Worldwide Golf - Issue 107, Michelle Wei

Issue 107, September 2009

MIDDLE E AST’S No.1 GOLF MAG AZINE

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Captain’s pick Michelle Wie could be bound for greatness after dominating the Solheim Cup.

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GARY

PLAYER INTRODUCTION

Michelle’s finest moment

W

HAT a wonderful tournament the Solheim Cup turned out to be and what a sensational performance Michelle Wie produced in the United States’ 16-12 victory over Europe.

We tend to forget that Michelle is still only 19 years old but she reminded everyone at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois, and on television all around the world what an amazing talent she really is.

She’s lived through the highs of being one of the most promising young female golfers in the world in her early teens and the lows of being over-exposed and over-played.

Instead of taking the traditional course in learning her trade and gradually working her way towards the top of the women’s game she was thrust into playing on sponsors’ invitations in PGA TOUR events where she was way out of her depth.

It must have made a huge dent in her confidence to find herself in situations where she was playing against seasoned men professionals at the highest level and continually failing to make the cut, although she did achieve that feat both in the U.S and on the Asian Tour.

Nobody could question Michelle’s ability but it was such a shame to see her put in that position. I have played with Michelle on numerous occasions and met her many times and have always been impressed with her game and her personality.

Had she been left alone with her original coach Gary Gilchrist I’m sure she would have progressed through the right channels to be winning tournaments before now.

It’s interesting that family members of Team USA were not allowed in the on-course lodging area, where both teams were staying, and the players were able to dine together.

I understand that Team USA Captain, Beth Daniel, spoke to

Michelle’s parents before the event. It was Beth’s policy to take as much pressure off her players as she could and whatever happened it certainly seemed to work for Michelle and her team-mates.

Michelle certainly seemed to be enjoying every minute of the experience. When you’re playing as well as she did you’ve got every reason to be happy.

In winning three-and-a-half points out of a possible four she was the most successful player on either team, which considering the calibre and experience of the other 23 players around her - was a remarkable achievement.

Michelle commented: “It was the most fun I’ve had playing.

The crowds were absolutely amazing and to have 11 other team members as great as these people was fabulous. I feel like I played great this week and hopefully that will carry over – but you never know in golf. You can have good weeks and bad weeks but I know I had a lot of fun this week. I think people have seen a different side of me these last few days.”

Beth Daniel commented: “Michelle a remarkable talent.

She was always a great kid but she got so much media attention playing in men’s events. This week Michelle played really well. There were times when I thought she was walking on air she was so pumped up.”

Juli Inkster, one of the most successful players in the history of the LPGA Tour, added: “She certainly knows how to play the game of golf.”

Let’s hope that if Michelle can be left alone to play her natural game and have the opportunity to enjoy competing on the LPGA Tour, while still studying at Stanford University, she will turn out to be the player we all hoped she would be.

She’s still to win an event on the LPGA Tour but her success in the Solheim Cup might be just the boost she needs to finally get her career off and running. ■ www.wwgolf.biz

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Contents

us pga CHAMPIONSHIP

W

OODS’ record was 14 wins – 0 losses when he went into the final round of a Major holding a lead, and he had not lost any tournament worldwide in nine years when leading by two shots. But Woods looked a shadow of his former imperious self on the greens and carded a 3-over 75 while Yang shot a 2-under 70 to etch his name onto the famous Wanamaker Trophy.

The turning point came at the 301-yard, par-4 14 hole. At the time, Woods and Yang were tied for the lead at 6-under and both players went for straight for the green from the tee. Woods blocked his slightly to the right and found a bunker while Yang came up just short in the first cut of rough surrounding the bunker.

Woods splashed out to within10 feet before Yang did to Woods what Woods has been doing to the opposition his whole life – making it when it matters. The Korean holed his 20-yard chip to leapfrog Woods for the first time in the week.

Woods made his birdie putt but was still a shot behind Yang with just four holes to play. “I chipped it with the thought that at least I would have to make this one a birdie chance,” said Yang through his interpreter. “I tried to chip it, just get it as close as possible, but somehow, fortunately, actually it went in.”

The pair traded pars on 15 and 16 and then both bogeyed the 17 which meant Yang still had a one-shot lead as they went down the 18 . With

“It’s given me a solid foundation to continue playing at the top level – it just means the world to me right now.”

–YONG-EUN YANG

History Man

victory in his sights he launched a stunning hybrid 3-iron approach to the green from 206 yards which finished eight feet from the flag – a famous win sealed in one sweet swing.

“You never know in life. This might be my last win as a golfer, but it sure is a great day,” said Yang, who holed his birdie putt and then watched as Woods failed to get up-and-down for par. “It’s given me a solid foundation to continue playing at the top level – it just means the world to me right now.”

Yang, who first found the limelight with a remarkable victory at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai in 2006, beating Tioger Woods in the process, won his first US PGA TOUR title at The Honda Classic earlier this season and posted two top -10 finishes in his previous two starts before arriving at Hazeltine.

But while Yang’s form was impressive heading

championship. “I hope this win will be as significant as when Se Ri Pak won the Women’s U.S. Open in 1996, that created a huge boom in Korea golf-wise. Everybody started picking up clubs instead of tennis racquets and baseball bats,” smiled Yang, “and when K.J. Choi won his first tournament on the PGA TOUR, that also increased the popularity of golf. So, hopefully, this is something quite parallel to those and will have an impact both on golf in Korea as well as golf in Asia.’

SOUTH Korean Yong-Eun Yang re-wrote the history books with an unprecedented victory over Tiger Woods at the 91 US PGA Championship at Hazeltine. Woods, for so long the dominant force in final round contention at the Majors, had a taste of his own medicine for the first time in his Major career as he crumbled beside the fearless Yang – who played with the steely reserve of Woods in his prime to become the first Asian born winner of a Major

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2HEAD

HEAD

BRIDGESTONE

Tiger on track at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational TODD STASZKO reports on the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club

“I just knew that I had to get off to a quick start somehow, and I was able to do that. Fortunately, I was able to keep it going and post a good front nine number.

–TIGER WOODS

T

IGER Woods took his tally of World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational wins to seven after a severe meltdown from Padraig Harrington handed him a four-shot victory.

Playing in the final pairing, Harrington held a three shot lead over the World No.1 but it quickly disappeared as Woods made an early charge. Having picked up an eagle on the second, Woods birdied holes 4, 5 and 9 to open up a two-stroke lead over Harrington as the Irishman played steady par golf.

Harrington picked up his first birdie of the day on the 11 and continued to sink par putts after that. Woods then bogeyed

holes 13 and 14 to hand Harrington the lead again.

The pair had played out a classic match play battle up until the signature 16 hole at Firestone Country Club at Akron, Ohio, Ohio – the 633yard par 5 - given the nickname “The Monster” by Arnold Palmer many moons ago.

It was on this hole where Harrington’s quest for his first WGC title came unstuck.

After being put on the clock by The European Tour’s Chief Referee John Paramor and then missing the fairway off the tee, Harrington struggled and found himself needing to get up-and-down from off the back of the green for par. However,

never made a mistake, made a nice birdie at 11, then I made two mistakes at 13 and 14. Paddy made a great par at 14 to take the lead, and until 16 it was just a great battle.”

Harrington didn’t blame the rules official for his downfall but was disappointed with the way he played the 16 . “I wasn’t unhappy at missing the fairway right - It’s not the end of the world,” he said.

“I rushed my second shot, chipping it out, didn’t hit a good shot and left myself in trouble. I hit a pretty decent third shot.

Again, I had an awkward fourth shot. I had to go after it and probably rushed that a bit, as well. That was the end of that.

“I took 6 and 8 the last two days, so

Harrington struck his pitch heavy and it bounded through the green and into the pond. It led to a triple bogey eight. Woods knocked in a simple birdie putt after he fired his approach to 18 inches and a fourshot swing occurred – after trailing by one, Woods led by three with two holes to play.

Both players parred the 17 and on the 18 Woods hit his approach to five feet for another birdie to seal it with a four-shot winning margin.

“I just knew that I had to get off to a quick start somehow, and I was able to do that,” said Woods. “Fortunately, I was able to keep it going and post a good front nine number.

“But Paddy was just hanging in there, and

I certainly think it was a monster.” With Harrington refusing to blame anyone but himself, Woods was clearly disappointed in the officials for what happened on 16 .

“We locked horns pretty good,” he said.

“I thought they would have used better judgement. We were the ones who were going to probably win the golf tournament in the last group.

“We separated ourselves and after what Paddy went through, we were still right there behind the group in front of us.

They didn’t look like they were rushing. It certainly influenced us in how we played and it influenced the outcome of the tournament. That’s not how you want to

have the tournament come to an end.”

Harrington carded a 2-over 72 to slip into a tie for second place, alongside Australian Robert Allenby who stormed up the leaderboard with a 66 to finish on 8-under.

Also closing with a 66 was Hunter Mahan who took a tie for fourth place alongside Masters Champion Angel Cabrera on 7-under.

Open Champion Stewart Cink finished level with compatriot Steve Stricker and Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez on 6-under for a tie of sixth place while England’s Lee Westwood, runner-up at the Bridgestone Invitational last year, closed with a 65 to finish alone in ninth place.

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PRO look

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Regulars 1 4 6 8 23 26 33 34 38 41 42 45 46 51 55 59 60 69 92 95 96

Features

GARY PLAYER INTRODUCTION WWG MIDWEEK OPEN ENTRY FORM ERNIE ELS COLUMN CLUBHOUSE QUICKIES DRIVING RANGE: BMW 7 SERIES GREG NORMAN COLUMN ROSS FISHER COLUMN GEAR: THE LATEST EQUIPMENT OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKING GARY PLAYER COLUMN THE RACE TO DUBAI WORLD ROUND-UPS CLAUDE HARMON III SWING ANALYSIS WAYNE’S DIARY WOMEN’S GOLF DUBAI ARABIAN GOLF LOCKER ROOM GROOM ROOM IN THE BAG: CLUB PRO

ISSUE No. 107, SEPTEMBER, 2009 Worldwide Sporting Publications Ltd, 54 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, England, SK9 1NY

10 USA HAT-TRICK: Team USA retains the Solheim Cup despite a strong opening challenge from the European Team.

14 YANG DEFEATS TIGER AGAIN!: Tiger Woods had the US PGA Championship trophy in his sights but the 2006 HSBC Champions winner kept his nerve and prevented Tiger from lifting his 15th Major title.

55 Executing any good golf shots requires good preparation. My set up position is going to dictate how I want to control the trajectory. You can see that the ball position is placed behind the centre of my stance and the handle of the club is leaning towards the target. This is going to help me de-loft the club and produce a lower flight on the ball. Experiment on the practice tee with the ball position and shaft angles to produce different trajectories.

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DIVOTS: NEWS ITEMS

TUTORIAL

TUTORIAL

Brought to you by

WOODS ON TOP OF THE WORLD: Tiger Woods etched his name on the World Golf Championships – Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club for the seventh time.

Issue 107, September 2009

M I D D LE EA S T’S N o.1 GOLF MAGAZI NE

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HOW HANDICAP AND LOWER YOUR

Editorial Panel: Gary Player, Mike Gallemore, Alex Gallemore, Richard Bevan, Todd Staszko

GUIDE TO GOLF IN EGYPT

Exclusive yas links revealed

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

FRONT COVER: Michelle Wie leads the way for Team USA in the Solheim Cup with 3½ points from a possible 4 – the highest score in the tournament.

63 EGYPT GOLF WATCH: A detailed look at the extensive list of golf courses that make Egypt a golfer’s paradise.

Advertising & Marketing: David Burke davidb@wspdubai.com (009715) 05519363 Worldwide Golf specifies that post-press changes may occur to any information given in this publication and takes no responsibility for goods or services advertised.

EGYPT GOLF WATCH

Captain’s pick Michelle Wie could be bound for greatness after dominating the Solheim Cup.

28 CYPRUS GOLF TRAVEL OFFER: WWG readers all-inclusive travel, golf and accommodation at Aphroditie Hills.

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

The finishing position is a little abbreviated than normal. Here it looks like I have only completed about 80% of the finish. This helps me stay on top of the ball longer to ensure that I am reducing the loft of the club face. You can also see that I have continued transferring my weight to the left side and my lower body has turned to square up to the target. By doing this I will have more success in controlling my direction as well. Don’t forget about working on this finishing position to improve your results.

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20 EXCLUSIVE YAS LINKS PREVIEW: Worldwide Golf gets a look at the Abu Dhabi course that is set to provide a unique traditional golf challenge in a spectacular seaside setting.

Editor-in-Chief: Mike Gallemore Executive Editor: Gary Player Editor: Alex Gallemore Publisher: Mike Gallemore Senior Editor: Richard Bevan Editorial Assistants: Todd Staszko, James Reeves, Tabitha Florence Design Manager: Mark Frain Technical Manager: Mark Collinge

The most important position in the golf swing….impact!

You can clearly see how I have already transferred my weight to the left side and the handle of the club is leaning even more towards the target than at address. This combination reduces the loft of the club, allowing me to keep the ball flight low. A common fault at this point in the swing is to let the arms do all the work and throw the club head into the ball. Keep your lower body active and in front of the club head at impact!

You can see in this photo that I have still produced a good turn in my backswing. Keep the back swing rounded and on plane. The common fault I see with this shot is that the club gets picked up or lifted in the backswing which causes a steep angle of attack into the ball which will produce inconsistencies in the strike and also the direction.

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Golf

Venue: Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

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Supported by:

WORLDWIDE GOLF MIDWEEK OPEN - Presented by Towers Rotana Dubai Wednesday, 7th October 2009 1.00 pm Shotgun - Entry Fee AED260

Welcome to the Ninth Worldwide Golf Midweek Open. The Worldwide Golf Midweek Open is an Individual Stableford event for male and female golfers in the UAE with an official handicap. This event is supported by Towers Rotana Hotel Dubai, Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club and the Emirates Golf Federation. A commemorative tournament shirt will be provided to all players. The AED260 fee is inclusive of shared golf cart with GPS, access to the practice facility prior to play and to the locker rooms and a light buffet presentation dinner at close of play (beverages will be at individuals’ expense). The sign up is simple, enter by fax to Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club with your credit card details on 06 548 7046. If you do not wish to use your credit card, payment can be made direct to Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club. Payment in advance is required to enable us to fill the limited field of 52 places in the competition should players not turn up – allowing those on the long waiting list the chance to participate. Advance fees paid by players who fail to turn up to compete will not be refunded. Money will be refunded if cancellation is received with 48 hours’ notice.

The details of the event are as follows:

The details of the event are as follows: AED260 Entry Fee Includes: Green Fees, Shared Golf Cart, Event Shirt, Range Balls, Tournament Prizes, Buffet at the Prize Presentation.

Date Venue Time Format Tees Entry Fee Prizes Closing Date

-

Wednesday, 7th October 2009 Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club 1.00 pm Shotgun Start 18 Holes Stableford Full Handicap Allowance – Qualifier for Handicap Men – Blue Tees, Ladies – Red Tees EGF Member/UAE Resident and Visitors with official Handicap - AED 260.00 Men’s and Ladies Divisional Awards 24th September 2009– on a first come first served basis.

Please fax your confirmation to: 06 5487046 Name: Handicap: Club / UGA Mobile No: Fax No: E-mail Address: Credit Card

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Card Number: Name: Expiry date: Shirt Size: (Please encircle) S M L XL XXL PLEASE FAX TO 06 5487046.

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Cancellation:

The entry fee of AED260 will be debited from the card details enclosed with this form once the club has confirmed your event entry.

If you need to withdraw your entry we require 48 hours notice to make the space available to players on the standby list. Your card will not be debited if you follow this cancellation process.

WWGCOLUMNIST

ERNIE ELS is the most successful South African golfer of his generation. Els, nicknamed ‘The Big Easy’ due to his easylooking 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 at Muirfield in 2002.

A lot of good, positive things are starting to happen

S

INCE my last column I feel like I’ve taken a lot of the positive vibes I gained from my top-10 finish at Turnberry and made further strides forward in my game. During the latter part of July and into August I’ve stepped it up and the hard work I’ve put in behind the scenes is definitely bearing fruit.

I haven’t got that next win, but I’m heading in the right direction and that gives me a lot of optimism for what’s left of this season. With the FedEx Cup playoffs just around the corner I feel as fresh and motivated as I did at the start of the year.

Just looking back for a moment, at the World Golf ChampionshipsBridgestone Invitational, I was a little rusty in my first couple of rounds, especially around the greens, but I picked it up at the weekend and played much better to shoot 2-under-par for the final 36 holes. That sent me off to the final Major of the year in a pretty good mindset.

The first nine holes at Hazeltine hurt me. I hit one bad shot and that cost me a triple-bogey, so I was three-over at the turn and had hardly put a foot wrong.

After that I played some fantastic golf.

In fact, from the 10th hole on Thursday to the 15th hole on Saturday it was the best I’ve played all year. Even on Sunday there was a lot of good stuff happening in my game. I was seeing my shots clearly and hitting a lot of fairways and greens. And I was making putts, too.

I needed to go low on Sunday to stand a chance of winning, but to be honest the golf course wasn’t in the mood for giving up a low number. It was the toughest of the four days for scoring and I think the fact that no one in the field broke 70 pretty much confirmed that viewpoint. I ended up in a tie for sixth place.

In some ways I was disappointed the Monday after the tournament had 6

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finished, because I definitely had my chances to win at Hazeltine.

I’m feeling more comfortable with my game and a lot of good, positive things are starting to happen. Tied-8th in The Open and tied-6th in US PGA Championship is something I can draw some satisfaction and confidence from.

I’m competitive again and I just need to use this momentum and keep moving in the right direction.

Good Shape The guys who work for me told me after the US PGA that it was my 30th Major top-10 in 69 starts. I wasn’t aware that I’d had that many top-10s and it’s something to be proud of. I’m not done yet, though. The most important career goal for me has always been the Majors and it remains that way. I want to add to my tally of three wins.

I’ll have turned 40 years of age before I play my 70th Major, the Masters in April, but I feel fit and strong and my game is in good shape. Guys like Jack Nicklaus, Mark O’Meara, Vijay Singh, Kenny Perry and going back further to Sam Snead and Ben Hogan, have proved that you

can win big tournaments and Major championships after you’ve hit the big four-zero. Look at Tom Watson – he was only an eight-foot putt away from winning a Major at 59. That is truly an inspiration to us all. It makes hitting 40 not quite so scary!

Anyway, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The Majors are done and dusted for another year, but there is still a lot to play for in 2009. As Worldwide Golf went to press I was getting ready for the first event in the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup playoff series, The Barclays at Liberty National Golf Club in New York, where the iconic Statue of Liberty will be watching over us all week and the Manhattan skyline is visible across the Hudson River. It’s a great looking golf course. Some of the lucky members there can get ferried from Wall Street to the 1st tee in 15 minutes, which sounds pretty cool to me. I’m a little further down the FedEx Cup Points’ list than I have been in previous seasons, so I really want to make a fast start and then see how things go as we buildup towards the season-ending Tour Championship. ■

IN THE KNOW WITH ERNIE ELS

In addition to winning three Majors (The Open Championship in 2002 at Muirfield and two US Opens – in 1994 at Oakmont and in 1997 at Congressional), Ernie Els had his 30th top-10 in the 69 Majors he has played in his career when he finished tied6th in this month’s US PGA Championship at Haseltine – a fact Ernie was not aware of until he was told after the Championship.

The Presidents Cup – two well matched teams International Team Automatic Qualifiers

United States Team Automatic Qualifiers

Geoff Ogilvy Vijay Singh Camilo Villegas Retief Goosen Ernie Els Angel Cabrera Mike Weir Robert Allenby Y.E. Yang Tim Clark

Tiger Woods Phil Mickelson Steve Stricker Kenny Perry Zach Johnson Stewart Cink Sean O’Hair Jim Furyk Anthony Kim Justin Leonard

THIS is a President’s Cup year for us. We’re at Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco for the eighth playing of the event. Fellow Worldwide Golf Columnist Greg Norman is our Captain this year, taking over from Gary Player, and I know he’s as excited about these upcoming matches as the players are.

Each teams’ 10 automatic qualifiers, based on official earnings for the period between the 2007 Wyndham Championship through to this month’s US PGA Championship, are obviously now established. The lineups look like this, in order of qualification.

That looks like two pretty well matched teams to me.

All that leaves is for Greg and US Captain Fred Couples to announce their two wild card picks on September 8.

I’m sure Greg is going to talk more about The President’s Cup in his column, so I don’t want to steal his thunder. I’ll leave it there for now and write again next month.

“THE GUYS WHO WORK FOR ME TOLD ME AFTER THE US PGA THAT IT WAS MY 30TH MAJOR TOP-10 IN 69 STARTS. I WASN’T AWARE THAT I’D HAD THAT MANY TOP-10S AND IT’S SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF. I’M NOT DONE YET, THOUGH.” – ERNIE ELS

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clubhouse quickies

PLAYER QUOTES JOKES WORD OF THE MONTH CARTOONS

Natural-born Golfer A retiree was given a set of golf clubs by his co-workers. Thinking he’d try the game, he asked the local pro for lessons, explaining that he knew nothing whatever of golf.

The pro showed him the stance and swing then said, “Just hit the ball toward the flag on the first green.”

The novice teed up and smacked the ball straight down the fairway and onto the green, where it stopped inches from the hole.

“Now what?” the fellow asked the speechless pro. After he was finally able to speak again the pro mumbled, “Uh... you’re supposed to hit the ball into the cup.”

“Oh great! NOW you tell me. Why didn’t you say that before I hit it?” said the beginner in a disgusted tone.

How many riders?

A foursome of elderly gentlemen went to the bar after a round of golf.

At the bar, the new pro asked them: “How did your game go today?” The first old guy said he had a good round with 25 riders. The second said he did OK with just 16 riders.

The third said: “not too bad, since I had 10 riders.”

The fourth was disappointed and said that he played badly and had only two riders.

The pro was confounded by this term “rider” but not wanting to show his ignorance just smiled and wish them better golf the next time.

He then approached Jerry the bartender and asked “Can you tell me what does this term ‘riders’ mean?”

Jerry smiled and explained that a “rider” is when you have hit a shot long enough to take a ride on a golf cart.

BAD ECHO A golfer hit his ball into a ravine.

His friends could hear the noise: ‘whack, whack, whack,’ on and on, until finally he got the ball out.

His friend asked politley: “How many strokes did it take you to get out of there?”

He said, “three,” but his friend said, “I heard at least seven.”

His reply was, “Four of them must have been echoes.”

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WHACK! !

K C A WH WHACK!

WORD

OF THE MONTH...

Lockjaw:

A condition affecting golfers who refuse to concede putts, even very short ones.

DID YOU KNOW?

American golfer Maud McInnes took 166 strokes at a par 3 hole in 1912 after her tee shot landed in the river. As the ball floated away, she climbed into a boat and tried to play out on to dry land. She eventually succeed a mile and a half down-stream.

“She’s just like a shark, I would love to have an Aladdin’s Lamp and be in her body just one time to feel exactly what she feels. Just when she gets to a point when you think nerves could bother her she gets right past it.”

– Henri Reis, long time coach of Annika Sorenstam

“You’ve just one problem. You stand too close to the ball after you’ve hit it.”

– SAM SNEAD

CADDIE: “Your trouble is that you’re not addressing the ball correctly.”

GOLFER: “Yeah, well I think I’ve been polite to the damn thing for long enough.”

WRONG CLUB Bob met Richard one day after work at the local drinking establishment.

“Did you hear that my exclusive golf club fined me 500AED for hitting my wife Sally with a 9-iron?” moaned Bob Richard, nodding his head sadly said: “Really? Was it for conduct unbecoming a gentleman?” Bob responded as expected, “No, it was for using the wrong club.”

“If you’re going to throw a club it’s important to throw it ahead of you, down the fairway so that you don’t waste energy going back to pick it up.”

– Tommy Bolt www.wwgolf.biz

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USA

Hat-Trick 10

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Solheim Cup

T

EAM USA won their third Solheim Cup in a row thanks to a dominant singles display at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois.

Going into the Sunday tied with Europe on eight points, the Americans took the singles matches by a margin of 8 points to 4 to give them a 16-12 winning total – the same score as the 2007 Cup at Halmstad in Sweden.

The Americans got off to a flyer with early wins for Paula Creamer, Angela Stanford and Michelle Wie. Stanford was first to score after crushing Becky Brewerton 5&4 shortly before Creamer claimed a 3&2 victory over Norway’s Suzann Pettersen to take a two-point lead.

Wie then made it 11-8 after halving the difficult par-5 18th hole with Europe’s 2007 Captain Helen Alfredsson to win 1up.

Europe got their first point on the board thanks to the recently crowned Ricoh Women’s British Open champion Catriona Matthew who defeated Kristy McPherson 3&2.

However, there was little time for celebrations on the European side as Cup stalwart Laura Davies – playing in her 11th consecutive Solheim

“It was good fun, but it’s still disappointing. The girls tried to keep up with them but they just holed a few more putts than us.”

– Alison Nicholas Cup – halved her match after Brittany Lang made a birdie to share the spoils to make the score 11½-9½.

Brittany Lincicome, who won her first LPGA Tour title at the 2006 HSBC Women’s World Match Play Championship, added another point to the U.S Team’s tally with a 3&2 victory over Sophie Gustafson before American veteran Juli Inkster took her team to within one point of retaining the Cup after she halved her match with Gwladys Nocera.

Italian Diana Luna – a two time winner on this year’s Ladies European Tour – convincingly beat Nicole Castrale 3&2 after leading from the first but European celebrations were again short lived as Floridian Morgan Pressel defeated Anna Nordqvist on the 16th hole 3&2 to get to the magic number of 14 points and retain the Cup. “It’s been a long week,” smiled Pressel. “We played great and I’m so proud of the team. It’s a great feeling.”

European Captain Alison Nicholas paid tribute to her team who made a valiant effort to wrestle back the Cup from the Americans on their home patch. “The girls have played well,” said

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Solheim Cup DAY ONE: Morning Fourballs Creamer & Kerr beat Pettersen & Gustafson Alfredsson & Elosegui beat Stanford & Inkster Lang & Lincicome beat Davies & Brewerton Pressel & Wie halved with Matthew & Hjorth USA: 2½ EUROPE: 1½ Afternoon Foursomes Kim & Gulbis beat Pettersen & Gustafson Brewerton & Nocera beat Stanford & Castrale Hjorth & Nordqvist beat McPherson & Lang Creamer & Inkster beat Matthew & Moodie USA: 4½ EUROPE: 3½ DAY TWO Morning Fourballs Kim & Wie beat Alfredsson & Elosegui Stanford & Lang halved with Matthew & Luna Pettersen & Nordqvist beat Castrale & Kerr Nocera & Hjorth beat Lincicome & McPherson USA: 6 EUROPE: 6 Afternoon Foursomes: Gustafson & Moodie beat Creamer & Inkster McPherson & Pressel beat Alfredsson & Pettersen Brewerton & Nocera beat Gulbis & Kim Kerr & Wie bt Nordqvist & Hjorth USA: 8 EUROPE: 8

“Obviously Michelle played really well. There were times when I thought she was walking on air, she was so pumped up.” – US Captain Beth Daniel

Nicholas, a six-time Solheim Cup player and 2003 Vice Captain. “It was good fun, but it’s still disappointing. The girls tried to keep up with them but they just holed a few more putts than us. It’s tough to come over here and win and we were huge underdogs at the start of the week.”

America held a one point lead after day one by 4½-3½ but Europe fought back on day two to share the spoils heading into the decisive final day singles matches. Victorious Captain Beth Daniel paid tribute to the way Nicholas had organised her team. “It was such a hardfought battle,” said Daniel. “Alison had her team ready to play and we really had to dig deep. I couldn’t be more proud of my team.”

One of the outstanding stars of the show for the US team was Michelle Wie. The 19-yearold rookie was one of two Captain’s picks and remained undefeated in her four matches – winning three and halving one.

“I think it was the most fun I’ve had playing,” said Wie. “The crowds were absolutely amazing and to have 11 other team members as great as these people, it was just so fabulous.

“I feel like I played great this week. Hopefully, that will carry over. But you never know in golf.

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DAY THREE Singles Paula Creamer beat Suzann Pettersen Angela Stanford beat Becky Brewerton Michelle Wie beat Helen Alfredsson Brittany Lang halved with Laura Davies Juli Inkster halved with Gwladys Nocera Catriona Matthew beat Kristy McPherson Brittany Lincicome beat Sophie Gustafson Diana Luna beat Nicole Castrale Christina Kim beat Tania Elosegui Cristie Kerr halved with Maria Hjorth Morgan Pressel beat Anna Nordqvist Natalie Gulbis halved with Janice Moodie USA: 16 EUROPE: 12

also paid tribute to the way Wie handled herself during the match. “We both played pretty good,” she said. “She hit a driver 300 some yards on 15.

I’m 44, I don’t hit it that far anymore. In fact, I never did! She’s probably the youngest and I’m the oldest in the field, and it was fun.”

Left: Alsion Nicholas congratulates Diana Luna after her singles victory over Nicole Tributes from both camps flowed as Castrale.

England’s Laura Davies, 45, praised fellow veteran Juli Inkster who announced that this Above: Beth Daniel lifts the Solheim Cup to would be her final Solheim Cup appearance at make it three wins in succession for the USA. the age of 49.

“Obviously she’ll be missed by the American You can have good weeks and bad weeks. But I team,” said Davies. “She’s an inspirational leader. know that I had fun this week. People have seen The girls all love her. It doesn’t matter what age a different side of me.” she is. It will be strange, but the fact that she’s Wie’s performance also drew praise from her definitely not playing makes me think that she Captain as she felt her performance justified might be the captain in the future – I imagine her decision to pick the youngster. “Obviously, we’ll see Juli in two years’ time in some capacity.”

Michelle played really well,” said Daniel. “There The USA have won 8 out of the 11 Solheim were times when I thought she was walking on Cups and will head to Killeen Castle in Ireland air, she was so pumped up.” in 2011 in their quest to win four consecutive Wie’s singles opponent, Helen Alfredsson, Cups. ■

History Man SOUTH Korean Yong-Eun Yang re-wrote the history books with an unprecedented victory over Tiger Woods at the 91st US PGA Championship at Hazeltine. Woods, for so long the dominant force in final round contention at the Majors, had a taste of his own medicine for the first time in his Major career as he crumbled beside the fearless Yang – who played with the steely reserve of Woods in his prime to become the first Asian born winner of a Major

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championship. “I hope this win will be as significant as when Se Ri Pak won the Women’s U.S. Open in 1996, that created a huge boom in Korea golf-wise. Everybody started picking up clubs instead of tennis racquets and baseball bats,” smiled Yang, “and when K.J. Choi won his first tournament on the PGA TOUR, that also increased the popularity of golf. So, hopefully, this is something quite parallel to those and will have an impact both on golf in Korea as well as golf in Asia.’

us pga CHAMPIONSHIP

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OODS’ record was 14 wins – 0 losses when he went into the final round of a Major holding a lead, and he had not lost any tournament worldwide in nine years when leading by two shots. But Woods looked a shadow of his former imperious self on the greens and carded a 3-over 75 while Yang shot a 2-under 70 to etch his name onto the famous Wanamaker Trophy.

The turning point came at the 301-yard, par-4 14th hole. At the time, Woods and Yang were tied for the lead at 6-under and both players went for straight for the green from the tee. Woods blocked his slightly to the right and found a bunker while Yang came up just short in the first cut of rough surrounding the bunker.

Woods splashed out to within10 feet before Yang did to Woods what Woods has been doing to the opposition his whole life – making it when it matters. The Korean holed his 20-yard chip to leapfrog Woods for the first time in the week.

Woods made his birdie putt but was still a shot behind Yang with just four holes to play. “I chipped it with the thought that at least I would have to make this one a birdie chance,” said Yang through his interpreter. “I tried to chip it, just get it as close as possible, but somehow, fortunately, actually it went in.”

The pair traded pars on 15 and 16 and then both bogeyed the 17th which meant Yang still had a one-shot lead as they went down the 18th. With

“It’s given me a solid foundation to continue playing at the top level – it just means the world to me right now.”

–YONG-EUN YANG victory in his sights he launched a stunning hybrid 3-iron approach to the green from 206 yards which finished eight feet from the flag – a famous win sealed in one sweet swing.

“You never know in life. This might be my last win as a golfer, but it sure is a great day,” said Yang, who holed his birdie putt and then watched as Woods failed to get up-and-down for par. “It’s given me a solid foundation to continue playing at the top level – it just means the world to me right now.”

Yang, who first found the limelight with a remarkable victory at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai in 2006, beating Tioger Woods in the process, won his first US PGA TOUR title at The Honda Classic earlier this season and posted two top -10 finishes in his previous two starts before arriving at Hazeltine.

But while Yang’s form was impressive heading

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us pga CHAMPIONSHIP

South Korea’s Y.E. Yang proudly holds the famous Wanamaker Trophy after beating Tiger Woods to win the US PGA Championship by three shots.

Defending champion Padraig Harrington splashes out of a bunker before an eight at the par-3 eighth hole wrecked his chances of holding on to his title.

of Harrington who carded a 69 to also get to 6-under, two shots behind Woods who carded a 71. Harrington – who went toe-to-toe with Woods a week earlier at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational – collapsed in the final round after racking up an eight on the par-3 eighth hole on the way to a 6-over 78.

“Obviously, it was disappointing for me,” said the defending champion. “I still made the shots out there. I only got out of position on one hole and that’s what cost me dearly. To finish on 7 - or 8-under was my mind-set going out there. The positive is that I was very comfortable out there and I know that my game is going to get better.”

With Harrington falling out of contention early on, the focus of the tournament fell on the final pairing. With the eyes of the world watching, Yang stepped up to the plate and with one fell swoop he left Tiger Major-less in a season for the first time since 2004 and opened the eyes of millions of people across the globe to the great game of golf.

“We’ve been waiting for quite a number of years for this,” said Peter Dawson, Chief Executive He’s getting better. But it was just a matter of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club. “Perhaps the of time.” Woods held a four-stroke lead over US PGA Championship was not the Major we Padraig Harrington going into the weekend on were expecting. But it’s great for golf. It’s great 7-under-par, with Yang down the leaderboard on for Korea. It’s great for Asia. And it’s very timely 1–under. But a stunning third round 67 forced for getting back into the Olympics – it really is a the Korean into the final pairing at the expense fantastic thing for the game.” ■

“I was in control of the tournament most of the day, I was playing well, hitting the ball well but I was making nothing.”

– TIGER WOODS into the tournament Woods’ was sublime – two wins out of two in his previous two starts and a third looked inevitable after roaring into an early lead and holding it after the third-round.

“I was in control of the tournament most of the day,” said Woods. “I was playing well, hitting the ball well but I was making nothing. Y.E. played great all day. I don’t think he really missed a shot. It was a fun battle. Unfortunately, I just didn’t make the putts when I needed to make them – I had a terrible day on the greens.”

While Woods was faltering, Yang stayed positive and stuck to his game plan. “It was going to happen one day,” said Woods, who has Asian heritage through his Thai-born mother, Kultida.

“If anyone would have thought it would have been a Korean player, people probably would have suspected it to be K.J Choi, because, obviously, he’s played well for such a long period of time. Y.E. has now won a couple of big events.

LEADERBOARD 1 2 3 5 6

Yong-eun YANG Tiger WOODS Rory McILROY Lee WESTWOOD Lucas GLOVER Ernie ELS Martin KAYMER Søren KJELDSEN Henrik STENSON

KOR USA NIR ENG USA RSA GER DEN SWE

-8 -5 -3 -3 -2 -1 -1 -1 -1

280 283 285 285 286 287 287 287 287

€942,125 €565,275 €303,573 €303,573 €209,361 €162,691 €162,691 €162,691 €162,691 www.wwgolf.biz

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2HEAD

D A E H

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IGER Woods took his tally of World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational wins to seven after a severe meltdown from Padraig Harrington handed him a four-shot victory.

Playing in the final pairing, Harrington held a three shot lead over the World No.1 but it quickly disappeared as Woods made an early charge. Having picked up an eagle on the second, Woods birdied holes 4, 5 and 9 to open up a two-stroke lead over Harrington as the Irishman played steady par golf.

Harrington picked up his first birdie of the day on the 11th and continued to sink par putts after that. Woods then bogeyed

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holes 13 and 14 to hand Harrington the lead again.

The pair had played out a classic match play battle up until the signature 16th hole at Firestone Country Club at Akron, Ohio, Ohio – the 633yard par 5 - given the nickname “The Monster” by Arnold Palmer many moons ago.

It was on this hole where Harrington’s quest for his first WGC title came unstuck.

After being put on the clock by The European Tour’s Chief Referee John Paramor and then missing the fairway off the tee, Harrington struggled and found himself needing to get up-and-down from off the back of the green for par. However,

Harrington struck his pitch heavy and it bounded through the green and into the pond. It led to a triple bogey eight. Woods knocked in a simple birdie putt after he fired his approach to 18 inches and a fourshot swing occurred – after trailing by one, Woods led by three with two holes to play.

Both players parred the 17th and on the 18th Woods hit his approach to five feet for another birdie to seal it with a four-shot winning margin.

“I just knew that I had to get off to a quick start somehow, and I was able to do that,” said Woods. “Fortunately, I was able to keep it going and post a good front nine number.

“But Paddy was just hanging in there, and

D

BRIDGESTONE

Tiger on track at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational TODD STASZKO reports on the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club

“I just knew that I had to get off to a quick start somehow, and I was able to do that. Fortunately, I was able to keep it going and post a good front nine number.

–TIGER WOODS

never made a mistake, made a nice birdie at 11, then I made two mistakes at 13 and 14. Paddy made a great par at 14 to take the lead, and until 16 it was just a great battle.”

Harrington didn’t blame the rules official for his downfall but was disappointed with the way he played the 16th. “I wasn’t unhappy at missing the fairway right - It’s not the end of the world,” he said.

“I rushed my second shot, chipping it out, didn’t hit a good shot and left myself in trouble. I hit a pretty decent third shot.

Again, I had an awkward fourth shot. I had to go after it and probably rushed that a bit, as well. That was the end of that.

“I took 6 and 8 the last two days, so

I certainly think it was a monster.” With Harrington refusing to blame anyone but himself, Woods was clearly disappointed in the officials for what happened on 16th.

“We locked horns pretty good,” he said.

“I thought they would have used better judgement. We were the ones who were going to probably win the golf tournament in the last group.

“We separated ourselves and after what Paddy went through, we were still right there behind the group in front of us.

They didn’t look like they were rushing. It certainly influenced us in how we played and it influenced the outcome of the tournament. That’s not how you want to

have the tournament come to an end.”

Harrington carded a 2-over 72 to slip into a tie for second place, alongside Australian Robert Allenby who stormed up the leaderboard with a 66 to finish on 8-under.

Also closing with a 66 was Hunter Mahan who took a tie for fourth place alongside Masters Champion Angel Cabrera on 7-under.

Open Champion Stewart Cink finished level with compatriot Steve Stricker and Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez on 6-under for a tie of sixth place while England’s Lee Westwood, runner-up at the Bridgestone Invitational last year, closed with a 65 to finish alone in ninth place. www.wwgolf.biz

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Yas Links the best of the old and the new

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Yas Links Details: ■ Par 72 Championship Links Course; ■ Championship Tees – 7,450 yards; ■ Back Tees – 7,053 yards; ■ Medal Tees – 6,671 yards; ■ Members Tees – 6,233 yards; ■ Ladies Tees – 5,431 yards.

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LDAR Properties are set to reveal one of the best-kept secrets in world golf. The developer of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, are on schedule to showcase the region’s first true links golf course to the world.

The renowned California-based golf course architect Kyle Phillips has been responsible for designing what can only be described as a unique golf course in line with the traditional form of links golf, commonly associated to the coastal towns of Scotland, Ireland and England.

Phillips brings with him 28 years of golf course design experience having worked with Robert Trent Jones II before establishing his own Kyle Phillips Design firm in 1997.

Phillips’ past work includes the highly acclaimed Kingsbarns Golf Links near St Andrews, Scotland which is one of the courses that hosts the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship; The Grove, a 300-acre country estate near London, which staged the 2006 World Golf Championship-American Express Championship as well as Dundonald Links, a newly created traditional Ayrshire links course near Troon, Scotland.

Yas Links is scheduled to be begin its full operation from January 2010.

ALDAR, the UAE’s largest developer, will operate their golf division in line with other activities within the company’s portfolio which includes marinas, academies, hotels and hospitality facilities.

The Yas Links golf facility features Kyle Phillips’ 7,450-yards par-72 course which provides five different tees per hole with all 18 holes

benefiting from coastal views. The Andalucíastyle clubhouse covers an area of 5,750m2 and features a sports bar, a fine dining restaurant, gentlemen’s and ladies’ locker rooms with steam rooms, a pro shop, reception-lobby area as well as an outdoor pool and a croquet lawn – all with spectacular coastal views.

The dedicated Golf Academy features a private member’s practice ground, guest’s practice ground, a six hole par-3 golf course, dedicated short game practice area, six shaded hitting bays with air ventilation as well as two indoor swing studios – all areas are fully floodlit.

Chris White, who has enormous experience in operating golf courses in the UAE, particularly during his time at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and at Al Hamra Golf Course, and is one of the most popular and respected operators in the golf industry, has been appointed General Manager of the golf division and is currently working with the delivery team and establishing the club’s operating parameters.

“The significant earth works and artful shaping will result in a golf course previously unseen in this region,” says White. “Fairways, tees and green elevations range from 1 to 8 metres above sea level.

“This, coupled with rugged finishing and the planting of native, wispy grasses, will remind the golfing enthusiast of how the original links courses of the UK were laid out through the redundant sand dunes that separated the open sea from the more valuable arable land.

“Yas Links welcomes you to step back in time and enjoy a unique golfing experience in the Middle East.”

Course News

Chris White General Manager Aldar Golf

Facilities ■

18-hole Championship Course.

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Par 3 academy course.

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Floodlit driving range.

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Golf Academy with 2 indoor swing studios. and 8 covered hitting bays.

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Short game chipping and bunker practice area.

Luxurious Clubhouse.

Pro Shop.

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Men’s locker room with private steam room.

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Ladies locker room with private stream room.

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25m swimming pool.

Private boat mooring area with transportation to marina and hotels.

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Sports Bar.

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Fine dining restaurant – Mediterranean cuisine.

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Events lawn.

Croquet lawn.

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On course pavilions.

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YAS LINKS The Links Golf Course and its surrounding area is of high ecological significance. This is substantiated with the new mangrove plantations lining the western shore totaling 130,000 plants.

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A true links golf course on the spectacular Yas Island

Coming Soon For information & membership enquiries email: info@yaslinks.com Brought to you by Aldar Properties

DRIVING

WWGWHEELS

BMW 7 SERIES Styling and Technology >>

RIDE COMFORT PERFORMANCE SPACE BRAKING

The Fifth Generation BMW 7 Series represents a New Era in Automotive Design

S

INCE the much acclaimed debut of the new BMW 7 Series in the Middle East in 2008, the flagship model has gone from strength to strength. With the latest in automotive innovation and technological development, the new BMW 7 Series offers unrivalled performance, luxury and style.

The BMW 7 Series is also the embodiment of the world’s leading premium automotive manufacturer’s core belief that performance and sustainability are inseparabley linked.

Designed around BMW’s robust Efficient Dynamics strategy to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the BMW 7 Series offers more power and better fuel economy than the predecessor model and boasts the most fuel efficient engines in its class.

The BMW 7 Series model is a major contributor to the brand’s growth and success. Despite a challenging first half of 2009, sales of BMW’s flagship model increased by 73% when compared with the same period a year earlier.

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DRIVING THE FIFTH GENERATION BMW 7 SERIES

Pure Luxury Q5 STYLING

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HE new 7 Series is a modern rendition of pure luxury. The exterior, styled by Lebanese designer Karim Habib, has a long bonnet, short overhangs and dynamic lines adding to the dominant road-presence of the new model. Large classic BMW vertical kidney grills impose a strong on-road presence.

Inside, the ambience is exclusive, sophisticated and inviting. High-quality materials as well as enhanced space and luxury finishes give the interior a beautifully harmonious feel.

The cockpit has been designed to promote the sheer pleasure of driving. The latest generation of BMW’s trendsetting iDrive control system, the simplest and most user friendly control system in its class, features a 10.2 inch display with a high-resolution graphic presentation, enabling easy control of the car’s entertainment, information, navigation and telecommunication functions.

New safety and comfort features have been integrated into the range, including Integral Active Steering to improve manoeuvrability and safety at low and high speeds, Driving Dynamic Control for variable drive settings depending on road conditions and iBrake – a function that pre-tensions the braking system if the system detects a possible collision. Active and passive warning systems such as the Lane Change and Lane Departure Warning ensure that the driver stays within lane limits. Head-Up Display with new BMW Night Vision, the automotive world’s first system with individual person detection, makes driving at night even safer for both driver and pedestrians.

The BMW 7 Series also comes with a wide range of comfort touches and innovative entertainment options, including an audio system with hard-disc memory and AUX-in sleeve featured as standard. A USB port, multi-channel audio system, DVD system in the rear, four-zone automatic air conditioning, active seat ventilation and massage seats all combine to show how this new range is a leader in luxury.

WWGWHEELS

Unrivalled Innovation T

HE fifth generation model offers a host of industry-first driver assistance technologies that bring unmatched driver engagement, handling and safety features to the luxury performance segment.

To optimise steering behaviour in all driving situations the Integral Active Steering function controls the steering angle of both the front and rear wheels. At low speed the rear wheels are turned in opposite directions of the front wheels, significantly enhancing the agility of the car and making the turning circle smaller. At higher speeds the Integral Active Steering turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front, increasing the vehicle’s stability, maneuverability and comfort.

The new iDrive control system has been completely redesigned, making it easier to access information, entertainment and comfort, features A high-resolution Control Display with standardised menu guidance grants easy access to the radio, CD, satellite navigation and telecommunication functions.

Innovative information and active safety features have been enhanced and the BMW 7 Series is the first saloon in its segment to offer a Head-Up Display. This feature projects driving information such as speed, navigation, direction and alerts onto the windscreen.

The virtual image appears in front of the car so that the driver’s attention stays on the road.

BMW is also the first manufacturer to offer a Night Vision system that is capable of identifying and detecting individual people. The thermal imaging technology detects humans in the dark at distances of up to 100 metres, then analyses the visual data and alerts the driver to potential pedestrian danger. BMW

has also introduced Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning systems to the new 7 Series. The Lane Departure Warning system alerts the driver before the vehicle drifts over the marked edge of the lane. Using a camera integrated in the rear-view mirror, the system recognises whether the vehicle is threatening to stray outside the lane and the driver is alerted by a vibration of the steering wheel. Lane Change Warning helps the driver overtake safely by monitoring traffic conditions in adjacent lanes with radar sensors, covering an area extending from the blind angle directly next to the car and up to a distance of 60 metres behind.

Safety is at the heart of the new BMW 7 Series, with an optimised body structure and interacting and electronically controlled passive safety systems.

Both models come standard with side and head airbags, crash-activated headrests at the front, runflat tyres and a tyre defect indicator.

Engine: V12 7.6 litre Output: 544bhp Top speed: 250km/h Acceleration: 0- 100km/h, 4.6secs Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 13.0 litres/100 kilometres (21.7 mpg imp) Max torque: 750 nm/553 lb-ft from 1,500-5,000 rpm

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WWGCOLUMNIST

The Presidents Cup is beginning to heat up

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ITH little more than a month to go to The Presidents Cup is really beginning to heat up. Last month’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine decided both teams’ 10 automatic members as it all came together in a truly dramatic fashion.

Y.E. Yang’s win over Tiger Woods was absolutely phenomenal – for him, for The Presidents Cup and for golf worldwide. He’s one of two “rookies” to qualify for the International Team – along with Camilo Villegas – and I’m very impressed.

Yang (pictured right) showed no fear against Tiger and he handled himself very well. That steely nerve will be valuable when he makes his Presidents Cup debut. I talked to Y.E. Sunday evening to congratulate him on his victory, The Presidents Cup, and the importance of what his victory did for the game of golf in his home country, South Korea. I was pleased to hear that he was thrilled to be a part of the International Team.

Good Young Players Asia is a region in which the game has recently seen a huge surge in participation and is generating a number of very good young players with the desire and capability to compete with the world’s elite.

I assume that the organising committee of The Presidents Cup is looking closely at a future Asian venue, which I believe the members of both Teams would support wholeheartedly.

Aside from Camilo and Y.E., the top -10 players on my team have combined for 29 previous Presidents Cup appearances. That makes for a really well balanced, experienced team. We still have the opportunity to add two Captain’s Picks, which will be announced on September 8.

I’ve got to consider someone like Rory Sabbatini, who was bounced out of the top 10 at the last minute due to Y.E.’s win. Rory was a very energetic part of that top -10 and a very enthusiastic supporter of where The Presidents Cup is going. I also have to look at the 6

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language barriers among our team and who is going to be more comfortable playing with whom. That’s a problem Freddie Couples, the United States Team Captain, doesn’t have to worry about.

It’s important to make sure that our International Team is well balanced.

Our players need to be excited and energetic about The Presidents Cup and comfortable with their teammates.

Confident I’ve got to be confident that the Team is going to go out there and play their best golf. I’m being honest when I say I can go down to No. 40 on the current points list to try and find two guys who I really think are going to be supportive members of my Team.

I’m really looking forward to the next few weeks to see who might make a last-minute move and show they are the right choice to round out the International Team.

It’s gradually coming together. It’s been a long road to get to this point.

Freddie and I have given a lot of time and effort so far to make sure this Presidents Cup is going to be hugely successful. The growth of the event is in the forefront of both our minds.

Widening the interest in the game internationally has always been a goal of mine. One of the main objectives of PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem’s was the desire of the players, particularly the International Team members, to use The Presidents Cup as a vehicle to expose and promote the game at its highest level to all areas of the world.

Representative I want to field a team that not only gives us the best chance of reclaiming the Cup but is also representative of the global nature of the sport.

With seven countries represented in the ten automatic members, we’ve already got a truly international team and I’m confident that we’ll have a wellrounded team when my two Captain’s picks are added.

The Presidents Cup is such a special event, because of the format, the

players and – most importantly – the fans, who get a chance to cheer and support their favourite players more so than in any other golf event. Harding Park in San Francisco will be a great experience as it proved to be when the course hosted the 2005 World Golf Championships-American Express Championship with Tiger Woods beating John Daly in a dramatic playoff.

In its 15 year history The Presidents Cup has evolved into an incredible event that showcases the best in sportsmanship and competition, allowing players from outside Europe to play in an international team match play competition at the highest level.

At the end of the day, my job is to make sure every member of our Team is prepared and ready to play their best golf and that the occasion is remembered not only for the winners but also for the spirit of sportsmanship in which it was played – in the true tradition of The Presidents Cup. ■

THE PRESIDENTS CUP INTERNATIONAQL TEAM’S 10 AUTOMATIC MEMBERS

Geoff Ogilvy Vijay Singh Camilo Villegas Retief Goosen Ernie Els Angel Cabrera Mike Weir Robert Allenby Y.E. Yang Tim Clark

“YANG SHOWED NO FEAR AGAINST TIGER AND HE HANDLED HIMSELF VERY WELL. THAT STEELY NERVE WILL BE VALUABLE WHEN HE MAKES HIS PRESIDENTS CUP DEBUT” – GREG NORMAN

Presidents Cup Captains Fred Couples and Greg Norman pictured outside the White House with PGA TOUR Commissioner, Tim Finchem. www.wwgolf.biz

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Cyprus holiday of a lifetime Worldwide Golf has joined with SNTTA Emir Tours to put together a special reader travel offer.

With Worldwide Golf’s highest readership of golfers in the region we have partnered with SNTTA Emir Tours, professionals in their field of organising golfing packages worldwide, to offer our readers this opportunity to sample Cyprus’s leading golf courses.

“SNTTA Travels along with Emir Golf is delighted to partner with Worldwide Golf in providing exciting destinations for the avid golfer to experience some of the top golf courses,” says David Milican, Senior General Manager, SNTTA Emir Tours.

“Using our expertise in packaging golf holidays around the world, we hope that readers take full advantage of the special offers regularly featured, along with the destination report. We would be delighted to hear from any readers who have a “must play” destination, so that we can plan along with WWG to feature such a destination in future issues.”

Year-round golf at the luxurious Aphrodite Hills Resort, Cyprus

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HE first leisure and golf development of its kind in Cyprus, the Aphrodite Hills Resort, is home to a magnificent 18-hole championship-standard golf course, which spreads over 6,299 metres. Overlooking the site where Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, is said to have emerged from the sea, the golf course also has a dedicated three-hole golfing academy and sumptuous clubhouse.

The third to be built in Cyprus, this awardwinning golf course officially opened in 2002 and was designed by acclaimed architect, Cabell Robinson, who believes Aphrodite Hills to be the perfect mix of challenging pot bunkers, manicured fairways of lush Bermuda grass and generous tiered greens.

Visually spectacular, the course expands through indigenous olive and carob trees and is built on two plateaux separated by a dramatic ravine with outstanding views over the Mediterranean. A 130-metre gorge dividing

THE FACTS AT A GLANCE ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

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18-hole championship-standard golf course designed by Cabell Robinson.

Championship course with stunning views over the Mediterranean.

A three-hole, fully-equipped golfing academy offering a variety of programmes and lessons for individuals, couples and groups.

Training facilities which are adequate for national teams, professionals and amateurs.

Three PGA qualified resident golf instructors - German and English speaking.

A double-ended 350 metre practice range.

Short game practice area with large pitching and chipping green.

A luxurious clubhouse with comfortable changing rooms and cosy bar and restaurant areas.

A pro-shop offering the latest fashion in golf apparel and equipment.

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tees at the par-3 seventh hole presents the perfect opportunity to put your skills – and your bravery – to the test!

Each hole has five sets of tee markers. There are competition and regular tees for men with two sets for ladies. Back or pro tees stretch the total length of the course for single figure and professional golfers but there is a shorter more enjoyable course for the average resort player.

Beginners and experienced players of all abilities are encouraged to learn and improve their game at the Aphrodite Hills three-hole golfing academy, where a team of resident PGA qualified golf professionals, equipped with a full video swing analysis system, can provide the very best one-on-one tuition.

With a large, double-ended driving range, a short game area with a large pitching and chipping green and the three-hole academy course, Aphrodite Hills provides the perfect environment for learning the game before progressing to the full course.

HELPFUL INFORMTAION

Aphrodite Hills Resort, was named one of Condé Nast Traveller’s hottest hotels for 2006 in its annual ‘Hot List’.

Aphrodite Hills Resort’s Tennis Academy, voted one of the top ten European tennis resorts by Ace magazine in March 2006.

Web address: www.aphroditehills.com Telephone: 258 28 000 Nuno.b@aphroditehills.com (Director of Golf ) mahi.s@lanitisdev.com (Press Officer)

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Ideal for both couples and families alike, the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel is the perfect getaway for those wanting to just relax, as well as sports enthusiasts looking to improve their swing or backhand.

Contemporary, elegant and set in an area steeped in traditional Cypriot culture and mythology, the hotel is a lifestyle haven for devotees of luxury and comfort and the first resort hotel of its kind in Cyprus.

Offering 290 luxurious guests rooms and suites, interiors at the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel are a subtle fusion of contemporary design and traditional

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29

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Cypriot décor. Deep orange, red and gold fabrics, symbolising the year-round Cyprus sun, are combined with Lefkaritika linen and lace bedspreads, hand-carved solid wood cabinets and traditional Cypriot ceramics crafted by local artisans, introducing a natural warmth and elegance to each room.

All rooms feature private terraces with a pool or garden view and golf or sea view, whilst suites have the option of additional interconnecting rooms, perfect for young families. There is also the choice of an outdoor jacuzzi or a private plunge pool overlooking the golf fairways and the Mediterranean beyond.

SECRET VALLEY GOLF CLUB THE Secret Valley Golf Course, is a highly prestigious golf course located by the renowned area of “Petra tou Romiou”, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. It is set in a scenic valley surrounded by mature trees and beautiful natural rock formations. It consistently appears as the preferred course among the island’s visiting players in terms of sheer playability and enjoyment.

MINTHIS HILLS CREATED by Donald Steel in 1994 and recently enhanced by renowned designers Mackenzie + Ebert, Minthis Hills’ 18-hole championship course is a golfer’s paradise. Its new signature hole is characteristic of the golf course – challenging, dramatic and enjoyable for all abilities.

Surrounded by vineyards and orchards and overlooking an unspoilt panorama of rolling hills and deep blue sea, the course features a magnificent elevated driving range with 16 booths and dramatic mountain views. Its large purpose-built clubhouse, under construction now, provides an introduction into the design concept of the residences and serves as a focal point for the whole of Minthis Hills. ■

Worldwide Golf will be working closely with SNTTA Emir Tours on future golfing destinations and would be happy to take suggestions from our readers. E-mail Rick Bevan at: rick@sportingpublications.com www.wwgolf.biz

31

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INTRODUCING TITLEIST AP1 AND AP2 IRONS. Now there are two new Titleist irons that combine the high performance players require with the pure feel they expect. AP1 is a multi-material iron that provides outstanding feel, shot control, higher ball flight and forgiveness. AP2 is a multimaterial iron designed for players who want great feel, looks, playability and shot control. Both feature a high technology construction with a steel body and tungsten nickel sole that optimises ball flight and performance. The dual cavity design delivers exceptional feel and playability. Feel the difference and see what makes Titleist irons the choice of Tour professionals, PGA club pros and better players.

For more details and to find a Titleist fitter near you, visit titleist.co.uk/apirons AVAILABLE IN MARCH. Pro Sports International, PO Box 26723, Dubai, UAE titleist.co.uk

WWGCOLUMNIST

‘We’re delighted with our new arrival, Eve Rose!’

I

’M delighted to report that there’s been a new arrival in the Fisher household since I wrote my last column.

Eve Rose was born at 12.50am on Saturday, July 26th. She’s a beautiful healthy baby and she’s keeping Jo and me very busy at the moment. But I’m loving every bit of fatherhood. It’s all going very well and I really am over the Moon.

The day she was born was absolutely awesome. I’ve had a great year on the golf course but I have to say that it topped any of it. It puts it all into perspective and golf is definitely a distant second to becoming a father.

I’ve taken three weeks off following the US PGA Championship and it’s been really good to spend some time with Eve and Jo. I’ve been throwing myself into all elements of fatherhood, including nappy changing and cleaning up – you name it, I’ve done it. It’s much easier to deal with all that stuff when it’s your own baby! It does have its moments though.

My confidence is high I’ve had just over a week with no golf whatsoever, which was just what I needed. Now I’ve got two weeks of good practice before I head back out onto the Tour. My game feels great at the moment. My confidence is extremely high after my performance in the US PGA and the other Majors this season.

At the same time I’ve actually walked away from three of the four, if not all four, disappointed because I was in with a shout of winning – and didn’t. Yet that gives me a huge amount to confidence and self belief that what I’m doing is working and tht I’m on the right track.

I mentioned last month that I thought it was only a matter of time before I was writing my column as a Major Champion and that belief has only got stronger.

If you look at all four Majors this year I don’t think there are many players who can say that they’ve had a chance to win three of them on Sunday but I did just that in the US Open, The Open Championship and the US PGA. It’s the first year that I’ve played all four so it bodes very well for the future. The other big thing is that I feel like I’ve announced my arrival on the international scene

IN THE KNOW WITH ROSS FISHER

starting with my performance in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship and then getting my name up in lights in all four Majors.

People didn’t really know too much about me before this year but I think they do now. The US PGA was another great experience. I was obviously disappointed to shoot a final round 76 and also with the way I finished the second round. I shot 68 on the Friday – I hit the ball phenomenally well all day and sunk a few putts. But I dropped a couple of shots coming in that I really wasn’t happy about.

Right putts at the right time It was one tournament that could have been a lot better but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be. But I know exactly what I need to do now to get into those positions. I just have to work on my putting really, really hard to make sure that I hole the right putts at the right time.

I’m hitting the ball fine from tee to green and I’ve been right up there in the stats for all four Majors so I just need

to sharpen up on the greens. I shared a house at the US PGA with Ian Poulter, GMac (Graeme McDowell), GMac’s dad and brother, my manager, Connor, and a chef so it was great fun.

Fun with the boys We were up till all hours of the night having X-Box competitions. Poults had bought one from the mall on the Monday morning and it definitely kept us entertained! We played a lot of Virtua Tennis – mainly doubles – England (Poults and me) versus Ireland (GMac and Connor) but we had to change the teams in the end because Poults and I were a bit too good for the other two. It was great having fun with the boys – it helps to take your mind off things when you’re away at these big tournaments.

A lot people have asked me if I’ll play more in America now because my big-hitting game is well suited to the courses out there but I’m in no rush. I may play a few more tournaments in the US next year but it’s a Ryder Cup year and that’s a major goal for me so Europe is still a big part of my plans.

Ross Fisher is currently ranked 25th in the world and 6th in The Race to Dubai. He has two European Tour titles to his name, including the 2008 European Open. Ross announced his arrival on the world stage this season by reaching the semi-finals of the World Golf ChampionshipsAccenture Match Play Championship before producing a string of superb results in the Majors, which saw him emerge as the leading player of all those who made the cut in all four Grand Slam events.

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33

DIVOTS

Omega Mission Hills World Cup Takes Shape THE European Qualifier for the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China will take place at the Estonian Golf and Country Club later this month while the Asian Qualifier took place at the Seri Selangor Golf Club on August 26-29.

So far the teams qualified to tee it up at Mission Hills Golf Club from November 26-29 are: Spain, Sweden, Ireland, England, Germany, South Africa, United States, Australia, Denmark, India, Thailand, Argentina, Italy, Japan, France, Chinese Taipei, New Zealand and Korea.

Several players have already confirmed their participation including some of the biggest names in the world game. Ireland will be represented by debutant Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell while England will have the same team as last year bidding for honours – Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter.

Other players who have confirmed include Robert Allenby and Stuart Appleby making up the Australian team while Nick Watney will represent the United States and Martin Kaymer makes up one half of the German team. World No.7 Sergio Garcia is the highest ranked player in the field so far but his Spanish playing partner has not yet been announced.

Last year’s Champions, Sweden, represented by the duo of Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson, have yet to announce their team.

34

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Golf set for Olympic return GOLF looks set to return to the Olympic Games after an absence of 112 years. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board voted to include both golf and rugby sevens – now the recommendation must be sealed by a full meeting of the IOC Congress in Denmark next month.

Baseball, softball, karate, squash and roller sports were also hoping to be included, but have all missed out.

NEWS SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE GOLFING GLOBE

IMG sign US starlet Reinier Saxton DUTCH starlet Reinier Saxton has announced he has signed terms with global sports management company IMG. Saxton, who turned professional in June, had a glittering amateur career which included victory at the 2008 British Amateur Championship and he underlined his remarkable potential earlier this year by winning the Spanish Men’s Amateur Golf Championship and making the cut at the Memorial Tournament on the PGA TOUR. Guy Kinnings, IMG’s Director of Golf, EAME, whose team represents the world’s leading golfers, including Tiger Woods, Paul Casey, Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen, Colin Montgomerie and Michelle Wie, commented: “Reinier has had an excellent amateur career and is a very exciting prospect. We are delighted that he has selected IMG to manage him around the world and we look forward to being part of his team as he embarks on this exciting stage of his career.”

Kazakhstan Open moves to a new home

Matthew wins maiden Major

THE European Challenge Tour’s Kazakhstan Open will be played at a new home later this month when the fifth edition of the €400,000 event takes place over the Arnold Palmer-designed Zhailjau Golf Resort in Almaty. Since its inception in 2005 the Kazakhstan Open, which carries the largest prize fund for a regular Challenge Tour event, will be set in the shadow of the vast Tien Shan mountain range which will provide one of the most visually stunning backdrops to any course on the Challenge Tour schedule.

CATRIONA Matthew hung on to her overnight lead to become the first Scottish woman to win a Major as she beat Australian Karrie Webb by three shots at the Ricoh Women’s British Open. Just 11 weeks after giving birth to her second child, Matthew played solid golf around Royal Lytham & St Annes to clinch the biggest win of her career so far and solidify her place on the European Solheim Cup team, which subsequently lost to the USA.

Asian Tour signs deal with IMG IMG WORLDWIDE has announced that it has concluded a three-year agreement with the Asian Tour, the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, to be their exclusive media agent. The representation agreement commences with immediate effect through to 2012 and includes the worldwide media rights to all Asian Toursanctioned events. The contract was negotiated for IMG by Senior Vice President and Head of IMG Media Asia, Michael Mellor. “We are thrilled to have added the Asian Tour as a major new client,” he said. “Our pedigree in golf and media distribution means we are able to offer the Asian Tour a unique level of expertise, matched with unparalleled worldwide distribution.”

Scott takes ‘a break’ from swing coach Harmon ADAM Scott, once seen as one of the main men to threaten Tiger Woods at the top of the world game, has admitted that he and coach Butch Harmon are taking a break from each other. “We talked about it last week,” said Scott, who missed the cut at the US PGA Championship on 17-over par.

“We just said let’s have some space and talk about it at the end of the year.”

Harmon trimmed his stable to just a few high-profile clients that includes Scott, Phil Mickelson, Stewart Cink and Nick Watney on the PGA TOUR, each of whom have won on the PGA TOUR this year – except for the Australian.

SHOTS OF THE MONTH 1. ALVARO Quiros reached the par-5 606 yard 11th at the first round of the US PGA Championship at Hazeltine with two blows of his driver to the distraction of Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington who were ahead of him on the green.

“He apologised,” smiled Woods, “although there was nothing to apologise for. It was phenomenal.”

2. Y.E. Yang shocked the world of golf by overcoming Tiger Woods at the US PGA Championship and his chip-in for eagle to take the lead at the short par-4 14th was simply sensational – given the circumstances.

CHOKER OF THE MONTH

Ireland’s three-times Major winner Padraig Harrington, in search of his first World Golf Championships title at the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club, Akron, Ohio, playing alongside Tiger Woods, made a meal of the dangerous signature 16th and came home with a triple bogey after finding the lake. Woods made birdie and the four shot swing led to an easy win for the World No.1. www.wwgolf.biz

35

NEWS SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE GOLFING GLOBE

Volvo World Match Play Championsip to host the world’s best at Finca Cortesin, Spain THE qualifying criteria for the Volvo World Match Play Championship at Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa in Spain next month means the top 16 players from around the globe will compete for one of the biggest prizes in golf.

The leading players from the continents of Europe, Africa/Middle East, North America, South America, Asia and Australasia on the Official World Golf Ranking qualify alongside the defending Champion and winner of the 2009 Volvo China Open. The rest of the field is made up of the top four players on The Race to Dubai and the Official World Golf Ranking who aren’t already qualified.

With a prize fund of €3.25 million, and a first prize of €750,000, a place in the Volvo World Match Play Championship on October 29 could significantly enhance a player’s position on The Race to Dubai, with all 16 players who tee it up at Finca Cortesin chasing a place in the end-ofseason showpiece.

Ernie Els will defend the title he won at Wentworth in 2007 while Australia’s Scott Strange qualifies as winner of this year’s Volvo China Open.

Scott Strange wins the Volvo China Open to become the first qualifier for the Volvo World Match Play Championship next month at Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa, in Spain.

Michael Sim plays his way onto the PGA TOUR

Peter Thomson turns 80 GOLFING legend Peter Thomson celebrated his 80th birthday last month on August 23rd.

The five-time British Open Champion was born in Melbourne in 1929 close to the Royal Park public course where he learned the game. He went on to win The Open three times in a row from 1954-56 and on top of his illustrious playing career he has designed more than 100 courses worldwide.

“Peter Thomson has been a great ambassador for Australia and a global ambassador for the game of golf,” said Jack Nicklaus. “I had an opportunity to captain against Peter in the 1998 Presidents Cup. It was held at Royal Melbourne in Peter’s home country and he not only represented the International team well but he was such a gentleman and sportsman – he embodied what the Cup is all about.”

AUSTRALIAN Michael Sim won his third Nationwide Tour title this season to automatically qualify to play on the PGA TOUR for the remainder of this year and for the 2010 season.

The 24-year-old won the Stonebrae Classic, the BMW Charity Pro-Am and the Christmas In October Classic to follow in the footsteps of Nick Flanagan who achieved the feat in 2007.

Sim will have to wait five weeks to play on the PGA TOUR because he is not qualified to play the FedEx Cup playoff events.

“I might go home to Australia or I might just keep to my schedule on this Tour until it’s time for me to play one on the big Tour,” he said. “Nevertheless, it’s a good problem to have.”

Barclays Singapore Open co-sanctioned with The European Tour The Barclays Singapore Open, the richest event on the Asian Tour, will be co-sanctioned as a European Tour event this year at Sentosa Golf Club on October 29.

The event, which has a $5m prize fund, will now play an important role in The Race to Dubai, which reaches its climax just three weeks later.

India’s Jeev Milkha Singh is the defending champion while other past winners include the likes of Adam Scott and Angel Cabrera.

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37

OTWEAR APPAREL BALLS

PLAYER TECHNOLOGY HARDWEAR FO

SOLAR POWERED GOLF FLEET

NIKE WEDGEs NEXT in line for our team of boffins to run the rule over in our series on the best wedges on the market are Nike Golf’s two current offerings.

The latest model Nike have taken to market is the Nike Victory Red (VR) range. These wedges have already helped scoop a Major championship when Tiger Woods used them during last year’s US Open triumph. Woods had a big say in the design of these clubs and if he likes them, who are we to argue? The key feature are the ‘High Rev’ grooves which have been individually milled into the clubhouse and allow for a wonderful degree of control from any lie by allowing you to generate maximum spin. The S400 shaft – which comes as standard – is slightly weightier than most wedges out there so make sure this is your preferred option, otherwise you could always ask for it to be fitted with the lighter S300 shaft.

As with all the Nike clubs, the VR wedges look the business and grips by Eaton are cleverly designed to allow maximum grip at the top and maximum feel at the bottom.

The Black Satin SV Tour range has been out for a couple of years now but they’re still among the classiest wedges on the market. Again great feel and spin are generated by the CNC milled face. The grips aren’t quite as comfortable as the Eaton ones on the VRs but the S400 shaft again adds a nice weightiness to the swing if that’s your bag! All in all not much to choose between these two and you won’t go far wrong with either of them.

www.nikegolf.com

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THE golf industry has not been immune from the global economic crisis and some clubs are taking cost and energy saving measures by powering their golf carts using solar energy.

The Jockey Club Kai Sai Chau Public Course in Hong Kong was the first to make the switch to solar power, closely followed by Sebonack Golf Club in the USA. Both clubs retrofitted their existing fleets using the SolarDrive system, which is part of the Club Car Solutions Network. The system is basically a series of solar cell roof panels which convert energy from the sun to power the carts.

The switch follows a study of energy use by the Golf Resource Group recently, which concluded that most golf courses use between 250,000 and five million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity in their annual operations. At the high end, that’s equivalent to the amount of electricity used in 278 2,500-square-foot houses.

“Power costs are very expensive here on Long Island and are getting more expensive around the world,” said Michael Pascucci, owner of the Sebonack GC. “Why not take advantage of the free solar power we have on earth?”

But reducing the charging requirements for the club’s 40 golf cars and lowering its electric bill isn’t the only reason Pascucci retrofitted his fleet with solar canopies, which are sold as an option on Club Car golf carts.

“I think it’s really a positive thing for our members and their guests to see that they’re not using any energy while they’re riding around on the sun’s power,” he said. “It makes a statement.”

www.solardrive.com

PUTT EASY THERE are a myriad of putting aids on the market and most of them work in a pretty similar way producing mixed results. But the putting stroke is one of the most subjective elements of the game and the No. 1 complaint about most putting aids is that they only cater for one style of stroke meaning that they’re useless for anyone with a different putting style. The original Putt Easy was a great little training aid but it only catered for those players with a ‘straight back and through’ stroke so wasn’t much use for those with a ‘gated’ stroke. But the new improved version can be adjusted to suit both styles. The new smaller adjustable components mean that it’s also easier to store than the old version. The principles behind the Putt Easy remain the same. Simply place a ball just in front of the centre bar and rest the shaft of the putter on the horizontal top rail. Gently swing the putter along the rail to generate a smooth tempo, solid action and square face at impact.

www.easy-waygolf.com

Tehama Green Collection IF you’re choosing clothing to wear under the hot desert sun, what better brand to opt for than that co-owned by the king of cool, Clint Eastwood.

Dirty Harry never looked hot or bothered even when surrounded by gun toting baddies on the mean streets of San Francisco or deep in Wild West territory, so it’s no surprise that the Tenhama golf apparel brand he launched with fashion industry veteran Nancy Haley in 1997 has forged a reputation for high-quality, moisture-wicking garments.

The new Tehama Green Collection is also environmentally friendly and made with fabrics containing bamboo, coconut, recycled polyester, Vitamin C, organic cotton and organic cotton/polysester blends. The combination of activated carbon and minerale in the Green Collection provides exceptional evaporative cooling, odour resistance, static resistance and UV 50 protection to keep you more comfortable playing in hot conditions.

“Minerale Carbon is for the man who wants to be cool – not only on the golf course, but also at the office, out with the guys and throughout everyday life,” says Nancy Haley, CEO of Tehama.

“The Tehama Man now demands a super-natural solution that combines green qualities with all the great new styles, designs, and colours that our Tehama customer expects from us.” www.tehamainc.com

Y.E. YANG POWERBANDZ TO VICTORY Y.E. YANG, winner of this year’s US PGA Championship is one of a growing number of professional golfers to advocate the use of GolfGym equipment to improve their physical condition while on Tour.

GolfGym have partnered with renowned PGA TOUR biomechanics coach, Joey D, who worked with Vijay Singh for seven years – during which time he became World No. 1 – to develop a range of training products for players to use as part of their fitness programmes.

Yang has been using something they call PowerBandz, which have been designed for players looking to develop greater rotation, strength, power, flexibility and balance through golf specific movement patterns and exercises. The PowerBandz consists of a set of two 4’ bands with individual handles and includes a combination door and loop attachment. It can be secured in a door jamb, on a golf cart, weight machine or fence pole for a warm-up or total workout wherever you choose. It is available in medium and heavy resistance levels. The PowerBandz includes an Instructional DVD featuring Coach Joey D as he walks you through all the exercises he employs on the PGA TOUR with his players. www.golfgym.com

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39

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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 AUGUST 26, 2009

Pts. Avg

Tot. Pts

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

14.24 7.96 6.58 6.11 5.93 5.85 5.68 5.49 5.24 5.10 4.95 4.90 4.80 4.75 4.48 4.42 4.25 4.21 4.13 4.08 3.99 3.96 3.93 3.73 3.72 3.66 3.50 3.38 3.33 3.19 3.17 3.16 3.11 3.05 3.00 2.95 2.86 2.82 2.78 2.75 2.62 2.54 2.51 2.50 2.45 2.44 2.40 2.39 2.37 2.34

569.55 350.28 309.07 305.74 308.59 257.35 284.01 257.85 272.48 245.03 252.30 269.23 239.89 227.91 232.79 220.95 178.46 206.33 235.29 212.37 207.67 217.84 196.56 201.68 200.97 190.43 143.59 182.51 166.47 191.25 136.25 179.92 139.97 183.03 171.26 156.17 154.62 157.92 144.65 170.47 141.27 142.10 170.76 132.24 137.29 124.27 127.43 107.33 127.96 109.84

Tiger Woods Phil Mickelson Paul Casey Kenny Perry Henrik Stenson Steve Stricker Sergio Garcia Geoff Ogilvy Lee Westwood Stewart Cink Padraig Harrington Martin Kaymer Vijay Singh Jim Furyk Lucas Glover Camilo Villegas Robert Karlsson Anthony Kim Retief Goosen Sean O’Hair Ian Poulter Rory McIlroy Zach Johnson Ernie Els Ross Fisher Hunter Mahan Luke Donald Angel Cabrera Mike Weir Robert Allenby David Toms Soren Kjeldsen Ben Curtis Yang Yong-Eun Tim Clark Justin Leonard Nick Watney Miguel A Jimenez Alvaro Quiros Brian Gay Rory Sabbatini Gonzalo Fdez-Castano Jeev Milkha Singh Oliver Wilson Graeme McDowell Dustin Johnson Shingo Katayama Davis Love-III Soren Hansen Adam Scott

USA USA Eng USA Swe USA Esp Aus Eng USA Irl Deu Fji USA USA Col Swe USA Saf USA Eng Nir USA Saf Eng USA Eng Arg Can Aus USA Dnk USA Kor Saf USA USA Esp Esp USA Zaf Esp Ind Eng Nir USA Jpn USA Dnk Aus

Events 40 44 47 50 52 44 50 47 52 48 51 55 50 48 52 50 42 49 57 52 52 55 50 54 54 52 41 54 50 60 43 57 45 60 57 53 54 56 52 62 54 56 68 53 56 51 53 45 54 47

Pts. Gained 427.40 233.85 274.46 220.74 197.72 217.22 64.64 180.33 151.47 170.94 85.32 190.18 64.90 146.28 218.12 97.07 33.92 93.40 184.86 178.88 137.76 171.39 172.33 103.93 128.30 144.99 106.46 151.89 91.64 99.55 126.19 115.09 61.00 182.45 99.79 81.20 152.41 76.04 111.20 137.31 102.72 100.71 58.58 65.10 58.85 109.15 50.07 72.50 79.05 50.38

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

Mathew Goggin Chad Campbell Thongchai Jaidee Stephen Ames Justin Rose K.J. Choi Trevor Immelman Chris Wood John Rollins Kevin Sutherland Francesco Molinari Peter Hanson Ryo Ishikawa Brendan Jones Anders Hansen Paul Goydos Ben Crane Kevin Na J.B. Holmes Charl Schwartzel Prayad Marksaeng Nick Dougherty Pat Perez Boo Weekley Jerry Kelly Michael Sim Andres Romero Louis Oosthuizen Bubba Watson Stephen Marino Mark Wilson Hiroyuki Fujita Fred Couples Richard Sterne Thomas Levet Rod Pampling Aaron Baddeley Woody Austin John Mallinger John Senden Anthony Wall David Smail Steve Webster Stuart Appleby Richard Green Scott Verplank Ryuji Imada Johan Edfors Brandt Snedeker John Merrick

Aus USA Tha Can Eng Kor Saf Eng USA USA Ita Swe Jpn Aus Dnk USA USA USA USA Saf Tha Eng USA USA USA Aus Arg Saf USA USA USA Jpn USA Saf Fra Aus Aus USA USA Aus Eng NZl Eng Aus Aus USA Jpn Swe USA USA

Pts. Avg

Tot. Pts

2.31 2.30 2.27 2.25 2.18 2.13 2.10 2.05 2.02 2.02 2.02 2.00 2.00 1.99 1.97 1.92 1.91 1.91 1.90 1.89 1.88 1.88 1.87 1.86 1.86 1.82 1.82 1.80 1.80 1.77 1.77 1.76 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.74 1.72 1.72 1.68 1.66 1.66 1.65 1.61 1.59 1.57 1.56 1.55 1.52 1.52 1.52

131.64 126.65 131.77 103.45 113.12 108.81 101.01 82.12 111.24 105.14 115.13 105.74 91.77 89.50 98.60 92.23 91.84 114.78 100.84 105.91 120.52 99.52 93.59 94.87 111.35 72.93 96.54 93.43 96.96 113.53 97.19 81.13 70.07 89.31 85.56 102.66 85.88 94.45 97.30 104.89 96.21 85.59 80.70 90.86 70.46 78.19 86.77 80.73 83.65 88.03

Events Pts. Gained 57 55 58 46 52 51 48 40 55 52 57 53 46 45 50 48 48 60 53 56 64 53 50 51 60 40 53 52 54 64 55 46 40 51 49 59 50 55 58 63 58 52 50 57 45 50 56 53 55 58

63.03 79.09 86.55 50.69 69.08 48.84 18.31 58.59 96.87 47.95 68.08 48.00 38.09 40.83 80.95 57.59 67.21 106.56 65.11 54.09 47.97 70.54 65.72 48.15 83.61 65.96 39.82 80.97 70.22 74.18 69.05 45.57 54.39 22.70 64.52 42.79 44.02 54.85 74.64 75.47 58.09 46.05 53.45 25.32 31.90 48.68 36.62 58.83 39.84 65.40

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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. HERE HE TALKS ABOUT HIS PREDICTION IN WORLDWIDE GOLF THAT ASIA WOULD SOON PRODUCE A MAJOR WINNER.

Yang’s victory means big business for worldwide golf

I

’VE been saying for a while in my column in Worldwide Golf that it won’t be long before an Asian player wins a Major. Well, my prediction has come true – and what a sensational way it happened.

For Y.E. Yang to win the US PGA Championship at Hazeltine in such dramatic style was quite something.

It was remarkable how he kept his composure and his focus to play his shots under the most intense pressure.

To hit a shot like that on the 72nd hole for birdie – a hybrid 3-iron 206 yards over a tree to within 10 feet of the pin – was considered by many commentators to be one of the best shots they had ever seen.

Y.E. virtually ‘out-Tigered’ Tiger as his steely approach to the situation put the pressure on the World No.1. Tiger may have subconsciously taken his foot off the gas and played more conservatively than he would otherwise have done.

Tiger came into the US PGA on a high, having won his previous two events, including his seventh victory in the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational, so when he was faced with a head-to-head situation with Yang he may have thought he could merely play it easy to win his first Major of the season.

It’s the first time he’s failed to win at least one Major in a season since 2004.

In the past, the world’s leading player always had to battle against a number of rivals. Ben Hogan had numerous opponents as did Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and myself.

We’ve seen so many different players come to the fore, who we’ve expected to take on Tiger and challenge him as World No.1 but they’ve all faded away – Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh.

At the moment I can’t pick out a single player who will consistently challenge Tiger for his crown.

Remarkable as Yang’s victory was, the 42

www.wwgolf.biz

IN THE KNOW WITH GARY PLAYER

most momentous aspect of his triumph is the effect it will have on the game.

Imagine what it will do for golf in Asia and other fast-developing regions of the sport.

It will mean more golf courses, more business for the golf club manufacturers, more interest in the game. It’s going to be big, big business for the industry.

Just watch the upsurge in the growth of the game throughout Asia in the coming months.

Volvo driving the way I’m delighted to see that the World Match Play Championship is taking place under the sponsorship of Volvo. It’s an event close to my heart. I won the World Match Play five times at Wentworth Club - a record that was matched by Seve Ballesteros and was beaten by Ernie Els, who has won it seven times.

I was also pleased to hear that Seve is going to be a ‘host’ of the tournament when it is staged at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa in Spain on October 29th – November 1. In my heyday everyone wanted to play in the World Match Play Championship.

It was one of the most prestigious events in the world calendar. Let’s hope that this year’s event attracts a strong world-class field and is the great success it deserves to be.

HSBC boost global golf It’s good that the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai is now a World Golf Championships event. The World Golf Championships were intended to be staged all around the world and it has been disappointing that in the last year or so they have remained in the United States. It’s good for the game that the leading players like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson should play in China and around the world to give golf fans the opportunity to see their heroes play in real life. I remember many years ago playing in the World Cup, which was the brainchild of John Jay Hopkins who founded the first event under the banner of the Canada Cup, and being paid $500 for playing. It was Hopkins’ aim to take golf to the world and it would be good if this is a step in the right direction towards making the World Golf Championships more international.

Spectacular Saadiyat Beach I’m looking forward to returning to Saadiyat Beach to see how the course is coming on. I get regular reports on the progress of the work and I’m pleased with the results. I really do think it is one of the most spectacular sites imaginable and I can’t wait to play it. It will make a magnificent venue for a Championship event. ■

Y.E. Yang first made his name on the world stage when he beat Tiger Woods in the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai in 2006 (pictured left).

Yang is part of the success story of South Korean golf. In winning the US PGA Championship he became the first Korean and the first Asian player to win a Major.

He won the Honda Classic on the PGA Tour earlier this year and followed up with two further top-ten finishes to put himself in 34th position on the Official World Golf Ranking.

It was K.J. Choi who became the first South Korean to win on the PGA TOUR when he won the 2002 Compaq Classic of New Orleans and then the Tampa Bay Classic presented by Buick.

It’s not only the men who have put South Korea on the world golf map. Their women golfers have more players in the top 50 of the LPGA Tour than any other country.

“I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO RETURNING TO SAADIYAT BEACH TO SEE HOW THE COURSE IS COMING ON. I GET REGULAR REPORTS ON THE PROGRESS OF THE WORK AND I’M PLEASED WITH THE RESULTS. I REALLY DO THINK IT IS ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR SITES IMAGINABLE AND I CAN’T WAIT TO PLAY IT. IT WILL MAKE A MAGNIFICENT VENUE FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT.” – GARY PLAYER

www.wwgolf.biz

43

Race to Dubai

As at August 26

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

Martin KAYMER Paul CASEY Rory McILROY Lee WESTWOOD Geoff OGILVY Ross FISHER Angel CABRERA Søren KJELDSEN Oliver WILSON Gonzalo FDEZ-CASTAÑO Sergio GARCIA Yong-eun YANG Henrik STENSON Alvaro QUIROS Thongchai JAIDEE Ernie ELS Padraig HARRINGTON Robert ROCK Søren HANSEN Peter HANSON Ian POULTER Nick DOUGHERTY Miguel Angel JIMÉNEZ Francesco MOLINARI Thomas LEVET Robert ALLENBY Retief GOOSEN Johan EDFORS Anders HANSEN Camilo VILLEGAS Louis OOSTHUIZEN Richard STERNE Charl SCHWARTZEL Jeev Milkha SINGH Chris WOOD Graeme MCDOWELL Steve WEBSTER Raphaël JACQUELIN Thomas AIKEN Graeme STORM Justin ROSE Scott STRANGE Stephen DODD Anthony WALL Tim CLARK Luke DONALD Jeppe HULDAHL Adam SCOTT Oskar HENNINGSSON David DRYSDALE

GER ENG NIR ENG AUS ENG ARG DEN ENG ESP ESP KOR SWE ESP THA RSA IRL ENG DEN SWE ENG ENG ESP ITA FRA AUS RSA SWE DEN COL RSA RSA RSA IND ENG NIR ENG FRA RSA ENG ENG AUS WAL ENG RSA ENG DEN AUS SWE SCO

Tournaments Played 16 12 18 18 9 16 10 19 17 19 12 4 17 18 18 13 11 19 19 21 11 21 20 20 18 10 14 21 19 10 21 16 16 16 19 16 21 21 14 20 10 20 15 19 10 9 20 10 16 17

Prize Money €1,982,055 €1,965,150 €1,678,227 €1,617,552 €1,606,805 €1,500,267 €1,385,499 €1,217,909 €1,182,824 €1,123,535 €1,095,031 €1,037,635 €976,991 €928,251 €857,813 €847,963 €840,256 €822,537 €804,350 €799,058 €788,431 €784,054 €768,832 €747,678 €743,394 €715,445 €697,284 €671,732 €671,342 €669,653 €659,753 €658,759 €637,892 €631,324 €598,887 €597,447 €572,866 €567,164 €528,346 €483,302 €480,263 €478,476 €477,785 €477,346 €471,279 €470,269 €463,429 €449,747 €435,027 €432,603

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

Name

Country

Niclas FASTH Gareth MAYBIN Christian CÉVAËR Wen-tang LIN Fabrizio ZANOTTI Danny WILLETT Simon DYSON Peter LAWRIE Ben CURTIS Jamie DONALDSON Marcus FRASER Prayad MARKSAENG Rodney PAMPLING Rafa ECHENIQUE David HORSEY Damien MCGRANE Rafael CABRERA-BELLO Richard GREEN Anthony KIM Anthony KANG Vijay SINGH Ignacio GARRIDO Stephen AMES Mike WEIR Robert-Jan DERKSEN Robert KARLSSON Thomas BJÖRN Andrew MCLARDY Zach JOHNSON Daniel VANCSIK Gary ORR Michael HOEY Alastair FORSYTH Felipe AGUILAR José Manuel LARA Pablo LARRAZÁBAL Ross McGOWAN Brett RUMFORD Alexander NOREN Ricardo GONZALEZ Colin MONTGOMERIE Marc WARREN Paul BROADHURST Tano GOYA Darren CLARKE David LYNN Richard FINCH Boo WEEKLEY Sam LITTLE Paul WARING

SWE NIR FRA TPE PAR ENG ENG IRL USA WAL AUS THA AUS ARG ENG IRL ESP AUS USA USA FIJ ESP CAN CAN NED SWE DEN RSA USA ARG SCO NIR SCO CHI ESP ESP ENG AUS SWE ARG SCO SCO ENG ARG NIR ENG ENG USA ENG ENG

Tournaments Played

Prize Money

21 21 18 6 17 18 23 21 9 20 19 12 9 21 21 23 21 14 10 17 7 20 6 7 18 8 13 19 7 19 14 18 20 20 23 22 21 20 15 17 18 18 21 17 15 20 22 9 20 20

€428,195 €428,023 €425,454 €406,621 €405,962 €399,307 €391,786 €387,589 €384,851 €375,212 €368,136 €362,779 €358,680 €354,319 €354,315 €353,767 €353,516 €338,327 €331,174 €331,078 €329,580 €327,161 €322,940 €320,180 €317,984 €314,761 €307,734 €305,733 €305,375 €303,048 €299,148 €298,626 €298,316 €291,444 €290,545 €289,017 €286,477 €262,733 €260,961 €259,636 €255,949 €255,032 €250,806 €245,856 €245,227 €242,038 €241,414 €235,343 €235,205 €231,741

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

Tournament: RBC Canadian Open

Date: 23 – 26 July 2009

Venue: Glen Abbey Golf Club, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

GREEN BEATS GOOSEN IN PLAYOFF FOR FIRST WIN AUSTRALIAN Nathan Green won a rain-delayed RBC Canadian Open after defeating Retief Goosen in a playoff for his first PGA TOUR title at Glen Abbey Golf Club. “It’s a huge surprise to finally win,” said Green. “This is where I started my pro career. I love coming up here. The people are great.”

Nearly five inches of rain fell over the first four days which meant play had to be finished on Monday. Goosen holed a superb eagle putt on the 18th in regulation to get to 18-under and match Green who was still on the course. Green had a birdie chip on the 18th to win, but it pulled up just left of the hole.

His par meant they went back to the 18th tee for sudden death. Both players went for the green in two but both missed.

Green pitched through the green leaving him an up-and-down for par. Goosen was in a greenside bunker and pitched out to just 6 feet but the two-time Major winner slid his birdie putt right and

the players went back to the 17th.

Both found ther fairway off the tee and it was Green who struck the first blow after he knocked his 192 yard 5-iron approach to 15 feet. Goosen missed the green to the right but pitched to eight feet leaving Green a tricky downhill putt for victory. He missed it, but Goosen missed his second consecutive putt from inside six feet to hand Green the title.

“It’s huge for me,” said Green, referring to the $900,000 prize money that lifted him to 43rd on the money list, earning him an exemption on the TOUR until 2011. “It’s just such a buzz for me to be able to turn the year around so dramatically. That’s more than I thought I could have done.”

Goosen, who made his fourth top-ten finish in a row said: “I’m not too disappointed. I had my chance.”

Anthony Kim finished in a tie for third place, four shots back alongside compatriot rookie Jason Dufner who celebrated his best finish on the PGA TOUR.

INTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAG Driver: 3-wood:

TaylorMade R9 460 (10.5˚ Mitsubishi Diamana Whiteboard 63 shaft) TaylorMade Tour Burner (14.5˚ Mitsubishi Diamana Blueboard 83 shaft) 4-wood: TaylorMade Tour Burner (17.5˚ Mitsubishi Diamana Blueboard 83 shaft) Irons (3-PW):TaylorMade Tour Preferred Wedges: TaylorMade rac (54˚ and 60˚) Putter: Odyssey Tri-Hot 3 Ball: Titleist Pro V1

WINNER: NATHAN GREEN

Nathan Green’s playoff record on the PGA TOUR is now one win and one loss after he downed Retief Goosen at the RBC Canadian Open. Three years ago Green was eliminated on the first playoff hole at the Buick Invitational by Jose Maria Olazábal and eventual winner Tiger Woods.

WINNER’S CHEQUE

$900,000

WINNING SCORE: 18-UNDER-PAR - 270 (68, 65, 69, 68) RUNNER-UP: RETIEF GOOSEN – 270 (DEFEATED IN PLAYOFF) Tournament: SAS Masters

Date: 23 – 26 July 2009

‘AXEMAN’ GONZALEZ CHOPS RECORD LENGTH COURSE DOWN TO SIZE

WINNER: RICARDO GONZALEZ

ARGENTINIAN Ricardo Gonzalez birdied five of the last six holes to win his fourth European Tour title at the SAS Masters in stunning fashion.

The 39-year-old posted a two-stroke victory over Welshman Jamie Donaldson after successfully negotiating the longest course in European Tour history in 4-under 69 for a 10-under total.

“Incredible,” he said after successfully negotiating the 7,666 yard course in the fewest shots. “It’s been a hard year, but I was fighting, fighting, fighting. I had the feeling that you can always make it if you work hard and never lose faith.”

Gonzalez, whose last victory on The European Tour came at the 2004 Open de Seville, also earned himself a nickname at last to go alongside compatriots Angel Cabrera and Eduardo Romero who have long been known as “The Duck” and

Venue: Barsebäck G&CC, Malmö, Sweden WINNER’S CHEQUE

$166,660

“The Cat” respectively. Gonzalez is now “El Hombre del Hacha” – “The Axeman” – because after missing out on The Open Championship he returned to his farm in Argentine to help chop down some trees.

Donaldson has still to win on The European Tour after nine years but the 33 year old was feeling positive after his second place finish. “I had only 21 putts and didn’t do anything wrong,” he said after shooting a joint best of the day 68.

Donaldson’s other previous second place came at the Open de Portugal in 2003 and he was again beaten by another superb performance.

“Fredrik Jacobson had three chip-ins on the back nine and beat me by one,” he said.

Denmark’s Jeppe Huldhal, winner The Celtic Manor Wales Open earlier this season, finished in third place on 6-under while seven players shared fourth place on 4-under.

WORLDROUND-UPS

Tournament: Buick Open

Date: 30 July – 02 Aug 2009

Venue: Warwick Hills, G & CC, Grand Blanc, Michigan

WOODS GETS BACK TO WINNING WAYS AFTER missing only his second cut in a Major since turning professional – at The Open at Turnberry two weeks earlier – Tiger Woods bounced back with a stunning three-shot victory at the Buick Open at Warwick Hills.

Woods opened with a disappointing 1-under 71, eight shots back from first-round leader Steve Lowery. However, the World No.1 bounced back in superb fashion carding rounds of 63 and 65 to lead by one shot on 17-under par heading into the final round. He then closed out the win with a bogey-free 3-under 69 to win his 69th PGA TOUR title.

“Today was one of those days,” said Woods. “The course got a little tricky, and the greens got a little bumpy. It was more difficult to make a lot of birdies and really take it low. I was hoping I could shoot something in the high 60s – and I thought that would be good enough to win.”

Woods made birdies on holes 4, 7 and 16 and parred the rest as he cruised to his third Buick

Open title – tying Vijay Singh’s record of three wins at this tournament. After recovering from dunking his ball in the lake at the par-5 13th by knocking a wedge from 104 yards close enough for a simple par putt Woods looked at his unbeatable best and odds on for the win.

Dating to the 2006 Open Championship, Woods had won 21 of 39 starts on the PGA TOUR and – while his three previous wins this year were by just one shot – he spent much of the final round at the Buick Open with a two-shot cushion before he took a three-stroke lead with his final birdie on the 16th.

American Roland Thatcher finished in a tie for second place after a best-of-the-day 8-under 64 which lifted him from 29th overnight and earned him a paycheque worth $380,800.

Australians Greg Chalmers and John Senden finished alongside Thatcher in the runner-up position on 17-under-par after rounds of 68 and 70 respectively.

INTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAG Driver:

Nike SQ Dymo 380 prototype (10.5˚ with Mitsubishi Diamana Whiteboard 83x shaft) 3-wood: Nike SQ2 (15˚ with Mitsubishi Diamana Blueboard 103x shaft) 5-wood: Nike SQ2 (19˚ with Mitsubishi Diamana Blueboard 103x shaft) Irons (3-PW): Nike Forged Blades (True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shafts) Wedges: Nike VR (56˚) / Nike SV (60˚) Putter: Scotty Cameron by Titleist Newport 2 Ball: Nike One Tour

Date: 30 July – 02 Aug 2009

WINNER: TIGER WOODS

Tiger Woods went from a tie for 95th after the first round to victory at the Buick Open – the largest jump he’s made from the first round in a tournament he’s gone on to win on the PGA TOUR in his career.

WINNER’S CHEQUE

$900,000

WINNING SCORE: 20-UNDER-PAR - 268 (71, 63, 65,6 9) RUNNERS-UP: ROLAND THATCHER, GREG CHALMERS, JOHN SENDEN – 271 Tournament: Moravia Silesia Open presented by ALO Diamonds Venue: Prosper Golf Resort, Celadná, Czech Republic

OSCAR HENNINGSSON WINS MAIDEN TITLE

WINNER: OSKAR HENNINGSSON

SWEDE Oskar Henningsson took the inaugural Moravia Silesia Open in the Czech Republic by two strokes from the English due of Sam Little and Steve Webster after closing with a second consecutive 5-under 67 for a 13-under total.

“It feels great – I’m overwhelmed,” he said after lifting the trophy. “I had no expectations that I would win this week. It feels strange but good.

I’m very happy but I’m tired at the moment – I’ve not realised what I have done yet. I’ve got a ten hour trip home by car so I will have a lot of time to think about it and what I have done.”

Henningsson became just the third player after Jose Maria Olazábal and Gordon Brand Jnr to win Qualifying School and then win their maiden title in their rookie season. “Of course it would be fantastic if I could have such a career,” he said. “Hopefully, this is the starting point for

WINNER’S CHEQUE

€333,330

me to achieve similar things to what they have done.”

The Swede’s previous best finish on Tour this season came a week earlier on home soil at the SAS Masters where he finished fourth.

“I felt my game was really good last week and I was trying to keep the same game this week as in Sweden,” he smiled. “It’s been really good the last few weeks. I know I can contend as I’ve been there before. I was hoping to win this year but I didn’t expect to win this soon.”

Overnight leader Webster could only card a level-par 72 for an 11-under total while Little posted a final round 2-under 70 to share second place with his compatriot. Zimbabwean Marc Cayeux, Spain’s Ignacio Garrido and England’s Graeme Storm finished a shot further back in a share of fourth place.

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WORLDROUND-UPS

Tournament: Legends Reno-Tahoe Open

Date: 06 – 09 Aug 2009

Venue: Montreux G & CC, Reno, Nevada

ROLLINS MAKES IT WIRE-TO-WIRE JOHN Rollins secured his third PGA TOUR title with a superb wire-to-wire victory at the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open. Rollins had an up-and-down final day but fought hard to win by three shots from compatriot Jeff Quinney and Scotland’s Martin Laird.

“It was a ‘hang-on’ kind of day but I’m proud I managed to come out on top,” said Rollins, who finished in a tie for second place at this event last season. “I had to battle a lot of emotions out there.”

Rollins started strongly with a birdie on the second before he double bogeyed the par-5 fourth. He then birdied the ninth to go out in even par 36. The 34-year-old then eagled the 11th after pitching in but back-toback bogeys followed before another bogey on the 15th saw him drop to 1-over.

“After I bogeyed 15, I sort of kicked myself in the butt and told myself ‘I’m not going to let this tournament get away from

WINNER: JOHN ROLLINS

WINNER’S CHEQUE

$540,000

me again’,” he said. “Luckily, we ran out of holes and I came out on top.”

Rollins made another birdie on the 17th to get back to even par and he parred the last to seal the victory.

Quinney shot a best-of-the-day 6-under 66 to jump from tied ninth overnight into a share of second place and was pleased with how he coped on the course.

“I was just focused and staying in the present with what I was doing and I pretty much thought Rollins was running away with it,” he said. “I didn’t know he made a couple of bogeys late on.”

Laird, who posted his best result of the season so far, birdied the final hole for a 3-under 69 which lifted him from third to second place. “It was nice to birdie the last,” he said. “The difference between second and third is a lot of money and a whole bunch of FedExCup points.”

Tournament: KLM Open

Date: 20 – 23 Aug 2009

Venue: Kennemer Golf and Country Club

WINNER: SIMON DYSON

DYSON CLEANS UP IN AN ACTION REPLAY OF 2006 SIMON Dyson won the KLM Open for the second time in three years thanks to a sensational final round 63 and then a birdie at the first hole of a playoff which sank Peter Hedblom and Peter Lawrie at the first time of asking.

In 2006 Dyson sank an 18 foot birdie putt on the first hole in extra time to beat Richard Green and he repeated the feat this year as he drained the same length of putt to take the title after Lawrie made par and Hedblom took a bogey.

Dyson took the clubhouse lead with a stunning final round of 7-under-par 63 to get to 15-under, but his score was soon met by Hedblom and Lawrie who carded rounds of 69 and 67 respectively.

As the Yorkshireman was making his move through the course he was memorising his victory over the Kennemer links three years ago. “When I birdied

the seventh and the ninth I thought back to doing the same when I won,” said Dyson. “Then I birdied the 12th like I did then.”

Dyson also rolled in a 20-footer on hole 10, but the decisive one came at the 17th where he attacked a 35-footer and was fortunate to see it drop. “It was really travelling,” he said. “It’s funny when you see the line you’re not thinking about the pace. That was a bonus.”

Sweden’s Hedblom led by two shots overnight but couldn’t close out the victory in the final group alongside Lawrie. Hedblom has now lost in all four playoffs he’s been involved in on The European Tour.

Ireland’s Damien McGrane finished a shot back from the leaders on 14-under with defending champion Darren Clarke finishing in a tie for fifth place alongside Jamie Donaldson on 13-under.

INTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAG Driver: 3-wood: 5-wood: Irons (3-PW): Wedge: Wedge: Ball:

Nike SQ SUMO2 5900 Nike SQ SUMO2 (15º) Nike SQ2 (19º) Nike Blades Nike SV Black Satin (52º) Nike Black Satin SV (60º) Nike One Tour D

Simon Dyson won his first tournament since the same event in 2006 at the KLM Open at Kennemer Golf and Country Club and with it he took home a careerbest cheque of €300,000.

WINNER’S CHEQUE

€300,000

WINNING SCORE: 15-UNDER-PAR - 265 (67, 67, 68, 63) RUNNER-UP: PETER HEDBLOM, PETER LAWRIE – 265 (DEFEATED IN PLAYOFF)

Brought to you by

Claude Harmon III

SWING Pro swing analyist >>

PRO LOOK

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

AS a professional golfer, you need to be pretty good to be honoured with a knighthood. In his prime, Sir Nick Faldo was easily one of the best players of his generation.

Other than Tiger, I can’t think of a better ball striker in the modern era than Sir Nick. Six majors, 40 career wins worldwide and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, are what sets Sir Nick apart when it comes to a discussion about the game’s great players. Sir Nick and coach David Leadbetter redefined the way professional golf was approached and their partnership produced serious results at the game’s highest level. Most people think of Tiger Woods as an athlete as well as a golfer, but Sir Nick was by far the best athlete of his generation. He played the game through total control, working hours and hours on hitting the ball in every direction.

www.wwgolf.biz

51

SWING

SIR NICK

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

Impact is the moment of truth for any player.

If you want to hit the ball solid, your impact position needs to be seriously good. The single biggest fault I see from the players I teach is for the upper body to be too open at impact. As Sir Nick is coming into impact, his shoulders are still very square to his target line. There is no evidence here of his chest being open. When the chest opens too early on the downswing, the path of the club works too much from out to in. This can cause the ball to work too much from left to right.

Notice how the hands are leading the golf club as Sir Nick delivers the club into impact. The left arm is straight and there is no breakdown of the left wrist. In doing this, Faldo is creating lag in his downswing, thus harnessing energy and power.

Try to hit all your shots with a firm left wrist.

Sir Nick has some of the best footwork in golf. His coach, David Leadbetter, worked very hard with Faldo on trying to have his legs stay very quiet through impact. The left foot is very stable as the club approaches the ball. But notice the position of the right foot. The heel is leading the toe, meaning that Sir Nick is transferring his weight forward on his downswing. If your right heel is too high off the ground as you are swinging into impact, you will have difficulty controlling your ball flight. Next time you hit a golf ball, try to concentrate on keeping both your feet on the ground at impact. This will give you a feeling of your legs being quiet through impact.

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FALDO

If your chest works properly through impact, your right shoulder should be closer to your target than your left when you arrive at your finish. Sir Nick always had the look that he was leaning forward with his chest at his finish. Most golf instruction focuses on the lower body turning in the downswing. But like all great ball strikers, Sir Nick covers the ball with his chest on his downswing.Both the lower and upper body have rotated toward the target here, which allows Sir Nick to finish his swing fully balanced on his left side.

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PRO look

TUTORIAL

Brought to you by

By Esmond Clouthier Director of Instruction, Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Master the breeze to lower your score

A

nother golf season is upon us here in the U.A.E. It brings along with it a new season of expectations and goals; lower scores and improved consistency being among them. The one constant element we all face in the U.A.E. is the wind. At our Club we get the unique experience of having a desert wind in the morning and the sea wind in the afternoon to add to the challenge of this game. When playing in windy conditions it is vital that you have control over the trajectory of your golf ball. Adopting a lower ball flight on a windy day can allow you to control your distances much better whether you have a downwind, cross wind or hitting directly into a wind. Think very simply….. the longer or higher the ball is in the air, the ball will be more effected by the wind. Most golfers tend to adopt this ball flight strategy on their long game and tend to disregard it as they get closer to the hole. I want you to keep these stats in mind: “60 to 65 % of all golf shots occur inside 100 yards and more importantly, 80% of the shots golfers lose to par occur inside 100 yards (stats supplied by Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible). These stats should convince you that you need to place more importance on controlling your wedges.

In this picture I am faced with a 95 yard shot to the pin with a left to right cross wind. If I were to hit this shot with my normal trajectory, I would have to try and factor in two things: how far left do I need to aim to account for the cross wind, and will the wind effect the total distance?” By choosing a “knock down” wedge, I can take a more direct line to the pin and can just focus on controlling the distance. This type of shot is more of a feel shot and therefore requires you to get on that practice tee and experiment with loft and roll. We all like to get on the practice tee and hit lower trajectory shots with our mid irons, some intentional and some not, but add this element of control into your wedges and you will definitely be more accurate and therefore lower your scores. www.wwgolf.biz

55

TUTORIAL

Executing any good golf shots requires good preparation. My set up position is going to dictate how I want to control the trajectory. You can see that the ball position is placed behind the centre of my stance and the handle of the club is leaning towards the target. This is going to help me de-loft the club and produce a lower flight on the ball. Experiment on the practice tee with the ball position and shaft angles to produce different trajectories.

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You can see in this photo that I have still produced a good turn in my backswing. Keep the back swing rounded and on plane. The common fault I see with this shot is that the club gets picked up or lifted in the backswing which causes a steep angle of attack into the ball which will produce inconsistencies in the strike and also the direction.

PRO look Brought to you by

The most important position in the golf swing‌.impact!

You can clearly see how I have already transferred my weight to the left side and the handle of the club is leaning even more towards the target than at address. This combination reduces the loft of the club, allowing me to keep the ball flight low. A common fault at this point in the swing is to let the arms do all the work and throw the club head into the ball. Keep your lower body active and in front of the club head at impact!

The finishing position is a little abbreviated than normal. Here it looks like I have only completed about 80% of the finish. This helps me stay on top of the ball longer to ensure that I am reducing the loft of the club face. You can also see that I have continued transferring my weight to the left side and my lower body has turned to square up to the target. By doing this I will have more success in controlling my direction as well. Don’t forget about working on this finishing position to improve your results.

www.wwgolf.biz

57

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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.

Still time or the big guns to make the shoot-out WITH less than 100 days to go until the Dubai World Championship tees off at Jumeirah Golf Estates, a glance at the top of The Race to Dubai leaderboard shows some familiar faces jockeying for position.

Despite the wide range of winners The European Tour has produced this season, the presence of the likes of Martin Kaymer, Paul Casey, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood at the top of the rankings demonstrates how consistency is more important than flashes of brilliance in securing a spot in the top 60 come November 19th.

In particular, Germany’s Kaymer has shown the kind of dependable form that has more or less secured him a starting berth in Dubai. Aged only 24, he started the season with two top five finishes on The European Tour’s Desert Swing. He tied for second behind Casey in Abu Dhabi and shared fourth at the Dubai Desert Classic. Successive top

20 finishes in May were followed by back-to-back victories at the Open de France Alstom and The Barclays Scottish Open. Most recently, he claimed pole position in The Race to Dubai by tying for sixth place at the US PGA Championship at Hazeltine. Not only did that mark his best performance in a Major this year but it also earned him a slender lead over the injured Casey.

Casey himself, who missed the US PGA Championship due to a rib injury, has probably already done enough to earn his place in the Dubai World Championship due to a spectacular season that has seen him win twice – in Abu Dhabi and at the Tour’s flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club. He will be keen to shrug off his injury in an attempt to head back to the top of the rankings.

Drive towards the summit With the last of the Majors now gone, the emerging picture for those competing for a place in the top 60 becomes ever clearer. One man who has seen success at the Majors propel him up The Race to Dubai standings is Westwood. Currently fourth in the rankings, successive top three finishes at the 138th Open Championship at Turnberry and at Hazeltine stand out as contributory factors behind his drive towards the summit. It should not be forgotten that his rich run of form also includes runner-up at the Open de France Alstom, and top ten finishes at The Barclays Scottish Open, and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Each of the players mentioned so far has probably done enough to see them through to the end of season climax but there are still some big names teetering around the edge of qualification who will be sweating somewhat as the season reaches its final turn.

In 41st place in The Race to Dubai, Justin Rose, will be well aware that, given his relatively disappointing season so far there is no room for complacency in the coming weeks. Consistency

has been Justin’s major problem this year with his sole top ten being second place at the Dubai Desert Classic back in February.

Currently sitting outside the top 60, Anthony Kim will also be looking to make a significant move in the next month or so.

Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain for 2010, Colin Montgomerie, who more or less took residence at the top of The European Tour during the nineties, is in danger of missing the big event. He is yet to record a top-ten finish and missed the cut at both The Open and The US PGA Championship. Those who know the Scot well, however, will know that whatever demands The Ryder Cup captaincy places on him, he will be doing his best to make it to Dubai and prove that his ability to compete at the highest level remains undimmed.

Other notable players who have so far failed to make an impact on The Tour this year include Ryder Cup stars Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley who both face a titanic struggle to make it to the first tee at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Challenge The challenge that confronts these two, pales into relative insignificance when compared to that facing former US Open Champion Michael Campbell. Having earned a little over €13,000 so far this season, the New Zealander has had endured a particularly difficult season and now languishes in 262nd in The Race to Dubai. Only a couple of big wins would see him make it, which underlines how reputation counts for nothing if your game lacks consistency.

That, so far, has been the story of the 2009 season.

Consistent play has been rewarded in the rankings as much as one-off triumphs. With several significant prize funds still to play for over the next couple of months there is still time for many of the big guns who have been struggling to find their form to ensure that the Dubai World Championship is the star-studded shoot-out it has always promised to be.

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WHY I BECAME A PARTNER OF

WOMEN’S GOLF DUBAI

BY SANDY MEYER

W

HEN Hannecke Reinholz approached me to become a partner in Women’s Golf Dubai, I was delighted. Hannecke’s experience in event management and my experience in the UAE golfing world, made a perfect match.

I have been working to develop women’s golf in the UAE for the past 19 years, first with the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and then Arabian Ranches Golf Club where I had successfully implemented a women’s development programme that saw many ladies move from not even being able to hit a golf ball to becoming handicap players.

What Hannecke and I wish to do with women’s golf is to take it to the next level.

Dubai, through the insight and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is one of the fastest developing countries in the world, not just economically but also in culture and sport.

So, with this idea in mind, and the work that Dubai Golf and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) have already done to develop the sport, we want to bring women together through golf. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned handicapped player, whether you are someone

who is competitive or just someone who merely enjoys the game socially, Women’s Golf Dubai will support what you do. We want to connect women through learning, playing and enjoying the game of golf.

Women’s Golf Dubai will be working closely with local clubs, the EGF and Worldwide Golf magazine to put Women’s Golf Dubai on the map and become a well-known and respected organisation, not only in the UAE but internationally.

We want to see our ladies, who have worked hard to achieve their goals, including our talented young girls, develop more, and support them to be the names of the future.

The Ladies European Tour (LET) was invited to Dubai and with the support from the sponsors, the Dubai Ladies Masters was created, which is now an annual event on the LET calendar and has the third highest prize fund.

This event has helped put Dubai on the women’s golf map and we want to support that initiative and invite more women to come into the game. I am very excited to be a part of the organisation and although we are just beginning, I shall look forward to seeing WGD grow from strength to strength.

Women’s Golf Dubai Golf Day at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club, Saturday, 10th October

Come and join the fun at our first event Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club have kindly agreed to be the host venue of our maiden WGD golf tournament. We hope to welcome a good turn out of ladies who will not only enjoy competing in the competition but also have fun on the social side of the occasion.

DETAILS OF THE INAUGURAL WGD GOLF DAY: ■ DATE: Saturday, October 10th. 8.0am shotgun start.

■ VENUE: Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club.

■ FINISH: Play is expected to finish around 12.0noon.

■ FORMAT: 18 holes Stableford competition.

■ COST: AED350, includes light lunch, green fee, shared golf cart, range balls prior to the competion.

■ LUNCH: Around 12.0noon after the conclusion of the tournament.

It is the aim of WGD not only to support women of all ages and all walks of life in playing the sport but also to bring women together through the game of golf and we hope that our event on Saturday, October 10th will be the launch pad for the first of many such enjoyable occasions that will fill an important void for women in the UAE.

For those ladies who do not wish to participate in the tournament but would like to have an introduction to the game there is a 1-hour new players and beginners session with a Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club PGA Professional at the Golf Academy from 11.0am - 12.0noon. Cost is AED 170, includes light lunch (12.0noon) with the competitors.

WOMEN’S GOLF DUBAI is delighted to announce our first golf day tournament, with the support of Worldwide Golf and the Emirates Golf Federation.

TO ENTER OUR TOURNAMENT VISIT OUR WEBSITE FROM SEPT 1: www.womensgolfdubai.com 60

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WORLDWIDE

Golf Est:1999

Women's Golf Dubai

LADIES FIRST Hannecke’s aim for UAE women

Women’s Golf Dubai (WGD) has been established to enhance participation, excellence, capacity and interaction in golf for women in the UAE with the support of Worldwide Golf and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF). Women’s Golf Dubai aims to enrich the lives of women in the UAE, connecting them to learn, play and enjoy golf, while serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional golf development programmes and competitive events, focusing on the introduction to the game all the way to preparing the UAE’s best women golfers to compete on the international stage.

The founder of Women’s Golf Dubai, Hannecke Reinholz, right, explains her goals.

W

GD delivers a wide range of golf, social and networking activities for both new and experienced golfers.

A welcoming environment, golf education and player development, organised play programmes, unique golf experiences, and numerous discounts and savings are part of the many benefits of WGD membership.

Our mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. We believe that the future of golf is best served by closely observing and enforcing theses traditions and rules.

We are passionate about the game and delight in promoting it at every opportunity. We are team players, openly involving our members as well as organisations, golf clubs, professional and amateur golfers and others, in initiatives and decisions that will affect the game of which we are all a part. Our Sponsors and Associated Partners can depend on us to knowledgeably, professionally and proactively build interest in, and excitement around golf in the UAE. WGD’s framework WGD acknowledges the important role that many other golf organisations play in the development of a healthy and vibrant sport.

The WGD framework is based on the future growth of Women’s Golf in the UAE, taking into consideration the desires of the players to determine the appropriate balance of fun, practice, training, coaching and competition to ensure that golf is a lifelong passion for the many, not just a competitive goal for the few.

WGD will be focusing on introducing golf to as many women players as possible. This will be done through WGD golf clinics in association with other Golf Academies in the UAE for the development of a golf curriculum that can be offered to women and help build an exciting and dynamic future for golf in this country, helping to produce the next generation of UAE women golfers for international competition.

The involvement of WGD will enhance the pathway to success for new players as they progress from the initiation phase through to participation at golf facilities and to acquire the

knowledge, skills, and attitudes to lead healthy, active lives and enjoy success in all levels of sport participation. Statistically, women are the largest new group coming into the game of golf today.

Areas of mutual interest Yet, often frustrated with their skill-set, they are also the largest group that leaves the game and does not return. Golf is an ideal networking tool. It reaches into so many areas of mutual interest and offers something for everyone.

It can even become a cause. If you are the driving force behind, say, a charity fundraising tournament, your network can significantly expand through golf.

Meeting and mingling with like-minded people can lead to an ever-expanding network of professional and social contacts, new business, personal growth and, often, unexpected opportunities. It’s a matter of putting together people who have something in common – golf – who might not otherwise get together at all. It should always be fun.

Many other networkers say golf gives them a huge advantage in establishing new relationships and maintaining existing ones.

Unlike other sports, golf provides a noise-free, interruption-free, one-on-one environment.

Whether it’s an 18-hole round or a nine-hole outing or just hitting balls on the driving range, it’s quality bonding and business-building time.

WGD Membership We will announce an annual membership fee package in January 2010. Until then registration is free. Our aim is to provide valuable benefits exclusively for card-carrying WGD members.

It’s our way of saying “thank you” for supporting Women’s Golf Dubai and our efforts to grow and develop golf for women in the UAE. In the coming weeks and months WGD will work with our corporate sponsors and associated partners to develop unique benefits and offers. Be sure to visit the website: www. womensgolfdubai.com to learn more about them. WGD Members will have the privilege and access to organised and convenient golf days, the ability to simply register, show up and play competitively.

How and When did it all start?

The idea on Women’s Golf Dubai started three years ago when I wanted to take up the game of golf.

I was a complete beginner, never held a club in my hand before, and did not know where to begin – a scenario facing many women who are keen to start playing golf.

The idea grew stronger the more I searched for information on women’s golf in the UAE and I finally made the decision and commitment to develop and launch Women’s Golf Dubai.

I have been overwhelmed at the amazing response and support we’ve had. It has been truly rewarding confirmation that the need for such an Association does exist!

WGD Golf Days and Events We will be hosting monthly interactive club events from October onwards which will be open to women of all levels. We will offer a golf clinic on the same day for new players and beginners and there will be refreshments afterwards, giving everyone the opportunity to network and exchange their golfing experience.

We are aiming to attract women from all over the UAE to sign up and enjoy the day. Please also visit the EGF website www. emiratesgolffederation.com for details on how to obtain a handicap under the ladies’ LGU Handicap Scheme for EGF Handicap Scheme Members.

Women’s Golf Dubai is in the process of selecting a WGD Committee, which will involve the Lady Captains of the different golf clubs in the UAE. The Diary will be updated with information on WGD golf days, events, tournaments, and promotions hosted by the golf clubs in the UAE. We have included a Gallery in the website and will share the pictures of our golf days with our members as a fun element to make it more personal for WGD Members.

Finally, there’s the Corporate section where we will share WGD’s progress and development with our associated partners and members.

Women Golfers in the UAE can register through our website www.womensgolfdubai.com www.wwgolf.biz

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EGYPT GOLFWATCH

Egyptian Golf Federation Chairman, Ayman Hussein, is delighted with the new partnership with Worldwide Golf.

Worldwide Golf

JOINS FORCES

with the Egyptian Golf Federation

W

orldwide Golf is delighted to announce a new collaboration with the Egyptian Golf Federation, which is another important step in our efforts to help grow the game throughout the Middle East.

Having played a key role in promoting golf at all levels and supporting clubs in the region throughout the last 10 years, we are now intensifying our focus on Egypt, where we see striking similarities in the country’s potential to develop into a world class golf destination.

Our position as the official publication of The Emirates Golf Federation and The Arab Golf Federation has enabled us to have a finger on the pulse of everything happening from the ground up in the Gulf Region and we hope our latest linkup will yield similar results in Egypt.

Over the years we have worked closely with clubs such as The Cascades Golf & Country Club at Soma Bay, Katameya Heights and Taba Heights but there are now a large number of world class developments

throughout the country, with many more in the planning or construction phase. Over the coming months we’ll be keeping you up to date with all of the happenings at the established clubs as well as keeping you informed about the progress of the new developments.

“We’re delighted to have formed this new partnership with Worldwide Golf,” says Egyptian Golf Federation Chairman, Ayman Hussein. “We’ve seen the way Worldwide Golf has worked over past 10 years to grow the game of golf throughout the UAE and beyond.

“The magazine has had a presence in Egypt for many years but we are sure the forming of this alliance as the Official Publication of the Federation will further raise the profile of the sport in our country to a worldwide audience.”

Our Golf Watch map on the next page gives an insight into golf development in Egypt. We’ve pinpointed the location of the majority of well establised clubs currently operational as well those new developments due to open in the coming weeks, months and years. www.wwgolf.biz

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Worldwide Golf surveys the scene of Egypt’s wealth of well established golf courses plus the

EGYPTGOLFWATCH CAIRO

1

AMARANTE GOLF CITY Location: Al-Obour Cairo- Ismaillia Highway, Cairo, Egypt Designer: Yves Bureau Length: 18 holes 72 par – 6,831 yards Contact: +20 2461 021 60 / 1 / 2; golfcity@jjwhotels.com Website: www.amarantegolfcity.com Stage: Opened 2002

2

DREAMLAND GOLF & TENNIS RESORT Location: Al Wahat Road,Dreamland City, 6th of October City, Cairo, Egypt Designer: Karl Litten Length: 18 holes championship course par 72, 9 holes par 36 and 9 hole par 3-course, par 27, Golf Academy Contact: +20 2385 531 64; dreamgolf@ie-eg.com Website: www.dreamlandgolf.com Stage: Opened 1998

3

GEZIRA SPORTING CLUB Location: Zamalek-Cairo-Egypt Designer: Unknown Length: 5,708 yards, 9-hole, par 70 Contact: geziragolf@gmail.com Website: www.geziragolfclub.com Stage: Opened 1882 (oldest club in Egypt)

4

KATAMEYA DUNES GOLF RESORT. Location: New Cairo City, Helwan – Egypt.

Designer: Schmidt-Curley Design in association with Nick Faldo Design.

Course Features: 18 Championship holes (7445 yards-Par 72). 9 holes (3530 yards-Par 36). Golf Academy Contact: Tel. +202 27597600 Fax: +202 27590083, info@katameyadunes.com Website: www.katameyadunes.com Stage: Due to Open 2010.

5

KATAMEYA HEIGHTS GOLF & TENNIS RESORT Location: New Cairo City (Fifth District), Cairo (located between the districts of Maadi and Heliopolis on the Ring Road).

Designer: Yves Bureau Length: 18 hole Championship Course par 72 – 6,800 yards, Golf Academy Contact: +20 2275 805 12 to 17; pro@katameyaheights.com Website: www.katameyaheights.com Stage: Opened 1997

6

MENA HOUSE Location: Oberoi, Cairo, Pyramids’ Road, Giza Cairo, Egypt Designer: Unknown Length: 9-holes 5,433 yards Contact: +20 23 376 6644 Website: www.oberoimenahouse.com Stage: Opened 1917

7

MIRAGE CITY GOLF CLUB JW MARRIOTT CAIRO Location: Mirage City, Ring Road , New Cairo , Egypt Designer: Peter Harradine Length: 18-hole Championship course 7,108 yards, 9-hole course 4,140 yards, Golf Academy Contact: +20 2240 914 64; Calle.carlsson@marriottholtels.com Website: www.golf.jwmarriottcairo/golf.com Stage: Opened 1999

8

NEW GIZA Location: Cairo Designer: Thomson Perrett & Lobb Length: 7,334 yards Contact: +20 216 656; info@newgiza.com Website: www.newgiza.com Stage: Construction commencement end 2009

9

ORANGE LAKES GOLF CLUB Location: El Ein Valley, km 51 along the Cairo to Alexandria Desert Road Designer: Arthur Davis Length: 18-holes grass, par 71 – 7,026 yards, Contact: +20 1800 003 08; clubmanager@orangelakesgc.com Website: www.orangelakesgc.com Stage: Opened November 2008

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10

THE ALLEGRIA Location 38km along the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Sheikh Zayed, 6th of October City Designer: Greg Norman Length: 18-holes grass, 7,470 yards, plus Golf Academy Contact: +20 216 220; saboulkheir@sodic.com Website: www.allegriacairo.com Stage: Due to open late 2009

AL ALAMEIN 11

GOLF PORTO MARINA Location: Al Alamein, North Coast, Egypt Designer: Raymond Hearn Length: 18-holes grass, 4047 yards, plus golf academy Contact: +20 1666 933 08 /+20 1034 430 47; gm.golf@porto-marina.com Stage: Opened September 2007

ALEXANDRIA 12

ALEXANDRIA SPORTING CLUB Location: Sporting, Alexandria Designer: Unknown Length: 18-holes grass, 5,965 yards.

Contact: +20 1212 871 26; golfalexsporting@gmail.com Website: www.ascgolf.com Stage: Opened 1898

EIN SOUKHNA 13

EL EIN BAY Location: Ein Soukhna Designer: Thomson Perrett & Lobb Length: 6103m Contact: +20 2273 806 82; sales@eleinbay.com Website: www.eleinbay.com Stage: Grassing to commence in Oct 2009

14

LITTLE VENICE GOLF RESORT Location: Ein Soukhna Length: 9 holes – 3500 yards Designer: John Sanford Contact: 00202 24151225 Website: www.littlevenicegolfresort.com Stage: Opening March 2010

15

STELLA DI MARE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Location: Ain Soukhna, Egypt Designer: Karl Litten Length: 18-hole Championship Course (Grass) measuring 7,138 yards from the tips Contact: +20 (62)32 503 00; golfoffice@stelladimare.com Website: www.stelladimare.com Stage: Opened March 2006

HURGHADA 16

EL GOUNA GOLF COURSE Length: 18-hole championship course Designer: Gene Bates and Fred Couples designed Contact: (+2 012) 746 4712, Fax: (+2 065) 358 0009, golf.club@elgouna.com Website: www.elgouna.com Stage: Opened 1999

17

MADINAT MAKADI GOLF RESORT AND SPA Location: 25 km south Hurghada International Airport Designer: John Sanford Length: 18-holes course, 7,500 yards, also par-3 course 9-holes 1,034 yards, Golf Academy, and 3 practice holes Contact: +20 1000 725 78; golf@madinatmakadi.com Website: www.madinatmakadigolf.com Stage: Opened 2008

18

STEIGENBERGER AL DAU GOLF COURSE Location: Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel Designer: Harradine Golf Length: 9-hole Par 3 Contact: +20 6534 654 00; golf@steigenbergeraldau.com Website: www.steigenbergeraldauresort.com Stage: Opened May 2007

fast increasing number of new developments NILE

9 10

3

AL ALAMEIN

11

ALEXANDRIA

12

8

AIRPORT

1 CAIRO

7

6 5

2

4

NILE 19

THE CASCADES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB SOMA BAY Location: Soma Bay, 48 km from Hurghada airport Designer: Gary Player Design Length: Championship Course 6,991 Yards, Par 3 Challenge Course 1,255 yards Contact: +20 6535 449 01; major@thecascades.com Website: www.somabay.com Stage: December 1998

LUXOR 20

13 14 EIN 15

ROYAL VALLEY GOLF COURSE Location: Royal Valley, Tiba Road - Behind Luxor International Airport Designer: Arthur Davis Length: 6,735 18-hole, par 72 Contact: +22 0241 465 38; royalvalley@golfluxor.com Website: www.golfluxor.com Stage: Opened 2000

21 SHARM EL-SHEIKH

16 17 HURGHADA 18 19

MARITIM JOLIE VILLE GOLF & RESORT Location: Sharm El Sheikh Designer: John Sanford Length: 18-holes,6,584 yards Contact: +20 6936 006 35; golfreservation@sgr-maritim-jolieville.com Website: www.jolieville-hotels.com/golf_welcome.php Stage: Opened 1998

TABA 22

TABA HEIGHTS GOLF RESORT Location: Taba Heights - South Sinai - Egypt Designer: John Sanford Length: 18 Holes - 7,094 yards Contact: +20 6938 500 73; golf@tabaheights.com Website: www.tabaheights.com/golf Stage: Opened August 2007

FURTHER CLUBS UNDER DEVELOPMENT

TABA

SOUKHNA

SHARM EL-SHIEKH 21

22

20 LUXOR

ALEX WEST New Alexandria, Alexandria ALMAZA BAY Marsa Mutruh, North Coast EMMAR UPTOWN CAIRO Mokatam, Cairo – 18 holes HACIENDA BAY Sidi Abdel Rahman, North Coast MADINATI Cairo- Suez Road, Cairo – 18 holes MARASI Sidi Abdel Rahman, North Coast PALM HILLS 6th October, Cairo – Designed by Jack Nicklaus – 18 holes PORTO SOKHNA Ain Soukhna – 18 holes SMOUHA SPORTING CLUB Borg El Arab, Alexandria *Any golf club wishing to send development updates can do so by emailing Rick Bevan: rick@sportingpublications.com www.wwgolf.biz

65

Sponsorship & Pro-Am packages available at the Egyptian Open AS The European Challenge Tour players begin the countdown to the 2009 Egyptian Open, the organising Egyptian Golf Federation has launched a number of sponsorship opportunities and playing packages for the new-look event. To be staged at Cairo’s Mirage City Golf Course from November 5-8, the $200,000 tournament offers potential sponsors and partners a wide-range of branding and promotional opportunities, while team packages are available for the pre-event Egyptian Open Pro-Am.

I

N a move that underlines the current upsurge in golf in Egypt, global footwear giant ECCO has become the first prestigious sponsor for the event. “We are naturally delighted to welcome ECCO as the Egyptian Open’s first sponsor as they are strong supporters of golf in the Middle East region as well as The European Tour itself,” said Egyptian Golf Federation Golf Manager Gerard Bent.

“ECCO is title sponsor of the European Challenge Tour’s ECCO Tour Championship in Denmark in October and boast brand ambassadors such as European Ryder Cup skipper Colin Montgomerie, Thomas Björn, Thongchai Jaidee and John Bickerton.

“Like ECCO, other sponsors will use the Egyptian Open to promote their products and brand awareness both on and off the course and we look forward to working with them in a long term partnership that will embrace the growth of golf in Egypt.”

A full field will comprise a majority of European Challenge Tour players with the remainder decided by the Egyptian Golf Federation, including

Calle Carlsson, the locally-based Swede, two-times winner of the Egyptian Open and Egypt’s Pro Player of the Year for the past three years, has a bit of fun practising on The Beach at the J.W. Marriott Mirage City. “I’ll be aiming for the top ten in the Egyptian Open – and why not?” he says.

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Egyptian-based professionals, local and regional amateurs and invites – several full European Tour players have also already expressed an interest in participating through the Egyptian Golf Federation invite category.

“We are keen to embrace the Arab and international golf worlds and ensure the Egyptian Open is recognised as a genuine global golf tournament,” stated Bent, pictured above at Mirage City Golf Course with Nick Tarratt, Director, The European Tour – Dubai Office.

“The extended size of the original field in 2010 and 2011 when the Egyptian Open becomes a full European Challenge Tour event will allow us qualifying rounds for both professionals and amateurs in the region as well as enabling us to extend our invite programme.”

Among those looking to rub shoulders with the best of the European Challenge Tour this year is locally-based Swede Calle Carlsson, twice a winner of the Egyptian Open and Egypt’s Pro Player of the Year for the past three years. “I’m very excited about this tournament, “said the 34 year-old from Orebro, who will also play a key role in the staging of the event.

“I know the players, I talk to them, and I know what they want,” says Carlsson. “The most important thing for me is the success of the golf tournament itself. As an overall package, I firmly believe we can give the players an event that can be the best on The Challenge Tour. As for my own chances, I’ll be aiming for the top ten – why not?”

Egypt’s booming golf scene will also be beamed to a global audience of millions thanks to an international television package that will see a one hour tournament highlights programme aired worldwide through distribution by The European Challenge Tour. While entries close at midnight on September 27, the list of players signing up for the tournament will be updated regularly on the official website, www. egyptianopengolf.com.

“In addition, to launching opportunities for sponsors as well as packages to compete in the Egyptian Open Pro-Am, we are looking to the golfing community in Egypt to get involved with the event as volunteers,” said Bent. “Anyone wishing to play their part as scorers, marshals or caddies should get in touch with us as soon as possible on +20 10 0050435 or e-mail me.” gerardbent@egyptiangolffederation.org.

Cairo’s magnificent Mirage City Golf Course, venue for the Egyptian Open.

EGYPTIAN GOLF FEDERATION NEWS

Egypt, Dreamland and Swiss Inn Hotel host African Amateur Golf Team Championship DREAMLAND Golf and Tennis Resort, Cairo will play host to the prestigious 2009 African Amateur Golf Team Championship from September 28th to October 2nd .

A record entry of 15 teams is expected to compete for the title of Team Champions of Africa. The format is 72 holes played over four days with the best three scores per day taken for the team score.

The teams and travelling supporters will be hosted by the Swiss Inn Hotel, the Official Hotel for the Championship. “This is an exciting and

busy time for our Federation,” says Egyptian Golf Federation Chairman, Ayman Hussein.

“We will host the best players from Africa at the end of September then just a month later we welcome the rising professional stars of Europe to Cairo to compete for the Egyptian Open.

“Egypt is delighted to be hosting this significant Championship. I know that our organising committee and event partners, Dreamland Golf Resort and the Swiss Inn Hotel, will ensure a memorable Championship for

Thursday 5th - Sunday 8th November, 2009.

Pro-am - Wednesday 4th November, 2009 Mirage City Golf Club, Cairo, Egypt See the golf stars of tomorrow playing in Egypt including leading professional players from The European Challenge Tour, leading players from Egypt and the region $ 200,000 Prizefund

FREE FOR ALL SPECTATORS For further information on Pro-am places, sponsorship and all other participation opportunities contact; Gerard Bent – email - gerardbent@egyptiangolffederation.org Mobile: 002-0100050435 Website : www.egyptiangolffederation.org

Africa’s leading amateur players.” Dreamland Golf and Tennis Resort has played host to many Championships over the years, including the Pan Arab Championship in 2003 and several Egyptian Open Championships.

The excellent Swiss Inn is the ideal hotel to welcome players, visitors, supporters and officials to the Championship, which promises to be another important step in promoting Egypt as a world class golfing and tourism destination.

RICHARD PHILLIPS APPOINTED EGF GOLF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER THE Egyptian Golf Federation has appointed Richard Phillips to the position of Golf Development Officer. PGA Professional Phillips is well known and highly respected in Egyptian golf.

He was formerly the Club Manager of Orange Lakes, and Academy Manager for Katameya Heights Golf and Tennis Resort.

His primary role will be to launch a National Junior Development Programme as well as a comprehensive grass roots programme throughout Egypt.

“This opportunity is an exciting challenge,” says Phillips. “I look forward to working with all the clubs and Professionals to establish a National programme that will bring hundreds of juniors into the sport.

“At the same time we will launch a grass roots programme that will encourage all profile types to come into the game.”

Phillips, who will also act as Tournament Director for the forthcoming African Amateur Golf Team Championship, will be an integral part of the new Egyptian Golf Federation team. www.wwgolf.biz

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2-for-1 DUBAI GOLF

Book a 2-ball at either Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club or Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis and Faldo courses until 17th September 2009, and pay only 1 green fee.

Enjoy 2-for-1 green fees on these championship courses from Sunday to Thursday, including cart and range balls.

Please quote ‘2-for-1’ when making a reservation and take advantage of our 7 day booking policy. Visitor and EGF rates apply.

For reservations, please contact each club on: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Tel: 04 205 4555 Email: creekreservations@dubaigolf.com Emirates Golf Club Tel: 04 380 1999 Email: egcreservations@dubaigolf.com GOLF • DINING • RECREATION www.dubaigolf.com

WWG LOCAL FOCUS

ARABIAN Clubs in September 2009 Worldwide Golf Abu Dhabi Golf Club Al Hamra Golf Club Arabian Ranches Golf Club Doha Golf Club Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Emirates Golf Club Emirates Golf Federation Ghallah Wentworth Golf Club, Oman Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Muscat Hills G & CC Club, Oman Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club The Royal Golf Club, Bahrain The Faldo Series Middle East Championship , Bahrain Tower Links Golf Club

UAE hopefuls perform well on Alps Tour

AHMED Al Musharrekh and Khalid Yousuf turned in some encouraging performances in the Uniqa FinanceLife Open held at the Golf Club Gut Murstätten at Lebring in Austria in late July.

Al Musharrekh comfortably made the cut on the challenging 7,017-yard layout with tidy sub-par rounds of 70 and 71, but consecutive 6-over-par 78s in the third and final rounds prevented him from making a strong finish in the tournament, which was an important stop on the demanding Alps Tour.

Yousuf also got off to an impressive start, carding a 1-under-par 71, but he stumbled to a disappointing 81 in the second round and missed the cut by six shots.

The top UAE golfer, who has twice featured in the Dubai Desert Classic, opened his second round with a birdie, but lost his momentum and a triple bogey on the 564-yard, par-5 17th hole further added to his woes.

Meanwhile, Al Musharrekh (pictured right) made his presence felt with some solid

golf. Playing his first major tournament at international level, Al Musharrekh negotiated the course with a mature performances in the first two rounds, but in the end had to settle for tied 50th at 3-over-par 219, 16 shots behind the winner Paolo Terrini of Italy.

Spurred on by a good showing in Austria, Al Musharrekh is determined to use his steady performance as a springboard to greater things when the new season gets under way in October. “Overall, I am pleased with my performance,” he said. “I could have done much better.

Now I know what it takes to compete at this high-level of golf I will try and use the experience to my advantage in the forthcoming tournaments.”

THE WINNERS OF THE EVOLUTION GOLF SCOTLAND COMPETITION

WWG Competition winners enjoy the trip of a lifetime Daniel Hendry

Competition winners Huzaifa Mohamed and Abizer Mohammed enjoy a taste of Scottish golf.

THE winners of the Worldwide Golf Trip of a Lifetime competition to Scotland, in co-operation with Evolution Golf Scotland, enjoyed a golfing holiday that money can’t buy.

Huzaifa Mohamed and Abizer Mohammed were the lucky winners, drawn from thousands of entrants, and they teed it up at some of the most famous courses in the world.

The pair were taken to magnificent Gleneagles to play the world renowned Kings Course and then whisked off to Turnberry to play the famous Ailsa links – just days after the venue hosted The Open Championship.

The next day the pair played the New Course at St Andrews, the Home of Golf, and stayed at the luxurious Old Course Hotel which overlooks the course where the game was born. The following morning they played the Duke’s Course at St Andrews before playing their final round on Scottish soil at Kingsbarns.

“It was unbelievable,” said Abizer. “Thank you to Evolution Golf Scotland for a wonderful trip – it was our best trip ever.

The Scottish links and parkland courses were some of the best courses we have ever played on.”

Huzaifa added: “Evolution Golf Scotland is a luxury tour operator and once you’re on board you don’t need to worry about anything, They took care of everything for us.” www.evolutiongolfscotland.com

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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

Work is underway on the USGA handicap system WORK is ongoing in the EGF’s efforts to launch a new Handicap system for all UAE golfers in 2010, using the USGA format handicap system. The EGF has been working steadily with the USGA representatives in the UAE over recent weeks using the USGA Slope Index rating which measures course difficulty.

Several of the UAE golf courses have already been visited and measurements and data concerning the courses has been collated.

The USGA Handicap System™ enables golfers of all skill levels to compete on an equitable basis. The current version of the USGA Handicap System went into effect on January 1, 2008. The next revision will take effect on January 1, 2012. The purpose of the USGA Handicap System is to make golf more enjoyable by enabling players of differing abilities

to compete on an equitable basis. The System provides a fair Course Handicap for each player, regardless of ability, and adjusts a player’s Handicap Index up or down as the player’s game changes.

At the same time, the System disregards high scores that bear little relation to the player’s potential ability and promotes continuity by making a Handicap Index continuous from one playing season, or year, to the next. A Handicap Index is useful for all forms of play, and is issued only to individuals who are members of a licensed golf club.

Two basic premises underlie the USGA Handicap System, namely that each player will try to make the best score at every hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played, and that the player will post every acceptable round for

peer review. The player and the player’s Handicap Committee have joint responsibility for adhering to these premises.

The EGF’s Chris Vallender is delighted with the work that is being done but admitted that having started the job, it has turned out to be a lot more time-consuming and comprehensive than first envisaged. “It’s a fascinating and in-depth survey of all the details of the golf courses but it takes a lot of time to gather all the information required,” says Chirs. “Having gathered all the data it’s then an extensive exercise to produce the figures.

“But we’ve learned in just a short time that there is no advantage in rushing the job. It will have to take as long as it takes to get it right. But the rewards at the end will be well worth the amount of effort and expertise that has gone into it.”

Littleton takes A and Hutchinson B in EGF August Monthly Medal ALL SMILES: The prizewinners pictureed after the day’s play in the EGF August Monthly Medal at Arabian Ranches Golf Club.

ARABIAN Ranches Golf Club witnessed 30 dedicated Emirates Golf Federation Handicap Scheme members brave the August heat to contest for honours at the Monthly Medal, supported by Worldwide Golf.

The event was split into two divisions – ‘A’ Division for players with a handicap of 0-15 and ‘B’ for those playing off 16-28 and there were some excellent scores throughout the competition.

Division ‘A’ players played stokeplay and it was Ron Littleton who came away with the top spot after his net 68 beat Martin Hunt by one stroke. Ian Lawson took the Best Gross prize with a composed round of 75.

Division ‘B’ was an individual Stableford event and Paul Hutchinson claimed the top honours thanks to a superb haul of 40 points – five points ahead of second placed Patrick Stone.

The Nearest the Pin prizes were won by Peter Finan and Andrew Alderton on holes 2 and 12 respectively while Sean Dolphin and Aaron O’Hara smashed the Longest Drives down the 8th and 13th fairways respectively.

THE EGF is pleased to announce the EGF Handicap scheme September Monthly Medal as follows: Event: EGF Handicap scheme Venue: Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club Date: Saturday 12th September, 2009 (2.00 pm Shotgun Start) Entry Fee: Dhs.245 (including cart and range balls) Closing Date: Friday, 4th September 2009 Sign up to f this event via the EGF website - www.emiratesgolffederation.com

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The Royal Golf Club, Riffa Views, hosts the first first Faldo Series Middle East Championship THE Faldo Series, launched in Europe by Sir Nick Faldo back in 1996, has established itself as one of the world’s leading junior golf tournaments and in the first weekend in October the Royal Golf Club, Riffa Views, in the Kingdom of Bahrain, hosts the inaugural Faldo Series Middle East Championship 2009.

Youngsters from Bahrain and all over the Middle East will compete in the Championship as part of the Faldo Series Asia schedule, which features a record 15 tournaments in 12 different countries across Asia.

Bahrain have been joined by Thailand and The Philippines for the first time this year in hosting the Championship.

The Championship, played over the Colin Montgomerie-designed

ORDER OF PLAY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1st 9.00am

Tournament registration opens

11.00am – 1.00pm

Official Practice

1.00pm

Sponsors Golf Event

5.00pm

Player development session: Train the brain with PGA and NLP practitioner Martin Robinson

6.00pm

Welcome reception, players, officials, sponsors

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2nd 7.30am – 9.30am

1st round Faldo Series Middle East Championship, 1st tee start

3.00pm

Player development session – Fitness for Golf with Nathan Williams.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3rd 7.30am – 9.30am

2nd round Faldo Series Middle East Championship, 1st tee start Development tournament, 10th tee start

9.00am & 10.30am

Faldo Mini Series Tournament – Wee Monty Par 3 Course

11.00am

Development clinic – Introduction to golf for new beginners

From 12.00 noon

Competitors BBQ

2.00pm

Official prize giving

2.30pm

Golf trick show featuring Geoff Swain and Kevin Carpenter

Royal Golf Club Course, provides a much-needed challenge for the many talented young golfers throughout the Middle East and offers an ideal opportunity for the growing number of young Nationals and ex-pats to compete in the pressure of a big, prestigious tournament.

Entry forms have gone out to golf clubs all around the Middle East but entries can be made by using the entry form at the foot of this page which are to be sent to The Royal Golf Club, Riffa Views, Kingdom of Bahrain. Entry fees are compliments of the Royal Golf Club and local sponsors. ENTRY HOT LINE: +973 17 750777. E-mail: golfevents@ theroyalgolfclub.com. Website: www.theroyalgolfclub.com.

Sponsorship and support opportunities can be made available by contacting Michael Braidwood, General Manger, the Royal Golf Club, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Supported by UBS, Mission Hills Golf Club and The R&A, the 2009 Faldo Series teed off in Chinese Taipei in June where more than 1,000 talented young golfers – boys and girls aged 12 to 21 – took part.

The Faldo Series Asia provides grass-roots activities for children from the local communities which include free coaching and the chance to watch the competitors in action. This is part of Sir Nick Faldo’s drive to simultaneously create access to the game and inspire a younger generation of golfers.

The six-time Major winner, who competed at The Open Championship at Turnberry last month at the age of 53 commented: “I want the Faldo Series Asia to help as many young golfers as possible, so for more countries to come on board for the fourth year running is really encouraging. The enthusiasm and passion for golf is already here in Asia. Now, hopefully, with the support of UBS, Mission Hills and The R&A, we can help talented golfers to gain more tournament experience and younger children to simply try the game. In the long-term I hope this will get more youngsters playing golf and more champions emerging from Asia.”

The climax of the season will be the Grand Final in March 2010, an R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event which Faldo will once again host at Mission Hills in China, home of the Faldo Series Asia and the Omega Mission Hills World Cup. As well as spending time with the golfing legend, more than 60 Asian finalists will compete for five invitational spots to the Faldo Series Grand Final in Brazil plus the opportunity to play in a flagship Asian Tour or Ladies European Tour event for the overall boy and girl champion.

For further information on the Faldo Series Asia visit www.nickfaldo.com or e-mail asia@nickfaldo.com.

The Faldo Series Asia is part of the charity, The Faldo Trust for Tomorrow’s Champions (Asia) Limited, and underwritten by Sir Nick Faldo himself.

ENTRY FORM

FRIDAY 2ND - SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2009 AT THE ROYAL GOLF CLUB, RIFFA VIEWS, KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN NAME:

DATE OF BIRTH:

MALE OR FEMALE: HOME CLUB:

NATIONALITY:

Contact Details ADDRESS:

HANDICAP:

EMAIL:

TELEPHONE:

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faldo series asia Q&A with Sir Nick Faldo who talks about the benefits of the Royal Golf Club, Bahrain, event

Q. Why did you set up the Faldo Series Asia and what do you hope it will achieve?

What is your philosophy behind the series?

Q. Why would you encourage the young people of Bahrain and the region to take up golf?

A. The Faldo Series Asia is an extension of our existing programme originally launched in the UK in 1996 and now expanded throughout Europe and South America.

Our intention has always been to identify and nurture the next generation of champions whilst also making the game accessible to younger, potential golfers through grass roots activities.

It is my hope that through our combination of top level competition and golf-specific education we may be able to unearth the next generation of Majorwinning golfers – perhaps even from Bahrain.

A. It’s our aim to create opportunities through the sport – be they for younger players who might benefit from an introduction to the game or better players who could really progress as sportspeople with a little bit of considered direction.

Golf has created so many opportunities for me in my life and I want to pass on those same opportunities to young people both in Bahrain and across the region.

We’re now coming in to our 13th year and we’re beginning to see successful professional golfers emerge from the programme including players of the calibre of Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, Oliver Fisher, Rory McIlroy, Tseng Ya-ni and Kiran Matharu.

Q. What do you think young golfers in Bahrain and the Middle East will gain from their association with the Faldo Series Asia?

A. Well, first and foremost, with the support of our Major Partners like The R&A, Mission Hills and UBS, we’ll certainly be able to offer an amateur tournament of real quality that will attract the best players from throughout the Middle East – a tournament that will also give many young children a chance to experience the sport for the very first time.

But the opportunities offered by the initiative go way beyond that. Leading players from the tournament will be invited to participate in the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final which I host every year at Mission Hills Golf Club in China.

There they can meet and compete with young golfers from across the world. I also hope that I can pass on to all of our finalists some of the knowledge that I’ve picked up during more than 30 years playing golf at the very highest level.

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Q. Bahrain’s national golf team has long been one of the strongest in the Middle East region. What words of advice would you give to up and coming Bahraini youngsters who hope to make the team?

A. Practice, practice, practice! We can only offer so much help and suoort to any individual no matter how talented they are.

Beyond that, it’s all about talent, commitment and dedication – it’s what a player does with what we give them that can really make a difference.

Bahrain is certainly a region that is starting to attract real championshipstandard projects and, if the right golf course development came along, then I’d be absolutely delighted to work in the area.

Q. Over and above your TV commentating duties and your involvement in giving back to golf through your Faldo Series events, what other business activities are you interested in?

A. My television commentary is certainly a big commitment for me at the moment with a busy schedule of commitments in the United States for PGA Tour events with both CBS and the Golf Channel.

But beyond that I have a number of business interests in development, many of them linked to the golf course design process.

Aside from being able to offer quality golf courses that aim to combine very strategic layouts with real aesthetic quality, we’re also moving into resort management, construction management and property as well as looking to expand my teaching academies on a global scale.

The idea is to be able to offer a whole comprehensive array of services to a developer, all based upon the same principles of bespoke quality and forwardthinking.

Q. You have a golf course design company – would Bahrain be the kind of place that you would like to work?

A. At Faldo Design we pride ourselves on our pioneering approach to the golf course design process.

We’ve worked across the world, often in places that aren’t necessarily seen as traditional golfing destinations.

For further information on the Faldo Series or Faldo Design visit the official website at www.nickfaldo.com

faldo series

Sir Nick Faldo looks on as one of the young hopefuls, Rashid Khan, tees off in the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills Golf Club in China.

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D U B A I C R E E K G O L F & YA C H T C L U B 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 rates below are valid from 1st June 2009 until 30th September 2009.

Summer rates: Dubai Creek Course: 18 holes Par-3 course: 9 holes RACK RATE

18

9

Shoulder Peak 400 Shoulder Off Peak 300

75 75

EGF Shoulder Peak 360 Shoulder Off Peak 270

75 75

JUNIOR Shoulder Peak 280 Shoulder Off Peak 280

55 55

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

170 30 65 25

FATHER AND DAUGHTER TRIUMPHANT SHASHI and Akila Ragavan have both booked their place in the 2010 Carpetland Finals by winning the Carpetland Monthly Open in early August as a haul of 41 points saw the father and daughter duo triumph by a clear two points from the chasing field.

Four pairs were all tied on 39 points vying for second and third place and it was Neil Chansom and Chris Dommet who secured the runners-up spot due to their back nine of 20 points.

Carrying on the father and daughter pairings were Sergy and Serifa D’Souza who claimed third place by a clear two points over the last six holes after the card countback.

All three pairs have secured their place in the fourth consecutive grand finals to be held at Dubai Creek in May 2010.

ABOVE: Far right, Shahriar Khodjasteh, Group Marketing Director of Aqili Furnishings and David Gray, left, Golf Operations Executive at Dubai Creek presenting Shashi and Akila Raghavan with their trophies.

Left to right: DCGYC Director of Golf Alan MacKenzie, DCGYC Summer Open Champion Biren Dey and Alan Johnson from Ping/Pro Sports.

Dey Swoops for Ping Victory BIREN Dey was crowned DCGYC Ping Summer Open Champion after his excellent gross 73 managed to hold off three other challengers who finished only one stroke further back. Dropped shots by Dey on his closing two holes made the outcome a little closer than perhaps it should have been, however his earlier good play was enough to see him home to victory.

Y J Kim secured second place with Ivan Lawson just missing out on a prize in fourth, but it was perhaps the finish of the third placed player that was most impressive. Alan Stanton’s gross 74 showed that

his current 7 handicap is not a true reflection of his abilities and it will be interesting to see if he can build on this excellent score in the coming months.

Sergy S’Souza triumphed in the net Division ‘A’ category with a very tidy 69. His card featured only fours and fives and it proved good enough for a twostroke victory over his nearest challenger Abdulla Al Musharrekh.

Mario Marimon took home the net Division ‘B’ – again by two strokes – from runner-up Randeep Singh who returned a net 72.

ARABIAN GOLF GOWANS HITS TOP FORM

GOWANS KEEPS HIS COOL

DAVID Gowans carried on his recent great form from the Dubai Golf Summer Series win by taking the BMW Monthly Medal at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in early August.

A superb front nine of 1-over-par gross was enough to propel him to victory as he finished with a gross 76 off his 5-handicap to card net 71 and win by a single shot.

The dusty and hazy conditions did not stop a tight battle for the monthly title, as no less than four players were tied with net 72s for second place.

Club Captain Francisco Giles managed to take second place in Division ‘A’ thanks to his back nine of net 34.5 which pushed his playing partner Teejan Fadlu Deen out of the prizes.

Soo Chul Shin also carded a net 72 and was awarded the best gross score for the day finishing with a 3-over-par 74 after being 2-under-par after nine holes.

THE Dubai Golf Summer Series continued at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club with the third fixture sponsored by Titliest taking place in late July. A brave field of 60 players turned up to bear the heat and humidity to continue their campaign to reach the Grand Final at Emirates Golf Club on Saturday September 5th.

David Gowans was crowned champion with a superb 37 points from his ¾ 5-handicap and was pushed all the way by playing partner Soo Chul Shin who faltered at the last hole but still managed to win the Best Gross prize with 32 points.

Kush Sama claimed the runner-up spot with 35 points and Sam Constance took third place with 34 points.

August’s champion, David Gowans receiving his BMW trophy from Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club’s Captain, Francisco Giles.

Philippe Tartaglia was in the prizes again this month with a win the Division ‘B’ with another one of the day’s net 72s.

Abdul Aziz Al Hakim finished alone in second place by a clear four shots with a consistent net 73.

Serifa D’Souza won the Ladies Division with net 73 from close rival Nasha Sarkari who finished alone in second place with net 74.

Summer Series leaderboard after three rounds: Hajir Sami Paul Chader Martin Hunt Dan Weisser David Gowans M.R Rajalehka Patrick Morrow

(EGF) (DCGYC) (EGF) (EGF) (DCGYC) (DCGYC) (DCGYC)

101 pts 97 pts 95 pts 94 pts 94 pts 90 pts 90 pts

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

Shin Shines THE Dubai Golf Summer Series stopped off at the Majlis Course in early August with the fourth fixture in the series played under the sponsorship of Ecco.

A strong field of 76 players turned up to brave the Dubai summer as Soo Chul Shin from Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club triumphed with a fantastic 35 points off his ¾ handicap allowance over the magnificent Majlis course.

An outward half of 19 points included birdies on holes 1 and 9 with a double bogey on the par-3 seventh the only blemish to a solid front nine.

A further birdie followed on the 17th hole before he double bogeyed the closing hole.

However, his 35 points was good enough to take the title by one point from a quartet of players on 34 points. Heading that group was the in-form Trevor Varri who signed for an inspired 21 points on the inward half to claim the runner-up place after the countback. Ken Matheson sealed third place finish following his 19-points on the back nine.

The best gross score of the day went to Douglas Mclennan from Arabian Ranches following his gross 77. Nasha Sarkari was the best Lady golfer with a total of 32 points.

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 SUMMER RATES

Barney Coleman (EGC), winner Soo Chul Shin (DCGYC) and Mr. Rizwan (Ecco Operations Manager)

Weir wins Monthly Mug

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

RACK RATE SUMMER PEAK 400 SUMMER OFF PEAK 400

300 100 300 100

EGF SUMMER PEAK 380 SUMMER OFF PEAK 360

290 100 260 100

JUNIOR SUMMER PEAK 280 SUMMER OFF PEAK 280

KEGS golfer John Weir receives the DASA International Movers Monthly Mug prize from company MD Phil Reilly after winning the July event at Emirates Golf Club.

260 35 260 35

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

170 30 65 30

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77

ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB

Calum Mills runs away with Monthly Medal

SUMMER RATES June 1st – September 30th PEAK RATES 18 Holes EGF - Dhs. 265 Non EGF - Dhs. 340 OFF PEAK RATES EGF - Dhs. 195 Non EGF - Dhs. 285 PEAK RATES 9 Holes EGF - Dhs. 205 Non EGF - Dhs. 160 OFF PEAK RATES EGF - Dhs.110 Non EGF - Dhs.170 Monday Madness (excl public holidays) EGF - Dhs. 140 NON EGF - Dhs. 285 Cart Hire Optional cart available at Dhs. 55 per person

ARABIAN GOLF

Left to right: Adrienne Fullerton, Vice Club Captain John Hainey and Steve Foster.

Foster and Fullerton win Individual Stableford ARABIAN Ranches Golf Club recently held an Individual Stableford event supported by Ascots and Chapels.

In the Men’s Division Steve Foster (12) returned a tremendous 41 Stableford points to finish top of the pile. Foster carded nines of 20 and 21 Stableford points to take a onepoint victory from nearest rival James Kachel.

In the Ladies Division Adrienne Fullerton (12) returned the lowest score of the day with 32 Stableford points. Although she failed to score on the 15th Fullerton earned enough points to secure the top spot by two points from Sheila Alban.

CALUM Mills (1) returned a 1-under-par gross 71 to win the August Rivoli Monthly Medal supported by Marble Renewal of UAE. Mills – the current Junior Club Champion – had one of his best performances to date on the desert links at Arabian Ranches posting nines of 36 and 35. He carded an impressive three gross birdies in his round and scrambled well to post only two bogeys on holes 1 and 11. “I’m thrilled with my performance today,” said Mills. “Winning the Monthly Medal at ARGC is always a great accomplishment especially with so many Members playing off a single figure handicap.”

Mills was never in danger as he won by seven strokes from runnerup Owen Mills (5). The net round of the day belonged to Division ‘B’ Champion Andy Scanlan (17) who shot a gross 83 for a net 66 and in the process reduced his handicap to 14.

In the Ladies Division new Member Janet Sanderson (29) continued her good form by winning the net prize with a brilliant 71. This was her second consecutive tournament victory after winning the Mixed division in the previous week’s Betterball Strokeplay event with husband Stephen.

Adele McKelvey (4) won the ladies gross prize with a well-played 78, equalling the second best total posted by the entire field.

John Hainey, Vice Club Captain, far left with Medal winners.

ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB

Johnson wins UAE PGA Patron’s Alliance THE second match of the UAE PGA Patron’s Alliance was held in August and Alan Johnson of Prosports was victorious as his level-par 72 beat UAE National Ahmed Al Musharek by two strokes.

Forty players participated in the event including 11 UAE PGA Professionals.

Pictured: Alan Johnson of Prosports accepts his prizes after winning the UAE PGA Patron’s Alliance tournament at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Heat on in Summer Events IN keeping with the hot weather of the UAE summer, Abu Dhabi Golf Club held a number of events designed to ‘beat the summer’ as well as hosting some ‘hot’ promotions. From a successful Mexican poolside party to Italian-themed poolside dinners and Live Tri-Nations test rugby events on the big screens coupled with ‘rugby grub’ style brunch and buffets – everything proved popular with the members.

For the Holy month of Ramadan Abu Dhabi Golf Club is providing members and guests with a truly authentic Ramadan experience by hosting traditional Iftar buffets in an authentic Arabic setting.

“Twilight Rate All Day” TO mark the Holy month of Ramadan Abu Dhabi Golf Club are offering ‘Twilight Rates All Day’ from Sunday to Thursday. This offer is valid until 30 September 2009 (excluding holidays).

CONTACT (02) 558 8990 INFO: The 27 hole championship course, managed by the worldrenowned Troon Golf, weaves through undulating terrain that features palms, ornamental trees and shrubs, as well as nine spectacular saltwater lakes.

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

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

SUMMER RATES May 17th – August 31st PEAK RATES: 27-hole Championship Course Rack Rate AED 390 Twilight Rate AED 250 Junior Rate* AED 290 NON PEAK RATES Rack Rate AED 325 Twilight Rate AED 250 Junior Rate* AED 225 Juniors aged 17 and below.

Buggy Hire & Range Balls included in the above rates.

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AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB

August Monthly Medal a tight affair THE August Monthly Medal was played on one of the hottest mornings of the year as the temperatures soared and with it came the red hot news that Al Hamra is going to hold the 33rd Americas Cup in February 2010.

Despite the heat and humidity during play the strong field conjured up some excellent performances as all the divisions went down to the wire.

In a small field for the Ladies Division it was Rita Hicks (11) who coped best with the conditions to take the Ladies Gross Title after a round of 92, while the Net Title was claimed by the ever-improving Julia Stanbrook (31) with a score of 82. Jeff Hunt (11) claimed the Men’s Gross Division honours by one shot after a gritty round of 81. Hunt fought back

on the notoriously difficult inward nine to return in 39 shots following a more-thanadventurous front nine that included a run of four straight bogeys and then a doublebogey. Chris Williamson (5) finished runner-up in the Gross Division with a score of 82 but was left ruing his four dropped shots in the last three holes including a double-bogey on the par-5 signature closing hole.

The Men’s Net Division was tight as three players broke par and finished within a shot of each other. Nigel Sale (20) showed a return to form after his summer vacation by carding a net round of 71, but he was nudged out of the prizes by Barry Rogers (17) and Gary Newell (24) who both carded net 70s. Following a card play-off Rogers was deemed the overall

Night Time Golf is the way to go WHETHER it’s day or night, Al Hamra Golf Club boasts excellent facilities for the modern day golfer. Every day the floodlit nine holes of the Championship Course, Par-3 Academy course, Driving Range and Short Game Area are fully lit until 10 pm benefiting the dedicated Al Hamra members’ and visitors’, who – even throughout the hot and humid – have continued to battle it out in the weekly Thursday Night Floodlit Challenge at 6:45 pm.

Net Title winner, which also gave him his first victory of the year and a handicap reduction of one stroke. Despite finishing as runner-up, Newell was delighted with his round as he recorded three gross birdies at the par-5 third, par-4 fifth and a two at the treacherous par-3 11th hole.

The on course “twos” competition failed to produced a winner of the 190Dhs pot as the only competitor who did record a two did not enter the sweep!

www.alhamragolf.com AL Hamra Golf club continues to drive its development with the launch of the new club website.

General Manager Simon Mees said: “We are very happy with the new site and feel that the new website reflects the club’s modern and friendly image perfectly.” The website will be regularly updated with tournament information, allow online tee bookings and provide up to date membership details.

ARABIAN GOLF Onishi and Takahashi Sizzle to Success AL Hamra member Kazuhiro Onishi and his guest Akiharm Takahashi stamped their authority on the Al Hamra 2009 Summer Sizzler as they took the title thanks to a Betterball Stableford score of 39 points.

With summer temperatures still soaring and on a day when the event was true to its name, the pair prevailed in the heat as the absence of the usual breeze off the Arabian Gulf made life very tough for the competitors out on the Links.

Finishing a point further back was the Al Hamra pairing of Dave Gould and Richard Moody as they both rekindled some form ready to take forward into the UAE golf season. Gould and Moody’s score of 38 points was matched by Pierre Lefebvre and David Arataki, but they were edged out into third place after a back nine countback.

Ferna secures Open Challenge A SUN-DRENCHED Al Hamra links was the setting for this year’s Open Challenge and it was Ferna Bell who triumphed as she was drawn alongside Tom Watson’s score over the first two rounds at Turnberry.

The yearly format of the Open Challenge sees each competitor randomly draw a professional who has made the cut after the first two days of The Open and adds their net score on the competition day to their pro’s scores from the first two rounds.

Bell’s solid net score of 73 added to Watson’s scores of 65 and 70 gave her a final total of 208 and the 2009 Open Challenge title.

Overall second and third place went down to a card play-off between three players – Fabrice Praino (Chris Wood 70, 70), Richard Moody (Camilo Villegas 66, 73) and Jeff Hunt (Steve Marino 67, 68) who had net rounds of 71, 72 and 76 respectively giving each an overall total of 211.

Praino took second place while Moody was handed third place, meaning the unlucky Hunt missed out on the prizes. In the Gross Division Phil Mallinson finished top of the pile with a steady round of 84 while Norma Williamson claimed the Net Division with her consistent round of 72.

Ferna makes it a double as Spavin turns on the style TOM Watson’s performance at The Open Championship at Turnberry also inspired the competitors in the Maison Chic and Engel&Volkers sponsored July Open Stableford.

Ferna Bell (25) and Andy Spavin (26) won their respective divisions in the full handicap allowance Stableford event and for Bell it was her second win in as many weeks as the previous weekend she had prevailed to claim the top honours in the Al Hamra Open Challenge.

Spavin’s card was impressive – despite not scoring any points on holes 5, 10 or 11 – as he recorded four points on holes 2 and 18 along with numerous additional three-pointers.

However, Spavin only took top honours after a card play-off with Al Hamra member Chris Williamson (6) who had also recorded a total of 38 points courtesy of a gross round of 76 – his best round so far at Al Hamra.

Finishing one point further back to claim third place was visiting golfer Stuart Quinn who carded a creditable 37 points. In the Ladies

All the winners line up with their prizes after play.

Division Bell (25) claimed the top honours by two points with a magnificent score of 37 points.

The highlight of her round was a par at the 355-yard, stroke index one 10th hole. Faake Ahmereen produced a very consistent round off her nine handicap to score 35 points and pick up second.

Hannef Rabbani and Victor Husband triumphed in the day’s on course sponsors challenges as they claimed, nearest to the pin in

three on the signature 18th hole and nearest to the pin on the par-3 4th hole respectively. “Once again in the Open Stableford we have witnessed some fantastic scores in tricky conditions around the Links,” said Alasdair Danson-Webster at the prize presentation. “Congratulations must go to Ferna who has won two consecutive open events at Al Hamra in consecutive weekends and also to Andy who I am sure will get a handicap reduction after such an impressive performance.” www.wwgolf.biz

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TOWER LINKS GOLF CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

Nawaf leads team to victory NAWAF Al Marei displayed leadership skills far beyond his youth as he guided his team to a thrilling victory in a recent Wednesday Social Betterball Stableford competition. Four teams finished on the winning score of 22 points with the monster countback falling in the favour of Al Marei and his partner.

Al Marei and his partner Mohamed A. Fattah played some wonderful golf in the testing conditions on Wednesday as the thick rough and humidity took its toll on the majority of the field.

A relative newcomer to the game, Al Marei put in a stellar performance on the night to win. Yuki Suzuki partnered S.P. Hong to second place on the evening, missing out on top billing by a single point in the countback as they tallied eight points on their final three holes to Al Marei and Fattah’s nine.

Suzuki and Hong were a model of consistency and they’re looking forward to pairing up again in future competitions.

Kathy and Mike Richardson once again featured in the prizes as they got the better of Chris Parry and Ajay Kotwal in the countback to take third place.

BACK TO BACK WINS PUT NAWAF ON TRACK NAWAF Al Marei continued to improve with rapid progression as he won a recently held Wednesday Social Individual Stableford title, recording his second win in as many weeks. With the recent run of poor weather starting to break, Nawaf shot out of the blocks faster than Usain Bolt as he majestically played his ball around the links for 16 Stableford points.

Kathy Richardson took second place ahead of four other players who also carded 15 Stableford points while Andy Spavin had to settle for third place after the countback.

The ‘spooner’ on the evening was awarded to Pat Mottershead with a very meagre tally of just seven points.

Final Results: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Nawaf Al MArei 16 pts Kathy Richardson 15 pts c.b.

Andy Spavin 15 pts c.b.

Mike Richardson 15 pts S.P. Hong 15 pts Cheryl Thomas 15 pts John Van Berg 14 pts Ajay Kotwal 14 pts Mike Wlodychak 14 pts Anupma Kotwal 12 pts

11. Yuki Pellerine 12 pts 12. Terry Belton 11 pts 13. Wiz 11 pts 14. Ashutosh Shukla 10 pts 15. Dave Clark 10 pts 16. Ruurd Abma 10 pts 17. David Dunn 9 pts 18. Jorit 8 pts 19. Pat Mottershead 7 pts (SPOONER)

Iron Mike takes August Social MIKE Richardson blazed around the back nine at Tower Links and shot 23 Stableford points to claim yet another Social Title in August.

Richardson was a model of consistency on the night recording scores on every hole while on six of them he recorded three points. He clearly relished the fact that the format was ‘irons only’ and the men could play from the ladies tees – even though they played from a three quarter handicap allowance compared to the ladies playing off a full handicap.

Richardson took full advantage of the daylight hours over the summer period and his silhouette could often

LOCATION In Ras Al Khaimah, the golf course meanders through a mangrove reserve with the Hajar Mountains serving as a backdrop.

C0NTACT +971 7 2279939 (Reservations Desk) golf@towerlinks.com INFO First Open: May 2004 Course – 18 holes Championship Floodlit Back-Nine Designer: Gerald Williams RATES Non-Member:Dhs350 UGA Member: Dhs300

been seen long after the sun started to sink as he toiled and tinkered with his swing. Another natural swinger of the club in the form of Zenia Wivou came back from her vacation looking to pick up where she left off and things went according to plan as she shot a superb 21 points to secure second place. Wivou dazzled her partners with her power and precision from the tee as she effortlessly compiled her total despite having a

couple of mediocre holes where she only managed to score one point apiece.

Ajay Kotwal finished in third place as he defeated Byron Kraemer on a countback after they both finished with 20 Stableford points. The highlight of the round for Kotwal was his gross birdie three on the tricky 17th hole which netted him a tasty four Stableford points – a haul which proved decisive when it came to the countback.

WEEKEND RATES Non-Member:Dhs400 UGA Member: Dhs350 CLUB HIRE Dhs120 RANGE BALLS 50 Balls – Dhs20 (1 basket included with green fee)

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83

GHALLAH WENTWORTH GOLF CLUB, OMAN

The glory of Ghallah Wentworth Golf Club Grassing Today another chapter in the life of Ghallah Wentworth is being created through the passion for golf, by one of the club’s members – H. E. Dr. M. Rhumhy. His dream of grassing the course and providing a municipal facility for golfers in Muscat, that will also provide free golf and tuition to all children in Muscat, is soon to be realised.

The front nine holes are currently being grassed and because of this only the back nine is currently playable.

Presidential history In January 1980 the Founder and the Club’s first President, Colonel Cooper, left Oman and His Highness Sayyid Abbas bin Fasial kindly consented to take over the Presidency. In 1982, following the sad demise of His Highness Sayyid Abbas bin Fasial, His Highness Sayyid Thuwani bin Shihab became the new President. Six years later His Highness Kasi bin Tairk bin Taimour Al Said joined the club as a playing member and the following year became the fourth and current President.

Ghallah Wentworth This 18 hole par 72 sand course has something to offer every level of player and, on those days when your golf is less than at its best, the beautiful views will take your mind off everything – stunning vistas over HM Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the Gulf of Oman. The 18 hole course is a must see and play.

It is only a 10 – 15 minute drive from most of Muscat’s hotels, with one hotel less than three minutes away but still in the centre of Muscat, the capital city of the Sultanate of Oman.

FIRST formed in late 1970 as a target 9-hole course near the Ghallah Army Camp by Lt. Col. J.M. Cooper, the first competition at Ghallah Wentworth GC was held in December 1970 with all 15 members playing.

By the end of 1972 the membership had grown to 43 and it was during this year that another nine holes were added

by Colonel Cooper and Captain Mate. The Club then claimed to be the first 18 hole golf course in Oman.

In 1973 the format of target golf was replaced with the building of proper ‘browns’. All the pots, poles, flags and tees as well as the clearing of the course was made possible by the help of the then club members, a few willing soldiers and the assistance of Yahya Costain.

The 19th hole – which was originally sited on Colonel Cooper’s veranda – was relocated to an old officer’s mess which was renovated and redecorated by the members.

1974 In March 1974 when Colonel Cooper left SAFTR, the land on which the course was situated was designated for development and the club was moved to Bowsher. The Men’s Oman National Championships was first held during that year.

The Ghallah Wentworth Golf Club enjoyed nearly 25 years at Bowsher, growing from an initial 9-hole target course to a 9-hole course with browns and two tee boxes with different approaches to provide an 18 hole course.

As the membership grew, a need for a constitution developed which was first published after registration with the Ministry of Information and Youth Affairs on 11 September, 1978. During 1978

the first ever Sultan’s Armed Forces Golf Championship was held and the Club also hosted the first Muscat Ladies Open Championship.

On the 20th December 1979 the club became affiliated to the English Golfing Union and as a result it follows their handicap system.

In 1997/1998 the land on which the club was located was again designated for business development – the Muscat Private Hospital.

Ghallah Wentworth Golf Club was relocated for the third time in its short history, to the area behind the Sultan Qaboos Stadium, where it currently resides.

1998 In 1998 construction began on the new course. With the leadership of His Highness Kasi bin Tairk bin Taimour Al Said and his long time friend Bill Longmuir, a European Senior Tour player, the 18 hole course was designed by Dave and Paul Thomas of Dave Thomas Course Design Consultants.

With the help of many local companies and members the course was built within a year and the first official event played on the new course was the 21st Muscat Ladies Open, in March 1999.

In 2000 the construction of the current clubhouse commenced and was officially opened by H.H. Sayyid Fatik bin Fahar bin Taimur Al Said on the 9th November 2001.

In keeping with what has become the club’s tradition, many hours of hard work have been put in to complete the new clubhouse and it was funded entirely by donations. Many friends, colleagues and members generously donated their time, expertise and money, making Ghallah Wentworth Golf Club the distinguished and popular golf club it is today.

ARABIAN GOLF Khawwar wins inaugural Muscat Hills Open Golf Competition MOHAMMED Khawwar played superb golf to win the inaugural Muscat Hills Open Golf Competition hosted at Ghallah Wentworth Golf Club (GWGC).

Generously sponsored by Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club, there were more than 40 competitors, competing for the prestigious title, who were thrilled to have played alongside Bill Longmuir – European Senior Tour Player and winner of a host of championship titles, the latest being the 2008 Barbados Open.

Longmuir was a key figure in

designing the current Ghallah Wentworth Golf Course back in 1998, and fondly commented that, “I’d forgotten how challenging we made it!”

With the weather hotting up and this, the final 18-hole competition for the season, the field of golfers were well seasoned, making for an exciting tournament and a

close finish which was eventually decided on a countback.

Khawwar said: “I’m delighted to have won the first Muscat Hills Open and I look forward to defending my title next year.”

The prizewinners (pictured above) were presented with their awards by Bill Longmuir, a long time friend of His Highness Sayyid

Qais bin Tariq Al Said, Chairman of the GWGC. Mubarak, Vice-Captain of the Club, thanked the sponsors on behalf of H.H. Sayyid Qais, the trustees, Committee and all members of GWGC for their generous sponsorship and the much-appreciated support of golf in Oman.

M U S C AT H I L L S G O L F & C O U N T RY C L U B , O M A N

MUSCAT HILLS AND MAJID AL TOKY CELEBRATE THE FIRST HOLE-IN-ONE

Majid Al Toky with his lucky ball.

LONG-serving Omani golfer Majid Al Toky celebrated his first ever hole-in-one recently – and the first ace ever scored at Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club.

After hitting his 7-wood to the par-3 8th hole, Majid lost sight of his ball and spent several minutes looking for it in nearby bunkers and the rough before eventually looking in the hole itself!

“It never occurred to me that the ball had finished up in the hole,” said Toky who has played the game for more than 10 years without succeeding in achieving every golfer’s dream. “I have been playing this great game for a long time and have never had a hole in one before. I am sure that playing on this course has helped improve all aspects of my game. it really makes me think now about every shot before I play it,” explained Toky.

Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club Memberships and Marketing Manager Leon Sassen said: “This is a wonderful achievement for Majid Al Toky, something that he will remember all through his golfing career” The back nine of the course is scheduled to be ready in October, paving the way for golfers from across the Sultanate and the region to enjoy a unique 18-hole golfing experience on the only grass golf course in the region that uses the natural landscape of hills and wadis to create an outstanding golfing experience.

The quality of the golf course has already been recognised by the European PGA and there are plans for a European PGA Tour event to be played at Muscat Hills in 2011.

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DOHA GOLF CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF 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.

VISITOR RATES Championship Course 18 holes – 590DHS 9 holes – 3985DHS Academy Course 18 holes – 365DHS 9 holes – 200DHS

Robinson and Allman take Members Greensome Event ALAN Robinson and Andy Allman combined to score a net 70 to win the Members Greensome Event held in late July. The Greensome format was a test for all teams as both players teed off and then chose the best ball before playing alternate shots.

Teams were permitted to be made up of any combination of members. A large number of nationalities competed during the day and the final standings reflected this.

Second place behind the winning duo with a net 71 was Kelvin and Susie Dagless. They pipped the pair of Kim Mansfield and John Pierrel to the second place spot after a card countback, while Steve Butt and Scott McDonald claimed fourth place with a net 72.

Pictured top: (Left to right) Alan Robinson, Andy Allman, Brenda Hill and Richard Bolton.

Cox takes Vodafone Summer League Medal

Greening grabs August InterContinental Mug GARETH Greening took Flight ‘A’ of the August InterContinental Mug with a superb haul of 44 Stableford points. Greening played with excellent consistency throughout his round and scored a total of 12 pars and one solitary birdie. Putting together nines of 23 and 21, Greening beat Steve Butt into second place by four points.

Nobuo Ishii finished first in Flight ‘B’ also with a total of 44 points after scoring 22 points on each nine including a birdie on hole 3. Andrew Ryan was second with 41 points.

The Ladies division was won by Daniela Grendene with a score of 38 points.

Lutton wins Vodafone Summer League Bogey Event

MIKE Cox scored a gross 71 for a net 64 to win Flight ‘A’ of the Vodafone Summer League by virtue of a countback from Gareth Greening.

Cox had nines of 37 and 34 and scored gross birdies on holes 5, 8, 16 and 17 to beat Greening, who shot a gross 78 for a net 64, to the top spot.

Flight ‘B’ was won by Steve Butt with a net 67 from his gross 82 and in second place was Roald Rijnbeek with a gross 97 for a net 69.

IN testing conditions a score of 4-over-par was good enough to win Flight ‘A’ in the Vodafone Summer League Bogey event as Bill Lutton triumphed by two shots from Paul Robertson.

The event, held at the end of July, was contested in a sand storm and credit must go to all golfers who braved the weather. In Flight ‘B’ Wright Massey was the winner as he pipped Ken Chisholm into second place after a countback.

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Source: Darrell Survey (US) Sports Marketing Surveys Ltd (Europe). Pro Sports International, PO Box 26723, Dubai, UAE footjoy.co.uk Available from: Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Al Badia, Al Ghazal, Dirab Golf Club, Doha Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai Duty Free, Emirates Golf Club, Golf House Super Store, Golf Shop Direct, Katameya Heights, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mirage Golf Resort, Nad Al Sheba Club, Riffa Golf Club,The Montgomerie Dubai, Sports Mart Doha, ME Golf Kuwait.

SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB

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

CONTACT +971 6 548 7777 info@golfandshootingshj.com INFO A 9 hole fully floodlit course designed by Peter Harradine.

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

RATES ON PEAK 18 HOLES: Guest – 275DHS EGF – 245DHS OFF PEAK 18 HOLES: Guest – 220DHS EGF – 200DHS ON PEAK 9 HOLES: Guest – 165DHS EGF – 150DHS OFF PEAK 9 HOLES: Guest – 135DHS EGF – 120DHS HIRE RATES Golf cart – 18 holes: 60AED Full club set – 18 holes 150AED Golf shoes – 50AED Golf trolley – 20AED

THE Sharjah Airport Free Zone has signed as Exclusive Sponsor of the inaugural Mixed Open Golf Championship at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club.

The event will be held over the weekend of Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd of October 2009 and will pit teams consisting of one male and one female against each other over a combined 36-hole format of Betterball strokeplay on day 1 and Greensomes stroke play on day 2.

The handicap limit is 36 for women and 28 for men and entry fees are AED 575 for guests, AED 520 for EGF members and AED 435 for SGSC members and juniors. Each entrant will receive two rounds of golf, golf cart, range balls, meals, shirts and the opportunity to win some desirable silverware.

SGSC Director of Golf Martin Duff said: “This is a new event on our tournament calendar, one we are particularly excited about and truly delighted to have the SIAF Zone as a patron for. Mixed Opens are fairly rare and our combination of formats makes it all the more challenging and unique. The winning team will have to not only play well, but show an exceptional level of teamwork and patience!”

Humaid Abdullah Al-Khatri, SAIF Zone Deputy Commercial Director, Marketing and Sales added: “We are

ARABIAN GOLF

Above: Martin Duff and Humaid Al Khatri and the confirmation of SAIF Zone’s support of the inaugural Mixed Open Golf Championship.

SAIF ZONE TO SUPPORT MIXED GOLF EVENT AT SGSC delighted to not only be sponsoring this unique event, but also to be the inaugural sponsor. Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club is immediately next door to the Free Zone, and through our senior management and our investors we have a truly unique relationship with SGSC. Dedicated to quality and excellence, SAIF-Zone is the symbol of efficient operations – the better alternative for business

ventures in the UAE and beyond.

Easily accessible to seaports on the Indian Ocean (Port Khor Fakkan) and the Arabian Gulf (Port Khalid), SAIF-Zone is built adjacent to the Sharjah International Airport. With features as unique as these, it is little wonder that SAIF-Zone has registered phenomenal growth since its inception in 1995, with over 4100 companies operating out of it.”

Manny, Ryan, Robin, Ferna, Barry and Diana with their shop vouchers and BMW trophies.

GARRIGA WINS BACK-TO-BACK SPANIARD Alicia Garriga added the August edition of the Coral Beach Resort Midweek Madness at SGSC to the BMW Members and Guest title she lifted just four days earlier.

The 21-handicapper ousted member George Liu (6) as a result of a last three countback in which Garriga finished 2up to Liu’s all square.

The Midweek Madness events supported by Coral Beach Resort are open to SGSC members and non-members with a valid handicap certificate.

The next event is scheduled for Tuesday 16th September in a 7pm shotgun.

BMW event a two-legged affair ROBIN Bailey (22) underlined his reputation as an exceptional ‘picker of partners’ as he and partner Ferna Bell (24) romped to a comfortable victory in the Texas Scramble leg of SGSC’s Monthly BMW Members & Guest Social event.

The pair returned a victorious net score of 34.7 after receiving only 2.3 shots due to their five per cent handicap allocation. Bell and Bailey struggled in the second leg – a Pairs Aggregate Bogey format – and made way for guests Barry (18) and Ryan (8) Neft. The well-dressed South African pair handed in an aggregate score of 1up, largely courtesy of father Barry’s impressive 4-up return (against Ryan’s 4-down). Their stellar efforts proved just enough as they edged member Ian Roberts (11) and his guest Alicia Garriga (21) into second place after a countback over the last three holes. Diana Brown (23) marked her return to the UAE and to SGSC after a year back home in the UK with a victory in the Longest Drive contest while 2-handicapper Manny Legaspi collected the Nearest the Pin award as result of his 9-iron to eight feet on the par-3 17th hole.

The next BMW Members & Guest Social event is to be held on Saturday September 12th at 7.30am. www.wwgolf.biz

89

R OYA L G O L F C L U B

BAHRAIN

ARABIAN GOLF

Ramadan at the Royal Golf Club THERE is plenty going on at the Royal Golf Club this Ramadan for members and their guests including a weekly Ramadan Night Golf series on the club’s 9-hole Wee Monty course, which will see the Wednesday evening competitions feature the PowerPlay concept.

PowerPlay Golf is an exciting new competitive golf format where players attack tougher pin positions to achieve better scores. On each hole, a bad round can be turned into a great round if a golfer successfully plays to the more risky black flag, (adorned with a skull and crossbones) instead of the easier white flag.

The concept can be utilised in both stroke play and match play format and encourages intelligent course management by players while offering exciting risk and reward golf.

Players wishing to take part in the Ramadan Night Golf Series can sign up via the Royal Golf Club website www.theroyalgolfclub.com Food aficionados will also enjoy a visit to the Club in Ramadan as ‘Links’, the public brasserie-style restaurant launches for the first time in Bahrain the “Steak on a Stone” concept.

This interactive cooking method will allow diners to cook their own food at their table just the way they like it – from succulent 8oz fillet steaks to “surf n turf” specials.

Links’ will open from sunset until midnight every night of the week with last food orders being taken at 11.00pm.

PowerPlay coming to the Royal Golf Club this Ramadan.

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA The top two placed teams at the Summer Golf Tournament at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa pictured with the Resort’s Director of Golf, James Williams.

Dream 10-point finish for Gould and Co IN a most incredible finish at the latest Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Monthly Summer Golf Tournament, Jon Gould holed his second shot and team member Darren Thomson chipped in for gross birdie on their finishing hole (the par 4 seventh) to amass an amazing 10 Stableford team points on the hole, which helped propel them to victory.

In the “Best two from four” Stableford format their score of 51 points was good enough to win the competition alongside fellow team members Nikolaj Lund and Jamie Masterman who played consistently well to contribute to their score throughout the round.

The team of Phil Gearing, Jeremy Grieve, Phil Dunbar and Anthony Edwards must have thought their score of 51 points would be easily good enough to win the trophy, but to their surprise they were beaten after a card countback to Gould’s team.

Max Piscell, Ruel Benedic, Sami Hajiri and Danny Geronimo took the third team prize with a creditable 49 points.

Son’s ace irks father PROUD father Tom Boags was on hand to congratulate his son Cameron after the youngster shot a hole-in-one on the par-3 second hole at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa. “It’s an amazing game,” he smiled.

“I’m a 2-handicap player and have been playing the game over 40 years without ever getting a hole-in-one, my son takes up the game and achieves one and he’s barely been playing five minutes!”

Cameron received a Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa and Emirates Golf Federation Certificate plus a Mont Blanc pen from sponsors Rivoli to mark the feat.

Tom Boags and son Cameron on the second green at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa

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EVERYTHING YOU WOULD WANT...AND

MORE!

Eclipse Time Domain IF you’re something a techno boffin and into your hi-tech, high end hi-fi gear then look no further then these Eclipse Time Domain 712z Mk2 speakers. They’re the Ferraris of the speaker world.

Packed with advanced features and specifications TD 712z Mk2s come in an insanely stylish steel, zinc and aluminium casing with their own stands. The sound quality is out of this world, delivering the ultimate audio experience.

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TIGER Woods PGA TOUR 10 IT’S back! The undisputed king of console golf returns in stellar form with the release Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10. It’s difficult to improve on what was already a fabulous game but EA Sports have somehow done it.

All the world’s best courses are featured once again with some new additions such as the 2009 US Open course, Bethpage. Real-time weather conditions, mirroring those in the real world, add a new dimension to proceedings while the bulging crowds around every hole create extra tension and excitement. A Play Now feature allows you to skip the customisation process and get straight down to golf if you’re in a hurry while there are a host of fun mini-games for up to four players. Probably the most significant improvement for Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 is its compatibility with Wii MotionPlus, which makes the swing that much more responsive, particularly the putting stroke.

www.easports.com

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Bolle King Sunglasses THESE stylish frames from Bolle will have you feeling like royalty. The subtle wrap around frame comes with polarized lenses to remove glare and relax the eyes, while the wide arms block the sun from all directions. They’re lightweight and yet incredibly strong and most importantly, they look a million dollars.

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Corewellness DVD AS featured in last month’s Worldwide Golf, golfers are being offered a free DVD as part of a campaign, spearheaded by up and coming English golfer Rachel Bell, promoting the importance of good core stability.

The CoreWellness programme has been developed by world expert in sport and exercise science Kari Bo and features a range of simple exercises that can be done anywhere.

To claim your free DVD simply log on to:

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THIS wallet from Aspinal of London combines luxury with exotic style. Handmade from beautiful black English bridle leather, the wallet is lined with eye catching red snakeskin. It has eight credit card compartments, two large full length, full depth pockets and two multi purpose large pockets. Perfect for the refined gentleman who has a wilder side!

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Music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs obviously wasn’t content with being a multi-award winning, multi millionaire hip hop artist, producer and record label boss.

He turned his attention to fashion in 1998 with the launch of his own label, Sean Jean, but still it wasn’t enough and in 2006 he entered the world of perfumery with his first men’s fragrance, Unforgivable. I Am King is the follow up and as the name would suggest, it’s a bold, striking scent which exudes confidence for the modern man.

Technical jargon: Top notes – tangerine, orange and cranberry.

Heart notes – cassis and sea water.

Base notes – amalfi lemon, French labdanum, cedar, vetiver, oakmoss and sandalwood.

Inspired by New York City, DKNY Men is bold and vibrant with a blend of citrus, spicy and floral notes and an intriguing woody base. Technical jargon: notes of bergamot, mandarin, juniper, sage, white pepper, cardamom, lavender, violet, jasmine, cedarwood, patchouli, orris and vetiver.

PHILIP B NORDIC WOOD HAIR & BODY SHAMPOO If anything could induce you to wake up in the morning, this multipurpose, Norwegian-spruce-infused cleanser would be it. Specifically engineered to condition your hair, scalp and skin, it contains a refreshing blend of white pine, balsam fir, cedar wood and camphor-indigenous Scandinavian plants that capture the scent and feel of the cool mountain air.

QUIKSILVER MEN’S EDT Famous surfboard manufacturer Quiksilver makes a foray into the world of perfumery with this men’s edt. As you would expect it’s a fresh, vibrant and funky fragrance probably better suited to the fun-loving younger man. The top notes are fruity, minty and aquatic while the base is more woody.

212 SEXY BY CAROLINA HERRERA 212 Sexy by Carolina Herrera is elegant, sophisticated, sensual and unmistakably feminine. This fresh scent has a deep, oriental, musky base which adds a wonderful complexity to the fragrance while the perfume is housed inside two handy 50ml bottles which fit easily into your handbag.

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D R I V E R - F A I R W AY- H Y B R I D - I R O N S - W E D G E S - P U T T E R - B A L L

INTHE

COLIN CUNNINGHAM

PGA PROFESSIONAL, ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB

Q&A: Q. When did you first start playing golf and where?

A. I first started when I was seven or eight playing once a year on Boxing Day with my dad at Gullane in East Lothian, Scotland. I start playing seriously when I was 12 at the Marriott Dalmahoy just outside Edinburgh. It was then that I got the golfing bug that I still have to this day.

Q. How long have you been in Dubai and what has been your most memorable golfing moment during that time?

A. Well I haven’t been here long enough to have any really solid memories – I only arrived in Dubai in early August. But in terms of golfing memories I have been fortunate to spend my career thus far at the Turnberry Hotel in Scotland – a unique place very much like Dubai as it is a world-class golf facility that offers a fantastic all round golf experience. The golf scene here is very vibrant and I’m sure it won’t be long before I am able to select from a host of memories of my golf career in Dubai.

Q. What was your first set of clubs?

A. My first set was a half set of irons and an old persimmon 4-wood. I honestly can’t remember what make they were but they did the job and helped me learn this wonderful game. I do remember that my dad invested in a good putter for me so I had a Ping. It was my pride and joy.

Q. Who is your golfing hero and why?

A. Oh now that’s a hard one. I have a few golfers that I like and respect for different reasons. Tom Watson has to be one but the Turnberry connection makes him a little more of a sentimental choice and what he did this year at The Open was exceptional for his age. It was bitterly disappointing to see him lose out.

Monty – a fellow countryman – has to be up there.

Through my role at the Colin Montgomerie Links Golf Academy where I was based I was able to spend a lot of time with man himself. He was always fantastic to us – so relaxed and funny it was a real pleasure to learn from him. I also massively respect Nick Faldo for what he has done for British golf and I love the way he swings the club. Last, but not least, Tiger Woods. What he has done for the game is nothing short of amazing and he has raised the level of golf in every way.

Q. If you were head of the R&A what rule would you change?

A. That’s an easy one! I think that you should be able to move your ball out of divots on the fairway.

I thing it’s tremendously unfair when you hit your drive down the fairway only to find it slap bang in the middle of great big divot. I hate that rule.

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DRIVER: Callaway FT9 Driver 9 degree with a 63g Diamama Stiff shaft FAIRWAY WOODS: Callaway FT 3-5 Wood with Diamama Stiff shafts IRONS: Callaway x22 Tour 3-PW Project X 5.5 shafts. 1° flat standard length WEDGES: Callaway X forged wedges 54 and 60° PUTTER: Odyssey Saber tooth putter – 34 inches GLOVE: Callaway Tour Series BALL: Callaway Tour IX

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