Worldwide Golf - Tiger Woods

Issue 111, January 2010

MIDDLE EAST’S No .1 GOLF MAG AZINE

The World No.1 faces the toughest test of his life – what the players say

ISBN 978-9948-15-427-3

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TIGER WOODS

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MIDDLE EAST SWING PREVIEW OMEGA MISSION HILLS WORLD CUP DRIVING RANGE ARABIAN GOLF TUTORIAL TIPS DUBAI LADIES MASTERS

THE INVITATIONAL hosted by abdullah al naboodah Sergio Garcia is the latest big name to join the all-star cast at the 4th charity pro-am on Monday, Jan 25 www.theinvitational.com

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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

All set for Saadiyat Classic

I

T’S good to be back home on the farm among all my family, including my grandchildren and my horses.

The mares have delivered their foals and it’s always a fascinating time for me and for everyone at the stud farm.

November was a busy but rewarding month even by my standards and I’m always humbled at the fantastic support we get from so many generous people who attend our golf events.

To think that our two recent Invitationals raised record amounts for charity during this global recession is testament to the kindness and generosity that the golfing fraternity can deliver. Our Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola in Shanghai, broke all records in raising $1.5 million for AIDS-impacted orphans in China and our Gary Player Invitational at The Links at Fancourt, South Africa, hit a magnificent record R5 million. I was so pleased to see Abdullah Al Naboodah take part. He’s a good player and he managed to win the Amateur Alliance team event with DJ Spoony, Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken. He very generously made the highest bid for a trip to The Masters and I hope to see him again in Abu Dhabi at our Saadiyat Beach Classic on January 27th and 28th. I’m disappointed I can’t make it to his Al Naboodah Invitational on January 25th due to my commitment to play in the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai on the US Champions Tour in Hawaii the previous day.

Our Saadiyat Beach Classic promises to be a memorable two-day event, which will provide a unique opportunity for likeminded people to meet and enjoy the occasion.

I can’t wait to show the course to our guests. I’m very proud of the Saadiyat Beach design and I really do believe it will soon become recognised as one of the premier seafront courses in the world. I don’t think it will be long before Abu Dhabi becomes a world-class golfing destination.

Our Saadiyat Beach Classic is being held the week following the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, one of the highlights of The European Tour season and the first of the three events in the Tour’s Middle East Swing.

The Classic begins with an informal Welcome Party at Saadiyat Island where I’m looking forward to greeting our guests, saying a few words and describing how we

went about creating one of the finest golf courses I’ve ever designed anywhere in the world. Which is saying something, considering we’ve created more than 300 courses worldwide. The theme of the evening will be an Arabian nights gathering with tents, entertainment and a barbecue.

On Thursday we will begin with a warm-up clinic which I will host and then it’s straight into our Pro-Am, which will be 18 four-balls playing as a team over the 18 holes. Each team will consist of three amateurs plus one professional.

The two best scores out of four will count as the score for the team.

In the evening there will be a Gala Dinner with a charity auction and a silent auction. The five charities who will benefit from the event are: The Future Centre for Special Needs; the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation; the UAE Red Crescent; the Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care, Special Needs & Minor Affairs and The Player Foundation. What better way could we possibly wish for to introduce such a magnificent golf course like Saadiyat Beach.

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Contents

Abdullah Al Naboodah

The Invitational 2010 www.theinvitational.com Confirmed players

Garcia joins Westwood and McIlroy in a star-studded cast for The Invitational

COMMERCIALBANK QATAR MASTERS PRESENTED BY DOLPHIN ENERGY 28 - 31 JAN, 2010

ALVARO QUIROS Defending champion Alvaro Quiros will be one of the main draws at Doha Golf Club.

The Spaniard averages over 310 yards off the tee and his aggressive style makes him one of the most watchable players on The European Tour.

PAST WINNERS:

RETIEF GOOSEN Retief Goosen enjoys Qatar so expect to see the laid back South African on the leaderboard as the week progresses. The 2007 tournament will live long in the memory after ‘The Goose’ sunk a sensational eagle putt at the last for a one stroke win.

ADAM SCOTT The only two-time winner of the Qatar Masters, Adam Scott had a tough year in 2009 but bounced back with a solid performance at The Presidents Cup and victory at the Australian Open last month.

2003: Darren Fichardt

KENNY PERRY The American is making his Qatar debut this year and brings with him a wealth of experience. The 49-year-old has 14 wins to his name on the PGA TOUR and seems to be getting better with age.

Look out Doha!

SØREN KJELDSEN The Dane is fresh off the back of his best financial season on The European Tour after one win and his best ever finish in a Major – tied sixth at the US PGA Championship.

ONES TO WATCH

2009 RECAP:

A

LVARO Quiros captured his third European Tour title at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters with a display of prodigious length off the tee and solid putting for a three-shot victory over Henrik Stenson and Louis Oosthuizen.

The 26-year-old began the final round with a one shot lead after a superb third round 8-under-64 and sealed the win with a 3-under-par 69 for a 19-under total.

“At the beginning of the year I was trying to get into the top-50 in the world,” smiled the Spaniard who leaped into the top 30 on the World Ranking following the victory. “Now I’m qualified for the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship and The Masters – this is very important to me.”

Stenson’s final round 68 saw him finish inside the top seven at Doha Golf Club for the fifth successive year and he would have claimed second place outright had it not been for a bogey on the last.

Oosthuizen produced another good performance as he posted his second successive runner-up finish following his result in Abu Dhabi.

QUIROS UP FOR TITLE DEFENCE “I have to come back for two reasons; one is that I am the defending champion and the other is that I truly believe the Gulf tournaments in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the best three tournaments in a row that we play on the Tour.

“Qatar is a great place. The golf course, the food, the hotel – everything is good and I’m very comfortable there. Winning last year opened doors for me. It took me to 24th in the world and thanks to Qatar I was able to play my first full year of Majors. My other wins helped me but it’s fair to say Qatar was the last tier,

the final push to get to the highest level in the world.

“You look at some of the recent winners like Adam Scott, Henrik Stenson and myself – the course obviously suits big hitters. But to win in Doha you still need to have a good all-round game.

“It will be tough to win it a second time – a lot of players on Tour don’t even win one tournament – but I’m looking forward to it and to trying to play my way into the European Ryder Cup Team.” – Alvaro Quiros

1998: Andrew Coltart 1999: Paul Lawrie

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2000: Rolf Muntz 2001: Tony Johnstone 2002: Adam Scott 2004: Joakim Haegman 2005: Ernie Els 2006: Henrik Stenson 2007: Retief Goosen 2008: Adam Scott 2009: Alvaro Quiros

THE CREAM RISES TO THE TOP IN DOHA THE field for the 2009 Commercialbank Qatar Masters was one of the strongest ever assembled for a regular European Tour event as 18 of the World’s top 50 teed it up at Doha Golf Club.

Nine of the 2008 European Ryder Cup team were in the field – Sergio Garcia, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Robert Karlsson, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Søren Hansen, Paul Casey and Oliver Wilson, as too was the star of the USA Ryder Cup Team Boo Weekley.

With such a strong field at Doha every year it often takes a sublime performance to win, and that’s exactly what happened in 2008 when Adam Scott shot a course record final round 11under-par 61 to win.

Other past winners include Major champions Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Paul Lawrie and Ryder Cup stars Henrik Stenson and Andrew Coltart.

This year European No. 1 Lee Westwood will head a star-studded cast in Doha.

The Course: Designed by Pete Harradine, Doha’s Championship Golf Course measures 7,355 yards from the tournament tees and is a truly testing course.

Hole 9 clocks in at 639 yards while the finishing hole is also a lengthy 587 yards. Five of the par-4 holes are over 400 yards while the fairways are littered with bunkers and natural rock formations. Water is also plentiful as are the cacti – 65 in total are dotted around the course.

The course’s winter grass programme had summer Bermuda grass switched over to Kentucky blue for the cooler season.

Bermuda grass grows horizontally, making putting more difficult. Kentucky blue grass grows vertically, allowing for a softer lift as the grass wraps around the clubface on the fairways.

ERGIO GARCIA is the latest big name to join the all-star cast at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on Monday, January 25 .

The popular Spaniard, currently ranked 11 in the World, makes his debut in the most prestigious Invitational Pro-Am in the region.

Garcia, who finished 10 in The Race to Dubai, joins a host of leading European Tour players in The Invitational, including Europe’s Golfer of the Year, Lee Westwood.

The World No.4 returns to Dubai on the back of one of the most consistent seasons of his career. He capped a stunning victory in the Dubai World Championship in November, by adding The Race to Dubai title with two wins and 11 additional topten finishes to collect €2,750,000 and take his season’s earnings to a record €4,237,762.

He was rightfully voted The European Tour’s Golfer of The Year for the third time in his career, having ended Colin Montgomerie’s seven-year reign at head of European Golf by winning the Order of Merit in 2000 after finishing runner-up in 1999 and third in the table in 1997 and 1998. Westwood and Garcia are joined in

the field by fellow Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell who recently shot back into the World top 50 with a superb second place finish at the Chevron World Challenge in California. The Irishman putin a superb performance as he finished one shot behind winner Jim Furyk but ahead a field that included the likes of Padraig Harrington, Stewart Cink and Steve Stricker.

Ross Fisher, currently ranked 20 in the World and who finished fourth in The Race to Dubai is another leading player to confirm his place in The Invitational on January 25.

Volvo World Match Play Champion, Fisher, who is sponsored by the Al Naboodah Group, put in a neartournament winning performance at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa, finishing in a share of third place, just one shot short of making the play-off with eventual winner Robert Allenby and Henrik Stenson .

Another player bringing his best form to The Invitational is host Abdullah Al Naboodah himself. Abdullah teamed up with UK radio presenter DJ Spoony, Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken to

win the fourball alliance competition at the Gary Player Invitational at The Links at Fancourt, South Africa, in November.

Other players confirmed to play at the Creek on January 25 include Rory McIlroy, Jeev Milkha Singh, Darren Clarke, Simon Dyson, Johan Edfors, Charl Schwartzel and Richard Green. In total, 48 Professionals and 48 amateurs will combine in a betterball strokeplay competition in teams of two – one Pro and one amateur – with the Pros playing for a charity prize fund of AED500,000.

Al Naboodah Director of Golf, James Bowring, commented: “It’s great that we’ve got so many leading players competing who are right on the top of their game.

The sponsors and the spectators are going to be treated to a wonderful day of worldclass golf played in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s going to be a special day for them to be able to play a part in enjoying this unique tournament.”

Delwood are among the Premier Partner sponsors for The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25. For more information please visit: www.theinvitational.com

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Regulars

Features

1 4 6 8 22 25 28 33 35 36 39 41 47 50 55 59 61 92 95 96

10 TIGER WOODS takes a break from golf and faces the biggest challenge of his career.

The players give their reactions.

GARY PLAYER INTRODUCTION WWG MIDWEEK OPEN ERNIE ELS COLUMN CLUBHOUSE QUICKIES GREG NORMAN COLUMN DRIVING RANGE: LEXUS IS300C DIVOTS: NEWS ITEMS

OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKING

THE INVITATIONAL hosted by ABDULLAH AL NABOODAH brings together the stars of European golf, including the recently confirmed Sergio Garcia.

WORLD ROUND-UPS GEAR CLAUDE HARMON III SWING ANALYSIS

WOMEN’S GOLF DUBAI ARABIAN GOLF LOCKER ROOM GROOM ROOM IN THE BAG: CLUB PRO

ISSUE No. 111, JANUARY, 2010 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

THE OMEGA MISSION HILLS WORLD CUP sees the Molinari brothers pull off a spectacular shock victory for Italy.

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GARY PLAYER COLUMN

GOOD FOOD GUIDE

14 MIDDLE EAST SWING: Worldwide Golf looks ahead to the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, and the Dubai Desert Classic.

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ROSS FISHER COLUMN

TUTORIAL

ELS

ABDULLAH AL NABOODAH talks about The Invitational on January 25 and his success in The Gary Player Invitational.

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BANYAN GOLF CLUB in Thailand leads the awards for a host of world class golf resorts emerging in the Asia Pacific region.

60 DUBAI LADIES MASTERS: We visit the

outstanding Swiss Inn Pyramids Golf Resort in Egypt’s capital city, Cairo.

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

PLAYER

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NEWS & VIEWS

Official Publication of The Emirates Golf Federation & The Arab Golf Federation

ENTRIES FOR OMAN OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP THE Oman Golf Committee (OGC) have released ENTRY FORMS for the inaugural 1st Oman Open Championship to be played on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd January, 2010, over 36-holes at Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club.

Entries close at 12.0 noon on Wednesday, 13th January, 2010. Completed Entry Forms can be handed in at the Muscat Hills Pro Shop or faxed to: 00 968 245 10277 attention Jay Townsend. On January 14th entrants will be notified if their registration is successful. Entry fees must be paid by 5.30pm on Monday 18th January.

The information required to enter is: NAME........................................................................................................................................

ADDRESS................................................................................................................................ .......................................................................................................................................................

MOBILE NUMBER ..........................................................................................................

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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

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FRONT COVER: Tiger Woods

MIDDLE EAST SWING PREVIEW OMEGA MISSION HILLS WORLD CUP DRIVING RANGE ARABIAN GOLF TUTORIAL TIPS DUBAI LADIES MASTERS

Sergio Garcia is the latest big name to join the all-star cast at the 4th charity pro-am on Monday, Jan 25 www.theinvitational.com

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about giving back to charity through golf.

I have the utmost respect for Gary and what he does and I congratulate him on the many millions of dollars he has raised for charity worldwide throughout his lifetime.

My family and I are very passionate about giving to charities around the world and The Invitational at the Creek later this month will be another opportunity to raise vital funds for charity.

I’m delighted that so many leading players like Lee (Westwood), Rory (McIlroy), Fish (Ross Fisher), Sergio (Garcia) and so many others have confirmed that they will play on January 25 to support the event at the Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

I know they will produce some great golf and guarantee that The Invitational will be a fun event for everyone.

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THE INVITATIONAL hosted by abdullah al naboodah

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Giving back All of the players were really focussed on winning but the keyword of the event was ‘fun.’ Everyone enjoyed the event from start to finish and the spectators were virtually part of the proceedings.

Winning the event was an unexpected bonus but, win or lose, I was just happy to be there.

The most important aspect was that it raised a GPI record [R5 million] for charity.

Since I met Gary at the Worldwide Golf Invitational in April we have spoken a lot

“WINNING THE EVENT (THE GARY PLAYER INVITATIONAL) WAS AN UNEXPECTED BONUS BUT, WIN OR LOSE, I WAS JUST HAPPY TO BE THERE.” – ABDULLAH AL NABOODAH

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TIGER WOODS

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personalities. They have also been highly competitive but that hasn’t stopped them talking to their fellow players and sharing a joke or two with them and with the galleries.

Outside our Invitational I have never played in a more enjoyable event than Gary’s [Player] Invitational at The Links at Fancourt in South Africa, last month.

I played with Spoony (UK radio 1 DJ), Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken and we managed to pull off a great win. Spoony is so much fun, and he knows how to play the game, so I’m hoping he’ll be playing at our Invitational at the Creek on January 25.

It was a close call. We put in a big finish to win on a countback on 22-under from the second place team.

WINNING SMILES AT THE GARY PLAYER INVITATIONAL: Abdullah Al Naboodah, DJ Spoony, Vincent Tshababala and Thomas Aiken celebrate their victory with host, Gary Player.

M I D D L E E A S T ’S N o .1 G O L F M A G A Z I N E

The World No.1 faces the toughest test of his life – what the players say

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I

’VE always believed that to run a successful Invitational or pro-am event you’ve got to guarantee that everyone on the golf course will be happy to be there – players and spectators alike.

There’s nothing worse than playing in a pro-am with a professional who clearly doesn’t want to be there. He’s probably been told by his management that he has to play and he’ll go through the motions of playing but do nothing more than he has to.

He won’t enter into any banter with his playing partners or try to give them a few tips on their swing or their stance or on where they may be going wrong with their choice of club.

The problem is that his attitude extends to the rest of the players in his group – and also to the crowd. If the group is going round the course having a laugh and a joke with each other, the crowd will join in the fun. When each group is going round with barely a word being spoken then the galleries tend to do the same and keep quiet all the time.

If you’ve got all the groups playing in a lighthearted spirit it makes for an enjoyable day for everyone and that’s the secret of success – the fun factor.

We have been careful to invite to The Invitational the Professionals who not only have great skills but who are also fun

Issue 111, January 2010

EVENT PREVIEW

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FUN FACTOR IS THE SECRET OF SUCCESS

Lee WESTWOOD Rory McILROY Ross FISHER Sergio GARCIA Simon DYSON Charl SCHWARTZEL Robert ROCK Graeme MCDOWELL Johan EDFORS Jeev MILKHA-SINGH Peter LAWRIE Chris WOOD Steve WEBSTER Gareth MAYBIN Graeme STORM James KINGSTON Thomas AIKEN Bradley DREDGE Jamie DONALDSON Darren CLARKE Paul LAWRIE Rafael ENCHINIQUE Ricardo GONZALEZ Daniel VANCSIK David LYNN David HOWELL Shane LOWRY Paul BROADHURST Stephen GALLACHER Steven JEPPESEN Pablo LARAZZABAL Richard GREEN Simon KHAN Gregory HAVRET Jean FRANCOIS LUQUIN

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WORLDWIDE

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

Golf Est:1999

Lee Westwood

Rory McIlroy

Sergio Garcia

MIDWEEK OPEN at Arabian Ranches GC, Jan. 5, 2010.

ENTER TODAY – IT’S YOUR LAST CHANCE TO

WIN a GOLDEN TICKET

to The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at the Creek G &YC

WORLDWIDE GOLF has partnered with The Invitational sponsored by Abdullah Al Naboodah to offer our readers an exclusive opportunity to play alongside leading European Tour professionals like The Race to Dubai and Dubai World Championship winner Lee Westwood, Ryder Cup stars Sergio Garcia and Graeme McDowell and World No.10 Rory McIlroy in the charity event on January 25th, 2010, at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

This is the only chance to play in the Al Naboodah Invitational as it is a strict invitation only event. Two spots in the field have been reserved as ‘GOLDEN TICKETS’ for winners of the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open on January 25. The two lucky winners will each become a VIP for the day, partnering a European Tour professional and competing against some of the world’s best players in the most prestigious and competitive yet friendly pro-am in the region. There is one spot available for adults (maximum handicap 18 for men, 24 for ladies) and one spot for juniors (maximum handicap 28). For your last chance to win a place in the tournament that every amateur wants to play, and a prize that money just can’t buy, SIMPLY ENTER THE WORLDWIDE GOLF MIDWEEK OPEN AT ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB ON TUESDAY JANUARY 5TH, 2010.

The Worldwide Golf Midweek Open is an Individual Strokeplay event for male, female and junior golfers with an official handicap. The entrance fee is inclusive of 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. Just fill out the entry form below and fax. it to Arabian Ranches Golf Club with your credit card details on 04 3663355 or download the entry form from www.alnaboodahinvitational.com If you do not wish to use your credit card, payment can be made direct to Arabian Ranches Golf Club. Payment in advance is required to enable us to fill the limited field in the competition. 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 as it will allow those on the long waiting list the chance to participate.

The details of the event are as follows: Entry fee AED495, which includes Green Fees, shared Golf Cart, Event Shirt, Range Balls, Tournament Prizes, Buffet and the Prize Presentation.

Date Venue Time Format Tees Entry Fee Closing Date

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Tuesday, 5th January 2010 Arabian Ranches Golf Club 1.00 pm Shotgun Start 18 Holes Strokeplay Full Handicap Allowance Men – Gold Tees, Ladies – Red Tees AED 495.00 (Juniors AED195.00) First come, first served basis.

Please fax your confirmation to: 04 3663355 Name:

Graeme McDowell

Ross Fisher

Handicap: Club / EGF Mobile No: Fax No: E-mail Address: Credit Card

Visa

MasterCard

Card Number:

Cancellation:

Name on card: Expiry date: Shirt Size: (Please encircle) S M L XL XXL PLEASE FAX TO: 04 3663355

www.alnaboodahinvitational.com

The entry fee will be debited from the card details enclosed with this form once the club has confirmed your event entry. If you need to withdraw your entry we require 48 hours notice to make the space available to players on the standby list. Your card will not be debited if you follow this cancellation process.

WWGCOLUMNIST

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

I must get back to winning ways in 2010

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AST time I wrote I was packing my bags on a chilly Wentworth day to head off to the desert for the inaugural Dubai World Championship and the climax of The Race to Dubai. Even though it turned out to be a disappointing week for me personally, I think it was a landmark week for The European Tour. Dubai has some issues, as we’ve all seen in the media, but Dubai’s relationship with The European Tour is a strong one and I’m sure the 2010 Race to Dubai will be another success story.

Congratulations to my fellow ISM stablemate Lee Westwood. He played great all season and this was a welldeserved win. There’s no doubt in my mind that he was Europe’s best player this year. The fact that he has been awarded The European Tour Golfer of the Year is further proof, if it were needed, that Lee was indeed Europe’s top man in 2009.

It wasn’t all bad news for me in Dubai, either. I started the week with an SAP 6

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golf day at The Els Club Dubai, which has been open for almost two years now and looks fantastic. The clubhouse is coming along very nicely as well and will be open in the early part of 2010.

It’ll feature a Big Easy Restaurant, very much in keeping with the one we have in South Africa, so that’ll be great and I’m sure it will be very popular with the Members and visiting golfers. I look forward to eating there myself some time in the New Year when I next visit Dubai.

On this particular visit I stayed all week in a wonderful villa in the Victory Heights development overlooking the golf course. We’re actually looking to develop some Els Residences here in the future, which is an exciting opportunity for us. It really is the perfect place to be if you like to live an active sporty lifestyle because everything you could possibly want is right on your doorstep. You can walk straight on to the golf course, the practice facilities are awesome and for all the amateur golfers

there you’ve got the Butch Harmon School of Golf just next door. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is only a couple of minutes’ drive away, too, along with a wide variety of sporting activities for participants and spectators alike. It’s an incredible place.

Anyway, after the tournament I flew from Dubai to the Bahamas for a week off with the family. After that we travelled down to South Africa for the start of our winter break. I took the opportunity to meet up with Hannes van Niekerk, the CEO of the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation, to talk about our future plans. Most importantly there is a change in the structure of the Foundation from 2010, which will allow us to expand our reach and help even more kids. It’s an exciting new phase and we’re looking forward to helping change these kids’ lives.

After that I had a nice quiet weekend at the house down by the ocean in Herold’s Bay. It was really good to be back. There are exciting developments

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

The ones that got away in 2009 and on the early 2010 European Tour schedule: The 2009 Open Championship: 69, 72, 72, 68 (+1, three shots off the winning score).

WGC-HSBC Champions: 70, 71, 68, 63 (-16, one shot off the winning score).

Alfred Dunhill Championship: 68, 67, 69, 77 (-7, ten shots off winning score).

“WHEN I GET A CHANCE TO WIN, I INTEND TO TAKE IT. I HAVE TO GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS – IT’S WHAT DRIVES ME.” – ERNIE ELS just down the road at Oubaai, which was our first signature golf course in South Africa when it opened in 2004.

As of last month there’s now a fantastic new Hyatt Regency Hotel & Spa. Also at Oubaai is the forthcoming opening of the South African Golf Hall of Fame, which will feature a library and lots of great golf memorabilia. I’m very proud to be one of the 23 South African golfers inducted into this new Hall of Fame.

I wanted to make sure I had some proper time off in South Africa, so I decided to play just one tournament, the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek. It’s one of my favourite events of the year, run by a very good friend of mine Johann Rupert. It has to be one of the most spectacular courses in the world, right on the edge of the Kruger National Park with the wildlife all around. It’s pretty amazing. We have a house on the golf course, too.

It was a significant week for many reasons. For one thing it was the

first tournament in the 2010 Race to Dubai. Also, the rules on grooves have changed for the new season and, in effect, we’re turning back the clock with irons that generate a lot less backspin.

It’s quite a big change at the top level of the game and it makes a real difference, especially with shots out of the rough.

Driving the ball in the fairway is going to be a bigger deal in 2010 – which is no bad thing, to be honest.

Going into the week I was without a victory all year for the first time since 1990, so obviously winning was my goal. I was in a good position after three rounds, just two shots off the lead on 12-under. What happened on Sunday was simply not good enough, though.

I really wanted to finish the year on a high note, so as you can imagine it was a very disappointing result to close with a 77 which dropped me to 7-under in a share of 17th place. I know a lot of people expect good things of me, but trust me, nobody puts any more pressure on me than I do myself. I’ll

Opposite page: Ernie Els tees off during the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek, the opening event of the 2010 Race to Dubai.

Above left: Ernie came close to victory at the WGC-HSBC Champions in November but lost out to Phil Mickelson by a stroke.

Above right: Ernie in action at last year’s Open Championship at Turnberry where he finished three shots off the pace.

be doing everything in my power to make sure that I get back to winning ways in 2010. I had my chances in 2009, especially in The Open at Turnberry and the HSBC in China, but I couldn’t finish the job. I don’t want to let that happen next year. When I get a chance to win, I intend to take it. I have to get back to winning ways – it’s what drives me.

So, the sun sets on another golfing year. All that leaves me to say now is a very Happy New Year to all Worldwide Golf readers. ■ www.wwgolf.biz

7

clubhouse quickies

WORD

PLAYER QUOTES JOKES WORD OF THE MONTH CARTOONS

OF THE MONTH...

What did I do wrong?

After a particularly poor game of golf, a popular club member skipped the clubhouse and started to make his way home. As he was walking to the parking lot to get to his car, a policeman stopped him and asked, “Did you tee off on the 16th about 20 minutes ago?”

“Yes,” the golfer replied.

“Did you happen to hook your ball over the trees, out of bounds and off the course?”

“Yes, I did. How did you know?” he asked.

“Well,” said the policeman with a stern look. “Your ball flew out onto the road and crashed through a driver’s windshield. The car went out of control, crashing into five other cars and a fire truck. The fire truck couldn’t make it to the fire it was heading to and the building burned down. So, what are you going to do about it?”

The golfer thought it over carefully and said: “I think I’ll close my stance a little bit, tighten my grip and lower my right thumb.”

Accuracy be damned

KNOW?

“Eighteen holes of match play or medal golf will teach you more about your foe than 18 years of dealing with him across a desk.”

– Grantland Rice

“Wind and rain are great challenges.

They separate the real golfers. Let the seas pound against the shore and let the rain pour.”

– Tom Watson www.wwgolf.biz

DID YOU South Africa once took 6 hours and 45 minutes to play a four-ball round at the 1972 World Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia.

Byron Nelson, who had famously hit the flagstick on six holes during the 1939 US Open, regretted his accuracy 18 years later at The Masters. Nelson hooked his initial tee shot on the par-3 16th into water to the left of the green.

Teeing another ball he drilled it straight at the flag only to see it hit the stick and ricochet into the drink…

8

FRIED EGG: A ball buried in the bunker with a ring of sand around it created on impact.

“Golf is the hardest game in the world to play, and the easiest to cheat at.” – Dave Hill

“If profanity had an influence on the flight of the ball, the game of golf would be played far better than it is,” – Horace G. Hutchinson

the perfect club for your game

Golf Course Architect Monday, November 16, 2009 2.52pm, Hole 9 Second shot.

The Membership experience at The Els Club is reaching new heights with the exquisite 60,000 sq. foot clubhouse opening in early 2010. With such attention to detail and no expense spared, it echo’s the high standards already set by a course which has quickly become one of the most acclaimed in the region. Members and guests have access to two restaurants, including Dubai’s first Big Easy Bar & Grill, exceptionally appointed professional shop, full service locker facilities with oversized whirlpool spa and sauna rooms, Founders Club and a choice of meeting and conference facilities.

In case you have not heard, just remember that our members already enjoy enviable playing conditions, guest benefits, tournament calendar, coaching programs at Butch Harmon School of Golf, and the most generous tee-time availability in the region. So, with attractive payment plans and only 250 memberships ever available, you do not want to miss this chance to become part of The Els Club family.

For Membership enquiries contact Sara Moore on +971 4 425 1000 or saram@elsclubdubai.com. For more information please visit www.elsclubdubai.com

Links Golf Magazine “Best New International Course 2008” Golf Inc. “Best Golf Development of the Year 2008” - Finalist Troon Golf "Best New Facility of the Year 2008" CNBC Arabian Property Awards "Best Golf Course, Dubai 2009"

Tiger faces his toughest test THE news that Tiger Woods has been voted PGA Tour Player of the Year by both his peers and the Golf Writers Association of America for the 10th time in his career, in addition to being named Athlete of the Decade by U.S. sports editors, brings into even starker focus the hugely ironic situation he finds himself in.

On the golf course he’s in the prime of his career – the awards and accolades just keep on rolling in and with 14 Majors under his belt he’s well positioned to overhaul Jack Nicklaus’ long standing record tally of 18.

Yet the domestic turmoil caused by recent revelations surrounding his personal life have prompted him to announce an ‘indefinite break from professional golf,’ saying: “I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father and person.”

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem is bullish in his belief that

the U.S. PGA Tour will cope without the world’s best player. “I want Tiger to come back and play, but we are going to be successful this year,” said Finchem. “If Tiger is out for a couple of months or eight months, or a year, we’re going to have a successful year.

“It won’t be at the same level without our No.1 player, there’s no question about that. No sport would be at the same level without its No.1 player.

“But I think the doom and gloom needs to go away, and frankly it’s misleading to our fans.”

Woods’ announcement means that he is almost certain to miss the Dubai Desert Classic and, whatever your opinion on recent events, there is no question that his absence from golf will be a great loss to the game. Worldwide Golf reports on his fellow players’ reactions to the news.

JACK NICKLAUS: “Our public is pretty

forgiving at times. Time usually heals all wounds. I think the hardest thing is obviously his family. That’s a private matter for him and his family.

He’s a great athlete. He’ll figure it out.”

JIM FURYK: “I know the PGA Tour would

like to see him come back as soon as possible. He’s still going to be the key player. From his perspective, as a friend, he’s got to think of his family and himself first and i'm sure he’ll be back when the time is right.”

ANNIKA SORENSTAM:“IT’S TRAGIC. I THINK THIS WHOLE THING IS TRAGIC. I AM IN TOUCH WITH

HIS WIFE ELIN NORDEGREN NOW AND THEN. ME AND MY HUSBAND, MIKE, HAVE BEEN OUT DINING WITH ELIN AND TIGER ON A FEW OCCASIONS. PERHAPS IT WON’T HAPPEN AS OFTEN NOW.” GEOFF OGILVY:

“Taking an ‘Indefinite’ break is a scary word. That’s not good for us. But I’m sure he’ll get it worked out.”

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COLIN MONTGOMERIE: “I think

the mystique has gone, the mysterious nature of the guy has gone. He is suddenly, I hate to say, more normal now – if that is normal!

There is a mystique which has been lost now and let’s hope that golf isn’t damaged by that – it shouldn’t be.”

STEWART CINK: “I don’t

think that whatever comes out of this will affect his golf because he’s such a professional. And part of being a professional is to separate your personal life from what you do on the course. He’ll find a way”

TIGER WOODS

PADRAIG HARRINGTON: “We’re all

inquisitive. We all pick up the newspapers every day and read about stories. There is sometimes only 25 per cent of the facts and the rest are 75 percent made up. It’s just part of life – that’s what we do. We’re all interested in a bit of gossip and what’s happening, and usually it’s a long way away from the truth.”

JESPER PARNEVIK: “I am very sad,

of course. I really feel sorry for Elin since me and my wife were at fault for hooking her up with him. We probably thought he was a better guy than he is then. I would probably need to apologise to her and hope she uses a driver next time instead of a three-iron. It’s a private thing but when you are the guy he is – the world’s best athlete – you should think more before you do stuff.”

“Tiger has been the best player in the world for a long time and I have no doubt he will come back and still be the same player.

He is a good friend of mine and has always been very supportive to me.”

DARREN CLARKE:

JOHN DALY: “I wish

them [the Woods family] the best. I’m not too happy with what some players have said.

Golf needs him. Because of Tiger is why we’re playing for so much money.”

CRAIG PARRY: “What he

did was totally wrong and he’s got no one to blame except himself.

You can look at other people, but he’s the one who’s got to look in the mirror.”

www.wwgolf.biz

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TIGER WOODS

CHUBBY CHANDLER (MANAGING DIRECTOR, ISM): “It will take time to repair, but I think it can be

done. David Beckham is the only one I can liken Woods to. He went through pretty much the same thing and it passed in about nine months. Now he’s a super-hero again who might single-handedly bring the World Cup to England. Beckham had a very strong wife who stood by him. The circumstances with Tiger might be different, but I think he’ll get his life back on track. I don’t think Tiger will ever be able to be as private as he was, though. He’s got to be more accessible from now on. He’ll figure it out.”

GRAEME MCDOWELL: “At a time when

the world is having a tough time economically, we don’t need any more blows to our sport. With Tiger out, it’s definitely going to have an impact. Every one of the players will be looking forward to him coming back. Tournaments are going to be easier without him in the field, obviously, but we certainly need him there. He gives events such a big boost. We hope he gets things sorted out and it comes around quick. Golf needs him.”

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SANDY LYLE: “All the golfers very much

need Tiger Woods. He has done an awful lot for golf and the sport needs Tiger to come back. We don’t have another Tiger Woods in the background that we can rely on. He is one of those one in a million that come around. It’s put golf on the map.

It’s a little bit of a shock to the system and we are all hoping that it will be resolved but it’s going to take time. There is a still a chance that he will break Jack Nicklaus’ record. He’s only four majors off that so he could equal it. I am sure he will come back strong.”

EVENT PREVIEW

2009 RECAP:

P

AUL Casey got his season off to the perfect start with a superb one-stroke victory over Louis Oosthuizen and defending champion Martin Kaymer at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

The Englishman survived a late scare as his six-shot lead with eight to play disappeared and he parred the last with a nervy two-putt from 12 feet for a 21-under-par total which secured the title by the narrowest of margins.

“That was a bit of a nervous one,” admitted Casey, who also captured the title in 2007.

“I started off great, but it was tricky coming in. The greens were exceptionally difficult to read and there were a couple of camera clicks which put me off. It feels very satisfying to get my hands on the trophy again.”

Casey’s final round 70 was enough to take the title while Oosthuizen shot up the leaderboard with a 64 and Kaymer came home in 67. Crowd favourite Sergio Garcia also carded a 64 although the Spaniard wasn’t in contention during the final round en-route to an eighth place finish.

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CASEY’S COMING BACK “The victory in Abu Dhabi really gave my season a boost and helped me build momentum for the following months.

As one of the first major events of the year, a good showing here can really make the difference, especially with the Majors teeing off not long after.

“I have strong ties with Abu Dhabi, both on and off the course, and coming here always feels like a home away from home. The National is a stunning course and fits my game nicely and I know what is needed to win. For me, it’s about

doing the right preparation, getting focused during the winter break and coming to Abu Dhabi in the right frame of mind.

“Being the only player to win twice in Abu Dhabi is a fantastic personal achievement.

“I now want to see if I can do it two years on the trot. I know the 2010 field is going to be extremely strong, and there are going to be guys out there who are hungry to win. I just need to be hungrier.” – Paul Casey

ABU DHABI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 21 - 24 JAN, 2010

ONES TO WATCH

PAUL CASEY Two-time winner Paul Casey will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing end to 2009. The Englishman won three times last year, including his second title in Abu Dhabi, before sitting out the majority of the season with a rib injury.

CAMILO VILLEGAS It will be hard to miss the dynamic Colombian at Abu Dhabi this year as his unique ‘Spiderman’ green reading technique is instantly recognisable. Villegas is making his debut and will be one of the star attractions when play gets underway.

GEOFF OGILVY Currently the highest ranked Australian in the world, Geoff Ogilvy is making his Abu Dhabi debut this month and he’ll be looking to get his Race to Dubai campaign off to a winning start.

HENRIK STENSON The Swede is a regular on the Middle East Swing and has only ever finished out of the top-10 at Abu Dhabi once – last year when he missed the cut. He was runner-up in 2006 and 2008 and eighth in 2007.

SERGIO GARCIA Spaniard Sergio Garcia didn’t have the best of seasons in 2009 and he’ll be looking to put that right at a tournament where he’s finished third (2006) 14th (2007) and eighth (2009).

PAST WINNERS: 2006: Chris DiMarco 2007: Paul Casey 2008: Martin Kaymer 2009: Paul Casey The Course: Par-72, 7,500 yards Championship course, designed by Peter Harradine.

Tifdwarf Bermuda grass is used on the greens throughout the year with Seashore Paspalum and Bemuda 419 used for the tees, fairways and rough. Seven saltwater lakes are dotted around the course which has the fairways flanked by various palm trees, ornamental trees and shrubs.

The greens are generously large in places, but the pros have to make sure they’re on the correct side of the undulations to avoid a three-putt.

BACK THE ‘BIG-GUNS’ AT ABU DHABI AT 7,500 yards the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is one of the longest courses on The European Tour and with past winners Paul Casey and Martin Kaymer renowned for their prestigious length off the tee it’s likely that another of Europe’s power players will walk away with the stunning Falcon trophy this month.

Casey won for the first time in 2007 with an average of 301 yards off the tee. When he took the driver out of the bag it left him a shorter club for an aggressive approach the flag – meaning more birdie opportunities.

In 2008 winner Kaymer was 12th in driving distance as he powered his way to his maiden title and was runner-up behind Casey in his defence of the title last year. Only the inaugural tournament winner Chris DiMarco bucks the trend of long hitters capturing the title. The American, with wife Amy on the bag, tamed the course in 2006 with a solid display of hitting fairways and greens in regulation, and a superb final round 5-under 67 gave him the title by one stroke from Henrik Stenson.

www.wwgolf.biz

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EVENT PREVIEW

2009 RECAP:

A

LVARO Quiros captured his third European Tour title at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters with a display of prodigious length off the tee and solid putting for a three-shot victory over Henrik Stenson and Louis Oosthuizen.

The 26-year-old began the final round with a one shot lead after a superb third round 8-under-64 and sealed the win with a 3-under-par 69 for a 19-under total.

“At the beginning of the year I was trying to get into the top-50 in the world,” smiled the Spaniard who leaped into the top 30 on the World Ranking following the victory. “Now I’m qualified for the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship and The Masters – this is very important to me.”

Stenson’s final round 68 saw him finish inside the top seven at Doha Golf Club for the fifth successive year and he would have claimed second place outright had it not been for a bogey on the last.

Oosthuizen produced another good performance as he posted his second successive runner-up finish following his result in Abu Dhabi.

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QUIROS UP FOR TITLE DEFENCE “I have to come back for two reasons; one is that I am the defending champion and the other is that I truly believe the Gulf tournaments in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the best three tournaments in a row that we play on the Tour.

“Qatar is a great place. The golf course, the food, the hotel – everything is good and I’m very comfortable there. Winning last year opened doors for me. It took me to 24th in the world and thanks to Qatar I was able to play my first full year of Majors. My other wins helped me but it’s fair to say Qatar was the last tier,

the final push to get to the highest level in the world.

“You look at some of the recent winners like Adam Scott, Henrik Stenson and myself – the course obviously suits big hitters. But to win in Doha you still need to have a good all-round game.

“It will be tough to win it a second time – a lot of players on Tour don’t even win one tournament – but I’m looking forward to it and to trying to play my way into the European Ryder Cup Team.” – Alvaro Quiros

COMMERCIALBANK QATAR MASTERS PRESENTED BY DOLPHIN ENERGY 28 - 31 JAN, 2010

ALVARO QUIROS Defending champion Alvaro Quiros will be one of the main draws at Doha Golf Club.

The Spaniard averages over 310 yards off the tee and his aggressive style makes him one of the most watchable players on The European Tour.

PAST WINNERS:

RETIEF GOOSEN Retief Goosen enjoys Qatar so expect to see the laid back South African on the leaderboard as the week progresses. The 2007 tournament will live long in the memory after ‘The Goose’ sunk a sensational eagle putt at the last for a one stroke win.

ADAM SCOTT The only two-time winner of the Qatar Masters, Adam Scott had a tough year in 2009 but bounced back with a solid performance at The Presidents Cup and victory at the Australian Open last month.

2003: Darren Fichardt

KENNY PERRY The American is making his Qatar debut this year and brings with him a wealth of experience. The 49-year-old has 14 wins to his name on the PGA TOUR and seems to be getting better with age.

Look out Doha!

SØREN KJELDSEN The Dane is fresh off the back of his best financial season on The European Tour after one win and his best ever finish in a Major – tied sixth at the US PGA Championship.

ONES TO WATCH

1998: Andrew Coltart 1999: Paul Lawrie 2000: Rolf Muntz 2001: Tony Johnstone 2002: Adam Scott 2004: Joakim Haegman 2005: Ernie Els 2006: Henrik Stenson 2007: Retief Goosen 2008: Adam Scott 2009: Alvaro Quiros

THE CREAM RISES TO THE TOP IN DOHA THE field for the 2009 Commercialbank Qatar Masters was one of the strongest ever assembled for a regular European Tour event as 18 of the World’s top 50 teed it up at Doha Golf Club.

Nine of the 2008 European Ryder Cup team were in the field – Sergio Garcia, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Robert Karlsson, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Søren Hansen, Paul Casey and Oliver Wilson, as too was the star of the USA Ryder Cup Team Boo Weekley.

With such a strong field at Doha every year it often takes a sublime performance to win, and that’s exactly what happened in 2008 when Adam Scott shot a course record final round 11under-par 61 to win.

Other past winners include Major champions Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Paul Lawrie and Ryder Cup stars Henrik Stenson and Andrew Coltart.

This year European No. 1 Lee Westwood will head a star-studded cast in Doha.

The Course: Designed by Pete Harradine, Doha’s Championship Golf Course measures 7,355 yards from the tournament tees and is a truly testing course.

Hole 9 clocks in at 639 yards while the finishing hole is also a lengthy 587 yards. Five of the par-4 holes are over 400 yards while the fairways are littered with bunkers and natural rock formations. Water is also plentiful as are the cacti – 65 in total are dotted around the course.

The course’s winter grass programme had summer Bermuda grass switched over to Kentucky blue for the cooler season.

Bermuda grass grows horizontally, making putting more difficult. Kentucky blue grass grows vertically, allowing for a softer lift as the grass wraps around the clubface on the fairways.

www.wwgolf.biz

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EVENT PREVIEW

2009 RECAP:

R

ORY McIlroy produced a performance that belied his age as he won his maiden European Tour title at the Dubai Desert Classic with a wire-to-wire victory at just 19 years old.

The Northern Irishman carded a final round 2-under-par 70 for a 19-under total to win by one from Englishman Justin Rose, who put pressure on the youngster on the back nine – shooting up the leaderboard with a 5-under 67.

“You see guys coming down the stretch with a four or five shot lead, and you think it’s easy – but it’s not,” smiled McIlroy. “You still have to play the shots, and you still have to hole the putts. I got myself into a great position in the middle of the back nine, but then let a few shots slip and Justin birdied a couple as well, so I had to fight back. It was nice to hold it together on the last and get a great up-and-down for the victory.”

In what was one of the strongest fields of the year on The European Tour, Henrik Stenson finished third on 17-under-par with Paul Casey, Robert Karlsson and Martin Kaymer finishing fourth a shot further back.

McIlroy eyes another Classic “I got off to a great start to the season winning in Dubai at the Desert Classic, and I said after that my goal would be to try and break into the top-10 in the world by the end of the season, which I did.

“I’ve had six weeks off because last season was a 12month season for me. I had a chance to sit back, reflect, and analyse what I’ve done throughout the year and now I’m ready for what lies ahead – and I can’t wait for my defence of the Desert Classic!

The field will always be strong at the Classic, and to hold off the field like I did last year – with so many big names – is very satisfying.” – Rory McIlroy

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OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC 4 - 7 FEB, 2010

RORY MCILROY Rory McIlroy loves Dubai.

He took the Desert Classic last year and finished second at the Dubai World Championship in November to end the year second on The Race to Dubai.

PAST WINNERS:

ERNIE ELS The Big Easy is a three-time winner in Dubai and he’ll be looking for a good early performance in 2010 after a strong finish to last year’s campaign – what better place to do that than on a golf course he’s so familiar with.

ROSS FISHER Ross Fisher had a memorable debut at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2007, playing the final round with eventual winner Tiger Woods and finishing fifth. He plays well on the Majlis, finishing 10th (2008) and 13th (2009) in his two other appearances.

1995: Fred Couples

JEEV MILKHA SINGH India’s top golfer has a good track record round the Majlis and he’ll be hoping he can continue that trend this year with another good performance.

MARTIN KAYMER Germany’s top ranked player was second on The European Tour’s Putts Per Round ranking last year and if he can get his flatstick hot in Dubai he’ll be a contender.

ONES TO WATCH

1989: Mark James 1990: Eamonn Darcy 1992: Seve Ballesteros 1993: Wayne Westner 1994: Ernie Els 1996: Colin Montgomerie 1997: Richard Green 1998: José Maria Olazábal 1999: David Howell 2000: Jose Coceres 2001: Thomas Björn 2002: Ernie Els 2003: Robert-Jan Derksen 2004: Mark O’Meara 2005: Ernie Els 2006: Tiger Woods 2007: Henrik Stenson 2008: Tiger Woods 2009: Rory McIlroy

HIGH DRAMA AND HIGH QUALITY AT THE SWING’S CLOSE THE Middle East Swing concludes with the 21st Omega Dubai Desert Classic, a tournament which broke the mould just over two decades ago when the impossible became a stunning reality.

The idea of world-class professional golf, played on perfectly manicured grass fairways in the UAE would have been dismissed when the idea was first proposed but, 21 years on, the Omega Dubai Desert

Classic stands proud as the trendsetter for the region.

From one European Tour tournament in the Middle East to its current quota of four, the Omega Dubai Desert Classic is the final event of the threeweek swing and the roll of honour reads like a Who’s Who of golf including Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Fred Couples, Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazábal.

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

www.wwgolf.biz

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ITALY SNATCH WORLD CUP GLORY

FROM IRELAND AND SWEDEN

M

ISSION Hills Golf Club in China once again witnessed a nail-biting finish to the Omega Mission Hills World Cup as brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari lifted the trophy for Italy for the first time.

The duo, who had Edoardo fresh from victory at the Phoenix Open in Japan, overcame the Irish team of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell and the threat of defending champions Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson of Sweden by one stroke with a 4-under par 68.

“It’s been a tough day and we have been playing against some of the best golfers in the world. It was really tough until the last hole – but it feels even better when it is like that,” said Francesco. “It’s really great for Italy. I think we deserved it as we attacked from the first day with every putt and every shot and we tried to make as many birdies as possible.”

The Italians were in contention all week and struck a killer blow to the Irish – their playing partners – with a superb final round despite Ireland getting off to the better start.

McIlroy and McDowell bogeyed the par-5 third hole but then reeled off four birdies in a row on the opening nine to increase their overnight lead of one shot to three.

However, the pair dropped shots on holes 8 and 11 which let Italy back in and they opened up a two shot lead over Ireland with three consecutive birdies from hole 11.

Ireland closed the gap with a birdie on the par-5 15th but Italy held firm and secured

the victory with a superb up-and-down on the final hole. Edoardo’s approach shot found the bunker to the right of the green while McIlroy rifled his iron to 20 feet. Under intense pressure, younger brother Francesco scooped his ball out of the sand and to within three feet and after McDowell left his birdie putt inches short Edoardo tapped home his par putt for victory, sparking jubilant celebrations.

“I was lucky to hole two big putts on 12 and 13 which were probably the key moments for us,” said Francesco. “From there we just had to hang in there and hope for the best.”

For the Irish it was heartbreak as they were in search of a wire-to-wire victory after opening with a sublime 14-under-par 58 before maintaining their lead with rounds of 68 and 64.

“It’s been a great week. I think myself and Graeme really enjoyed it, especially out there together and being in the hunt, it was a really good feeling,” said McIlroy. “It’s a pity we were not able to pull it off but I’m very happy for them (Italy). For two brothers to go out and win a title like this, it’s incredible. It will be a great sense of satisfaction in their family, and also throughout the whole country. If it wasn’t going to be us to win today, I wouldn’t begrudge the Italians to win it. They played great today – they deserved it.”

Sweden made a valiant attempt at defending their title with rounds of 64, 65, 62 and 69 but ultimately came up just short when it mattered – with Stenson blaming

OMEGA WORLD CUP LEADERBOARD 1 T2 T2 4 5 6 T7 T7 T7 T7 T7

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ITALY IRELAND SWEDEN ENGLAND JAPAN AUSTRALIA GERMANY KOREA SOUTH AFRICA USA WALES

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-4 -2 -3 -8 -3 -5 -7 -4 -1 -10 -2

-29 -28 -28 -26 -22 -21 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20

64 58 64 66 62 68 66 64 65 67 66

66 68 65 69 71 70 71 75 70 72 68

61 64 62 63 64 62 66 61 62 67 64

68 70 69 64 69 67 65 68 71 62 70

259 260 260 262 266 267 268 268 268 268 268

“It’s really great for Italy. I think we deserved it as we attacked from the first day with every putt and every shot and we tried to make as many birdies as possible.”

– Francesco Molinari

OMEGA MISSION HILLS WORLD CUP 26 - 29 NOV, 2009

Image captions

his putter for their downfall. “Unfortunately my putter was too cold today,” said the World No.8, who won last year alongside Karlsson by three strokes after a final round 63. “That’s what it comes down to in my book – I had a great birdie putt on the last, 45 feet or so, and it looked in most of the time and then lipped out – going down and coming back up again, and that was for the play-off the way it turns out.

“There is obviously a little bit of disappointment there, but I can’t really hold a 45 foot lip-out on the last responsible - I had plenty of chances today and I didn’t take them, so it’s basically down to my putting.” www.wwgolf.biz

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WWGCOLUMNIST

I’m so happy that Adam is back on the right track

I

T’S been a busy time for me in recent weeks. I’ve been in China, the Middle East, Australia and Europe but now I’m back in Naples, Florida. It was disappointing not to be able to play in the Australian Open in Sydney and in our Shark Shootout – the first one I’ve missed in 21 years since we started the event.

It’s more than three months since I had the operation on my shoulder but I’m still not allowed to play or swing a golf club until the end of February.

The shoulder feels great. I don’t have any problems with it, although it’s still a little tight. There’s still some motion I need to get back into it but it’s right on track. I’m just biding my time and I’ll see what happens with it come the end of February.

I’d rather have been playing than watching because basically it’s still six hours of your day out there on the golf course. Still, you have to make adjustments. The hardest part for me was jumping in an airplane without a set of golf clubs.

But I couldn’t have been more pleased with the Shark Shootout.

From a player’s perspective I think the uniqueness about the PGA TOUR is that we’re such loyal supporters of each other’s golf events.

We’re always very willing to reciprocate if our schedule allows it.

The Shark Shootout has evolved over a period of time from, basically, four players to what we have today, and it’s the creation of this formula of fun that the players really enjoy.

I’ve tried to take the pressure off them by pairing them with their friends or a great associate or great playing partner that they’ve played with in the past. It’s really their week. I just put all the stuff together for them to get to the first tee and enjoy it.

Obviously, the charity, Cure Search, has a lot to do with it. Many of us have been touched somewhere in our lives by cancer affecting somebody we may have known or do know, or maybe even a family member. Everybody has 22

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their favourite charity but for me, when it involves kids it’s even more touching.

Having had to sit out the Shootout I’m not sure what my schedule will be this year.

I’m not physically in good golf shape either, so I’ve got to get back into shape, which is always a challenge after surgery. If I went straight out there and started hitting balls like I’ve been practising for years, I’d probably hurt something else. I know I’ve got to get myself into good physical shape, which I’m not allowed to do for another four weeks.

That means I won’t have really played golf in nearly seven months by then. It might come back quicker – who knows? So I really have no idea what my schedule is going to be. I’ll have to see how the comeback goes from basically April, May, June.

One benefit of being a spectator at the Australian Open was to see Adam Scott get back in the winner’s circle.

I was very proud of him. He was a bit nervous coming down the stretch, which he should be. I think that’s what he misses the most, that internal want and desire to go out and win and execute the job.

I’m extremely happy for him. He needed that win. He knew he needed it. There was a lot of pressure on him because he had to get back into the World Top 50 to get in The Masters.

There was a lot more in it than just winning on his home country’s soil for the first time. I had dinner with him the night before for Tony Navarro’s 50th birthday. That was Saturday night.

We all had a quiet dinner. He was very relaxed. You could see it in his eyes.

I felt good for him going into Sunday. He still had to pull it off.

It wasn’t an easy day – it’s not an easy golf course – but I think this is the catalyst for him to go forward.

Confidence is everything.

I always knew what a great player he has been and will be again. It’s just a matter of putting the key in the door and turning it all the way and

unlocking it. I think he’s on the right road now.

I’d like to think I can get fully match fit in time for The Open at St Andrews, especially with it being the 150th anniversary of The Open. It might be a great opportunity this year.

But to be a bit of a contrarian, we are starting to see more injuries in players nowadays at aged 35 to 45 than we had in the past.

Those injuries are coming because we are physically stronger and we’ve got more body speed, and the joints aren’t really any different than what Mother Nature gave us.

I’ve been a pretty fit guy my whole life and had a lot of flexibility, probably too much flexibility, and I know the weakest joints pay the price. It’s important that the really young kids understand that there is a fine line between how big and strong you need to be and how much power you truly need to have in the game of golf.

Power is an asset but at the same time, how much more are you going to really get out of the game? Maybe three, four, five yards? You’ve got to balance your body.

On the positive side, players go through their physical conditioning and learn to manage that process.

The older you get, the better you are going to become because you’re going to have the experience and the knowledge and the technology on your side to be able to manage it.

GREG NORMAN ON INJURY IN THE MODERN GAME

INJURIES ARE COMING BECAUSE WE ARE PHYSICALLY STRONGER AND WE’VE GOT MORE BODY SPEED, AND THE JOINTS AREN’T REALLY ANY DIFFERENT THAN WHAT MOTHER NATURE GAVE US. IT’S IMPORTANT THAT THE REALLY YOUNG KIDS UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A FINE LINE BETWEEN HOW BIG AND STRONG YOU NEED TO BE AND HOW MUCH POWER YOU TRULY NEED TO HAVE IN THE GAME OF GOLF.

“I WAS VERY PROUD OF HIM. HE WAS A BIT NERVOUS COMING DOWN THE STRETCH, WHICH HE SHOULD BE. I THINK THAT’S WHAT HE MISSES THE MOST, THAT INTERNAL WANT AND DESIRE TO GO OUT AND WIN AND EXECUTE THE JOB.” – GREG NORMAN

Below: Adam Scott in action during his five stroke at the Australian Open at New South Wales Golf Club and (above) posing with the trophy.

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WWGWHEELS

DRIVING

LEXUS IS300C

Styling and Technology >>

RIDE COMFORT PERFORMANCE SPACE BRAKING

Stunning convertible joins the Lexus IS stable LEXUS LAUNCH THE HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE VERSION OF THE EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL IS300 SPORTS SEDAN

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THE stunning new Lexus IS300C builds on the acclaimed L-finesse styling of the IS sedan and combines the muscular grace of a dynamic sports coupe with the elegance of a stylish and comfortable luxury convertible.

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DRIVING RIDE COMFORT PERFORMANCE SPACE BRAKING

T

HE stunning new Lexus IS300C builds on the acclaimed L-finesse styling of the IS sedan and combines the muscular grace of a dynamic, sports coupe with the elegance of a stylish and comfortable luxury convertible.

Featuring a four seat configuration, the sports car takes its styling cues from the popular IS300 sedan, yet shares only a handful of body elements such as the bonnet, headlights, door handles and door mirrors. All other body panels have been redesigned exclusively to accommodate the folding roof and

minimise wind turbulence during open-top driving. The convertible’s three-panel roof opens in just 20 seconds, the fastest time for this type of retractable roof system in the market.

The compact packaging of the folding mechanism takes up minimal space in the boot, providing enough space for two golf bags with the roof up and one golf bag with the roof down – without compromising generous rear seat access or rear passenger accommodation.

Utilising the same power train as the IS300 sedan, the IS300C features a smooth 3.0 litre V6 engine delivering 228

horsepower coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. Revisions made to the body structure and suspension ensure ride comfort with the top down and the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) is on a par with the IS sedan when in coupe configuration.

True to Lexus’s legendary quality and attention to detail, the new IS300C has been engineered to achieve excellent aerodynamics through the introduction of flush surfaces on the upper body and a flat under-floor profile. This dynamic styling found in the windscreen, cabin profile and rear, permits the IS300C

WWGWHEELS

Speci f ication Type

3.0-litre V6 Four Cam 24-valve (3GR-FE, unleaded)

Piston Displacement

2995cc

Maximum Output

228HP/6200rpm (SAE net)

Maximum Torque

30.6kg-m/4400rpm (SAE net)

Fuel System

Electronic Fuel Injection

Suspension

Double Wishbone type (Front) / Multi-link type (Rear), coil springs, as-filled shock absorbers, stabiliser bar

Steering system

Rack & Pinion, EPS (Electric Power Steering)

Brake Type - Front

334mm ventilated discs

Brake Type - Rear

310mm ventilated discs

Minimum turning radius (Tyres) 5.1m Fuel tank capacity

65 litres

Tyres - Front

225/45R17

Tyres - Rear

245/45R17

to achieve an extremely low drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd which compares favourably with the 0.27 Cd rating for the IS sedan.

Further sporty accents are found in the new combination tail-lamp clusters featuring LED lights alongside a new fog lamp design in the revised lower front bumper. The steering wheel-mounted gear shift paddles add to the engaging experience of driving a sports car.

The IS300C shares the IS sedan’s high levels of interior luxury and practical innovation with a number of bespoke technical revisions to ensure the on-

board comfort and entertainment systems work effectively when driving in convertible mode. Instrument gauges have been revised to help increase visibility during open-top driving and the climate control system has a speed sensitive control feature that automatically increases air flow when the top is down while also adjusting to vehicle speed.

Equally, the 12 speaker Mark Levinson sound system provides consistent audio quality whether the roof is up or down by instinctively adapting to the loss of bass during open-top driving. www.wwgolf.biz

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DIVOTS Westwood renews deal with Ping

EUROPEAN No.1 Lee Westwood has renewed his deal with Ping, signing a multi-year contract that will see the Englishman continue to play Ping equipment and wear the company’s logo on the front and back of his headgear.

“I’ve been with Ping since my junior golf days,” said Westwood, shortly after receiving The European Tour’s Golfer of the Year award. “They’ve been a leader in innovation for more than 50 years and the confidence I have in their technology makes my job a lot easier.”

Westwood is pictured with his manager Chubby Chandler (l) and Chance Cozby (r), Ping Director of Player Relations.

Langer tops the Champions Tour pile

Bain ends Asian Tour season strongly DUBAI based Ross Bain finished in a tie for 13th place at The Kings Cup on the Asian Tour last month with a superb 6-under-par total. The Scot posted rounds of 69, 69, 71 and 73 to take home a cheque for $4,734.00 and end the season 110th on the money list with $18,351 after 11 events.

Chan Yih-shin of Chinese Taipei won the tournament, defeating Scotland’s Simon Yates and Englishman Nick Redfern in a play-off after the trio finished on 14-under-par.

FOR the second year in succession, Bernhard Langer has been named the Player of the Year on the US Champions Tour after another stellar season.

Langer won four times in 2009 and topped the money list with $2,139,451 in earnings.

“I feel privileged to receive this award for the second consecutive year,” said Langer. “It’s always gratifying to be recognised by your peers and I’m honoured to join some elite company with players such as Lee Trevino, Jim Colbert, Hale Irwin and Jay Haas who have been awarded the Jack Nicklaus Trophy multiple times.”

Past champions to return to St Andrews EVERY living Open Champion has been invited to participate in a Champions Event at St Andrews the day before The Open Championship this summer.

The four-hole challenge will see players take on holes 1, 2, 17 and 18 as a celebration of The Open’s 150th anniversary. A similar event celebrated The 2000 Open at St Andrews and David Hill, The R&A’s Director of Championships said: “The Open Champions’ Challenge in 2000 was a great success and we expect it to be so again a decade on in 2010.”

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NEWS SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE GOLFING GLOBE

PGA TOUR to co-sanction event in Malaysia THE PGA TOUR and the Asian Tour, in partnership with Carbon Worldwide and PGA Promotions of Malaysia, will introduce the Asia Pacific Golf Classic, Malaysia 2010 at The MINES Resort & Golf Club as part of the 2010 PGA TOUR Fall Series calendar.

The long-term agreement represents the PGA TOUR’s first multi-year tournament agreement in Southeast Asia and the inaugural Asia Pacific Golf Classic, Malaysia 2010 will feature an international field competing for a $6 million purse, with $1 million going to the winner.

Meanwhile the Asian Tour will launch a minimum six-tournament Development Tour – on a similar structure to the US Challenge Tour – aimed at creating a new playing platform for emerging stars.

Jaidee is Asia’s finest THAILAND’S Thongchai Jaidee has been voted the 2009 Asian Tour Players’ Player of the Year, capping a superb year for the 40-yearold.

Jaidee won twice during the season – both in strong fields at tournaments co-sanctioned by The European Tour. He didn’t miss a cut all season and won his third Order of Merit crown.

McIlroy secures record ranking RORY McIlroy jumped to ninth on the Official World Golf Ranking last month and in doing so achieved the highest ever ranking by a 20-year-old.

The previous record was held by Sergio Garcia who peaked at 10th in the world when he was 20 in 2000.

Nigel Edwards named GB&I Walker Cup captain WELSHMAN Nigel Edwards (below right) has been appointed as the captain of Great Britain and Ireland’s Walker Cup team.

Edwards, 41, played in four successive Walker Cups between 2001 and 2007, winning four matches, losing five and tying three. He will try to win back the Walker Cup from the United States at the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, Scotland in 2011.

“I am delighted to have been invited to be the next Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup captain,” he said. “It is a great honour for me, my family and for Welsh golf and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”

Furyk breaks two year drought with Chevron win JIM Furyk won the Chevron World Challenge in California by a stroke over Graeme McDowell to end a lengthy drought. McDowell, who was drafted in to the 18-man field to replace the absent Tiger Woods, earned enough World Ranking points to jump from 55th to 38th, virtually securing his place in The Masters and the World Golf Championships events in 2010.

Lee Westwood finished in a tie for third place alongside Padraig Harrington.

Hansen revels in the Sunshine

Stricker and Kelly wrap up the Shark Shootout STEVE Stricker and Jerry Kelly won the Shark Shootout by one stroke from Kenny Perry and JB Holmes after last day drama in Naples, Florida. Stricker eagled the 17th to give the duo the lead and then both Holmes and Perry missed birdie putts on the 18th which would have forced a play-off. “It’s another feather in our cap,” said Stricker, who won three times on the PGA TOUR last year. “This is a lot of fun. We came here to have fun and to play well at the same time, and we did that.”

DENMARK’S Anders Hansen became the first European to top the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit since 1972 with a series of good performances in South Africa. Hansen won the Vodacom Open in Pretoria before top-10 finishes at the lucrative Alfred Dunhill Championship and the South African Open last month saw him take home earnings of R4,286,038, almost R2,000,000 more than second placed Charl Schwartzel. www.wwgolf.biz

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The Invitational 2010 www.theinvitational.com Confirmed players

Garcia joins Westwood and McIlroy in a star-studded cast for The Invitational !"#$%#&'(&$"))*+',-./'0 0(12' 03/4'(3564'13,,4'73.,

S

ERGIO GARCIA is the latest big name to join the all-star cast at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on Monday, January 25th.

The popular Spaniard, currently ranked 11th in the World, makes his debut in the most prestigious Invitational Pro-Am in the region.

Garcia, who finished 10th in The Race to Dubai, joins a host of leading European Tour players in The Invitational, including Europe’s Golfer of the Year, Lee Westwood.

The World No.4 returns to Dubai on the back of one of the most consistent seasons of his career. He capped a stunning victory in the Dubai World Championship in November, by adding The Race to Dubai title with two wins and 11 additional topten finishes to collect €2,750,000 and take his season’s earnings to a record €4,237,762.

He was rightfully voted The European Tour’s Golfer of The Year for the third time in his career, having ended Colin Montgomerie’s seven-year reign at head of European Golf by winning the Order of Merit in 2000 after finishing runner-up in 1999 and third in the table in 1997 and 1998. Westwood and Garcia are joined in

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the field by fellow Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell who recently shot back into the World top 50 with a superb second place finish at the Chevron World Challenge in California. The Irishman putin a superb performance as he finished one shot behind winner Jim Furyk but ahead a field that included the likes of Padraig Harrington, Stewart Cink and Steve Stricker.

Ross Fisher, currently ranked 20th in the World and who finished fourth in The Race to Dubai is another leading player to confirm his place in The Invitational on January 25.

Volvo World Match Play Champion, Fisher, who is sponsored by the Al Naboodah Group, put in a neartournament winning performance at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa, finishing in a share of third place, just one shot short of making the play-off with eventual winner Robert Allenby and Henrik Stenson .

Another player bringing his best form to The Invitational is host Abdullah Al Naboodah himself. Abdullah teamed up with UK radio presenter DJ Spoony, Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken to

Lee WESTWOOD Rory McILROY Ross FISHER Sergio GARCIA Simon DYSON Charl SCHWARTZEL Robert ROCK Graeme MCDOWELL Johan EDFORS Jeev MILKHA-SINGH Peter LAWRIE Chris WOOD Steve WEBSTER Gareth MAYBIN Graeme STORM James KINGSTON Thomas AIKEN Bradley DREDGE Jamie DONALDSON Darren CLARKE Paul LAWRIE Rafael ENCHINIQUE Ricardo GONZALEZ Daniel VANCSIK David LYNN David HOWELL Shane LOWRY Paul BROADHURST Stephen GALLACHER Steven JEPPESEN Pablo LARAZZABAL Richard GREEN Simon KHAN Gregory HAVRET Jean FRANCOIS LUQUIN

win the fourball alliance competition at the Gary Player Invitational at The Links at Fancourt, South Africa, in November.

Other players confirmed to play at the Creek on January 25 include Rory McIlroy, Jeev Milkha Singh, Darren Clarke, Simon Dyson, Johan Edfors, Charl Schwartzel and Richard Green. In total, 48 Professionals and 48 amateurs will combine in a betterball strokeplay competition in teams of two – one Pro and one amateur – with the Pros playing for a charity prize fund of AED500,000.

Al Naboodah Director of Golf, James Bowring, commented: “It’s great that we’ve got so many leading players competing who are right on the top of their game.

The sponsors and the spectators are going to be treated to a wonderful day of worldclass golf played in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s going to be a special day for them to be able to play a part in enjoying this unique tournament.”

Delwood are among the Premier Partner sponsors for The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25. For more information please visit: www.theinvitational.com

!8%+&99'7)"+: 0(12' 036/4'(36

Abdullah Al Naboodah

FUN FACTOR IS THE SECRET OF SUCCESS

I

’VE always believed that to run a successful Invitational or pro-am event you’ve got to guarantee that everyone on the golf course will be happy to be there – players and spectators alike.

There’s nothing worse than playing in a pro-am with a professional who clearly doesn’t want to be there. He’s probably been told by his management that he has to play and he’ll go through the motions of playing but do nothing more than he has to.

He won’t enter into any banter with his playing partners or try to give them a few tips on their swing or their stance or on where they may be going wrong with their choice of club.

The problem is that his attitude extends to the rest of the players in his group – and also to the crowd. If the group is going round the course having a laugh and a joke with each other, the crowd will join in the fun. When each group is going round with barely a word being spoken then the galleries tend to do the same and keep quiet all the time.

If you’ve got all the groups playing in a lighthearted spirit it makes for an enjoyable day for everyone and that’s the secret of success – the fun factor.

We have been careful to invite to The Invitational the Professionals who not only have great skills but who are also fun

personalities. They have also been highly competitive but that hasn’t stopped them talking to their fellow players and sharing a joke or two with them and with the galleries.

Outside our Invitational I have never played in a more enjoyable event than Gary’s [Player] Invitational at The Links at Fancourt in South Africa, last month.

I played with Spoony (UK radio 1 DJ), Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken and we managed to pull off a great win. Spoony is so much fun, and he knows how to play the game, so I’m hoping he’ll be playing at our Invitational at the Creek on January 25.

It was a close call. We put in a big finish to win on a countback on 22-under from the second place team.

Giving back All of the players were really focussed on winning but the keyword of the event was ‘fun.’ Everyone enjoyed the event from start to finish and the spectators were virtually part of the proceedings.

Winning the event was an unexpected bonus but, win or lose, I was just happy to be there.

The most important aspect was that it raised a GPI record [R5 million] for charity.

Since I met Gary at the Worldwide Golf Invitational in April we have spoken a lot

“WINNING THE EVENT (THE GARY PLAYER INVITATIONAL) WAS AN UNEXPECTED BONUS BUT, WIN OR LOSE, I WAS JUST HAPPY TO BE THERE.” – ABDULLAH AL NABOODAH about giving back to charity through golf.

I have the utmost respect for Gary and what he does and I congratulate him on the many millions of dollars he has raised for charity worldwide throughout his lifetime.

My family and I are very passionate about giving to charities around the world and The Invitational at the Creek later this month will be another opportunity to raise vital funds for charity.

I’m delighted that so many leading players like Lee (Westwood), Rory (McIlroy), Fish (Ross Fisher), Sergio (Garcia) and so many others have confirmed that they will play on January 25th to support the event at the Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

I know they will produce some great golf and guarantee that The Invitational will be a fun event for everyone.

WINNING SMILES AT THE GARY PLAYER INVITATIONAL: Abdullah Al Naboodah, DJ Spoony, Vincent Tshababala and Thomas Aiken celebrate their victory with host, Gary Player.

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'FBUVSJOH B SFWBNQFE NFOV UIBU TBNQMFT «BWPVST GSPN FWFSZ DPOUJOFOU 5IF #PBSEXBML JT QPJTFE UP UBLF ZPV PO B DVMJOBSZ WPZBHF BSPVOE UIF 8PSME "OE CFTU PG BMM ZPV DBO FNCBSL PO UIJT FYQFSJFODF GSPN PVS QSJWJMFHFE XBUFSGSPOU MPDBUJPO XIJDI CPBTUT NBHOJªDFOU BOE DBMNJOH WJFXT PG %VCBJ $SFFL "MM ZPV¥MM OFFE UP EP JT TJU CBDL SFMBY BOE MFU VT UBLF ZPVS EJOJOH FYQFSJFODF UP OFX IFJHIUT Tel: (04) 295 6000 • creekdining@dubaigolf.com • Open daily 8:00am-12:00am (0-' … 3&4035 … )05&- … ."3*/" XXX EVCBJHPMG DPN

WWGCOLUMNIST

ALL GEARED UP FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR

I

T’S been lovely to have a little break over Christmas and to spend some time with the family. It was baby Eve’s first Christmas so it was very special for the rest of us but I’m not sure she had any idea what was really going on!

I was ready for a rest, to honest. It’s been a long, hard season and it didn’t end for me with the Dubai World Championship either. From Dubai I went on a bit of a ‘round the world tour’. First off, I flew to China for the Omega Mission Hills World Cup where I represented England for the second time with my good mate Poults (Ian Poulter).

I said last month that we felt we could have won the 2008 event but just got off to a bad start in the opening round. We went there again to win this year and we knew we had the combined ability to do it if we could just put together four good rounds.

But, unfortunately, it was a similar story this year – a slow start left us with just a bit too much ground to make up. We played well and shot some good scores but we finished fourth behind three very strong teams in Italy, Ireland and Spain. I love playing with Poults. We get on very well and had another enjoyable week but every day we felt as though we left three or four shots on the golf course. All the same, we were really pleased with the way we finished the tournament with a 66 in the Sunday foursomes.

From China it was off to South Africa for the Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club, which was a really enjoyable event played on a fantastic golf course, with a great atmosphere.

I played well and was a little bit disappointed I couldn’t make a charge to get into the play-off with Robert Allenby and Henrik Stenson. Nobody shot lower than 69 on the final day and in the end I shot a 70 and had to settle for a share of third place with Tim Clark. Sun City is quite a place with a spectacular safari park – I’d love to go back there and stay for a bit longer when I have the time.

From there I went to play in Greg Norman’s Shark Shootout in Florida which was a great way to finish the year.

It’s a brilliant event which always features a really strong field and does fantastic work raising awareness and funds for the CureSearch children’s cancer charity. I

Left hand down a bit, perhaps Poults? Ross Fisher points the way for his playing partner Ian Poulter – the two friends joined forces to play the Omega Mission Hills World Cup and the Shark Shootout, dressed in matching tartan trousers. was honoured to be invited to play and guess who I was partnered with? You’ve got it – that man Mr. Poulter, I can’t seem to get away from him at the moment!

Our performance was similar to that at the World Cup in that we had one round where things didn’t quite go our way. We started well with a 4-under-par opening Modified Alternate Shot round but we didn’t go as low as I felt we could have in the better-ball format in the second round and fell three shots behind the lead. Our third round was a lot of fun and we came home in 13-under-par in the Scramble format to finish on 23-under, three shots off the winners Jerry Kelly and Steve Stricker, in a tie for fifth place.

It was a great end to the year but now I can’t wait to get going again.

One of my big goals for 2010 is to play my way into The Ryder Cup team.

If I manage that and Poults also gets in then it would be great to resume our partnership in Wales. I’m also looking to improve upon the great run I had in the Majors last year. I know that I have the game to win a Major.

You need to hit fairways and greens or you’ll come a cropper, but the most important thing is to hole your putts. This year in the Majors I didn’t quite do it on the Sundays, but during my Volvo World

Match Play Championship victory I holed some crucial putts on both the Saturday and Sunday, so it’s nice to know that under pressure I can step up and knock some in. That’ll help me when I get in that position again.

I’m really looking forward to competing in the Middle East Swing.

With The Race to Dubai, the region has now become even more significant on our Tour and I’ve enjoyed some good results there, especially in the Dubai Desert Classic so I’ll be raring to go later this month.

During the Middle East Swing I’ll also be taking part in Abdullah Al Naboodah’s event, The Invitational, which is shaping up to be a great tournament as always. As I’ve said before, it really is a fantastic event, which is very well run.

All the players are treated exceptionally well and we all have a great time. The fact that three of the top four players from last season’s Race to Dubai in Westwood, McIlroy and myself, have signed up to play this year speaks volumes about the growing reputation The Invitational has earned. I’m sure golf fans in Dubai will be tripping over themselves get to the event and I think they’ll be in for a great spectacle of golf.

IN THE KNOW WITH ROSS FISHER

Ross Fisher finished 20th in the 2009 Official World Golf Ranking and fourth in the final Race to Dubai ranking.

As the new 2010 season gets properly underway with the Middle East Swing starting with the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, then the Commercialbank Qatar Masters in Doha and finishing with the Dubai Desert Classic, Ross is currently ranked 18th in the world.

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33

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Find the right fit for your game at an authorized PING Fitting location or visit ping.com. ©PING 2009

Official World Golf Ranking AS OF DECEMBER 21, 2009

A R O U N D T H E W O R L D O N T H E E U R O P E A N T O U R & U. S . P G A 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 Phil Mickelson Steve Stricker Lee Westwood Padraig Harrington Jim Furyk Paul Casey Henrik Stenson Rory McIlroy Kenny Perry Sergio Garcia Ian Poulter Martin Kaymer Geoff Ogilvy Sean O’Hair Stewart Cink Ernie Els Ross Fisher Retief Goosen Lucas Glover Robert Allenby Zach Johnson Camilo Villegas Anthony Kim Angel Cabrera Vijay Singh Robert Karlsson Luke Donald Hunter Mahan Ryo Ishikawa Y.E. Yang Nick Watney Yuta Ikeda Adam Scott Soren Kjeldsen Mike Weir Tim Clark Graeme McDowell Francesco Molinari Anders Hansen Oliver Wilson David Toms Justin Leonard Simon Dyson Michael Sim Brian Gay Soren Hansen Miguel A Jimenez Edoardo Molinari Ben Curtis

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

14.94 8.41 6.78 6.68 5.65 5.62 5.45 5.44 4.92 4.82 4.78 4.69 4.56 4.54 4.29 4.29 4.20 4.09 4.00 3.90 3.90 3.69 3.59 3.58 3.55 3.40 3.22 3.16 3.13 3.07 3.03 2.98 2.89 2.81 2.76 2.72 2.70 2.61 2.61 2.60 2.60 2.60 2.46 2.45 2.43 2.42 2.40 2.38 2.35 2.31

Tot. Pts 597.44 369.82 305.15 347.41 299.62 280.78 239.84 255.46 280.17 250.47 248.31 239.04 237.18 226.97 214.66 201.54 222.52 208.49 231.95 206.62 233.71 191.87 186.65 186.14 177.33 156.53 135.05 132.52 165.70 165.78 178.94 160.65 115.66 132.20 148.92 138.75 150.97 143.76 146.00 130.17 135.36 121.97 127.69 144.51 97.02 144.97 129.82 133.13 117.54 101.68

Events

Pts. Gained

40 44 45 52 53 50 44 47 57 52 52 51 52 50 50 47 53 51 58 53 60 52 52 52 50 46 42 42 53 54 59 54 40 47 54 51 56 55 56 50 52 47 52 59 40 60 54 56 50 44

604.54 367.29 333.56 299.54 215.02 265.05 282.86 234.25 283.06 247.21 122.94 226.68 225.58 228.29 241.54 192.59 189.91 188.34 239.10 234.68 196.20 214.36 128.01 137.91 195.39 67.42 55.22 139.23 165.09 133.13 203.03 197.43 114.15 118.58 128.67 115.48 126.11 109.63 128.93 139.83 108.14 142.26 107.09 139.85 107.94 155.39 116.53 102.60 123.94 63.99

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

Alvaro Quiros Esp Ryan Moore USA Dustin Johnson USA Peter Hanson Swe Alexander Noren Swe Stephen Ames Can Shingo Katayama Jpn Thongchai Jaidee Tha Jeev Milkha Singh Ind Scott Verplank USA Matt Kuchar USA Chad Campbell USA Gonzalo Fdez-Castano Esp Hiroyuki Fujita Jpn Charl Schwartzel Saf Rory Sabbatini Saf Jason Dufner USA Kevin Na USA Ross McGowan Eng Justin Rose Eng Heath Slocum USA Koumei Oda Jpn Chris Wood Eng Kenichi Kuboya Jpn John Senden Aus Yasuharu Imano Jpn Brendan Jones Aus Mathew Goggin Aus Davis Love-III USA Jerry Kelly USA James Kingston Saf Liang Wen-Chong Chn Anthony Wall Eng Kevin Sutherland USA Stephen Marino USA Gregory Bourdy Fra John Rollins USA K.J. Choi Kor Louis Oosthuizen Saf Pat Perez USA Scott Strange Aus Rod Pampling Aus Richard Sterne Saf Prayad Marksaeng Tha Brandt Snedeker USA David Smail NZl Bubba Watson USA Paul Goydos USA Lin Wen-Tang Twn Ben Crane USA

2.29 2.28 2.26 2.23 2.23 2.17 2.17 2.16 2.15 2.12 2.11 2.11 2.09 2.07 2.05 2.03 2.03 2.00 2.00 1.99 1.91 1.85 1.85 1.84 1.83 1.81 1.81 1.80 1.78 1.74 1.72 1.70 1.69 1.69 1.66 1.65 1.63 1.63 1.59 1.57 1.56 1.54 1.53 1.51 1.51 1.50 1.49 1.49 1.48 1.48

Tot. Pts 125.69 118.76 124.04 118.41 109.25 102.17 119.51 127.21 141.92 104.05 109.64 113.84 110.77 101.29 116.60 111.68 101.26 109.97 109.79 103.71 112.65 92.31 73.80 90.25 115.27 72.59 77.73 104.44 88.90 100.78 92.93 81.46 93.14 89.37 108.01 92.41 89.71 79.88 84.23 78.73 84.31 97.02 75.09 96.59 81.31 74.79 79.06 77.23 59.35 77.03

Events Pts. Gained 55 52 55 53 49 47 55 59 66 49 52 54 53 49 57 55 50 55 55 52 59 50 40 49 63 40 43 58 50 58 54 48 55 53 65 56 55 49 53 50 54 63 49 64 54 50 53 52 40 52

127.02 121.89 139.31 91.63 93.89 86.22 83.52 116.43 85.20 99.15 104.53 104.55 104.54 88.44 98.05 116.29 112.42 131.38 106.76 100.39 103.72 78.94 65.93 75.47 114.82 57.77 56.88 71.71 80.42 103.36 73.01 62.26 81.76 65.07 102.35 79.98 100.45 62.84 101.56 80.38 73.04 70.60 35.28 62.71 67.92 61.54 79.25 67.39 25.29 78.81

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GARY PLAYER IS A TRUE LEGEND OF THE GAME. THE SOUTH AFRICAN IS ONE OF ONLY FIVE PLAYERS TO HAVE WON A CAREER GRAND SLAM OF ALL FOUR MAJORS. HE HAS WON A TOTAL OF NINE MAJORS AND NINE SENIOR MAJORS, AMONG 167 TOUR EVENTS WORLDWIDE.

Lee’s Dubai Double can lead to Major glory

W

HAT a wonderful end to Lee Westwood’s remarkable season it was to receive the Player of the Year Award on The European Tour for the third time in his career.

His outstanding performance in winning the Dubai World Championship, which also clinched The Race to Dubai, took his season’s earnings to a record €4,237,762.

I’ve always been a big fan of Lee. He’s one of the best ball strikers in the world and he’s also a nice guy with a strong personality.

He was No.1 player in Europe in 2000 with six wins throughout the season plus the World Match Play Championship and then mysteriously over the following two seasons he dropped below 250th in the World Ranking. But he battled his way back to the top of European golf and currently stands in fourth place in the Official World Golf Ranking.

It takes a lot of determination and hard work to stage a comeback like that and I wish Lee every success for the 2010 season. He came third in both The Open and the US PGA Championship last year and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he wins at least one Major this coming season. I wish him the best of luck. He deserves all the success he is having.

In thanking his manager Chubby Chandler, his fitness coach Steve McGregor, his coach Pete Cowan and his caddy Billy Foster he commented: “This award is as much for the team around me, including my family at home who have been supportive through the good times and the bad times and back through the good times.”

Nedbank thriller WE enjoyed a wonderful Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City last month – and the first Australian winner in Robert Allenby. It was a dramatic final day of mixed fortunes at the top of the leaderboard, which resulted in Allenby defeating Sweden’s Henrik Stenson

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on the third hole of a sudden-death play-off.

Robert showed what a tough competitor he is, taking his winning tally in play-offs to 11 out of 12. It also vindicated his decision to miss his national Australian Open in Sydney to play the Nedbank.

There were some fabulous golf shots played, particularly Retief Goosen’s recovery shot from the bushes on the par-five14th hole after his hooked second shot had bounced onto a cart path and disappeared into the undergrowth. A sharp-eyed marshal located the ball but Retief couldn’t hack it out first time. He took a penalty drop and hit a blind fifth shot that amazingly curled round the hole – and then knocked it in for a six.

Although he did well to drop only one shot, Allenby’s superb second shot gave him a birdie and a two-shot swing. Unfortunately, Retief’s putting was off the mark and he dropped out of contention with a 3-over-par 75 and fifth place on 9-over.

Ross Fisher and Tim Clark also had their chances but their challenge fell away over the closing holes and they had to share third place, missing the play-off by just one shot. Masters winner Angel Cabrera was out of sorts, finishing in sixth place.

It was disappointing that Ireland’s Rory McIlroy had to drop out at the halfway stage suffering from a stomach problem. What a fabulous talent he is and with Japan’s 18-year-old Ryo Ishikawa, who topped the 2009 Japan Tour money list and America’s Ricky Fowler, we’ve got three talented youngsters to follow in 2010.

Fun-filled Invitational I CAN’T remember when I last had so much fun than at our Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola at The Links at Fancourt in November.

It was a fun event from start to finish and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves – players

and spectators. We also broke the record in raising over R5 million for underprivileged children. Angel Cabrera teamed up with European Senior Tour player and British Senior Masters Champion Tony Johnstone to win the 36-hole professionals tournament by three strokes with a betterball score of 15-under 65.

You couldn’t ask for a more suitable double act. They both played outstanding golf and they both have an outstanding sense of humour and fun.

Angel commented that this was his first win in Africa and the only continent where he hadn’t had a win was Australia. Angel and Tony both said what a pleasure it was to play together.

Another team who clearly enjoyed every minute of the event were the winners of the Amateur Alliance competition. Abdullah Al Naboodah led the way as he, DJ Spoony, Vincent

Above: Lee Westwood receives The Race to Dubai trophy from European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady after his double win in Dubai.

Above, right: Gary pictured with Miss India and Greg Avioli, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Breeders’ Cup after presenting Gary with his award at Santa Anita.

Inset: Gary with Ted Brady, Sales Manager (Western USA) Emirates, and the Emirates Airline hostesses at Santa Anita.

Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken took the title on a countback, finishing on 22-under, with Irish property magnate Sinead Kenny, John Bland, Tjaart van der Walt and South African cricket legend Barry Richards finishing second.

British radio personality DJ Spoony came close to winning the previous year so he was delighted to win this time and he immediately confirmed that he will be back to defend his title later this year. He’s also hoping to make our Saadiyat Beach Classic this month.

Abdullah Al Naboodah also said he was booking his ticket back to South Africa and I appreciated his support of the charity auction in taking the top prize of a trip to The Masters. I know he does a lot of good work for charity and his Al Naboodah Invitational in Dubai, which has been running for a number of years, has raised huge amounts for charity.

I wish you well for 2010. ■

The Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola – FINAL RESULTS Fourball Alliance (best two scores to count; winners determined on countback) -22 (-15, -7) Abdullah Al Naboodah/DJ Spoony/Vincent Tshabalala/Thomas Aiken -22 (-16, -6) Sinead Kenny/Barry Richards/John Bland/Tjaart van der Walt -20 (-9, -11) Dr. Hasso Plattner/Sarah Stirk/Tony Johnstone/Angel Cabrera -20 (-9, -11) Dr. Hans-Walter Peters/Sir Clive Woodward/Bertus Smit/Garth Mulroy -18 (-9, -9) Scott DeSano/Kevin Curren/Bill Longmuir/Omar Sandys -14 (-5, -9) Alex Maditsi/Shaun Bartlett/Mark McNulty/Henrietta Zuel -9 (-1, -8) Hugh Connerty/Ard Matthews/Gary Player/Retief Goosen -7 (-2, -5) Hendrik Riehmer/Christiaan Basson/Bobby Jones/Sandra Gal Betterball Medal (professionals only): 131 Tony Johnstone /Angel Cabrera (66, 65) 134 John Bland/Tjaart van der Walt (63, 71) 134 Bill Longmuir/Omar Sandys (68, 66) 135 Bertus Smit/Garth Mulroy (66, 69) 135 Gary Player/Retief Goosen (70, 65) 138 Vincent Tshabalala/Thomas Aiken (67, 71) 139 Mark McNulty/Henrietta Zuel (69, 70) 148 Bobby Jones/Sandra Gal (69, 72)

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WORLDROUND-UPS Tournament: Alfred Dunhill Championship

Date: 10 – 13 Dec 2009

Venue: Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa

MARTIN MAKES FLYING START TO THE SEASON PABLO Martin began the 2010 Race to Dubai campaign in superb fashion with a one-stroke victory over 2005 winner Charl Schwartzel at the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

Martin carried a two-shot lead into the final day and carded a 69 for a 17-under-par total to defeat the South African who could only manage a 68 in his attempt to overhaul the Spaniard.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Martin, who started the tournament 488th in the world and began the 2009 season with seven missed cuts. “I am so happy and there was so much emotion today.”

Martin made history by becoming the first player to win a European Tour event both as an amateur and a professional having first made headlines in 2007 by winning the Estoril Open de Portugal prior to turning pro.

After a barren year this year he ended it in fine style with the win at Leopard Creek.

Martin opened with a 4-under 68 and moved into a four shot lead over Ernie Els heading into

the weekend with a sublime 9-under 63. Els and Schwartzel closed the gap to two shots with rounds of 69 and 68 respectively before the final 18 holes but Martin held on for victory with his gutsy closing 69.

Martin was able to celebrate his win with his sister who had joined him in South Africa as part of a holiday to see the wildlife on the Kruger National Park which adjoins Leopard Creek.

“I was a bit surprised by this. I planned to just come here with my sister and see the animals and have a holiday. She can’t go home now, because she was with me at both tournaments I have won,” he said. “Her kids will have to wait a bit before they get her back!”

Els fell out of contention with a 77 to finish on 7-under and finished 17th on the final leaderboard. Dane Anders Hansen finished third on 14-under par while Gareth Maybin, Robert Rock, Richard Sterne and Dale Whitnell finished two shots further back in a share of fourth place.

WINNER: PABLO MARTIN

Pablo Martin took advantage of the par 5s at Leopard Creek on his way to his one-stroke victory over Charl Schwartzel. The Spaniard was 12-under on the par 5s compared to 3-under on the par 4s and 2-under on the par 3s.

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€158,500

WINNING SCORE: 17-UNDER-PAR – 271 (68,63,71,69) RUNNER-UP: CHARL SCHWARTZEL – 272 Tournament: South African Open Championship

Date: 17 – 20 Dec 2009

Venue: Pearl Valley Golf Estates, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa

RAMSAY DEFEATS KAPUR FOR MAIDEN TITLE

WINNER: RICHIE RAMSAY

RICHIE Ramsay won his maiden European Tour title at the South African Open Championship, three years after becoming the first Scottish player to win the US Amateur Championship in 108 years.

Ramsay and Indian Shiv Kapur finished level on 13-under-par before the Scot prevailed with a twoputt birdie on the first extra hole.

“There’s no greater feeling than winning and I’m just a flood of emotions – I’m holding back the tears,” said Ramsay after receiving prize money of €158,500 and a European Tour exemption until the end of 2011.

Ramsay began the final day in ninth place, five strokes adrift from leader Pablo Martin – winner of the Alfred Dunhill Championship a week earlier – and shot a best-of-the-day 65 to get to 13-under alongside Kapur who posted a 67. Martin failed to consolodate

WINNER’S CHEQUE

€158,500

his winning position and dropped down to sixth place with a 73.

The pair went back down the 601 yard par-5 18th and Ramsay, who hadn’t dropped a shot all day, was on in two shots before sealing the victory with a birdie. “Things just went for me,” he admitted. “But I am a lot more positive now – I go out believing and thinking I can win.”

The trio of Denmark’s Anders Hansen, Sweden’s Fredrik Andersson Hed and Italian Edoardo Molinari had a slim chance of joining the play-off on 13-under par with an eagle at the last but failed. Hansen made a birdie to take third place outright on 12-under while Andersson Hed and Molinari finished with a par for a tie for fourth, one shot further back.

Defending champion Richard Sterne closed strongly with a 68 for a share of 18th place.

OTWEAR APPAREL BALLS

PLAYER TECHNOLOGY HARDWEAR FO

ECCO Golf Collection DANISH shoemaker ECCO has unveiled their Spring/Summer 2010 women’s and men’s golf collections, and the range of new styles definitely gets the thumbs up from WWG. The shoes are, as always, crafted from the highest-grade leathers and tick all the boxes as far as comfort and performance are concerned. Each ECCO golf shoe is touched by more than 225 sets of highly-skilled hands during production, which gives an indication of the level of quality and attention to detail you’re getting.

www.ecco.com

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OTWEAR APPAREL BALLS

PLAYER TECHNOLOGY HARDWEAR FO

Hirzl Trust Control Glove THESE all leather gloves from Swiss firm Hirzl offer amazing grip due to their structured palm leather. The palms have a wonderfully ‘tacky’ feel that allows exceptional grip in wet weather as well as dry. They are also 100% sweat resistant while a 45 degree pre-curved finger system makes then fit nice and snugly giving you the extra comfort that allows you to concentrate on playing. Hirzl claim that their gloves will last at least four times longer than any others on the market and they are so confident that you’ll be impressed with their performance, comfort and durability, that they’re offering a three months ‘no questions asked’ warranty on the palm of the gloves.

www.hirzl.com

Golf Pride Grips GOLF Pride have been worldwide market leaders in grips for the past six decades for good reason. They’re consistently at the forefront in terms of innovation and performance whether it’s cord, non cord, hybrid or putter grips you require.

We’re big fans here at WWG Towers so we were thrilled to try out the latest offerings from the company. There is a full range to suit every preference from the full cord Tour Velvet – the most popular grip in golf – to the multi-compound New Decade. Feel, grip and look are, as always, top notch and, for our money, there really aren’t any better grips on the market.

www.golfpride.com

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Druh Belts & Buckles DRUH Belts & Buckles offer a new concept in trendy belts which can be worn both on and off the course. The idea is that you build your own customised belt according to which strap style, buckle, material and colour you prefer. Launched less than a year ago by former European Tour player Simon Hurd, the belts have proved so popular that they have transcended the world of golf with a host of England cricketers such as Captain Andrew Strauss, Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Graeme Swann all placing orders. European Tour players Robert Karlsson, David Howell and Paul McGinley are already sporting Druh Belts while American John Daly has joined forces with the company to produce a range that will feature the Wild Thing’s recognisable “lion” logo on the buckle.

www.druhbeltsandbuckles.com

Nike Zoom Bandon WE’RE pretty spoilt here in the Middle East when it comes to playing conditions. Usually our only concern is whether or not we can withstand the heat long enough to get 18 holes in. But when we travel abroad we can often get caught out with unsuitable gear for the conditions.

Nike’s latest shoe, the Zoom Bandon, has been designed to cope with the worst possible conditions underfoot. The bootstyle Bandon features a seam-sealed synthetic upper that acts like a protective skin around the body of the shoe to give fantastic waterproof protection, durability and functionality in wet conditions. There is also a zipped closure which forms an impermeable layer to prevent moisture from entering from all angles. The high boot style also provides cover from wet grass in the rough. For such a well sealed shoe, the Bandon is surprisingly breathable while additional features such as the Power Platform outsole for efficient energy transfer and trademark Zoom Air cushioning add both comfort and performance. Each pair comes with a two-year limited waterproof warranty.

GolfStretcher Tour and GolfGrasp WHEN it first landed on the doorstep at WWG Towers we thought that the GolfStretcher looked little more than a bar with handles on. When we gave it a closer inspection we realised that it is, in fact…little more than a bar with handles on. But its simplicity, like most good golf training aids, is its genius.

The GolfStretcher is designed to ensure your body is fully warmed up and ready to go the moment you take a golf club in your hands. It’s effectively the equivalent of warming up with a club across your shoulders and doing hip swivels but with much better results, due to a much greater number of muscles being stretched.

The bar is adjustable to different lengths and the handles rotate, allowing you to perform different exercises that will increase the full range of motion in your shoulders, arms and back muscles - which will, of course, lead to greater flexibility, greater swing speed and more distance on the golf course. The product comes with a booklet detailing the different exercises you can do and you can also see video demonstrations on the GolfStretcher website.

The Tour version that we tried also comes with a GolfGrasp, which is a tough plastic device that you squeeze and rotate in order to improve finger and forearm strength and dexterity.

Permitted under the USGA’s Rules of Golf, the GolfStretcher can be carried in your bag during tournament play and doesn’t count as a club. Two great little products that really do work.

www.golfstretcher.com

www.nike.com/nikegolf

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Banyan Golf Club

Asia Pacific - The New Golf Frontier Thailand proved to be one of the most booming areas of the Asian Pacific golf industry with several clubs picking up awards: Best new course in Asia Pacific.

Winner: Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin Best Maintained course in Asia Pacific.

Winner: Siam Country Club, Chonburi Best clubhouse in Asia Pacific.

Winner: Thai Country Club Best course in Thailand.

Winner: Thai Country Club Best Golf Course Architect in Asia: Nicklaus Design Lifetime Achievement Award: Gary Player

K

OREAN Y.E. Yang’s victory at last year’s U.S. PGA Championship saw him become the first Asian born man to win a Major championship.

It was a huge feather in the cap of Asian golf and was the result of a booming golf industry growing out of the Asia Pacific region.

The third annual Asia Pacific Golf Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur recently and the significance of golf’s newest frontier was underlined by the attendance of three of the game’s greatest legends in Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Peter Thompson, among a collection of the most influential people in golf.

Each gave their insights into the success of the game in the region and laid out their suggestions for the continued development in the coming years from junior level right up to the professional ranks.

Gary Player spoke passionately for around an hour about the burgeoning Asian game, covering a variety of topics, including the importance of finding ways build courses that aren’t so reliant upon water – something for which he has made considerable progress with the course he has created on his farm back in South Africa.

It was revealed that there are around 6,000 golf clubs in Asia serving 17-20 million golfers so Stacey Walton, General Manager of the Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand, left the awards ceremony a very proud and happy man after picking up the coveted award for ‘Best New Course in Asia Pacific.’

“The ‘Best New Course in Asia Pacific’ award is the most recognised accolade in Asia’s golf industry,” said Walton. “I’m honoured that we

were able to achieve this award under my leadership and supervision, along with Stuart Daly, Director of GLS Asia, having successfully opened the golf club on October 1, 2008.

Operating for just a little over 12-months, we’ve already started to build a fantastic reputation in the golf industry and among all those who have been here to experience our world class facilities.

“The award means something different to the various people involved in building Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin, into the success it has become. Firstly, our golf course architect and developer Pirapon Namatra, who couldn’t ask for or deserve a better acknowledgement for his creation.

“Our team members feel extremely proud as they work hard and it’s because of their dedication to quality and service excellence in striving to provide a 5-star experience for our visitors that has helped to make us successful.

“Our investors and shareholders are thrilled and envisage the award as not only helping us to develop more golf rounds but also in increasing interest in Banyan Village, a housing development which comprises private villas, investment homes and condominiums. The award has strengthened the Banyan brand further and our homeowners and club members feel they are all a part of it.”

With the Banyan Golf Club leading the way among a new breed of luxury yet affordable golf and real estate developments it’s clear that the Asia Pacific region is set to strengthen its position at the forefront of the industry over the coming years.

Top left: Gary Player is presented with the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award.

Above, top: Stacey Walton (left) and Stuart Daly (right) from Banyan Golf Club receiving the award for ‘Best New Course in Asia Pacific’.

Above: Jack Nicklaus addresses the Asia Pacific Golf Summit on the future of course design.

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OUTPLAY THE ELEMENTS Stuart Appleby trusts Cutter & Buck CB DryTec for maximum comfort on the course. Its lightweight, quick-drying fabric wicks away moisture, keeping him cool, dry and at his best.

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SWING Pro swing analyst >>

CLAUDE HARMON III, DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION, BUTCH HARMON SCHOOL,

PRO look

DUBAI SPORTS CITY

PHIL MICKELSON MY FATHER, BUTCH HARMON, AND PHIL MICKELSON HAVE BEEN WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS AND THE RESULTS OF LOTS OF HARD WORK IS STARTING TO SHINE THROUGH. PHIL COULD HAVE EASILY WON TWO MAJORS IN 2009 HAD HIS PUTTER BEEN HOT. HOOKING UP WITH PUTTING GURU DAVE STOCKTON TOWARDS THE END OF 2009 PRODUCED VICTORIES AND A TON OF CONFIDENCE. BY HIS OWN ADMISSION, PHIL SAYS HE HAS NEVER HIT THE BALL BETTER AND 2010 IS A HUGE YEAR FOR THE WORLD‘S SECOND RANKED PLAYER.

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47

SWING

PHIL

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

A classic setup. Phil, at times, can get his chest a bit too open at address, so notice here how both the left and right arm are hanging naturally from the shoulders.

Check out the head position here. Try to stay tall as you start your downswing. Phil maintains his head position better when his backswing is shorter. Which allows his chin to stay up on his downswing.

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As the arms extend back, the lower body stays strong and stable.

The clubhead stays in front of the body on the backswing as the shoulders start to turn.

I love this position. A great angle to see the lower body rotating towards the target, yet the shoulders are still square. If you want to hit draws, try to reproduce this picture on your downswing.

MICKELSON Both hands are over the left shoulder here.

Notice how Phil’s upper body is staying bent forward, basically at the same angle he started with at address. I see far too many players stand up and out of their posture as they make a backswing.

The main swing change Phil has made is to try and shorten his backswing length. In the past, he has ‘overswung’ the club, thus losing consistency. Still a bit too long here, but his swing is now much shorter than in the past.

No holding back here! Phil has great extension through impact, which is where he generates his huge power. As the lower body turns toward the target, the heel is just starting to come up. Phil works very hard on having good footwork through impact.

Make sure your legs are solid at impact.

In order to hit the ball with more power, try to finish your swing in this position.

Make sure your weight is balanced firmly on your lead legs at your followthrough position.

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49

How to hit a knockdown shot By: Paul Wilson, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

the shot THE KNOCKDOWN SHOT, or punch shot, has been used by golfers since the game originated in Scotland around the 12th century. The ability to lower your ball trajectory without sacrificing control or distance can be very useful, especially when playing on a beachfront golf course such as Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi.

The aim of this tutorial is to help you hit the ball lower and give you the confidence to control your shots into the wind.

Firstly, we must consider club selection, a knockdown shot will not travel as far as a full shot. In these pictures I am on the magnificent Sea View hole at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. From 135 yards out I have chosen to use a 7-iron. Normally, this is my wedge distance, however, with a strong breeze against me I have decided to hit a knockdown shot.

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Brought to you by

Designer of Saadiyat Beach Golf CluB Gary Player, mastered playing in windy conditions to win professional tournaments all over the world. He believes amateur golfers usually fail to take account of wind conditions.

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TUTORIAL

As with any golf shot, the key to hitting an effective knockdown shot is in your setup. I am gripping the club one inch further down the shaft, however the grip itself remains the same as if I were taking a full swing.

I have moved the ball position back in my stance so my hands are now slightly ahead of the ball.

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The knockdown shot is all about accuracy, so I focus on completing a compact threequarter backswing. The key is to maintain a smooth rhythm throughout the swing, while remembering we are hitting a three-quarter shot.

PRO LOOK Brought to you by

‘

I control the trajectory by delaying the release of the club and not by leaning forward or leaning into the shot. Trying to muscle up or swing harder will only lead to a poor release and a higher shot with more backspin – the opposite of what I want in the wind!

Next time you’re faced with a shot into the wind remember Greg Norman’s famous words:

“

swing with ease into the breeze”.

“

Again my followthrough is shorter and lower than a full swing as my wrists have not fully released. My arms extend towards the target and I finish in a balanced three- quarter position with my chest facing the target and my weight on my left foot.

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GOOD FOOD GUIDE

Good Good Food Food Guide Guide

Nineteen at The Address Montgomerie Dubai Culinary artistry from Simone-Lousie Nabb

T

HEY say that inside every great chef there’s an artist trying to get out and in the case of Simone-Louise Nabb the artistic presentation of her dishes puts her on a par with Picasso.

The recently-appointed chef at the Montgomerie Dubai’s fine dining restaurant, Nineteen, is making a lot of friends and admirers with her new and exciting concept to the restaurant – Australasian Fusion.

Incorporating meat from Ranger Valley Farms – the finest Black Angus cattle in Southern Australia – this clean, crisp and precise method of cooking is proving to be a big hit with the restaurant’s patrons. But it’s not just steaks where Simone-Louise excels. Her fish dishes and other meat dishes are equally delicious – and all beautifully presented.

In the best Australian tradition SimoneLouise took off to see the world with designs on becoming an artist. But her career took a different course and she became fascinated by the art of cooking. She began her culinary

career at the tender age of 18, and has since worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants throughout Australia, America, Asia, Europe and the United Kingdom.

She was the first female and youngest Chef de Cuisine to work for the Disney Corporation. During her career she has also cooked for some of the most recognised names in the entertainment industry, including Pavarotti, Kylie Minogue, Elton John and Sting and for a while was the resident chef to the royal family in Belgrade.

In the short time that Simone-Louise has been at Nineteen, she has built up a loyal following which is growing by the week.

Simone-Louise has a sparkling personality and is modest in the extreme about her culinary expertise. “I’ve been lucky to have been able to travel the world and experience so many different styles of cooking,” says Simone-Louise. “I’m also very lucky in having such a good kitchen staff. They have come on leaps and bounds since I’ve been here and they enjoy their job, which shows in the fact that our guests enjoy the dishes we prepare and present. We all work as a team and everyone plays their part.”

Nineteen is open for dinner from 19:00 to midnight daily.

Lunch is served every Thursday from 12:00 to 15:30.

Friday Brunch, from 12:00 to 15:30.

Saturday Roast, from 12:00 to 15:30 For reservations call: + 9714 363 1275

Legends Steak House at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Sophisticated dining in magnificent surroundings

S

ituated on the first floor of Dubai Creek’s unique sail shaped clubhouse building, this modern and elegant steakhouse offers you the chance to try international cuisine at its finest. Exemplary standards of service compliment the tempting and imaginative flair of the chefs. The venue’s unique design is defined by the spectacular leaning tower in the centre of the room, plus a private dining table for a small group is located upstairs, making this restaurant a truly legendary culinary experience.

The Truffle Experience

Le Classique at Emirates Golf Club

From Thursday 21st until Saturday 30th January, visit the Legends Steakhouse and indulge yourself in the truffle experience.

Choose from two, three or four course special truffle set menus and get the chance to know more about the wonders of this magical fungi. You can then take home the experience and try the recipes the restaurant are giving away.

Saturday Gourmet Brunch

For reservations call: + 9714 205 4626

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mbark on a culinary adventure with Chef Francois every Saturday in the award-winning Le Classique at Emirates Golf Club. Enjoy an endless starter and dessert buffet along with an unlimited a la carte main course menu, all for a delectable Dhs.195 food only or Dhs.295 including choice from a dozen varieties of red and white. Brunch is served from 12:00pm to 15:30pm. Children 12+ years welcome.

For reservations, contact Le Classique on tel: +9714 380 2222 or Email: leclassique@dubaigolf.com www.wwgolf.biz

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I F YOU ’ V E J UST JOI N E D A NOT H E R G OL F CLU B , YOU M IGH T NOT WA N T TO R E A D A N Y F U RT H E R .

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 • 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, floodlit practice areas, conference facilities, and five 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.

Terms and conditions apply.

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

Omega Dubai Ladies Masters

KIM CRUISES TO OMEGA DUBAI LADIES MASTERS TITLE

South Korea’s In Kyung Kim poses with the trophy after winning the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters by three strokes from America’s Michele Wie (below), who finished runner-up on 15-under 273.

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OUTH Korean In Kyung Kim held off a late charge by American wondergirl Michelle Wie to win the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters by three strokes.

The World No.13 closed with a 5-under-par 68 for an impressive 18-under-par 270 total to win the season-ending tournament on the Ladies European Tour.

Wie fired a best-of-the-day 7-under-par 65 to climb up the leaderboard into second place on 15-under-par but it wasn’t enough to topple the impressive Kim. “I’m very excited to win this tournament,” said 21-year-old Kim, who moved to the USA from South Korea at the age of 16. “Michelle played great around the turn. She made six birdies by the 13th but I tried to keep playing my game, and I think I did a good job.”

Wie was 15-under as she came down the 515-yard par-5 18th but her hopes of a last gasp charge ended when she put her second shot into the lake in front of the green. She saved par thanks to a superb recovery shot but was disappointed with the way the hole panned out.

“All I had to do was go left at least.

I didn’t put a good swing on it. It was

just stupid,” said Wie. “I feel like I had a good run going. At the 18th hole I was annoyed with my second shot.

But you know, other than that, I felt like I tried my hardest out there and I gave it my all.”

Kim, playing on an invitation, was eighth after a first round of 70 but she shot into pole position with a second round 65 and never relinquished her lead. She had a three stroke advantage courtesy of a third round 67 and sealed the win with a birdie on the final hole for a 68.

First round leader Maria Hjorth finished third on 14-under-par with four players taking a share of fourth place on 11-under. England’s Laura Davies eagled the final hole to get to 11-under alongside France’s Virginie Lagoutte-Clement, Spaniard Tania Elosegui and Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist.

Sophie Gustafson of Sweden won the Ladies European Tour Henderson Money List title after finishing 6-under in a tie for 14th, which was good enough to beat Catriona Matthew of Scotland to the Order of Merit title, finishing 8-under in 12th place.

Gustafson earned €281,315 for the season, compared to Matthew’s winnings of $259,871.

FINAL LEADERBOARD: 1

In Kyung Kim (KOR)

270

-18

2

Michelle Wie (USA)

273

-15

3

Maria Hjorth (SWE)

274

-14

4

Virginie Lagoutte-Clement (FRA) Laura Davies (ENG) Tania Elosegui (ESP) Anna Nordqvist (SWE)

277

-11

8

Gwladys Nocera (FRA)

278

-10

9

Melissa Reid (ENG) Jade Schaeffer (FRA) Amy Yang (KOR)

279

-9

www.wwgolf.biz

57

Steve Stricker

Padraig Harrington

Lee Westwood

Ross Fisher

Rory McIlroy

Around the world,

Every Shot Counts. #1 IN WORLDWIDE WINS

#1 IN WORLDWIDE PLAYERS

152

19,651 3,120

Nearest Competitor

Zach Johnson

Geoff Ogilvy

26

Nearest Competitor

Adam Scott

Cristie Kerr

Camilo Villegas

THE #1 BALL PLAYED AROUND THE WORLD.

Pro Sports International, PO Box 26723, Dubai, UAE. Source: Darrell Survey, Sports Marketing Surveys, LTD. Based upon results through 30/11/09 on the U.S. PGA, U.S. LPGA, Champions, Nationwide, South African, Asian, Korean, Australasian, Japan, Canadian PGA and PGA European Tours. Sign up to In The Swing, our free e-newsletter, at intheswing.info Explore titleist.co.uk

Women's Golf Dubai

MONINA SHINES IN OMEGA DUBAI LADIES MASTERS PRO-AM AFTER WINNING OUR THIRD WGD EVENT THE third Women’s Golf Dubai event was held at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa with more than 40 players participating in the 18 hole Stableford competition and Beginner Golf Clinics.

Women’s Golf Dubai’s main focus is to encourage more women to take up the game and achieve an official handicap. We are also providing an opportunity for ladies to learn the rules and etiquette of golf while competing on the golf course.

These ladies will be paired with players of a similar ability level to help build confidence.

Once the players gain their handicaps it will be easier for them to join a club and become a member at one of the golf courses in the UAE as well as taking part in our events.

The Beginner Golf Clinics, conducted by Sandy Meyer and Mark Bull, include an hour on the long game plus a short game session followed by a mini putting competition.

Mary Nisbet won the putting competition and the runner-up was Eline Soete. In the main event, the fast improving Monina Gudaca scored 37 points to win the tournament sponsored by ECCO and a place in the Dubai Ladies Masters Pro-Am. In second place was Kavita Sehmi, an improving junior from Arabian Ranches Golf Club, who scored 34 points. Saskia Hanraets took third place with 28 points on a countback from from Alison Lewis.

The day was exceptionally well organised by Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, with the assistance of professionals Stuart McMurdo, Mark Bull and their team.

Women’s Golf Dubai would like to thank their sponsors, ECCO, Golf Shop Direct, Expand a Sign, Purely Pearls and Mountain High for their valuable contribution to the success of the tournament.

The next Women’s Golf Dubai Tournament will take place at Al Badia Golf Club on Tuesday 19th January. The 2010 schedule of events will be available on the website in the next couple of weeks which can be accessed on our website www. womensgolfdubai.com. Entries to these events can be made directly online.

DETAILS DATE: Tuesday, January 19th. 08.00am shotgun start.

VENUE: Al Badia Golf Club FORMAT: 18 hole Individual Stableford FINISH: Play is expected to finish around 12:00 noon.

COST: AED400, includes Buffet Lunch on the lawn, Green Fee, Shared Golf Cart, Range Balls, a 50% off Spa InterContinental voucher, use of the facilities including heated Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms.

LUNCH: Around 12:30 after the conclusion of the tournament.

HANDICAP: 36 and Player Certificate payers.

PRIZES: 1st, 2nd & 3rd plus 5 Special Events. * CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES – 13 JANUARY 2010

ECCO team runners-up in Omega Dubai Ladies Masters Pro-Am THE ECCO team comprising professional Hazel Kavanaugh, amateurs Beccy Yeoman, Kate Done and Women’s Golf Dubai qualifier Monina Gudaca, did exceptionally well, finishing eight-under-par, Net 59, to take second place overall in th Omega Dubai Ladies Masters Pro-Am. The event consisted of 56 teams and it was the best net score to count on each hole out of the four players.

Monina played exceptionally well and even though she had to play off a 24 handicap as opposed

Sandy Meyer’s

to her 30 handicap, she consistently contributed to the team scorecard.

We would like to thank ECCO for their sponsorship,

which enabled Monina to be part of this wonderful experience of a lifetime to be playing among the world’s best Players.

PROFESSIONAL TIP

DURING the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters one aspect of the players’ game that struck me more than anything else wan not the fact that they hit the ball incredible distances off the tee, it was their ability to recover from a bad hole and refocus their game on the next. These players hit bad shots as well as good shots, but they are still able to shoot sub par rounds and not let those dropped shots affect the rest of their game.

I see many amateur players who start their rounds off really well and suddenly they hit a bad shot, or make double or triple bogey, and then their game falls apart. It’s easy to do, and it’s to be expected but if we can take the good with the bad, then we can pick ourselves up and tackle the next hole with confidence and not defeat.

An example of this was Sophie Gustafson who was five under on the final day, playing the 12th hole and took a triple bogey to finish the hole on two-under-par. After playing holes 13 to 18, she finished six-under-par again, making four birdies on her last six holes and making the top 15.

Michelle Wie on the 18th, unfortunately found the water with her second, but she still kept her focus and after taking a penalty drop, she hit her next shot two feet from the pin and made the putt to save par.

Golf is a game played with a multitude of shots, some great, some good, some okay and some bad, but that’s all part of the experience of playing and it’s how we take the rough with the smooth that determines the final outcome. www.wwgolf.biz

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WWG LOCAL FOCUS

ARABIAN Clubs in December 2009 Worldwide Golf Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Abu Dhabi Golf Club Al Badia Golf club Al Ghazal Golf Club Al Hamra Golf Club Arabian Ranches Golf Club Dirab Golf Club Doha Golf Club Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Emirates Golf Club

Emirates Golf Federation Maritim Jolie Ville Golf & Resort, Egypt Palm Sports Resort, Al Ain Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club Taba Heights Golf Club, Egypt The Els Club Dubai Palms Golf Club Intercontinental, Riyadh The Royal Golf Club, Bahrain The Montgomerie Dubai Tower Links Golf Club

www.callawaygolf.com

T H E I N A U G U R A L A L N A B O O D A H C U P, S E C O N D I N T H E U A E P A T R O N S ’ C U P S E R I E S

Amateur Miki Mirza holds the Professionals at bay to win by one MIKI MIRZA shot a 1-under 71 to take the overall honours in the inaugural Al Naboodah Cup, the second in the UAE PGA’s Patrons’ Cup series, hosted at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Mirza’s consistent game kept him ahead of both the Professional and Amateur field with David Gray, of Dubai Creek, the closest Pro to challenge him with an even-par 72 to taker first place among the Professionals and second place overall.

Steven Munro and Malcolm Young tied for the runner-up spot in the Pro division scoring a 1-over 73, with Young pipping Munro to take overall third place.

Walking away with the runner-up’s title in the Amateur division was Matthew Turner, scoring 74.

“Course Superintendent Rob Gradishar, and his team gave us a course and pin positions which both challenged and rewarded,” said Stephen Hubner UAE PGA Tournament Director. “We are proud to have Abdullah Al Naboodah as both a Patron and an extremely active supporter of our game”. The third tournament, in this four-part Patrons’ Cup series, is the Auriga Event which will be held on January 13th at The Els Club.

T H E 1 5 T H W O R L D G O L F E R S C H A M P I O N S H I P, M A R B E L L A , S P A I N

ASPIRE’S YOUNGSTERS ACHIEVE INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM SUCCESS TWO budding young golfers of Qatar’s ASPIRE Academy produced impressive performances at the recent 15th World Golfers Championship in Spain. Jeham Al-Kuwari finished fifth in the individual competition while his fellow ASPIRE athlete, Abdulla Abdurrahman Al-Bishi came fourth in the 10 – 16 handicap group.

The two young golfers, part of Qatar’s fiveman national team participating in the team Championship, helped the national side to take sixth place in a field of 23 countries.

Wayde Clews, ASPIRE’s Director of Sports, commented: “This was an excellent result from our two young golfers. Their performance in the Championship, and the qualifiers, demonstrate their growing ability to compete at the highest level against top international competitors. With the continued support of ASPIRE and the Qatar Golf Federation, Qatar is developing promising

golfers for the future.” Jeham Al-Kuwari said: “It was the greatest moment in my sporting career.

The competition was tough and I take great confidence from my performance, knowing that I can build on this and be more successful in the future.”

Abdulla Al-Bishi, said: “The team result was excellent and I am proud to have played my part in this achievement. This is a very prestigious tournament and I think we demonstrated that Qatar can compete with the best.”

The Championship, which has qualifiers held around the world, is designed to give amateur golfers the opportunity and experience of competing internationally. The 15th World Golfers Championship staged in Marbella, Spain, was supported by tournament patron, Arnold Palmer and Honorary Chairman, Severiano Ballesteros.

WINTER RATES 2010 ABU DHABI GOLF & EQUESTRIAN CLUB From 1st November 2009 to 31st May 2010 Peak 18H Dhs. 280 9H Dhs. 180 Rate includes cart hire and range balls

Off-Peak Dhs. 260 Dhs. 160

ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 30th April 2010 27H Peak Rack Rate Dhs. 695 Twilight Rate Dhs. 350 Junior Rate Dhs. 295 Rate include A/c golf cart & practice balls AL BADIA GOLF CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 680 18H Weekday Dhs. 525 Rate includes shared cart & range access before play AL GHAZAL GOLF CLUB From 1st October 2009 to April 20th 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 150 18H Weekday Dhs. 95 9H Weekend Dhs. 90 9H Weekday Dhs. 75 AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 30th May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Peak Dhs. 405 18H Off-Peak Dhs. 345 9H Peak Dhs. 245 9H Off-Peak Dhs. 210 Rate includes cart & 1 basket of range balls.

ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 470 18H Weekday Dhs. 395 9H Weekend Dhs. 280 9H Weekday Dhs. 255 Optional cart available at Dhs. 55 DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekday Dhs. 495 From 1st October 2009 to 15th November 2009 18H Weekend Dhs. 625 From 16th November 2009 to 31st March 2010 18H Weekend Dhs. 715 From 1st April 2010 to 31st May 2010 18H Weekend Dhs. 625 Rates include cart and range balls before play.

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB - MAJLIS COURSE From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Dhs. 745 9H Dhs. 445 Rates include golf cart hire & practice range balls.

Off-Peak Dhs. 525 Dhs. 325 Dhs. 295

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 850 Dhs. 695

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 165 Dhs. 120 Dhs. 115 Dhs. 85

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 450 Dhs. 385 Dhs. 230 Dhs. 230

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 660 Dhs. 555 Dhs. 385 Dhs. 345

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 595 Dhs. 695 Dhs. 795 Dhs. 695

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 825 Dhs. 495

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB - FALDO COURSE From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 625 18H Weekday Dhs. 495 9H Weekend Dhs. 375 9H Weekday Dhs. 300 Rates include golf cart hire & practice range balls.

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 320 18H Weekday Dhs. 290 9H Weekend Dhs. 185 9H Weekday Dhs. 160 PALM SPORTS RESORT From 1st October 2009 to 15th June 2010.

EGF RATE NON EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 300 18H Weekday Dhs. 250 9H Weekend Dhs. 190 9H Weekday Dhs. 160 Rates include range balls and shared cart SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB From 1st January to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 245 18H Weekday Dhs. 200 9H Weekend Dhs. 150 9H Weekday Dhs. 120 Rates exclude cart or trolley and range balls THE ELS CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 565 18H Weekday Dhs. 425 Rate includes cart and range access before play THE MONTGOMERIE DUBAI From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 595 18H Weekday Dhs. 450 Rates inclusive of cart and range use prior to play TOWER LINKS GOLF CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 390 18H Weekday Dhs. 330 9H Weekend Dhs. 210 9H Weekday Dhs. 180 Rates inclusive of cart and range balls

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 695 Dhs. 595 Dhs. 420 Dhs. 360

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 350 Dhs. 320 Dhs. 200 Dhs. 175

Dhs. 330 Dhs. 270 Dhs. 200 Dhs. 180

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 275 Dhs. 220 Dhs. 165 Dhs. 135

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 795 Dhs. 595

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 795 Dhs. 795

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 440 Dhs. 390 Dhs. 235 Dhs. 210

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

ARABIAN GOLF

Members of the winning team: Brian Mullen, Kevin Jamieson, Roy Wilson and Norman Knowles pictured with Members of the Emirates Golf Federation Board, Darwish Al Qubaisi (far left) and Abdullah Al Naboodah (right), after the presentation.

Fervour and fireworks at National Day Tournament FESTIVE fervour and some fireworks on the fairways and greens of the Abu Dhabi Golf Club marked the UAE National Day Golf Tournament, sponsored by the National Marine Dredging Company, last month.

The annual event, which was organised by the Emirates Golf Federation, was in line with instructions from Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, exhorting all Government bodies in the emirate to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the UAE National Day. More than 100 golfers of different nationalities residing in the UAE turned up to showcase their golfing skills – and if the results are any indication, the players, split into teams of four, produced some quality golf befitting the occasion.

The field also included some of the Board Members of the Emirates Golf Federation, further adding to the profile of the event.

Taking the day’s honours with a fantastic score of 110 points was the team of Brian Mullen, Kevin Jamieson, Roy Wilson and Norman Knowles. They beat their nearest challengers

– the team of Darwish Al Qubaisi, Abdullah Al Humaidan, Essam Al Shammaa and Eida Morcous – by a good six points. The team of Jonathan Taylor, Julie Cugley, Clarke Beattie and Greg Altberg finished third with 102 points.

Among other players who made it to the podium were the winners of the Nearest the Pin and Longest Drives: Khalid Mubarak (hole 15), Rabab Al Haj (hole 7), Tobias Parkin (hole12) and EGF Board Member, Adel Al Zarouni, (hole 4) won the Nearest to the Pin prizes, while Anne McCarthy and Gregg Bird walked away with the Longest Drive awards.

Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the EGF, thanked the players, the sponsors – the National Marine Dredging Company – and the staff of Abu Dhabi Golf Club for helping to make the event such a great success.

“Once again the tournament was oversubscribed and this clearly reflects the growing profile of the event which has now become a permanent fixture on the UAE golf calendar,” he said. “Of course, there was a friendly festive feel to the tournament, but the intensity level never dropped on the course as the scores clearly suggest.”

Above: EGF Board Member Darwish Al Qubaisi, whose team of Abdullah Al Humaidan, Essam Al Shammaa and Eida Morcous finished in second place.

Results First place (110 points): Brian Mullen, Kevin Jamieson, Roy Wilson and Norman Knowles.

Second (104 points): Darwish Al Qubaisi, Abdulla Al Humaidan, Essam Al Shammaa and Eida Morcous.

Third (102 points): Jonathan Taylor, Julie Cugley, Clarke Beattie and Greg Altberg.

Other Prizes Nearest the Pin: Khalid Mubarak (hole 15), Rabab Al Haj (seven), Tobias Parkin (12) and Adel Al Zarouni (four) Longest Drive ladies on hole number 9: Anne McCarthy.

Longest Drive men on hole number 17: Gregg Bird. www.wwgolf.biz

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EGF

ARABIAN GOLF

The new EGF Handicap System THE EGF have announced that the new USGA handicap system will be implemented later this month. Chris Vallender is putting the finishing touches to the ratings of the last two golf courses which will complete the set.

It has been a mammoth task for the Emirates Golf Federation which was made even more complicated by the fact that members have changed dramatically in recent weeks and that clubs had to clarify as accurately as possible what their memberships currently are.

Due to the course ratings taking much longer than anticipated, the EGF will carry on with handicap adjustments through the CONGU system for this month, until they are able to obtain the USGA cards and issue them to clubs and members.

Members and staff alike will start using the cards and get used to the system in conjunction with CONGU this month and then transfer over to

USGA by the end of January. Slope rating charts and information will be completed during January. All courses will be rated and slope rated by the end of February.

Those courses who have not yet got a rating will use an average to be given by the EGF. Those clubs whose system is not ready will have to advise their members not to use their new cards yet.

Emirates Golf Federation National Coach, Chris Vallender, explains: “The system is operational and ready to be used at this moment but we would rather make sure that we all understand the operation of the system and that we have most of the glitches ironed out before changing completely.

“I’d like to thank the golf clubs and all our members for their understanding and the tremendous support that we have received from all the clubs and individuals in the UAE. Their cooperation has certainly made this process so much easier for us.”

The timescale for the new USGA Handicap System: t System is online and operational; t Member lists are on the system; t Cards to be issued early January; t Slope charts to be handed out early January; t Course ratings to be completed by 3rd quarter of January.

Ahmed’s magnificent four-stroke Riyadh victory

Ahmed Al Musharrekh – four stroke winner of the second Downs Syndrome Charity Association (DSCA) Open Golf Tournament at the Riyadh Golf Club, Saudi Arabia.

AHMED AL MUSHARREKH turned in a magnificent performance to win the second Downs Syndrome Charity Association (DSCA) Open Golf Tournament at the Riyadh Golf Club, Saudi Arabia.

The 19-year-old UAE prodigy put together consistent rounds of 73 and 72 for an impressive one-under-par total of 145, beating his nearest challengers, Ai Saleh Ali and Mohamed Diad Al Naomi, both of Bahrain, by an emphatic four shots.

“It feels great to win this tournament. The win, in a way, has broken my jinx of invariably finishing second in big events around the Gulf,” said Ahmed, the lone entry from the UAE in a strong field packed with top Bahrain and Saudi Arabian players.

“I also putted well in both rounds. Overall, my short game worked well and that was the most satisfying thing for me,” added Ahmed, who has honed his skills under the top coaches at the famed David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Florida.

Trophies for the top three Gross and top two Net winners were handed out during the prize presentation ceremony.

Starting the final day with an even par score, Ahmed quickly found his touch, rolling in three birdies in his first four holes and kept up the momentum to finish with a one-under-par 72 in the two-day stroke play competition where the first five Best Gross and Best Net winners were awarded the major prizes.

Bahrain’s Ali Saleh Ali fired the best round of the final day — a two-under 71 — but his best efforts were not enough to catch Ahmed at the finishing line. He finished with fellow Bahraini Mohammed Dhiab Alnaami tied on 149, four strokes off Ahmed’s winning score..

Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, congratulated Ahmed on his tremendous performance in the tournament.

“Ahmed is improving with every tournament he plays and it’s good to see the youngster keeping the UAE flag flying high on the regional circuit. Not so long ago, the UAE golfers used to compete just to gain experience in international tournaments and now they compete for medals. This mindset accurately reflects the fast improving standard of our players.

“We, at the Emirates Golf Federation, are committed to exposing the players to high-level competition and Ahmed’s participation in the Riyadh event was part of our initiative to keep the momentum rolling,” he added.

www.wwgolf.biz

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EGYPTIAN GOLF FEDERATION NEWS

EGF LAUNCHES MEMBERSHIP SCHEME ALL golfers in Egypt can join The Egyptian Golf Federation with the launch of its Membership Scheme later this month. Golfers in Egypt, through their local golf club, will pay an annual fee to the Federation to not only support EGF activities, including the recently launched National Junior Development Programme, but also to receive privileges in the form of preferred EGF Member rates at clubs throughout the country, along with preferred rates for Open tournaments.

IN an effort to create uniformity and consistency with the administration of players’ handicaps throughout the country, the EGF are providing golf clubs with approved CONGU software. In addition, the EGF are prepared to install the software at the various golf clubs and where appropriate provide technical support and training to the club administrator. This is a major step forward for golf in Egypt which will benefit players of all standards of golf club members.

Abou El Ela wins Amateur Open Championship DESPITE the determined effort of Taymour Abou El Khier and a superb final round 69 from tournament host Amr Mahfouz, it was Egypt’s only scratch player, Abou El Ela, who once again proved that he is still the strongest competitor in the country by clinching the Amateur Open Championship by three strokes over 54 holes at Gezira Sporting Club.

Abou El Ela, from Alexandria, shot rounds of 73, 75 and 70 for a 218 winning total. The runner-up was Amr Mahfouz on 221 with third place going to Katameya’s Taymour Abou El Kheir on 222.

The best junior was Issa Abou Ela.

National Squads enjoy first coaching session EGYPT’S first National Squads enjoyed their first coaching session with National Coach Anne Le Coniat late last year.

Le Coniat, the former French National Golf Coach, put the Ladies, Junior and Senior National Squads through an intensive week of coaching that included swing technique, short game work and on course sessions.

All National players are working towards producing strong performances in the forthcoming Arab Championships with the main focus being the World Amateur Team Championship in October.

Professional Golfers fixtures PROFESSIONAL golfers in Egypt will enjoy a full season of events in 2010 with nine tournaments stretching from January to September. The Order of Merit will decide a number of invitations for the 2010 Egyptian Open in October. The season also features the EPGA Championship in May along with the annual Challenge Match against the top Amateurs in June. The season gets underway on January 19 at Orange Lakes Golf Club.

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www.wwgolf.biz

StonCor Group win Egyptian Open Pro-Am PROFESSIONAL George Murray, led the StonCor Group team to victory in the Egyptian Open Pro-Am in November with an impressive score of 19-under-par. The winning team comprised of Graham Kennedy, Mitch Lemmon and Rick Alessi. The junior team of Issa Abou Ela, Bourhan Rateb and Ahmed Hussein teamed up with Colin Montgomerie to finished second on 18-under.

Titleist support Egyptian National Golf Squads and EGF Members TITLEIST will provide balls and gloves in 2010 to each member of the National Squad and introduce a monthly prize golf ball draw for EGF Members.

David Stevenson, General Manager for ProSports International, Dubai, said: “We recognise and support the excellent efforts of the Egyptian Golf Federation in providing their most promising players with the highest standards of coaching and giving them the

chance to gain the experience of competing at International level. By providing them with the top ball on the market we can help them perform to their best ability in regional and International events.

“We are also pleased to give EGF Members the opportunity to win Titleist balls through a monthly prize draw of the EGF Membership.

Each month one lucky EGF Member will win a dozen Titleist golf balls.”

EGF LAUNCHES ‘TRY GOLF FOR FREE’ THIS month the EGF launches its ‘Try Golf for Free’ series at a number of golf clubs across the country. The promotion signals the start of a nationwide ‘grass roots’ campaign aimed at significantly increasing the number of golfers as well as raising awareness of the sport. The Federation will be actively promoting this initiative through the business, sporting and social communities and all existing golfers are encouraged to inform friends and relatives about this great opportunity. Anyone interested in trying golf can sign up for one class at the venue of their choice and then simply come along on the day to enjoy a free 1-hour introduction to golf conducted by the EGF’s Golf Development Officer and the host club’s professional.

UAE PGA

ARABIAN GOLF

RORY BLINCOW RACES INTO THE LEAD IN AL NABOODAH JUNIOR PAR-3 FRIDAY the 13th will go down as a day of good fortunes for Emirates Golf Club’s Rory Blincow who took control on The Montgomerie, Dubai’s Par-3 course leading him to a podium finish, with a score of 27, in the seasonopener of the UAE PGA Al Naboodah sponsored 6-part Junior Par-3 series.

Emilio Bustamante, of Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, carded a 28 to walk away with the title of ‘Boys aged 18 and under,’ with the title of ‘Boys aged 12 and under’ was grasped by Arabian Ranches Golf Club’s James Sayer on 29.

The Montgomerie, Dubai’s Academy Team proudly awarded current students Candice Oberer, carding 46, with ‘Girls 18 years and under,’ and ‘Girls 12 years and under’ to Amelia McKee who scored 34. Winner of the Boy’s hole 3 Nearest the Pin was Matthew Sabbagh with hole 9’s Open category Nearest the Pin secured by Darren Hall of Abu Dhabi City Golf Club.

After thanking the participants, parents and spectators Luke Cantelo, UAE PGA Tournament Committee member, said: “We are very proud of the PGA’s role in promoting and developing Junior Golf in the region, and are very pleased to have such great supporters as event sponsor Al Naboodah, and Callaway who have generously provided prizes for today’s

tournament, as well as for the remainder of the series.”

Cantelo added: “The success of these events is a direct result of the commitment and dedication from the people around you, so among a great number of people who gave their assistance today I’d like to especially recognise the efforts of Chef Kevin Little and Andrew Rebman and their teams, and to my associates at The Academy by Troon Golf.”

Friday’s Juniors were treated to a special awards presentation hosted by European Tour Player and Al Naboodah Ambassador, Steve Webster. currently ranked 43rd in The European Tour Race to Dubai rankings. He assured himself of an increased fan-base to support him during the forthcoming Desert Swing, by hosting an interactive and informative golf clinic on the Montgomerie’s driving range, exclusively for the days’ participants.

Richard Sheridan to tee off with International Professionals in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Richard Sheridan led a strong field of UAE Golf Professionals, who teed it up at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on Monday, to claim both the points and the title of the fifth tournament in the UAE PGA’s Order of Merit series. The event was also the qualifier for one UAE PGA member to secure a highly sought-after place in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Going into Monday’s event Simon Payne, favourite son of Tower Links Golf Club, led the Order of Merit pack slightly ahead of last year’s winner, Richard Sheridan of Al Badia Golf Club. So from the start, this event was destined to provide an outstanding day of golf.

Payne and Sheridan both carded an even par 72 so a play-off ensued, resulting in a near repeat of the recent Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club Men’s Open where Payne beat Sheridan on the 2nd play-off hole,.

“It was nice to get revenge on Simon by making a birdie on the second playoff hole at Abu Dhabi to win the 5th Order of Merit and secure my place in

the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship,” quipped Sheridan.

“I feel very lucky indeed as I didn’t play well at all tee-to-green. However, my putting was unbelievable. I had 25 putts in total which saved my day,” said Sheridan. “ I managed to play the last three holes, which is the hardest stretch on the course, in 1-under, courtesy of a chip-in at the 17th. I am quite excited and at the same time very nervous about playing in my first European Tour event,” added Sheridan.

“I would like to thank the extended team of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships for providing such a great initiative for one of our PGA members,” said UAE PGA Tournament Director Stephen Hubner. “Special thanks go to the Abu Dhabi Golf Club team for providing us with a course in outstanding condition. We are sincerely delighted to have such valuable partners in the UAE’s Golf Clubs” he added.

Above: Winner Rory Blincow with UAE PGA Tournament Committee member Luke Cantelo and European Tour Player Steve Webster.

Top: European Tour Player Steve Webster hosts a Junior Clinic for the players at the tournament.

Payne shines as UAE PGA finish 13th from 24 at European Teams Golf Championship UAE Golf Professionals Simon Payne from Tower Links Golf Club, Richard Sheridan of Al Badia Golf Club and Jebel Ali Golf Resort’s Stuart Fee finished 13th in the Glenmuir and Calidona-sponsored PGAs of Europe International Teams Golf Championship held at the Roda Golf and Beach Resort in Spain last month. They did, however, return with revitalised direction and determination.

Competing in the 24-strong team event, alongside professionals from all over Europe, the UAE team finished with a total of 1-over, to take13th place overall.

After a strong finish on Day 1 the team of Payne, Sheridan and Fee faltered on Day 2, carding 2-over par, with Days 3 and 4 both producing even-par rounds. Payne played superbly throughout the event, finishing under-par each day, with an overall score of 10-under par which earned him a well deserved place in the Championship’s individual top five.

“We were tied for second place at 1-under par at the end of Day 1 and went backwards over the following days,” said Payne. “The weather was perfect for the last three days but our game, collectively, was not strong enough to hold our competitors at bay and we are very disappointed not to have finished in the top 10.

“We really appreciate the support of the PGA, our Patrons, Al Naboodah, Acuma Wealth Management, Auriga and TNT, as well as ProSports International for sponsoring our team-uniforms. We are determined to better this finish in the 2010 event,” he added.

Wales walked away with the title on 16-under, three shots ahead of the field. www.wwgolf.biz

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Entries & Fixture Lists At the time of going to press 20 societies have confirmed their participation in the Golf Society League with other anticipated.

The 4 leagues are as follows:

SAIF ZONE LEAGUE

BMW LEAGUE

1

Etihad Pilot Golf Society

1

Filipino Golfers in the Middle East (FIGM)

2

Singapore Community Club

2

DAGS (Dubai Amateur Golfing Society)

3

UAE-Nepalese Society (Est. 1987)

3

Jebel Ali Golf Society

4

Filipino Golf Society

4

Indian Golf Society

5

Mott MacDonald Golf Society

5

KEGS

6

Boogeyman Golf Society

6

TBC

WORLDWIDE GOLF LEAGUE

SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB LEAGUE

1

DUBAL

1

D.A.P.S

2

Dubai Petroleum Golf Society

2

COGS

3

DIGS

3

Malaysian Golf Society

4

Sharjah Golfing Buddies (SGB)

4

Lebanese Golf Society

5

Black Stallions

5

MBB Golf Society

6

TBC

6

TBC

22 - 24 societies will form 4 leagues. The dates and ties for all 4 leagues have been confirmed on the following dates (all Saturdays and 13.30/14.00 shotguns):

Schedule of Matches SAIF ZONE

BMW

SHARJAH

WWG

JANUARY 16TH

1v2 3v4 5v6

1v2 3v4 5v6

JANUARY 23RD

1v2 3v4 5v6

1v2 3v4 5v6

FEBRUARY 16TH

1v3 2v5 4v6

1v3 2v5 4v6

FEBRUARY 20TH

1v3 2v5 4v6

1v3 2v5 4v6

MARCH 6TH

1v4 3v5 2v6

1v4 3v5 2v6

MARCH 20TH

1v4 3v5 2v6

1v4 3v5 2v6

APRIL 4TH

1v5 2v4 3v6

1v5 2v4 3v6

APRIL 10TH

1v5 2v4 3v6

1v5 2v4 3v6

MAY 8TH

1v6 2v3 4v5

1v6 2v3 4v5

MAY 15TH

1v6 2v3 4v5

1v6 2v3 4v5

GOLF SOCIETY LEAGUE

GSL LAUNCH ON SCHEDULE

L

ATER this month Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club launches a truly innovative and unique concept with the first UAE Golf Society League. The event will pool approximately 24 UAE Golf Societies into four separate leagues. Each league plays one fixture per month from January until May. The four Societies then qualify for the semi-final and the final to be held throughout June. Each society submits two teams of two players to each fixture who play their opponents in a betterball match play format.

Martin Duff, SGSC Director of Golf, commented: “We are truly overwhelmed by the huge interest this has created from all directions. The concept was born out of the success of the first KLM Golf Society Cup held back in October and society committees are delighted to have the opportunity to compete more regularly against other guilds and at reduced rates.

For more information on joining the SGSC Golf Society League or other society related events please contact Iris Ebel on 06 548 7777.

BMW & WORLDWIDE GOLF CONFIRM SUPPORT OF GSL BMW are the first company to confirm their support of the Golf Society League. Stathis Stathis, General Manager of AGMC, commented “We are delighted to support the first edition of the Golf Society League. It’s a truly unique and exciting concept that will no doubt grasp the interest of the UAE’s golfing community. In addition, it will entice interest from golfers who are not actually members of either golf clubs in the UAE or even the EGF. Corporate interest is also likely due to the networking opportunities and brand exposure”.

Worldwide Golf Magazine, the Middle East’s leading golf publication, has also confirmed their support as Media Partner. Worldwide

Golf have guaranteed a minimum of one page of coverage (two if required) until the results of the final are published in the July edition.

Worldwide Golf and its website, along with local newspapers and the SGSC website will act as mediums for communicating results,

features and league standings.

Iris Ebel, SGSC Golf Sales and Marketing Manager, commented: “We are delighted to have two such high profile brands confirmed as sponsors. In addition to adding value for all the competitors it further heightens the status of the events”. For further enquiries about Golf Society League sponsorships contact Iris Ebel on 06 5487777.

Stathis Stathis (left) of AGMC shakes hands with Martin Duff of SGSC at the signing of the contract.

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ABU DHABII CITY GOLF CLUB

Pictured right: Rhian Lobo (left), Club Manager, with Shehab Al Hashemi, CEO of Investment Holdings, at the relaunch.

Above: The floodlit Abu Dhabi City Golf Club at night with Abu Dhabi City in the background.

Right: Artist’s impression of the new two-tiered, shaded, 36-bay driving range, which will have 30 bays with fans and will enable golfers to practice all year round.

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ARABIAN GOLF

The UAE’s oldest golf club relaunches with a complete makeover in both name and design

T

HE Abu Dhabi City Golf Club began life in 1976 as the Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club and for the first 22 years following its inception it was a sand course. In 1998 it was transformed into Abu Dhabi’s first grass course with its nine holes designed by the respected British golf course designer Ian Scott Taylor and now it has a new name and aspects of the course have also been changed.

Thousands of golfers have enjoyed matching their skills against the tricky nine holes encircled by the Abu Dhabi Equestrian horseracing track in the Al Mushrif area, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the capital city’s town centre.

Now the club has become the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club and members and guests alike will be stunned by its new and improved look as all nine holes have been given a facelift. New fairways have been cut and new greens have been laid which will give every golfer – regardless of ability – plenty to ponder.

The newly constructed greens now offer a sterner test and there are also more challenging tee positions – none more so than at the par-3 seventh. The green on the ninth hole has been moved to the edge of the water, thus creating a thrilling climax to the end of your round as any shot finishing too short of the flag will almost certainly mean a watery ending.

However, it is not just the course which has been upgraded.

The Abu Dhabi City Golf Club has purchased a fleet of new carts all equipped with Golf-Cart GPS and the UAE’s first two-tiered driving range is under construction, which will allow players to practice in a much-welcomed shaded area. The two tiers have 36 bays – 30 of which are covered and equipped with fans. This change to the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club’s Academy will give members and guests the opportunity to practice all year round.

Being provided with a floodlit course in the heart of Abu Dhabi allows players with busy schedules to conveniently book tee times in the cool of the extended evening hours. The club has always been proud of its commitment to junior golf and around 300 youngsters, aged from four to 18, use the course regularly in the hope of one day emulating their golfing heroes.

The practice range, the course and the club’s well established facilities are open to members and visitors alike.

The re-launch of the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club underlines its efforts to bring challenging but affordable golf to the UAE’s growing golfing community and anyone interested in playing – whether it be as a new member or just a guest – should contact the club on 02 445 9600. www.wwgolf.biz

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ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB

Farrell wins Round 3 in a three-way countback with Foster and Campbell

Razdan wins Round 2 of TNT amateur Order of Merit Golf Series

Brian Moulds, TNT Country General Manager, with winner Rajinder Razdan.

RAJINDER RAZDAN (15 - EGF) shot a net 67 to win the second of the eight Qualifying Rounds in the TNT Amateur Order of Merit Golf Series supported by Khaleej Times held at Arabian Ranches Golf Club. The leading 20 players and ties at the end of the Series qualify for the TNT Amateur Order of Merit Golf Series Grand Final in May 2010. The format was Individual Strokeplay with full handicap allowance.

Razdan’s round began on hole 7 in the shotgun start, he made his intentions clear by recording two pars on his opening holes to get him off to the perfect start. Razdan managed to keep his momentum going and closed out his outward nine holes with a gross 38. He found it tougher on the back nine and with nerves creeping in he recorded two double bogeys on holes 10 and 18 to post an inward nine of 44 for a total of 82, giving him a net score of 67 on the day.

Francois Wolfaardt of Arabian Ranches Golf Club, commented at the Prize Presentation: “It was great to see on such a jam packed weekend with the Dubai World Championship in its third day that we had 94 players competing in the first of the four strokeplay events in the series. This once again proves the popularity of the series.”

To qualify for the TNT Amateur Order of Merit Golf Series a player must compete in at least four of the qualifying rounds with the average of their best four performances forming the player’s points total. Of the four qualifying rounds, a player must compete in two Stableford and two Strokeplay events. An added bonus to the eight individual qualifying round winners is that they automatically qualify and are exempt for the Grand Final as long as they compete in at least four events.

Hedley and Garner drive off with Toyota Golf Day

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Denver Farrell (7) returned 38 Stableford points to claim the third event in the 2009/10 TNT Amateur Order of Merit Golf Series last month. A field of 70 players competed in prefect conditions over the Baker Finch Design layout for the generous prizes and Order of Merit Points.

Farrell was not the only player to post 38 points – Steve Foster (12) and Scott Campbell (8) also scored 38, however the 20 point back nine of Farrell gave him the edge in the scorecard countback. Farrell’s card was very impressive with 18 points on his front nine despite a double bogey on the par 3, second hole. Foster managed 19 points over his back nine to take second place over Campbell who scored 16 points on his inward nine taking third place.

The TNT Amateur Order of Merit has a further five events to be played until the top 20 in the Order of Merit go through to the Grand Final.

Francois Wolfaardt commented: “The majority of competitors have been able to compete in the first three events, moving on to the fourth qualifier in January we will be in a position to get a more accurate idea of which players are in a position to stake a claim for a spot in the top 20.” Bryan Moulds, TNT Country General Manager added: “I’m very happy with the changes to the series this year. The scoring is definitely much tighter, making it very interesting as we approach the business end of the series. I thank all the competitors for their continued support to TNT and the Amateur Order of Merit Series.”

Above: Brian Moulds, TNT Country General Manager, with Round 3winner, Denver Farrell.

THE team of Rob Garner and Peter Hedley were crowned ‘2 Player Strokeplay Scramble’ Champions in the Al Futtaim Motors event sponsored by Toyota at Arabian Ranches in November. A stong field of 86 players competed in the popular team event where both players tee off, the best positioned ball is selected and both players play from the selected position until the ball is holed out.

Each team received 30% handicap allowance of the two players’ combined handicaps, unless the combined handicap is higher than the lowest players’ handicap, then the lowest players’ handicap is used.

Men played from the blue tees at 6,700 yards and ladies from the red tees at 5,500 yards Garner and Hedley both single figure

handicappers played with an allowance of three and had to make the most of their birdie opportunities to have any chance of winning. They combined for seven gross birdies to give them an outward half of 35 and inward half of 31 for a gross 66, net 63. They managed to claim victory after a countback with runners-up Andy Burrow and Tony Azoulay.

The husband and wife team of Stephen and Janet Sanderson continued to dominate the mixed division with another fine display, posting a net 62.7 to win their division and post the top score of the day to claim maximum points in the Order of Merit.

Francois Wolfaardt thanked all the Members for their continued support of the Club’s Tournament Calendar.

ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB

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

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

Left: Tony Azoulay and Adele McKelvey with Club Captains John and Fortuna.

Tony Azoulay, Adrienne Fullerton and Adele McKelvey winners in last month’s Rivoli Monthly Medal Tony Azoulay (3) returned a gross two over par 74 to win the December Rivoli Monthly Medal supported by Marble Renewal of UAE. Azoulay, one of the Club’s most consistent players, produced another solid performance to win his second Rivoli Monthly Medal since October, posting nines of 38 and 36. Azoulay was impressive from tee to green with three gross birdies in his round coming at holes 13, 14 and 15.

Azoulay commented after his round: “Im glad to be in good form going into our Scratch Matchplay against the Els Club. The last three events have been great. It’s been between me and John Mills every time and it’s a great rivalry to have. I just hope we can keep it going – it certainly keeps my game sharp.”

Azoulay didn’t have it all his own way. He was closely challenged by last month’s winner John Mills (0) who took the runner-up spot for the

second time in the last three events with a gross 75. The net round of the day belonged to Division A Champion, Gary Swan (6), who shot a gross 75 for a net 69.

Experience edged out youth in the Ladies Division with Adrienne Fullerton (12) winning the Net prize by one shot from Junior Member Kavita Sehmi (22). Fullerton posted a net 73. Adele McKelvey (4) won the Ladies Gross prize with 80, continuing her dominance of the Ladies Division.

Francois Wolfaardt commented at the prizegiving presentation: “It was another exciting Medal with 90 players competing and the men battling for the last 10 places in the singles Matchplay Championship.

“I thank Rivoli for their generous support in one of the Club’s most prestigious events”

J.C. and Catherine Hut take the prizes in Liali Jewellery Individual Stableford J.C. Hut and wife Catherine ensured that Christmas came early at the Hut residence when they won their respective Divisions in the Liali Jewellery Individual Stableford event in November. A field of 85 Members competed in this popular format in which full handicap allowance was used.

J.C. Hut (17) started his round on the 8th hole and was less than impressed when he walked off the green with a double bogey seven to open his round with a single Stableford point. But after the initial setback he recovered brilliantly to complete the back nine holes with 22 Stableford points. Hut’s key to success was his consistency and ability to score points on every hole with his best score coming on the 11th, index four, where he managed a gross birdie. Hut completed his round on the outward nine with 16 points for a total of 38 Stableford points, beating fellow countryman Alain Delacourte on a countback.

Catherine Hut (19) made sure that all the Liali prizes stayed in the family when she matched husband J.C. by winning the Ladies Division with a Stableford score of 34 points. Catherine managed to pip Carol Smith, who took the runner-up spot on 33 points.

Oofrish, Liali Marketing Manager, commented at the prize presentation: “Arabian Ranches Golf Club was the perfect venue for us to celebrate our 10th Anniversary and showcase the range of Liali products. We are thrilled with the tremendous turnout and hope to see everyone at the next Liali Golf day.”

Men’s Division 1st – J. C. Hut – 38 (22) 2nd – Alain Delacourte – 38 (21) 3rd – Gary Swan – 37 (21) 4th – Rob Garner 37 (17)

Ladies Division 1st – Catherine Hut – 34 Pts 2nd – Carol Smith – 33 Pts

Above: Liali Winners Catherine and J.C. Hut Liali with John Hainey, Arabian Ranches Golf Club Captain. www.wwgolf.biz

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R OYA L G O L F C L U B

BAHRAIN

ARABIAN GOLF

McNulty and Boyd crowned Club Champions AIDAN McNulty and Emma Boyd were crowned the Royal Golf Club’s first Club Champions after their wins in the final match play event held on the Club’s Montgomerie Championship course.

The Titleist-sponsored Club Championships started with a qualifying round in early November followed by quarter-finals and semi-finals several weeks later. The final round saw Aidan McNulty take on Mark McNeilly in the Gentlemen’s Flight A event and Emma Boyd compete against Soy Butler for the Ladies Flight A. Aidan claimed his victory on the last hole after Mark’s ball found the bunker. Aidan, who was four up after nine holes, breathed a sigh of relief when Mark finally conceded the last hole.

“I nearly threw it all away but I’m delighted with the win and to be crowned Club Champion,” Aidan commented after the match. “Congratulations to Mark who also put up a great fight coming from four down.”

The finish in the ladies Flight A category wasn’t quite as tight for Emma Boyd who had a 5 and 4 victory over Soy Butler.

“I’m really pleased to be the first female Club Champion at the Royal Golf Club and look I forward to defending my title next year,” said Emma.

The Gentlemen’s Flight B final was even more closely contested than Flight A. Ilya Goniker and Madden Broadbent battled it out over 21 holes with Madden eventually winning on the third extra hole for a 1-up victory. Hanne Hansen took on Evelyn Hug in the ladies Flight B section. In an up and down match Evelyn eventually managed to secure the win on the last hole after Hanne had come back from a two hole deficit.

A Titleist-sponsored Consolation Cup was held for those Club members who did not make it all the way through to the finals. This was won by Ian Pereira with 39 points who managed to hold off the challenge from Bill Harrington in second place and Adam Guy in third, who both finished on 37 points.

“Congratulations to all the winners of the inaugural Royal Golf Club Titleist Club Championships,” said David Stevenson, General Manager of ProSports International, the regional distributor for Titleist products.

“Titleist prides itself on being the preferred product for serious golfers and what better way to demonstrate this than by supporting a tournament which identifies a Club’s best players.”

Aidan McNulty with his trophy.

Emma Boyd with her trophy.

Below left: 2009 Ladies Club Champion Emma Boyd (centre) receives her trophy from 2009 Captains Alan Horne and Sara Thompson.

Below right: 2009 Gentlemen’s Club Champion Aidan McNulty receives his trophy from 2009 Captains Alan Horne and Sara Thompson.

January Golf Events at the Royal Golf Club Date

Event

Time

Saturday 2nd

Royal Golf Club Season Opener

7.30am shotgun start

Members & Guests

Monday 4th

Johnnie Walker Monday Madness

6.30pm shotgun start

All

Friday 8th

Friday Fitness Golf – walk the course or suffer a penalty for using a cart!

7.30am shotgun start

Members & Guests

Monday 11th

Johnnie Walker Monday Madness

6.30pm shotgun start

All

Friday 15

Discover Golf Tournament

1.00pm shotgun start

All tuition package holders

Monday 18

Johnnie Walker Monday Madness

6.30pm shotgun start

All

Friday 22

Club Day

7.30am shotgun start

All

Monday 25

Johnnie Walker Monday Madness

6.30pm shotgun start

All

Monday 18

Johnnie Walker Monday Madness

6.30pm shotgun start

All

th th

nd th th

Open to

Monday Madness Winter Warmers JOHNNIE WALKER is to be the sponsor of a twelve-week series of the popular Monday Madness evenings at the Royal Golf Club.

The competitions tee off with a 6.30pm shotgun start each week.

The first competition will take place on Monday 4th January and weekly winners will be allocated points in an ongoing order of merit. The finals night will be held on Monday 22nd February.

For further information on the above, please contact the Golf Events team on golfevents@theroyalgolfclub.com or telephone +973 17 750777 www.wwgolf.biz

75

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

TPL to modernise Majlis Course BUNKERS TO BE REPOSITIONED AND RECONSTRUCTED TO INCREASE CHALLENGE Thomson Perrett & Lobb, the golf course architects founded by five-times Open Champion Peter Thomson, has been appointed by Emirates Golf Club to modernise its flagship Majlis Course. TPL will carry out an audit of the course’s bunkering as part of a wider modernisation programme, overseeing the repositioning and reconstruction of bunkers to upgrade the course.

Rod Bogg, Special Advisor to Dubai Golf, and who directed the construction of Emirates Golf Club 22 years ago, said: “We selected TPL to oversee the modernisation of the Majlis Course because of its experience in designing prestige golf courses in the Middle East and its expertise in bunkering.

“Our bunkers are out of date and, due to modern equipment, out of play.

Some of the players were hitting the ball 60 or 70 yards past the fairway bunkers during last year’s Dubai Desert Classic. While that is only one week of the year, we need to ensure that the course remains the enjoyable challenge that it is for professionals and amateurs all year round.”

Rod added: “We are not redesigning the course and not adding additional bunkers to the course, but we are looking at relocating, reshaping and reconstructing the bunkers. We do have to bring the course up to the highest modern standards, as well as making some improvements to the aesthetics of the course.” The new look course will be in play for the Dubai Desert Classic in 2011.

TPL is already busy in the region, with its multi-course design for Dubai

Golf City under construction, as well as the landmark New Giza development in Egypt. Tim Lobb, TPL Principal, said: “As with all the bunker work we do at established courses, we are taking a subtle approach to Emirates Golf Club, treading softly and respecting the much loved design that is already in play.

“We are reviewing the bunker positioning to ensure that professionals and amateurs alike will require a clear golfing strategy to plot their way around the course which needs to stand up to the challenge of the world’s best players, while also remaining an enjoyable challenge for the club’s members and visitors. This is an exciting project and we are delighted to be working with the team at Emirates Golf Club.”

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

ADHIP SHANKER WINS BMW MONTHLY MEDAL BY THREE ADHIP SHANKAR won the BMW Monthly Medal with a superb net 67 from his 13 handicap to win by three shots from the chasing pack. Shankar had spent many hours on the putting green over previous weeks and proved that practice really does make perfect as he contributed to his win by holing the putts when it mattered.

Finishing alone in second place was Abdullah Al Musharrekh with a solid net 70. He continued his good form in the gradual reduction of his

four handicap to nearly three. Scratch player Miki Mirza won the overall best gross with a two over par 73. New member J.H. Mun won the Men’s Division B with a consistent net 73 by one shot from Joerg Siedel, who finished with net 74. Diya Chopra won the overall best Junior prize with net 71 by virtue of her better back nine from Hassan Al Musharrekh. Joy Lirio carried on one better from last month’s place to win the Ladies Division Adhip Shankar receiving his BMW trophy from Club Captain, Francisco Giles, and Club Manager Mustafa Al Hashimi. by six shots from Maureen Platt.

DUBAI CREEK JUNIORS OPEN CAMPAIGN WITH TWO SHOT LEAD

Dubai Creek Juniors kneeling with the other competitors standing behind with Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club’s Captain, Francisco Giles (far right) and Golf Operations Executive, David Gray.

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THE second annual Captains Junior Par 3 League started last month with teams of four juniors – all under 12 years of age – from Dubai Creek, Emirates, Arabian Ranches and the Montgomerie Dubai taking part.

The highly competitive opening event saw the Dubai Creek team hold the lead after a two-stroke win. The league is a gross event where the lowest three scores from each team is added up to decide the winners. The team with the lowest three scores over all four testing par-3 courses will be crowned League Champions for 2010.

Dubai Creek used their home advantage to open up a twoshot lead at the top of the League. Chiang Kim scored 30, the lowest score of the day; a superb effort from nine year old girl Aryan Kumar, scored 40; Fardeen Meeran made 35 and Rishi Nair contributed 37, for a team total of 102.

The four juniors won some excellent Ping accessories courtesy of David Stevenson from ProSports International.

Two shots behind are Arabian Ranches with Ben Mann scoring 31; Jonathan Fagan 34; Hamish James 39 and Karam Semhi also 39 for a total score of 104. The Montgomerie Dubai were three behind on 107 while the team from Emirates Golf Club finished on 114.

Dubai Creek golf & Yacht Club Captain, Francisco Giles, commented: “It was great to see all the juniors out there playing today and having fun. This is turning out to be a great event and our thanks go to the Club Captains and parents for their continued support.”

THE ELS CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

Top 16 ‘Major Series’ qualifiers make Championship THE Els Club has concluded its second annual ‘Major Series’ available exclusively to The Els Club Members.

The top 16 qualifiers from the Major Series will now go on to take part in the Club Championship and Handicap Cup on 30 January 2010 – one of the most prestigious and key events in The Els Club’s annual golf calendar.

Special thanks go to Al Tayer Motors, The Westin, Rivoli, JW Marriot, 100PLUS, Oakley and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, who have supported the series throughout 2009.

“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,” said Chris Brown, Director of Golf, The Els Club.

Club Championship Qualifiers

Handicap Cup Qualifiers

Ronan O’Reilly Paul Moir Khaled Attieh Mark Donovan David Haswell Dean Cheesley Kelly Jones Vipen Sethi Malcolm Wood Andy Maclean Brian Dryburgh Dong Cho Lim Robert McNamara Derek Tully

Bong Geun Kim Abdul Khadir Hussain Chris Barnes Mohammed Darwish Kris Horvath Mark Towers Rakesh Bhatia Paul Hawkins Roman Korn Warren Luyt Shahram Rezapour Jeff Strachan June Ja Choi Arkesh Bhatia Henning Larsen Graeme Shirreffs

Ladies Qualifiers Sandra Grenet Madhu Bhatia Caroline Jones Susan Riley Mercedes Sheen Rabab Al Haj

MAJOR RESULTS Al Tayer Motors Member Major 1st Gross David Haswell, 75 strokes 1st Net Abdul Kadir Hussain, 65 net

The Westin Member Major 1st Gross Khaled Attieh, 77 1st Net Warren Luyt, 71 Net

Rivoli Member Major 1st Gross Ronan O’Reilly - 73 strokes 1st Net Robert McNamara - 66 net

Al Tayer Member Major 1st Gross Ronan O’Reilly - 73 strokes 1st Net Bong Geun Kim - 62 net

THE ELS CLUB

TWO NEW INITIATIVES LAUNCHED AT BUTCH HARMON SCHOOL OF GOLF TO INCLUDE JUNIORS THE Butch Harmon School of Golf at Dubai Sports City is launching two new programmes to help golfers of all ages in the region. The state-of-the art golf school features four air conditioned swing studios, providing students with the latest V1 Video Swing Analysis system; a Sam Putt Lab, giving precise scientific feedback on all parameters of the putting stroke; a Balance Lab to

For full details please contact Mario van Zyl on +971 (0)4 425 1040 or email: mariov@butchharmondubai.com.

Also visit our website: www.butchharmondubai.com

accurately record weight distribution throughout the shot and a Trackman Launch Monitor – a radar based device ideal for monitoring ball flight.

The studio also offers an AMM electro-magnetic 3D motion capture body swing analysis system, allowing players to receive an “MRI” for their golf swings.

An essential component of modern golf is physical fitness and the very latest state-of-the-art Technogym Kinesis provides a platform to work on this important area. Knowledgeable TPI Certified coaching staff, which includes Claude Harmon III, helps players to reach their full potential.

In a six lesson package costing between AED2,250-AED3,750, players will receive 6 x 50 minute golf lessons as well as the use of the golf school practice facility from Sunday-Thursday for two months during the lesson package. This special offer also includes an 18 hole round at The Els Club.

The Junior Programme, which will commence on January 10th, aims to take children from 4-18 years old and help to develop them into golfers who are physically proficient and have a love for the game of golf. The motto is ‘The Butch Harmon School of Golf Junior Golf Programme will aim to develop fundamental movement skills, establish functional movement patterns, develop sports specific skills, teach golf-specific skills and most importantly create a love for the game’.

Any young person can enroll for AED250 with many payment option plans, and packages, which can result in a 90 minute session costing as little as AED100. www.wwgolf.biz

77

DOHA GOLF CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

Elizabeth Knudson tops inaugural ‘W Hotel’ Ladies Golf Day THE first Tuesday morning that showed a pleasant drop in temperature and overall clear conditions, made an ideal day for the launch of the inaugural ‘W Hotel’ Ladies Golf Day. The format of “3 clubs and a putter” was certainly not a disadvantage to the winner, Elisabeth Knudsen, who triumphed with an amazing 36 stableford points, staying one point clear of runner-up Anne Laudick.

The prizegiving was held at the renowned “Spice Market” at the ‘W Doha,’ where the ladies were treated to a sumptuous lunch followed by treatments at Bliss Spa.

Saleh Ali Misbah takes top prize at Qatargas Open Golf Tournament THE eleventh edition of the Qatargas Open Golf Tournament held last month at the Doha Golf Club was won by Saleh Ali Misbah, who was declared the overall winner after two days of exciting competition. Ken Marnoch took the title as the highest placed player among the Qatargas employees.

A special ceremony was held to celebrate the successful conclusion of the event and award prizes to the winners.

Ghanim Al-Kuwari, Qatargas Chief Operating Officer - Administration, presented

the prizes. Addressing the players and guests, Ghanim Al-Kuwari said: “We are very pleased to host and organise such a successful tournament.

“The Qatargas Open Golf Tournament, which is now into its second decade, is one of the most popular events on Doha’s golfing calendar. Congratulations to the winners and thank you all for the wonderful participation.”

Following the awards ceremony the players and invitees enjoyed the evening with a buffet dinner and live entertainment.

Overall winner Saleh Ali Misbah is presented with his prize.

Donovan wins Jaidah

Winner of the Ladies Division, Sylvia White.

Junior Member Donovan Liddicoat recorded a Net 65 to win Flight A of the November edition of the Jaidah Group Monthly Medal at Doha Golf Club.

Shinji Ishida took the runner-up spot on a countback with a Net 70. Flight B was closely contested with Sid Dearing finishing in first place on a countback and Hiram Diggines was in second spot with Net 66.

The Ladies Division was won by Anne Marie Mathiesen with a superb score of 73 Net.

White, Park and Jain Intercontinental winners IN last month’s Intercontinental Monthly Mug Kwan Ho Park won Flight A with a fine score of 38 points. The runner-up was Paul Emney who scored 37 points and took second place on countback.

Flight B was won by Pratyush Jain with a score of 43 points, just enough to edge out Hisahiro Kurosawa who came second with 42 points and also won the prize for Nearest the Pin on hole 13.

Sylvia White won the Ladies Division with 39 points. Thanks go to all participants and to The Intercontinental Doha for their continued support.

Winner of Flight A, Donovan Liddicoat

Baker, Sheepwash, Shaw and Tilley take Byrne Day THE ever-popular Byrne Corporate Golf Day returned to Doha Golf Club for yet another edition in November. A full field of 88 players took to the course to compete in what developed into a very closely contested tournament.

The team of Nick Baker, Kevin Sheepwash, Damon Tilley and Ian Shaw took first place on a countback with Net 60. In second place with the same score was the team of Stephen Swan, Padraig Mulvey, Ian Waddell and Doug Thompson. Third place went to John Hughes, Merlyn Heynes, Leonard Steele and Sam Walters.

Congratulations to all the players and thank you to Byrne Equipment Rental for their continuing support. www.wwgolf.biz

79

THE MONTGOMERIE, DUBAI

Perfect shape for BMW winners LAST month’s edition of the BMW Stableford with the weather perfect and the golf course in fantastic shape scores were understandably very low. In the Ladies A division O.K. Young Cho scored an amazing 43 points, which included a gross eagle on the par-4 15th to win by six points over Angela Lee. In the Ladies B Division Sam Argui finished two shots ahead of the field with 38 stableford points.

As for the Men’s B Division Jeffrey Singer had a one shot victory over Wayne Hidge with 41 stableford points. The Men’s A Division ended in a tie at the top, and upon a countback Shankar Majrekar beat Gary Moore.

Russell and Hawkins top A Division in Rivoli-Citizen Day IN last month’s Rivoli Citizen-Guest Day players experienced excellent scoring conditions, and stiff competition. In the A Division Club Captain David Russell and partner Mick Hawkins shot a net 64 to take home the victory. In the B Division Sam Constance and Katie Jane Fidalgo shot an amazing 12 under par 60 for an emphatic five shot victory.

The gross division was won by John Brash and Marcus Walmann with the score of 67. Nearest the Pin winners were O.K. Young Cho, and David Russell, and Longest Drive winners were Richard Done and Debbie Murray.

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

Pedy, Jake, David and Puring rule the Intercontinental Monthly Medal THE PALMS GOLF CLUB InterContinental Riyadh, the best course for a challenging short game, witnessed another excellent Monthly Medal on the eve of the Eid celebrations.

The first grass course in the city centre located in the grounds of the Intercontinental is an ideal course, equally challenging for beginners and single handicap players. The weather conditions were terrific for an ideal golf.

Pedy Lualhathi claimed the A division (handicap 0-6) championship. He scored 39 Stableford points – equal to shooting 3-under par in an 18 hole full handicap event.

Another enthusiastic player Alex Arellano (“Again”) took the runner-up position with a ‘level pa’r 36.

Another Philipino golfer, Jake Infante, bagged the B-division (handicap 7-12) first place with 38 Stableford points while American golfer Allen Drew was runner-up with 35 points.

In C- division (handicap13-18) Philipino Junior David Lloyd Bantug beat his elders to take first place with a 36 ‘level par’ score and another newcomer, Jimmy Manabat, was runner-up with 34 points.

Puring Garcia won the ladies division. Seng De Torres and Alex Arellano won the Nearest the Pin prizes Baby Joseph, Asst. Golf Club Manager, presented the prizes, assisted by Mohd. Anwar Naz, Club Professional. Mounir Melliti, Recreation Manager, extended his great support to the event.

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ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF

Lee, Jackson, O’Connor and Curley win Pink Ladies priize WITH a 1920s theme for this years event, 104 marvelous ladies supported Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s Pink Ladies Day. The team of Jane Lee, Allyson Jackson, Marie O’Connor and Wilma Curley won first place in the golf competition and the much sought-after prize of ‘best original costume’ went to Jean Iggo, Michelle Larter, Shawn Lunday and Jacqui Dennis. Many thanks must go to Hare Construction for their continued support of such a worthwhile cause.

Two-in-a-row hole-in-one

Revell and Gosselin take final 09 Monthly Medal

A LITTLE piece of history was made

by Cathy Feron and Muriel Gosselin on the Par-3, 15th in November when both players made a ‘hole in one’.

What made it more remarkable was the fact that the two ladies were playing in the same group and hitting consecutive shots.

First up was Cathy Feron who found the bottom of the cup with a 7-iron before Muriel Gosselin holed out with her 6-iron as they both hit the shot of a lifetime.

Needless to say, on completion of their round a celebration was in order to relive their achievements.

WITH the golf course in stunning condition ahead of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship later this month, members of Abu Dhabi Golf Club faced a true test for the final Monthly Medal of 2009.

An excellent round of 75 saw Mike Revell win the Men’s low gross and Muriel Gosselin’s round of 85 secured the Ladies low gross.

First place net in the men’s ‘A’ Division went to Sultan Abdul Ali on a countback with a score of 70, beating Jim Harvey and Khalfan Al Kaabi.

Anoop Sood’s net 68 won him the men’s ‘B’ Division with Phillippe Paulisen taking second place.

Pascale Michel won the Ladies Silver division ahead of Shawn Lunday and Judy Kong respectively and making up the divisional winners were Natalya Wisely, first, and Donna Kuffler, second in the Ladies Bronze Division. Abu Dhabi Golf Club would like to thank Ali & Sons Audi and Crystal Arc for their continued support throughout 2009 and look forward to a great golfing season in 2010.

Lewis and Peters take the 2009 Junior Golf Challenge IN a thrilling conclusion to the 2009 Abu Dhabi Junior Golf Championship (ADJGC), presented by The Daily Telegraph, 17-yearold Chris Lloyd overhauled long-time leader Tom Lewis to take the Boy’s title while16-year-old Alexandra Peters held on to her overnight lead to win the Girl’s title.

Receiving their trophies at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Lloyd and Peters were also awarded entry into this month’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Pro-Am, which takes place on the eve of the European Tour event this month.

The ASJGC finals featured the 20 best under-18 golfers from the British Isles – eleven boys and nine girls – who qualified from an open field of more than 40,000, along with UAE-based Joel Neale.

It is also the latest step in establishing Abu Dhabi’s global reputation as a destination for major sporting events, and is part of the Emirate’s strategy to encourage the development of local sporting talent. www.wwgolf.biz

81

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AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB

Liecl Ward makes it a winning debut THE first Floodlit Challenge of December proved to be the perfect debut for Al Hamra’s newest member Liecl Ward who scored 20 points to win by just one. A strong had field set out to claim the evening’s outright top honours, but all must of had an eye on the ever increasing Two’s Pot which.

As the temperature dropped out on the Links the competition reached boiling point with some blazing scores. Second place went to Paul Tipping, one of Al Hamra’s most consistent members after an impressive total of 19 points in his first return to the Floodlit Challenge arena for a month.

In third place was Norma Williamson with a steady round of 18 points.

But centre stage was taken by Liecl whose consistent round was made up from three two point holes, three three point holes and a four pointer. The only blemish came on the par-5 18th hole where she failed to capitalise on a superb tee shot. The evenings W.O.W. award was collected by Tony Gibney who picked up the three Maxfli Balls for his tally of nine points.

CONTACT: TEL: +971 7 244 7474 FAX: +971 7 244 7423

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

by Leader Sports LLC Dubai by taking just 48 shots round the 9-hole Academy course. Only one shot separated second and third place with Jasimne Sanau edging out Phillipe de Rooij with a gross score of 52. All participants are members of the Al Hamra Junior Academy Young Masters Golf Scheme and Ananya congratulated her fellow players and thanked the sponsors of the event who provided the trophies.

Greg Neill, on vacation from the UK, claimed his maiden floodlit title in November despite only having played the course for the first time the previous evening. The Individual Stableford suited Neill, who scored19 points to win by two. Second and third places were settled on a countback between Sarah De Roose, Pat Mottershead, John Watts and Victor Husband, who all finished on 17 points. Sarah took second place as her last 6 holes supplied her with 12 points to Pat Mottershead’s 11. Steve Dunnage won the W.O.W. award and picked up the 3 Maxfli Balls after a strangely unsuccessful evening.

LOCATION: just off E 11, 12 miles south of Ras Al Khaimah

INFO: Built along the Arabian Gulf, the course is complimented by a large open lagoon with four interconnected lagoons.

Ananya Huria takes the first Junior Huria won the inaugural Medal in fine style ANANYA Al Hamra Junior Medal sponsored

Neill’s holiday jaunt

ARABIAN GOLF

Classy Vic and Rick are near record-breakers..

THE quality of golf in November’s Betterball Stableford Floodlit Challenge could only be described in opposite terms to the weather – RED HOT! The evening saw 15 pairs compete in a fascinating evening’s play that saw Victor Husband and Rick Handsel produce some sumptuous golf to score 24 points for their 9 holes, which is only two short of the record set by Sandeman and Guillaume earlier in the year.

It took a countback to separate second and third place on 22 points, but although both teams included resident Professionals it was their golfing partners who carried them through. The team of Simon Mess and Pat Mottershead, triumphed over Andrew Pilfold and Helen Pilfold courtesy of their 15 point haul on the last six holes compared to Mees’s and Mottershead’s 14.

Although the competition was fierce the pairing of Husband and Handsel was outstanding. They managed to rustle up five three point holes and one four pointer with the only dampener coming on the 17th hole where they failed to capitalise on good approach shots and walked off with just one point.

SUBLIME STANBROOK’S NATIONAL DAY JULIA Stanbrook was crowned winner of the National Day Open as she claimed her maiden major golfing title in style. A competitive field had travelled from far and wide and returned some good scores. But it was Stanbrook (30) who was the overall winner with a superb score of 41 points on a countback.

Pointless on the first hole, she reeled off 18 points on the front nine, and returned with 23. Her last six holes

provided her with a glorious haul of 17 points to hand her victory over Sunny Ramadas, who was runner-up in the last Open tournament at Al Hamra (The Harradine Cup).

He repeated the feat with a steady game – his 41 points were the result of a superb 78 gross score.

Sarah Morris (30), making her first visit to Al Hamra, took third place one point further back . The Nearest the Pin prize on hole 7 was claimed by Vicki Rogers. www.wwgolf.biz

83

AL GHAZAL GOLF CLUB

Wilkes, Hayman and Yang claim narrow victory PHIL Wilkes, Mark Hayman and Sharon Yang narrowly won the Christmas Weekend Texas Scramble with a superb score of net 65.

In second place with a haul of 66.7 were Richard and Edwina Whiteside team member James, while way back in last place (and picking up the wooden spoon) with a net 78.8 was K.M. Jung and Nick Benge.

CONTACT: TEL: +971 2 5758040 FAX: +971 2 5758041 CLUB HOUSE BAR - TEL: +971 2 5758044 ACADEMY DIRECT TEL: +971 2 5758185 WEBSITE: www.alghazalgolf.ae EMAIL: golfclub@emirates. net.ae

Arya takes countback victory over Valencia VINOD Arya took the spoils in Division ‘A’ of the December Medal with a countback victory over Rene Valencia after both players had recorded a net 73.

Division ‘B’ was taken by Charles Anderson (14) who scored a superb net 69 for a four-stroke victory over Mark Swift. Herbert Utiger topped Division ‘C’ with a net 67 for an astonishing 14-shot win over second placed Abdul Rahman.

The overall Ladies winner was Eida Al Muhairby who came home with a net 80.

Ten shot victory for Young Baek NAM Young Baek won the Men’s Division at the Independence Trophy with a stunning two-day score of 130, to win by 10 shots. Baek (21) opened with a net 68 to share the lead with Rob Jennings (4) but accelerated into the outright lead with a stunning second round net 62. Jennings took second place with a second round 72, three strokes ahead of Hyun Joo Lee (26) whose rounds of 75 and 68 gave him a 143 total.

In the Ladies Division Anina Bester was crowned champion by two strokes from Alena Low. Bester’s 73 and 79 gave her a 152 total. Low posted rounds of 78 and 76 for her 154 total.

The best gross score was Mark Hayman’s 158 after solid rounds of 78 and 80.

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Above: Mark Hayman, Alena Low, Captain Will, Young Baek, Anina Bester, Rob, S.J. and James.

DIRAB GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

ARABIAN GOLF Location: Nestled in the picturesque Dirab Valley below the Tuwaiq escarpment, just 30 minutes drive from the diplomatic quarters of Riyadh, take the Makkah national road and turn left to Dirab.

The golf course is situated just off the Dirab Road.

Contact: TEL: + 966-1-498-0017/8 dirabgolf@yahoo.com

Liquigan wins 2009 Dirab Club Championship & Etihad Golf Challenge ADD Eric Liquigan to the roll of elite golfers to win a Club Championship at the Dirab Golf & Country Club.

On a warm sunny day the Filipino hotshot fired one of his best rounds in tournament play, a 1-over 73, to win the 2009 Dirab Stroke Play Club Championship & Etihad Golf Challenge.

Richard Gaas made it a Filipino 1-2 in the Best Gross category when he carded a 2-over 75 at the flat but challenging 6,905yard layout nestled on the Tawfiq Valley. Swede Robert Ruuth took third place on 71 – all three are 5-handicap golfers.

Playing in a group with Saudi national player Fahad Al Mansour and a pair of long-hitters, Ian Scott and Marcus Brigstag, Liquigan settled in after a scrambling par on Hole 1 to shoot nines of 36 and 37.

The annual Club Championship was the biggest win of Liquigan’s golfing career as he underlined his billing as arguably the top Filipino golfer in the Kingdom.

Khaled Raja, a 23-handicapper, broke 90 with an 89 on the way to posting the winning score of 6-under 68. Tariq Sardar, who played to a 14 handicap, tallied 69 from a gross of 83 to take the second position while Khurshid Ahmed had 70 for third place.

Korean C.H. Lee and Flore Bouzanne, Liquigan’s sister, were Champion and runner-up in the Ladies Division on 81 and 86 respectively.

The Longest Drive awards went to Scott in the men’s division and Lee in the ladies division, while Daniel Bush nabbed the Closest to the Pin award.

Sheikh Fahad Abunayyan, vice-general manager of Abunayyan Group, and Etihad Airways representative Syed Suhail, attended the awards ceremony. They presented the prizes to the winners with Dirab Golf & Country Club Manager Bouchaib El Jadiani.

BAE Saudi Xerox Intersociety Golf Championships 2009 THE Dirab Golf Society won the 2009 BAE Systems Intersociety Golf Championships team event with Andy Athar winning the title of overall stroke play Champion for 2009 and Ian Holmes winning the individual net trophy at the annual competition which was held at the prestigious Al Badia Golf Course, at Festival City in Dubai, recently.

The RAB Bandits were runners-up in the team event, Ian Stewart was second in the overall stroke play championship, and Phil Scates the runner-up in the individual net trophy contest.

The Championship was sponsored by Saudi Xerox, and this year it featured 40

competitors. According to Phil Scates, the location proved a good test of golf for every standard. “Most holes featured water hazards that provided many opportunities for that ancient sport of ‘golf ball fishing’.

Most of the feedback from the players was extremely positive about the course and the facilities available.”

Saudi Xerox hosted a luncheon for the players after the event where various team and individual prizes were presented. The competition was split into a team event, played over two days and individual competitions, on the Friday, were held for two separate divisions.

Info: Opened in 1991, Dirab GC is the only grassed Championship golf course in Saudi Arabia with 9 of the 18 holes floodlit for night golf.

Course: 7,420 yards par 72 Championship Course with driving range and practice facilities.

Green Fees: 18-holes (peak): 18-holes (off-peak): 9-holes (peak): 9-holes (off-peak):

SR300 SR200 SR200 SR150

*Peak times – Thu/Fri Off-Peak times – Sun-Wed

Gaas and Rehfeld star in SABB Championship RICHARD GAAS claimed Best Gross title in the SABB Golf Championship, shooting a brilliant four over 76 to post his biggest win so far, in just over a year of playing at Dirab Golf & Country Club. He carded nines of 39 and 37.

Veteran German golfer Jurgen Rehfeld emerged the overall Best Net winner in the 18 hole stroke play tournament. Jurgen, with a handicap of 21, signed for a sparkling six under 66.

Mohammed Subedar, playing off a 14 handicap, matched Jurgen’s net score, but had to settle for the second division title following a countback.

Saudi National Team Player, Fahad Al Mansour, emerged First Division Champion with a net even par 72. The runner-up was Pakistani golfer Kamran Khan on 74 net with Lee Williams taking third place on 76. Fahad, with a 7 handicap, posted a gross score of 79, while the 6 handicap Khan had 80 in a tie with Williams, who played off a 4 handicap.

Thai Boonyeun Supoch compiled a 68 and Scott Cummings 69 to finish second and third in the Second Division.

Winning the Third Division was Peter Dadzis, who finished with a 70. One stroke back in second place was 21 handicapper Tariq Javed, while Alastair McIlroy claimed third position with a 73.

The Ladies Division crown went to Eveline Hayler, who had a net score of 71. Karen Bridgeford and Rita Dadzis finished second and third respectively with a 72 and 73. C.H. Lee won the Longest Drive award and Cris Aguno took the Closest to the Pin prize.

Dirab Golf & Country Club Owner, Sheikh Khaled Abunayyan and SABB representatives Irshad Akhtar and Arsalan Hussein attended the prizegiving ceremony and presented the various glass trophies and prizes of golf merchandise to the winners.

Dirab Golf Committee Chairman, Naseer Uddin Siddiqui, and Manager Bouchaib El Jadiani assisted in the prizegiving. www.wwgolf.biz

85

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JOLIE VILLE GOLF & RESORT

ARABIAN GOLF

ROB MITCHELL EDGES FRIDAY TOURNAMENT " '*&-% PG DPNQFUJUPST UVSOFE PVU GPS the latest Friday Golf Tournament held at UIF +PMJF 7JMMF (PMG 3FTPSU 5IF FWFOU XBT BO IPMF 4UBCMFGPSE with full handicap allowance. The standard of golf on display was extremely high and competition was fierce with a countback SFRVJSFE UP EFDJEF UIF XJOOFS +VTU FEHJOH JU XBT TJY IBOEJDBQQFS 3PC .JUDIFMM PO QPJOUT XIJMF IBOEJDBQQFS #BSCBSB $PY IBE UP TFUUMF GPS TFDPOE QMBDF *O UIJSE QMBDF XBT OJOF IBOEJDBQQFS 4BSB $PY Mitchell received a complimentary night’s stay for two at either the Maritim +PMJF 7JMMF (PMG 3FTPSU PS JUT TJTUFS IPUFM UIF .BSJUJN +PMJF 7JMMF 3PZBM 1FOOJOTVMB )F XJMM BMTP HFU UIF DIBODF UP FOUFS UIF A+PMJF 7JMMF $VQ (SBOE 'JOBM XIJDI JT UP CF IFME PO .BSDI 5IF XJOOFS PG UIF A(SBOE Final’, providing they have played in at least three Friday Tournaments, will receive a week for two in each of the luxurious resorts, inclusive of 10 rounds of golf. If the winner has not played in enough previous

events, the usual weekly prize is awarded and the ‘Grand Final’ prize will be awarded to the next highest scoring participating player who is eligible.

Winner Rob Mitchell (left) receives the trophy from Jolie Ville Golf & Resort Manager Dominik Naughton.

For more information or to obtain an entry form please contact: golfreservations@sgr-maritim-jolieville.com

DAILY ACADEMY One full hour of golf instruction especially tailored for beginners. It gives a comprehensive introduction to the game. The programmes include all the basic shot techniques as well as the most familiar rules and etiquette of the game.

FRIDAY TOURNAMENT You can join in the weekly Stableford tournament, and in addition to receiving great prizes you will also receive the opportunity to play in the “Grand Final�.

FREE GOLF LESSONS For those who want to have a go, but haven’t yet built up the courage to book a lesson! Why not come along and join the instructors for a fun one hour introduction to the game. All equipment is supplied and sessions are on a Monday between 10.00am and 11.00am. Please call the golf shop to make your reservation!

Green Fee – Prices in EURO INCLUSIVE OF GOLF CAR

Jolie Ville Golf & Resort Royal Peninsula

Jolie Ville Resort & Casino

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Guests 9 Holes 18 Holes 3 x 18 Holes 5 x 18 Holes

50.00 75.00 205.00 340.00

60.00 85.00 255.00 425.00

70.00 115.00 345.00 575.00

Practice Facilities 1 Basket x 50 balls Rental Clubs – 9 Holes Rental Clubs – 18 Holes Caddie – 9 Holes Caddie – 18 Holes

6.00 22.00 36.00 22.00 36.00

6.00 22.00 36.00 22.00 36.00

8.00 25.00 43.00 25.00 43.00

Golf Coaching 45 Minutes Individual 4 x 45 Minutes Individual Extra Person Surcharge 18 Hole Playing Lesson 9 Hole Playing Lesson Daily Academy

36.00 136.00 75% 145.00 95.00 15.00

36.00 136.00 75% 145.00 95.00 15.00

50.00 179.00 75% 236.00 132.00 22.00

Terms & Conditions t "MM (SFFO 'FFT JODMVEF (PMG $BS t "MM SBUFT BSF OFU OPO DPNNJTTJPOBCMF JO &630

including all governmental taxes. t +PMJF 7JMMF (PMG 3FTPSU .BOBHFNFOU SFTFSWFT UIF SJHIU of keeping the above mentioned rates subject to change without prior notice. t +VOJPST VQ UP ZFBST PME SFDFJWF EJTDPVOU on the above mentioned green fees (Passport may be required for verification). t 1SJDFT BSF WBMJE GSPN UP Golf Shop & Reservations Telephone:

Fax:

Email: HPMGSFTFSWBUJPO!THS NBSJUJN KPMJFWJMMF DPm In house guests dial: 8

www.wwgolf.biz

87

SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB

Sharif takes the honours ORIENT Travel and Thai Airways teamed up to sponsor the first Orient Travel – Thai Airways Monthly Medal in December.

Nabil Sharif (9) shot a net 68 to beat Ransey Yassin (3) by one shot. After a mediocre front nine Sharif stormed around the back nine in 1-under gross 35. This included birdies at the 11th and 14th and one dropped shot on the 16th hole.

Sharif also recorded three putts on his way to his 68.

Runner-up was Summer Open Champion Ramsey Yassin (3) who shot a gross 72, net 69. Yassin finished his round in superb style with 11 straight pars. His only dropped shot was at the first but he recovered with a birdie at the long seventh hole.

Taiwanese golfer George Liu (6) won the best gross with a 79. Liu was playing excellent golf until he scored a nine on the par-5 sixth. But Liu recovered in fine form, only dropping three shots for his remaining holes to win the best gross prize.

Pramoth Supyen (Director of Amazing Thailand) and Krisana Jaemkrajang (Accounting Manager UAE Middle East Thai Airways) were both extremely delighted with the new sponsorship of this event and were both on hand to assist Above: (from left) Pramoth Supyen (Director of Amazing Thailand), Nabil Sharif, George Liu, Ramsey Yassin, the prize presentation.

Krisana Jaemkrajang (Accounting Manager UAE Middle East Thai Airways) and Martin Duff.

PALM SPORTS RESORT AL AIN

Josie leads team to top spot NINETEEN teams competed in the Ladies Am-Am Team Stableford format which was run alongside the Breast Cancer Awareness and Education day at the Palm Sports Resort, Al Ain. The teams were all made up of three men and a lady Team Captain and it was the fourball of Josie Messam, Ramon Messam, Shaffie Jaapar Muhammad and Ahmed Daud Jaffar who came out on top.

The best two scores were taken on each hole except the par 3s where the best three scores, including the ladies, counted. The two best scores from the morning shotgun saw the teams of Anne Quintino, Alex Tinson, Dane Sandford and Lyndon Chalmers along with the team of Michelle Sandford,

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Wayne Whitney, Peter ‘Fairways’ Forrester and John Tooby both return matching scores of 89 points.

Steady contributions were made from all eight players towards their overall totals for their respective teams, including an eagle three on the par 5 third hole for Sandford. With both teams fearing they had not quite done enough over their 18 holes the afternoon players started their rounds.

An electric pace was set from the fourball of Monina Gudaca, John May, Robert Williams and David Miles as they reached the turn in an impressive 50 points. Leading from the front their team captain Monina had no less than five, three pointers on the opening nine. Unfortunately they couldn’t keep the momentum going and returned with 39 points to

leave another team on a combined total of 89.

The other team in contention for a big score from the afternoon was that of Josie, Ramon, Shaffie and Ahmed. With an outward total of 43 they knew they were off the pace slightly but started to get things going quickly from the turn. In their final three holes they moved up another gear to with respective totals of six points, six points and seven points on their final holes to leave them as the fourth team on 89 points.

Card countbacks had to be used to split up the four teams and the final order from their back nine scores of 46 points, 45 points and 44 points saw Josie’s team taking first place followed by Anne’s group and finally Michelle’s fourball in third.

TA B A H E I G H T S G O L F R E S O RT

ARABIAN GOLF Location: Located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, on the Sinai Peninsula, Taba Heights Golf Resort offers the area’s newest and most prestigious championship golf course. With the dramatic Sinai Mountains providing its backdrop, the course overlooks the azure waters of the Red Sea, offering views of Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

Contact: Golf Clubhouse - Golf Reservations: (+2 069) 358 0073 Golf Lesson Reservations: (+2 069) 358 0074 General Information: golf@tabaheights.com Tee Times: golfreservations@tabaheights.com Golf Academy: pro@tabaheights.com Website: www.tabaheights.com/golf

Pettersson scales the Heights THE third staging of the annual Taba Heights International Pro-Am was held in late November as the immaculately presented course welcomed 35 teams, compiling 140 competitors from countries as far a field as South Africa, Australia, England, Sweden and Greece and it was European Challenge Tour Professional Bjorn Pettersson from Sweden who was crowned Champion for 2009.

Pettersson started slowly with an even-par 72 on day one as he carded four bogeys which cancelled out his four birdies. Darren Bragg (England) led after the opening round as he carded a superb 69 which included three birdies and no dropped shots. He closed with a two stroke advantage from England’s Nick Mitchell who shot a very steady 71.

Pettersson started round two with a

birdie on the opening hole, but failed to kick on as he reached the turn on 1-over-par 37. He started the back nine with a birdie at the long par-5 10th hole and then reeled off five straight pars before he stepped up a gear to finish with two birdies for a closing 2-under-par 70 – a score that was equalled by Sweden’s Henrik Engdahl who arrived at Taba Heights the night before the first round due to a flight cancellation. He played wonderfully consistent golf, returning two nines of 1-under par 35 to sit primed for a final day charge up the leaderboard.

However, as on day one, it was Bragg who topped the pile as he continued his fine form with a 70, to lead by three shots on 5-under par from Pettersson.

Nick Mitchell shot 73, to remain in contention. Maintaining the fine form

TEAM CILLIERS TAKE THE TEAM TITLE THE team of Steve Barnett (18), Scott McNeill (24), Mayor Patel (12) and Professional Norman Cilliers were the toast of the event as they raced through the field on the final day to take first place and be crowned champion team for 2009 at the Taba Heights International Pro-Am. Cilliers thanked the organisers and sponsors for an incredible tournament and tremendous hospitality and hoped he and his team would return next year to defend their title.

In closing, James Shippey, General Manager of Taba Heights Golf Resort paid tribute to all involved in making the event an outstanding success and looked forward to welcoming back all competitors for the 2010 tournament.

from Sweden was Cairo based Henrik Spongh, who moved into contention with a 1-under-par 71.

Day three got under way in perfect scoring conditions and Pettersson set about his task of reeling in overnight leader Bragg.

Pettersson raced to the turn in 3-under-par 33 and made another birdie on the 10th hole. He bogeyed the par-3 13th before picking up a shot at the par-5 14th to get back to 6-under for the tournament.

Behind him Bragg was finding it tough as his putter had gone cold overnight. His 75 saw him slip into third place overall as Pettersson provided the galleries with a grandstand finish.

The Swede holed a superb birdie putt on the final green for a 6-under 66 and an 8-under total to win by three from compatriot Engdahl.

Info: Designed by John Sanford, the 18-hole championship course measures 7,100 yards and is well suited to challenge golfers of all levels.

1st

3rd

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Pro Sports International, PO Box 26723, Dubai, UAE . Sign up to SnakeBytes,our free e-newsletter at snakebytes.info

TOWER LINKS GOLF CLUB

Matt Jones cooks up a five-shot feast..

MATT Jones’ flame continues to burn bright – winning December’s India-sponsored Division A Monthly Medal with a blistering 71 gross-68 nett. Jones has been spending less time on his other passion, cooking, of late to concentrate on his golf game and the results are there to see. Consistency was the key to his success with his outward half of 36 being compiled with one birdie and one bogey only to better that on his inward nine by one stroke, shooting 35, parring holes 10 to 17 and finishing with a birdie on the Par-5, 18th.

Paul McCullough finished second, five shots adrift of Matt on 73 nett. McCullough had a quadruple bogey 9 on the Par-5 7th but came back to par the difficult 8th then finished with three straight pars. Sunimal Fernando had to overcome a shaky start to finish third on 77 nett and earn 60 valuable points towards his bid for the Golfer of The Year title.

Hugo Toledo came up trumps in a close-fought affair in Division B scoring 39 points, edging out Graham Farrington and Anil Chacko who both finished with 38. Farrington took

the runner-up spot on a countback.Toledo, well known for his colourful mannerisms and unpredictable flair, had a solid front nine of 18 points. He failed to score at the 10th but quickly bounced back with a solid par on 11 and continued his impressive display throughout the remainder of the nine, the highlight coming on 17 as a gross birdie netted him five points and provided the momentum to par the last and sign off for his winning total.

Runner-up Farrington saw his handicap plummet, edging him closer to a spot in Division A. He played a well balanced game and only failed to score on two holes. His tally of 16 points on the front nine paled into insignificance compared to his back nine total of 22 points. He finished like a steam train over his final four holes, averaging three points a hole and relegating Chacko to third. Chacko was super solid in his performance and one can only surmise at what could have been as Anil failed to record a score on his final two holes. He had matching nines of 19 points with holes 17 and 18 causing his demise in the countback.

ARABIAN GOLF LOCATION Ras Al Khaimah.

The course meanders through a mangrove reserve with the Hajar Mountains serving as a backdrop.

CONTACT +971 7 2279939 (Reservations Desk) golf@towerlinks.com INFO First Open: May 2004 18 holes Championship course. Floodlit back-nine holes.

Designer: Gerald Williams

..and adds the Individual social Stableford event MATT Jones, or ‘Blackburn’ as he is affectionately known, made December a month to remember as his winning streak took in the Individual Social Stableford, scoring 20. Second and third place was decided on a countback between the evergreen S.P. Hong and Troy Richardson as both men scorec 19 points. Both had the opportunity to relegate Matt to the minor placings had they not made a mess of holes 12 and 17, failing to record a score. Sharon Kraemer excelled herself on the night and was duly awarded the Spoon for her minuscule tally of two Stableford points.

Byron and Zenia taste Serco success Byron Kraemer and Zenia Wivou took their respective Divisions of the Serco Trophy for 2009, now into its fifth year and proudly sponsored by club stalwart Graham Jones. The Serco attracted a quality field of some 41 players all vying for the wonderful prizes and valuable Golfer of the Year points.

Byron has had a quiet season but bounced back with a sudden show of form. His outward 19 points was stunning to say the least, considering he failed to register any points on his first hole, but his attacking golf for the remainder of his round paid dividends.

Despite heading into the inward nine a little shakily, recording only one point on holes 10 and 11, he found his form from then on in and proceeded to extract 20 points from the remaining seven holes. His final three holes netted him 12 points as he finished

on 40 points, for a one-shot victory over Mark Wilcock to take the title of Serco Men’s Champion 2009.

Young Zenia Wivou has continued this season from where she left off, displaying the same winning attitude that led to her many victories the previous year. She scored a masterclass 36 points to be crowned Ladies Champion for 2009. Unlike Byron, Zenia has been in form all sdeason and was the hot favourite for the title despite reigning Champion Pat Mottershead and the destermined Lesley Mullen being in the field.

Zenia scored seven points from two holes, thanks to a par-birdie start, but struggled to reach 16 points for the front nine. But she was back to her best down the straight, shooting 20 points to finish with a oneshot shot win over good friend Lesley Mullen.

Tower Links host RAK FTZ Golf Day IN November Tower Links Golf Club played host to the Inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Golf Day and networking evening. Around 50 golfers competed in the tournament and for the beginners there was a golf clinic and putting competition under the tutorage of Tower Links

Golf Club Professional Simon Payne. Scoring on the day seemed to match the stunning weather conditions as the players produced some excellent golf. Sami Hajri (17) scored a majestic 43 Stableford points to win the event by five shots from John Green (28). H.H. Choi (21) finished one

shot back in third place on 37 points. Mohammed Ashref Abdullah, took the Nearest the Pin prize on hole 12 and Allesandro Zanetti had the Longest Drive on hole 7. Ish Gupta, Hala Fadli and Navish Gupta scooped the prizes in the beginners putting competition. www.wwgolf.biz

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EVERYTHING YOU WOULD WANT IN YOUR LOCKER... AND MORE!

ROBOCUP THE RoboCup is a ball-returning gadget with a difference.

It’s not one of those run-of-the-mill toys that you use in the house which fires the ball back to your feet – the RoboCup sits inside the hole on a real putting green and tosses the ball back to you.

When you make a putt, the RoboCup’s lever springs up and rolls your ball back to you (provided it’s aiming in the correct direction), up to a distance of 14 feet.

The RoboCup works with four AA batteries and one set of batteries should last for roughly 15,000 returns.

TAYLORMADE PENTA TP BALL The TaylorMade Penta TP golf ball has been designed to give better player performance in five key areas: driving, long-irons, mid-irons, short-irons and around the greens.

The first golf ball to feature five solid-layers, the TaylorMade Penta TP delivers in every aspect of golf ball performance. The five layers of the Penta TP consist of the Cover, Outer Mantle, Middle Mantle, Inner Mantle and Core, all of which combine to give tour level performance for every standard of player.

LIVE LUGGAGE HYBRID AG BAG Designed by London based Fashion and Product Designer Jacqui Ma, the Live Luggage Hybrid AG Bag is a great combination of design engineering technology and fashion. It features a soft nylon case with removable laptop and weekend luggage bag and this allows you to check in the whole bag or to remove two pieces and treat it as hand luggage. The handle puts 85% of the weight over the wheels while an added bonus is the Live Locator™ ID – a unique ID to help locate your suitcase in the event of loss which gives you piece of mind. www.liveluggage.com 92

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cool stuff

CRUMPLER “CONSIDERABLE EMBARRASSMENT” LAPTOP BAG THIS stylish laptop bag is water resistant, fully padded and fits laptops up to 15” in size. It features six internal pockets and one external zip pocket, an adjustable strap and a shoulder pad for added comfort.

This bag has a roomy unpadded cargo compartment capable of fitting approximately one lever-arch folder plus a smaller folder and a ring binder folder along with your daily essentials. There is also padded sleeve for the laptop. www.crumpler.com.au

FIFTY MORE PLACES TO PLAY GOLF BEFORE YOU DIE

BY CHRIS SANTELLA

FIFTY More Places to Play Golf Before You Die is the sixth of Chris Santella’s ‘Fifty Places’ books and the second about golf – the most popular subject in the series.

Inside Santella talks to 50 top names in the golf world – from journalists and photographers to golf course architects – about their favourite golf spots in the world.

SNOOPER SHOTSAVER S320 As featured in last mon Locker Room, up for th’s grabs we have a Snoope r Shotsaver S320 – the latest up graded version of the popu lar golf range finder. www.snooperuk.c om For your chance to win simply tell us:

Which country w on the Omega Mission Hi lls World Cup recent ly?

To enter visit www.wwgolf.biz and head for the competitions section. Good luck! www.wwgolf.biz

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

HERMÈS KELLY CALÈCHA EAU DE TOILETTE Inspired by the smell of fine leather, Hermès perfumer JeanClaude Ellena created the floral leather blend for the first such scent for women by the brand.

The bottle, which is inspired by the design of the original Calèche fragrance, has a ring-operated spray, an element recalling the buckle-opening of the iconic ‘Kelly’ handbag, as well as the spray for Terre d’Hermès.

CAROLINA HERRERA 212 MEN EAU DE TOILETTE

NARCISO RODRIQUEZ FOR HIM EAU DE PARFUM

A scent which captures the magnetism and urban spirit of New York and communicates the energy and electricity of this buzzing city.

Technical Jargon: Top notes – fresh green citrus leaves and freshly cut grass. Heart notes – floral, green and garden petals. Base notes – sandalwood, incense, and transparent musk.

For Him is the first perfume for men by Narciso Rodriguez. This mysterious fragrance is both surprising and seductive. For Him embodies masculinity with a heart of musk and is enriched by textured woods, sensual amber, lavender, pink pepper and mahogany.

BERKELEY SQUARE FIG AND CHERRY HAND CREAM

PAUL SMITH MAN EAU DE TOILETTE

Pamper yourself with this beautifully indulgent Shea Butter Cream. Let its sublime notes of fig and cherry fill your nostrils while the cream gently moisturises your skin.

A strong and masculine fragrance which embodies the very essence of British elegance and sophistication, perfect for the modern man.

Technical Jargon: Top notes – yuzu, bergamot and anise. Heart notes – patchouli. Base notes – powdery orris root, violet and tonka beans.

Groom Room

BAG

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 Paul Hubner

P.G.A. PROFESSIONAL ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB

Q&A

Q. When did you first start playing golf and where?

A. I first started playing golf at the age of eight. I was eager to get involved since my dad, uncle, two older brothers, grandmother and grandfather all played the game! Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long before getting my Junior Membership at Caldwell Golf Club in Renfrewshire, Scotland. It’s a pleasant parkland course offering a fair test of golf. My dad would regularly pick my brothers and I up from school to get some holes in before dark. Most of my weekends and practically all of my school holidays were spent on the golf course.

I continued to play there until I was 22 when I turned professional.

Q. How long have you been in Dubai?

A. Two months. It’s been a great experience up to this point and I’m confident it can continue to be a valuable learning curve in my life.

Q. What was your first set of clubs?

A. To begin with I pretty much made do with whatever my brothers threw at me! My first proper set was a smashing little half set of Ben Hogan’s. I also had a Persimmon driver which my grandfather made me. I treasured my bag of sticks for a couple of years before growing out of them.

Q. Who is your golfing hero and why?

A. I think what Bobby Jones achieved was remarkable given his illness. The unprecedented achievements of Jack Nicklaus can’t go unnoticed, and the continued dominance in the modern game by Tiger Woods is awesome. We also had a European legend in the charismatic Seve Ballesteros who I wish I could have seen in the flesh. All of these guys were and are unquestionably magnificent players, but the one golfer who inspired me as a boy was Nick Faldo. I grew up watching his Major triumphs, particularly enjoying his Open victories at St Andrews in 1990 and Muirfield in 1992. I would repeatedly watch him in awe of his ball striking and calmness under pressure. In the end, I think what he did for British golf was outstanding.

Q. If you were the head of the R&A what rule would you change and why?

A. I would change the rule that prohibits the player from moving loose impediments in a hazard. Hitting your ball into a bunker is enough punishment without having to avoid a stone or acorn in front of your ball. I suppose I just need to stop going into the sand!

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