomotapa-style gatehouse and inviting golf and safari enthusiasts to take the recreational experience of a lifetime. Legend Golf & Safari Resort at Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the Waterberg, Limpopo, South Africa, has announced the opening of the exclusive 18-hole Signature Course. It’s one of the most talked-about golf resorts in years – and rightly so when you consider it creates a number of world firsts. The unique 18-hole Signature Course has been designed by 18 of the world’s top golfers including Trevor Immelman, Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, Retief Goosen and Sergio Garcia. In addition, you can take the challenge of the world’s most exotic Par 3, ‘the Extreme 19th’ but you’ll need a helicopter to play it. Set high up on the impressive Hanglip Mountain, the tee is accessible only by helicopter with the green some 400m below in the shape of the continent of Africa. It’s already making headlines worldwide and has delighted and amazed those who have already taken this unique golfing challenge, including Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, the South Africa rugby stars from the Super 14 team The Blue Bulls and several Miss World contestants – pictured right. After his recent visit, Harrington remarked: “The Extreme 19th is awesome! I love the whole experience, the helicopter, the views, the drama, the green the shape of Africa. The concept is fantastic and I’m looking forward to coming back and taking on the Extreme 19th again.” Harrington took to the skies to view the 10th hole he designed and after inspecting his par 4, he was delighted with the finished product, saying: “I couldn’t have been more pleased to have been involved in this project. I love the drama of playing towards the mountain. It’s great to be able to put a bit of your golfing personality into a hole and I’ve certainly tried to do that here.” The Legend Golf & Safari Resort is set in the Malaria free Big 5 Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the heart of the African bush. With accommodation available at the luxury lodges of the Entabeni Safari Conservancy and from June at the unique new For more information about Legend Golf & Safari Resort please go to www.legendgolfsafari.com 42

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luxurious rooms within the golf estate, the resort is attracting bookings from across the world. Recent visitor and current World No.2 Sergio Garcia was was amazed by the resort and especially the Extreme 19th. He said: “This is truly unique. I have never seen a hole like this. It’s a great challenge. I’m so glad I made par on the Extreme 19th with one of my balls. My competition ball just missed the green and I managed to make bogey. What a hole; what a view; what a resort.” Legend also had a visit from one of the greatest legends in the game, Gary Player, who enjoyed taking on the Extreme 19th challenge.

Padraig Harrington, who designed the 10th hole at Legend, tees off at the spectacular par-3 ‘Extreme 19th’

LEGEND GOLF & SAFARI RESORT THE LEGEND SIGNATURE HOLE DESIGNERS HOLE 1 - Trevor Immelman HOLE 2 - Thomas Björn HOLE 3 - Jim Furyk HOLE 4 - Bernhard Langer HOLE 5 - Michael Campbell HOLE 6 - Colin Montgomerie HOLE 7 - Mike Weir HOLE 8 - Camilo Villegas HOLE 9 - Justin Rose HOLE 10 - Padraig Harrington HOLE 11 - Raphaël Jacquelin HOLE 12 - Ian Woosnam HOLE 13 - Luke Donald HOLE 14 - Robert Allenby HOLE 15 - Vijay Singh HOLE 16 - Sergio Garcia HOLE 17 - K.J. Choi HOLE 18 - Retief Goosen

“THE EXTREME 19TH IS AWESOME! I LOVE THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE, THE HELICOPTER, THE VIEWS, THE DRAMA, THE GREEN IN THE SHAPE OF AFRICA. THE CONCEPT IS FANTASTIC AND I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO COMING BACK AND TAKING IT ON AGAIN.” - PADRAIG HARRINGTON www.wwgolf.biz

RACE TO DUBAI As of March 23, 2009

THE EUROPEAN TOUR R ACE TO DUBAI 2009 Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Name

Country

Geoff OGILVY Paul CASEY Rory McILROY Oliver WILSON Sergio GARCIA Louis OOSTHUIZEN Alvaro QUIROS Henrik STENSON Ross FISHER Richard STERNE Peter HANSON Jeev Milkha SINGH Martin KAYMER Wen-tang LIN Camilo VILLEGAS Ernie ELS Justin ROSE Rodney PAMPLING Charl SCHWARTZEL Prayad MARKSAENG Anders HANSEN Anthony KANG Ian POULTER Lee WESTWOOD Miguel Angel JIMÉNEZ Robert KARLSSON Thomas AIKEN Francesco MOLINARI Thongchai JAIDEE Damien McGRANE Søren KJELDSEN Johan EDFORS Padraig HARRINGTON Ross McGOWAN Gareth MAYBIN Adam SCOTT Andrew MCLARDY Tim CLARK Alexander NOREN Anthony WALL Jyoti RANDHAWA Felipe AGUILAR Simon DYSON Luke DONALD Søren HANSEN Graeme MCDOWELL David HORSEY Robert ALLENBY Pablo LARRAZÁBAL Estanislao GOYA

AUS ENG NIR ENG ESP RSA ESP SWE ENG RSA SWE IND GER TPE COL RSA ENG AUS RSA THA DEN USA ENG ENG ESP SWE RSA ITA THA IRL DEN SWE IRL ENG NIR AUS RSA RSA SWE ENG IND CHI ENG ENG DEN NIR ENG AUS ESP ARG

Tournaments Played 3 7 8 7 6 11 6 7 6 7 8 7 6 4 4 5 5 5 7 6 6 4 4 7 6 5 5 6 6 9 7 9 4 8 7 4 5 4 7 6 6 5 8 2 6 5 8 4 6 4

Prize Money €1,367,086 €1,145,238 €885,041 €853,045 €852,944 €565,984 €548,274 €522,817 €494,846 €493,925 €467,877 €452,430 €395,273 €392,871 €372,131 €343,734 €317,276 €313,114 €309,631 €308,008 €291,342 €281,518 €261,748 €244,189 €243,447 €243,058 €241,240 €240,387 €232,552 €224,413 €224,029 €222,189 €218,732 €218,577 €213,536 €212,785 €208,759 €207,120 €199,487 €184,756 €183,695 €179,365 €178,855 €173,376 €172,789 €168,907 €168,827 €164,682 €157,994 €145,385

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

Name

Country

Rafael CABRERA BELLO Richard FINCH Anthony KIM Marcus FRASER Trevor IMMELMAN Retief GOOSEN Stephen AMES Vijay SINGH Zach JOHNSON Rory SABBATINI David DRYSDALE Peter LAWRIE Wen-chong LIANG Miles TUNNICLIFF Raphaël JACQUELIN Boo WEEKLEY Maarten LAFEBER Robert ROCK Danny WILLETT James KINGSTON Scott STRANGE Bradley DREDGE Hennie OTTO Chapchai NIRAT Callum MACAULAY Ben CURTIS Steve WEBSTER Mark BROWN Gonzalo FDEZ-CASTAÑO David DIXON Mike WEIR John BICKERTON Colin MONTGOMERIE Seung-yul NOH Andres ROMERO Pelle EDBERG Adam BLYTH Thomas LEVET Andrew COLTART Aaron BADDELEY Brett RUMFORD Robert-Jan DERKSEN Michael HOEY Stuart APPLEBY David GLEESON Martin ERLANDSSON Mikael LUNDBERG Nick DOUGHERTY Darren CLARKE Gary MURPHY

ESP ENG USA AUS RSA RSA CAN FIJ USA RSA SCO IRL CHN ENG FRA USA NED ENG ENG RSA AUS WAL RSA THA SCO USA ENG NZL ESP ENG CAN ENG SCO KOR ARG SWE AUS FRA SCO AUS AUS NED NIR AUS AUS SWE SWE ENG NIR IRL

Tournaments Played 7 10 5 5 5 5 2 2 2 5 5 6 6 7 6 3 6 6 6 6 9 5 7 7 4 2 7 9 4 8 2 7 5 4 2 9 5 4 8 4 6 5 5 3 5 7 5 6 5 8

Prize Money €138,585 €136,668 €134,604 €128,920 €126,457 €124,950 €120,898 €111,032 €111,032 €109,963 €109,888 €109,506 €108,581 €107,973 €106,108 €105,941 €105,341 €102,866 €102,523 €100,412 €97,121 €95,286 €95,271 €93,467 €92,370 €92,225 €91,859 €90,315 €89,163 €88,283 €85,910 €83,241 €82,346 €81,002 €76,439 €75,442 €73,561 €72,358 €70,682 €68,925 €68,586 €67,139 €66,896 €66,612 €66,222 €64,098 €64,059 €63,309 €62,547 €61,941

E X P L A N AT I O N O F T H E E U R O P E A N T O U R R A C E T O D U B A I 2 0 0 9 The Race to Dubai is a $10 million season-long competition for the world’s leading golfers, which culminates in the world’s richest golf tournament, the Dubai World Championship at The Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, UAE, November 19-22. Players will be ranked according to their earnings from all events on The European Tour International Schedule, including the Major Championships and the World Golf Championships, ensuring the cream of world golf will qualify. No.s 1-60 players in The Race to Dubai at the conclusion of the previous tournament compete in the season’s climax, the $10 million Dubai World Championship. Following the Championship, the season’s 15 top-ranked players by earnings share a Bonus Pool of $10 million. The No.1 player will receive $2,000,000, the runner-up $1,500,000 and the third-placed player $1,000,000, with prizes down to the 15th player, who will earn $250,000. The winner of The Race to Dubai will receive a seven-year European Tour Card exemption. From 2010 The Race to Dubai will commence in January and the Dubai World Championship will complete the season in November. THE RACE TO DUBAI BONUS POOL BREAKDOWN 1 US$ 2,000,000 2 US$ 1,500,000 3 US$ 1,000,000 4 US$ 800,000 5 US$ 700,000

6 US$ 600,000 7 US$ 550,000 8 US$ 500,000 9 US$ 450,000 10 US$ 400,000

11 US$ 350,000 12 US$ 325,000 13 US$ 300,000 14 US$ 275,000 15 US$ 250,000

Date: 26 Feb – 01 March 2009

Tournament: Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open Venue: New Kuta Golf Club, Bali, Indonesia

EE R: ID NE JA IN AI W CH G ON TH

JAIDEE IN TOTAL CONTROL AT INDONESIA OPEN “My driving, putting and iron game were all good today. I felt very confident out there which helped me a lot, I knew the pin positions and I was putting well.” THAILAND’S Thongchai Jaidee claimed his third European Tour victory with an impressive twostroke victory at the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open. Jaidee held a one-shot lead heading into the final day and went to the turn in 4-under 33 to increase his lead to four, but a bogey on the 14th saw his lead cut by Steve Webster to just one as the Englishman made birdies of his own. However, Jaidee birdied the 16th to ease the pressure and he carded a 69 for a two-shot win over Webster, Simon Dyson and Alexander Noren. “My driving, putting and iron game were all good today. I felt very confident out there which helped me a lot,” said Jaidee. “I knew the pin positions and I was putting well. I missed the green but chipped in on the fifth hole, which was great and on the seventh I was off the green on the left side but I knocked it in from 12 feet. Those were key holes for me.

“I was unlucky on the eighth because my ball was plugged in the bunker and on the 14th the wind kept changing direction and I ended up putting my ball into the rough. But I made a nice comeback on the 16th with a good drive and second shot and I putted well from there.” Jaidee clamed €163,867 for the win and moved up to 21st place on The Race to Dubai ranking and a place at the season-ending Dubai World Championship is high on his agenda. “My key target this year is to finish in the top 60 in The Race to Dubai,” he said. “That’s my main goal. My second is to get into the top 50 in the World Ranking. I’ve been trying to do that for a long time and I have not been able to make it but now I think that I have a very good chance.” England’s Richard Bland and Spain’s Rafael Cabrera Bello finished in a share of fifth place on 9-under after rounds of 70 and 65 respectively.

INTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAG

Driver: 3-wood: 5-wood: Irons: Putter: Ball:

Callaway FT-9 Callaway FT-i Squareway Callaway Tour X 21 Callaway X-Forged Odyssey White Hot Tour #2 Callaway Tour i

Date: Feb 26 – 01 March 2009

WINNER’S CHEQUE:

€163,867

WILSON TAMES WIND TO WIN IN MEXICO

R: ON NE S IN IL W KW AR M

WHILE the top-64 players in the world were in Arizona battling for the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship Mark Wilson collected his second U.S. PGA Tour title at the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Mexico thanks to a two-shot victory over compatriot J.J. Henry. Wilson was the joint-leader after the second and third rounds and took the lead in his own right on the second hole of the final day. He held on as the weather worsened to secure his first win since the 2007 Honda Classic. Wilson made three birdies going out and birdied the 12th to consolidate his lead. A slight wobble occurred as he bogeyed holes 14 and 16 but he managed to close with two pars for

WINNER’S CHEQUE:

$630,000

victory as the black rain clouds gathered. “The golf course played very differently today,” admitted Wilson. “The rest of the week we had east-southeast winds. Today we had northwest winds. So some of the holes early on where I was hitting driver and 5-iron, I was hitting driver and a wedge or 3-wood and 9-iron, stuff like that.” Wilson posted a 68 to win from Henry who also carded a 68 but could have exerted more pressure had it not been for back-to-back bogeys on 16 and 17. Kevin Streelman came home with a 6-under 64 to jump up from 19th overnight into a share of third place with Heath Slocum who carded a 67.

WORLD ROUNDUPS Date: 05 - 08 March 2009

Tournament: The Honda Classic Venue: PGA National Resort and Spa, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

SOUTH Korean Y.E. Yang got down in two from 50 feet on the final green at The Honda Classic to beat John Rollins by a stroke and clinch his first title on the U.S. PGA Tour. A year earlier Yang finished last over the same layout and played the final round on his own – completing the 18 holes in just under two hours. This year he was last to finish. Starting the day with a oneshot lead Yang began in confident fashion with four birdies and a solitary bogey on the outward nine. “I told myself that in order for me to win today, I needed to stay patient and learn how to wait,” said Yang. “My plan worked because I managed to stay as patient as I could.” Yang made another birdie on the 12th but saw his lead slip when he bogeyed holes 15 and 17. Rollins had just birdied the par-5 18th ahead of Yang while Yang missed a par putt after blasting out of a bunker on the 17th. Standing

on the 18th tee Yang had a oneshot lead again but he made it tough for himself when his third shot left him needing to get down in two from 50 feet for victory. He set the putt off and it gently arrived 12 inches from the cup and he duly tapped in for par and a 2-under 68. “This is the biggest win of my career,” said Yang who won the 2006 HSBC Champions in Shanghai. “Ever since I won the HSBC Champions, there were a lot of expectations from people around me, and for myself. For the past two years, it was actually kind of frustrating for me.” Rollins paid tribute to Yang who forced him to settle for his second runner-up finish of the season so far. “From 50 feet it’s not easy to do that to win your first golf tournament,” said the American. “I have no complaints. I did all I could do – shot 3-under on championship Sunday and came up short. My hat’s off to him.”

INTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAG Driver: TaylorMade r7 Limited 9.5° 3-wood: TaylorMade Burner 13° 5-wood: TaylorMade V Steel 18° Hybrid: TaylorMade Rescue TP 19° Hybrid: TaylorMade Rescue TP 21° Irons (5-PW): TaylorMade r7 Wedge: TaylorMade rac 48° Wedge: Nike SV 58° Putter: Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball Ball: TaylorMade TP Red

Date: 12 – 15 March 2009

R: NE G IN N W .E YA Y

YANG HANGS ON FOR MAIDEN US VICTORY

FACT FILE: Y.E. Yang became the 11th player to earn their first maiden PGA Tour victory at The Honda Classic. Leonard Thompson was the first maiden victor in 1974 and he has since been followed by Larry Nelson (1979), Kenny Knox (1986), John Huston (1990), Tim Herron (1996), Stuart Appleby (1997), Matt Kuchar (2002, Todd Hamilton (2004), Padraig Harrington (2005), Mark Wilson (2007).

WINNER’S CHEQUE:

$990,000

WINNING SCORE: 9-UNDER-PAR - 271 (68, 65, 70, 68) RUNNER-UP: JOHN ROLLINS - 272 Tournament: Puerto Rico Open Venue: Trump International Golf Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

BRADLEY IS BACK ON TRACK IN PUERTO RICO

EY R: DL NE A IN BR W EL HA IC M

MICHAEL Bradley won his first U.S. PGA Tour title in 11 years with a one-stroke victory over Jason Day and Brett Quigley at the Puerto Rico Open. Bradley sank an 11-foot birdie putt on the final green to win the title and take home the $630,000 cheque. “I’m almost 43, and you don’t know really how many more opportunities you’re going to have to win,” he said. “I’m not Tiger Woods. So when I do have a chance to win come Sunday it’s probably a little more special. I didn’t know how I would react being in the final group – it’s been so long since I’ve been there. “You know, my short game was good this week. It cured some ills that I had, some off the tee and

WINNER’S CHEQUE:

$630,000

some iron play, so I have to credit winning this tournament to my chipping and putting.” Bradley closed with a 2-under 70 to beat Day who started the final round tied alongside the American but could only shoot a 1-under 71. “I’m disappointed that I couldn’t finish the job off and win the tournament,” said Day. “But I’m very happy with myself that I actually put myself into contention. I held my head up, and I nearly won the golf tournament.” Quigley carded a 5-under 67 to shoot up the leaderboard and into his first runner-up finish of the season while Bart Bryant and Greg Chalmers both shot 4-under 68s for a share of fourth place.

WORLD ROUNDUPS Date: 19 - 22 March 2009

Tournament: Transitions Championship Venue: Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, Tampa Bay, Florida

RETIEF Goosen won his first U.S. PGA Tour since 2005 with a one-stroke victory over Brett Quigley and Charles Howell III at the Transitions Championship in Florida. Goosen made many crucial par-saving putts down the stretch – including a testing fiver-footer on the 18th – to close out his first American win since the now defunct International tournament in 2005. “On greens like this, you need to putt well,” said the 40-year-old. “You look at the stats this week and see that the guy who putted the best is pretty much the winner. That’s what I did this week, I putted pretty well. “I always keep reminding myself that Vijay (Singh) started playing his best golf when he turned 40. So I’m looking forward to the next five years!” The South African made it tough on the final green by missing a 25 foot birdie putt which ended five feet past the cup. but he showed a cool head in sinking the resulting par putt. “It was disappointing to hit

it that far past,” he said. “I felt good with my putting, and there wasn’t too much indecision with the one coming back. It was nice to see it go in.” Howell, who needed a win to qualify for The Masters, was in a tie for the lead with four holes to play but made bogeys on 15 and 16 to drop off the pace. “If Retief’s fivefooter had lipped out, I wouldn’t have cried,” said Howell, who grew up close to Augusta National. “That golf tournament means more to me than anything.” Howell closed with a 69 to finish one stroke adrift alongside Quigley who shot back-to-back 68s to move up the field and into a share of second place. Howell needs to win one of the next two PGA Tour events for a place in The Masters. Overnight leader Tom Lehman shot a 4-over 75 to fall into a tie for eighth. Lehman was looking to become the 7th player to win on the PGA Tour in their fifties but struggled with three early bogeys and never recovered.

INTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAG

Driver: TaylorMade r7 SuperQuad 8.5° Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Tour Burner 15.4° and R9 17° Irons (3-PW): TaylorMade Tour Preferred Wedges: TaylorMade rac 50°, 59° Putter: YES! Tracy Ball: TaylorMade TP Black Date: 19 – 22 March 2009

R: EN NE OS IN O W EF G TI RE

GOOSEN WINS TO END HIS U.S. PGA TOUR DROUGHT

FACT FILE: Retief Goosen picked up his seventh U.S. PGA Tour title at the Transitions Championship and his second title over the course at Innisbrook. Goosen joins K..J. Choi as the only other multiple winner (2002/06) and he marks the fifth time in nine years that an international player has triumphed at the Transitions Championship.

WINNER’S CHEQUE:

$972,000

WINNING SCORE: 8-UNDER-PAR - 276 (69,68,69,70) RUNNER-UP: BRETT QUIGLEY, CHARLES HOWELL III - 277 Tournament: Madeira Islands Open BPI - Portugal Venue: Porto Santo Golfe, Portugal

GOYA WRAPS UP MAIDEN EURO TITLE

A R: OY NE G IN AO W ISL N TA ES

ESTANISLAO Goya won his first European Tour title at the Madeira Islands Open BPI with a closing 2-over 73 for a 6-under total 278 and a one-shot win over Callum Macaulay. Goya, who won the Tour de Las Americas Order of Merit in 2008, picked up his first European title in only his sixth attempt and with the win earns a two-year exemption on The Tour. “It’s great for me. I am so happy to have made one of my dreams come true,” said the Argentine. “I want to be one of the best players in the world and this is one of the steps that I have to take to do that. It’s amazing that I have my Tour card for the next two years with a win here in Madeira. It was just over a year ago that I was thinking how much I would love to play in Europe and

WINNER’S CHEQUE:

€116,660

here I am now having won – it has happened so quickly.” Goya began the final day with a three-shot lead and almost blew it down the stretch as Scotland’s Macaulay fired birdie after birdie to pile on the pressure. Macaulay made eight birdies on the back nine and matched the course record of 64 but it wasn’t enough to catch Goya who sealed the win with a par on the final green. “I’m over the moon with that – I certainly couldn’t do any more than I did over the back nine because it’s not an easy golf course,” said Macaulay. “To play the back nine in 28 is unbelievable, really. I don’t think I have ever done that at my home course, never mind here on The European Tour.”

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Claude Harmon III

Pro swing analyist >>

SWING

PRO LOOK

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

GEOFF OGILVY

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

1 Easily the best Aussie on the planet at the moment. A Major Champion and already twice a winner this year, Geoff Ogilvy is now a major force in world golf. Geoff at times can get a little open with his shoulders at address, meaning his shoulders point left. But his lazy, fluid swing is one we can all marvel at and hope to copy. If you are looking for effortless power, look no further.

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The arms are working back in front of the body as Geoff works into the impact zone. This is a great position to try and copy with your driver. Try to get your left arm parallel to the ground, with your right elbow pointing down to the ground,, supporting the club. The wrists should still be hinged here. Try to match the way Geoff’s body supports the swing. The legs support the upper body, the upper body supports the arms, and the arms support the club.

As Geoff makes his move back, notice how the bottom of his grip is pointing to the ground here. The left arm is parallel to the ground and the elbows are very close together here. This allows the club to set a very solid and stable position. The left shoulder is working under the chin, which means Geoff has not “stood up” on his backswing. The golf club here has great support.

6 This is how you hit the high draw. Notice how you can just see the corner of the ball. Geoff swings the club from the inside and hits the back of the ball. If you are hitting a slice, in this position we could see more of the golf ball. To hit more draws your right arm needs to be lower than your left. Slicers have their right arm too high coming into impact. The right foot is just starting to come up here, meaning Geoff is using his legs for power.

OGILVY 3 As the backswing continues up, notice how stable and level Geoff keeps his head position. Check out the position of the right hip. As he makes his backswing he makes a big move onto his right hip. Yet his right hip stays low here. If you try to make a move onto your right side and then reverse forward, your right hip will get too high in this position. The position of the right hip in picture 1 has now changed here as the weight has moved onto the right side and it looks as if the hip has gone back. Not so â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he has just loaded into the right side.

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PRO LOOK

4 Here at the top of the backswing the hands and arms give solid support for the golf club. I believe strongly in giving the club support. The left arm plane here is across the chest, creating a strong position for the right arm to keep the club under control. If you want to drive the ball better, support the club better at the top with your arms and hands. Geoff hits the ball from both left to right and right to left. He is a feel player and his tempo is key to his long drives. But whether he is hitting fades or draws, his club is always in the correct position.

7 Geoffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s swing may look lazy, but he has huge speed and power. Picture 4 shows the weight going into the right hip. Here the weight is moved onto the left hip. On the backswing the weight moves to the right, and on the downswing the weight rotates to the left side. On the backswing the chest turns to the right, and now the chest has turned to the left. Long hitters like Geoff use their chest for power. Keep your right shoulder down through impact and let it work under your chin for more power. www.wwgolf.biz

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TUTORIAL SOLID SAND STRATEGY By Luke Cantelo

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The general consensus among professional coaches is that the biggest difference between amateur golfers and professional golfers is the short game. Putting, chipping, pitching and greenside bunker play is where the pros save shots and amateurs waste them. The most significant difference in the short game department is definitely greenside bunker play. Professionals relish the chance at hitting a bunker shot and often prefer it to a chip or a pitch, whereas amateurs become almost suicidal when their ball hits the sand. With this in mind I am intrigued when a student begins the lesson with, “I’d like to try bunkers today because I’m terrible!.” I’m intrigued, because very often a player rules out any chance of decent, consistent shots from the bunker due to their lack of knowledge and concept in the sand. The major missconception is that because the greenside bunker is near the green it should be played like a small chip or pitch. Wrong! A greenside bunker shot requires a completely different technique to chipping or pitching. The following is how this missconception snowballs into poor technique that I see every day (the left hand picture on each page), compared to what I would like to see in good sand technique (the right hand side of the page).

GOOD SET-UP– As you can see with a correct set-up, the stance is much wider with the ball well forward towards the inside of the front foot. My feet have dug into the sand and I have lowered my pelvis into a “squat” position and my weight is slightly left sided. The clubface is open, which helps the bounce on the sand wedge to slide through the sand.

TUTORIAL SHALLOW TAKEAWAY The main effect of a poor set-up in the sand is the angle of attack this sets the club on during the backswing and through into impact. The angle the club makes is far too shallow, which doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow adequate wrist hinge and the weight will shift on to the back foot as the narrow stance cannot support the swing. This is not what we want!

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CORRECT TAKEAWAY From a correct set-up position I can control my lower body and keep my weight slightly on my left side. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m able to freely swing my arms and create a strong wrist hinge. All of this provides a steeper angle for the club to travel on, and more power to move the club aggressively through the sand.

PRO LOOK

POOR IMPACT From a poor position at the top of the backswing, things only get worse as the amateur’s instinct takes over. Naturally, people want to “help” the ball into the air and the best way to feel that is to move back onto the back foot and “lift.” This shallows the club more and from there the club can do one of two things: ● Hit the sand first, too far behind the ball, causing the club to dig. This will either stop the club in it’s tracks or cause it to lift too early at impact, causing two noises – sand and ball. ● Miss the sand completely and just hit the ball, causing a thinned shot which comes out very low and will generally travel well past the flag.

CORRECT IMPACT Due to a powerful position at the top of the swing, I can then swing down very aggressively on a steeper angle of attack, hitting the sand a few inches behind the ball with acceleration. My body is moving strongly into my left side and even though I’m hitting the sand firmly, the ball comes out high and soft and the sand is moving forward.

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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.

BIG NAMES MAKE THE EARLY RUNNING IN THE RACE TO DUBAI

little over four months into the inaugural Race to Dubai, it is not difficult to see the phenomenal impact it has had on world golf. A quick glance at the upper echelons of the Official World Golf Ranking will tell you everything you need to know. Immediately following the World Golf Championships-CA Championship at Doral, the top ten included no less than seven players who are committed to the European Tour for 2009: Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington, Vijay Singh, Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson, who are seasoned European Tour campaigners but the likes of Geoff Ogilvy and Camilo Villegas will both make significant adjustments to their schedules in order to compete for a place at the $10m Dubai World Championship. With a further six European Tour members featuring in the top 20, it is clear that, not only does the Tour now hold a greater appeal for its own Membership but it is increasingly attractive to leading golfers based in America. The latest standings in The Race to Dubai reveal that some big names have already made significant progress in terms of securing a starting berth at the Greg Norman-designed Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates on November 19-22. Currently ranked No.1, 2006 US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy proves that strong performances in the more valuable events, such as his victory at the

WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship and third place at the HSBC Champions, can provide a significant boost to a player’s chances of making the end of season finale. Similarly, Garcia’s campaign got off to the best possible start with his win in the HSBC Champions in Shanghai which made him the first ever winner in The Race to Dubai. Top-ten finishes in Abu Dhabi and Qatar have consolidated his position in the top five. The Tour’s annual Gulf swing through Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Dubai provided victories for Englishman Paul Casey, big-hitting Spaniard Alvaro Quiros and Irish hero Rory McIlroy, respectively. Even before his win at the Emirates GC, fellow professionals were queuing up to praise McIlroy, so there were few surprises when he landed his first European Tour title at the tender age of 19. Two top-ten finishes at the South African Open Championship at Leisurecorp’s very own Pearl Valley Golf Estates and the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship have demonstrated the value of consistency in elevating McIlroy to third place in The Race to Dubai rankings. As the 2009 season gathers pace with the first Major of the year, the Masters, in a couple of weeks’ time, South Africa’s Trevor Immelman will be battling to hold on to his title against stiff opposition from fellow Major winners Harrington and Ogilvy. Garcia is seeking his first Major win after recording no less than 14 top-ten finishes in Majors.

McIlroy makes his Major championship debut as a professional having won the silver medal for low amateur on his only previous outing, at the 136th Open Championship at Carnoustie. Success at the Masters would provide a substantial boost for any European Tour member’s hopes of topping The Race to Dubai rankings but there are also crucial points to be earned in Europe as The Tour lands on the Continent in earnest with tournaments in Spain and Portugal before a twoweek hiatus takes in the Volvo China Open and the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea. The following three weeks comprise the Spanish, Italian and Irish Opens before the BMW PGA Championship takes place at Wentworth. The flagship event on The European Tour takes on added significance this year as victory here will give any player’s hopes of heading The Race to Dubai a considerable boost. Moreover, it effectively marks the halfway point of the season. The European Open at The London Golf Club in Kent follows the BMW PGA Championship and with the BMW International Open, the Open de France and The Barclays Scottish Open, plus the remaining three Majors and the final WGC event at the Bridgestone Invitational to come there are still plenty of opportunities for players to make it into the top 60 for the Dubai World Championship. They’ll be going all out to earn their place in the elite field and do battle for a share of the $10m available to those who finish in the top 15.

Geoff Ogilvy hits a tee shot during the final round en route to victory over Paul Casey in the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain at Marana, Arizona.

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INSIDE GOLF

Taking that first giant step with Sandy Meyer

OR many ladies, taking that first step onto the golf course can be more daunting than actually trying to put together all the basics and swing the club for the first time. Most ladies have started and learnt the game on the Driving Range and this provides a nice “safe” environment to hit the golf ball. I say “safe” as it’s easy to mingle into a group of people on the range without anyone really noticing your mistakes – each in their own world, slugging away ball after ball. You’re pretty anonymous on the range. When you’re on the golf course, you’re suddenly out in the open, where your playing partners are now staring at every move you make, waiting in anticipation of the most glorious shot to happen. That’s if you can actually swing the club without being frozen in your stance by sheer terror. It’s very intimidating the first time your walk onto that tee box with all that hard work on the range and all those hours and hours of tuition jammed into your head. The million things that you have to do in your swing in that few seconds of hitting the ball and that eerie silence while everyone watches you doing it can be frightening! Does that sound familiar? The sound of silence as everyone, including yourself, seems to have stopped breathing as the club is being swung, all waiting in anticipation for what happens next? That’s the hardest part, the first shot

and when that’s over, the fun really really begins. Now it’s all about selecting the club for your next shot. Do you take your trusty old 7-iron that has seen you through buckets and buckets of balls or do you try that ‘funny looking’ one that looks a bit like the driver? The fairway wood! Now the fairway wood hit for the first time on the golf course can suddenly feel three metres longer than normal and the ball seems the size of a pea. But stick to your swing thought and just hit the shot! Not only are you bombarded with the distractions of getting off the first tee, people watching you, and selecting the right club you go and hit your ball into a bush – now you need to know the entire book of the Rules of Golf! It’s also no good screaming in frustration, as you can’t make a noise whilst someone else is playing, it’s bad etiquette to be anywhere in the vicinity of them playing a shot, so they must not see or hear you for miles. At some point during the journey the green has come into view and there sitting innocently in the hole is the pin with its flag flapping gently in the wind, oblivious to the turmoil that has taken place beforehand. As you prepare for that short chip shot onto the green, the set-up position bouncing around in your head (“was the weight on the left or the right? – do I take a half swing

or full swing?”), the ball eventually arrives two foot from the hole. A successful chip followed by a steady putt which sees the ball role blissfully into the cup. A feeling of excitement hits you as you see the ball disappear. You’ve completed your first hole in golf! You survived! You did everything you were supposed to do. It did not matter what the score was, but you took that first step and that was the most important challenge to get through. So after successfully completing the hole the putter is slipped into the bag and a very determined beginner is making her way to the second tee to play her next hole. The start of her continuous walk in the journey of playing golf begins… Never be too scared to take that first step, we’ve all been through it and it’s worth it!

“The fairway wood hit for the ﬁrst time on the golf course can suddenly feel three metres longer than normal and the ball seems the size of a pea.”

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earlybird special DUBAI CREEK DINING Legends Steakhouse at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club offers sophisticated dining in magniﬁcent surroundings, offering the ﬁnest in steaks and complementary dishes, with exemplary standards of service to match.

Enjoy our Earlybird special in Legends every night from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, where you can choose from a 3 course menu with half a bottle of red or white for only Dhs.190. Legends Steakhouse - a truly legendary dining experience. For reservations, please call +971 4 295 6000 or email: creekdining@dubaigolf.com GOLF • RESORT • HOTEL • MARINA www.dubaigolf.com

GOOD FOOD GUIDE

olfers G

Good Good Food Food Guide Guide

Worldwide Golf is pleased to introduce the second edition of our Golfers Good Food Guide which not only highlights some of Golf’s finest 19th holes, which have been at the forefront of gourmet dining in Dubai for many years, but also other restaurants that have become popular with golfers and other diners. This month we highlight Legends Steakhouse at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and The Saphire Dubai at Century Village.

Legends Steakhouse at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

ITUATED on the first floor of the main clubhouse, which is a landmark in its own right, you will find Legends Steakhouse, specialising in sophisticated dining in elegant surroundings, with dark wood upholstery and an impressive beverage tower in the centre of the room, complimented by the resident pianist. This modern restaurant offers the finest in steaks and complementary dishes, with exemplary standards of service to match the flair of the chefs. There is also a choice of dining outside under the stars while watching the dhows go by along the Creek, creating a legendary and unique dining experience. A contemporary take on the traditional steak menu is can be found with unusual takes on classic favourites such as a kangaroo and marinated prawn Surf & Turf, served with a carrot orange puree. One of French Executive Chef Max’s favourites is the Fois Gras lovers menu, which includes a 7-course degustation menu with dishes such as Ravioli of fois gras, fois gras feuillette and a fois gras burger to tempt your taste buds – all for only Dhs.280. If sweets are your thing, the Raspberry Lovers’ Coulis with Sorbet and Macaroon will soon have you swooning, or try the

popular crepes suzettes or the simply divine chocolate soufflé. The menu also features the famous Wagyu beef from Australia, with other cuts of beef bought in from the USA and New Zealand. There are plenty of meat alternatives to enjoy, including the famous Legends mixed grill or duo of pigeon and duck, or for those non-meat lovers the fish and seafood menu will capture your imagination. But the main emphasis here, is all about quality and value for money! Open for dinner daily, the dress code is smart casual and reservations are recommended. Always a popular choice, brunch can be enjoyed on Fridays with an extensive buffet and children’s activities available, from 11:30am -3.0pm for only Dhs.115 adults and Dhs.55 under 12s. Legends Steakhouse, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai, UAE. Tel: 04 2956000, Fax: 04 2956044, Email: creekdining@dubaigolf.com

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GOOD FOOD GUIDE

The Sapphire Dubai at Century Village

HEN approaching this almost tranquil and serene corner of The Century Village, you would never expect to find such a stylish restaurant with an original and distinctive blend of modern design and contemporary cuisine. Elegant and trendy, The Sapphire Dubai welcomes guests with it’s fashionable bar and it’s relaxing, cozy indoor lounge that opens onto a private terrace surrounded by exotic foliage and cascading fountains. Truly inviting, a tranquil table on the terrace is the perfect place for a spot of people watching. While observing the passersby and immersing yourself in the unusually peaceful atmosphere examine the wide variety of delicious Thai fusion treats on offer. There’s everything from South East Asian curries, Malaysian fried rice to tempura prawns and chicken satay skewers. Scrolling further through the menu you will find that there is something for everyone, including burgers, noodle dishes, even fish and chips, all arranged with the chef’s unique Asian twist. If these don’t take your fancy then you can try the cleverly coupled famous Stonegrill. To accompany your Stonegrill, The Sapphire Dubai has some of the best quality steaks in town on offer. Prime New Zealand beef and Greg Norman signature Wagyu being among the contenders, and accompanied by

some tasty stir fried vegetables and a side dish and sauce of your choice, will come served at your table on your own stone of volcanic rock, which is heated in a special oven to 400 degrees. Stonegrill is one of the healthiest, most nutritious and entertaining cuisine concepts available to diners today. This is all exquisitely matched by a fresh selection of cocktail and a wide range of red and white beverages. If you happen to stay later than usual you might get to see nocturnal ongoings of DJs and the works, as The Sapphire Dubai is transformed into a popular after-hours venue. So whether it’s a tasty dinner and a bottle of the finest grape variety, an ice cold beverage and some Premier League football or a late night out with friends you are after, then The Sapphire Dubai is one of the few places that has everything you are looking for under one roof.

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Memberships Available for 2009 Golf and Social Sign up today - 04 3905600 citizenship@themontgomerie.ae

At The Montgomerie, Dubai, you are never just a visitor. We pride ourselves on providing our Members with a seamless 5-star experience, whether it be playing our Colin Montgomerie-designed championship golf course, staying in our stylish 21-room boutique hotel, dining in our award winning restaurant, enjoying a private golf clinic, or luxuriating in the Angsana Spa. We make it our responsibility to ensure that you want for nothing from the moment you arrive.

CREATING EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES

P.O. Box 36700, Dubai, UAE Email info@themontgomerie.ae www.themontgomerie.com

W W G LO C A L F O C U S

ARABIAN WORLDWIDE

Golf Est:1999

Midweek Open

An invitation to The Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Invitational presented by ECCO and hosted by Gary Player. Full details on Page 10

To enter visit: www.wwgolf.biz and click ‘Competitions’

BAHRAIN BLITZ 29 ARAB GOLF TH

BEATING THE GALLANT UAE TEAM INTO SECOND PLACE

AHRAIN put the disappointment of a runner-up finish at last year’s Arab Golf Championship behind them with a dominating display last month at Al Hamra Golf Club at Ras Al Khaimah. The Bahrainis completed a wire-to-wire victory in the 29th Arab Golf Championship, thanks to rounds of 233, 235, 230 and 241 for a 939 total and a 17-stroke win over the fastimproving UAE team. It was a magnificent achievement by the young UAE trio of Al Mosharrekh brothers, Abdullah and Ahmed, and Khalid Yousuf, plus the experienced Ismail Sharif, who finished runners-up ahead of so many highly accomplished national teams like Egypt and the Lebanon. The team was a credit to the UAE, the Emirates Golf Federation and its work with Junior golfers in the UAE, and their performance reflected the huge progress

made by national golfers in the emirates in recent years. The Championship was a four-player gross strokeplay event, where 16 national amateur teams competed over four days on the Peter Harradine-designed Al Hamra course, with the scores of the top three players in each team, each day, counting towards the total The team of Abdullah Saleh, Nasser Yacoub, Abdulla Sultan and Hamad Mubarak combined superbly well over the four days to beat the gallant host nation into second place. Egypt finished third, two shots behind the UAE while last year’s winners, Lebanon, finished fourth after being beaten to a podium place on a countback by the Egyptians. Bahrain set the pace after the first round, courtesy of a score of 233, which gave them a four-stroke lead over Egypt. Saleh scored a 4-over 76 while teammates Yacoub and Sultan scored 78 and 79 respectively – Mubarak’s 81,

Above: The UEA Team of Ismail Sharif, Khalid Yousuf, Abdullah and Ahmed Mosharrekh (pictured wearing their silver medals) alongside Saeed Al Budoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation (blue shirt), Duncan Weir, The R&A’s Director of Golf Development (suit and tie), event coordinator Mayssaa Khalil and coach Chris Vallender (second from the right - red shirt), with the UAE Junior team (front row, kneeling), Sohail Almarzouqi, Hassan Al Mosharrekh, Faisal Almarzouqi and Ahmed Al Mazroui.

“I CONGRATULATE THE UAE TEAM FOR DOING THEIR COUNTRY PROUD. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE PLAYERS BRING MORE GLORY TO THE UAE IN THE FUTURE.” – Shaikh Fahim Al Qasimi. 68

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ARABIAN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

CHAMPIONSHIP AT AL HAMRA The victorious Bahrain team of Abdullah Saleh, Nasser Yacoub, Abdulla Sultan and Hamad Mubarak

pose with the trophy after their 17-stroke victory in the 29th Arab Golf Championship.

although a good score, wasn’t good enough to contribute to the total. Egypt’s Taymour Scarello scored best in their trio with a 77 while Mike Adly came in with a 79 and Amr Abou El Ela scored an 81. Fourth team member Taymour Abou El Khier shot an 84 but it didn’t count towards the total. The UAE team were 15 shots behind after rounds of 84 and 86 by the Al Mosharrekh brothers – Abdullah and Ahmed respectively and a 78 from Khalid Yousuf as they came in with a first round total of 248. Ismail Sharif’s 88 didn’t count towards the team’s score. The Bahrainis extended their lead at the top of the leaderboard on Day 2 after a score of 235 gave them an eight-shot cushion over Egypt who shot a 239 to stay in contention, two shots ahead of Tunisia and four ahead of Morocco. Lebanon had carded an opening-round 246 but improved with a second round 234 with Samer Samua (75), Adnan Hammoud (78) and Ali Hammoud (81) contributing to the team score. The UAE came back with a 236 after a superb 2-over 74 by Ahmed Al Mosharrekh helped them move up the leaderboard. “We still have a lot of ground to cover and the team need to stay focused on the job at hand,” said Chris Vallender, coach of the UAE team. “If our players can shoot

2009 Arabian Golf Championship Results: Final Leaderboard: (gross) 939 – Bahrain (233, 235, 230, 241) 956 – UAE (248, 236, 237, 235) 958 – Egypt (237, 239, 244, 238) 958 – Lebanon (246, 234, 239, 239) 959 – Tunisia (242, 235, 240, 242) 968 – Morocco (238, 242, 242, 246) 972 – Saudi Arabia (247, 238, 244, 243) 1006 – Libya (247, 248, 256, 255) 1016 – Qatar (258, 255, 264, 239) 1034 – Oman (259, 252, 254, 269) Individual: (gross) 306 – Saber Barhoumi (Tunisia) 308 – Naser Yacob (Bahrain) 309 – Adnan Hamoud (Lebanon) UAE Individual scores: 312 - Khalid Yousuf 314 - Ahmed Mosharrekh 330 - Abdullah Al Mosharrekh

Nick Tarratt, Director, The European Tour International - Dubai Ofﬁce, and Duncan Weir The R&A’s Director of Golf Development. www.wwgolf.biz

in the 70s in the two remaining rounds, I hope we can look forward to a strong finish. I am in particular pleased with Ahmed. The way he handled the pressure was quite remarkable.” Day 3 saw the Bahrainis increase their lead even further to 18 strokes heading into the final round after a superb score of 230 gave them a three round total of 698. With Bahrain having one hand on the trophy the tournament became a battle for the runnerup spot. It was shaping up to create an exciting climax as just six strokes separated five teams at the top end of the leaderboard. Tunisia were in second place on 716 with Lebanon three strokes behind on 719 while Egypt were on 720, the UAE 721 and Morocco on 722. The UAE team finished with a flourish, carding a best-of-the-day 235 to overtake Egypt, Lebanon and Tunisia to take outright second place. Yousuf (76), Ahmed (78) and Abdullah Mosharrekh (81) all played fantastically well to claim the silver medal spot ahead of Egypt and Lebanon by two strokes. Shaikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation said: “We are very pleased with the overall performance of our team. The way they stayed focused on the job was something commendable. Winning the silver medal in this prestigious Championship is a reflection on the rising standards of golf in the UAE. I congratulate the team for the doing their country proud. We look forward to seeing the players bring more glory to the UAE in the future.” Saeed Al Budoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, commented: “We were pleased to host the 29th Arab Golf Championship and we were pleased and proud with the performance of our national team, who played steady golf over the four days of the Championship to finish in second place. We

“WE WERE PLEASED TO HOST THE 29TH ARAB GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP AND WE WERE PLEASED AND PROUD WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF OUR NATIONAL TEAM, WHO PLAYED STEADY GOLF OVER THE FOUR DAYS OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP TO FINISH IN SECOND PLACE.” – Saeed Al Budoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation. 70

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Shaikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, and Duncan Weir of The R&A, at the prize presentation ceremony.

Below: Saeed Al Budoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation with coach Chris Vallender and the UAE team in the background.

ARABIAN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

were all delighted with the way they played – it was more than we could have asked of them. Overall, we received a great feedback from the week in terms of the organisation of the Championship under the patronage of H.H. Shaikh Saud bin Saqer Al Qasimi Crown Price of Ras Al Khaimah. “I would like to the thank the Ras Al Khaimah Government for their support of the Championship, the Arab Golf Federation for giving us the chance to host this prestigious Championship, the R&A for their contribution to the Championship, Al Hamra Golf Club for the being the venue for the Championship and all the English and Arabic Media for their great coverage of the Championship.” Saber Barhoumi of Tunisia won the individual gold medal with a four-round total of 306, ahead of Bahrain’s Yacoub (308) and Adnan Hamoud of Lebanon (309). The UAE’s Khalid Yousuf also did well with rounds of 78, 81, 77 and 76 for an excellent total of 312. Nick Tarratt, Director, The European Tour - International - Dubai Office commented: “I was delighted to be invited to attend the Arab Golf Championship. It was gratifying to see a record turnout for the Championship and especially good to see the continued financial support and presence of the R&A. I have personally known Duncan Weir for more than

20 years and it was a pleasure to welcome him to the UAE once again and catch up and discuss matters of mutual interest about golf in the region. I have promised to keep in touch and meet Duncan next at Turnberry in July for The Open to take these matters further. Congratulations to Adel Zarouni and the Emirates Golf Federation on hosting such a successful Championship.” Duncan Weir, Director of Golf Development at the R&A, commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed my first ever visit to the Arab Championships played at Al Hamra Golf Club. “The R&A’s congratulations go out to champions Bahrain and to the hosts, the UAE, who achieved their best ever finish of runnerup, fielding a very young team which must augur well for the future. “We have been supporting these championships, and their junior equivalent, since 2005 and will continue in this vein and seek to establish other ways of supporting golf’s growth in North Africa and the Middle East. “One day we hope to see players from the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Egypt and elsewhere competing in, and even contending for The Open Championship. Then we really would know progress had been made.” ■

Above: Tunisian Saber Barhoumi lifts the trophy after winning the individual prize with a gross score of 306. Below: H.H. Shaikh Saud Bin Saqer Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaima, with the UAE Team (wearing their silver medals) pictured alongside coach Chris Vallender (third left) and the Junior UAE Team.

“I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED MY FIRST EVER VISIT TO THE ARAB GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS. WE HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING THESE CHAMPIONSHIPS, AND THEIR JUNIOR EQUIVALENT, SINCE 2005 AND WILL CONTINUE IN THIS VEIN AND SEEK TO ESTABLISH OTHER WAYS OF SUPPORTING GOLF’S GROWTH IN NORTH AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST.” – Duncan Weir, Director of Golf Development at The R&A

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

ARABIAN GOLF

Yousuf and Turner jostle for Order of Merit title The battle for the EGF Order of Merit title is hotting up after two of the main challengers sat out crucial events as the race for the title heads towards its climax. KHALID Yousuf took advantage of the non-performance of Matthew Turner at the Audi Men’s Open at Abu Dhabi Golf Club to move to the top of the EGF Order of Merit. Yousuf posted rounds of 72 and 75 for a 3-over gross total of 147 to win at Abu Dhabi and move above Turner in the rankings with 86 points. Another promising UAE star Ahmed Al Musharrekh matched Yousuf’s 147 – the best score by an amateur in the Audi Men’s Open – to jump to fifth position with a tally of 51 points, just 8.5 points behind Dino Varkey of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and 6.5 points of Joel Neale, who plays off an impressive plus-1 handicap. Former Order of Merit champion Vikram Judge posted a 156 to slip to seventh place with 47.5 points. However, Turner returned to action at the Ras Al Khaimah Men’s Open at Al Hamra Golf Club to reclaim his place at the top of the Order of Merit as he took his turn to take advantage of his competitor’s absence with rounds of 73 and 71 for a six-shot victory over Joel Neal. Yousuf could not make it to the RAK event after a busy schedule in the 29th Arab Golf Championships where he played a key role in guiding the UAE national team to a creditable second-place finish. With Neale making solid gains after a second place finish in the RAK Men’s Open, the race for the Order of Merit title has picked up steam with at least three players in with a chance of claiming the honours. Neale, also of Emirates Golf Club, has tallied 81.5 points after the RAK Open, the fifth event on the EGF Order of Merit schedule. Snapping at his heels is seasoned Vikram Judge who has jumped to fourth place from seventh with 67.5 points after a fourth-place finish in Ras Al Khaimah. Ahmed Al Musharrekh was also absent from Ras Al Khaimah due to his performances alongside Yousuf in the Arab Golf Championships. He remains on 51 points but dropped down to seventh place. With just two events remaining at Al Ghazal Golf Club in Abu Dhabi and The Montgomerie, Dubai, the race for the EGF Order of Merit title looks like it will go to the wire.

Order of Merit leaders after the RAK Men’s Open: 1. Matthew Turner (EGC) 2. Khalid Yousuf (EGC) 3. Joel Neale (EGC) 4. Vikram Judge (DCGYC) 5. Paul King (DCGYC) 6. Dino Varkey (DCGYC) 7. Ahmed Al Musharrekh (SGSC) 8. Steve Kelly (EGC) 9. Alex Charawani (ADGC) 10. Robert Watts (EGC)

95 86 81.5 67.5 59.8 59.5 51 49 46.25 45

Current EGF Order of Merit leader Matthew Turner in action.

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ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

Dougherty, Schoeman, Kelly, Foster and Hainey take the Rivoli March Monthly Medals A CAPACITY field played took to the course on a glorious afternoon at the Rivoli Monthly Medal and it was Tony Dougherty (2) who prevailed to take the Men’s Gross title and moved a step closer to becoming a 1-handicapper. Dougherty started on hole 8 and got off to a solid start with four straight pars, however he slipped at the 12th and 13th with back-to-back bogeys. A card with halves of 37 and 38 – with only one birdie at the short par-4 15th – gave him a 75 total and a clear win from closest rivals Steve Bennett (2) and

Club Champion John Mills (0) who both returned 5-over-par 77s. Jo Schoeman took another medal in the Ladies Division with a gross 83. She hit a solid front nine of 3-over-par 39 but followed it with a disappointing 44 over the back nine, however it was still good enough for victory. Annie Hainey returned a net 72 to take the Net title and reduced her handicap from 30 down to 27.6. Ian Kelly won the Men’s Division ‘A’ Net medal with a tremendous 73 despite carding an eight and two sixes on his back nine.

Twilght Promotion Arabian Ranches Golf Club offers a twilight promotion for all EGF Members for the months of April and May. The Promotion starts from 12.30 pm, Sunday to Wednesday priced Dhs 350.00 per person inclusive of cart, range balls and unlimited golf.

Monday Madness at Arabian Ranches Golf Club

Medal winners flanked by Lady Captain Adele McKelvey (l) and Club Captain Bob Fletcher (r).

Vice Captain’s team take Quaich Trophy THE Vice Captain’s Team led by Vice Club Captain John Hainey and Vice Lady Captain Fortuna Dougherty defeated the Captain’s team by an impressive margin of 27 ½ - 16 ½ at the recently held Quaich Trophy. The event is the latest innovation to the club’s domestic tournament calendar and an event which will be played annually after feedback from members who took part. The tournament was played as an Individual Stableford event in which the Stableford points from players in the Captain’s team competed against the Stableford points from the players in the Vice Captain’s team to determine each individual match result. Player of the day was Jonathan Le Bihan as he returned a very impressive card baring 41 Stableford points despite only picking up four points from his first three holes. However, net birdies on holes

16 and 18 (his 5th and 7th holes) followed by covering the front nine holes of the scorecard in 2-over-par gross gave him 30 points over 12 holes. Le Bihan won by two points from Andrew Poole who returned a solid 39 point total. In the Ladies Individual Lady Captain Adele McKelvey returned 34 Stableford points to take the top honours.

We would like to invite all Emirates Golf Federation Members and Arabian Ranches Residents to avail our latest promotion – “Monday Madness” at Arabian Ranches Golf Club. This promotion started on Monday March 9th and will run through to Monday May 25th. EGF Members and Arabian Ranches Residents can book six days in advance for Summer Green Fee prices, Dhs 225.00 which includes green fee and range balls, golf cart is Dhs 55.00 per person and walking is permitted.

Arabian Ranches Golf Club’s Par-3 Golf Academy course is now floodlit Arabian Ranches Golf Club’s latest addition to the Golf Academy, the par-3 Golf Academy Course is now fully floodlit .The last tee off time is 8.45 pm in the evening with the driving range and Par-3 course closing at 10.00 pm. The course length is just under 800 yards and has testing holes measuring from 70 - 120 yards. Designed in fitting with the Championship desert styled links course the Par-3 Course has undulating greens with desert waste areas meandering through the layout. Elliott Gray said: “Like all Par-3 courses ours is fun to play and we plan to host weekly events for our membership and monthly events for EGF Members and Arabian Ranches Residents. Arabian Ranches is a family community and this addition gives parents the perfect opportunity to bring their children to play in the evenings to learn the game of golf in a more tranquil surrounding than being on a full 18 hole golf course.” www.wwgolf.biz

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

Neale and Green Dominate BMW Medal JOEL Neale and Tom Green produced stunning performances in the March edition of the BMW Monthly Medal over the Majlis Course. Both juniors carded 68s, however Joel’s was a gross 68 to give him best gross of the day while Green’s net 68 earned him the Best Net title in Division ‘A’ (hcp 0-10). Neale, currently in a fine run of form, produced a fantastic display over the Dubai Desert Classic course with birdies coming on holes 2, 5, 9 and 10 and an eagle on the famous closing hole. His only blemishes came at the 11th and 14th holes resulting in a 4-under par gross 68, net 69 giving him runners-up position in the net category. Green, who started his round on hole 2 found the front nine hard work with dropped shots coming on the 6th, 7th and 8th

holes however a determined back nine of 3-under par – which also included an eagle on the 18th – saw him round in level-par and net 68. Ken Matheson, Patrick O’Flynn and club champion Pontus Fredriks all signed for a 2-underpar 70 however Matheson’s superior back nine gave him third place in Division ‘A’. Despite some terrific scoring in Division ‘A’ it was Tony White, of Division ‘B’ (hcp 11-19) who fired the best net score of the day – a 5-under par 67 – which saw him cruise to a five-shot victory over Vikrant Mehra and Nawaf Fawaz. Ranjit Khanna clinched top honors in Division ‘C’ (hcp 20-28) with a 1-under par 71 followed by Suresh Shewakramani and Namir Noseir.

Tom Green with club captain Surender Kandhari

H A N K O O K I N D I A N I N V I TAT I O N A L

The Bretts conquer all in Indian Invitational MICK and Lee Brett fired a superb 43 Stableford points in the 17th edition of the Indian Invitational to take top honors ahead of a strong field of 76 pairs over both the Majlis and the Faldo courses. The unusual format divided the Majlis and Faldo courses which resulted in the competitors playing either both front or both back nines. In the better-ball stableford format off ¾ handicap allowance it was a fine effort by the single-figure handicapped golfers as Mick and Lee found themselves on the back nines of the respective Championship courses and managed to record a gross 71 over what became a par-74 layout. They picked up birdies on holes 14 and 16 of the Majlis and holes 10 and 13 of the Faldo with the only blemish on the card a bogey four on hole 11 of the Majlis. Second place was secured by the pair of Suresh Subberwal and Madhu Sharma who recorded 42 points and thanks to a Faldo inward nine of 23 they edged out Bob Knott and Veneet Mohan in to third place on a countback. Knott and Mohan’s 42 points was a great score as they were pitched against the front nines and a par 71. The event lived up to its normal high standards and managed to raise approximately Dhs 20,000 for the junior staff.

Mick (l) and Lee Brett (r) with Russi J. Patel from tournament sponsors BDO Patel and Al Saleh. GROUP – A PRIZES MAJLIS FRONT 9 + FALDO FRONT 9 WINNERS

Anand Lakhiani / Jamshed Batliwala

RUNNER-UP

Bhupesh Sharma / Jignesh Sangani

THIRD PLACE

Charles Pardhanani / David Phillips

GROUP – B PRIZES MAJLIS BACK 9 + FALDO BACK 9 WINNERS

Kourouche Achtari / Humayun Shahryar

RUNNER-UP

Nancy Wingate / Gordon Wingate

THIRD PLACE

Phillipe Urasch / David Clark

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

ARABIAN GOLF

Kim triumphs in Ladies Amateur Open KYUNG Sook Kim fired a superb final round 74 over the Majlis course to triumph in the recently held Ladies Emirates Amateur Open. She added to her first round 80 over the Faldo course with one of the rounds of the day to post a 9-over total and an eightshot winning margin. The overnight leaders – Maho Hayakawa and Adele McKelvey – started their final rounds strongly. McKelvey notched up three straight pars and Hayakawa showed calmness beyond her teenage years by picking up birdies on the first two holes but then gave them back with a double bogey on the third. Both players dropped shots before the turn to give the advantage to Kim who secured birdies on the holes 1 and 7 on her way to her victorious gross 74.

Hayakawa returned a gross 85 to give her a 163 total and third place with McKelvey one shot further back in fourth place. Jo Schoeman matched Kim’s 80 in the opening round and followed up with an 82 over the Majlis to clinch the runner-up spot by a single stroke. On a weekend where only a handful of net scores came in under par it was Anne Britt Mercer from EGC who claimed the top prize in the Net Category with rounds of 75 and 70 for a level-par 145 total.

Above right: Kyung Sook Kim collects her prize from Lady Captain Elise Hanson. Right : Group Winners with Lady Captain Elise Hanson.

Achtari is Awesome over Majlis

Past Captains Shine in Kandhari’s Captain’s Day SURENDER Kandhari’s Captain’s Day produced some fine performances from past Club Captains, most notably the quartet of Mike Gerbich, Jim Boocher, Pentti Tahvanainen and Stephen Jones who took top prize with a 59.2 tally. Commencing their round from the 18th hole the team, led by 1994-95 captain Gerbich, were quick out the blocks with five straight birdies. Four more followed in the next seven holes but they only picked up one more shot in their closing four holes to give their closest rivals a glimmer of hope following a gross 63. The team of Keith Prosser, Darren Cole, Gerry Feerick and Cameron Bellman fired a gross 62 but after handicap reductions it only equated to a net 59.4 which saw them take the runner-up spot. Mike and Lee Brett paired up with Jim Davidson and Yousef Al Radah to card a score of 60.6 for third place. Mickey Bamboat, another past Captain, claimed the Nearest the Pin on hole 4, with Mike Gerbich adding to his winner’s prize the same prize on hole 7. Vipen Sethi and Amit Radia also won prizes for accuracy on holes 11 and 15 respectively. Kandhari’s Captain’s Day was topped off with Indian Cuisine and Bollywood dancers.

KOUROCHE Achtari produced a superb performance over the Majlis course to triumph in the Chairman’s Cup. In the full handicap Stableford championship Achtari found himself to be the lowest handicapper in a 91-strong field, however he returned a score of gross 70 and 40 points to seal a two-point victory. His front nine included birdies on holes 3 and 5 with a dropped shot coming on the 445-yard 6th hole. A similar pattern followed on the inward half with birdies on the 11th and 14th preceding a bogey on the 16th hole. His winning tally – in a major on the Emirates members schedule – gave him top prize and a place on the Emirates Golf Cub marble next to the Dubai Desert Classic winners. Drummond Welsh clinched the runner-up spot after signing for 38 points, this was equaled by Pravesh Jethwani but he took third place following a card countback. Johnny Aldridge continued his good run of form to seal victory in Division ‘A’ (hcp 0-12) following his 36 points with Philip Urasch was a point further back in second place. Paul Hawkins recorded 37 points to take first prize in Division ‘B’ (hcp 13-24) with Bryan Wilson second on 34.

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 Faldo Course – 1996, re-designed in 2006 COURSES Majlis – 18 holes, Par 72, 7211 yards, championship course Faldo Course – 18 holes, Par 72, 7433 yards Designer: Majlis Course – Karl Litten WINTER RATES Wadi by Faldo : 18 holes EGC Majlis: 18 holes Par 3: 9 holes

RACK RATE WINTER PEAK WINTER OFF PEAK

995 995

795 100 695 100

875 875

625 100 535 100

645 645

490 100 490 100

UGA WINTER PEAK WINTER OFF PEAK JUNIOR WINTER PEAK WINTER OFF PEAK

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

170 30 65 30

Mike Tracey (vice captain) with winner Kouroche Achtari. www.wwgolf.biz

FOUR SEASONS GOLF CLUB Overall winner Conor Byrne; pictured with Dubai Duty Free’s Managing Director Colm McLoughlin (black shirt), George Horan (2nd left), Deputy Managing Director and DIGS Captain and Sinead El Sibai (2nd right), Manager Events, Advertising and Media, Dubai Duty Free.

LOCATION Dubai Festival City, off Dubai 83, six miles out of Dubai City Centre. 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 OFF PEAK EGF 18 holes – 680DHS NON EGF 18 holes – 850DHS Range balls and cart included ON PEAK EGF 18 holes – 765DHS NON EGF – 850DHS Range balls and cart included

Calm Conor wins Mark Fahy Memorial Golf Day A STRONG field from the Dubai Irish Golf Society (DIGS) joined forces for their annual Mark Fahy Memorial Golf Day, sponsored by Dubai Duty Free, in an event that coincided with the annual celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. An exceptional performance combining strategy, skill and the occasional wit, saw Francisco Giles’s 32 points claim the title of Best Gross, but the day belonged to Conor Byrne who carded an outstanding 47 Stableford points for the Overall Winner title and victor of the Mark Fahy memorial trophy. Mark Pettrie steamed to the top of Division ‘B’ carding a final score of 39 to beat Bernardo Vasquez by one point with Wesley Burke in third place on 37 points. Patrick Mulligan worked exceptionally hard to take the Division ‘A’ title away from Tony Billingham as both

scored 39 points, Andrew de Gruchy’s 37 points was strong enough to secure him third place. Carmel King reigned supreme in the Ladies Division as she scored 29 points for a two-point win over Maria Clements with Louise Doyle finishing third on 25 points. George Horan, Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free and the current Captain of DIGS, said: “We have had a fantastic response for this year’s Mark Fahy Memorial Golf tournament with a turn-out of 87 members competing on the day. Thanks to Four Seasons Golf Club for their help in organizing this event and I look forward to the next DIGS tournament.” The Dubai Irish Golf Society had also raised a substantial donation for the nominated charity, the Marie Curie Foundation, a charity dedicated to alleviating suffering from cancer.

AL GHAZAL GOLF CLUB

RAMESH IN FINE FORM FOR MARCH MEDAL THE Hill International March Monthly Medal was played in cool and windy conditions and long hitter Ramesh Emmanuel coped best to card a superb 68 winning the Division ‘3’ Bronze Medal. H.J. Lee – a recent addition to the Golf Club – took second place with a 75. Division ‘2’ had to be decided on a countback between Tony Cernoch and Walter Tiam Fook and it was Cernoch who prevailed with a better back nine to take the Silver Medal. The Gold medal winner of Division ‘1’ was Rob Jennings who carded a 75 to win by one shot from Captain William Low. The ladies section Silver Division was won by Nicolette Van Dyk on 73, with second place going to the consistent Anina Bester with a 77. Lady Captain Gill Sibson scored a 73 to take the Bronze Division by five strokes from Sharon Yang. The International Paints Golfer of The Year standings after the Hill International medal see William Low

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increase his lead with 86 points with nearest rival Ken Ritzel way behind on 69 points and Rob Jennings on 67.48 points. The ladies standings is hotting up between Sharon Yang and Anina Bester. Yang has a slim lead of six points on 68 from Bester while third placed Cheminah McVeigh is lagging behind on 34 points. There are only three events left to determine the winner of the IP golfer of the year for the 2008 / 2009 season.

All the winners collect their prizes after the day’s play.

ARABIAN GOLF

Lakdawala takes maiden BMW medal FARAD Lakdawala claimed the March BMW Monthly Medal in testing conditions at the Creek thanks to a superb net 70 after shooting a gross 85. Lakdawala, who plays off 15, has been a member for seven years and secured his first medal after superb nines of 45 and 40. A popular winner amongst the members, Lakdawala said: “Finally I did it and it shows that you should never stop trying!” Runner-up in the Men’s Division ‘B’ was John Thomas who was only one shot back on net 71. In the Men’s Division ‘A’, Humayun Shahryar came out on top with a solid net 72 with Warren Panting close behind in second place with a net 73. The ladies division saw Naema Maya take first place once again with a superb net 72 with Sabine Freyburger in second place after a net 75. K.S Kim was awarded the best gross for the day with a great effort in shooting a 7-over 78.

LOCATION Deira, opposite Deira City Centre 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 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

Overall winner Farad Lakdawala receiving his BMW trophy from DCGYC Captain Francisco Giles and David Gray, Golf Operations Executive at Dubai Creek.

Handa and Devanand claim narrow victory NARESH Handa and Kurup Devanand scored a superb haul of 49 Stableford points to win the Carpetland March Monthly Open. A sizzling back nine of 27 (9-under par) saw them win by one shot from the chasing pair of K.S Park and J.Y Lee who finished with 48 points. Another shot back and finishing alone in third place by virtue of their better back nine was Suneel Aggarwal and Amit Pateria. All three pairs have secured their place in May’s grand

final, which will take place on Saturday May 9th. This leaves only one last chance on April 11th for pairs wishing to secure one of the last three places for the grand finale to this season’s Carpetland Monthly Open Series. The Longest Drive prize was won by the big hitting junior Biren Dey who found the fairway on the 12th hole and Jon Williamson shot Nearest the Pin on hole 5. Most golf was awarded to the sporting efforts of Mark Kirk and Gianni Leonetti while a surprised James King was the lucky winner of the Carpetland rug raffle.

Rack Rate Shoulder Peak Shoulder Off Peak Winter Peak Winter Off Peak

18 695 595 795 695

9 75 75 75 75

UGA Shoulder Peak Shoulder Off Peak Winter Peak Winter Off Peak

625 535 715 625

75 75 75 75

Junior Shoulder Peak Shoulder Off Peak Winter Peak Winter Off Peak

490 490 560 560

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

Shahriar Khodjasteh, Group Marketing Director of Aqili Furnishings and David Gray, Golf Operations Executive at DCGYC presenting Naresh Handa and Kurup Devanand with the winner’s trophies.

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THE MONTGOMERIE, DUBAI

ARABIAN GOLF

Brank and Pinto are Traditional winners VINCENT Brank and Nigel Pinto topped Division ‘B’ in the 2009 Tradition thanks to a one-shot win over John Millar and Mark Connelly after two days of enjoyable play. Despite the often-foggy conditions the two rounds went ahead without a hitch as a mixed field competed for various Divisional prizes. Scott Bradbrock and Paul Moir were the overall winners with a total of 165 which beat the rest of field by three shots. The Men’s ‘A’ Division was a tight race but Dillon Gohil and Joe Morrin pulled off a memortable victory over Danny Holtkamp and Martin Lambert with a score of 168. In the Mixed Division the team of Shravan Khanna

and Connie Sayal played out a two-shot victory over the team of Debbie Murray and Sean Casey. In the Ladies event the competition was tense as three teams were matched at the summit on the same score. A countback was required and the duo of Fiona Linn and Elena Connamond were crowned the champions nudging out the teams of Barb McBean and Agnes Anwar and Sheena Holtkamp and Nina Larm. In the on-course prizes Sheena Holtkamp and Debbie Murray were the big winners, collecting three prizes each. Holtkamp won two Longest Drive competitions and one Closest to the Pin while Murray picked up two Closest to the Pin prizes and one Longest Drive.

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 (Thur-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

Men’s winners Vincent Brank and Nigel Pinto with their prize.

Ladies winners Fiona Linn and Elena Connamond.

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA

Eddy ‘Burns’ up the resort course THE EGGS Golf Society held their annual Nominated Ball tournament at the Resort course at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa and it was déjà vu as Eddy Burns’ team were triumphant for the fourth year running with 117 Stableford points. The key to victory was that the team of Burns, Willy Low, Steve Morgan and Brian Spackman managed to keep there nominated ball for all 18 Holes. All the other teams lost their special ball early in their rounds. Stephen Glennie played well to score an individual tally of 37 points which also helped his team into second place. Nearest the Pin prizes went to Steve Morgan, Kevin Ross and Tom Jones on holes 8, 11 and 17 respectively. The Longest Drive in the ‘A’ Division category on hole 16 was won by Pierre Bordessoule and the prizes were rounded off with Rafeal Castro winning the Long Drive for 18+ handicappers on the 18th Hole.

Two days of sun, fun and fishing for all DIG out your fishing tackle and head for the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa on April 10-11 as the facility is hosting a deep sea fishing competition. Enthusiasts are welcome to join in and have a fantastic Arabian Gulf adventure at the wonderful marina at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa as a whole host of fun is on offer for all the family. A grand awards ceremony will be held on April 11 at the resort to celebrate the successful anglers. To participate in this exciting fishing competition register before April 2. Registration fee is AED 2000* for seven people inclusive of breakfast and lunch boxes. For more information and reservations call the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa on 04 883 6000 or e-mail jagrs@jaihotels.com

Eddy Burns (third from right) and his teammates.

LOCATION The resort course is situated within the idyllic grounds of Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, approx. 40 minuets away from Dubai city centre, exit 13 on Sheikh Zayed highway. CONTACT Phone +971 4 8836000 Fax +971 4 8837084 golf.teetimes@jaihotels.com INFO First opened 1997 Course: Championship standard 9-hole par 36 Designer: Peter Harradine RATES Valid from 1st Oct 2008 until 31st May 2009 WEEKLY RATES 9-hole green fee (Off Peak) UGA-Member – AED 155 Non-Resident – AED 170 9-hole green fee (Peak) UGA-Member – AED 175 Non-Resident – AED 190 18-hole green fee (Off Peak) UGA-Member – AED 280 Non-Resident – AED 310 18-hole green fee (Peak) UGA-Member –AED 310 Non-Resident – AED 345

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T H E R OYA L G O L F C L U B AT R I F FA V I E W S

ARABIAN GOLF

English winners at Gulf Air International Pro Captain Challenge PGA PROFESSIONAL Lee Fickling and Club Captain Martin Dench of Bush Hill Park Golf Club led the field throughout to win the 36-hole 2008 Gulf Air International Pro Captain Challenge at the Royal Golf Club. Following a respectable 1-over-par 73 in round one, the pair enjoyed a very steady second round the following day to finish on par, three strokes clear of the second placed duo from St Pierre Golf Club. The tournament, sponsored by Gulf Air for the fifth year running, marked the finale of a series of qualifying rounds held in the seven PGA regions of Great Britain and Ireland last year. The qualifiers were open to PGA Club Professionals throughout the UK and their Club Captains and the seven pairs of successful finalists arrived in Bahrain to battle it out in the final. Regional qualifiers Martin Duff and Melvyn Stewart from the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club in the United Arab Emirates also took part. “I’m over the moon to have won,” said Dench at the prize giving ceremony afterwards. “Lee managed an excellent five

birdies yesterday and my net birdie on the 1st today was a good indicator of the way the round would pan out. We both played very steadily throughout and Lee’s birdie on the 17th and my net par on the last clinched it.” His partner was equally pleased with how the pair spurred each other on during the two days. “We’ve had a fantastic time here in Bahrain and we’re thrilled to be going home with the title,” said Fickling, a former European Tour player. “The hospitality has been superb and I certainly hope to qualify again for the 2009 Final this October.” Gulf Air’s Chief Executive Officer Björn Näf was present at the tournament prizegiving ceremony where he announced that Bahrain’s national carrier would once again sponsor the 2009 Grand Final. “The Gulf Air International Pro Captain Challenge has grown in prestige year on year and is becoming an increasingly well-known fixture on Bahrain’s golfing calendar,” said Näf. “It gives me great pleasure to announce that the 2009

tournament will be held from 26th to 31st October and will be hosted by the Royal Golf Club once again. I look forward to welcoming the PGA’s representatives and the finalists then for another very successful event.” Michael Braidwood, General Manager of the Royal Golf Club, was delighted with how the players reacted to the golf course and hoped they all left with good impressions of Bahrain. “We are very pleased with the success of the 2008 Final,” he said “It was a great to receive feedback on our new golf course from some of Britain and Ireland’s top PGA club professionals. They were all very impressed with Colin Montgomerie’s fantastic design for the course and enjoyed seeing the sights of Bahrain during their spare time.”

Above: Björn Näf (l) shakes hands with Parnell Reilly, Captain of the PGA.

Below: Winners of the 2008 Gulf Air International Pro Captain Challenge.

Final Results 1. Lee Fickling and Martin Dench (Bush Hill Park) 145 (73 + 72) 2. Craig Dun and Eric Brown (St Pierre) 148 c/b (76 + 72) 3. Paul Brookes and Ewan Cameron (Pitreavie) 148 (76 + 72) 4. Brendan McGovern and Francis Reilly (Headfort) 149 (79 + 70) 5. Michael Braidwood and Mark Holmans (Royal Golf Club) 149 (75 + 74) 6. Charles Giddins and Andrew Hulls (Beauport Park) 149 (74 + 75) 7. David Smith and David Torkington (Swinton Park) 152 (77 + 75) 8. Craig Phillips and Liam McHugh (Nuneaton) 152 (76 + 76) 9. Robert Maxfield and Parnell Reilly (PGA) 156 (81 + 75) 10.Martin Duff and Melvyn Stewart (Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club) 163 (81 + 82) www.wwgolf.biz

DOHA GOLF CLUB

Charity wins at RasGas Pro Am Golf Tournament

The winning pro am team with their awards. AS part of RasGas’ ongoing commitment to the local community, a staggering QR850,000 was raised for one of its nominated charities recently, as a result of the generosity of guests, employees and golf professionals who participated in the RasGas Pro Am Golf Tournament and Charity Gala Dinner. Now in its fourth year, the two-day charity event remains an integral element of RasGas’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme with all proceeds for this 2009 event benefiting the Qatar Social and Cultural Centre for the Blind. The Charity Gala Dinner was the opening event and took place in late February at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Doha. More than 300 guests, including Hamad Al Mohannadi, RasGas Managing Director (CEO), RasGas’ shareholders, customers, suppliers and contractors, along with key employees, reached deep into their pockets for the charity auction and raffle prizes. In the space of two hours exceptional auction items ranging from a trip to the Maldives to a year’s membership at Doha Golf Club went under the hammer with all proceeds from the auction and raffle ticket sales of items, generously donated by key RasGas’ contractors and suppliers, will go towards improving the services and provisions available for the young people who attend the Qatar Social and Cultural Centre for the Blind. Al Mohannadi said: “This remarkable charity event has grown in strength and stature

and I am proud to say that since its debut, the RasGas Pro Am Golf Tournament and its associated Charity Gala dinner has made a positive impact to many worthy causes in Qatar. “RasGas is delighted to be presented with the opportunity to support the Qatar Social and Cultural Centre for the Blind as part of our CSR programme. On behalf of RasGas, I’d like to thank the generosity of our guests and employees for their continued support, and especially thank them for making a difference.” Following the Charity Gala Dinner, the RasGas Pro Am Golf Tournament teed off the following morning with a total of 24 four-player teams taking part. Each team comprised one professional golfer, one RasGas host and two VIP guests representing RasGas’ key customers, suppliers, shareholders and business associates. One of the highlights of the tournament, was the presence of European Tour star Paul McGinley who challenged each player to ‘beat the pro’ from the 17th tee. McGinley, a fourtime winner on The European Tour, achieved his place in golfing folklore by holing the winning putt on his Ryder Cup debut in 2002. The tournament was played as a fourball better ball with just one score from each hole to count. The team of professional Greg Holmes, Nick Baker (representing Dolphin Energy), David Cassidy from Doha Golf Club and by Bill Chase, RasGas Operations Technical Manager prevailed after an excellent

performance over the Peter Harradinedesigned Championship Course. Before handing over the trophies to the winners, Tom McHale, Chairman of the RasGas Golf Committee and RasGas Group Finance Manager, congratulated the winning teams and expressed his thanks to everyone who participated in the event, including the various local companies for sponsoring a number of the special prizes.

A pro am group with Paul McGinley out on the 17th Tee as they try to ‘beat the pro’.

Some of the golfers out on the course during the Pro Am Charity event.

DOHA GOLF CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

Toivonen, Sweeney, Laudick and Sturesson clinch Tasweeq Invitational QATAR International Petroleum Marketing Company Ltd. (Tasweeq) hosted the Tasweeq Invitational Golf Tournament recently and finishing in first place was the team of Bill Toivonen, Eric Sweeney, Mark Laudick and Michael Sturesson. They beat the team of Ryosuke Nakamura, Anthony Tan, Koichi Murata and Steve Butt into second place while in third place was the team of Hans Dissevelt, Yoichi Kobayashi, Ali Al-Hammadi and Tom Aaker. In Fourth place was the team of Cameron Ashley, Peter Goodwin, Dan Callens and Tomoyuki Ohno. The tournament, played as a four-man Texas Scramble, featured mixed teams who competed for an array of individual and team honours, including a major prize offered to anyone who could record a hole-in-one. Tasweeq’s Chief Executive Officer, Ali Al-Hammadi said: “Our aim was to create an engaging event to thank our partners for their continuing support of Tasweeq’s mandate. Over the last year, there has been remarkable progress in exports of regulated products from Qatar and most of this is testament to the spirit of partnership and that exists among all of us in Qatar and globally.” The tournament concluded with dinner and an awards

ceremony, with scoring prizes being awarded to the first four teams. The tournament brought together representatives of Tasweeq’s major partners, including producers, customers and contractors in a fun-filled day of catching up with old friends and meeting new acquaintances.

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

Tasweeq Golf Day Winners pictured with their prizes

New sponsors, Jaidah Group, host first successful Medal THE first Jaidah sponsored Monthly Medal was a huge success with the launch of a personalised scorecard and a spectacular display of their exclusive furniture range - Ligne Roset. The winners in each flight were Peter Moth Nielsen in Flight ‘A’ with a score of 68 net, Kil Sik Ju in Flight ‘B’ with 66 net and Jill Smith in the ladies division with a 66 net. Congratulations must also go to the runners up in each division Ali Muffleh, Paul Emney and Kelly McGovern.

Golf day hosted for volunteers

THE Commercialbank Qatar Masters Volunteers Golf Day was held in late February to give thanks to those who gave their time helping make The European Tour event held a month earlier a huge success. The four-man Texas Scramble event saw 84 players revel in the glorious weather in the morning before 80 players tackle the more challenging weather in the afternoon. The team of Vaughan Kitson, Johan Horn, Mike Johnson and Joseph Barnes came out on top with 14-under-par score of 58 net. For the benefit of the non-golfing volunteers a sumptuous buffet dinner was held afterwards alongside a raffle draw for more than 20 prizes.

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w w w. s p o r t n f i t n e s s m e . c o m

Sport&Fitness Middle East In association with

Issue 1 Dhs 10

AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

ENGSIG TAKES TOP HONOURS IN LADIES OPEN

Sara Engsig (sixth from left) poses alongside other prizewinners at the RAK Ladies Open.

Watts and Kondes claim Monthly Medal awards JOHN Watts scored the day’s best gross during the March Monthly Medal with an 85 to secure the Overall title Haridas Kondath took the Net prize after a level-par 72, following a card countback with Jonathon Upshall. The ladies division saw Veraena Kondes win the Gross prize with a score of 88 while Sharon Moore’s net 73 was good enough to win the Net prize.

SARA Engsig triumphed in the third RAK Ladies Open after a very closely contested 36-hole tournament. Engsig, a member of Abu Dhabi GC, went into the last day one shot behind Sana Tufail whose steady round of 83 saw her lead the pack after day one. But with a combination of consistent and sensible golf in windy conditions Engsig carded a second round 84, which earned her the crown of 2009 Ladies Open Champion. Jo Shoeman finished four shots behind Engsig in second place with Sandra Grenet a further two shots behind in third. The Net Division was taken by the Tufail with two solid scores of 69 and 79 to beat Cathy Feron, Abu Dhabi’s Lady Captain, into second place who in turn beat Al Hamra member Veraena Kondes on a card countback into third place.

TURNER DOES THE DOUBLE A SOLID first round of gross 73 laid the foundations for Matthew Turner to retain his RAK Men’s Open Title over a field containing some of the finest male golfers in the UAE. Turner’s 1-over-par 73 left him trailing Alex Charawani by a shot at the end of the first round but in the second round Turner patiently craft a majestic 1-under 71 on a tough day for scoring to finish level-par overall and clinch the title as the other challengers fell away.

Joel Neale came back strongly from his first round 77 to shoot 73 and take second place. Third place went to Miki Mirza who had rounds of 80 and 72 respectively. Saeed Malik claimed the overall Net Trophy after beating Al Hamra member Ben Constance in to second place on a card countback after both players shot a 149 total. Daniel Hendry picked up the third net prize with two consistent rounds of 76.

Matthew Turner (fourth from left) holds the trophy at the RAK Men’s Open.

FLOODLIT CHALLENGE CONTINUES TO SPARKLE WITH floodlit golf giving Al Hamra members the advantage of extending the weekend competitors have enjoyed the various weekly formats on offer which are then followed by the weekly social gatherings. Recent night-time winners include Barry and Vicki Rogers who shot a sublime 23 points to win the Greensomes Stableford while the team of Phil Mallinson, Rick Handsel, John and Ami Watts conquered the Pro’s Revenge Texas Scramble. www.wwgolf.biz

PALM SPORTS RESORT AL AIN

Van De Merwe shows his class in March Medal LOCATION: The Palm Sports Resort is situated to the south of the road between Tawam Hospital roundabout and the Maqam Palace traffic lights, on the site of the old Equestrian Centre. CONTACT Tel: + 971 3 7026 400 golf@palsportsresort.com INFO: Opened in 2007, a 9-hole grass golf course with nine newly rebuilt greens WEEKEND RATES: 18 holes: UGA – 280AED Non UGA – 300AED

Winners and participants photographed after the day’s play. THE March Monthly Medal saw Steve Van De Merwe shoot the lowest gross score of the day with excellent nines of 35 and 38 for a gross 73 – net 67. His front nine could have not been much better with him recording eight pars and one birdie to make the turn in 1-under. He quickly cancelled out a bogey on hole 10 with a birdie on 11 and it looked like a sub-par round was on the cards. However, a pair of late bogeys on 16 and 17 left him 1-over for the day and with that he also claimed the top spot in Division ‘A’. Lyndon Chalmers kept up his recent run of good form with a gross 78 for a net 73 and took the runnerup spot in Division ‘A’. His round could have been even better had it not for his front nine total of 42. Jeff Glasgow Snr finished third in Division ‘A’ with his gross 79 for a net 73 – narrowly missing out on second

place after a countback. Division ‘B’ saw the lowest net score of the day coming from John McFarlane as he carded a superb gross 75 for a net 63. His 18 was made up of three birdies, 10 pars and four bogeys which paved the way for him to top the Division. Runner-up to McFarlane was Wayne Whitney with a gross 80 for a net 65, his two nines of 40 could have been even better were it not for double bogeys on the par-4 8th and 18th holes. Third place went to David Laird as he scored a net 67 from a gross 80. Ann McCarty made her way back into the winner’s circle in Division ‘C’ with an excellent 41 Stableford points. Phil James took second place with a haul of 37 and he edged George Carruthers into third place after a card countback.

9 holes: UGA – 170AED Non UGA – 190AED Weekend rates 18 holes include shared golf cart and driving range. WEEKDAY RATES: 18 holes: UGA – 230AED Non UGA – 250AED 9 holes: UGA – 140AED Non UGA – 160AED CLUB HIRE RATES: 9-hole – 90AED 18-hole – 140AED

TOWER LINKS GOLF CLUB

Williams pips the Richardsons to the post A MAGNIFICENT last hole eagle by Paul Williams cut the Richardson family’s quest of a one-two finish in The Sherwood’s Wednesday Social Title tantalisingly short as he claimed the top prize with 19 Stableford Points. Williams managed the winning score on the night even though he failed to score on the straightforward 11th hole after getting caught up in the greenside trap. It was unclear whether Williams would recover from the disappointment of hole 11 as he promptly followed up with bogeys on the following two holes but with true British character he fired back with a birdie on 13 then and a magnificent eagle three on the 18th to cement the victory. Williams edged out Kathy and Troy Richardson who also finished on 19 points in the countback as his last six holes were more fruitful, shooting 16 Stableford points to Kathy’s 14 and Troy’s 12. Troy was in nappies the last time Kathy stepped forward to claim a prize in an individual title and raucous applause followed as she strode forward pushing her way through the large crowd of waiting media. Long into the night after her various press conferences had finished, Kathy had time to reflect on her round. She failed to score on two holes -her opening hole and the short par-3, 16.

Paul Williams (far left) alongside the Richardsons, (from left) Mike, Kathy and Troy. Relegated to third place behind his Mother, Troy was gracious in defeat as it was the first time both players had been able to pose together in a photo that was not a family portrait! Out of the top three, Troy was the only one to record scores on all nine of his holes which is quite amazing given his reputation with the short stick! Completing the prizes was Mike Richardson who won the Nearest the Pin on hole 16, the very hole that Troy aced recently, to make the presentation photo a future family treasure.

K ATA M E YA H E I G H T S G O L F & T E N N I S C L U B

ARABIAN GOLF

Issa Abou El Ela wins 2009 Katameya Junior Open A RECORD number of 75 junior golfers competed in the 2009 Katameya Junior Open as the event was split in to three divisions. Players with an official handicap competing over 36 holes on the Championship course, Division ‘B’ players took nine holes modified Stableford and Division ‘C’ players played six holes gross Strokeplay while the ‘Kids on the Green’ section played over the New Nine course. Conditions were blustery over the two days and this made for difficult scoring. Day one saw the first round played over the Championship Course and it was two juniors from Alexandria Sporting Club who shared the lead – Mina Farid, Andrea Marmaras both with a gross 82. Behind them were another three players which included Issa Abou El Ela all within two shots. Day two saw El Ela take control and prove to his opponents that he wanted the victory and he achieved his goal with gross rounds of 83 and 77 for a 160 total and a five-shot win from runner-up Marmaras with Forbes Gauld claiming third place. El Ela’s speech was very short but the champion thanked Vodafone for their sponsorship, the golf management and golf professionals, his fellow competitors and of course his family for all their support. The overall net division champion was Katherine Spangenberg who played extremely well returning net rounds of 68 and 69 for a 137 playing from her 24 handicap.

David Flores took the runner-up spot with net rounds of 75 and 70 for a 145 off his 25-handicap. The 15-and-under category saw Hassan Said win with a 138 net total after rounds of 71 and 67 off his 19-handicap. The runner-up spot went to Ibrahim Wakid who was 14 shots off the pace with a 152 off his 9-handicap. The ‘Kids on the Green’ was played with a modified Stableford scoring system and two age categories. The 15-and-under category saw Harry Lobban beat Calum Gibson on a countback after both players scored 40 points. Janna Cappetti was one point further back in third place. The 11-and-under category winner was Timi Obatoyinb as he scored a magnificent 50 points to win by five from Max North. In third place was Ahmed Mosahli with 43 points. Division ‘C’ in the ‘Kids on the Green’ section was played over six shortened holes and again two age categories. The 12-and-under category saw Misha Murdoch score a gross 24 to win with Yehia Beshir taking the runner-up spot with gross 30. Hana Seif El Nasr finished third with a gross 32. In the 9-and-under category it was the inform Abdel Aziz Said who returned a gross 24 to win, with Ali Serour taking runner-up spot, three shots back with a gross 27. Hussein Marzouk came in with a gross 28 for third place.

Issa Abou El Ela proudly holds his trophy.

Wintery conditions for event five of the Katameya Junior Golf Series COLD and windy conditions made for difficult scoring during the fifth event in the Katameya Junior Golf Series in late February. With Category ‘1’ Division players competing over two days and Category ‘2’ and Katameya Kids over just one afternoon it was a case of who could cope best in the colder weather and it was David Flores who was triumphant. Flored beat Hassan Said in Category ‘1’ after a countback as both players returned a met 78. Category ‘2’ players competed in a Stableford format on the New Nine

and Janna Cappetti was crowned the champion after collecting 25 points. Cappetti’s closest rival and runner-up is current order of merit leader Ritvik Miglani who returned 24 points which narrowly beat Harry Lobban into third place by one point. The Katameya Kids Category, who compete over six shortened holes on the New Nine produced some magnificent scores as Misha Murdoch was victorious thanks to a gross 25 which beat Dirk Cappetti by two shots. Third place went to J. Brien with a gross 28.

Cat 2 Winner Janna Cappetti.

Kat Kids Champion Misha Murdoch. www.wwgolf.biz

SHARJAH WANDERERS SPORTS CLUB

‘Long Joan Silver’ joins the Davis Dental festivities THE 2009 Davis Dental extravaganza had a ‘Shipmates Ahoy’ theme with all participants dressed as pirates for the day. The annual competition was enjoyed by all, and thanks go to long time sponsors W.W. and Barbara Davis for not only providing the prizes and theme decorations Participants, winners and sponsors pictures with Lady Captain Joan Breen. but also a lovely buffet supper for everyone afterwards.

Fung wins Ladies Club Championship HAVING played consistently well throughout the season, and exceptionally well over the weekend, Janet Fung emerged as the delighted winner of the 2009 Ladies Club Championship. Finishing in the runner-up position was defending champion Deborah Castle who was the first to congratulate Fung on becoming a very worthy winner.

All the weekend’s prize winners alongside with Steve Barritt of sponsors Ritchie Brothers and Lady Captain, Joan Breen.

ABU DHABI GOLF AND EQUESTRIAN CLUB

Rotana Junior League round five review A BRIGHT and breezy day in early March provided the perfect opportunity for ADGEC to host round five of the Rotana Junior League Event. In the 18-hole event, Sean Tierney claimed the Handicap Trophy with an outstanding net 69 from his 28-handicap while Ronan Hall took the Gross prize with a steady 85. In the 10-hole event, young James Roberts continued his great form in blitzing the field with an outstanding score of 23 Stableford points. The runner-up spot went to Irwin Olive who came in with a steady 21 points while Anna Niederlander took home the Girls Trophy with a creditable 13 Points in her first ever 10-hole event. The hugely competitive 3-hole event was as close as ever as there was a tie for first place. Birthday boy Alibek Mussinov was crowned the champion as he edged out Matthew Campbell on a countback after both players had scored 13. Linus Schwarte came in just one shot further back in third place. In the ‘nippers’ 2-hole event, Morven Smith took home her well-deserved trophy after taking just 12 shots to cover the two holes.

SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

February Medal split in half THE February BMW Members and Guest Social event was split into front nine and back nine prizes as two-man teams battled it out for honours. The front nine was an Aggregate Bogey Competition and Tony Andrews (21) and Arshad Wahid (17) successfully beat the golf course by a combined three shots. They picked up net birdies on holes 5, 6 and 7 with their only blemish a net bogey at the tricky 9th hole. The back nine competition was a Better Ball Medal and George Lui (6) and Robin Bailey (23) stormed around in 33 – three shots below the par of 36. This included a gross birdie at the 12th and a net eagle at the long par-5 15th from the in-form Lui. The Nearest the Pin was won by Ramsey Yassin (6) who hit his shot to within three inches of the hole at the treacherous 17th. The Longest Drive was won by guest Andrew Dunsten (14) on hole 7.

WANG CLAIMS INAUGURAL LADIES OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP JEAN Wang of Abu Dhabi Golf Club won the inaugural Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club Ladies Open Championship supported by Evian in comprehensive style after shooting a course-record 78 in the first round. Wang followed her opening round with an 81 for a 159 total and a victory margin of 12 shots over M.R Rajalekha of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Wang – a 10-handicapper - attributed her victory to vastly improved iron play, largely as a result of time and money invested in golf lessons with her coach at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Wang rarely looked troubled by teenager Rajaelka whose first round 85 left her with too much ground to catch. Mayo Hayakawa (Emirates Golf Club), who was in second place after 18 holes, took the bronze medal as she followed her first round 81 with a 93. Net prizes were also awarded with Serifa D’Souza (DCGYC) taking first place with a total of 144. Indian Satnam Kaur (EGF) took the runner-up spot with Pakistani Nasha Sarkari squeezing onto the podium in third place.

DIRAB GOLF CLUB

Bouzanne has a day to remember FLORE Bouzanne shot a career-best 90 to win her biggest title since taking up the game of golf four years ago. Bouzanne won the overall Best Net title at the February Monthly Medal at Dirab Golf Club with a superb 8-under 64 from her handicap of 26. “Except from my putting I really played well,” said Bouzanne after collecting her trophy. After shooting nines of 43 and 47 Bouzanne received a lot of encouragement from her playing partner on the day – Lady Captain Theresa Wade. Aelis Sarieddine scored the same net 64 as Bouzanna but lost out on the countback for the Best Net – instead she had to settle for the ‘O’ Division (hcp 36 and above) title. Korean Jin Lee showed her class by shooting a gross 88 to take the overall Best Gross title while Denise Holding topped the ‘A’ Division (hcp 0-28) after shooting a net 71. Cristina Alabart was two shots back in the runner-up spot. The ‘B’ Division champion was Eveline Marko with a 72 which narrowly pipped Inge Gueltling into second place by a single stroke.

Left: From left to right: Prize winners Flore Bouzanne, Inge Gueltling, Denise Holding, Eveline Marko, Cristina Alabart, Jin Lee, Evelyn Jensen and Aelis Sarieddine after the award ceremony. Below: Players line up before teeing off.

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COOL STUFF

DWYERS & CO RED LABEL THE latest brand to put the wind up the highly competitive golf apparel market are Dwyers & Co. These Red Label checked pants are made from the finest materials and as you can see from the picture, the detail is exquisite. www.dwyersandco.com

ASPINAL OF LONDON COSMETIC CASE HANDMADE in chic contemporary purple mock croc calf leather, this gorgeous Aspinal Cosmetic Bag is both practical and a treat to own and use. The inside is lined in Aspinal’s signature eye-popping, luxurious, contrasting cream soft-suede with a removable washable suede lining. It can be used with or without the lining and also tucked inside is a handy mirror framed in leather. The bag closes with a Swiss made silver zip and secure snap closure and comes in a signature Aspinal gift box. www.aspinaloflondon.com

SENNHEISER CX 300-II PRECISION HEADPHONES WE wouldn’t expect anything less from Sennheiser but the CX-300-II in-ear headphones are a truly great choice if you’re looking for something portable that won’t break the bank. The sound quality is outstanding with highly-clear bass-driven acoustics and very little noise spillage. The rubber pads allow a very comfortable fit, while the sleek design means they look great too. www.sennheiser.com

WIN WORLD SPORTS PARTY WORLD Sports Party invites family and friends to a journey to an exotic 5-star modern island resort, where all players will enjoy eight original sports that can be played by up to four players at a time. The sports available are air hockey, beach cricket, darts, dodge ball, pétanque (French boules), karting, paleta fronton (a Peruvian game similar to squash or racquet ball) and disc golf. In World Sports Party, all friends and family members can play together: each mini-game is playable from one to four players, either in split screen, same screen or in-turn modes. Players can choose between short gaming sessions or a larger competition – select a specific sport and then change as often as you want, or pick up the resort mode for a complete challenge, including all eight sports. To win a Wii and a copy of World Sports Party answer the following question: Who won last month’s World Golf Championships-CA Championship?

TO ENTER VISIT: www.wwgolf.biz and click “Competitions” www.wwgolf.biz

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