Worldwide Golf - Issue 108, Lee Westwood

Issue 108, October 2009

MIDDLE E AST’S No.1 GOLF MAG AZINE

EXCLUSIVE

LEE WESTWOOD Back to his best with his sights set on the Dubai World Championship and Europe's No.1 spot

f1 Lewis Hamilton Claude Harmon III takes a look at the swing of the F1 Champion

Finca cortesin

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FEDEX CUP FINALE DRIVING RANGE ARABIAN GOLF GOLF GEAR TUTORIAL TIPS WORLD ROUND-UPS EGYPTIAN OPEN

Luxury venue of the Volvo World Match Play Championship

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

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Worldwide Golf, the highest Total Qualified Circulation of any audited Golf title in the Middle East.

Worldwide Golf: BPA Worldwide Average Monthly Qualified Circulation Jan – Jun 2009 = 14,325 Middle East Golfer: BPA Worldwide Average Monthly Qualified Circulation Jan – Jun 2009 = 3,892

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Worldwide Golf’s Executive Editor

PLAYER

GARY

PLAYER INTRODUCTION

Good luck Greg!

I ’D like to wish my fellow Worldwide Golf Columnist Greg Norman the best of luck as Captain of the International Team in the forthcoming Presidents Cup at Harding Park, San Francisco. I’d also like to thank Greg and the United States Captain Fred Couples for all the kind comments they have made about the manner in which Jack Nicklaus and I handled the Captains’ job in previous years.

It’s good that Greg has pledged to continue the tradition that Jack and I established of sportsmanship and fair play that has become synonymous with the event. The Presidents Cup began in 1994. Jack and I first faced each other as Captains in 2003 – and again in 2005 and 2007. The overall score stands at five wins to the United States and one to the International Team with the 2003 event halved.

I know that Greg is also committed to the global expansion of the game and that The Presidents Cup is the ideal competition to further the interests of golf to an everincreasing worldwide audience to bring more and more people into the sport.

It was a brave decision by Greg to use one of his two Captain’s picks to select Adam Scott. Adam is one of the most talented players in world golf but he’s been struggling with his game throughout the season. Last year he was as high as No.3 in the world but now he’s slipped back to 57th in the Official World Golf Ranking. But he’s played in the last three Presidents Cups and he’s won world-class tournaments like The Players Championship and The Tour Championship.

But although Greg’s choice of Adam may have surprised a few people you’ve always got to respect the Captain’s decision. It’s not an easy job. There are arguments for and against any Captain’s pick. You’ve also got to take all sorts of factors into account. I’ve been in Greg’s position and I know how difficult it is. It’s impossible to please everyone but it’s important that everyone accepts the Captain’s picks.

I can agree totally with Greg’s thinking in choosing Ryo Ishikawa as his second pick. I like Ishikawa. He’s a fine talent and at only 17 he’s got a wonderful future ahead of him. By

choosing Ryo Greg has handed a huge boost to the upand-coming golfers in Japan and the Far East. Knowing that such a young and relatively inexperienced player as Ryo can make it into the International Team for The Presidents Cup gives all the other young hopefuls an enormous boost.

It would have been an equally big boost had Jeev Milkha Singh made it into The Presidents Cup. Jeev has become the face of Indian Golf and the perfect ambassador to promote the game for his country all over the world. India could become the next major growth area in the game over the next few years.

Jeev is one of a growing group of young Indian golfers who are making their mark on the international stage. He has the game and the personality to spearhead the progress and promotion of golf in India and Asia.

At the moment I’m back home on the farm in South Africa putting the finishing touches to our new golf course, which is making a big impression on a lot of people. When we open the course before the end of the year it will show how much more economically a golf course can be run by reducing water and maintenance costs.

Later this month I’ll be going to China for our Gary Player Invitational event presented by Coca-Cola and then to Santa Anita in California for the Breeders Cup, some of the biggest races on dirt and turf in world racing.

It’s exciting to be among our horses here at the stud and we’re particularly proud of our filly, Lady Windermere, who has won two Group One races and two Group Two races.

She’s a wonderful horse and she’s really making a name for herself – and our farm.

Then I’m going to Mexico to look at one of our golf course designs, then to Canada, and then back home to South Africa the final of our Gary Player Invitational series presented by Coca-Cola at the Links at Fancourt from November 26-29. A lot of work has been put in at the course I designed and it is now even better than before. I’m really looking forward to the event, which I’m sure will be another huge success. www.wwgolf.biz

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Contents

WWGWHEELS

DRIVING

Extreme Truth Powerful new engine The heart of the new 911 GT3 RS, the power unit, is based on the engine already featured in the 911 GT3 but the RS power unit now displaces 3.8 instead of 3.6 litres, delivering even more power and revving up even faster and more dynamically.

The engine featured in the new 911 GT3 RS delivers 15 bhp more than its counterpart – the 911 GT3, that is maximum output of 450 horsepower from the fast-revving naturally-aspirated power unit. This means specific output of more than 118 bhp per litre from the six-cylinder, an extremely high figure for natural-aspiration technology even in the strictest worldwide comparison. And unlike many other highperformance engines, the power unit in the new 911 GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.

THE NEW PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS

Special Exhibition at the Porsche Museum to celebrate Ferry Porsche’s 100th Birthday

Manual Gearbox The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a sixspeed manual gearbox optimised for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the gears come with a shorter transmission ratio than on the 911 GT3, deliberately making concessions for an even higher top speed.

Engine: Six-cylinder, 3.8-litre Top speed: 310km/h Acceleration: 0- 100km/h, 4.0secs Performance: 450hp at 7,900 rpm

SEPTEMBER 19, 2009 would have been Anton Ernst ‘Ferry’ Porsche’s 100 Birthday and to celebrate The Museum of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, Germany, is honouring the event with a Special Exhibition from September 19 to October 31.

The Museum is proudly presenting seven of Ferry Porsche’s personal cars, among them three ‘Birthday Cars’ he received from his employees.

A further highlight being shown for the first time is a Porsche 356/2 Keibl Cabriolet with which Ferry Porsche started series production of his sports cars in 1948.

Photos never before published as well as personal documents and belongings from the Corporate Archive also offer the visitor a new insight into the far-reaching activities of Ferry Porsche both as a businessman and a private individual.

Porsche’s success story as a manufacturer of sports cars would be inconceivable without the lifetime achievement of Ferry Porsche. It was under his guidance that the Construction Office run by his father Ferdinand became an independent car maker presenting the Type 356 in 1948 as the first sports car to bear the name Porsche.

As the Managing Director and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Ferry Porsche guided the Company for no less than five decades in becoming one of the world’s most significant manufacturers of sporting premium cars.

The Porsche Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. For further information please see www.porsche.com/museum.

Suspension To further improve its sporting behaviour, the new 911 GT3 RS comes for the first time with a purposebuilt and specially set up PASM suspension, with wider track not only at the rear, but also on the front

Max Power: 450hp. at 7,900 rpm Max Torque: 317 lb-ft. at 6,700 rpm

axle. Accordingly, the body of the new 911 GT3 RS is wider not only at the rear, but also at the front through the use of additional wheel arch covers.

The front axle comes with nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tyres, the rear axle features twelve-inch-wide wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tyres.

The dynamic engine mounts featured as standard also serve to improve the car’s driving dynamics to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under differing conditions.

Styling The car’s aerodynamics develops even more downforce than on the GT3, again benefitting the qualities of the car on the racetrack. Racing qualities are also why Porsche is introducing another new option in 2010, a lithium-ion battery delivered with the car and, replacing the conventional lead battery, reducing weight by more than 10 kg or 22 lb.

The new 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motorsport through the dynamic looks of the car, borne out in particular by its low ride height; the new, extra-large carbon-fibre rear wing with its specifically designed wing supports made of aluminium; the characteristic dual tailpipes on the extra-light titanium sports exhaust; as well as special front and rear parts exclusive to this model.

25 PING Lil Wack-E iN Putter

PLAYER TECHNOLOGY HARDWEAR FOOTWEAR

NOW in their 50th year, Ping know a thing or two about how to make putters and the new iN Series ticks all the boxes.

One of the key features of the iN Series is a new weighting system.

The putters all have centre body cut outs which allow the weight to be distributed to the perimeters of the clubhead thereby creating a higher Moment of Inertia, increasing stability and forgiveness on off centre putts. The iN Series also feature a new nano-nickel insert which increases feel at impact and also makes a great sound, giving you an audible guide for your putting stroke. The new range comes in familiar models like the Anser, Craz-e and B60.

We tried one of the new creations, the Lil Wack-E and it handled like a dream. It’s similar in shape the Anser but slightly lighter. The weighting and balance are lovely and the all round feel on the greens in superb. A definite thumbs up.

APPAREL BALLS

Adams Golf Hybrids

www.ping.com

ADAMS Golf have released the latest addition to their successful Idea series with the new Idea Pro Black hybrid.

Expanding upon the Idea Pro Black line of muscle-back irons, these hybrids feature a premium non-glare black nickel-plated finish and sleek design that will appeal to skilled players.

Having already been put in play over 300 times this season on the PGA, Champions and Nationwide Tours, the Idea Pro Black hybrids are engineered with high performance features that maximise distance and workability.

The compact and workable clubhead features 25-grams of low and back weighting combined with a forward weight port that allows for exact swing weight and shaft adjustments. Built with an ultra-thin stainless steel crown and a Maraging steel face to deliver lower spin and a hotter ball flight, the slight offset also offers superior control for players wanting to work their ball flight. The high-performance iron-like shaping of the Idea Pro Black hybrids provide greater versatility off the tee for better playability and confidence.

Sonic Golf System-1 WE get countless training aids landing on the doorstep of WWG Towers and the thing we’ve come to realise over the years is the ones which are the simplest are usually the best. Those that succeed in taking the confusion out of the mechanics of the golf swing, allowing the user to concentrate on feel rather than over thinking.

Sonic Golf’s System-1 is an ingenious invention which does just that by turning the golf swing into an audible sound. It works with a microprocessor that fits into the grip of any club and communicates with a wireless unit which clips onto your pocket. The sound wave becomes lower or higher depending on how fast the club is moving. It works fantastically well for beginners in teaching correct rhythm and tempo while pros like Vijay Singh have also been getting great results from it by using it to nail down a consistent rhythm as well as practicing things like

www.adamsgolf.com

ECCO Player Linda Wessberg Wins UNIQA Ladies Golf Open

draws and fades by listening for where the club speed is at its fastest and slowest point.

When the club isn’t moving you will hear no noise therefore System-1 is also great for practicing the correct transition between backswing and downswing – listen for the sound on the way up, then the pause, then the sound begins again on the way back down. Teach yourself the correct length of back swing; make sure the club is at its fastest on impact through the ball rather than in front of it or behind it; make sure you are transferring your weight properly through the swing listening for the tone on the way through.

Countless swing flaws can be ironed out with System-1 and the best thing about it is you never have to think too much about what you’re doing because it’s about following the sound.

Phresh Wear Inc.

www.sonicgolf.com

COMPETING in ECCO’s Luxurious Classic Collection and displaying the brand’s logo on her shirt collar, Linda Wessberg fired a final-round 71 and then beat Laura Davies in a play-off to win her third Ladies European Tour title of the season at the UNIQA Ladies Golf Open.

“It’s a great feeling to win again, as I had been struggling with a shoulder injury,” said Wessberg.

Jesper Thuen, Sponsor and Event Manager at ECCO Golf said: “This was a tremendous beginning to the next phase of Linda’s career. She’s feeling healthy, striking the ball well and really seemed to find her comfort zone.”

Upcoming launch of Spring ‘10 line CANADIAN company Phresh Wear have launched their Spring 2010 range which takes a fresh and stylish approach to classic styles. With an emphasis on style and performance the new Phresh range utilises strong colours and clean lines and the highest quality fabrics.

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www.ecco.com/golf

www.phreshwear.com

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Regulars

Features

1 4 6 9 25 28 35 38 41 42 45 46 48 51 54 59 61 63 92 95 96

11 FEDEX CUP: All the action from the PGA Tour’s four-tournament end of season series that climaxes with the Tour Championship and decides the Champion.

GARY PLAYER INTRODUCTION WWG MIDWEEK OPEN ENTRY FORM ERNIE ELS COLUMN CLUBHOUSE QUICKIES DRIVING RANGE: PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS GREG NORMAN COLUMN ROSS FISHER COLUMN GEAR: THE LATEST EQUIPMENT OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKING GARY PLAYER COLUMN

SWING LEWIS HAMILTON CLAUDE HARMON III,

DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION, BUTCH HARMON SCHOOL, DUBAI

Lewis shows pretty good mechanics to be able to get into a good posture here although he could do with a helping hand!! His weight is too much back towards his heels and I have a suspicion that his right hand grip is too strong as I can see the thumbnail on his right hand which is a telltail sign. By altering the grip and moving his weight towards the balls of his feet, he will be able to make a better move.

SPORTS CITY

The set up issues show up with his club getting a little flat and very closed as he gets into his take-away. I would like the cub-shaft on his toe line and the leading edge getting closer to vertical.

A closed clubface will always make consistent contact difficult. Lewis needs to feel the clubface is pointing to the sky at this point in his backswing.

Lewis does well here, setting the club on a steep line which implies that he has good hand/eye coordination. The club squares up a little here but you can see that the left wrist is bowing a little which means that he is still battling with the shut club-face.

In an attempt to get some loft on the ball, you can see that Lewis’s upper body has moved up and back half way through.

There is evidence here of a good weight shift which will help with his development as time goes on. When we fix the clubface positions, he will be able to go forward onto his left side.

Lewis has come over the top with a closed clubface and although he might hit some low, long iron shots he will also battle the dreaded shank. By shoring up the lower body and producing more stretch between his upper body and lower body, he will sequence the downswing better and have the club more in the slot.

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14 LEE WESTWOOD: The sharpshooting straight-talking World No.11 talks exclusively to WWG about The Race to Dubai and his Major goals.

20 ALDAR YAS LINKS: WWG Q&A with Kyle Phillips on how he designed his links masterpiece in the style of the traditional seaside courses of Scotland.

Issue 108, October 2009

31 FINCA CORTESIN: The luxurious Andalucian golf course, spa and hotel estate on Spain’s Costa de Sol plays host to the Volvo World Match Play Championship.

DIVOTS: NEWS ITEMS 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. 108, OCTOBER, 2009 Published by: Worldwide Sporting Publications Ltd, 54 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, England, SK9 1NY mikeg@sportingpublications.com alexg@sportingpublications.com Tel: +44 01625 535081 Fax: +44 01625 537487

He finishes pretty well, although I would like to see the right knee closer to the left here.

The release will improve when he feels the clubface squarer and he will be able to go through rather than hold the shot off.

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

THE RACE TO DUBAI

TUTORIAL

He gets the club up into a decent position at the top; the face is a little shut here and the shaft is across the line, which is normal from his starting position. A more athletic posture would improve his lower body position.

EXCLUSIVE

LEE WESTWOOD

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CYPRUS GOLF TRAVEL OFFER: WWG readers’ last chance to book (validity Oct. 31) all-inclusive travel, golf and accommodation at Aphroditie Hills.

Back to his best with his sights set on the Dubai World Championship and Europe's No.1 spot

f1 Lewis Hamilton Claude Harmon III takes a look at the swing of the F1 Champion

Finca cortesin Luxury venue of the Volvo World Match Play Championship

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CANON PRO GOLF SERIES 2009: Dubai hosts its first Canon event at Arabian Ranches on November 23 in the 15 tournament series played in 13 countries.

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

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

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FEDEX CUP FINALE DRIVING RANGE ARABIAN GOLF GOLF GEAR TUTORIAL TIPS WORLD ROUND-UPS EGYPTIAN OPEN

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

FRONT COVER: Lee Westwood set to shine in Dubai.

Printed by: Raidy, Dubai

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

BPA Worldwide Audited Average Monthly Qualified Cerculation 14,325 (Jan - Jun 2009)

WORLDWIDE

THE MIDDLE EAST’S No.1 GOLF MAGAZINE - WRITTEN BY GOLFERS FOR GOLFERS

Golf

Venue: Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

Est:1999

Supported by:

HURRY – IT’S YOUR LAST CHANCE TO ENTER THE WORLDWIDE GOLF MIDWEEK OPEN - Presented by Towers Rotana Dubai Wednesday, 7th October 2009, 1.00 pm Shotgun - Entry Fee AED260

IT’S YOUR last chance to get your entries in for the Ninth Worldwide Golf Midweek Open. Places are filling up fast but there is still limited availability if you’re quick. 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: 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 & Visitor 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

Visa

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

MasterCard

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.

For a man who’s won 18 Majors over an extraordinary career, it’s remarkable that one of Gary Player’s greatest achievements will take place in 2009.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Course, designed by Gary Player.

Due to be unveiled this year, the Course is a masterpiece in design from the most successful international golfer of all time. Come view this memorable expression of Gary’s passion for golf, and discover exactly why it could go down as his biggest triumph yet. www.sbgolfclub.ae 0$& "/'30/5 -0$ "-& t #& "65*'6- 8)*5& 4"/%4 t -6963*064 (3&&/4

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.

It’s a rewarding experience receiving awards

I

’M sending this report from our house at West Palm Beach during the middle of the week off between the final FedEx Cup Playoff event and the Tour Championship.

I made a good start to this year’s Playoff Series with a tied-2nd at the first event, The Barclays at Liberty National Golf Club. Sadly, my results at the Deutsche Bank and BMW Championship were nothing to write home about, but a final round 68 at the BMW got me safely inside the top-30 on the points list – so that booked me my 14th career start at the Tour Championship.

The FedEx Cup is definitely starting to generate more of a buzz now. The players are getting used to it and this year has been the most exciting yet with any one of a bunch of players still in with a chance of winning going into the Tour Championship.

It’s taken a few tweaks by the PGA Tour in the format to get us to this point, but that’s okay. We needed to play a few of these things before the Tour could figure it out. But any format that gets the top players in the world competing in four tournaments over a five-week period is good for the game, especially during a month when guys traditionally would take some time off.

Obviously, I’m still looking for that first

Vijay Singh, Robert Allenby and Ian Baker-Finch were among the professionals in the six threesomes who took part in our Els for Autism Foundation event at Sebonack Golf Club at Long Island.

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www.wwgolf.biz

win of the season, but off the golf course there have been lots of trophies for some of my business interests, especially in the last month.

I have a superb team of people working for me and although I always like to keep my finger on the pulse and be hands-on when necessary, I know I can trust them to do a great job and that allows me still to focus on my No.1 priority now and for the foreseeable future – getting back in the winner’s circle.

It doesn’t seem long ago that I was at the official opening of The Els Club Dubai, playing cricket on the fairway with Freddie Flintoff and Martina Navratilova – never thought I’d write that sentence! But in a short space of time I’m proud to say that this wonderful golf course has won a number of significant awards.

In January it was named ‘Best New International Course’ by Links magazine.

It was also awarded the runner-up spot

by Golf Inc. in its prestigious ‘International Development of the Year’ rankings. Last month it won the CNBC Property Award 2009 in the category of ‘Best Golf Course, Dubai’. It caps an incredible year for the Club.

This makes it an impressive hat-trick for Ernie Els Design, after the equivalent CNBC International Property Award

victories for Oubaai in South Africa IN THE KNOW WITH ERNIE ELS in 2007 and Anahita on the island of Mauritius in 2008. So we’re on a bit of a HAT-TRICK FOR THE ELS CLUB roll, which is great. We also have several new courses set to open for play in 2010, The Els Club Dubai has including Albany in the Bahamas which received the ‘Best New is really special, so maybe we can make International Course’ by it four in a row. That would be quite Links Magazine. something.

The Els Club Dubai was Anyway, talking of great new golf awarded runner-up courses I was recently at Sebonack Golf Club on Long Island, voted best new golf spot by Golf Inc.in its prestigious ‘International course last year by Golf Magazine, for a Development of the Year’ very special private golf event to raise rankings. funds for my charity Els for Autism.

The day was sponsored by Albany in The Els Club Dubai was the Bahamas and the Tavistock Group among the winners at and was attended by a lot of the people the CNBC Property Award who will help contribute to the funding 2009 in the category of and building of a Centre of Excellence ‘Best Golf Course, Dubai. here in Florida, something that is central to the future plans of the Els for Autism Foundation.

Six threesomes made up of highly respected individuals and captains of industry along with guest Tour Professionals, which included Vijay Singh, Robert Allenby and Ian Baker-Finch, teed it up and gave it their best shots, with Ian’s team taking the honours.

It was a perfect day. We had a lot of fun and raised some serious money for Els for Autism, and my course record 69 is still standing! What more could I ask for.

“I MADE A GOOD START TO THIS YEAR’S PLAYOFF SERIES WITH A TIED-2ND AT THE FIRST EVENT, THE BARCLAYS AT LIBERTY NATIONAL GOLF CLUB. THE FEDEX CUP IS DEFINITELY STARTING TO GENERATE MORE OF A BUZZ NOW. THE PLAYERS ARE GETTING USED TO IT AND THIS YEAR HAS BEEN THE MOST EXCITING YET WITH ANY ONE OF A BUNCH OF PLAYERS STILL IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING GOING INTO THE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP.” – ERNIE ELS

www.wwgolf.biz

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clubhouse quickies

PLAYER QUOTES JOKES WORD OF THE MONTH CARTOONS

BLIND GOLFERS A pastor, a doctor and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers to either wave them through or speed up their game.

Engineer: “What’s with these guys? We must have been waiting for 15 minutes!”

Doctor: “I don’t know, but I’ve never seen such ineptitude!”

Pastor: “Hey, here comes the greens keeper. Let’s have a word with him. [dramatic pause] Hi George. Say, what’s with that group ahead of us? They’re rather slow, aren’t they?”

George: “Oh, yes, that’s a group of blind fire fighters. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime.” The group was silent for a moment.

Pastor: “That’s so sad. I think I will say a special prayer for them tonight.”

Doctor: “Good idea. And I’m going to contact my ophthalmologist buddy and see if there’s anything he can do for them.”

Engineer: “Why can’t these guys play at night?”

WORD

OF THE MONTH...

POND BALL: A golf ball specifically intended for shots over water. Pond balls are usually old, beaten up balls that you don’t miss too much when they inevitably end up in a watery grave.

DID YOU KNOW?

The youngest Ryder Cup Captain in the history of the tournament is Arnold Palmer, who led the USA to victory against Great Britain & Ireland in 1963 at the age of 34 years, 1 month and 1 day.

human hazard Rob addressed the ball and took a magnificent swing but somehow, something went wrong and a horrible slice resulted. The ball went onto the adjoining fairway and hit a man full force. He dropped to the ground!

Rob and his partner ran up to the stricken victim who lay there unconscious, with the ball between his feet.

“Good heavens” said Rob, “what shall I do?”

“Don’t move him” said his playing partner. “If we leave him here he becomes an immovable obstruction and you can either play the ball as it lies or drop it two club lengths away.”

“The point is it doesn’t matter if you look like a beast before or after the hit as long as you look like a beauty at the moment of impact.” – Seve Ballesteros www.wwgolf.biz

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The new BMW 7 Series

www.bmw-dubai.com

Sheer Driving Pleasure

JOY FEELS LIKE A CONSTANT HOLE-IN-ONE.

The BMW 7 Series’ secret of success is certainly not a lucky shot - it comes with a host of intelligent technologies putting the driver in the leading position. Celebrating its world premiere in the new limousine, Integral Active Steering is the most intelligent car steering system ever designed with all 4 wheels turning with the car for a unique driving experience. BMW Night Vision is a feature that detects forms up to 100* metres away giving you enough warning and plenty of time to avoid forthcoming obstacles in the darkness.

Furthermore the new BMW 7 Series boasts the revolutionary Speed Limit Display, a system that keeps you informed of the maximum permissible speed at all times. Experience the new BMW 7 Series – the pinnacle of automotive luxury and innovation. For more information, please contact AGMC, Dubai (04) 339 1555, Sharjah (06) 544 1111, Ras Al Khaimah (07) 235 5666.

JOY IS THE BMW 7 SERIES.

SUPERB WOODS REVELS IN FEDEXCUP GLORY

W

ITH five players holding their FedExCup destiny in their own hands, it was typical that Tiger Woods was the one to come up with the goods as a second-place finish at The Tour Championship sealed his second FedExCup. Woods’ domination of the PGA Tour continued apace when he came back from injury this season at the WGCAccenture Match Play, winning six times and finishing outside the top ten in just two of his 16 stroke play tournaments.

After being overtaken in the PGA Playoffs for the FedExCup standings

by Steve Stricker at the Deutsche Bank Championship, Woods bounced back in imperious fashion with a superb victory a week later at the BMW Championship to take the lead heading into the final event – The Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia.

With the likes of Stricker, Jim Furyk, Padraig Harrington and Heath Slocum all showing form throughout the FedExCup Woods had to be at his best to clinch the top spot on the ranking.

If Stricker, Furyk, Harrington, Slocum or Woods were to win The Tour Championship they would win the FedExCup. But with Phil Mickelson

WINNER: TIGER WOODS

romping home in fine style at East Lake it was a race to see who could finish the highest in order to clinch the top spot on the ranking, and the winner of that race – so often in his career – was Woods.

If Woods had finished eighth or lower at The Tour Championship the FedExCup would have been Mickelson’s, but he dug deep and posted a level-par 70 to take second place and seal a $10 million pay day.

“The FedExCup is something very similar to what we have for Player of the Year,” smiled the World No.1. “It’s a cumulative total and something that you have to be consistent in during the entire year, and that’s something that I was. To be as consistent as I was day in and day out is not easy to do.

“To win the FedExCup is something that I’m very proud of. There are so many unknowns at the beginning of the season, and to play as consistently as I have – I certainly wouldn’t have expected that going into my first event, the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, to end up where I’m at right now. I’m very proud of that and proud of what my coach Hank (Haney) and my trainers have done to get me to this point.”

FINAL FEDEXCUP TABLE Rank

Player

Events

Points

# of Top 10’s

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Tiger Woods Phil Mickelson Steve Stricker Jim Furyk Sean O’Hair Zach Johnson Padraig Harrington Heath Slocum Kenny Perry Scott Verplank

17 18 22 22 23 25 20 27 24 24

4,000 2,920 2,750 2,438 2,200 2,073 2,050 1,855 1,450 1,245

14 7 11 10 9 8 6 3 8 6

SLOCUM SINKS THE BEST AT THE BARCLAYS HEATH Slocum sank a 21-footer for par on the final green to win The Barclays by one shot from Steve Stricker, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington and Tiger Woods at Liberty National Golf Club, New Jersey.

The 35-year-old started the final round four strokes off the pace at the first event of the PGA Tour Playoffs for the FedExCup but shot up the leader board after holing out from 158 yards for an eagle at the fifth.

He then birdied the par-5 sixth but gave a shot back at the next hole.

Slocum picked up another stroke at the par-5 13th which took him to 9-under and he held on to that score with some clutch par putts down the stretch – none more memorable than the lengthy putt on the final hole.

Stricker was playing alongside Slocum and he, too, had a tricky par putt to stay at 9-under on the final green but he slid it left to drop a shot.

With the likes of Woods, Els and

Harrington still out on the course Slocum couldn’t relax, but as he watched none of the three past Major winners make birdies on 18 he could celebrate a famous win.

“I didn’t even know if I was going to be here,” said Slocum, who missed the cut a week earlier at the Wyndham Championship. “I came in with the attitude that I’ve got nothing to lose and I’ll let it hang out and just play the best I can.”

Slocum came into The Barclays 197th on the Official World Golf ranking but finished at 9-under for the biggest win of his career.

Slocum’s other two victories were at opposite-field events on the PGA Tour, where the best players in the world were competing elsewhere – either at a Major or a World Golf Championships event.

From New Jersey, the top 100 on the FedExCup points list travelled north to the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston.

LEADERBOARD 1 T2 T2 T2 T2

WINNER: HEATH SLOCUM

Heath Slocum Ernie Els Padraig Harrington Tiger Woods Steve Stricker

-9 -8 -8 -8 -8

66 72 67 70 69

72 68 75 72 70

70 70 67 67 68

67 66 67 67 69

STRICKER BOSSES IT AT BOSTON Playoff event – opened with an 8-under-par 63 to lead after the first round alongside Jim Furyk but carded a 1-over-par 72 to fall five shots behind the lead of Sean O’Hair on 12-under. However, Stricker bounced back with a 6-under 65 to share the lead with O’Hair and Retief Goosen heading into the final round.

Goosen got off to a good start with early birdies but he had cancelled them out by the turn while Stricker was 2-under after three birdies and a bogey. Goosen then bogeyed three out of four holes from the 11th to kill his chances while Stricker played 10 through 16 in par.

Up ahead Dufner and Verplank were making their moves but Stricker had the advantage and he made it count with two late birdies.

From Boston, the top 70 players on the FedExCup points list went on to Chicago for the BMW Championship.

STEVE Stricker took the lead in the FedExCup thanks to a superb victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston. Stricker birdied the final two holes for a 4-under-par 67 to win by one shot from Jason Dufner and Scott Verplank who had both made late charges for the title.

“Knowing I had to make a couple of birdies and actually doing it means a lot,” said Stricker, who overtook Tiger Woods at the top of the FedExCup ranking and jump ahead of Phil Mickelson to No.2 in the world “It was a tough day. There were a lot of guys in the mix, and I just found a way to get it done.”

Verplank birdied the final four holes to card a 6-under-par 65 but it wasn’t to be as Stricker got up and down from 40 feet for birdie on the par-5 18th to seal his third win of the season.

Stricker, who won The Barclays in 2007 – the first ever PGA Tour

LEADERBOARD 1 T2 T2 T4 T4 T4

Steve Stricker Jason Dufner Scott Verplank Angel Cabrera Dustin Johnson Padraig Harrington

-17 -16 -16 -15 -15 -15

63 66 65 65 68 67

72 69 68 69 65 67

65 68 68 70 70 67

67 65 67 65 66 68

267 268 268 269 269 269

WINNER: STEVE STRICKER

275 276 276 276 276

WONDERFUL WOODS WINS

BY EIGHT AT COG HILL TIGER Woods shot a course-record 9-under-par 62 in the third round of the BMW Championship at Cog Hill on his way to an eight-shot victory over Jim Furyk and Marc Lieshman.

Woods came home with a final round 3-under 68 to pick up his first victory since his unprecedented loss at the PGA Championship and jump straight to the top of the FedExCup points list.

“To play as well as I have and not get the ‘wins’ has been a little bit frustrating, because I’ve been so close,” said Woods.

“It’s been a matter of making a couple of putts here and there, and I would have won the tournaments. And lo and behold, boom! I hit the ball just as well, just as consistent this week, and I made a few putts. And that’s how it happens.”

Woods opened with a 3-under 68 to sit two shots behind Rory Sabbatini and Steve Marino but then shot a 4-under 67 to share the lead heading into the

weekend. The World No.1 then bogeyed the first hole of the third round before playing the next 17 holes in 10-under-par to break the course record and take a seven shot lead into the final day.

Woods, wearing his customary red shirt, was untroubled during the final day as he eased to his sixth win of the season.

“It’s been one of my best years,” said Woods. “There’s no doubt about that.

“I haven’t won as many times as I did in 2000, didn’t win any Majors this year.

But I’ve never had a year where I’ve been this consistent, either, with this many high finishes and the number of events I’ve played. “To have an opportunity just about every time I tee it up to win the championship on the back nine, that’s something that I can’t tell you how proud I am.”

Woods moved on to The Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta, ahead of Steve Stricker in the FedExCup.

LEADERBOARD 1 T2 T2 4 5

WINNER: TIGER WOODS

Tiger Woods Jim Furyk Marc Leishman Sean O’Hair Zach Johnson

-19 -11 -11 -10 -8

68 70 67 70 73

67 70 69 68 65

62 67 68 70 70

68 66 69 66 68

MAGICAL MICKELSON TAKES THE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP PHIL Mickelson produced a stunning final round 5-under-par 65 to win The Tour Championship by three shots from Tiger Woods, but it wasn’t enough to claim the FedExCup as Woods topped the points table with his second place finish.

Mickelson wrapped up his third win of the season with a blemish-free round which contained four birdies before the turn. The back nine was played to par before a solitary birdie on the 16th and then back-to-back pars saw him complete his round with an almost unassailable lead.

“It feels great to have won,” said Mickelson who finished on 9-underpar after opening the tournament with a 3-over-par 73. “It’s been a frustrating time the last few months and so to be able to come out and get in contention on Sunday, four shots back, and then put together this round feels terrific.

This wasn’t a banner year but this result certainly makes it a better year.”

Woods found himself 2-over-par when he reached the 15th tee and

back-to-back birdies put him right in the hunt but it wasn’t to be as two pars saw him post a level-par 70 for outright second place. “Phil played well,” said Woods. “He did the things he needed to do this week.

Unfortunately, I didn’t putt well and I didn’t push him. Phil ran off and got away from us.”

Forty nine year old Kenny Perry began the final day with a two shot cushion over Woods and made a good start with a birdie on the par-3 second hole. But that was as good as it got for the Kentuckian as three bogeys saw him reach the turn 2-over-par. A bogey followed on the 11th before a double bogey on the 13th saw him slip further out of contention and he posted a 4-over-par 74 to drop into a share of fourth place alongside Padraig Harrington.

Sean O’Hair finished third on 5-under-par after a 1-under-par 69 while Steve Stricker finished sixth with Jim Furyk and Steve Marino sharing seventh place.

LEADERBOARD 1 2 3 T4 T4

USA USA USA IRL USA

Phil Mickelson Tiger Woods Sean O’Hair Padraig Harrington Kenny Perry

-9 -6 -5 -4 -4

73 67 66 67 72

67 68 70 69 66

66 69 70 71 64

65 70 69 69 74

271 274 275 276 276

WINNER: PHIL MICKELSON

265 273 273 274 276

Mr. Consistency aiming high Richard Bevan talks to World No.11 Lee Westwood in an exclusive interview as the 36-year-old prepares for an assault on Europe’s top prize and reveals his continuing Major ambitions.

O

UR front cover features England’s Lee Westwood in full Reservoir Dogs get-up and Worksop’s finest has produced some sensational sharp-shooting displays this season to leave him in prime position to pounce for the inaugural Dubai World Championship title as we approach the business end of the season.

Dubai is one of the few places on the planet that Westwood has yet to win but, currently lying in fourth place in the Race to Dubai behind the injured Martin Kaymer and Paul Casey and ISM stablemate Rory McIlroy, the Dubai World Championship would be a good place to put that right and bag himself the second Harry Vardon Trophy of his career in the process.

“I believe I’ve played well this year,” says Westwood, who but for a couple of stray shots and the odd unlucky bounce here and there could be talking to Worldwide Golf as a double Major winner. “The consistency has certainly been there. I’ve played better in the big events. I’m pleased with the way I’ve played in the Majors and the World Golf Championships. The only thing that’s been missing is a win – but all you can do is keep putting yourself in position and then if you have a bit of luck at the right time you win one.

“I’ve come close in Dubai a few times 14

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and I finished second at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship last year. I’ve always done pretty well in the Middle East so the Dubai World Championship is an event I’m really looking forward to.

“You play the first part of the season with an eye on the Majors, trying to do well. Then when you’ve come out of them you see how you’re doing on the Race to Dubai (Order of Merit). If you’ve played well in the Majors and the big events then the chances are you’re going to be in a good position to win the Order of Merit, which I am – so I’m focussing on topping that table right now.”

Westwood might not be tearing up trees in the same manner he did in his younger days when he won a hatful of titles, including five events in 2000 to end Colin Montgomerie’s seven-year stranglehold on the Order of Merit. But at 36 he’s added a calm maturity, consistency and much-improved fitness to his game. He hasn’t added to his 28 European Tour wins since the 2007 British Masters but he was just one-shot off joining eventual winner Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate in an 18-hole play-off at the U.S. Open last year. In July he missed out by the same margin from joining Stuart Cink and Tom Watson in a play-off for The Open Championship before another sterling performance at the US PGA Championship saw him once again finish in third place.

Westwood reported feeling blighted by nerves

LEE WESTWOOD

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15

with every shot he took down the back nine at Augusta in 1999 when he blew his chance of victory with a late collapse, but he now feels perfectly at ease with himself in that sort of situation. Like Padraig Harrington a couple of years ago, Westwood is entering the phase in his career when he’s ready to capitalise on the experience he’s built up in previous Majors.

“I do feel like I’m ready to start winning Majors,” he says. “I came close to winning the U.S. Open last year and then close to winning two Majors this year so, hopefully, I’ll be close to winning three next year and maybe knock one or two of them off – or maybe even all three if the right things happen at the right time and I do the right things.”

A crystal ball would have come in handy at Turnberry when Westwood missed his shot at becoming the first English Major winner since Nick Faldo’s Masters triumph in 1996. Playing in the penultimate group Westwood heard the crowd roaring on the age-defying tournament leader Watson’s tee shot on the 18th. and the Englishman thought that he needed to sink his lengthy putt in one to stand any chance of making a play-off. But he gave it too much gas and then took two coming back before watching in horror as Watson also made a mess of the final green.

That meant that a relatively straight forward two-putt would have been enough to make the four-hole shoot-out. But it’s a mark of the unflappable nature of the 2009 version of Westwood that he sucked up the obvious disappointment and took himself off to America where he produced another dazzling performance to finish ninth at the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club before again putting his name up in lights at Hazeltine where a final round 2-under 70 matched the best score of the day. He was duly named European Tour Golfer of the Month for August.

“Hindsight would have been useful at The 16

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“I’m my own psychologist – I don’t need someone to hold a mirror up to me, you let the victories and good performances put you on a high but you don’t let the poor performances drag you down.”

- Lee Westwood Open,” laughs Westwood. “You’re disappointed at the time, there’s no doubt about it, because it means such a lot to win a Major championship – it wouldn’t be difficult to win one if it didn’t mean a lot. But third place is nothing to be sniffed at – a lot of people don’t even achieve that in their careers. So you have to turn results like that into a positive experience and carry it forward and learn from it.

“When you’re playing well you have to use something like The Open Championship as a positive platform. You can’t let not winning the tournament affect all that good play that you’ve got going and derail you from tournaments you’ve got coming up. There’s no point in getting third place in a Major championship and turning it into a negative just because you didn’t win.”

Is this an example of the brain-training of one of the new breed of mind coaches favoured by many of today’s top players I asked? Not likely.

“I’m my own psychologist – I don’t need someone to hold a mirror up to me,” says Westwood. “You let the victories and good performances put you on a high but you don’t let the poor performances drag you down. You have to be analytical with the bad performances.”

Such pragmatic thinking is typical from a man who has always kept his feet firmly on the ground and who, bar the odd ill-considered purple suit probably inspired by his good friend Darren Clarke, has seemed to largely shun the razzamatazz celebrity lifestyle courted by some of his colleagues.

Above left: Lee Westwood with wife Laurae and good friend Darren Clarke on a day out at Royal Ascot last year.

Above right: Lee Westwood wins the 2000 World Match Play Championship at Wentworth – one of seven titles he won worldwide that year as he claimed the Harry Vardon Trophy.

Opposite page.

Top: Lee Westwood plays his approach shot on the 18th at Abu Dhabi Golf Club during the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Bottom left: Lee Westwood is in a prime position at the business end of the inaugural Race to Dubai.

Bottom right: Lee Westwood has formed formidable partnerships in the Ryder Cup over the years including one with Spaniard Sergio Garcia.

A big family man, he still lives close to his parents, Trish and John, in his native Worksop with wife Laurae and young children Sam and Poppy, enjoying the relative anonymity that familiarity grants him.

“I don’t think you will ever see Lee living anywhere else,” says Westwood’s manager Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler. “He loves Worksop. All his family and friends are there.

“He’s got the best house of any golfer I know.

It’s got everything – woodland, Shetland ponies and a gym. Lee loves being just one of the lads.

LEE WESTWOOD

When he goes to a football match he goes in jeans and a hoody and, if no one notices him, he’s happy.”

Westwood, who also came within a whisker of winning this year’s Alstom French Open but was edged out by Martin Kaymer in a play-off, cuts a more svelte figure on the golf course these days than in the dark period of the early 2000s when he slid down the World Rankings to No. 246 and almost disappeared off the radar all together. The new improved Westwood is built to last, it would seem.

“The work I do in the gym plays a very big part in what I do on the golf course these days,” he says. “I work with Stephen McGregor, who is the fitness coach for Birmingham City Football Club and used to be with Aston Villa and Leeds United before that.

“We focus on all areas of fitness and Steve changes the programme around quite regularly.

We go through a strengthening phase, then a power phase and I do a bit of weight loss every

now and again. But that speeds up when I can actually be bothered to look after my diet!

“The work I’ve been doing with Steve has had a massive impact on my performances. It’s made me longer, stronger and more consistent.

When I’ve wanted to change things in my swing it’s made my muscles more receptive to change. When I want to alter certain elements I do work in the gym to speed the process along.”

With Race to Dubai leader Martin Kaymer and second-placed Paul Casey out of action Westwood, who is only marginally behind McIlroy in fourth place has a marvellous chance of propelling himself back to the top of European golf. But with events like the Dunhill Links Championship, the Volvo World Match Play, the WGC-HSBC Champions and the Dubai World Championship still to play for he’s only focussing on his own performances.

“It doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing,” he says, referring to the leading pair’s injury woes. “If I don’t put in good performances it’s

“The work I’ve been doing with Steve has had a massive impact on my performances. It’s made me longer, stronger and more consistent.”

- Lee Westwood

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17

LEE WESTWOOD irrelevant so all I’m concentrating on is how I’m playing – not whether or not they’re playing. I’m aiming to keep my good run going and finish the season strongly. Hopefully, it’ll be enough.”

The mega bucks Dubai World Championship and the Race to Dubai bonus pool may have had their purse strings trimmed by a combined US$5,000,000 as the effects of the global credit crunch continue to impact on the world of golf but Westwood believes today’s players still have much to be thankful for.

“It’s a global credit crunch and nobody is immune,” he says. “We’re lucky to be playing for the amounts of money that we are. Everybody is taking a hit and golf is no different. Although the total prize money for Dubai has been reduced we’re still playing for US$15 million – which is still serious money in anyone’s books.

“I think we all have to work that little bit harder like people in every walk of life. Players have to understand what the sponsors are going through. They have to put themselves in the shoes of the sponsors and try and imagine what they require from the players. Whether it’s doing hospitality visits or things like that – right now we have to help sell our product more than ever.

“There’s a lot more to the professional game than just what happens on the golf course. The only reason we play for such vast amounts of money is because the sponsors like to use golf as a vehicle for promoting their business and the players need to appreciate that.”

Westwood has been hugely impressed by how far the game has progressed in the Middle East since first coming here to play the 1994 Desert Classic and he feels that the new Race to Dubai era promises an even rosier future.

“I think events like the Dubai World Championship can only be good for the development of the game in the Middle East.

There are a lot of good people involved in the golf federations out there who are pushing it along so I think it will continue to grow.”

Some good performances in the remaining events of this season will not only help Westwood’s assault on the Race to Dubai title they will also put him in a strong position to make Colin Montgomerie’s Ryder Cup team with the qualification window now open.

Westwood has built a legacy as one Europe’s finest Ryder Cup players over the past decade, playing in every tournament since 1997, forming formidable partnerships with Nick Faldo, Darren Clarke and Sergio Garcia and racking up a personal tally of 16.5 points. During Europe’s inglorious defeat to the USA at Valhalla last year he broke Arnold Palmer’s long standing unbeaten record of 11 matches before finally tasting defeat for the first time since 2002 in the Saturday afternoon foursomes.

With Montgomerie again missing in a playing capacity Westwood will be among the ‘elder statesmen’ of the team and he’s keen to fill the role the Scotsman used to provide as ‘on-course’ leader and talisman.

“I take responsibility quite easily and players could feel free to talk to me if they can’t find Colin Montgomerie,” he says. “Monty wasn’t there at Valhalla so I suppose I had a taste of it last year.”

But in typical Westwood style, next year’s tournament at Celtic Manor Resort in Wales hasn’t even appeared on his radar yet and he won’t be losing any sleep about his possible inclusion in Team Europe. “If I win then the rest will take care of itself,” he says. “There’s no point in

“The only reason we play for such vast amounts of money is because the sponsors like to use golf as a vehicle for promoting their business and the players need to appreciate that.” - Lee Westwood

18

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Above: Lee Westwood was tied for the lead at the 10th hole during the final round of the 1999 Masters but an attack of nerves ultimately halted his challenge. worrying about something that is a consequence of something else – in other words, playing well.

“I am not thinking about the Ryder Cup at all.

It only comes into my mind when you lot (the media) mention it!”

There’s little doubt that in the highly unlikely event that he doesn’t qualify for The Ryder Cup on points Westwood will make the team as a Captain’s pick, just as he did in 2006 when he rewarded Ian Woosnam’s faith by returning a joint top score of 4 points from a possible 5.

He’s been there, seen it all and done it all before.

He’s been to the top, fallen down, and clawed his way back, maintaining the same calm and straightforward no-nonsense approach all the way.

Mr Blonde, he ain’t, but something tells me that Lee Westwood will be around a sight longer than that particular hot-headed Tarantino creation. ■

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Q&A

Capturing the mystery of the links Worldwide Golf talks to KYLE PHILLIPS on how he went about transforming the ‘captivating’ site of Yas Links into an “authentic links style course – and the first true links course in the UAE. It was clearly one of those sites that required turning up the volume and creating bold links-like landforms.”

Q. THE setting for the course is spectacular.

What were your thoughts when you first visited the site?

A. As you can imagine, I look at a lot of sites, but there was something about this site that captivated me, particularly the prospect of transforming the site into an authentic links style course and the first true links course in the UAE. At that time the site was a 3,200 metre long strip of flat, sandy, undefined shoreline along the southwestern edge of Yas Island. It was clearly one of those sites that required turning up the volume and creating bold links-like landforms.

KYLE PHILLIPS

Yas Links Golf Course designer: “It is always easier and takes less creativity to work with natural God-given ground.”

20

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Q. Was the transformation of the site similar to the transformation of the famous links courses you designed at Kingsbarns or Dundonald in Scotland?

A. In many ways Yas Links was similar and certainly I drew from my years of experience of making artificial landforms appear virtually undetectable. To achieve the look and feel that I had envisaged during my first visit, it required both artistic and technical ability, as well as an understanding and commitment to the principles of links golf.

I really enjoy working with the land both at a macro and micro level. The first step is to create the larger overall site landforms, which are constructed by the general contractor.

From there I spend a considerable amount of time working out the details at a micro level with our shapers on site. However, it is always easier and takes less creativity to work with natural Godgiven ground and to be able to simply uncover holes that have already been formed within the natural landscape.

Q. How much sand did you have to shift to create this links course?

A. Not as much as one might imagine. As the site was already low to the sea, we could not cut down to generate fill for the landforms. In order to create the landforms for the course over 1,400,000 m3 of sand had to be cut and dredged onto the 93 ha site.

An additional 300,000m3 of sand was brought on to the site to provide the upper growing medium for the turfgrass areas, native rough grass and shrubs. In the process, the shoreline edge was defined and expanded to more than 3,700 metres in length.

Q. How did you solve the issue of irrigation water in such a dry desert climate?

A. The UAE uses water very efficiently and as well as any place in the world in which I have worked. We were able to preserve the fresh water and use reclaimed water from the island for the irrigation of the golf course.

Q. What grass have you used on the greens, fairways and rough and why?

A. We used a salt tolerant Paspalum hybrid species called Platinum TE. Platinum TE is a modern day salt tolerant grass which maintains its colour and quality all year round, thus ensuring consistent performance and playability. In the rough areas we planted a variety of native grasses and shrubs.

Q. Was it a difficult task to incorporate five teeing areas per hole?

A. It was not long ago that it was novel to have three sets of tees, but now with the ever

Aldar Yas Links

“LINKS COURSES ARE KNOWN FOR HAVING FIRM FAST PLAYING SURFACES AND IRREGULAR CONTOURS WHICH ADDS AN EXCITING DIMENSION TO GOLF THAT IS SELDOM FOUND ON MODERN AMERICAN STYLE COURSES. ” – KYLE PHILLIPS

KINGSBARNS GOLF COURSE on Scotland’s East

coast close to the Home of Golf, St Andrews. “In many ways Yas Links was similar to Kingsbarns and I certainly drew from my years of experience of making artificial landforms appear virtually undetectable,” says Kyle Phillips.

increasing disparity between beginners and professionals, it is common to set up the course with five sets of tees. However, as an architect, it’s not my job to make the Rules of Golf, but within the rules it is my job to create a playing ground worthy of champions, that everyone can play.

Q. Was the course designed with a Tour event in mind? What factors in the design are created to challenge professionals? Would these prove too challenging for the amateurs?

A. Many of our courses, including Yas Links, are designed to host professional championships. Whilst our courses have successfully held some of the top tournaments in the world, the other 50 weeks of the year they must have the flexibility to be set up for the 15-25 handicappers.

Besides simply varying the length of the holes, I like to provide players of all abilities options – or alternative lines of play. Links courses are known for having firm fast playing surfaces and irregular contours which adds an exciting dimension to golf that is seldom found on modern American style courses.

Strategic design principles using landforms are more forgiving for high handicap players.

Links courses often contain diagonal contours as hazards. Fairways can be 50 yards wide and be friendly for the bogey player, but the

par player quickly learns that it is really a 20 yard wide area that provides the best angle of approach into the green. I think that philosophy of design is both fun and fair, allowing players of all abilities to swing freely off the tee, but still retain a real premium on accuracy and shotmaking, rather than purely on length.

The first time one plays Yas Links, the general requirements of the hole will be visible from the tee. But as in any great links course, there are more subtle features within the course that will be learned over time. These are the mysteries of the links that captivate players of all abilities to the point of travelling to the far corners of the globe to seek out a game on “the links.”

Q. How did you determine the route of the course? What were some of the factors you considered?

A. As you might imagine there are a variety of items to be considered. I wanted players to feel the presence of the sea, but not have it come into play on the opening holes.

From an operational perspective, it was desirable to have the ninth green return to the clubhouse and the practice range near the first tee. I also oriented the clubhouse to capture the long views of the golf course and the water as well as magnificent sunsets from the terrace.

I wanted the holes to change direction both in terms of how the winds affect them, but also www.wwgolf.biz

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Aldar Yas Links

Kyle Phillips pictured on the Dundonald Links course he designed on Scotland’s West coast.

Yas Links is an ALDAR Properties development.

For more information e-mail: info@yaslinks.com

“I BELIEVE THAT COURSES SHOULD ALWAYS BE DESIGNED FIRST AND FOREMOST FOR THE PLEASURE OF THE PLAYERS. THIS MEANS THAT THE COMMENTS OF THE PLAYERS WHO KNOW GOLF AT ITS HIGHEST LEVEL ARE WHERE THE FINAL EVALUATION OF SUCCESS LIES. ” – KYLE PHILLIPS how the holes would change orientation to the shoreline. The course has eight holes that play along the coastline, with four holes having water on the right and 14 greens within 60 yards of the shoreline. What also excites me is that you can be at the most inland part of the site, but are still visually connected to the sea.

As like any great concert, there needed to be a crescendo at the end of the piece, where competitions could be won or lost. Five of the last six holes, including the last three holes, play along the shoreline and provide a series of finishing holes that can stand comparison with golf’s best.

Q. How does Yas Links rate with all the other golf courses you’ve produced?

A. My goal is to design new courses with the functionality for the modern game, but at the same time providing the synergy of the classic courses. Simply, I am trying to design new courses that feel old. I find that there is a symbiotic relationship of design elements that exists in the great old and traditional links

courses of Europe that have been lost in the flat fairways and perimeter weighted mounding of modern American style architecture.

Certainly Yas Links does that in a way that has not been done before in the UAE, and does it as well as any course I have designed. From a technical perspective it exceeds all the others.

However, I believe that courses should always be designed first and foremost for the pleasure of the players. This means that the comments of the players who know golf at its highest level are where the final evaluation of success lies.

Q. Is wind a factor when playing the course and which holes does it most affect?

A. Like any great links course, Yas Links has the excitement of the sea breezes. Whilst it is not considered a windy coast like you might find along the British Isles, the wind can shift 180 degrees from one day to the next.

This will change short holes into long holes on a day-by-day basis. Even though technology has encouraged golf today to be

played in the air more, links courses are still famous for providing the option to play shots along the ground, due their firm, fast fairways and open entry greens. It would naturally seem that the eight holes that play immediately adjacent to the coastline would be most influenced by the wind.

However, the holes that play between the dunes can actually be more deceiving, as the strength of the wind at ground level will often not represent the actual effect of the wind once the ball travels above the dunes.

Q. What ecological features have been preserved or used in the design of the course?

A. The site was flat, open desert sand and void of vegetation. The golf course provided the opportunity to create greater bio diversity through a variety of native grasses and shrubs that have been incorporated into the parameter areas of the golf course.

Also, a large area of mangroves that naturally emerge from a tidal island just south and west of the golf course were preserved, providing a focal point from the clubhouse and golf course.

Q. Does the par-3 course follow the same style as the championship course?

A. This lighted course is for beginners or players who wish to hone their short iron skills.

The landforms and aesthetics of the course are similar to the championship course, but the greens are smaller and gently contoured. The sand bunkers are also much smaller and far less difficult. ■ www.wwgolf.biz

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DRIVING

WWGWHEELS

EXTREME TRUTH PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS

Styling and Technology >>

RIDE COMFORT PERFORMANCE SPACE BRAKING

The new 911 GT3 RS is ready at the starting line DELIVERING even more engine power, offering lower weight, and featuring shorter transmission ratios, as well as body and suspension elements upgraded to an even higher standard, the new 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the racing version of the 911 GT3 and therefore offers everything it takes for ongoing success on the race track, continuing the series of absolutely uncompromising, sporting 911s homologated for the road.

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DRIVING THE NEW PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS

Special Exhibition at the Porsche Museum to celebrate Ferry Porsche’s 100th Birthday

Engine: Six-cylinder, 3.8-litre Top speed: 310km/h Acceleration: 0- 100km/h, 4.0secs Performance: 450hp at 7,900 rpm

SEPTEMBER 19, 2009 would have been Anton Ernst ‘Ferry’ Porsche’s 100th Birthday and to celebrate The Museum of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, Germany, is honouring the event with a Special Exhibition from September 19 to October 31.

The Museum is proudly presenting seven of Ferry Porsche’s personal cars, among them three ‘Birthday Cars’ he received from his employees.

A further highlight being shown for the first time is a Porsche 356/2 Keibl Cabriolet with which Ferry Porsche started series production of his sports cars in 1948.

Photos never before published as well as personal documents and belongings from the Corporate Archive also offer the visitor a new insight into the far-reaching activities of Ferry Porsche both as a businessman and a private individual.

Porsche’s success story as a manufacturer of sports cars would be inconceivable without the lifetime achievement of Ferry Porsche. It was under his guidance that the Construction Office run by his father Ferdinand became an independent car maker presenting the Type 356 in 1948 as the first sports car to bear the name Porsche.

As the Managing Director and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Ferry Porsche guided the Company for no less than five decades in becoming one of the world’s most significant manufacturers of sporting premium cars.

The Porsche Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. For further information please see www.porsche.com/museum.

Max Power: 450hp. at 7,900 rpm Max Torque: 317 lb-ft. at 6,700 rpm

WWGWHEELS

Extreme Truth Powerful new engine The heart of the new 911 GT3 RS, the power unit, is based on the engine already featured in the 911 GT3 but the RS power unit now displaces 3.8 instead of 3.6 litres, delivering even more power and revving up even faster and more dynamically.

The engine featured in the new 911 GT3 RS delivers 15 bhp more than its counterpart – the 911 GT3, that is maximum output of 450 horsepower from the fast-revving naturally-aspirated power unit. This means specific output of more than 118 bhp per litre from the six-cylinder, an extremely high figure for natural-aspiration technology even in the strictest worldwide comparison. And unlike many other highperformance engines, the power unit in the new 911 GT3 RS remains fully suitable for everyday use.

Manual Gearbox The new 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a sixspeed manual gearbox optimised for short gearshift travel, low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speed, the gears come with a shorter transmission ratio than on the 911 GT3, deliberately making concessions for an even higher top speed.

Suspension To further improve its sporting behaviour, the new 911 GT3 RS comes for the first time with a purposebuilt and specially set up PASM suspension, with wider track not only at the rear, but also on the front

axle. Accordingly, the body of the new 911 GT3 RS is wider not only at the rear, but also at the front through the use of additional wheel arch covers.

The front axle comes with nine-inch-wide wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tyres, the rear axle features twelve-inch-wide wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tyres.

The dynamic engine mounts featured as standard also serve to improve the car’s driving dynamics to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect, improving the connection between the engine and the body when driving under differing conditions.

Styling The car’s aerodynamics develops even more downforce than on the GT3, again benefitting the qualities of the car on the racetrack. Racing qualities are also why Porsche is introducing another new option in 2010, a lithium-ion battery delivered with the car and, replacing the conventional lead battery, reducing weight by more than 10 kg or 22 lb.

The new 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motorsport through the dynamic looks of the car, borne out in particular by its low ride height; the new, extra-large carbon-fibre rear wing with its specifically designed wing supports made of aluminium; the characteristic dual tailpipes on the extra-light titanium sports exhaust; as well as special front and rear parts exclusive to this model.

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WWGCOLUMNIST

Captain’s picks always bring speculation

N

OW that the teams have been finalised I can’t wait for the action to start in The Presidents Cup at Harding Park, San Francisco, on October 8-10. There’s always a great deal of commentary that surrounds Captains’ picks whether it’s The Presidents Cup or The Ryder Cup or any team event but I’m pleased with my two choices in Ryo Ishikawa and Adam Scott.

Everyone has their own opinion on who they would select but I looked at it not only from an individual player point of view but from the standpoint of what was best overall.

There’s more than one thing you look at in selecting a player, and obviously a lot of it has got to do with past experiences. A year ago, Adam was the No.3 player in the world. We all go through a slump at some point in our careers – and for different reasons.

Usually it has nothing to do with the mechanics of your swing; it’s usually a combination of factors that make you a little out of sync in your life. I’ve been there and I’m sure Freddie has been there as well.

In my conversations with Adam and in consultation with Frank Nobilo, we saw a huge uplift in confidence from Adam. It’s not an easy task, but at the end of the day, he’s got all the playing skills. As Adam said, it’s also the team camaraderie, what he can bring to the locker room, the support he gives to the other players, the connection and the experience that he’s had playing on The Presidents Cup team. For me he was a logical choice.

It’s no slight on any of the other players. It’s a tough decision and one that I will bear the consequences, but I’m confident Adam has rededicated himself, he’s going to be ready for the event.

I’m equally excited with picking 17year-old Ryo Ishikawa. He’s a kid who’s had an extraordinary ascent to the top echelons of the game. He proved his place last month by winning the Fuji Sankei Classic in Japan by five shots.

Ryo’s enthusiasm is both infectious and impressive. At the International Team meeting at The 28

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Open Championship in July he was phenomenal. He was a truly engaging personality. He walked around the entire room, introduced himself to everybody and made sure they all understood just how much he wanted to be on the team.

He played well that week. He played head-to-head with Tiger, which tells me that he can deal with a pressure situation. It’s not like you’re playing 73 straight holes, you’re playing 18 holes with great energy, 14 or 15 or 13, depending on how the play goes that day. So he is not afraid of the big moment.

The other thing which came into my mind is that he travels with an entourage of about 50 media people, so he’s used to that type of atmosphere, that buzz going on all the time, and it doesn’t bother him. I think that is a true reflection of his focus and inner personality.

It was a no-brainer for me. I like to give young people their opportunity.

He’s fearless. As a Captain you’ve got to have faith in that ability, and I have a lot of faith in Ryo. Part of being Captain is to make sure that the players have got a clear mind going into the event. There are also the pairing issues and I’m going to be studying the golf ball issue – which player plays with what golf ball and how they feel about a certain ball.

Frank Nobilo and I have put in a lot of work and done some past background and performance checking, trying to marry the guys up the best that we can. It’s a question of getting the balance right.

The most important thing for me is to keep the players away from all the outside issues. Let the boys just go play golf that week.

It’s unfortunate that some great players can’t be part of the team, but the same has been the case for Freddie who went for Lucas Glover and Hunter Mahan as his two Captain’s picks.

These are two fabulous teams and it’s going to be a great week of golf played in the true spirit of the game. ● I’m off to China tomorrow where

we’re opening an office. It’s an exciting time for our company at the moment with our involvement in so many diverse operations around the world.

China is still an emerging golf market and it’s staggering to think that there are more than 175 cities in the country, with a population of more than a million. The significant aspect is that it’s the Chinese nationals who are taking up golf in increasing numbers and not ex-pats. If golf gets the expected go-ahead as an Olympic sport at the forthcoming announcement by the IOC, then we can expect the interest in golf in China and throughout Asia to really take off. ● It was a totally understandable and reasonable decision by The European Tour and Nakheel to reduce by $5 million the total prize fund of The Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship, played next month.

With $7.5 million at stake for the Dubai World Championship and $7.5 million for the bonus pool of The Race to Dubai, it’s still the biggest prize in golf decided at one tournament.

The Tours, and tournament sponsors, are being hit hard by the global recession and it’s unreasonable for players to expect prize money to be exempt from the problem. I’m certain that the Dubai World Championship will be a success and I’m equally sure that under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, Dubai will come through the financial crisis with renewed strength and confidence.

CHINA SET FOR OLYMPIC GOLF BOOST

China is still an emerging golf market and it’s staggering to think that there are more than 175 cities in the country, each with a population of more than a million.

“I SAW A HUGE UPLIFT IN CONFIDENCE FROM ADAM HIMSELF. IT’S NOT AN EASY TASK, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, HE’S GOT ALL THE PLAYING SKILLS.” – GREG NORMAN

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Finca Cortesin

The perfect Match made in Paradise

T

HIS month sees the welcome return to The European Tour of the World Match Play Championship after the famous event was missing from the 2008 schedule.

Back, under the sponsorship of Volvo, the tournament has moved from its traditional Wentworth home to the spectacular Finca Cortesin course in Casares on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Designed by former Robert Trent Jones protégé Cabell Robinson, the 7,437 yards par-72 layout is built on an eco-friendly site, which has been carefully planned to take advantage of the lush green environment that surrounds it, while more than 20 different kinds of flora have been imported from all around the world creating a perfect blend with the natural vegetation.

From the moment you drive through the grand archway into the Hacienda style courtyard you become drenched in the elegant opulence of Finca Cortesin. The clubhouse is a sight to behold, featuring

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31

high ceilings with traditional exposed wooden beams and travertine marble floors. An inviting fireplace for the winter months and refined dĂŠcor throughout, create a real feeling of sanctuary as you sip a cocktail or enjoy some world-class cuisine while taking in the majestic views of the Mediterranean and the golf course.

After a quick warm up on the conveniently located driving range or a tune up at the Jack Nicklaus Academy, with its state of the art coaching studio, the championship course awaits to put even the most experienced golfers through their paces.

One of the finest and most beautiful courses in Spain, players at Finca Cortesin are treated to magnificent views of both the mountains and the sea while the variety of five different tee boxes ensures an enjoyable yet stern challenge for beginners and seasoned pros alike.

Landscaped by Herald Huggan the fairways are carved from the most beautifully manicured turf, while the quick, undulating Bermuda grass greens are a joy to play. One of the longest courses in Europe when played off the back tees, this is a track that suits big hitters. It features more than 100 bunkers and an abundance of 32

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A lucky few will soon be able to purchase their own piece of paradise as a 32,000 square metre ocean front plot has been reserved for the building of 16 bespoke villas, while a luxurious collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments are also available.

Finca Cortesin

indigenous olive and cork trees, while water also comes into play on several holes, adding an extra challenge. The signature par-4 13th, which is split by a meandering river, is one of the most beautiful holes you’ll find anywhere in the world and embodies everything that this great course is about – stunning views, immaculate design and a true test of golf.

Set in 2,147,600 square metres, the Finca Cortesin resort also features a deluxe 5-star hotel housing just 67 suites, ensuring all guests receive the personal touch. There are two Olympic sized swimming pools, a tranquil spa and state-of-the-art gym as well as a galleria featuring a range of restaurants, boutique style shops and grocery stores.

A lucky few will soon be able to purchase their own piece of paradise as a 32,000 square metre ocean front plot has been reserved for the building of 16 bespoke villas, while a luxurious collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments are also available.

Finca Cortesin is a Mediterranean golfer’s paradise oozing Andalucian charm. It’s aspecial place, well worth a visit but be careful, once there, you might never want to leave. ■ www.wwgolf.biz

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WWGCOLUMNIST

Gaining Vital Team Experience

I

T’S great to back playing again after a lovely break with Jo and our beautiful new recruit Eve Rose.

I’m still loving fatherhood and I can’t believe how much Eve is changing almost on a daily basis, so I can’t wait to get back home and see them both after being away in France for Seve’s tournament, The Vivendi Trophy.

I’m glad to say that my game hasn’t suffered from the time I had off – in fact I feel really refreshed and ready to have a good go during the business end of the season. My first tournament back was the Mercedes Benz Championship in Germany and I was really happy with the way I played except for my third round, where had a 78 after a few horrible holes.

Each of my other three rounds were in the 60s and if I’d shot 69 on Saturday I would have won but it was another example of how this game can bite you just when things are going well.

Vital Experience I had a great time at Saint-Nom-laBretèche playing in The Vivendi Trophy. I love match play and after my fourth place finish at the World Golf ChampionshipsAccenture Match Play Championship earlier this year I was looking forward to joining the other British lads in Paris.

Other than my World Cup debut with Poults (Ian Poulter) last year I haven’t played much team golf and I didn’t play in the Walker Cup as an amateur so I knew that The Vivendi Trophy would give me some vital experience with next year’s Ryder Cup very much part of my aims for next season.

It was great to be on the winning team with GB&I retaining the trophy for the fifth season in a row and I was pretty pleased with my own performances – I won three of my five matches, which can’t be too bad, can it?

I got a big slice of fortune in the first of two winning matches I played with Woody (Chris Wood) against what was probably the European pairing of the week in Anders Hansen and Francesco Molinari, on the Saturday. We were playing Greensomes and were 1-up going to the last tee. Woody found the water with his tee shot, then my tee shot looked as if it was going Out of Bounds.

Anders and Francesco had both found the fairway so we were heading for a half from the match, but my ball had landed

next to a railing and we were given a free drop. Woody played a great chip shot and left me a nice putt and we ended up winning the match. We were chatting about it over lunch and Woody said, “Fish, I can’t believe we got a free drop there.”

But that’s golf. You use them to your advantage when you get them.

I was disappointed not to win my singles match against Miguel (Jimenez) after being 3-up on several occasions, but at least the overall result had already been decided in our favour by then.

Monty’s Ryder Cup I thought Paul (McGinley) made a wonderful captain. His team talks were great and he got a real enthusiastic, positive energy buzzing through our team room. The whole experience has made me even more determined to make sure I’m on Monty’s Ryder Cup team next year and I think the displays from both sides in The Vivendi Trophy showed that we have great strength in depth in Europe at the moment.

I’m looking forward to getting back to the usual business of The European Tour and the small matter of trying to win the first Race to Dubai. I’m currently in sixth place and with Martin Kaymer and Paul Casey, who are in first and second place, both injured, there is a

big opportunity for me to catch them.

I’m coming up to a run of events where I have some good memories. I came close to winning the Dunhill Links last year and in the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai I lost out in a play-off to Phil Mickelson in 2007. So I’m feeling very positive about my chances and if I can put in a strong performance in the Dubai World Championship, who knows?

I believe there has been some exciting news regarding my sponsor Abdullah Al Naboodah’s tournament, the Al Naboodah Pro-Am, and Worldwide Golf, which will be revealed in next month’s issue.

It’s a great event which attracts a really strong field. It seems to be going from strength to strength and I’m told that next year’s is going to be the biggest and best yet. It’s likely to take place in Dubai on the Monday after the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and there will be 25 teams competing.

I really enjoyed playing it last year and with Al Naboodah being one of my sponsors it would be extra special if I could win it for them. I’ve got some more team experience under my belt now and I’ll have even more after Poults and I return from the World Cup in November so I’ll be giving it my best shot.

IN THE KNOW WITH ROSS FISHER

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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Join us for the Canon Pro Golf Series 2009 Launched in the early 1990s, Pro Golf series is Canon unique event involving some of the world’s leading European Tour players. The programme runs across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The annual series spans 15 one-day events across 13 countries, including South Africa, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Germany, France, Netherlands, UK and this year, Dubai was selected to host its first Pro Golf Series event.

The day this year will play host to 3 European Tour Professionals that make up “Team Canon” and will involve the Pros playing an Exhibition Match as well as participating in the Canon PGS Pro-Am together with a Beginners clinics for with the host venue professionals and much more Date: Venue:

Monday 23rd November 2009 Arabian Ranches Club House

Canon Pro Golf Series programme Monday, 23rd November 09:00 – 10:00

Registration & Breakfast

10:00 – 10:15

Welcome and Introduction to Canon Pro Golf day

10:15 – 10:30

Team Photographs with European Tour professionals

10:30 – 11:15

Exhibition Match By professionals

11:15 – 12:00

Warm up with Golf professionals

12:00 – 17:30

Shotgun Start – 18 Hole Pro-Am

12:00 – 17:00

Beginners clinic with Arabian Ranches

17:00 – 18:00

Change and get ready for dinner

18:00 – 19:00

Pre-Dinner reception/Gathering

19:00 – 21:00

Dinner and prize giving ceremony

For details participating in this event, call Eliott Gray Senior operations manager at Arabian Ranches Golf club on +971 50 553 1988

We look forward to having you there!

Media Partner:

www.canon-me.com

OTWEAR APPAREL BALLS

PLAYER TECHNOLOGY HARDWEAR FO

Adams Golf Hybrids ADAMS Golf have released the latest addition to their successful Idea series with the new Idea Pro Black hybrid.

Expanding upon the Idea Pro Black line of muscle-back irons, these hybrids feature a premium non-glare black nickel-plated finish and sleek design that will appeal to skilled players.

Having already been put in play over 300 times this season on the PGA, Champions and Nationwide Tours, the Idea Pro Black hybrids are engineered with high performance features that maximise distance and workability.

The compact and workable clubhead features 25-grams of low and back weighting combined with a forward weight port that allows for exact swing weight and shaft adjustments. Built with an ultra-thin stainless steel crown and a Maraging steel face to deliver lower spin and a hotter ball flight, the slight offset also offers superior control for players wanting to work their ball flight. The high-performance iron-like shaping of the Idea Pro Black hybrids provide greater versatility off the tee for better playability and confidence.

www.adamsgolf.com

ECCO Player Linda Wessberg Wins UNIQA Ladies Golf Open COMPETING in ECCO’s Luxurious Classic Collection and displaying the brand’s logo on her shirt collar, Linda Wessberg fired a final-round 71 and then beat Laura Davies in a play-off to win her third Ladies European Tour title of the season at the UNIQA Ladies Golf Open.

“It’s a great feeling to win again, as I had been struggling with a shoulder injury,” said Wessberg.

Jesper Thuen, Sponsor and Event Manager at ECCO Golf said: “This was a tremendous beginning to the next phase of Linda’s career. She’s feeling healthy, striking the ball well and really seemed to find her comfort zone.”

www.ecco.com/golf

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PING Lil Wack-E iN Putter NOW in their 50th year, Ping know a thing or two about how to make putters and the new iN Series ticks all the boxes.

One of the key features of the iN Series is a new weighting system.

The putters all have centre body cut outs which allow the weight to be distributed to the perimeters of the clubhead thereby creating a higher Moment of Inertia, increasing stability and forgiveness on off centre putts. The iN Series also feature a new nano-nickel insert which increases feel at impact and also makes a great sound, giving you an audible guide for your putting stroke. The new range comes in familiar models like the Anser, Craz-e and B60.

We tried one of the new creations, the Lil Wack-E and it handled like a dream. It’s similar in shape the Anser but slightly lighter. The weighting and balance are lovely and the all round feel on the greens in superb. A definite thumbs up.

www.ping.com

Sonic Golf System-1 WE get countless training aids landing on the doorstep of WWG Towers and the thing we’ve come to realise over the years is the ones which are the simplest are usually the best. Those that succeed in taking the confusion out of the mechanics of the golf swing, allowing the user to concentrate on feel rather than over thinking.

Sonic Golf’s System-1 is an ingenious invention which does just that by turning the golf swing into an audible sound. It works with a microprocessor that fits into the grip of any club and communicates with a wireless unit which clips onto your pocket. The sound wave becomes lower or higher depending on how fast the club is moving. It works fantastically well for beginners in teaching correct rhythm and tempo while pros like Vijay Singh have also been getting great results from it by using it to nail down a consistent rhythm as well as practicing things like

draws and fades by listening for where the club speed is at its fastest and slowest point.

When the club isn’t moving you will hear no noise therefore System-1 is also great for practicing the correct transition between backswing and downswing – listen for the sound on the way up, then the pause, then the sound begins again on the way back down. Teach yourself the correct length of back swing; make sure the club is at its fastest on impact through the ball rather than in front of it or behind it; make sure you are transferring your weight properly through the swing listening for the tone on the way through.

Countless swing flaws can be ironed out with System-1 and the best thing about it is you never have to think too much about what you’re doing because it’s about following the sound.

Phresh Wear Inc.

www.sonicgolf.com

Upcoming launch of Spring ‘10 line CANADIAN company Phresh Wear have launched their Spring 2010 range which takes a fresh and stylish approach to classic styles. With an emphasis on style and performance the new Phresh range utilises strong colours and clean lines and the highest quality fabrics.

www.phreshwear.com

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39

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Official World Golf Ranking AS OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2009

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 Pts. Avg 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

Tiger Woods USA Steve Stricker USA Phil Mickelson USA Paul Casey Eng Henrik Stenson Swe Kenny Perry USA Sergio Garcia Esp Padraig Harrington Irl Jim Furyk USA Geoff Ogilvy Aus Lee Westwood Eng Stewart Cink USA Martin Kaymer Deu Vijay Singh Fji Sean O’Hair USA Camilo Villegas Col Lucas Glover USA Zach Johnson USA Retief Goosen Saf Ian Poulter Eng Anthony Kim USA Robert Karlsson Swe Ernie Els Saf Rory McIlroy Nir Ross Fisher Eng Hunter Mahan USA Angel Cabrera Arg Luke Donald Eng Robert Allenby Aus Mike Weir Can David Toms USA Søren Kjeldsen Dnk Yang Yong-Eun Kor Nick Watney USA Ben Curtis USA Tim Clark Saf Justin Leonard USA Miguel A Jimenez Esp Brian Gay USA Søren Hansen Dnk Dustin Johnson USA Rory Sabbatini Saf Alvaro Quiros Esp Gonzalo Fdez-Castano Esp Oliver Wilson Eng Graeme McDowell Nir Jeev Milkha Singh Ind Scott Verplank USA Anders Hansen Dnk Thongchai Jaidee Tha

15.87 7.87 7.39 6.38 5.95 5.81 5.73 5.63 5.56 5.43 5.21 5.04 4.98 4.51 4.44 4.34 4.32 4.25 4.14 4.11 4.03 3.98 3.93 3.83 3.72 3.71 3.53 3.52 3.21 3.19 3.18 3.14 3.04 3.01 2.94 2.88 2.83 2.79 2.74 2.65 2.64 2.52 2.51 2.50 2.44 2.41 2.39 2.38 2.35 2.30

Tot. Pts 634.81 338.32 325.27 287.09 291.63 290.66 286.74 287.05 261.32 249.75 260.66 236.88 253.75 216.69 226.29 212.83 229.03 208.12 235.70 205.51 197.47 159.31 212.20 214.60 189.66 189.08 187.32 144.21 186.07 162.90 139.84 169.32 182.68 162.45 129.20 164.29 149.76 153.39 170.06 142.85 142.61 133.57 135.31 132.60 124.35 129.97 160.16 118.77 115.38 131.17

Events

Pts. Gained

40 43 44 45 49 50 50 51 47 46 50 47 51 48 51 49 53 49 57 50 49 40 54 56 51 51 53 41 58 51 44 54 60 54 44 57 53 55 62 54 54 53 54 53 51 54 67 50 49 57

530.40 315.64 241.38 274.46 205.32 226.09 93.57 142.46 196.73 194.20 159.29 177.79 190.18 66.22 209.78 107.61 222.12 196.62 198.97 151.98 100.87 33.92 133.19 181.33 131.10 154.15 171.10 118.71 108.62 102.75 136.56 116.61 186.88 170.50 61.00 106.32 90.36 85.64 147.59 104.18 135.20 107.99 111.20 100.71 67.91 63.70 63.63 95.79 104.95 95.49

Pts. Avg 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

Ryo Ishikawa Davis Love-III Shingo Katayama Chad Campbell Stephen Ames Mathew Goggin Adam Scott Kevin Na Kevin Sutherland Justin Rose Chris Wood Peter Hanson Heath Slocum Michael Sim Francesco Molinari John Rollins Hiroyuki Fujita Paul Goydos K.J. Choi Jerry Kelly Stephen Marino James Kingston Alexander Noren Brendan Jones Jason Dufner Ryan Moore Trevor Immelman Charl Schwartzel Mark Wilson Brandt Snedeker Fred Couples Boo Weekley Pat Perez Bubba Watson Prayad Marksaeng Louis Oosthuizen J.B. Holmes Nick Dougherty Ben Crane Simon Dyson John Senden Anthony Wall Rod Pampling Woody Austin Richard Sterne Andres Romero Thomas Levet John Mallinger Matt Kuchar Aaron Baddeley

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

2.30 2.25 2.24 2.20 2.19 2.18 2.17 2.15 2.14 2.14 2.12 2.07 2.07 2.06 2.03 2.02 2.02 1.97 1.97 1.95 1.93 1.92 1.90 1.89 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.84 1.83 1.83 1.82 1.81 1.81 1.80 1.79 1.78 1.77 1.76 1.74 1.74 1.74 1.69 1.69 1.68 1.67 1.67 1.66 1.66 1.63 1.60

Tot. Pts 114.99 105.85 118.84 120.95 103.09 124.16 97.63 129.29 113.63 109.08 84.77 109.79 122.04 82.35 111.60 107.05 92.71 96.54 96.35 114.76 123.38 99.85 93.30 82.97 95.54 98.92 87.72 103.14 102.71 100.84 72.96 90.32 90.27 98.84 113.00 90.81 93.69 91.74 88.98 100.86 109.41 96.21 101.21 90.65 81.94 86.74 81.21 94.38 86.38 75.21

Events Pts. Gained 50 47 53 55 47 57 45 60 53 51 40 53 59 40 55 53 46 49 49 59 64 52 49 44 51 53 47 56 56 55 40 50 50 55 63 51 53 52 51 58 63 57 60 54 49 52 49 57 53 47

65.75 77.71 54.39 84.55 60.73 65.00 51.58 128.86 65.07 78.59 64.25 60.53 95.88 79.96 72.48 99.18 63.21 67.39 48.84 94.76 92.83 58.95 61.65 42.28 96.52 85.91 18.31 60.49 81.67 64.56 62.58 52.95 70.65 79.25 51.75 86.73 67.88 70.54 71.40 79.33 87.94 65.69 50.43 58.54 22.70 39.82 66.04 78.81 64.41 44.02

Over 100 destinations worldwide

WWGCOLUMNIST

GARY PLAYER IS A TRUE LEGEND OF THE GAME. THE SOUTH AFRICAN IS ONE OF ONLY FIVE PLAYERS TO HAVE WON A CAREER GRAND SLAM OF ALL FOUR MAJORS. HE HAS WON A TOTAL OF NINE MAJORS AND NINE SENIOR MAJORS, AMONG 167 TOUR EVENTS WORLDWIDE. HERE HE TALKS ABOUT THE NECESSITY TO CUT PRIZE MONEY DUE TO THIS GLOBAL RECESSION.

Wise decision to cut prize money for Dubai

I

CAN wholeheartedly support the decision of The European Tour and hosts and sponsors Nakheel, in cutting the prize money for The Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship by 25 per cent. It was a very wise decision.

The Race to Dubai, which replaced the Order of Merit on The European Tour for this season was worth a total of $10 million and the inaugural Dubai World Championship had $10 million in prize money, shared by the top 60 players who qualified for the Championship.

To reduce $20 million to $15 million – $7.5 million for each – is more than reasonable in today’s financial climate and the players are still very fortunate to be playing for that kind of money.

To receive $1.5 million for topping The Race to Dubai and $1.25 million for winning the Dubai World Championship is not exactly peanuts.

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, commented that, “we have offered to reduce the prize money to reflect the current worldwide economic position and we will jointly examine prize money levels in future years in the light of this developing global situation.”

That’s a perfectly reasonable stance to take. Players have got to accept that prize money will reduce considerably over the coming seasons and that it is unlikely to ever return to pre-recession amounts any time soon.

The global recession has hit everybody and sport and golf are no exception.

I believe you should play for the glory of winning and the prize money is secondary but I don’t begrudge the money today’s players compete for.

That’s progress.

But I have always argued the case for the sponsors and the Tours.

Without sponsors the professional golf tours would not exist. They put 42

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up the money that enables the Tours and the promoters to produce million dollar purses.

When you consider the number of financial service companies and automobile manufactures who are major sponsors on the various golf Tours it’s not surprising that they are finding it hard to justify spending millions of dollars on sponsoring golf tournaments, particularly when many of those companies are having to make so many of their employees redundant.

It’s a situation that will get worse and whether we ever get back to the same levels after the recession is doubtful.

I’ve been making the case for the sponsors throughout my playing career – we have to look after the them. Players have a duty to do everything they can to help and support the sponsors.

They have to make themselves available to play in the sponsors’ pro-ams and interact with their playing partners and offer advice on their game and share some of their experiences with them.

They have to attend the sponsors’ dinner and make a point of mixing with the sponsors and their guests and sharing a joke or two with them.

That sort of player involvement is precisely why sponsors put their money into golf.

There are so many enticing alternatives other than golf that they could support and there are many other sports that would be more than willing to create a custom-made package that would suit all their requirements.

Golf has no pre-ordained right to the sponsors the Tours and the promoters have built up and they should remember that, effectively, that is where their money is coming from.

Tiger on top again I’m not surprised to see Tiger Woods emerge as the winner of the PGA Tour Playoffs for the FedExCup. He seems almost back to his unbeatable best.

But it was great to see Phil Mickelson take him on and beat him by three shots in The Tour Championship.

Tiger looked as though he was in for a clean sweep of the PGA Tour’s season ending honours until Mickelson produced a magical final round of five-under-par 65 to Woods’ level par round.

We’ve seen so many challengers to Woods come and go but it would be wonderful for the game if Phil could test Tiger to the limit and maybe threaten his position as the world No.1.

Olympic boost for golf I sincerely hope that the IOC go ahead and announce that golf will become an Olympic sport at the 2016 Olympics. Golf is one of the most international sports there is and is thoroughly deserves Olympic recognition.

What a boost that would be for golf, particularly in these difficult financial times. Tiger has already pledged to represent the USA and I can’t believe there would be any golfer who wouldn’t want to play for their country in the Olympics.

It would also be a shot in the arm, financially, in encouraging more companies to support golf when so many other, established, sponsors are having to drop out.

Saadiyat Beach opening I’m delighted that our Saadiyat Beach course in Abu Dhabi is nearing completion. It is timed to open during The European Tour’s Middle East swing in January 2010 and I can’t wait to hear what the players have to say about it. It is a truly magnificent course in spectacular surroundings.

THE NEW BREAKDOWN OF THE PRIZE MONEY FOR THE RACE TO DUBAI AND THE DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHP

The Race to Dubai: $7.5 million; the Dubai World Championship: $7.5 million.

First Prize in the Race to Dubai Bonus Pool: $1.5 million; First Prize in the Dubai World Championship: $1.25 million.

The season-long Race to Dubai will qualify numbers 1-60 to compete for the Dubai World Championship, following which the top 15 players will share the Bonus Pool.

The winner of the Race to Dubai will receive a seven year exemption on The European Tour.

The winner of the Dubai World Championship will receive a five year exemption on The European Tour.

“THAT’S A PERFECTLY REASONABLE STANCE TO TAKE. PLAYERS HAVE GOT TO ACCEPT THAT PRIZE MONEY WILL REDUCE CONSIDERABLY OVER THE COMING SEASONS AND THAT IT IS UNLIKELY TO EVER RETURN TO PRE-RECESSION AMOUNTS ANY TIME SOON.”

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43

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One of Dubai’s most desirable golf clubs now has a unique limited offer on memberships, at a rate that could cause you some regret: • Only AED 28,500 annual subscription • No joining fee • Free 2 months membership (November & December 2009) • Discounts at selected InterContinental hotel restaurants • Flexible payment plans are available on request And if that’s not enough to surprise you, there’s more - we also have the region's only TaylorMade Performance Lab, oodlit practice areas, conference facilities, and 5 dining options run in true InterContinental style. All built around one of the most challenging courses in the region. For those who live golf, there’s simply no better deal.

For further information or booking please visit www.albadiagolfclub.ae Phone: (04) 601 0200 Email: anne.ocampo@ichdfc.ae Terms and conditions apply.

Race to Dubai

As at September 21

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 Henrik STENSON Yong-eun YANG Søren HANSEN Thongchai JAIDEE Alvaro QUIROS Peter HANSON Anders HANSEN Miguel Angel JIMÉNEZ Ernie ELS Simon DYSON Padraig HARRINGTON Robert ROCK Nick DOUGHERTY Francesco MOLINARI Ian POULTER Thomas LEVET Charl SCHWARTZEL Robert ALLENBY Louis OOSTHUIZEN Retief GOOSEN Johan EDFORS Camilo VILLEGAS Jeev Milkha SINGH Richard STERNE Alexander NOREN Chris WOOD Graeme MCDOWELL Raphaël JACQUELIN Steve WEBSTER Peter HEDBLOM Anthony WALL Thomas AIKEN Graeme STORM Peter LAWRIE Rafael CABRERA-BELLO James KINGSTON David DRYSDALE Jamie DONALDSON Stephen DODD

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

Tournaments Played 16 12 19 20 9 17 10 20 19 20 12 18 4 22 20 20 23 21 22 13 27 11 22 23 22 11 21 18 10 24 14 23 10 18 16 19 22 18 25 22 23 22 17 24 23 25 18 22 23 19

Prize Money €1,982,055 €1,965,150 €1,726,927 €1,684,452 €1,606,805 €1,524,347 €1,385,499 €1,232,109 €1,217,865 €1,130,735 €1,095,031 €1,040,991 €1,037,635 €997,494 €954,013 €935,451 €911,175 €891,342 €872,832 €847,963 €847,077 €840,256 €833,937 €792,454 €792,078 €788,431 €763,394 €717,292 €715,445 €712,453 €697,284 €694,532 €669,653 €664,004 €658,759 €652,925 €652,147 €640,567 €620,992 €591,866 €571,220 €559,139 €548,566 €546,823 €543,929 €528,776 €522,802 €504,973 €501,776 €498,301

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 Scott STRANGE Damien MCGRANE Niclas FASTH Justin ROSE Gareth MAYBIN Tim CLARK Jeppe HULDAHL Luke DONALD Oskar HENNINGSSON Bradley DREDGE Christian CÉVAËR Fabrizio ZANOTTI Adam SCOTT Danny WILLETT Ross McGOWAN Wen-tang LIN Ignacio GARRIDO Marcus FRASER Rodney PAMPLING David HORSEY Richard GREEN Ben CURTIS Rafa ECHENIQUE Gary ORR Prayad MARKSAENG Paul LAWRIE Felipe AGUILAR Martin ERLANDSSON Anthony KANG Darren CLARKE Daniel VANCSIK Anthony KIM Vijay SINGH Robert-Jan DERKSEN Ricardo GONZALEZ Stephen AMES Mike WEIR Thomas BJÖRN Robert KARLSSON David LYNN Andrew MCLARDY Zach JOHNSON Pablo LARRAZÁBAL Michael HOEY Alastair FORSYTH Brett RUMFORD Tano GOYA José Manuel LARA Paul BROADHURST Colin MONTGOMERIE

Country

Tournaments Played

Prize Money

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

23 27 25 10 25 10 23 9 18 23 22 21 10 22 25 6 24 22 10 25 17 9 25 17 13 20 24 25 19 18 22 10 7 20 21 6 7 16 8 24 19 7 27 22 24 24 20 26 24 21

€497,476 €490,683 €487,515 €480,263 €472,258 €471,279 €470,469 €470,269 €467,612 €464,522 €450,651 €450,342 €449,747 €442,024 €438,420 €406,621 €403,999 €401,344 €397,080 €389,900 €389,489 €384,851 €384,799 €380,201 €374,179 €362,746 €360,944 €352,073 €351,078 €348,687 €332,565 €331,174 €329,580 €325,904 €324,088 €322,940 €320,180 €319,134 €314,761 €311,655 €305,733 €305,375 €303,679 €302,051 €301,366 €292,353 €291,256 €290,545 €285,272 €282,943

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 $7.5 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 $7.5 million Dubai World Championship. Following the Championship, the season’s 15 top-ranked players by earnings share a Bonus Pool of $7.5 million. The No.1 player will receive $1,500,000, the runner-up $1,125,000 and the third-placed player $750,000, with prizes down to the 15th player, who will earn $187,500. 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$ 1,500,000 2 US$ 1,125,000 3 US$ 750,000 4 US$ 600,000 5 US$ 525,000

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

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

DIVOTS Singh and Kim qualify for Volvo World Match Play Championship

INDIA’S Jeev Milkha Singh and American Anthony Kim have confirmed they will play in the 2009 Volvo World Match Play Championship at Finca Cortesin, Spain, from the 29th October to 1st November.

Milkha Singh and Kim have taken their places in the world-class 16-man field which they qualified for as the highest ranked available players from Asia and North America, based on the Official World Golf Ranking as of 17th August and via the all new qualifying criteria – part of Volvo’s innovative ‘new look’ match play.

They join Paul Casey, Retief Goosen, Camilo Villegas, Robert Allenby and Scott Strange who have already qualified and confirmed their entry into the 2009 Championship.

Byeong-hun An takes the US Amateur Championship SOUTH Korea’s Byeong-hun An became the youngest ever winner of the US Amateur Championship at Southern Hills Country Club on August 31st, beating the record set by last year’s winner – New Zealand’s Danny Lee. The 17-year-old defeated American Ben Martin 7 and 5 in the 36-hole final to become the first player representing an Asian nation to lift the Havemeyer Trophy. He earned himself a spot at next year’s Open Championship at St Andrews alongside Frenchman Victor Dubuisson who won the European Amateur Championship four days earlier.

USA ease to Walker Cup glory TEAM USA won their third consecutive Walker Cup with a commanding 16½ - 9½ points victory over Great Britain and Ireland at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania.

The USA team sealed the victory with seven of the ten singles matches still to conclude after they built up an 8 - 4 lead heading into the second day. Peter Uihlein had the honour of holing the winning putt as he defeated Stiggy Hodgson 3 and 1 to get the celebrations underway. “It was a great week,” said Uihlein, who was playing in his first Walker Cup. “It’s definitely something I will never forget. We had a great team. We all got along great and we all just meshed well and played well together.”

Monty gives Langer some Ryder Cup hope RYDER Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie will consider choosing former Ryder Cup star and Captain Bernhard Langer as one of his Captain’s picks for next year at Celtic Manor if the German can continue to perform at the top level.

“Bernhard is professionally perfect in everything he does and you could do a lot worse,” said Montgomerie. “He would be a great foursomes partner. He’s still very competitive and fit.”

Injury forces John Daly out of Australian events JOHN Daly has pulled out of his two-tournament trip to Australia this winter due to a rib injury which he says will sideline him for the remainder of the year.

“I was really looking forward to getting back there this year,” Daly said. “I really regret any inconvenience this unavoidable situation may have caused for the Australian PGA and Australian Open organisers but I will look forward to going back there next year.”

46

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NEWS SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE GOLFING GLOBE

Stars turn out for Austrian Open Pro-Am THE Emirates Airlines-sponsored Austrian Golf Open Pro-Am at the Fontana Oberwaltersdorf Golf Club produced a day of fine scoring with the European Tour’s top players, including two-time Masters winner José Maria Olazábal, turning out to support the event.

The team of Thomas Levet, Ernest Gabmann, Buddy Shelton and Karl Hofer ran out winners while Olazabal who was partnered by Emirates Austria & CEE Director Martin Gross, Wolfgang Feuchter and Michael Berger, finished 10th.

Emirates also sponsored the ‘Nearest the Pin’ competition on the par-3 fourth hole, which was won by Telekom Austria’s CFO Hans Tschuden, who won to flights to Dubai.

Dinner is on Angel Annika gives birth to a healthy girl

Caddies at the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston, were given a treat by Masters Champion Angel Cabrera as the Argentine paid for all their meals for the week. Cabrera simply said the gesture was overdue. After winning The Masters, he said he “wanted to give the guys a present,” but his playing schedule on the PGA Tour and European Tour hadn’t allowed him an opportunity sooner. “It is customary in Argentina that when you win a tournament, you invite the caddies to dinner,” said Cabrera, “I was just waiting for the right time.”

ANNIKA Sorenstam gave birth to her first child on September 1st. Ava Madelyn McGee was born at 6 pounds and 10 ounces and Annika and husband Mike McGee announced on her blog: “We are doing very well, and we truly appreciate the support we have received.”

Scott postpones surgery after President’s Cup pick ADAM Scott has shelved plans to undergo surgery to remove a cyst on his right knee after becoming one of Greg Norman’s two Captain’s picks with Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa to play for his International Team at The Presidents Cup. “It’s something I should have had done at the start of the year,” said Scott, who has endured a torrid season.

The Aussie missed the cut in 10 tournaments – including six in a row – and failed to make it to the weekend in three of the four Majors, finishing in a tie for 36th in the US Open.

Round of the Month Tiger Woods tamed the new, longer Cog Hill lay-out with a sensational 9-under-par 62 in the third round of the BMW Championship, the third tournament in the PGA Tour Play-offs for the FedEx Cup. Woods bogeyed the first but then made eight straight birdies and an eagle in a sumptuous display of ball striking and putting.

Choker of the Month Brandt Snedeker only needed to get down in two from inside four feet at the BMW Championship in Chicago to make it into the top 30 and tee it up at The Tour Championship, but he carelessly three putted for a triple bogey.

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47

Tournament: Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles

Date: 27 July – 30 Aug 2009

Venue: The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland

HEDBLOM HOLDS OFF ERLANDSSON FOR JOHNNIE WALKER TITLE SWEDEN’s Peter Hedblom put the disappointment of losing a play-off at the KLM Open behind him by winning the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles by one stroke from fellow countryman Martin Erlandsson.

Hedblom carded a final round 5-under 67 for a 13-under total to beat Erlandsson who had earlier stormed up the leaderboard with a sensational 10-under 62 which left him at 12-under for the tournament.

“That was so tough. I thought last week was tough, but this was harder – It feels unbelievable,” said Hedblom, who was beaten by Simon Dyson at the KLM Open. “I had to dig down so deep, but I am so happy. What a round Martin played – I couldn’t believe it and he should have won.”

Hedblom began his round birdie-bogey-birdie but found his rhythm with four consecutive birdies from hole 7. He dropped a shot at the 15th but quickly made amends with a birdie at 16 to get back to 13-under.

Hedblom then made two solid pars to seal his third European Tour title and his first since the 2007 Maybank Malaysian

Open. “This year has been unbelievable,” he said. “I played so poorly (not a single top-30 finish) until last week. I want to play in the big tournaments, but I keep taking one step back.

Hopefully this is two steps forward.”

Erlandsson shot a bogey-free 10-under, which included a run of seven straight birdies, but he failed to take advantage of the par-5s in the closing stretch and was then forced to sit and watch as Hedblom closed out his victory.

Erlandsson, whose seven successive birdies was only one short of the all-time European Tour record, has had his chances to win before but admits he struggles with the mental aspects of the game.

As a result his psychologist, a former international hurdler, advised turning his mind to other things when under pressure. “I was looking at my thumb and wondering how it looked,” he said. “I was also trying to look at a tree or somebody in the audience to keep my mind at peace. I got off to a good start and that helped my confidence and I really enjoyed it and played free and that was the key.”

INTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAG Driver: Fairway wood: Irons (3-9): Wedges: Putter: Ball:

TaylorMade R9™ 460 9.5° TaylorMade R9 Fairway 13° TaylorMade rac™ TP Titleist Vokey Design (pitching, sand and lob) TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Monza® Spider Putter TaylorMade TP Red LDP

WINNER: PETER HEDBLOM

Peter Hedblom played the par 5s in 8-under-par, the par 4s in 5-underpar and the par 3s in level par during the week to reach his winning total of 13-under-par.

WINNER’S CHEQUE

€269,895

WINNING SCORE: 13-UNDER-PAR – 275 (72,68,68,67) RUNNER-UP: MARTIN ERLANDSSON – 276 Tournament: Omega European Masters

Date: 03 – 06 Sept 2009

Venue: Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans, Switzerland

NOREN REVELS IN MAIDEN TRIUMPH

WINNER: ALEXANDER NOREN

ALEXANDER Noren won his first European Tour title at the Omega European Masters thanks to a sensational eagle on the par-5 15th which helped him complete a two-stroke victory.

Noren beat 2006 winner Bradley Dredge to more than double his season earnings so far with a cheque for €333,330 after weekend rounds of 63 and 66 gave him a 20-under-par total – the highlight of which was a superb bunker shot on the final day on the 15th which he holed for eagle.

“I was so happy when that bunker shot went in. I’ve never felt this good about my game, and to win was just brilliant,” said Noren who parred the final three holes and took the lead in the race for qualification for the 2010 Ryder Cup. The Swede, who started the final round with a two-shot lead over Charl Schwartzel and three ahead of Dredge, started confidently with two birdies. However Dredge fought back and when

WINNER’S CHEQUE

€333,330

he pitched in for eagle at the ninth he went out in 32 to close the gap on Noren to one stroke.

Both players then birdied the 10th before Dredge clawed level with a two on the par-3 11th. Dredge dropped back by bogeying the 12th but Noren also gave a shot away on the 13th to share the lead once more.

With two par-5s up next Noren took advantage with a birdie on 14 before conjuring his eagle on 15. Dredge could only manage to birdie the 15th as Noren restored a two-shot cushion. Dredge pressed for more birdies on the final holes but it wasn’t to be as Noren held on in gutsy fashion.

“It was a fun battle,” said Dredge. “Alex produced a great shot on the 15th – so congratulations to him.”

Schwartzel dropped down to a share of seventh place after a 71 while Englishman Ross McGowan finished third after a 65.

WORLDROUND-UPS

Tournament: Mercedes-Benz Championship

Date: 10 – 13 Sept 2009

Venue: Golf Club Guy Larchenhof, Cologne, Germany

COOL KINGSTON WINS IN COLOGNE JAMES Kingston returned to form after four consecutive missed cuts to win the Mercedes-Benz Championship thanks to a play-off victory over Denmark’s Anders Hansen.

Kingston, 43, came into the tournament without much preparation, having only found out he was part of the field a few days earlier, but played with steely reserve as rounds of 67, 69, 70 and 69 saw him finish on 13-under-par, level alongside Hansen and one shot ahead of Simon Dyson, Søren Hansen and Peter Hanson.

He then prevailed on the first extra hole after Hansen, who shot a 5-under-par 67, failed to get up and down from a wet greenside bunker for par.

“A week ago I didn’t even know I was in the event,” said Kingston, who won the 2008 South African Airways Open to qualify. “I got in through last year’s rankings so to come out and win a championship like the

Mercedes-Benz Championship on a golf course like this makes it more special. I would probably have spent a few more days at home this week but it shows how things can change.

“I spoke to the lady who does my travel arrangements and she asked what I was doing. I said I wasn’t playing and she replied: ‘What do you mean? You’re in’.

I didn’t know at that stage. One minute you don’t think you are even playing and the next you win it!”

Kingston earned €320,000 for his second European Tour title and he moved into the top 50 on The Race to Dubai after starting the week 116th.

All three of the players in second place had a chance of joining the play-off with a birdie on the final hole and it was Dyson who had the best opportunity but he left his 20foot putt inches short. “It was a quick putt and I thought I had it,” said Dyson after his closing 70.

WINNER: JAMES KINGSTON

James Kingston won his first professional tournament on European soil at the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Germany after numerous victories in his homeland and across Asia on the Asian Tour.

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WINNER’S CHEQUE

€320,000

WINNING SCORE: 13-UNDER-PAR – 275 (67,69,70,69) RUNNER-UP: ANDERS HANSEN – 275 (DEFEATED IN PLAY-OFF) Tournament: Austrian Golf Open

Date: 17 – 20 Sept 2009

CABRERA BELLO EDGES BARHAM WITH STUNNING 60

WINNER: RAFAEL CABRERA BELLO

RAFAEL Cabrera Bello shot a European Tour record final round of 60 to beat Benn Barham by one stroke at the Austrian Golf Open.

Cabrera Bello’s 11-under-par final round saw him shoot up from sixth place overnight – eight shots behind Barham – for a 20-under-par total and his first European Tour title.

“It’s just amazing – I played the best golf of my life and I can’t believe it,” said Cabrera Bello, who became the 13th player to shoot 60 on The European Tour (Darren Clarke has done it twice) and just the third to do it on the final round to win. “I was so far back I wasn’t thinking about winning. I just tried to play a shot at a time and today it worked out really, really good.”

Barham had led from day one and was gunning for a wire-to-wire victory and under

Venue: Fontana Golf Club, Vienna, Austria WINNER’S CHEQUE

€166,660

normal circumstances his final round of 2-under-par 69 would have been good enough for victory. Barham took a three-shot lead over Søren Hansen into the final day but was overtaken in stunning fashion by Cabrera Bello who went out in 5-under-par 30 and came back in 6-under-par 30. “To be beaten by one by someone shooting a 60 is hard to take,” said Barham. “I’m very happy with the way I have played but disappointed to finish second.

I thought if I stayed ahead of Hansen I would be fine, but you can never underestimate anybody.”

Barham did stay ahead of Hansen by two strokes to claim the runner-up spot and prize money of €111,110 while England’s Richard Bland finished two strokes behind Hansen on 15-under-par for fourth place.

Brought to you by

Claude Harmon III

SWING Pro swing analyst >>

CLAUDE HARMON III, DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION, BUTCH HARMON

PRO look

SCHOOL, DUBAI SPORTS CITY

LEWIS HAMILTON

THE CURRENT FORMULA 1 CHAMPION HAS FORMIDABLE REACTION TIMES, STRENGTH, DURABILITY AND SKILL WAY BEYOND HIS YEARS. BUT HOW DOES HE MEASURE UP ON THE DRIVING RANGE? CLAUDE HARMON III TAKES A LOOK.

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SWING LEWIS CLAUDE HARMON III,

DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION, BUTCH HARMON SCHOOL, DUBAI

Lewis shows pretty good mechanics to be able to get into a good posture here although he could do with a helping hand!! His weight is too much back towards his heels and I have a suspicion that his right hand grip is too strong as I can see the thumbnail on his right hand which is a telltail sign. By altering the grip and moving his weight towards the balls of his feet, he will be able to make a better move.

Lewis has come over the top with a closed clubface and although he might hit some low, long iron shots he will also battle the dreaded shank. By shoring up the lower body and producing more stretch between his upper body and lower body, he will sequence the downswing better and have the club more in the slot.

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SPORTS CITY

The set up issues show up with his club getting a little flat and very closed as he gets into his take-away. I would like the cub-shaft on his toe line and the leading edge getting closer to vertical.

A closed clubface will always make consistent contact difficult. Lewis needs to feel the clubface is pointing to the sky at this point in his backswing.

HAMILTON Lewis does well here, setting the club on a steep line which implies that he has good hand/eye coordination. The club squares up a little here but you can see that the left wrist is bowing a little which means that he is still battling with the shut club-face.

In an attempt to get some loft on the ball, you can see that Lewis’s upper body has moved up and back half way through.

There is evidence here of a good weight shift which will help with his development as time goes on. When we fix the clubface positions, he will be able to go forward onto his left side.

He gets the club up into a decent position at the top; the face is a little shut here and the shaft is across the line, which is normal from his starting position. A more athletic posture would improve his lower body position.

He finishes pretty well, although I would like to see the right knee closer to the left here.

The release will improve when he feels the clubface squarer and he will be able to go through rather than hold the shot off.

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TUTORIAL DON’T MAKE A SPLASH!

By Luke Cantelo

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I

don’t think there is any shot in golf that scares an amateur golfer quite like having to hit a long shot directly over water. The fact is with this shot, it’s just you, your club, your ball and mother nature (or these days generally a world renowned golf course designer).

With a fairway bunker or a similar threat on one particular side of a hole, we can simply aim away from it to avoid disaster.

Sometimes we can also use “the lie of the land” to make sure our shot stays out of trouble, but with a direct water carry, very, very rarely do we get good bounces, or splashes in this case, that help our ball stay dry.

This fear of the “what if I hit it in the water” syndrome creates an extremely negative outlook on the shot, before you even attempt to hit it. This effects how you approach the shot, with what is called our pre-shot routine (or what we do before we hit the ball), and your mental approach with this then strongly effects how you physically execute the shot. This generally results in a poor swing motion, a splash and a penalty drop!

So the outcome of the shot does not result from a bad swing, it is the result of the process we carried out before we even stood over the ball.

There is a large difference between how a professional golfer mentally approaches this shot compared to an average golfer. Where an amateur’s concentration is broken by the sight of the water, a professional’s concentration intensifies. Professional’s focus on what they can control in their routine: – Their posture or body mannerisms.

– The speed with which they conduct themselves.

– Their eye focus.

– Committing 100% to the shot that they’ve decided to hit.

There are many examples of these traits when you watch the pros on TV playing. I will discuss some of these as I take you through how I approach the tee shot at the 18th hole of The Montgomerie, Dubai. To carry the water and land comfortably on the fairway I need to hit it a minimum of 220 yards in the air.

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TUTORIAL

Firstly I stand behind the ball. I believe this time is the most critical to the success/outcome of the shot. This allows me to pick a target or a line that I want to aim at. This time behind the ball also allows me to create a visual picture for how I want the shot to look after I hit it. A great example of this is Australian Aaron Baddeley who, during this time behind the ball, closes his eyes to visualise himself playing the shot. Fellow Australian Greg Norman, in his prime, used this time to narrow his focus on what he aimed at to make his target as small as possible, at one time claiming to aim at the corner of one of the windows of the clubhouse on a course he was playing for a certain shot.

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As I address the ball, I only allow my eyes to focus on three things: – The golf ball.

– My target.

– My intermediate target.

This intermediate target is something I have already decided on when standing behind the ball. It is very close to the ball on a direct line towards my target. Only allowing my eyes to focus on these three points narrows my focus and clears my mind of any thought of the water.

I set the club confidently behind the ball and when my final look at the target ends and my eyes once again focus on the ball I am ready to go. A great example of this confident setting of the club is young Northern Irishmen Rory McIlroy who almost thumps the club down behind the ball as a trigger to start his swing.

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Now that I am ready to hit the shot that I have been visualising in my mind at a very small target in the distance, the process of hitting a quality shot over water is almost done. Only the execution remains and the outcome of the shot revolves around trust and commitment. You may think that a professional golfer who faces a similar shot in a tournament setting might be thinking about technical aspects in their swing to get the job done, but this is actually the opposite of what his happening.

For a the shot that I am facing on the 18th tee at The Montgomerie, Dubai there is simply nowhere to hide – you either hit a great tee shot onto dry land or your ball is swimming. So throughout my swing I simply tell myself to trust the process that I have gone through to this point and to commit myself 100% to the swing and shot that I have chosen. I make sure I swing freely and uninhibited to a powerful, full finish position.

Professional golfers like to keep their thoughts at a bare minimum, especially when concerning anything technical with their swing whilst playing. If they are thinking about anything it will revolve around certain key words or phrases to keep them positive and focused.

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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.

Dubai World Championship to host field of dreams FEW in professional golf would argue with the suggestion that the quality of a tournament lies in the strength of its field. Outside the four Majors, four World Golf Championships events (including the recently upgraded WGCHSBC Champions) and the flagship events on the leading tours such as the PLAYERS Championship, FedExCup and the BMW PGA Championship, promoters the world over vie to attract the highest ranked players to their tournaments.

As far as the Majors and WGC events are concerned, a combination of prize money, truly international qualification processes and the sheer weight of history and tradition mean that players the world over will build their seasons’ schedules around these events.

The PLAYERS Championship at Sawgrass and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth continue to attract first class fields despite limiting entries to card holders on the US PGA and European Tours respectively.

Dubai World Championship Beyond these tournaments, promoters have endeavoured to boost the number of players participating in their events from the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking using a combination of escalating prize funds, beneficial scheduling and a variety of other financial and sponsor inducements.

Never before, however, has the structure of a season been re-designed to place so much emphasis on a single tournament than is the case with this year’s inaugural Dubai World Championship. The focus of the golf world will be firmly on Jumeirah Golf Estates on November 19th and with good reason.

A glance at the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking at the end of week 38 reveals that around 30 of these players are likely to qualify for the Dubai World Championship. Five years ago, at the same point in the season, only 21 European Tour players featured in the world top 50 and many of them could be said to have played the majority of their golf Stateside.

With most of those players already fairly certain of qualification for the Dubai World Championship, the event looks set to provide a fitting climax to the first ever Race to Dubai. The quality of The European Tour is underlined by the fact that five

of the current top 10 on the World Ranking also feature near the summit of The Race to Dubai standings.

Despite suffering a serious rib injury that caused him to miss a number of tournaments, World No.4 Paul Casey has had a season to remember. As the second-placed player on The Race to Dubai, he will be itching to get back to action ahead of the Dubai World Championship.

World No.5 Henrik Stenson sits in 12th place in The Race to Dubai having enjoyed a consistent season that has seen him record no fewer than six top 10 finishes on The European Tour.

Economic downturn Spain’s Sergio Garcia, currently No.7 in the world and ranked 11th in the Race to Dubai, will also be a major threat at Jumeirah Golf Estates despite a season that has not quite fulfilled the early promise of a victory at the season’s first ranking event, the HSBC Champions last November.

Similarly, after a stellar 2008 when he bagged two Majors, World No.8 Padraig Harrington has had to settle for a less successful season. However, recent top 10 finishes at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and the US PGA Championship suggest the Irishman’s form is returning, elevating him to 22nd in The Race to Dubai standings.

The fifth European Tour player in the world top 10 is Australia’s Geoff Ogilvy whose fifth place in The Race to Dubai standings owes much to his early season form that saw him tie for third place at the HSBC Champions before winning the WGCAccenture Match Play.

While European golf is enjoying a purple patch on the course, it is doing it all it can to weather the global economic downturn that has hit the golf world hard in terms of sponsorship.

The Dubai World Championship itself has seen a reduction in its prize fund, from $10m to $7.5m with a similar revision made to The Race to Dubai bonus pool. Needless to say, the amount of money on offer at the culmination of the season remains a considerable prize and is certain to attract an extremely strong field.

The Dubai World Championship is also one of the most significant early points-earning events for the Ryder Cup next October.

With so much at stake, the eyes of the golfing world will be focused on Dubai next month.

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BACK TO BASICS

Women's Golf Dubai

Women’s Golf Dubai (WGD) was established by Hannecke Reinholz 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, focussing on the introduction to the game all the way to preparing the UAE’s best women golfers to compete on the international stage. Here Sandy Meyer, an official partner of WGD, shares her insight with some tips to help beginners and experienced players alike.

Tips for the beginner WHEN starting to play golf, the most important lesson to learn first is the set-up. If you watch golf on television you will always see the players adopt a “preshot routine.”

This incorporates the following basics: Alignment of the clubface to the target, the grip, the stance the ball position and the posture.

Even the world’s best players go through this routine before they hit the ball. These basics are designed to align your clubface square to the ball – and then take your grip which should sit more towards the fingers in both your hands. Many beginners tend to want to place the club more into the palm, as if holding a tennis racquet or an axe. You must take your grip more towards the base of your fingers. When you pick up a

suitcase you don’t use your palm – you grip with your fingers! This also helps in wrist flex, an important basic of the swing technique.

The posture is the next vital fundamental. Make sure your weight is on the balls of your feet, your knees are flexed and you are bent forward from the waist with the spine straight and your neck relaxed. Your shoulders and knees should be on line with one another.

The stance should be shoulder-width and the ball position should be adjusted left of centre for right handers and right of centre for left handers. So work on a 40 %-60 % ratio. This is the lowest point of the swing arc and the club falls in this position creating the best angle of attack. Try these simple basics and you will be amazed at the results.

Tips for the advanced player THERE are many low handicappers who have problems with greenside bunker shots, which are among the easiest shots in golf. The sand wedge is one of the most versatile and important clubs in the bag.

They are designed with a lot of loft ranging from 56 degrees to 64 degrees which determines the amount of spin and height the ball will achieve when hit from sand or fairway. It also has a specially designed “bounce” at the bottom of the golf club and this carries a lot of weight.

The combination of the “loft”, “bounce” and “weight”, does a lot of the work required in the greenside bunker shot. The advanced player needs only to remember these few tips.

The first is to slightly open the clubface. The next is to grip the handle shorter than normal, giving you more control. Shuffle your feet into the sand adopting a much wider stance than normal to give you a solid lower body position. Then flex your knees, like you are half sitting. This is important as it helps the club to dig into the sand just

behind the ball, so it can do it’s job in getting the ball out! Now for the technique. As you take the club back, hinge your wrists quickly, instead of trying to turn your shoulders. This causes the club to go back on a very steep angle.

When reaching a three quarter swing, never go full – accelerate back to the ball with your hands and arms. You will be amazed at how easily the ball will fly out. The reason for this excessive wrist hinge is so the club can consistently move up and down into the sand directly behind the ball. The key to any greenside bunker shot is to make sure the club enters the sand approximately one to two inches behind the ball. Bad bunkers shots are caused by inconsistent club impact into the sand behind the ball, some arriving too far behind or others directly at the ball, resulting in a bunker shot going way over the green!

Once you have adopted these fundamentals you will soon see the improvement out of the sand.

STILL CHANCE TO JOIN THE FUN AT OUR INAUGURAL WGD GOLF DAY - Oct 10, at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club 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.

TO ENTER OUR TOURNAMENT or join our ‘new players session’ visit our website: www.womensgolfdubai.com www.wwgolf.biz

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WWG LOCAL FOCUS

ARABIAN Clubs in October 2009 Worldwide Golf Abu Dhabi Golf Club Abu Dhabi Golf & Equeatrian 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 Katameya Heights Golf & Tennis Resort Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club The Els Club Dubai The Royal Golf Club, Bahrain Tower Links Golf Club

SAM CONSTANCE IN CONTROL AT EGF MEDAL SHARJAH Golf & Shooting Club held the EGF Handicap Scheme Monthly Medal last month and more than 20 players participated in the 2.0pm shotgun start tournament.

Division ‘A’ was won by 9-handicapper Sam Constance who returned a consistent round of 82 for a net 73 to beat Nestor Labis (9) on a countback. Labis was in the prizes after winning the best gross of the day with an 82 over the 7,337-yard lay-out while Rajeev Nair (26) scored 37 points to win Division ‘B’ by two points from Damiano Rechichi.

Sarabjot Banghoo won the ladies section with 28 points and was also victorious in the Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive challenges.

UAE TEAM GAIN USEFUL EXPERIENCE IN SOUTH KOREA THE UAE team finished 17th in the 24th edition of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Golf Team Championship played at the Namseoul Country Club in South Korea in late September. The team of Khalid Yousuf and the three Musharrekh brothers – Abdulla, Ahmed and Hassan scored a final total of 121-over par 985 to beat teams from Fiji, Iran, Guam and Mongolia in the 21-team tournament.

Hosts South Korea won the event with a remarkable total of 18-under-par 846, while Chinese Taipei finished second at 4-over-par 868 and Japan third on 14-over 878. The hosts scored nine-under 207 in the final round, whereas Taipei returned a card of level par 216 and Japan carded one-under 215 on the last day.

EGF October Tournament Calendar Date

Event

Venue

Fri, 2nd Oct - Sat, 3rd Oct Wed, 7th Oct Sat, 10th Oct Fri, 23rd Oct - Sat, 24th Oct Fri, 23rd Oct - Sat, 24th Oct Sat, 24th Oct

The Saif Zone Mixed Open Worldwide Golf Midweek Open TNT Amateur Order of Merit Series Emirates Mixed Amateur Open Palm Sports Resort Golf Open SGSC 1st Golf Society Cup

SGSC SGSC ARGC EGC PSR SGSC

Entry forms can be downloaded from http://www.emiratesgolffederation.com/calendar/tournament-entry-form.asp

PALM SPORTS RESORT AL AIN

Development on course for January opening 670-yard Par-5 10th hole. Approximately 120,000 cubic metres of earth was excavated to create two lakes and placed around the site for rough shaping with 100,000 cubic metres of red sand imported to sand cap the course.

The entire course is Paspalum grass and will be overseeded in the winter months. Water comes into play on eight of the nine holes plus well-placed bunkers and native grasses in the landscaped areas will test golfers of all abilities.

The second phase of the development – which also includes a floodlit second nine holes in addition to a floodlit 9-hole academy course and a short game practice area – is due for completion in January 2010.

™

TM

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UNDER the guidance of H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan the biggest sporting facility in Al Ain – The Palm Sports Resort – has been growing steadily.

Since September 2007 when the first phase of the development at The Palm Sports Resort was opened, golfers could play on the first 9-hole grass golf course in Al Ain as well as practice on the floodlit driving range.

For the second phase of the project, the golf course design and construction team of Golf Course Shaper Neil McTavish and Golf Course Superintendent Peter Forrester have built a challenging 9-hole Par 35 course measuring 3,237 yards with the signature hole being the

Steakhouse

UAE PGA

Ross Bain conquers Al Hamra in UAE PGA Patrons Alliance series The penultimate event in the UAE PGA Patrons Alliance series was hosted at Al Hamra Golf Club’s links-style, 7,325 yard course, where the lay-out made the most of moderate winds that swept over the coastline, providing an extra element of challenge to the event’s full handicap strokeplay format.

Home-grown Asian Tour regular Ross Bain secured victory in the Professional Division by carding an impressive 3-under-par 69 with Al Hamra’s Asian Tour player Simon Dunn claiming second place with an even-par 72, while ProSports’ Steven Munro posted a 3-over-par 75 to take third place.

In the Amateur Division Paul King’s 77 collected the Gross Winner trophy and Ivan Lawson’s 82 saw him finish runner-up. With a respectable net score of 77 Erwan Testard walked away with the Net Winner title.

“This is my first visit to Al Hamra and I am very impressed with the support of both the Club and the UAE PGA’s initiative of creating events for Amateurs and Professionals to challenge each other,” said Ross Bain, adding, “long may they continue.”

UAE PGA Chief Executive Julian Danby commented: “On behalf of the UAE PGA we would like to express our sincere thanks to our Patrons, the Al Naboodah Group, Auriga, Acuma Wealth Management, and TNT Express for their continued support of this new series and to future events co-ordinated by the UAE PGA. A special thank you must go to Simon Mees, Al Hamra General Manager, and his team for welcoming us and for putting on such a fantastic event.”

Pictured at the top of the page – Division winners and placegetters from left to right: Ross Bain, Neil Flannigan (Patron - Acuma Wealth Management), Paul King, Simon Dunn (Al Hamra Golf Club), Steven Munro (ProSports) and Erwan Testard.

ARABIAN GOLF

Powerhouse sponsorship trio renew their UAE PGA affiliation through 2009/2010 AS custodians of professional golf worldwide and with chapters in every corner of the world, the United Arab Emirates-based chapter of the Professional Golfers’ Association (UAE PGA) will soon enter its 13th season as a recognised sports body.

The UAE PGA exists primarily for the benefit and development of its 90-strong UAE-based members and 30 GCC affiliate PGA members, while playing a significant role in developing and supporting the game of golf across the region’s cultural boundaries.

Supporting the Association with its vision, and looking toward a new season are Acuma Wealth Management, Auriga (a UK based bespoke clothing manufacturer) and TNT Express who have committed to renewing their partnership as Patrons of the UAE PGA through the 200910 season.

Recognised and highly respected in their respective fields, this is the second season these companies have aligned themselves with the UAE PGA. “We are extremely proud once again to have the support of these companies who are truly committed to the future of professional golf as well as the general development of the game in the UAE,” said Julian Danby, Chief Executive of the UAE PGA. “It is only through such valued relationships can the UAE PGA continue to develop its members to the highest standards, and, through strategic alliances and cooperative marketing initiatives increase the awareness of our Patrons’ services and resources to a wider audience.”

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Enjoy this seafood extravaganza and tranquil Aquarium hospitality, for only Dhs.180 adults and Dhs.90 for under 12’s, plus if you quote this ad at the time of booking, receive a 15% discount off your total bill instantly!

This is a Brunch with a difference, offering stunning views of the Aquarium and Dubai’s Creek, Marina and skyline!

For reservations, please Tel: +971 4 295 6000, Fax: +971 4 295 6074 Email: creekfnb@dubaigolf.com GOLF • RESORT • HOTEL • MARINA www.dubaigolf.com

EGYPTIAN GOLF FEDERATION NEWS

LEADING LIGHTS FROM CHALLENGE TOUR SET SIGHTS ON EGYPTIAN OPEN TWO of the European Challenge Tour’s top performers this season are expected to line up in the Middle East’s oldest professional golf tournament next month as Cairo’s Mirage City Golf Course hosts The Egyptian Open on November 5th – 8th.

Englishmen Andrew Butterfield and Lee James have both won on Tour this season and are likely to tee it up in Cairo next month.

Currently ranked second on the Challenge Tour, 37-year-old Butterfield won the Princess Tournament in Sweden in June – his first Challenge Tour title after 13 years of trying – which propelled him to the top of the Rankings and virtually guaranteed him a European Tour card for next season.

“It was a relief more than anything else, because I was probably never going to get a better chance of winning after being six shots clear going into the last day,” he said. “It’s taken

Lee James in action.

a long time for my first win, but hopefully I won’t have to wait as long again to get the next one on the board.”

James ended a seven-year drought on the Challenge Tour with victory at the ALLIANZ Open Côtes d’Armor Bretagne which took the former Amateur Champion’s tally of Challenge Tour titles to five. “It was probably the hardest-fought win of them all, which makes it more satisfying because I had to grind really hard,” said James. “I’ve been playing well all year only for my putter to let me down but thankfully my putter came good when I needed it most. Now I’ll get a lot more opportunities to play, and hopefully I’ll make the most of them.”

The entries of players like Butterfield and James underlines the positive interest being created by the Egyptian Golf Federation’s decision to relaunch an event that dates back to the 1920s. It is

also a massive boost for regional players like Tunisia’s 2009 Pan Arab Champion Saber Bahoumi who has confirmed his participation and who can only benefit from playing alongside experienced Tour professionals.

“The feedback from the players on the Challenge Tour has been very positive,” said Egyptian Golf Federation Golf Manager Gerard Bent. “The full field will comprise a majority of European Challenge Tour players while the Egyptian Golf Federation will decide the remainder, including Egyptianbased pros, local and regional amateurs and invites.”

“IT’S TAKEN A LONG TIME FOR MY FIRST WIN, BUT HOPEFULLY I WON’T HAVE TO WAIT AS LONG AGAIN TO GET THE NEXT ONE ON THE BOARD.” – Andrew Butterfield

R OYA L G O L F C L U B

BAHRAIN

ARABIAN GOLF All the participants in last year’s Think Pink Charity Golf Day

Think Pink Charity Golf Day THE Royal Golf Club have announced that the fifth annual Think Pink Ladies Charity Golf Day will take place at the club on Wednesday 21st October.

Thanks to the huge popularity of the tournament and the many requests received in previous years from male golfers wishing to participate, a separate men’s only tournament will be hosted at the club on the evening of Sunday 18th October.

“This year we are determined to accommodate both male and female golfers of all abilities,” said Phil Jones, the club’s Director of Operations. “Last year’s tournament raised nearly BD9000 in aid of raising breast cancer awareness in Bahrain and with the help of the local community we aim to cross the BD10, 000 mark this year for this vitally important cause.”

Julie Sprakel founder of Think Pink Bahrain said: “We have a number of excellent sponsorship opportunities available for these very prestigious events. Companies can display their companybranded banner on a golf hole from just BD250 or BD100 on the Wee Monty course.

“This will also entitle them to have their logo on all event signage as well as receiving

media coverage before and after the event and recognition at the prize-giving ceremony. We are also looking for companies or individuals willing to sponsor prizes for the main prize winners and for the winners of the various side contests and fun events.”

Experienced lady golfers are invited to compete in an 18-hole Texas Scramble competition on the Royal Golf Club’s Montgomerie Championship course teeing off with an 8.00am shotgun start.

Meanwhile ladies with higher handicaps have the option to play a 9-hole scramble at 9.00am on the Wee Monty par-3 academy course.

The two ladies tournaments will be rounded off with a lunch and prize-giving ceremony in the club’s “Majlis” function room.

The men’s 9-hole tournament on 18th October will be played under floodlights on the back 9 of the Montgomerie Championship course. The event will tee off at 6.30pm and will be played in the team Stableford best two of four format.

Entry forms for all three tournaments can be found on the Royal Golf Club’s website www.theroyalgolfclub.com

For further information about sponsorship opportunities in the fifth Think Pink Charity Golf Day, please call: Phil Jones or Donna Bushiri on +973 17 750777 or Email: p.jones@theroyalgolfclub.com or d.bushiri@theroyalgolfclub.com.

Entry Fees: Ladies 9-hole tournament Members BD20 Guests BD35 Ladies 18-hole tournament Members BD20 Guests BD50 Men’s 9-hole night golf tournament Members BD20 Guests BD35

Captain pips the Vice to team victory THE husband and wife duo of Oystein and Helen Nilssen secured a 1up against the pairing of Soy Butler and Debbie Lane to bring Captain Alan Horne’s team a 6-4 win over the team led by Vice Captain Mark Holmans at the Royal Golf Club.

A total of 20 teams took part in the inaugural Royal Golf Club Captain versus Vice Captain tournament which was played in a Betterball Match Play format.

The event saw Alan Horne and his

playing partner Michael Braidwood, the Club’s General Manager win 3 -1 over Vice Captain Holmans and Phil Jones, the Club’s Director of Operations.

A trophy for the event was provided by former Club Captain Peter Loubser which teams will compete for on an annual basis.

The trophy – in the shape of a bell –has been installed in the Members’ Lounge at the club and can be rung by the Club Captain whenever he wishes to buy his fellow members a drink!

Vice Captain Mark Holmans (left) congratulates Captain Alan Horne on his team’s success. www.wwgolf.biz

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Oman Golf

Mike Gallemore talks to His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, Minister of Oil and Gas in Oman, an accomplished golfer who currently plays off seven and has competed in numerous golf tournaments across the region, about the exciting future for the sport in the Sultanate. Golfing excellence runs in the family and his two sons, Azzan and Hamed, play for the National Team.

Driving golf in Oman into the future

I

T was evident from the outset of our conversation that His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Hamed Al Rumhy is passionate about Oman, golf and the development of the game. Dr. Mohammed has been Minister of Oil and Gas for more than 12 years, earning a BS degree and a PhD at Imperial College, London, and an MS degree at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma, USA. In Japan he was awarded a prestigious Mitsumae International Foundation Fellowship and it was in the Far East where he got his first taste for golf.

“While in Tokyo I used to go and watch my Japanese friends from the University hit golf balls on the driving ranges,” says His Excellency. “I couldn’t really see the point of it but eventually I was talked into having a go. Once I started hitting the ball consistently I decided to try playing the game when I got back home to Oman.

“We’ve always had some wonderful sand courses here and I started playing at the Hidden Valley golf course,” he says. “I took to it immediately – I found it exciting and challenging. But it was not just playing the game that appealed to me, it was the community spirit, the friendliness of the players and

members and the overall atmosphere that really impressed me.

“It’s a sport where respect for your fellow players, politeness and fair play are an integral part of the whole game, which is an ideal environment for youngsters. One of my goals is to bring as many young people into the game as possible to play at all levels and enable them to benefit from the life lessons they will learn in how to behave, how to conduct themselves and how to get on with people.

“We may not produce the next Tiger Woods but we will certainly produce a great many youngsters who will enjoy the game for the whole of their lives and create a lot of good young citizens of Oman.

Golfing family Al Rumhy: Azzan, Dr.Mohammed and Hamed.

‘Community spirit’ “Golf seems to create a community spirit that encourages people to help each other. When I first started playing at Hidden Valley everyone I came into contact with at the golf club genuinely wanted to help me get started and play well. It’s this aspect of the game that is so good for youngsters.”

Mohammed’s two sons, Azzan and Hamed, both represent Oman in the National Team, and Azzan is the Sultanate’s top golfer. Asked how www.wwgolf.biz

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“AT THE NEW WENTWORTH CLUB ANYONE BELOW THE AGE OF 15 WILL BE ABLE TO PLAY FOR FREE AND WE WILL ALSO HAVE COMPLIMENTARY LESSONS FROM A PGA PROFESSIONAL. WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONALITIES, YOUNG AND OLD TO COME AND TRY THE GAME.” – H.E. Dr.MOHAMMED AL RUMHY they got into golf, His Excellency explained: “We were on a family holiday in the United States and the opportunity arose for us to play golf. My eldest son, Azzan, and his brother Hamed both picked it up very quickly and were soon hooked. They were very keen from the outset and they have both become good golfers.

“We need to encourage more youngsters, boys and girls, to try golf,” says Dr. Mohammed. “We’ve got very few low handicap young golfers so we’ve got to take the game to the kids. With so many other distractions for youngsters we can’t expect the kids to come into the game without some direction and help from others, including parents and existing golfers.

“But golf is growing in Oman. The opening of Muscat Hills as the first all grass course is a major step forward and there are many other courses under planning and development. “ ‘Good combination’ When Dr. Mohammed was appointed Men’s Captain of the Club earlier this year he commented: “As a long-term passionate Omani golfer, I am extremely proud to have been invited to represent Muscat Hills in the capacity of captain. I am looking forward to helping young Omani golfers to develop their talent and skills on Oman’s first worldclass grass golf course.”

Dr. Mohammed is also pleased with the progress of a number of golf developments in Oman. He says: “With Greg Norman’s The Wave Course in Muscat, Gary Player’s Malkai Course at Barka, three Karl Litton courses and various others underway we will soon have a number of excellent courses to choose from.

“Yet it’s not merely the five-star courses that excite me. We have to ensure that the golf courses are not just disguised real estate projects, there to provide the greenery between the villas. We are trying hard to make sure that there is a good combination of excellent golf courses and facilities tied to equally excellent real estate communities.

‘Importance of municipal courses’ “We also have to concentrate on looking after the youngsters and those golfers who can’t necessarily afford to play on the five-star courses.

That is precisely what we are doing at Ghallah Wentworth Golf Course, which up to now has been a traditional sand course with an illustrious history.

“We are grassing the course and developing it into a municipal course that will welcome every kind of golfer. I believe that municipal courses are essential. Golf can be an exclusive game but.

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www.wwgolf.biz

His Excellency Dr.Mohammed Al Rumhy in action in the Gold Coast tournament.

Azzan Al Rumhy has the honour of hitting the first ball off the tee at the opening of the Muscat Hills Golf Club earlier this year – the first all grass course to open in Oman.

Oman Golf

Hamad (second from the left) and Azzan (second from the right) pictured with the Oman National Team at the opening of the Muscat Hills Golf Course.

I feel it should be totally inclusive. It can also be very expensive which means that many people are denied the opportunity to play. At the new Wentworth Club anyone below the age of 15 will be able to play for free and we will also have complimentary lessons from a PGA Professional.

We want to encourage people of all nationalities, young and old to come and try the game.

“Boys and girls are obviously the future of the game and we’ve got to do everything we can to encourage them to play. We also need to make it affordable for as many people as possible.”

The manner in which Dr. Mohammed managed to arrange the redevelopment of the Wentworth course was ingenious. He approached 18 companies to each donate towards the project for each of the 18 holes to fund the grassing of the sand course.

“The assistance of the corporate community here in Muscat as well as some of our business partners from all over the world has been very encouraging,” he says. “It would be impossible to achieve our aims without their help. I also went to our Government for their approval and they were equally supportive.

“We have a country that is perfect for golf – spectacular mountains and a long, picturesque coastline. The views from any golf course here would be fantastic. We are more traditional in

Oman than many of our neighbours in the region.

We are sometimes criticised for being too slow but we prefer to take a more cautious approach.

“The country is now developing its tourism industry and I am sure golf can play an important part towards this goal – especially considering that in the next few years Oman will have a number of spectacular world class golf courses.

“We’ve learned a lot from the development of golf courses in the Gulf States, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi and we are confident that we are getting it right.

‘Successful future’ “Word of what is happening in Oman is spreading now. It’s going to be an exciting time for us over the coming years. We have a lot of knowledgeable and enthusiastic golfers and considerable expertise here to ensure that golf in Oman can look forward to a very successful and enjoyable future.”

Having followed the progress of golf in Oman in recent years and knowing the scope and the variety of the new courses underway, I’m sure that Dr. Mohammed’s prediction will come true.

With his infectious enthusiasm for all the benefits that golf can bring I’m certain that Oman will soon become one of the most sought-after places in the world to visit and play golf. ■

Above: H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Rumhy.

Above: H.E. Dr. Mohammed presents the National Challenge trophy to his son Azzan.

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THE ELS CLUB DUBAI

ARABIAN GOLF

Hat trick for Ernie Els Design THE Els Club Dubai is among the winners in the CNBC Property Awards 2009 in the category of ‘Best Golf Course, Dubai’.

This makes it an impressive hat trick for Ernie Els Design after equivalent CNBC International Property Award victories for Oubaai in South Africa in 2007 and Anahita on the island of Mauritius in 2008.

“The Els Club has garnered international acclaim and continues to be a favourite among both local and international golfers of all levels,” said Thomas Rubi, General Manager, Hospitality, Leisure, Golf at Dubai Sports City. “We look forward to continued successes and hope to receive more golfers wanting to play one of the leading golf courses in the world.”

Now in its 16th year the CNBC International Property Awards recognise and pay tribute to the highest levels of achievement in a range of property-related fields. These awards are truly global, with entrants allowed from any country. The adjudication panel is made of 25 prominent international property specialists, including writers, editors and experts in the field of design and construction.

This latest award caps an incredible first year for the Els Club Dubai. In January it was named ‘Best New International Course’ by Links magazine. It was also awarded runner-up spot by Golf Inc. in its prestigious ‘International Development of the Year’ rankings.

The Els Club Kicks Off Major Series THE Els Club started its second annual Major Series available exclusively to the club’s members in late September, giving all who take part the chance to meet Ernie Els. The top 16 qualifiers from the Major Series will go on to take part in the Club Championships and Handicap Cups on 30 January 2010 – key events in The Els Club’s annual golf calendar.

The 2010 winners will have the opportunity to meet Ernie Els during the Dubai Desert Classic festivities, taking place from February 1 – 7, 2010.

According to 2009 Major Series Champion Ronan O’Reilly, the competition is the highlight of his golfing year. “It was such a thrill to be the fortunate winner of the Inaugural Major Series at the Els Club,” he said. “To get the opportunity to meet Ernie Els and have him congratulate me on my success was a wonderful experience. The Major Series is keenly contested by every member of the club, and I will be practicing hard in an attempt to defend my title.”

A total of 72 members will take part in each Major event, with sponsorship from leading local and international brands. The first and last Major Series tournaments are being sponsored by the Al Tayer Group, while Major 2 will be sponsored by The Westin hotel and Major 3 by Rivoli Group.

JW Marriot, 100PLUS, Oakley and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse are supporting sponsors for the Member Major Series.

“Each year we add new elements to the Major Series tournaments to provide our esteemed members with a challenging and awarding competition,” said Chris Brown, Director of Golf, The Els Club. “With new sponsors and additional course facilities, we are delivering a bigger and better tournament that further establishes The Els Club as a premier brand offering for golfers in the Middle East.”

CONTACT Tel: +971 4 425 1010 E-mail: golf@elsclubdubai.com INFO: 7,538 yard par 72 Championship Course The course offers players a challenging round accompanied by all the essential facilities that extend beyond the immaculate fairways and greens.

LOCATION: Situated in Dubai Sports City just off Emirates Road.

DESIGNER: Ernie Els

The Els Club Major Series winner Ronan O’Reilly tees off on his way to victory in last year’s tournament.

www.callawaygolf.com

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ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

FEVRE SHOOTS LOW IN MONTHLY MEDAL CEDRIC Fevre (6) returned a gross 1-over-par 73 to win the September Rivoli Monthly Medal supported by Marble Renewal of UAE. Fevre, one of the club’s most consistent players, had one of his best performances to date on the desert links as he posted nines of 37 and 36 and made five gross birdies.

“I’m thrilled with my performance today, this is my first victory in the Rivoli Monthly Medal at ARGC and definitely one of my greatest achievements if you look at the quality of the field,” he said. “My round was somewhat of a roller coaster with six bogeys and five birdies but I was happy with the end result and that’s all that mattered today.”

Fevre was never in danger as finished three strokes ahead of runner-up John Mills (0).

The net round of the day belonged to Colin Graham (6) who topped Division ‘A’ with a gross 77 for a net 71 while in the Ladies Division ARGC member Karen Evans (25) blew away

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

CONTACT: Tel : +971 4 366 3000 Fax : +971 4 366 3355

the competition with a flawless performance. Evans was able to post a net 70 to win the Ladies Net Division while Adele McKelvey (4) won the ladies gross prize with an 85 for her third consecutive Medal victory.

Arabian Ranches Golf Pro Francois Wolfaardt said: “It is great to see a couple of new faces walk away with the spoils, it is an illustration of the depth and quality of the field during our Medal competitions.”

INFO: Arabian Ranches Golf Club opened its doors in February, 2004 and was built as a true 18 holes, par 72 desert-style grass course, a signature course designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design.

COURSE: Championship Course 7691-yard par 72.

THE TWO TONYS TAKE THE LEXUS GOLF DAY TONY Dougherty (2) and Tony Azoulay (3) scored 71 Stableford points to win the Lexus Golf Day by one point from Owen Mills (5) and Graham Wood (6).

Both Dougherty and Azoulay played steady golf – they never scored less than two points per hole and scored less than three only once – as they sealed the win with and outward nine of 33 points and an inward nine of 38 points.

The big-hitting pair of Mills and Wood beat Steve Bennett (2) and Scott Kerins (8) into the runner-up spot by two points.

In the Ladies/Mixed Division Adele McKelvey (4) and Ashley Anderson (9) achieved the fourth best score on the day which was also good enough to win them the title in their division.

Their combined Stableford score of 64 was 12 points better than runnersup Tony and Ksenia Grayling on 52 points.

“We decided to change the format slightly and combine the player’s individual scores; this meant that both players had to be on top of their game and perform well throughout the round to stand a chance of winning,” said Francois Wolfaardt, Golf Manager. “We thank Lexus for all their support and encouragement in helping us create a quality event to our Membership, Homeowners and their guests.”

The Lexus Golf Day is part of the From left to right – Club Captain John Hainey with the winning teams.

Al Futtaim Motors Ltd Golf Series of events The next event will be the Lexus Golf Day on Friday 23rd October.

KAUR AND DOUGHERTY SEAL THE DUBAI DUTY FREE SENIORS CUP SATNAM Kaur (EGF) and Tony Dougherty (ARGC) were crowned the Overall Champions in their respective Stableford and Gross Divisions at the Dubai Duty Free Seniors Cup in early September.

Kaur, who was playing off a handicap of 33 and received 29 strokes, was in impressive form as nines of 23 and 22 points gave her 45 points and a win by five points from Kevin Melton (ARGC).

Melton took the Men’s Division after he won a card countback between himself and Chris Redley (ARGC). Melton was also in contention for the overall gross prize after his 73 but it was fellow Ranches member Tony Dougherty who prevailed with a 1-under-par 71.

In the Ladies Division home player Annie Hainey (ARGC) returned a balanced card of 34 despite scoring no points on two holes. Hainey won by six shots from Charmaine Bruwer (EGF).

Commenting on the turnout and standard of play, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said: “This is the 12th running of the Seniors tournament and we had some incredible scoring today, it’s safe to say a great day was had by all.” www.wwgolf.biz

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

Petre stars in Monthly Medal THE Ladies Monthly Medal season commenced over the Faldo course and witnessed two fine performances from Maria Petre and Alexandra Andres.

Petre recorded a net 72 to clinch Silver ‘A’ Division (hcp 0-12) by a threeshot margin from Rosemary Turlik while Jo Schoeman signed for a gross 80 to take best gross score of the day.

Ivy Bailey started the season well in Silver ‘B’ Division (hcp 13-20) with a net 75 for first place from Annette Stewart who was two shots back.

Alexandra Andres produced the performance of the day as her net 67 earned top honours in the Bronze Division (hcp 21-36) while Shirin Dowlatshahi fired a 2-under par 71 to take second place.

Winner Maria Petre with Lady Captain Martha Wong.

Yousuf in Birdie Blitz KHALID Yousuf triumphed in the September BMW Monthly Medal over the Majlis course after firing a 68 that included seven birdies.

An inspired display by Yousuf saw him claim best gross of the day and the net title in Division A (hdp 0-10). Yousuf, a crucial member of the UAE National team, lowered his handicap to plus two after his stunning display.

Manoj Kapur took runners-up place in Division ‘A’ with a net 70 after he defeated Ed Hesson on a card countback. David Green continued his form from last season with a splendid net 69 in Division ‘B’ (hdp 11-19) to take top honours from Drummond Welsh (70) and Gordon Wingate (72).

Sam Tarassoli signed for a net 71 in Division ‘C’ (hdp 20-28) to take the title from Brian King (73) and Brian Kenny (73).

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA

Reynolds and Siegel make the perfect pair BRUCE Reynolds and Rob Siegel teamed up superbly to win the August Summer Swing Golf Tournament as they scored a net 32.5 over nine holes to win comfortably from Alan Myers and Peter Bauer who scored 35.

Max Tolbert and Ed Hesson finished third a shot further back after they struggled to recover from a poor start to their round.

The Nearest to the Pin prize was won by Marino Chiarentin on hole 8 while Glenn Pollock proved to be the longest hitter of the day by smashing the Longest

drive down the fourth fairway. The tournament was also boosted by the presence of the Jebel Ali professionals, Stuart Fee and Mark Bull, who provided their own mini-tournament with special prizes courtesy of Callaway Golf to any team who could beat their score.

The Pros were unfortunate to lose a ball on the opening hole but carded a steady score of 39 over the nine holes. However, this meant that 10 teams managed to beat Fee and Bull.

Left to right: Alan Myers, Max Tolbert, Ed Hesson, Mark Bull, Stuart Fee, Bruce Reynolds, Rob Siegel, Pater Bauer and Glenn Pollock.

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

ARABIAN GOLF

Ayres and Jones excel in BMW Foursomes

LOCATION Emirates Hills, Interchange 5 Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Hard Rock Café

JENNY Ayres and Caroline Jones produced a magnificent performance to clinch the BMW Foursomes Championship recently with a 69.5 total as the pair of Emirates Golf Club members fired a gross 80 over the Faldo course.

In the alternate shot format, arguably the most difficult in golf, the pair signed for a gross 80 that also equalled the best gross score of the day.

Bill Buchanan and Ramsey Yassin from Sharjah Golf and Shooting club matched the champions’ gross 80 and took the overall Net prize.

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

Sami continues to fire in Summer Series HAJRI Sami continued his fine run of form in the final qualifying event of the Dubai Golf Summer Series over the Faldo course by recording 37 Stableford points off ¾ handicap allowance to take top prize.

The key to his success was a sublime finish. Having started his round on the 14th he had only recorded 25 points over his first 14 holes but a fantastic finishing stretch – including back-to-back birdies from the 10th – saw him sign for a 37-point tally.

His 20 points on the back nine edged out Paul Barbone into second place with Craig McBride in third place on 36 points.

The best gross of the day went to Soo Chul Shin whose gross 76 included birdies on holes 8, 10 and 18. Jocelyn Lirio won the Ladies Division with a tally of 30 points.

Parkin triumphs in Etihad finale TOBIAS Parkin (EGF) recorded 37 points to clinch the Dubai Golf Summer Series Etihad Grand Final over the Majlis course.

Sixty players competed in the finale of the series that teed off at the end of June and it was Parkin who produced the best golf over the Dubai Desert Classic course.

Having commenced his round on hole 4 he picked up birdies on holes 9 and 17 and despite a poor finish he signed for a gross 76 and a 37-point total off ¾ handicap allowance.

Parkin received an economy ticket for anywhere on the Etihad Airways network.

With such a great prize on offer the competition was intense and both Stephen Fidler (Dubai Creek) and Chris Chapman (EGF) recorded hauls of 36 points with Fidler claiming the runner-up prize following a back nine of 22.

Soo Chul Shin kept up his run of form with a gross 76 to take the prize for overall best gross score and the prize for the best lady golfer went to Nasha Sarkari following her 34 points.

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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

GOLF ACADEMY TINY TIGERS

LADIES COFFEE MORNINGS

The perfect way to start your child’s golfing career, Tiny Tigers junior golf at the Creek offers weekly lessons to children four to seven years old in a fun and friendly environment under the watchful eye of Dubai Creek’s dedicated golf professionals.

PACKAGE INCLUDES: 8 x 1 hour weekly group lessons, unlimited use of academy facilities for the duration of the package, golf basics folder, equipment use and certificates of achievement.

PACKAGE COST: Dhs.750

If you are looking to improve your skills or take up a new sport, then why not take the opportunity to learn golf in a warm, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere, before sitting back to reflect on your progress over coffee and biscuits in the Golf Academy?

PACKAGE INCLUDES: 4 x 1 hour group lessons, 1 hour accompanied session on the Par 3 Course, unlimited practice on lesson days, equipment hire, free use of driving range Sundays to Wednesdays before 3 pm, and coffee and biscuits.

PACKAGE COST: Dhs 545 (golf club member), Dhs 595 (nonmember).

YOUNG MASTERS GOLF Young Masters Golf is the No. 1 junior coaching programme carried out in dozens of countries worldwide. YMG is designed for children between the age of 8 and 17 and allows them to progress through different levels as they become more experienced.

PACKAGE INCLUDES: 8 x 1 hour weekly group lessons, unlimited use of academy facilities for the duration of the package, Young Masters Golf instruction folder, equipment use and certificates of achievement.

PACKAGE COST: Dhs. 800

EVENING GROUP CLASSES Open to ladies, gents and young adults, these weekly evening classes are a wonderful way to learn to play golf for the first time or improve existing skills in a fun, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere. PACKAGE INCLUDES: 4 x 1 hour group lessons, 1 hour accompanied session on the Par 3 course, unlimited practice on lesson days, discounted rate on Par 3 course for duration of package and equipment hire.

PACKAGE COST: Dhs.595

Classes will commence in October.

For bookings and enquiries, contact Dubai Creek Golf Academy Tel: +9714 295 6000 / 205 4666 or Email: creekacademy@dubaigolf.com

DESAI TAKES THE BMW MEDAL MITESH Desai won the BMW Monthly Medal in breezy conditions with a superb net score of 69.

A solid performance with a gross birdie on the 14th for the 18-handicapper helped him to a two-shot victory over Biren Dey who was awarded the overall gross for the day with a 3-over-par 74.

Runner-up in Men’s Division ‘B’ from Desai was Naresh Handa with great net 72 while the Men’s Division ‘A’ winner was Peter Shaw with a consistent net 72 which beat Paul King into second place by two strokes.

Neomy Bertuol won the Ladies Division with a net 76 for a three-stroke win from runner-up Joy Lirio while Serifa D’souza finished with a net 72 to claim the overall best junior prize by a single shot from Y.J Kim.

September’s Champion, Mitesh Desai receiving his BMW trophy from Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club’s Captain, Francisco Giles.

ARABIAN GOLF JUDGE AND PANT DEMOLISH THE FIELD

Layla Khodjasteh, Assistant marketing Manager of Aqili Furnishings and David Gray, Golf Operations Executive at Dubai Creek presenting Vikram Judge and Alok Pant with the winner’s trophies.

VIKRAM Judge and Alok Pant demolished the field with a sensational display of golf at the Carpetland Monthly Open last month.

The duo fired a ¾ handicap betterball score of 8-underpar 63 to win by five shots as scratch handicapper Judge managed four gross birdies and Pant two gross birdies and a net eagle to secure the impressive result.

Three pairs were tied for second and third place and – by virtue of their back nine of net 32 – Vikram Arora and Vinay Mehra clinched second place by one shot from Ashok Galgotia and Vaivhav Jain.

Each of the top three winning pairs have secured their place in the fourth consecutive Grand Finals to be held at Dubai Creek in May 2010.

Adhip Shanker won Nearest the Pin on the 14th hole with a great iron shot to two feet in the testing cross breeze while S.K Hoo claimed the Longest Drive for the day on hole 4.

The lucky raffle winner once again was Ara Naknikian who wins another one to add to his growing collection.

The next Carpetland Monthly Open is set for Saturday 10th October with a 13.00pm shotgun start.

RENE THE RAMADAN CHAMPION EMIRATES Golf Club member Rene Larson was crowned the Ramadan Open Champion after a solid gross 4-over-par 75 at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in early September.

Larson played two consistent nines and, thanks to fantastic birdies on his 16th and 17th holes, he won by one shot ahead of the chasing pack.

Jay Varkey shot a 5-over 76 to finish in second place by virtue of his last six holes from close rival Vikram Judge who uncharacteristically dropped three shots in his last three holes to finish third.

In the overall Division ‘A’ 8-handicapper Nasha Sarkari claimed the honours with a superb net 70 while David Gowans carried on his fine form to finish second by virtue of a countback after an overall net 73.

In the overall Division ‘B’ Daniel Gay from Abu Dhabi Golf Club shot a superb net 67 to win from Paul Saad who finished alone in second place, three shots back.

Vikram Judge won nearest the pin on hole 8 with a stunning iron shot to two feet and Steele Hemmerich claimed the second nearest the pin prize on the 16th hole.

“Thank you to Pro Sports for their continued support of the Ramadan Open at Dubai Creek and offering such fantastic prizes,” said David Gray, Golf Operations Executive at Dubai Creek. “It was another great tournament with the winning margins so close and congratulations to Rene Larson for winning the tournament with some great birdies to finish off his round in style.”

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

Left to Right: DCGYC Golf Operations Executive David Gray, DCGYC Ramadan Open Champion Rene Larson with his winner’s prize of a Scotty Cameron Studio Putter and Jason Ashley from Pro Sports. www.wwgolf.biz

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AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB LOCATION: Located just off E 11, 12 miles south of Ras Al Khaimah CONTACT: TEL: +971 7 244 7474 FAX: +971 7 244 7423 INFO: Built along the side of the Arabian Gulf, the course is complimented by a large open lagoon with four interconnected lagoons.

COURSE: 7,267 yard, par 72 18 hole Championship Course with additional par-3 Academy Course DESIGNER: Peter Harradine

WHYTE STORMS TO MAIDEN MEDAL WITH many of the members on holiday and the oncourse weather stifling hot, the September Monthly Medal saw a smaller than normal field compete for the prizes on offer and it was Steve Whyte who took advantage to win the Men’s Gross Drivision.

Whyte (16) shot a superb gross 84 to win from Fraser Moore (11) after a card countback.

Whyte made the turn at 7-over-par but his steely back nine of 41 saw him beat Moore by four shots in the countback.

Nigel Sale (20) managed another of his customary solid performances to take the overall Men’s Net Division title with a level-par 72, finishing one shot clear

IRON MIKE AND SUPER SERGE VICTORIOUS UNDER THE LIGHTS

WARE AND LOUGHLIN LEAD THE WAY SIDNEY Ware and Kevin Loughlin were a model of consistency as their styles gelled well to create a team performance which resulted in a 26point tally for a four-point victory over Helen and Andrew Pilfold.

Ware could have been described as the architect and Loughlin the finisher as the pattern of play often saw Loughlin finishing Ware’s impeccable approach shots, rolling the ball in from all areas of the green.

Third place was claimed by another husband and wife partnership as Pat and Lavina Hould scored 21 points despite this event being Pat’s first after a two-month lay-off.

of Tony Cashman (13) who was left cursing his luck after making an eight on the treacherous 10th hole.

In the Ladies Division Rita Hicks (11) returned a gross 92 to build on her medal collection and claim the top honours while the Net Division was won by the everimproving Cindy Rials (27) who took the top spot with a net score of 71.

The twos sweep saw Callum Bird (11) claim the entire pot of 220dhs as he was the only competitor to record a two, which he did so on the notoriously difficult par-3 15th hole. His delightful tee shot saw the ball finish within birdie range and he coolly sealed the deal by rolling the putt in.

THE quality of the golf in the Betterball Stableford Floodlit Challenge in early September was superb as a fascinating evening’s play saw two teams make scores that would normally win an 18-hole Betterball Stableford event tie.

Finishing with the top honours was the deadly pairing of Mike Sandeman and Serge Guillaume as they played some sumptuous golf to finish on 26 points after nine holes – the best Betterball score so far at Al Hamra in the Floodlit Challenge.

As a pair Sandeman and Guillaume gelled fantastically with Sandeman playing the anchor roll and Guillaume attacking. With this tactic in place the pairing scored four two-point holes, three three-point holes, one four-point hole and a five-point hole which came at the par-5 third where Sandeman (2) made what he described as the best birdie of his short golfing career.

Finishing in second place were the newly weds, Andrew and Helen Pilfold with 23 points while the teams of Eric Engelbrecht and Rita Hicks and Kevin Loughlin and Peter Beresford finished on 22 points with the latter coming up trumps after a card countback.

ARABIAN GOLF HICKS AND PARKER DELIVER THE GOODS RITA Hicks and Bill Parker secured the accolades in the 12th Maison Chic / Engel&Volkers Open Stableford recently after some good scores were recorded over the Al Hamra links.

The Ladies Division was an all-Al Hamra affair as Hicks took home the top prize with a solid score of 34 Stableford points, which shows that all her recent hard work and practice sessions are starting to pay off.

Second place went to Shirley Husband after she returned a good score of 30 points despite feeling the effects of the day’s weather conditions while out on the course.

It was extremely close in the Men’s Division as the top five golfers were separated by just one point. The top two places were decided by a card countback as Parker and Alex Zanette both posted fabulous rounds of 38 points, but it was Parker who took the victory due to his superior back nine total of 19 points to Zanette’s 17.

Al Hamra member Dave Gould, Martin Hunt and Sergy D’Souza all finished tied on 37 points after 18 holes, however, it was Gould – by warrant of a card countback – that pipped Hunt and D’Souza to claim third place.

KEENAN BASKS IN THE SUNSHINE WITH the Links in manicured condition and the greens running fast and true it was a new face who was crowned the winner of the Al Hamra Summer Open as Brian Keenan claimed his maiden golfing title.

The 76-strong field returned numerous good scores but it was Brian Keenan (20) – the first person of the day to tee off – who secured the title of overall winner with a superb score of 39 points.

Following a steady albeit slightly disappointing front nine of 17 points, Keenan turned on the style by returning to the clubhouse making 22 points around the difficult inward nine.

Finishing as runner-up to Keenan was Graeme Henderson (6) who lost out after a card countback as his back nine of 19 points was beaten by Keenan’s 22.

Henderson, a former summer golf member at Al Hamra, used his knowledge to his advantage as his scorecard was returned with 12 pars and two birdies that contributed to his gross 75.

Gavin Bowden (26) was one point further back in third place thanks to his total of 38 points on his first visit to Al Hamra. The final two prizes of the day were decided by a card countback between David Moore (12) and Steve Bennett (2) who both scored 37 points and it was Moore who triumphed to claim fourth place as his back nine score of 18 points was two strokes better than Bennett’s.

Despite losing, Bennett took fifth place and the honour of shooting the day’s lowest gross – and one of the best amateur rounds at Al Hamra to date – as he carded a 73 gross.

MALLINSON POWERS PAST THE PROS THE Al Hamra Floodlit Challengers got down to the nitty-gritty of battling it out for the days top golfing honours.

August’s Floodlit Challenge proved very fruitful with many of the evening’s golfers amassing large scores in a Powerplay Singles Stableford format.

There were very notable performances on the evening from the two professionals taking part as Asian Tour Professional Simon Dunn and Al Hamra Golf Club General Manager Simon Mees both carded rounds of 4-under-par gross after two empathetic golfing performances. However, Dunn came out on top as he birdied two of the Powerplay holes to Mees’s one.

However, the evening’s runaway winner – with a score that would challenge the professionals – was Karen Mallinson.

After a couple of weeks away from the golf course Mallinson came back in terrific style to card 29 points. Mallinson who plays off a 27 handicap received 10 shots from the evening’s format and used them to full effect as she carded four pars and four bogeys in the nine holes to win by three clear shots.

Chris Stanbrook turned his fortunes around after a couple of single figure scores in the past couple of weeks, with a sterling performance that gave him 26 points and the evening’s second place.

Third place went down to a four-way card play-off between Rick Handsel, Pierre Lefebvre, Chris Williamson and Callum Bird as they all finished on 24 points. It was Bird who took the third place honours as his last six holes provided him with 16 points and a second consecutive week in the prizes. www.wwgolf.biz

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SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

Newell the nine hole master GARY Newell (23) took the spoils at the Midweek Madness sponsored by the Coral Beach Resort in early September after compiling an excellent 19 Stableford points over nine holes. Newell scored net birdies on holes 3 and 9 and a net eagle on the par-5 sixth, which helped him complete a one-shot victory over Pieter Botha (11).

SGSC newcomer Ben Grib (13) came third with 17 points after a very up and down round which included net birdies on holes 1, 4 and 9.

Gary Newell collects his prize.

INDIA WIN THE TRI NATION CUP

A TOTAL of 44 golfers comprising of Malaysians, Filipinos and Indians competed for the Tri Nation Cup recently and it was India who came out on top with a total of 186 Stableford points to beat the Philippines by two

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.

points with Malaysia third on 181 points. The individual Stableford competition saw three players tie at the top on 35 points but it was Hisham Yousuf who came out on top beating Ramlee and Sergy D’Souza after a countback.

All the day’s players pose after play.

Left to right: Peter Newman, Oliver Crisostome, Bill Buchanan, Purna Sharma and Rudesindo.

YASSIN STRICKS AGAIN THE in-form Ramsey Yassin (4) scored 39 points on a very hot and humid day to win the August Monthly Stableford sponsored by Malaysia Truly Asia and Orient Travel by three points. Yassin’s opening nine holes consisted of eight pars and one birdie for an outward score of 21 points. Ramsey picked up his next birdie at the par-5 13th. Three bogeys in his last four holes put a halt on Ramsey breaking the 40 points barrier.

South African Pieter Botha (11) was second behind Ramsey after he scored 36 points over the 18 holes, beating Club Champion Bill Buchanan (5) on countback.

Pieter’s round got off to an excellent start with net birdies on three of his opening four holes but Buchanan wasn’t too disappointed as he took the best gross title with 31 points.

Buchanan does it again THE ever-popular BMW Members & Guest Social returned to Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club in September and the ever-present player in club competitions Bill Buchanan (5) teamed up with Purna Sharma (0) to win the opening 9-hole Texas Scramble with an excellent score of 33.75.

Peter Newman (17) and Oliver Crisostomo (21) stormed round the back nine Betterball Medal in 31 to beat their nearest rivals by three shots while members guest Rudesindo won the longest drive on hole 7 and Sharma was in the prizes again after taking the Nearest the Pin competition at the long par-3 17th.

Winner Ramsey Yassin (left) and the Managing Director of Malaysia Tourism. www.wwgolf.biz

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DOHA GOLF CLUB

FLEWELLEN EASES TO FIVE POINT VICTORY

ARABIAN GOLF LOCATION Close to West Bay Lagoon, 8km north of central Doha.

CONTACT +974 483 2338 info@dohagolfclub.com

ONCE again September witnessed an exhilarating InterContinental Mug as participants battled it out in the blistering heat and it was Scott Flewellen who came out on top in Flight ‘A’ with 44 points.

Flewellen’s performance saw him take the top spot by five points from nearest challenger Paul Emney while in Flight ‘B’ Stewart Hay was the victor.

Hay scored 41 points for a two-point win over Stephen Grant while first place in the Ladies Division went to Seok Jeng Lim with an impressive 41 points.

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.

JENSEN CLAIMS NARROW VICTORY WARREN TAMES THE HEAT NELS Michael Jensen took Flight ‘A’ of the Vodafone Qatar Summer League Stableford tournament held in early September thanks to a one-point win over Scott Flewellen.

Jensen scored 37 points over the 18 holes to take the title from Flewellen who secured second place after a countback victory.

Flight ‘B’ was also closely contested with Danny Waiter finishing top with 38 points, one point ahead of Nabuo Ishii.

GRAHAM Warren carded a superb net 68 to win the August Jaidah Group Medal by one stroke in the searing summer heat. Kevin Ballinger scored an equally good net 69 but had to settle for second place behind Warren.

In Flight ‘B’ Gregg Krahulec scored a net 70 to beat Andrew Ryan into second place by three shots while the Ladies Division was won by Siok Jeng Lim with a net 65.

Flight ‘A’ winner, Nels Michael Jensen (centre)

Flight ‘A’ winner, Graham Warren.

SAXON WINS IT BY ONE BALLINGER CLINCHES 3-CLUB CHALLENGE Kevin Ballinger tees off on the way to victory.

GEORGE Saxon took the Vodafone Summer League American Stableford tournament after a score of plus 11 secured him the title by one point from Steve Butt. Saxon made gross birdies on holes 14 and 16 which helped him on his way to victory in Flight ‘A’.

Flight ‘B’ was won by Andrew Ryan with a score of plus 15 while Shunsuke Ubukata took second place with a score of plus 10 after a countback.

Flight ‘A’ winner George Saxon.

KEVIN Ballinger claimed the 3-Club Challenge sponsored by Vodafone after a superb score of net 72 saw him claim the top spot in Division ‘A’ from Dan Callens by four shots.

Stuart Eastwood, Director of Fixed and Enterprise for Vodafone Qatar, was victorious in Flight ‘B’ finishing his round with a 72 net for a one-stroke win over Abdul Aziz Muhannadi. www.wwgolf.biz

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S O M E O F T H E G R E A T E S T P L AY E R S I N T H E W O R L D H AV E O N E T H I N G I N C O M M O N .

F O O T J O Y. C O . U K / D R Y J O Y S

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

ARABIAN GOLF

AWN AND SHILBAYA THE COMEBACK KINGS

Season starts with a bang THE traditional season opening event at Katameya Heights, the Kick off Classic, took place in early September with 30 teams participating in a fun Texas Scramble format and with the golf course in fantastic condition and perfect weather, there was always the possibility of some great scoring.

And that’s exactly what happened.

The winning team of Ernie Kurotobi, John Saenz and Gary and Linda Pyott produced a net scramble score of 55.1 which was only 0.7 lower than the team of Hendrik Hattingh, Blair Samuels, Tertius Humman and Iby Obatoyinbo who finished second.

Third place – with a net 56 – was the team of Ahmed Durrani, Arif Raza, A. Afridi and A. Raza. .

AHMED Awn and Hassan Shilbaya came from behind to win the two-day Solasy Cup thanks to an excellent second day’s play at Katameya Heights.

The first day’s 18 holes were split into nine holes of Scramble Stableford and nine holes of Greensomes Stableford and it was the duo of Rick and Anthony Alessi who produced the best golf, finishing with a score of 47. Awn and Shilbaya were four shots off the pace but

the following day they produced the best score of the day to win by two points from Iby and Timi Obatoyinbo. The duo combined well over the Betterball Stableford format and scored 46 points for an 89 point total, two strokes better than Iby and Timi Obatoyinbo who scored 42 and 45 points for an 87 point total.

Rick and Anthony Alessi finished fourth after scoring 36 points on the second day for an 83 point total.

Scarello and Wakid qualify to represent Egypt in AAGTC AFTER four tough qualifying rounds at Dreamland, Taymour Scarello and Ibrahim Wakid qualified for the four-man team to represent Egypt in the African Amatuer Men’s Team Championship.

Scarello qualified in second place but Wakid was involved in a nail-biting climax that went right down to the wire. Wakid was in third place going into his final round, one stroke ahead of his nearest rival, but after 17 holes of the final day it all came down to the 18th hole.

Wakid made a fantastic up and down and his closest rival missed a short putt, which insured that the players in third, fourth and fifth place were all tied and therefore a countback would settle the final qualification spot. Wakid won the countback and qualifies, at the age of 16 years old, to represent

Egypt. Both Scarello and Wakid have been working with the Katameya Heights Head Golf Professional Steven Burton who was the first to congratulate the duo on their performances.

“I would like to congratulate Taymour and Ibrahim, I am very proud of what they have achieved,” he said. “Both of them have been working very hard on their games and they fully deserve to qualify.

“It’s also an outstanding achievement to have two young players from Katameya Heights qualify for the national team. I am looking forward to continuing working with them both and on behalf of Katameya Heights I would like to wish them good luck and great success for the AAGTC and for the future in golf.”

TOWER LINKS GOLF CLUB

Williams off to a flyer HUGH Williams roared into the new season with a blistering 23 points to win the Wednesday Social Stableford by three shots. Williams, who plays off 23, tore the course apart as he recorded six three-point holes on his way to shooting a 4-over-par 40 over the back nine.

Second and third positions on the night were decided on a countback between Kathy Richardson and Yuki Pellerine as the pair finished on 20 points. Both ladies have been playing regularly over the summer and their confidence and consistency has improved as a result of the countless sweaty hours on the course and it was Kathy who claimed the runner-up spot as her eight-point tally over the final three holes beat Pellerine by two. Spooner of the night went to Rob Kent who gave up after only five holes with a score of just one Stableford point.

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

Giggles and Greenfield have the last laugh DAN Greenfield and Troy (Giggles) Richardson stormed around the course to win the second Wednesday Social Betterball Stableford of the season by a huge five-shot margin.

Greenfield has only recently joined Tower Links and seems to have settled into the pace of life just fine – he has obviously been carefully chaperoned by Richardson.

S.P. Hong and Mira Yoo were back on form as they finished in second place on 22 Stableford points and it could have been so

much better for the pair had they not failed to score on the 13th hole.

Third place was decided on a countback as Ross Burghman and Justin Clarke pipped the duo of Joe Wivou and Ray Labonte to the final place on the podium.

Clarke’s eagle on the 18th turned out to be the defining moment for the pair and it was this four-point score which tipped the scales in their favour as they tallied 15 points for their last six holes compared to the 14 points scored by Labonte and Wivou.

www.wwgolf.biz

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ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

Stafford and Rice take the Ramadan Open TONY Stafford and Ed Rice teamed up to win the Ramadan Open after a final round of 71 saw them earn 42 Stableford points for a four-point victory.

Matthew Carton and David Domanski finished second on 38 points with third place going to Guy Source and Trevor Hawks a point further back.

Celebrate 100 years of Audi with the Audi Invitational Golf Championship AUDI Abu Dhabi is delighted to invite teams of two to participate in the Audi Invitational Golf Championships.

DATE: Friday, 16th October 2009 VENUE: Abu Dhabi Golf Club – National Course ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB MEMBERS: 150AED NON MEMBERS: 495 AED per person or 990AED per team

Audi Abu Dhabi will be offering winners the Audi AS for the weekend along with other great prizes.

Coming soon at Abu Dhabi Golf Club FROM October Abu Dhabi Golf Club have new weekly themed dinners and family buffets. Get ready to sample the great taste and fantastic value for money with the following: Wednesday Curry night Thursday Italian night Friday Chinese night And on both Friday and Saturdays a family carvery brunch from 11am-3pm.

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.

Only AED 95 Adults & AED 45 Children (subject to 10% service charge)

ABU DHABI GOLF & EQUESTRIAN CLUB

Sandra Hoslin appointed Sales and Marketing Manager ABU Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club has announced the appointment of Sandra Hoslin as Sales & Marketing Manager. Hoslin started her professional career in Austria in 1994 and was in charge of business travel management at a renowned company for many years. During her studies in Tourism Management at the J. Kepler University in Linz, Austria she transferred to the United States in 2002 and moved into the field of hospitality. She later returned to Europe in 2005 to complete her MBA in that field.

Hoslin has worked with brands like Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts as well as Möevenpick

Hotels & Resorts before stepping out of the hotel industry and working for the Austrian Embassy in their Commercial Section in Abu Dhabi as their Communications Manager.

Her career moves so far had brought her to Dallas, Texas – USA, Frankfurt – Germany, as well as Dubai and Abu Dhabi – UAE. She has been in the UAE for three and a half years and brings with her extensive knowledge of Tourism & Hospitality Marketing – while at Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club she will also, like many others, work on trying to improve her golf game!

A new look for the Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club EXCITING times lie ahead for Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club, as construction works are well under way and more upgrades get the go-ahead. The redesign and re-construction of new greens on the Capital’s oldest golf course are progressing as the team at ADGEC gears up for the sixth season of the Junior Golf Programme.

Works are well advanced and seeding is currently ongoing, which allows for plans to be made that the nine greens and two practice greens will be ready for an opening towards the end of this year.

These upgrades will enhance the experience of playing for beginners and well advanced players alike.

Construction on Abu Dhabi’s first two-tier driving range is also on schedule. With 36 bays – 28 of which will provide full shade – it will be one of the finest practice facilities in the UAE. The structure will incorporate a fully equipped swing studio for the three PGA Teaching Professionals, aiming out at a 300-yard, floodlit grass range. Along with those major improvements, ADGEC will also upgrade its fleet of golf carts with 25 brand new carts arriving in October. www.wwgolf.biz

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EVERYTHING YOU WOULD WANT...AND MORE!

Virtua Tennis 2009 IF you need a break from the constant pounding you’ve no doubt been giving Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10, then you could do a lot worse than the latest offering in the Virtua Tennis series – Virtua Tennis 2009.

This is the game that kept Ross Fisher, Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell up long past their bedtime when they were sharing a house together during the US PGA Championship and it’s easy to see why.

Virtua Tennis 2009 is easy to pick up and play right away and insanely addictive. All the world’s best players from the men’s and women’s game are there and the graphics and mannerisms of each are really realistic. You can play singles or doubles exhibition matches on all of the world’s famous courts or you can join the Tour in career mode, creating your own player and taking him up through the rankings for a shot at the No.1 crown. Each time you win you earn money which can be used to buy items to help you on your way such as energy bars and new racquets. There is also a selection of mini-games, which are great fun and help you hone your skills. We tried the Wii version which has the added bonus of working with Wii Motion Plus, a fantastic little gizmo that makes the players’ responses to your physical movements incredibly accurate.

www.sega.com

Tangent Quattro THE Quattro is a wonderful creation from clever Danish radio manufacturer Tangent. It basically channels internet radio stations with crystal clarity without the need of a pc so you can enjoy radio stations from all around the world no matter where you are.

The Tangent Quattro is perfect for expats who miss the sounds of home or for those with an adventurous ear.

www.tangent-audio.com

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www.wwgolf.biz

SKLZ Slice Eliminator SET this foam padded Slice Eliminator up above your ball as a simple guide to a better swing plane. If your swing is overly ‘out-to-in’ the shaft will hit the foam guard before the ball which will force you to change to a correct path – eliminating your slice. A fully adjustable height and guide bar position means you can perfect your club’s position through impact for a clean, straight strike.

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Aspinal Barbarella Clutch Wallet THIS beautiful hand crafted clutch wallet from Aspinal of London is the perfect accessory for the lady who demands the finer things in life.

It comes in a variety of colours and is made from wonderfully smooth and shiny leather with a contrasting soft suede lining. Practical as well as stylish, the Barbarella Clutch Wallet is another Aspinal gem.

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YOUR 15TH CLUB

Guinness World Records 2010

DR BOB Rotella is one of the most famous golf psychologists in the game.

He’s credited with playing a key role in turning Padraig Harrington from perennial ‘nearly man’ to the three-time Major champion he is today and he’s worked with a string of other Major winners including Trevor Immelman, Ian Baker-Finch and David Duval. In ‘Your 15th Club’ Rotella outlines techniques to overcome the mental side of the game which so many of us struggle with. He provides a step-by-step plan to improve your self-image on the golf course, allowing you to release your inner Tiger!

THE Guinness Book of World Records is always a great book to have lying around the house so you can entertain friends and family with all manner of weird and wonderful records like ‘world’s longest chocolate bar’ and ‘loudest burp’. There are also plenty of world records to keep us golf nuts occupied with a dedicated section on the ancient game.

www.simonandschuster.co.uk

www.guinnessworldrecords.com www.wwgolf.biz

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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 Danny Jakubowski ACADEMY INSTRUCTOR THE MONTGOMERIE, DUBAI

Q&A

Q. When did you first start playing golf and where?

A. I first started when I was about 15 years of age and I got hooked on the challenge straight away. I played on the south coast of Australia with my father and brother and I was awful! I don’t recall improving that much from my score of 156 the next day – but I was right out there again three days in a row. Australia is a great place to learn because there are so many great courses and a very relaxed attitude towards beginners.

Q. How long have you been in Dubai and what has been your most memorable golfing moment during that time?

A. I have been here on and off since October 2007 and it’s been a great experience. Golf has become such an important face for tourism here in the UAE, and with the growth of courses and initiatives all over Dubai it will continue to go from strength to strength. Seeing Tiger Woods win the Dubai Desert Classic first hand was a once in a lifetime memory. It was just brilliant to watch him and see how focused and determined he is, and how much aura he has on the golf course.

Q. What was your first set of golf clubs?

A. My first set was an ensemble of assorted clubs. Like most junior golfers I just used whatever I could lay my hands on. I do remember my sand wedge being longer than my 5-iron though. That couldn’t have been good!

My first proper set of golf clubs were the Cobra Baffler Blades and once I had them in my bag there was no stopping me. If I could go back in time I would have made sure that I had properly fitted clubs sooner, as it makes a world of difference.

Q. Who is your golfing hero and why?

A. Well, for a proud Australian you cannot go much further than Greg Norman. In the 80s and 90s he was everything to Australian golf and everyone wanted to emulate his style. It is a shame that he did not win more Major championships, as he had some heart-breaking defeats. He was a very gracious sportsman and a great ambassador for Golf.

Tiger Woods cannot be missed either. In this generation of golfers he is clearly head and shoulders above the rest. His total dominance of the sport and determination hasn’t been seen since Jack Nicklaus. He has made golf cool, and in the process become the most talked about sportsman on the planet.

Q. If you were head of the R&A what rule would you change?

A. I think I would have to agree with the overwhelming response that a sand filled divot on the fairway should be treated as GUR (ground under repair). I just think that to hit a fairway is indicative of a good shot, and to land in someone else’s divot (properly filled in or not) should be awarded free relief.

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Driver: 3 Wood: Hybrid: Irons 3-pw: Wedges: Putter: Ball:

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Odyssey Tour Black series number 2- 34 inches.

Callaway Tour ix.

The World’s No.1 Health Club Chain

Watch out for upcoming Fitness First Clubs across the Middle East

Call 800 - FITNESS www.fitnessfirst.com Dubai . Lebanon . Jordan . Bahrain . Saudi Arabia

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ECCO GOLF SHOES PROVIDE THE PERFECT PLATFORM FOR MY SWING. ®

– FRED COUPLES

An accomplished union of beautiful leatherwork and a full complement of advanced ECCO technologies, the World Class GTX sets the standard for comfort, performance and luxury in the game of golf.

Dubai - ECCO Shops - Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, The Dubai Mall. Abu Dhabi - ECCO Shop - Marina Mall Also available at leading golf culbs in UAE, Qatar, Bahrain & Egypt For Sales & Distribution: ECCO Middle East, Tel:+971-4-299 3885 Ext-101 & 403 Fax: +971-4-299 3886 P.O. Box 293878, Dubai. Email: ae.golf@ecco.com. visit:ecco.com/golf