Worldwide Golf

Issue 117, sUMMER 2010

MIddle east’s No .1 Golf MaG azINe

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K ng Louis

Official Media Partner Middle East

GMAC’S US OPEN PARTY TOM WATSON’S FAREWELL DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS THE INVITATIONAL SWING TIPS EUROPEAN TOUR NEWS ARABIAN GOLF DESERT ISLAND DOUBLE 2

Ice cool and a swing to match the freshly crowned open Champion has the ability to become one of the game’s greats.

ISBN 978-9948-15-427-3

9 789948 154273

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

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Saturday 4th September 2010 2pm Shotgun Start

2010 RAMADAN OPEN Entry Fee – AED 350 per person l 18 hole green fee l Shared golf cart with GPS l Premium Eco-friendly event shirt l Full use of the practice facilities Format – Pairs Better Ball Stableford with full handicap allowance Prizes – Overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, plus special on-course events

To enter please call on 02 557 8000 or email to info@sbgolfclub.ae Credit card details will be required to reserve your entry, however payment will not be taken until the day of the event. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club operates a 48 hour cancellation policy. Any cancellations made within this time will be charged the full amount. The event is limited to the first 100 players, individual entries are welcome.

Worldwide Golf’s Executive Editor

PLAYER

GARY

PLAYER INTRODUCTION

Louis celebrates his first Major moment with his wife, Nel-Mare and daughter Jana.

I KNEW HE WOULD WIN I WAS so proud of Louis Oosthuizen winning The Open Championship at St. Andrews. After his triumph he said that the phone call I had with him before he went out to play his final round on Sunday inspired him to victory.

I chatted to him in our home language, Africaans, and told him to stay calm and have a lot of fun. I pointed out that the crowd were going to be on the side of his playing partner, Englishman Paul Casey, but that he mustn’t let it bother him – and it didn’t.

He kept his nerve and played it straight to win by an impressive seven shots.

Earlier that morning I had told BBC Radio that I thought that Louis had all the attributes to win a Major. He’s a very good player, he’s got a magnificent golf swing and a lot of experience.

He’s won golf tournaments and although he doesn’t look it when he’s walking down the fairway with his waterproofs on, he’s physically very strong.

Louis wants to buy a farm. That’s a great incentive for him to succeed and I can understand that – that was always my goal and buying my farm became the great joy in my life. I think we will see Louis go on and win many more big events worldwide.

IT was a huge disappointment for all concerned, players and spectators alike, that the Champions Challenge on the day before The Open Championship at St Andrews had to be cancelled.

I was really looking forward to playing with and against so many great friends and great players at the Home of Golf but the unpredictable Scottish weather had the final say.

As one of the seven Captains of the groups in the 27-player field it would have been a fantastic experience and a wonderful celebration of one of the world’s greatest Championships and golf courses. It would have been a lot of fun but the conditions were so bad it was just impossible.

Even one of the ‘youngsters’ among the array of former Open Champions, Sir Nick Faldo, who had suggested playing only the first and 18th to beat the weather had to admit, “it was too brutal to have gone out there and played.”

Arnold Palmer, who won The Open twice, back-to-back, in 1961 and 1962, recalled finishing second at The Open at St

Andrews in 1960 behind Kel Nagle, saying: “It’s a shame we can’t play the Champions Challenge but the weather today is just like it was in 1960 – it’s normal. When I said something about the wind and rain back then, I was told – ‘Hey, this is Scotland, you’ve just go to accept it.’”

It was understandable that Seve was not able to be at St Andrews on the advice of his doctors who said that the strain of flying and the emotion of the occasion could affect him but it was a wonderful gesture by all the players at the Champions Dinner the night before the Challenge that the proceeds of the event should go to Seve’s charity.

After the Champions Challenge was cancelled on the Wednesday The R&A announced that the £50,000 prize money would indeed go to the Seve Ballesteros Foundation. Seve was sadly missed by all the players at the Dinner and we all wish him well.

It was something of a sentimental journey for me to be back on the east coast of Scotland where I won the first of my three Open Championships at Muirfield in 1959 and my second on the Carnoustie Links in 1968 (Player won his third Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes, in England, in 1974).

Being in Scotland is just like coming home.

Carnoustie is hosting the Senior Open Championship for the first time at Carnoustie which is a monster of a course and where I produced one of the best shots of my career to help me win by two strokes from Jack Nicklaus and Bob Charles.

To raise a million dollars in a day is an outstanding achievement and we did just that when we visited Calgary, Canada, last month. The inaugural Kinnear Classic, which was formerly known as the Rockyview Invitational, was a huge success. I did a clinic in the morning for the players taking part in the event and offered some advice to the participants out on the course and generally entertained the players and their guests.

It was a fun day and the C$1 million we raised for The Calgary Health Trust lifted the 18 year total donated by the event to C$18 million. I know I keep saying this, but golf is this great catalyst of raising money, more so than any other two sports put together. n www.wwgolf.biz

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Contents

TOM WATSON

MagICaL MEMORIES for TOM WATSON

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HEN Tom Watson bade a fond farewell to the thousands of golf fans gathered at St. Andrews for The Open Championship earlier this month there was barely a dry eye on the Links.

After leaning over to kiss goodbye to the Swilken Bridge Watson commented: “This may be my last Open at St. Andrews but it is not my last Open. It the creek don’t rise, as they say, I have a few more years left in me, thanks to the R&A special exemption for me.”

The evergreen Watson, who came within a shot of winning last year’s Open at Turnberry, missed the cut at St. Andrews by two shots. “The grand old lady had her boxing gloves on during the second day and she hit us with all she had.,” said Watson. “I had a lot of fun playing the Old Course but I didn’t play my best.

“Now it’s over to Carnoustie for the Senior Open – and that’s an even tougher course than St. Andrews.” Watson’s first encounter with the Carnoustie Links in his Open Championship debut might have put him off seaside golf for ever but, undeterred, he went on to shrug it off and become the King of the Links.

“My first shot in my first Open Championship at the first time I’d played Carnoustie made me think I’d never take to this type of golf,” says Watson. “I hit what I, and everyone else around me, thought was the ideal tee shot off the first tee. But when we walked up to the spot where we expected it to be, it was nowhere in sight.

“The search party set off to find it but finally

Mike Gallemore talks to Tom Watson, who received a hero’s farewell at the Home of Golf when he walked over the famous Swilken Bridge for the final time in an illustrious career that saw the Kansas City Kid win The Open a total of five times. From St. Andrews Watson headed for Carnoustie and The Senior Open Championship at Carnoustie in a bid to increase his tally of three Senior Open titles, a record he shares with Gary Player. gave up on it. I was just about to head back when I thought I’d take one last look – and I found it. It was nestling in some long grass so far away from where we reckoned it had landed, it didn’t seem possible it could have got there.

“I thought, ‘this links golf is not for me,’ but I went on to tie the Championship with Jack Newton on 279 and then beat him by a shot in the 18-hole play-off on the Monday.

‘Something special’ “I believe Carnoustie is the toughest course of all the links courses I’ve played. It’s got water, it’s got difficult burns and it’s got that wind. But, strangely, back in 1975 it was unusually placid. It didn’t blow at all for the first three days. Then the wind picked up on Sunday and blew again on the Monday.

“You could say that my introduction to The Open Championship and Carnoustie was something special. When I first played The Old Course at St. Andrews I didn’t like it – but I learned to love it.

“Since then you could also say that I’ve gotten accustomed to links golf and the vagaries of the

“Over the years, I’ve had lOts Of dIsappOIntments and that was anOther. But I’ve had lOts Of vIctOrIes tO cOunterBalance the hurt. lOsIng that OppOrtunIty tOre my guts Out fOr a shOrt perIOd Of tIme – and then I gOt On wIth lIfe.” – TOM WATSON

bounce. I learned pretty quickly that if the ball takes a bad bounce when you think you’ve hit a good shot, you’ve just got to get on with it.”

Two year’s down the line Watson was to play a leading role in what is widely acknowledged as the most dramatic Open Championship of them all when he went toe-to-toe, hole-by-hole with Jack Nicklaus during a week of high drama played out in wall-to-wall sunshine at Turnberry.

Watson triumphed by a single shot in that famous ‘Duel in the Sun’ on the Ailsa Course for his second Open title in three years. He went on to win The Open Championship a record five times in an eight-year stretch between 1975 and 1983.

Last year Turnberry was again the scene of a quite spectacular finale when Watson almost achieved the impossible. Roared on by the captivated crowd the Texan was in position to par the 72nd hole to win his sixth Open but an unlucky bogey allowed fellow-American Stewart Cink to draw level and triumph in the four-hole play-off.

“When I think of last year’s Open at Turnberry it leaves a certain glow about the whole situation, 4

16 Graeme McDowell enjoys his Major moment with father Ken at Pebble Beach.

GMAC S H O W S H E ’ S A M A J O R P L AY E R Richard Bevan talks to Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell as the dust settles on the US Open win that has elevated him up to the world’s golfing elite.

SINCE he first became involved with Dubai’s Al Naboodah Group Graeme Mc Dowell has been proud to represent the company around the world. His victory at The Celtic Manor Wales Open in early June was a great way of repaying the faith they showed in the Northern Irishman when they signed up to sponsor him at the beginning of 2009 but by following up that win with a stunning one-stroke triumph over Frenchman Gregory Havret at the US Open two weeks later, GMAC provided the company with the ultimate feather in their cap.

“I’ve spoken to (Group Director) Abdullah (Al Naboodah) by text and he was over the moon,” says McDowell. “I’ve been with the Al Naboodah Group for a couple of years now. Playing golf in Dubai is obviously something we do a lot of on The European Tour now and it’s definitely a place that’s very good to us so it’s been great to represent the Al Naboodah Group positively around the world. Abdullah is an avid golfer himself so he was very, very excited about my win at the US Open.”

Delighted Abdullah, who is also a Board Director of the Emirates Golf Federation and has just been appointed Chairman of the Dubai World Championship, believes the Ulsterman’s Major success at Pebble Beach – the first by a European in the tournament since Tony Jacklin won it in 1970 – is great news for both his company and the UAE in general.

“I am delighted for GMAC,” he said. “He has worked so hard on his game and deserves this fantastic win. It was only a few weeks since he won the Celtic Manor Wales Open so I knew he was in great form.

“There is a buzz around the UAE and our office, everyone is talking about GMAC and people are very excited to hear about the result as we are one of his key sponsors. He is clearly on a roll, and we all hope he will go on from strength to strength.”

McDowell’s victory at Pebble Beach, as he became the first British Major champion since Paul Lawrie lifted the Auld Claret in 1999, was the culmination of a lifetime’s work. His unswervingly supportive father, Ken, first put a golf club in his hands at the age of seven and the youngster quickly began to hone his skills on the windswept links of Portrush in Northern Ireland. He soon embarked upon a spectacular amateur career, winning a string of titles before gaining a golf scholarship to the University of Alabama in the U.S. in 1998, where he was to become the No. 1 collegiate golfer

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Features

GARY PLAYER INTRODUCTION ERNIE ELS COLUMN GOLDEN TICKET QUALIfIERS fOR THE INvITATIONAL HOSTED BY ABDULLAH AL NABOODAH 2-DAY WORLDWIDE GOLf DESERT ISLAND DOUBLE MIDWEEK OPEN DIvOTS CLUBHOUSE QUICKIES GREG NORMAN COLUMN OffICIAL WORLD GOLf RANKING GARY PLAYER COLUMN RACE TO DUBAI EUROPEAN TOUR NEWS ROSS fISHER COLUMN WORLD ROUND-UPS CLAUDE HARMON III SWING ANALYSIS TROON TUTORIAL WOMEN’S GOLf MIDDLE EAST LOCKER ROOM GROOM ROOM IN THE BAG: CLUB PRO

ISSUE No. 117, SUMMER, 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 Editor-in-Chief: Mike Gallemore Executive Editor: Gary Player

stage is set for another epic battle where The European Tour’s No.1 player will be crowned.

10 THE OPEN: Louis Oosthuizen cruises to his maiden Major triumph at St Andrews with a dominant display.

SWING Graeme McDowell 1.

1.

Set-up

Graeme Position McDowell’s recent the ball slightly back in the stance and Major victory may grip down thehave club to promote a lower trajecPlace weight over the balls of the feet and surprisedtory. some, but not be careful not Graeme to grip the club too tightly. (To me. I worked with much grip pressure can cause a player to lose in 2004 and again in 2006 clubhead speed) and knew that he had what it takes to play at the highest level – and win. The challenge in working with Graeme is that his swing is unique.

His movement 1. Backswing is by no means classic or full turn orthodox. Complete But thearole of with anymy body whilst keeping arm swing quite short, this good teacher is the to take what helps naturally to control theand shot. Into a breeze it a player does is vital to be as relaxed as possible whilst make it better. maintaining an athletic posture with the

Brought to you by

drive to victory

Release With the correct impact position the clubface will compress the ball, producing a shot that travels forward rather than upwards. Try to keep your head behind the ball until you have released the club, stay relaxed to produce a smooth swing.

M

ost golfers dream about hitting the ball further and straighter off the tee. The driver has the longest shaft of any club and the least loft, making it by far the hardest club to hit consistently well. Whilst the saying, “drive for show and putt for dough”, is true enough, developing the confidence to use your driver can enhance the enjoyment from playing the many world class golf courses around the United Arab Emirates.

Throughout the swing focus on remaining balanced and maintaining good rhythm throughout the shot.

focus being on timing and rhythm.

1.

53

Downswing Start to downswing by focusing on the hands and body working together. Near impact concentrate on releasing the right arm through the ball, squaring the clubface and sweeping the ball away.

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Standing on Hole 5 “Dolphin View” at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, you are faced with water down the left side, a fairway bunker bordering the right and the prevailing breeze coming straight off the Arabian Gulf. This tutorial will look at how to play a low drawing shot that will run down the right side of the fairway.

tee box I have set up on the left side of the tee area and aligned myself down the right side of the fairway. This enables me to aim away from the big trouble – in this case a water hazard. By using the full width of the teeing ground my landing area appears wider and I have a larger margin for error.

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16 TOM WATSON: The five-time Open champion looks back on his distinguished career and talks about his abundant love for links golf.

24 GRAEME McDOWELL: Northern Ireland’s Ryder Cup star makes history as the first British winner of the US Open since Tony Jacklin in 1970 with a stunning victory at Pebble Beach.

28 TRAvEL fEATURE: WWG takes a look around Brockett Hall, a resort that offers championship golf amid stately elegance in the South East of England.

37 RAY MANULAT: Saadiyat Beach Golf

ASSISTING AMELIA ARABIAN GOLf

6 DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: The

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Club’s Manager Ray Manulat is relishing the challenges that lie ahead.

48 HEYTHROP PARK: An in-depth look at the UK’s qualifying venue for a Golden Ticket to The 2011 Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah.

MId d l e ea s t’ s N o. 1 G o l f M a Ga z IN e Issue 117, sUMMER 2010

Regulars

in the country, winning the prestigious Haskins Award in 2002 and breaking Tiger Woods’ and Luke Donald’s scoring record with a stroke average of 69.6.

“I think the American college system always attracted me,” says McDowell. “I spent a year at Queens University in Belfast studying Mechanical Engineering before going over there. But I felt the golf calling me and in hindsight it was probably the best thing I ever did from a career point of view.”

McDowell turned professional immediately after leaving college (2002) and won his first European Tour title in just his fourth start at the Scandinavian Masters. His next win came two years later with a play-off victory over Thomas Levet in the Italian Open and he then had to wait another four years before a double-haul in 2008 of the Ballantines Championship and the prestigious Barclays Scottish Open put him firmly back on the map as he finished a career high fifth on the Order of Merit.

“It was a little bit of the ‘monkey off the back’ syndrome,” says McDowell, whose results also gained him his first taste of the Ryder Cup as he played his way onto Nick Faldo’s team and emerged as one of underperforming Europe’s stronger competitors with 2 ½ points from a possible 4. “I’d been knocking on the door quite a few times in the past six months before Korea (Ballantines Championship). So to get across the line was a great feeling. I’d forgotten how hard it is to win, there are so many good players out here now, the standard is so good every week – there’s always someone shooting 15 or 20-under. You’ve really got play well and also get a bit of good luck to win.”

McDowell was winless last year but, crucially, saved some of his best performances for the Majors, finishing inside the top 20 in The Masters, the US Open and the US PGA Championship. Prior to his victory in Wales this season the signs were there that his game was getting into great shape as he secured top 10s at the WGC-CA Championship, 4

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K ng Louis

Official Media Partner Middle East

GMAC’S US OPEN PARTY TOM WATSON’S FAREWELL DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS THE INVITATIONAL SWING TIPS EUROPEAN TOUR NEWS ARABIAN GOLF DESERT ISLAND DOUBLE 2

Ice cool and a swing to match the freshly crowned open Champion has the ability to become one of the game’s greats.

ISBN 978-9948-15-427-3

9 789948 154273

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Official Publication of The Emirates Golf Federation & The Arab Golf Federation Cover-June_2010.indd 1

fRONT COvER: Louis Oosthuizen.

20/7/10 17:44:39

Photograph: Steve Read Editor: Alex Gallemore Publisher: Mike Gallemore Senior Editor: Richard Bevan Editorial Assistants: Todd Staszko, James Reeves, Tabitha Florence Design Manager: Mark Frain Technical Manager: Mark Collinge Editorial Panel: Gary Player, Mike Gallemore, Alex Gallemore, Richard Bevan, Todd Staszko

Published in Dubai by: Prografix, PO Box 24677, Dubai, UAE (Tel) +9714 340 3785 Advertising & Marketing: David Burke davidb@wspdubai.com (009715) 05519363 Worldwide Golf specifies that post-press changes may occur to any information given in this publication and takes no responsibility for goods or services advertised.

Printed by: Raidy, Dubai

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

BPA Worldwide Audited Average Monthly Qualified Circulation 14,636 (July-Dec 2009)

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.

Louis has made me the proudest man around

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Y disappointment at missing the cut in The Open soon turned to pride over the weekend with young Louis Oosthuizen, a very good friend of mine and a former member of the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation, winning the Claret Jug in great style.

He’s the fourth south African to win The Open, after Bobby locke, Gary Player and myself and, honestly, it could not have happened to a better person. As Open Champion his life will change, but he won’t. He is simply a wonderful kid. i played a practice round with him the sunday before the Championship and, typically for him, he didn’t give himself a chance. He’s a quiet and unassuming type of guy, but at st Andrews he showed everyone what incredible talent he has and what a great champion he has become.

Obviously, i was very honoured that he thanked me in his victory speech and our Foundation for giving him his real start in golf, but he didn’t have to do that. The way he has made use of his opportunities since leaving our Foundation will always be thanks enough. i don’t think i have ever been so proud! in starting the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation i wanted to give talented young golfers the same

Worldwide Golf we’ve played two Major Championships, the Us Open and The Open Championship, with the UsPGA Championship just around the corner.

Pebble Beach and st Andrews are two of my favourite golf courses in the world, so i couldn’t have been more excited about those two championships.

As soon as i arrived at Pebble Beach i liked my chances. i had worked Experience extremely hard leading up to that week it was only last month that another and i was comfortable that my game of our former members, Kelli shean, was right where i needed it to be for a secured a place in the Women’s Us Open by virtue of winning her qualifying Major. i love that golf course – it’s like links tournament in st louis. she went on to golf on steroids. it was playing firm and lead the tournament for much of the fast all week, which are conditions i first day and, although she fell out of always relish. The greens weren’t what contention over the weekend, i know you’d call perfect, but other than that she will have learnt so much from the it was one of the better Us Open setexperience. Ultimately, it will make her ups that i’ve seen. level par was always better and stronger next time around. i’d like to thank all the staff, my family looking like it would be a great score and the Board of the Foundation for the and that’s how it turned out. wonderful work that they do. in a way, Tiniest of margins louis’ win shows that we are doing the i played some great golf to right thing and it shows that there are get myself right at the top of the systems in place in south African golf that really work. We now have a fantastic leaderboard on the last day. i had some group of young south Africans who are chances coming down the stretch, but i wasn’t able to convert. i guess a carrying the flag. handful of other players could say the This is always an exciting time of the same thing. That’s Major Championship season with so many big events taking golf. it’s always won or lost by the place. tiniest of margins. i was disappointed, since i last wrote my last Column in because any time you have a chance to win a Major and don’t win it, it’s obviously a huge letdown.

But after the dust had settled i could reflect on a lot of positives that week at Pebble. i hit the ball very nicely for pretty much the whole tournament and felt comfortable right there in the mix on sunday afternoon. i didn’t play great in my next two tournaments, the BMW international Open and The Barclays scottish Open, but going into st. Andrews for the Open Championship i was really opportunities that i was given. We’ve had some successes already, but this Major win has exceeded my greatest expectations. Where, in your whole life, could you hope for a better story? louis has shown what can be done and this will do so much for our members, past, present and future.

“In startIng the ernIe els & Fancourt FoundatIon I wanted to gIve talented young golFers the same opportunItIes that I was gIven. we’ve had some successes already, but thIs major wIn has exceeded my greatest expectatIons.” – ErniE Els 4

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oosthuizen on els

Louis Oosthuizen spent three years in the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation prior to turning professional and had nothing but praise for Ernie’s contribution to his development.

“It was an unbelievable three years with what Ernie did for me, travelling around the country, helping with expenses, giving clinics, things like that,” he said. “He’s such a good mentor, probably without him I wouldn’t be here. It’s just nice knowing him, he’s just a great, great guy to be around.”

Above: Louis Oosthuizen kisses the Auld Claret Jug after his superb victory at The Open.

excited. i felt like i had prepared well and physically i felt really good. And i know the Old Course better than probably any other golf course we play on Tour. i also know this golf course can throw some serious surprises at you and the conditions that we had to play in on Friday afternoon were about as tough as they come. That’s the luck of the Open draw, i guess. it’s funny, because in Thursday’s first round i don’t think i’d ever seen the Old Course so benign. There wasn’t a breath of wind and being out early it was one of those days where a low score was there for the taking. i think i was almost too aggressive and went chasing some pins and when you do that on this golf course it’s easy to catch the wrong side of a few slopes and make life quite tricky on and around the greens.

But it was a nice clean card at the end of the day, three birdies and no bogeys. really, 69 could never be described as a bad start to The Open.

When i set off on my second round

on Friday afternoon, though, i think it’s probably the strongest wind i’ve ever had to play in. After we’d played a couple of holes, the r&A pulled us off the course for an hour, because it was pretty much unplayable. Balls were literally blowing around on the greens. To be honest, when we went back out there it didn’t seem to me that the wind had dropped all that much and it blew hard for the rest of the day, basically. it was all about survival and just trying to make pars. i pride myself on my ability to play in tough conditions, but this was pretty extreme. it was so tough getting the ball in the hole and shots just kept slipping through my fingers. i was bitterly disappointed to miss the cut, but what can you do? it was just a very, very difficult day. But my cloud on Friday had a silver lining with louis’ win on sunday and right now you’d be hard pushed to find someone who is more proud than me this month. n

Above: Ernie Els chips to the eighth green during the second round at The Open Championship on the Old Course in St Andrews.

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execUtiVe committee memBers The 2010 Dubai World Championship Executive Committee: abdullah al naboodah – chairman; saeed harib – managing Director, nakheel marine and leisure; adel Zarouni – secretary-general, emirates golf federation; representatives from the european tour.

Dubai World Championship Steering Committee saeed harib – chairman; representatives from the european tour, rta, Dubai police, Dubai sports council, Dubai tV and other local authorities.

chairman: abdullah al naboodah

saeed harib: mD nakheel m&l

adel Zarouni: secretary-general egf

stage is set for DUBai worlD championship

L

EE Westwood faces an enthralling challenge to successfully defend his title in The Race to Dubai following Louis Oosthuizen’s thrilling Open Championship triumph at St Andrews. westwood, who captured the Dubai world championship to secure european no.1 honours in 2009, is currently in second place in the 2010 race to Dubai behind graeme mcDowell, the Us open champion. mcDowell, currently with €1,974,181 in prize money earnings, leads by €151,443 from westwood (€1,822,738) followed by ernie els (€1,650,385) and charl schwartzel (€1,596,316) with oosthuizen (€1,510,256) moving into fifth place. a measure of the strength of the second race to Dubai is the fact that, currently, from

mcDowell down to spain’s alvaro Quiros in 13th place, each player has earned in excess of €1,000,000. last november, westwood captured the Dubai world championship with scores of 66, 69, 66 and 64 for a 23 under par winning total of 265 – and his pursuers on the earth course included oosthuizen, who shared second place after a second round 66 before finishing 12th.

'Proud to win' westwood, who finished runner-up behind oosthuizen at st andrews having also had to settle for second place behind phil mickelson at the masters, said: “everyone who knows me knows how proud i was to win both the first Dubai world championship and the inaugural race to Dubai last year and i will do my utmost

“We are again looking forWard to the dubai World Championship folloWing the enormous suCCess of the inaugural tournament WhiCh brought suCh a superb Climax to the raCe to dubai last november."

– GEORGE O'GRADy ChiEf ExECuTivE Of ThE EuROpEAn TOuR

for sponsorship and hospitality enquiries contact nick Tarratt. ntarratt@europeantour.com. 050 6243856

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to repeat the feat in november. i produced some of my best golf in the championship last year and, as a result, i am proud to wear the unique logo on my sleeve which signifies i was european no.1 in 2009. hopefully, i can have a logo to match on my other sleeve come the end of this season.” the race to Dubai, leading to the Dubai world championship, comprises 48 tournaments – the open championship was the 30th – played in 27 destinations and there are 18 remaining tournaments in which westwood can compete in his attempt to become only the ninth player to retain the harry Vardon trophy for topping the race to Dubai. the second Dubai world championship, to be played from november 25-28 on the greg norman-designed earth course at Jumeirah golf estates in Dubai, will again feature the no.1 to 60 players on the race to Dubai – the season-long competition for the world’s leading golfers – and will be managed and delivered by the european tour.

Phenomenal success leisurecorp, which owns Jumeirah golf estates (which is managed by nakheel marine and leisure), has confirmed it remains committed to hosting the Dubai world championship at Jumeirah golf estates and the company is eager that the european tour builds on the phenomenal success of the inaugural event which attracted a global television audience in excess of 50 million. saeed harib, managing Director nakheel

george o'grady, Chief executive of the european tour, presents lee Westwood with the race to dubai trophy after his double triumph that included the dubai World Championship.

marine and leisure, said: “the Dubai world championship is a key event for Dubai and the wider region and last year’s tournament is testament to this. we will continue to work closely with our partners, the european tour, to stage an excellent tournament and we look forward to welcoming players, spectators and fans to Jumeirah golf estates later this year.” george o’grady, chief executive of the european tour, said: “we are again looking forward to the Dubai world championship following the enormous success of the inaugural tournament which brought such a superb climax to the race to Dubai last november.” nick tarratt, Director the european tour international, Dubai office, commented: “we are delighted with the way things are going and with the strength of the european tour this season the Dubai world championship

promises to be among the biggest events of the golfing year.” prize money for the Dubai world championship and the race to Dubai remains at Us$7,500,000 each making a total purse of Us$15,000,000. first prize for the championship is Us$1,250,000. the winner also receives a five year exemption to the european tour. first prize in the the race to Dubai Bonus pool, shared by the 15 top players is Us$1,500,000 with the no.1 player also receiving a seven year exemption and the harry Vardon trophy. wsp global incorporating worldwide golf is proud to announce that it will be publishing the official souvenir championship programme and daily newsletter/drawsheet.

volunteers needed BuDDy MORin has been appointed Chief Marshal for the 2010 Dubai World Championship at the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates on Thursday 25th – Sunday 28th november with the curtain-raiser pro-am on Tuesday 23rd november.

Morin, who headed the volunteer Marshal operation in 2009 says: "We attracted over 400 volunteer marshals from the region for the 2009 Dubai World Championship.

"Attendance figures exceeded all our expectations so at least that number of volunteer marshals will be needed this year. We look forward to welcoming back last year’s volunteers as well as new volunteers who want to experience the tournament from a fun and rewarding perspective." included in the volunteer marshal benefits will be: DWC shirts, caps, tournament passes, car parking and invitations for 200 volunteers to a volunteers’ Appreciation Golf Day at the Earth course or a Green fee voucher. To apply to be a volunteer marshal contact Buddy: dwcvolunteers@eim.ae www.wwgolf.biz

7

YOUR GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY THE INVITATIONAL

T

HE dates have been announced for this year’s four UAE Regional Qualifying Events for The Invitational 2011 hosted

by Abdullah Al Naboodah. The Invitational has again joined forces with Worldwide Golf to stage three WWG Midweek Opens and one Women’s Golf Middle East event.

The Worldwide Golf Midweek Open Regional Qualifiers are open to men, ladies and juniors in the UAE, who are members of the Emirates Golf Federation, and to men, ladies and juniors in the Middle East. The top 15 adults and the top 10 juniors from each event will qualify, along with the top 10 ladies from the Women’s Golf Middle East event, to play in the Grand Final in January.

The fortunate field of 85 will be under pressure as the best net adult and the best junior on the day will receive the priceless GOLDEN TICKETS to take their place in The Invitational 2011.

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Tournament Director, James Bowring, with Amelia McKee and James Collins holding the GOLDEN TICKETS they won at the qualifying event at Arabian Ranches Golf Club.

The GOLDEN route to compete in one of the finest Pro-Am tournaments in World Golf tees off in Abu Dhabi in October: Yas Links GC, Abu Dhabi

Tuesday, 26th October, 2010, at 1.0pm.

Entry Fee: AED495, adults – AED195, Juniors.

Arabian Ranches GC, Dubai

Monday, 15th November, 2010, at 8.0am.

Entry Fee: AED495 (Ladies Only – Women’s Golf Middle East event).

Faldo Course at Emirates GC, Dubai

Monday, 22nd November, 2010, at 5.0pm.

(Floodlit) Entry Fee: AED495, adults – AED195, Juniors.

Al Hamra GC, Ras Al Khaimah

Thursday, 9th December, 2010, at 1.0pm.

Entry Fee: AED450 adults – AED150, Juniors.

James Collins, Tour professionals Richard Green and Jean François Lucquin, and Amelia McKee pictured at the Creek Golf & Yacht Club during The Invitational.

To pre-register please email goldenticket@theinvitational.com AT LAST year’s Worldwide Golf Midweek Open Qualifier at Arabian Ranches Golf Club 10-year-old Amelia McKee qualified to play in The Invitational as the leading junior and James Collins took the leading adult spot.

James was runner-up in the pairs section in The Invitational 2010 with Australian professional Richard Green, behind the winners Lee Westwood and Abdullah Al Naboodah. At the Charity Gala Dinner and Prize-giving ceremony at the Park Hyatt Hotel, Abdullah was so impressed with Amelia’s performance in the tournament that he guaranteed her an invitation to play in The Invitational 2011.

All competitors in the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open qualifiers will be guaranteed exclusive free tickets to watch The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah on January 24, 2011. Tickets to the general public will be limited.

www.theinvitational.com

Abdullah Al Naboodah presents amateur James Collins and Tour professional Richard Green with their trophies.

BAck By populAr demAnd THe deseRT isLand douBLe ReTuRns in sepTemBeR oveR Two of THe finesT Links CouRses ouTside sCoTLand

Brilliant Brown wins first Desert Island Double AFTER two days of glorious links golf in Abu Dhabi Marty Brown was crowned the champion of the inaugural Worldwide Golf Desert Island Double with a superb combined Stableford score of 71 points.

Brown compiled a solid score of 31 points on day one at Yas Links but a stunning 40 point haul over Saadiyat Beach Golf Club saw him take the honours by three points from Giordano Gelasini, James McSweeney, Edward Mayer and James Yandle.

A card countback had to separate the players on 68 points who missed out on the overall prize and it was Yandle who took

top spot in Division ‘A’ ahead of Mayer with McSweeney taking third. In Division ‘B’ Gelasini secured first place ahead of T. J. Cotzee who totalled 67.

The Ladies section also needed a countback to separate the top players and it was Tania Gelasini who triumphed, beating Karin Lutz to the title. Both players secured 62 points over the two days but Gelasini’s better second day performance secured her the honours. At the prize presentation ceremony WWG’s David Burke thanked sponsors ECCo for their support and both the Radisson Blu hotel and the two golf clubs for their wonderful hospitality.

WWG Desert Island Double 2 September 23th - 24th

daY 1: 18 HoLes aT Yas Links GoLf CLuB afTeR pLaY BaRBeque aT Yas Links CLuBHouse oveRniGHT sTaY aT THe Radisson BLu HoTeL wiTH BReakfasT (aed100 for additional non-golfing guest)

DAY 1

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daY 2: 18 HoLes aT saadiYaT BeaCH GoLf CLuB pRize GivinG BaRBeque aT saadiYaT BeaCH GoLf CLuB Entry fee also includes access to the practice facilities and locker rooms as well as shared golf carts, range balls and tournament prizes.

THe woRLdwide GoLf deseRT isLand douBLe aT aBu dHaBi

Only AED950 tOtAl LoG on To WWW.WWGolf.biz FoR DETAILS oF HoW To EnTER

DAY 2

The fielD is AT cApAciTY for The seconD DeserT islAnD Double buT You cAn sTill enTer To be plAceD on The wAiTing lisT. www.wwgolf.biz The magnificent Radisson Blu Hotel (left) which overlooks the Yas Links Golf Club, a typical room at the hotel and the spa at The Radisson Blu.

HaRdLY suRpRisinG THe fiRsT wwG deseRT douBLe soLd ouT wiTHin 10 daYs.

Louis LANDS THE BIG ONE

Louis Oosthuizen carved his way through the Old Course at St Andrews to become the fourth South African to lift the Auld Claret Jug after a stunning display of calm consistency that saw him finish seven strokes clear of the chasing pack and etch his name into the history books.

U

NHERALDED Springbok Louis Oosthuizen produced a performance that rivalled the supremacy of Tiger Woods at St Andrews ten years earlier to secure his maiden Major title at the Home of Golf and cap a sensational year of sport for South Africa.

Oosthuizen was the very definition of calm as the gusts coming in off the North Sea blew away his competitors, leaving him to stroll to a seven-stroke victory ahead of Lee Westwood.

“It’s unbelievable,” he beamed after following in the footsteps of Bobby Locke at St Andrews and Gary Player and Ernie Els as winners of The Open. “It was a battle for me to keep calm around this course. That was the biggest goal for me just to keep calm. It’s probably going to hit me tomorrow or the week after, what I did.”

The 27-year-old began the final day with a four-stroke lead over Paul Casey and after an inspirational chat with Gary Player prior to teeing off he carded a stressfree 1-under-par 71 to finish on 16-under-par for the tournament.

“Gary rang me up on Sunday morning and we had a chat in my home language Afrikaans,” said Oosthuizen. “He said to stay calm, have a lot of fun and be aware that the crowd was going to be on Paul Casey’s side. Then he told me the

story of when he played against Arnold Palmer when Gary won his first Masters. He said they wanted to throw stuff at him, but he stayed focused on just beating him at Augusta.

It meant a lot, him phoning me up. He’s just a great guy.”

Oosthuizen opened with seven straight pars but when he bogeyed hole 8 his lead was down to three strokes ahead of Casey. As Player predicted the crowd showed their support for the Englishman as they sensed a change in fortune. However, the 5’ 10” powerhouse from Mossel Bay moved quickly to re-establish his dominance, sinking a raking eagle putt on the following hole after driving the green. Casey made a birdie but with the gap back to four strokes Oosthuizen could breath a little easier.

He made it to 17-under on hole 12 while Casey wound up with a triple bogey after hitting some gorse bushes and from there only the winning margin was in doubt.

Westwood couldn’t apply any real pressure on the outward half, making his first birdie on the 9th. A bogey on the 12th pegged him back to level par for the day but backto-back birdies on 13 and 14 earned him second place. He bogeyed the 17th Road Hole but birdied the last to hang on to second on 9-under-par and secure his fourth top-three finish in the last five Majors. Casey wound up with a 3-over 75 and a share of third place alongside Rory McIlroy and4

4

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Louis LANDS THE BIG ONE Henrik Stenson on 8-under. Oosthuizen did drop a shot on the 17th but he took his time to savour the moment and settled for a simple par at the last which was all that was required for him to take golf’s biggest prize on what was Nelson Mandela’s 92nd birthday.

“It’s amazing. I woke up this morning and I didn’t know it was his birthday until I saw it on the news,” said Oosthuizen. “It felt a bit special out there. When I walked down the 18th I was thinking about his birthday and then my manager, Chubby Chandler, also gave me a list of things to mention in my speech and it was also in there.

What Nelson Mandela has done for our country is unbelievable.”

Another of his fellow countrymen and fellow Worldwide Golf Columnists on his thank-you list was 2002 Open Champion Ernie Els. Oosthuizen revealed that the experience he gained in his three years at the Ernie Els Foundation set him up perfectly for a career in professional golf.

Before turning pro Oosthuizen admitted that Els had funded and supported his progress and said that he wouldn’t be where he is today without his help, as his father didn’t earn enough to financially back the youngster to go all the way.

“At that stage things weren’t going that great on the farm, and we just heard of this foundation which had just started,” he explained. “It was an unbelievable three years with what Ernie did for me, travelling around the country, helping with expenses, giving clinics, things like that. He’s such a good mentor, probably without him I wouldn’t be here. It’s just nice knowing him, he’s just a great, great guy to be around.”

The Big Easy himself is proud of his young protégée after he became the first Major winner

The 1971 and ‘72 Open Cha mpion T revino can’t believe his eyes as he’s dazzled by JohnLeeDaly His girl friend might have trouble selling ’s jacket. that one!

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“I could not be happier. He is our first Major champion and has made us all very proud. His life will change but he won’t. He is simply a wonderful kid. You cannot find a better one. I thought long before anybody had heard of him that he was going to be an exceptional player.”

– Ernie Els to progress through his Foundation. “This is absolutely unbelievable,” said Els, who won The Open at Muirfield eight years ago. “It would be difficult to find anybody in the world who is more proud of him right now.

“He comes from a little town on the outskirts of George in South Africa and needed help, so we took him into the Foundation and educated him and sent him to various tournaments around the country and also the world.

“I could not be happier. He is our first Major Champion and has made us all very proud.

His life will change but he won’t. He is simply a wonderful kid. You cannot find a better one. I thought long before anybody had heard of him that he was going to be an exceptional player.”

Words quickly came in from Player too, who never doubted the youngster’s temperament in

Rory McIlory for once struggled round St. Andrews as the high winds during the second day blew his card apart as he posted an 80, 17 shots more than his opening round.

what was the biggest moment of his career and believed the win will boost South Africa even further. “For Louis to win on Nelson Mandela’s birthday, and after such a successful Football World Cup in South Africa and with a black caddy on his bag – it’s just a lovely story,” said Player. “ “This is the kind of breakthrough that he needed. He will remember it forever and to have his wife and baby with him along with his friends and his wonderful caddy and to know he’s done something not only for himself but for the betterment of Golf is wonderful.

“He’s a thorough and humble gentleman and he should go from strength to strength. The way he hung in there was admirable.”

Prior to his historic win Oosthuizen had won five times on the South African Sunshine Tour and finally made his European Tour breakthrough earlier this year at the Open de Andalucia de Golf in Spain. Now he’s setting his sights on more Major glory after getting the taste for it around the most famous track in the world.

“I want a few more of them,” he smiled. “It would be great. After winning one you want to get to the second and then you probably want to get to the third. I’m going to work harder and get as many as I can. To win an Open Championship is special, but to win it here at St. Andrews is just something you dream about.” n LEADERBOARD: 1 Louis Oosthuizen 2 Lee Westwood 3 Rory McIlroy Henrik Stenson PaulCasey

-16 -9 -8 -8 -8

Things might he managed tonot have been going Tiger Camilo Villegas enjoy a light-hearted m’s way but omen as they both w aited to tee oft with f.

65 67 63 68 69

67 71 80 74 69

69 71 69 67 67

71 70 68 71 75

272 279 280 280 280

Links golf wouldn’t be half as challenging if Mother Nature didn’t intervene.

“I want a few more of them. It would be great. After winning one you want to get to the second and then you probably want to get to the third. I’m going to work harder and get as many as I can. To win an Open Championship is special, but to win it here at St. Andrews is just something you dream about.”

– Louis Oosterhuizen

Paul Ca final rounsey was the on ly m on the 12 d but a wild tee ain threat to Lo carded a trth put an end to shot that found uis during the th iple bogey h seven. is c hances as he e bushes

A delighted Jin Jeong collected the Silver Medal as the highest placed amateur with Lee Westwood wondering when his time will come to lift the Claret Jug. www.wwgolf.biz

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DIVOTS Graeme McDowell joins US PGA Tour for the remainder of 2010

Tim Finchem still upbeat despite fall in sponsorship

GRAEME McDowell has confirmed he has taken up membership on the US PGA Tour for the remainder of the season after his win at the US Open gave him a five-year exemption.

With his qualification for The Ryder Cup virtually secured thanks to his Major breakthrough, McDowell, who has a residence in Orlando, will aim to qualify for the PGA Tour’s Play-offs for the FedEx Cup. “I’ve played quite a lot out in the States this season,” said McDowell. “I think the great thing about golfers in Europe is that we play all over the world, and I think we’re better players and better people because of that.”

US PGA Tour Commissioner, Tim Finchem, says tournaments will still go ahead on the schedule next year despite sponsors such as Verizon and CA dropping their title sponsorship. “While the economy continues to lag, we are pleased about how we performed in the marketplace with sponsorship and other related issues,” said Finchem. “We have to have sponsorship to put on events, so if it got to a point where sponsorship wasn’t available, contraction is always a possibility. But, candidly, we are on track with where we are in most years, good or bad economy, in terms of the amount of work we have to do either to renew sponsors or bring in new sponsors.” Earlier this year CA endede their sponsorship of the WGC Championships event at Doral while Verizon ended its relationship with the Heritage at Hilton Head.

Tom Lehman makes his first solo Senior title a Major TOM Lehman defeated Fred Couples and David Frost in a sudden-death play-off at the Senior PGA Championship in Colorado in late May to win his first individual title on the US Champions Tour.

The 2006 Ryder Cup Captain carded a 1-under-par final round 71 to finish on 7-under, level alongside Couples (69) and South African Frost (67).

However, as they went down the 18th again Lehman made a steady par to take the title as Couples and Frost double bogeyed.

The win came one year after Lehman took the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf with Bernhard Langer.

Creamer rises to the top at the US Women’s Open PAULA Creamer posted a final round 2-under par 69 for a 3-under total to win her maiden Major title at the US Women’s Open at Oakmont Country Club.

The 23-year-old had a three shot lead heading into the final round and her advantage never dropped below two strokes as she closed out the victory ahead of Na Yeon Choi of South Korea and Norway’s Suzann Pettersen.

Shot of the Month Looking like he’d come straight from a Tango drinks commercial, all-orange attired American Rickie Fowler dazzled the galleries at the Road Hole 17th at this year’s Open Championship at St. Andrews when he drained a 120-footer for birdie during the final round.

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Monty names his Ryder Cup Vice Captains RYDER Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie has selected European Tour stalwarts Thomas Björn, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley as his three Vice Captains for the 38th instalment at Celtic Manor, Wales, in October.

Montgomerie said: “The Ryder Cup is about passion, commitment and the will to win and all three men I have named today as my Vice Captains possess these qualities in abundance.

“Thomas Björn, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley are vastly experienced players who have the respect and admiration of everyone in golf. They have all been part of successful European Ryder Cup Teams in the past and know the players who will be part of my team at Celtic Manor in October as well as anyone.

NewS SNIppeTS frOm arOuND The gOlfINg glObe

Seve puts Mickelson in the doghouse SEVE Ballesteros has revealed that he named his new Labrador dog ‘Phil Mickelson’ after the reigning Masters Champion. The threetime Open Championship winner, who was unable to be at this year’s event at St. Andrews after doctors treating him for cancer advised against travelling, made the revelation during an interview with BBC television saying: “He’s a big, strong, good looking dog!

He’s fantastic. I thought, ‘I have to look for a name’, and Mickelson had just won The Masters so I decided to call him Phil Mickelson.”

Round of the Month:

Paul Goydos shot a stunning 12-under 59 in the opening round of the John Deere Classic. It was only the fourth 59 in US PGA Tour history. The last person to record a 59 was David Duval at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in 1999. The other players to achieve the feat are: Al Geiberger (1977) and Chip Beck (1991).

John Daly’s girl gets into hot water on the Bonnie Banks JOHN Daly’s girlfriend, Anna Cladakis, was given a stern ticking off by The European Tour for flogging the fallen idol’s signed merchandise among the crowd at The Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.

Daly, who is being chased by the American tax authorities for a $1 million unpaid bill, has been beset by financial troubles brought about by his well documented gambling and alcohol problems.

Cladakis, a former promotional director at burger-bar chain, Hooters, was selling signed hats for £15 and balls for £10. Barclays Scottish Open Championship Director, Peter Adams, said: “We are aware of what she is doing and have asked her to stop selling items on the course. The European Tour has exclusive merchandise agreements and therefore took the appropriate action.”

Quote of the Month When asked about his fourth place finish in the US Open, Phil Mickelson quipped: “I’m only glad that it wasn’t a second,” in reference to all the grief he’s received for finishing runner-up five times without winning the Championship.

Stat Master

Rory McIlroy’s opening round in The Open Championship at St. Andrews saw him become only the 22nd player in Major Championship history to shoot 63.

The Northern Ireland star, who has jumped to No.7 in the Official World Golf Ranking, has never shot a round in the 70s at St. Andrews – his second round 80 doesn’t count.

www.wwgolf.biz

15

MAgICAL MEMORIES for TOM WATSON

W

HEN Tom Watson bade a fond farewell to the thousands of golf fans gathered at St. Andrews for The Open Championship earlier this month there was barely a dry eye on the Links.

After leaning over to kiss goodbye to the Swilken Bridge Watson commented: “This may be my last Open at St. Andrews but it is not my last Open. It the creek don’t rise, as they say, I have a few more years left in me, thanks to the R&A special exemption for me.”

The evergreen Watson, who came within a shot of winning last year’s Open at Turnberry, missed the cut at St. Andrews by two shots. “The grand old lady had her boxing gloves on during the second day and she hit us with all she had.,” said Watson. “I had a lot of fun playing the Old Course but I didn’t play my best.

“Now it’s over to Carnoustie for the Senior Open – and that’s an even tougher course than St. Andrews.” Watson’s first encounter with the Carnoustie Links in his Open Championship debut might have put him off seaside golf for ever but, undeterred, he went on to shrug it off and become the King of the Links.

“My first shot in my first Open Championship at the first time I’d played Carnoustie made me think I’d never take to this type of golf,” says Watson. “I hit what I, and everyone else around me, thought was the ideal tee shot off the first tee. But when we walked up to the spot where we expected it to be, it was nowhere in sight.

“The search party set off to find it but finally

16

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Mike Gallemore talks to Tom Watson, who received a hero’s farewell at the Home of Golf when he walked over the famous Swilken Bridge for the final time in an illustrious career that saw the Kansas City Kid win The Open a total of five times. From St. Andrews Watson headed for Carnoustie and The Senior Open Championship at Carnoustie in a bid to increase his tally of three Senior Open titles, a record he shares with Gary Player. gave up on it. I was just about to head back when I thought I’d take one last look – and I found it. It was nestling in some long grass so far away from where we reckoned it had landed, it didn’t seem possible it could have got there.

“I thought, ‘this links golf is not for me,’ but I went on to tie the Championship with Jack Newton on 279 and then beat him by a shot in the 18-hole play-off on the Monday.

‘Something special’ “I believe Carnoustie is the toughest course of all the links courses I’ve played. It’s got water, it’s got difficult burns and it’s got that wind. But, strangely, back in 1975 it was unusually placid. It didn’t blow at all for the first three days. Then the wind picked up on Sunday and blew again on the Monday.

“You could say that my introduction to The Open Championship and Carnoustie was something special. When I first played The Old Course at St. Andrews I didn’t like it – but I learned to love it.

“Since then you could also say that I’ve gotten accustomed to links golf and the vagaries of the

bounce. I learned pretty quickly that if the ball takes a bad bounce when you think you’ve hit a good shot, you’ve just got to get on with it.”

Two year’s down the line Watson was to play a leading role in what is widely acknowledged as the most dramatic Open Championship of them all when he went toe-to-toe, hole-by-hole with Jack Nicklaus during a week of high drama played out in wall-to-wall sunshine at Turnberry.

Watson triumphed by a single shot in that famous ‘Duel in the Sun’ on the Ailsa Course for his second Open title in three years. He went on to win The Open Championship a record five times in an eight-year stretch between 1975 and 1983.

Last year Turnberry was again the scene of a quite spectacular finale when Watson almost achieved the impossible. Roared on by the captivated crowd the Texan was in position to par the 72nd hole to win his sixth Open but an unlucky bogey allowed fellow-American Stewart Cink to draw level and triumph in the four-hole play-off.

“When I think of last year’s Open at Turnberry it leaves a certain glow about the whole situation, 4

TOM WATSON

“Over the years, I’ve had lOts Of dIsappOIntments and that was anOther. But I’ve had lOts Of vIctOrIes tO cOunterBalance the hurt. lOsIng that OppOrtunIty tOre my guts Out fOr a shOrt perIOd Of tIme – and then I gOt On wIth lIfe.” – TOM WATSON

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17

TOM WATSON

even though I finished second. The glow comes from the people who watched it and who have come up to me since then and said, ‘having seen what you did, I know I’m not too old now – you’ve just proven that to me.

“I really felt like I could win the tournament again. The Ailsa Course fit me, and I knew how to play that golf course. I’d won The Open there and I almost had a sort of home-course advantage. It almost worked out. Over the years, I’ve had lots of disappointments and that was another. But I’ve had lots of victories to counterbalance the hurt.

Losing that opportunity tore my guts out for a short period of time – and then I got on with life.”

It must have been fate that when Watson turned 50 and started playing Senior golf his first win in The Senior Open Championship came at the first attempt and, inevitably, it was at Turnberry in 2003.

This time England’s all-conquering Carl Mason was the man who missed out. Watson managed to level with Mason at the 72nd hole and then succeeded in the sudden-death play-off.

‘Huge bonus for us over-fifties’ Watson went on to win The Senior Open twice more in the next four years at Royal Aberdeen in 2005 and at Muirfield in 2007.

“To be able to play Senior golf is a huge bonus for all of us over-fifties,” says Watson. “What else could we do other than play golf? It’s a luxury for us. Today many of us are playing for purses that we wouldn’t have dreamt of in our hey-day.

“When you look at the money players like Dana Quigley and Hale Irwin have earned after joining the Champions Tour it’s amazing.” In fact, Quigley earned a total of $92,000 in his entire career on the US PGA Tour but has since earned more than $14.6 million playing Senior golf. Irwin won 20 times on the PGA Tour, earning less that $6 million but has won 45 titles on the Champions Tour, earning $25.2 million.

Watson’s love affair with links golf has brought

Gary Player and Tom Watson receive honorary membership of Carnoustie Golf Club prior to The Open Championship in 1999.

“It wOuld Be gOOd tO wIn a fOurth senIOr Open at carnOustIe at the cOurse where I wOn my fIrst Open champIOnshIp and yOu can Be sure I’ll Be gIvIng It all I’ve gOt.” – TOM WATSON him an army of fans and made him one of the most popular golfers in the game. His participation in The Senior Open Championship is viewed by British golf followers as the homecoming of an old friend and Watson says the feeling is mutual.

“I love playing links golf and I love Scotland and the golf fans here,” he says. “The Senior Open Championship is a truly great event. It attracts the best players in the world and the atmosphere is so friendly it makes you want to play here.

“The venues are a key element of the Championship’s success. To play on Open Championship links of the stature of Turnberry, Muirfield, Royal Troon and Carnoustie is an

honour. This year I warmed up for The Senior Open by playing two outstanding links courses at Kingsbarns and Elie and then the little old tournament called The Open Championship.

“It would be good to win a fourth Senior Open at Carnoustie at the course where I won my first Open Championship and you can be sure I’ll be giving it all I’ve got.”

In Scotland Tom Watson has found a second home. Winning his fourth Senior Open in eight years on the course where his remarkable Major Championship story began would be the stuff of fairytales but as he’s proved many times over the years, Watson specialises in the remarkable. n

ABOVE: Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer, Padraig Harrington and Johann Rupert, receiving their honourary degrees at the University of St. Andrews for their services to golf during The Open Championship week.

LEFT: Tom Watson thanks the galleries at Turnberry as he holds the replica Claret Jug after winning his third Senior Open Championship in 2003.

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clubhouse quickies

PLAYER quotEs JokEs woRd of thE month CARtoons

Pate’s lament

FORE! EYES

At the 1982 World Series of Golf at Firestone CC in Ohio, Jerry Pate reached the green on the par-5 second hole in two shots. His 50-footer for eagle overshot the hole by five feet. His next putt was also too strong – this time three feet past. Flustered, Pate lipped out on his fifth stroke. Then, his careless backhand tap-in for bogey completely missed the hole but hit his foot to incur a two-stroke penalty. He ended up with a quadruple-bogey 9. “It was the stupidest hole I ever played,” he said.

Sam Snead gave a spectator something to remember when he hit his opening shot at the 2002 Masters. Snead sliced his ceremonial drive 100 yards to the right and hit a spectator right between the eyes, breaking his glasses and knocking him flat on his back

It’s an Open

secret

asked Hogan was once Golfing legend Ben er there was any ‘secret’ th

by Nick Faldo whe pen. “Yes,” Hogan O S U e th ng to winni lowest score.” e th ot ho “S replied.

“One under a tree, one under a bush, one under the water.” – Lee Trevino, describing how he was ‘one under’ during a tournament

Fred Basset (of The Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday) now appears in a new series of books. This cartoon has been reproduced (with permission) from Fred Basset for Golf Lovers which is published by Summersdale and is available through all good bookshops and internet booksellers.

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WORD

OF the MONth...

Jersey Bounce: Any ball that is advanced toward the green by virtue of the ball striking a cartpath which remains or returns in bounds.

DiD yOu kNOW?

Due to contractual obligations, Jack Nicklaus played MacGregor golf balls during his professional career. The balls were considered weaker than the Titleist and Dunlop balls of the time yet he still won 18 Major titles. “It shows how good he really was,” said former USGA technical director Frank Thomas.

“The course at Crooked Stick is so long I had to take the curvature of the Earth into consideration.”

– David Feherty at the 1991 US PGA Championship

“It’s like turning up to hear Pavarotti sing and finding out he has laryngitis.”

– Peter Allis describes Tiger Woods’ 81 in the third round of The 2002 Open Championship

The perfect shot A golfer stood over his tee shot for what seemed an eternity; looking up, looking down, measuring the distance, figuring the wind direction and speed. Finally his exasperated partner says, “What’s taking so long? Hit the thing!”

The guy answers, “My wife is up there watching me from the clubhouse. I want to make this a perfect shot.” ”Forget it, man,” says his partner, “you’ll never hit her from here!”

“If you call on God to improve the results of a shot while it is still in motion, you are using ‘an outside agency’ and subject to appropriate penalties under the rules of golf.”

– Henry Longhurst

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21

WWGcolumnist

2010 Dubai World Championship set to be even bigger

A

FTER a season of surprises in the golf world I’m looking forward to seeing who comes out on top in the second edition of the Dubai World Championship on the Earth course we designed at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The winner of last year’s inaugural event, Lee Westwood, did it in style with a six-shot victory over Ross McGowan with Rory McIlroy eight shots adrift and Padraig Harrington nine shots back.

To shoot 23-under-par, finishing with a 64, was sensational golf. I was pleased for Lee who described his performance as the best golf he had ever played.

Great advert for The Tour I agree with the sentiments he expressed on winning the Championship when he said: “It’s a fantastic tournament. If you ever wanted a tournament to burst onto the scene that’s probably as good as it gets out there – I think Dubai, the Earth course and The European Tour have come out of it looking fantastic. It’s a great effort for golf in this region and a great advert for The European Tour.”

I was very proud of our Earth course hosting such a Championship and it’s great to see the interest it is already gathering for the second Dubai World Championship in November. It was a phenomenal performance by Lee but, as he commented, the expected Wave golf Ad 21x29.7cm.ai

6/29/10

4:25:51 PM

winds didn’t blow and the conditions were near perfect.Lee went on to say: “The Earth course played really well, particularly as the week went on and the greens firmed up. The greens were true. If you hit a good putt the ball went in. There’s plenty of water out there to make it interesting and it’s not an easy finish when you’re under pressure. It’s the kind of golf course where you have to play strategically and leave yourself in areas where it’s easy to get up and down in two.”

The Earth course will be more mature this time around and I’ll be surprised if the scores are as good this time.

I was happy to see the Championship get such a good send-off and for Lee to win The Race to Dubai as well the Dubai World Championship earned him record winnings of $2,750,000. That’s a huge boost in getting a first event off the ground. I’ve said it many times but the Dubai World Championship proved that the model for Dubai and the vision of Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum is world class. What Singapore is to the Far East, Dubai is to the GCC subcontinent and North Africa.

The Maktoum family have created a well managed, well established and settled government with an excellent infrastructure. It also has a world-class airline in Emirates Airline, advantageous tax structures for individuals and corporations, plus a wide variety of

sporting and recreational activities available to spectators and participants.

Over a relatively short period of time Dubai has established itself as a centre for business in the region with a thriving international import and export trade. Most Fortune 500 companies have a substantial base in Dubai.

Geographically and strategically Dubai is well placed to command such a position and I don’t see that changing.

Like so many other markets, Dubai simply developed too fast and got ahead of itself. It needed to go through a slight correction, which appears to have taken place.

Excellent momentum The Dubai World Championship is an example of how Dubai is committed to offering consistency and continuity to its friends and partners. Jumeirah Golf Estates, despite some slight setbacks, has excellent momentum.

It is powering forward. The infrastructure is now coming on strong and I believe that Jumeirah Golf Estates will continue to be the standard by which all other real estate-driven golf course communities in the GCC will be measured.

I’m pleased that the Fire course we designed has become so popular among golfers in Dubai. It seems to be in equal demand to the Earth course, which is exactly how we hoped it would

top ten at the 2009 dubai world championship 1. Lee WestWood -23, 265 totaL €830,675 2. Ross McgoWan -17, 271 totaL €533,781 3. RoRy MciLRoy -15, 273 totaL €323,963 4. PadRaig HaRRington -14, 274 totaL €224,282 4. geoff ogiLvy -14, 274 totaL €224,282 6. aLexandeR noRen -13, 275 totaL €162,094 7. seRgio gaRcia -12, 276 totaL €139,553 7. adaM scott -12, 276 totaL €139,553 9. PeteR Hanson -10, 278 totaL €114,633 9. MigueL a. jiMenez -10, 278 totaL €114,633 9. ian PouLteR -10, 278 totaL €114,633

The Wave muscat making waves in Oman I’m plEAsED to say that work is gathering pace at The Wave muscat since my site visit there in may. Capping has begun to the 14th hole; the pump station has arrived in muscat and is ready for installation; Greens mix blending is underway; construction of the cart paths has begun; the marine headland work to the 9th and 18th holes is 60 per cent complete and the rough shaping of the back nine holes is taking place. I’m excited at what is happening at The Wave and I believe it is going to be an outstanding golf resort.

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European Tour Chief Executive, George O’Grady, Marwan Al Qamzi, Greg Norman and Saeed Harib at the 2010 Dubai World Championship. work out. The European Tour and the Dubai authorities can take great credit for the way in which they have steadily and confidently worked their way through a very difficult period.

I’m a great believer that the strongest relationships are often forged in troubled times and clearly the principals and management teams have worked very well together to maintain the standard and integrity of the Championship.

As the Grand Finale to The European Tour season the Dubai World Championship is the ideal showcase for the growing number of world-class players on The Tour.

With Ian Poulter beating fellow Englishman Paul Casey in the final of the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona, Graeme McDowell’s triumph at the US Open, Rory McIlroy winning his first event on the PGA Tour, Lee Westwood winning his second title in the United States and Justin Rose becoming one of only two multiple winners on the PGA Tour so far, the Europeans are flying high.

The Dubai World Championship has already established itself as one of the biggest events in world golf and November’s Championship is shaping up to become an even bigger and better end-of-season climax. n

Greg Norman shows off his putting skills under the watchful eyes of Jeev Milkha Singh and Saeed Harib of Nakheel Leisure at the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. www.wwgolf.biz

23

Graeme McDowell enjoys his Major moment with father Ken at Pebble Beach.

GMAC S H O W S H E ’ S A M A J O R P L AY E R Richard Bevan talks to Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell as the dust settles on the US Open win that has elevated him up to the world’s golfing elite.

SINCE he first became involved with Dubai’s Al Naboodah Group Graeme Mc Dowell has been proud to represent the company around the world. His victory at The Celtic Manor Wales Open in early June was a great way of repaying the faith they showed in the Northern Irishman when they signed up to sponsor him at the beginning of 2009 but by following up that win with a stunning one-stroke triumph over Frenchman Gregory Havret at the US Open two weeks later, GMAC provided the company with the ultimate feather in their cap.

“I’ve spoken to (Group Director) Abdullah (Al Naboodah) by text and he was over the moon,” says McDowell. “I’ve been with the Al Naboodah Group for a couple of years now. Playing golf in Dubai is obviously something we do a lot of on The European Tour now and it’s definitely a place that’s very good to us so it’s been great to represent the Al Naboodah Group positively around the world. Abdullah is an avid golfer himself so he was very, very excited about my win at the US Open.”

Delighted Abdullah, who is also a Board Director of the Emirates Golf Federation and has just been appointed Chairman of the Dubai World Championship, believes the Ulsterman’s Major success at Pebble Beach – the first by a European in the tournament since Tony Jacklin won it in 1970 – is great news for both his company and the UAE in general.

“I am delighted for GMAC,” he said. “He has worked so hard on his game and deserves this fantastic win. It was only a few weeks since he won the Celtic Manor Wales Open so I knew he was in great form.

“There is a buzz around the UAE and our office, everyone is talking about GMAC and people are very excited to hear about the result as we are one of his key sponsors. He is clearly on a roll, and we all hope he will go on from strength to strength.”

McDowell’s victory at Pebble Beach, as he became the first British Major champion since Paul Lawrie lifted the Auld Claret in 1999, was the culmination of a lifetime’s work. His unswervingly supportive father, Ken, first put a golf club in his hands at the age of seven and the youngster quickly began to hone his skills on the windswept links of Portrush in Northern Ireland. He soon embarked upon a spectacular amateur career, winning a string of titles before gaining a golf scholarship to the University of Alabama in the U.S. in 1998, where he was to become the No. 1 collegiate golfer

in the country, winning the prestigious Haskins Award in 2002 and breaking Tiger Woods’ and Luke Donald’s scoring record with a stroke average of 69.6.

“I think the American college system always attracted me,” says McDowell. “I spent a year at Queens University in Belfast studying Mechanical Engineering before going over there. But I felt the golf calling me and in hindsight it was probably the best thing I ever did from a career point of view.”

McDowell turned professional immediately after leaving college (2002) and won his first European Tour title in just his fourth start at the Scandinavian Masters. His next win came two years later with a play-off victory over Thomas Levet in the Italian Open and he then had to wait another four years before a double-haul in 2008 of the Ballantines Championship and the prestigious Barclays Scottish Open put him firmly back on the map as he finished a career high fifth on the Order of Merit.

“It was a little bit of the ‘monkey off the back’ syndrome,” says McDowell, whose results also gained him his first taste of the Ryder Cup as he played his way onto Nick Faldo’s team and emerged as one of underperforming Europe’s stronger competitors with 2 ½ points from a possible 4. “I’d been knocking on the door quite a few times in the past six months before Korea (Ballantines Championship). So to get across the line was a great feeling. I’d forgotten how hard it is to win, there are so many good players out here now, the standard is so good every week – there’s always someone shooting 15 or 20-under. You’ve really got play well and also get a bit of good luck to win.”

McDowell was winless last year but, crucially, saved some of his best performances for the Majors, finishing inside the top 20 in The Masters, the US Open and the US PGA Championship. Prior to his victory in Wales this season the signs were there that his game was getting into great shape as he secured top 10s at the WGC-CA Championship, 4

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GMAC the Volvo China Open and the Madrid Masters.

The manner in which he claimed his fifth European Tour title at the Wales Open served further warning that he was ready to step up to the upper echelons of the game as he roared to victory with a stunning final round 8-under 63 to beat local starlet Rhys Davies by three strokes.

As he addressed the world’s media at Celtic Manor McDowell ominously told reporters: “I feel like I’m in the form of my life right now and I really feel I have a big event in me.”

Two things that McDowell has never appeared to lack are self-belief and a level head. He showed an abundance of both at Pebble Beach. Opening rounds of 71 and 68 gave him the halfway lead on 3-under before a third round 71 left him three behind American Dustin Johnson going into the final round. But while Johnson crumbled early with a triple-bogey on the second and a double bogey at the third and star names like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els all wilted in the spotlight, McDowell remained solid and composed when it mattered most. He didn’t drop a shot until the ninth and even when the wheels began to wobble slightly with further dropped shots on the 10th, 14th and 17th he held his nerve with a poise that belied his inexperience in closing out Major championship victories. He arrived at the final tee with a one stroke lead over Havret and when his rival missed the eight foot birdie putt that would have forced a playoff McDowell calmly two-putted for par to seal victory.

“I really stuck to my plan, which was to stay patient, stay calm and really put some nice calm swings on it and not really get sucked in by what the rest of the guys were doing,” says McDowell, who finished level-par 284 for the tournament and moved to the head of The Race to Dubai and 11th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

“The US Open has always been a tournament,

A youthful Graeme McDowell win Scandinavian Masters in just his fourts the h start on The European Tour.

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“I don’t think I’ve ever missed the cut in the US Open.

The golf course has always kind of fitted my eye in some shape or form. I’ve just never really felt I had the short game to do it. I worked really hard on my short game the last couple of years, and got to Pebble Beach early and really took my time on taking the golf course apart as far as the psychology to get around goes. I thought I executed my game plan really well every day, stayed patient most days.”– Graeme McDowell you know, if people asked me which Major did I feel like my game is most suited to, I normally said the US Open because I’ve always been pretty good off the tee, accuracy-wise. I’ve never really been the longest hitter in the world. But I certainly put a bit of yardage on the last year.

Pebble Beach “I don’t think I’ve ever missed the cut in the US Open. The golf course has always kind of fitted my eye in some shape or form. I’ve just never really felt I had the short game to do it. I worked really hard on my short game the last couple of years, and got to Pebble Beach early and really took my time on taking the golf course apart as far as the psychology to get around goes. I thought I executed my game plan really well every day, stayed patient most days.

“I was proud of myself the way I stayed calm.

To win at Pebble Beach, to join the names, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Tom Kite, Tiger Woods, me wow. I’m not quite sure if I belong in that list, but, hey, I’m there now. It’s a pretty amazing feeling.”

McDowell’s victory may have been viewed as a ‘shock win’ in certain sections of the U.S. media, but to those closest to him and to the

GMAC gets his first taste of the Ryder Cup at Valhalla in 2008.

man himself, it was a natural act that was going to happen sooner or later. His manager, Conor Ridge, of Ireland-based Horizon Sports revealed: “On the way there in the car he always believed he was capable of this. He may not be as technical as some but he has serious balls, serious bottle, he believes big time.

“I just had a feeling all week. When he won in Wales it didn’t feel like that big a deal. It was, ‘yeah, I should be doing this.’”

Dad, Ken, the man who set McDowell off on his fascinating journey 23 years ago and who travels around the world to watch his son play golf, also sensed that the time had come for Graeme to join the game’s elite.

“He was totally chilled all week,” said Ken. “We met up for coffee on Saturday and Sunday mornings and talked about school and his junior days and he was so relaxed. He doesn’t have nerves – he’s the Ice Man.” The last Northern Irishman to win a Major championship was Fred Daly, also of Portrush, who won The Open in 1947 and Ken believes that Graeme’s winning putt would have prompted a similar reaction back home to the one that greeted Daly’s triumph 40 years earlier.

Getting the four-year title‘monkey off his back’ by end 2008 Ballant drought with victory in ing a ines Champion the ship.

McDowell does the double in 2008 with victory at the Barclays Scottish Open.

“Fred Daly was captain of my club back in ’47,” he said. “They were watching at Portrush and the roof probably blew off when that last putt went in.”

McDowell has no intention of becoming a one hit wonder. After a couple of weeks celebrating his win it was back to business with more Majors to play for and a second Ryder Cup on the horizon.

“I’d be lying if I said there was much practise the weeks following my win,” he says. “There’s been a lot going on, it’s been a bit of a blur, a lot of celebrating obviously. When you achieve one of your biggest career dreams, I suppose, it would be rude not to celebrate a little bit. I always said

if I won a Major, you would not see me for about three months. But I think it’s such an important part of the season and there’s a lot of golf to be played. So you know, definitely it’s time to get the business head back on.

“I’m looking forward to my future and I certainly believe that I’m good enough to win more Major championships.”

McDowell has shown he has not only the game, but the character to get over the line in the pressure cooker of golf’s toughest tournament.

His name fully deserves its place alongside those legends of the game on the US Open trophy and the rest of his story is waiting to be written as he sets out to create a legacy to match theirs. n

Above: Graeme McDowell joins Abdullah Al Naboodah at The Invitational at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

Top: Graeme McDowell poses with the US Open trophy at Rathmore Golf Club in his hometown of Portrush, Northern Ireland.

GMAC Celtic Mhanits top form and trip to Pe or Wales Open claims this seas bble Beac h shortly befo on’s . re his

Major joy as Graeme celebrates with his caddie Ken Comboy after holing out on the final green at Pebble Beach to become the first European to win the US Open since Tony Jacklin back in 1970.

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Championship Golf Amid Stately Elegance

T

UCKED away in a leafy corner of South East England is the magnificent Brocket Hall. One of Britain’s premier stately homes, Brocket Hall is also home to two world class golf courses and the renowned Palmerston Golf Academy, responsible for producing some of England’s finest young golfing talent.

Nestled within a 560 acre country estate in beautiful Hertfordshire, Brocket Hall is a magnificent ancestral home that is steeped in history with reminders of a colourful past visible at every turn. The Hall, which celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, was home to two British prime ministers – Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston. It also played host to George IV and witnessed the infamous Lady Caroline Lamb introduce the Waltz to England in its quite spectacular ballroom.

From the moment you arrive through the grand double gates you feel you have been transported back

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in time. The Estate is breathtaking, with rolling lush green landscape and lakes framed by thick mature forest woodland.

The grand Hall sits atop a hill overlooking one of the two golf courses with the obligatory croquet lawn and tennis courts outside. From the large entrance hall, where you will be greeted by one of the team of full time butlers, there are a myriad snaking passageways leading to different rooms including the magnificent ballroom which was designed by Lord Melbourne, who used it to entertain royalty. It’s now used as a dining room for private guests who can hire Brocket Hall for lavish house parties. The table, which can seat 54 guests, is said to be the second oldest and longest in England.

The billiard room is also a sight to behold and it’s quite a strange feeling to play on a table that the likes of Lord Byron and Winston Churchill have used before

Brocket Hall Travel Feature

you. It’s even rumoured that Lord Palmerston, who became Prime Minister in 1855, was in the arms of a chambermaid on the table when he breathed his last!

Each bedroom is named after one of the famous names of yesteryear associated with the Hall, with accommodations oozing old English charm and character. Breakfast is served in the elegant morning room while dinner can be enjoyed in the exquisite Michelin starred Auberge du Lac. It’s not uncommon to see celebrities, including a host Premier League football stars, during a round of golf at Brocket Hall as many of them are members, and it’s easy to see why as the two courses are of a terrific standard.

The Melbourne is a delightful little 6,616-yard par 72 parkland style course. Opened in 1992, it was designed

by Peter Allis and Clive Clark and they did a great job in using the natural undulations and contours of the terrain to create a course of real beauty that offers a good challenge. The River Lea snakes through the course and several holes cross it, while the highlight of the round comes at the par-5 18th finishing hole where a little cable pulled boat ferries golfers across to the green after a tough approach over the water.

The Palmerston is a longer layout, standing at 7,061 yards. The par 73 track, designed by renowned architect Donald Steel, winds its way through a series of striking natural hazards in the form of a vast collection of rare Hornbeam, Scots and Corsican pine trees and 300 year old beech trees. The course winds uphill, downhill and

over valleys with the choice of four tee boxes providing a great test for novices and seasoned players alike.

Lessons can be booked at the state-of-the-art Palmerston Academy (formerly the Faldo Institute) with one of the team of highly skilled pros who have nurtured a wealth of talent including last year’s Italian Amateur Champion Charlie Douglas and 2009 Boys Amateur Champion Tom Lewis who also won last year’s Carris Trophy at the English Boys Strokeplay Championship. The Palmerston also features a great little par 3 course on which to hone your skills.

For a slice of history and true English hospitable charm combined with Championship golf of the highest order you should look no further than Brocket Hall & Golf Club.

Residential golf packages are available throughout the year at Brocket Hall with luxurious accommodation in the Melbourne Lodge, while the Stately Home Golf package allows golfers to experience the luxury of staying in the Hall itself.

www.brocket-hall.co.uk www.wwgolf.biz

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Official World Golf Ranking As of MoNDAY JulY 19, 2010

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

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 lee westwood steve stricker Jim Furyk ernie els rory McIlroy paul Casey luke donald Ian poulter graeme Mcdowell Martin Kaymer anthony Kim robert allenby louis oosthuizen retief goosen padraig harrington Justin rose sean o’hair Zach Johnson Camilo Villegas henrik stenson edoardo Molinari tim Clark Matt Kuchar lucas glover Charl schwartzel dustin Johnson hunter Mahan geoff ogilvy robert Karlsson Y.e. Yang nick watney rickie Fowler ross Fisher Francesco Molinari Miguel a Jimenez Kenny perry stewart Cink angel Cabrera alvaro Quiros Ben Crane ryan Moore sergio garcia K.J. Choi adam scott scott Verplank peter hanson Bo Van pelt rhys davies

usa usa eng usa usa saf nir eng eng eng nir deu usa aus saf saf Irl eng usa usa Col swe Ita saf usa usa saf usa usa aus swe Kor usa usa eng Ita esp usa usa arg esp usa usa esp Kor aus usa swe usa wal

Pts. Avg

Tot. Pts

Events

10.14 9.38 9.15 7.47 6.61 5.79 5.72 5.69 5.55 5.38 4.95 4.94 4.83 4.37 4.12 4.10 4.01 3.99 3.87 3.87 3.87 3.84 3.81 3.75 3.68 3.64 3.61 3.58 3.56 3.50 3.48 3.48 3.44 3.36 3.33 3.32 3.25 3.18 3.17 3.11 3.08 2.79 2.78 2.78 2.76 2.71 2.66 2.61 2.54 2.53

405.68 403.37 466.62 313.69 304.07 330.15 320.33 250.37 249.57 252.95 262.38 261.75 222.35 253.46 214.38 229.78 212.39 215.52 193.53 205.04 201.05 184.43 202.02 206.15 176.52 181.85 205.85 179.06 177.78 174.85 142.82 201.62 185.50 134.24 166.42 179.26 178.58 155.74 152.35 152.58 172.20 147.95 150.28 144.65 140.52 129.98 127.79 133.01 147.28 147.02

40 43 51 42 46 57 56 44 45 47 53 53 46 58 52 56 53 54 50 53 52 48 53 55 48 50 57 50 50 50 41 58 54 40 50 54 55 49 48 49 56 53 54 52 51 48 48 51 58 58

Pts. Gained 65.23 213.99 273.95 150.80 154.82 222.58 159.55 141.70 185.59 132.11 193.35 146.18 149.19 130.47 178.05 111.90 73.52 167.31 80.87 102.25 133.34 60.66 125.67 135.51 122.70 63.42 155.50 121.77 95.84 73.08 106.55 94.92 99.45 119.72 55.89 100.01 127.33 42.87 51.65 54.51 117.20 117.14 81.09 54.31 111.78 57.48 71.68 75.61 111.34 111.63

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

Bubba watson ryo Ishikawa J.B. holmes Yuta Ikeda thongchai Jaidee Jeff overton Kevin na oliver wilson heath slocum ricky Barnes Brian gay hiroyuki Fujita søren Kjeldsen Michael sim stephen Marino søren hansen Kim Kyung-tae Vijay singh Jason day david toms Jason Bohn davis love-III rory sabbatini, Brian davis simon dyson anders hansen stephen ames toru taniguchi shane lowry Fredrik andersson hed Bryce Molder Mike weir Bill haas liang wen-Chong danny willett tetsuji hiratsuka Koumei oda Brandt snedeker Jason dufner ross Mcgowan Fredrik Jacobson david horsey Chad Campbell gregory Bourdy Marc leishman stephen gallacher Ben Curtis Justin leonard raphael Jacquelin John senden

usa Jpn usa Jpn tha usa usa eng usa usa usa Jpn dnk aus usa dnk Kor Fji aus usa usa usa saf eng eng dnk Can Jpn Irl swe usa Can usa Chn eng Jpn Jpn usa usa eng swe eng usa Fra aus sco usa usa Fra aus

Pts. Avg

Tot. Pts

2.48 2.48 2.41 2.34 2.28 2.27 2.25 2.16 2.14 2.13 2.12 2.09 2.03 2.03 2.02 1.98 1.98 1.97 1.97 1.97 1.94 1.94 1.89 1.87 1.86 1.86 1.84 1.84 1.81 1.80 1.79 1.77 1.76 1.76 1.74 1.73 1.73 1.72 1.70 1.69 1.68 1.66 1.66 1.66 1.65 1.60 1.59 1.58 1.58 1.57

121.67 143.80 120.51 110.01 132.30 131.39 119.25 112.31 124.01 117.38 122.97 113.04 109.58 85.11 116.97 103.07 97.11 94.67 92.65 96.49 83.55 98.91 109.72 108.20 107.95 94.62 84.47 78.96 72.21 84.48 96.86 84.84 95.02 79.10 76.72 100.47 88.03 91.05 93.45 87.98 78.99 88.08 87.84 86.14 95.71 67.40 69.96 80.77 90.21 91.20

Events Pts. Gained 49 58 50 47 58 58 53 52 58 55 58 54 54 42 58 52 49 48 47 49 43 51 58 58 58 51 46 43 40 47 54 48 54 45 44 58 51 53 55 52 47 53 53 52 58 42 44 51 57 58

87.83 44.95 97.44 35.89 70.54 101.61 62.37 48.62 63.60 94.50 51.12 56.53 34.08 27.37 65.70 39.10 52.21 52.35 63.44 31.58 57.14 58.57 56.20 72.32 21.64 22.22 36.28 50.17 42.85 68.47 52.32 25.31 72.51 33.32 50.64 66.66 31.25 54.47 31.79 19.45 51.75 72.72 34.71 30.15 46.62 64.63 35.05 24.77 49.26 27.85

over 100 destinations worldwide

WWGcolumnist

Gary Player is a true leGend of the Game. the south african is one of only five Players to have won a career Grand slam of all four majors. he has won a total of nine majors and nine senior majors, amonG 167 tour events worldwide.

How to handle pressure on and off the course

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HILE at St Andrews, what better place could I be to launch the UK version of my book, ‘No Fear – The Secrets Of Better Golf And Business.’ The American version, ‘Don’t Choke – A Champions Guide to Winning Under Pressure’ became the No.1 best seller on Amazon.com in June in the United States and further editions in South Africa, Japan and India are under discussion. it’s a fascinating subject. i learned to love pressure, i had to. But i realised the first step was to acknowledge that i was feeling it and that i would continue to feel it regardless of when or where i played. i talked myself into believing and

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accepting that during the course of a tournament i would hit bad shots, but then everyone else would hit bad shots, too. the key is to not to let a bad shot have a negative affect on your game – or your life. over the years i’ve seen so many players wreck their score because of one bad shot. i never did that. i simply refused to let any negative thoughts enter my mind. staying positive is absolutely essential to being successful in golf and in life. we all talk about the perfect swing in golf and i suppose Ben hogan was the closest i’d seen to perfect. But it’s not just about how good your game is, it’s about how good you are and how you react to the circumstances.

when i set out on the tour i was small in height, i had to travel a long way, i was far from home and i had to suffer the demonstrations against me due to apartheid and coming from south africa. my mother had died when i was eight, my father worked in a gold mine and my brother had gone off to fight in world war ii. i had a lot going against me. i’d gone through a lot as a youngster. i told myself that when – and not if – i play in a tournament, one thing i’ll never be scared of is winning. when i played in a big tournament and i had a chance to win, i won. i knew that the worst thing i could do was to think about the trophy, the winner’s cheque or the fame of winning. my

Right Top: Gary Player kisses the Claret Jug after winning The Open Championship at Muirfield in 1959. “The Championship taught me a lot,” says Player. “The weather on the final day was terrible with a howling wind blowing and I was eight shots off the lead. But the way I saw it was everyone was playing the same course in the same conditions so I had to make up that margin.”

Right Bottom: Gary Player shows the trophy to the galleries following his victory in The Open at Carnoustie in 1968.

historic line-up of former open champions at st anDreWs –the home of golf past winners of the open championship pose in front of the clubhouse on the old course in st. andrews. on the front row (l-r) is tom Weiskopf, tony Jacklin, Bob charles, gary player, stewart cink, captain of the royal and ancient golf club, colin m. Brown, peter thompson, arnold palmer, roberto De Vicenzo, lee trevino and tom Watson. on the back row (l-r) are Ben curtis, tom lehman, mark o’meara, Justin leonard, todd hamilton, David Duval, paul lawrie, mark calcavecchia, ian Baker-finch, ernie els, sir nick faldo, padraig harrington, John Daly, tiger Woods, Bill rogers and sandy lyle.

only thought was to win and i never once lost a tournament because i choked. when i played the 1969 us PGa championship in dayton, ohio, i was regarded as a racist in the united states because they considered a white south african must be in favour of apartheid. while i played, people were throwing things at me during my back swing, charging at me on the greens and screaming when i took my putter back. i had to have police protection wherever i went. i lost the championship to raymond floyd by one shot as a result of all that pressure. the 1959 open championship at muirfield taught me a lot. the weather on the final day was terrible, with a howling wind blowing, and i was eight shots off the lead. But the way i saw it was that everyone was playing the same course in the same conditions so i had to make up that margin. i believe there is less pressure when you are coming from behind because you accept that you have to take risks. when you’re ahead you know that one small mistake, one bogey can start to put pressure on you because you fear making mistakes. i never feared mistakes. if i made a mistake it just made me more determined and more focussed to hit a great shot at the next hole to make up for it. at muirfield i felt it was the place to win my first major. despite being

“I never feared mIstakes. If I made a mIstake It just made me more determIned and more focussed to hIt a great shot at the next hole to make up for It.” – GARY PLAYER behind, i stayed positive and although i took a six at the final hole my score of 284 was enough to win. i didn’t think it was enough to win it but it taught me the lesson that even when you think you have failed you may have succeeded and to never believe i would fail. i’ve applied that mindset throughout my career and it has helped me overcome pressure both on and off the golf course. n

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33

Race to Dubai

As of Monday July 19, 2010

tHe european tour r aCe to DuBai 2010 Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Name Graeme McDOWELL Lee WESTWOOD Ernie ELS Charl SCHWARTZEL Louis OOSTHUIZEN Ian POULTER Paul CASEY Martin KAYMER Miguel Angel JIMÉNEZ Luke DONALD Rhys DAVIES Edoardo MOLINARI Alvaro QUIROS Francesco MOLINARI Simon KHAN Fredrik ANDERSSON HED Grégory HAVRET Rory McILROY Stephen GALLACHER Darren CLARKE Alejandro CAÑIZARES David HORSEY Camilo VILLEGAS Robert KARLSSON Y. E YANG. Thongchai JAIDEE Sergio GARCIA Peter HANSON Danny WILLETT Henrik STENSON Robert ROCK Padraig HARRINGTON Ross FISHER Marcus FRASER Anthony KIM Retief GOOSEN Raphaël JACQUELIN Seung-yul NOH Oliver WILSON Gareth MAYBIN James MORRISON Søren HANSEN Anders HANSEN Chris WOOD Shane LOWRY Thomas BJÖRN Thomas AIKEN Ignacio GARRIDO Bradley DREDGE Richard FINCH

Country

Tournaments Played

Prize Money

Rank

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

14 10 10 15 16 9 10 14 17 9 19 18 16 16 16 16 17 9 19 18 19 17 8 11 8 16 9 13 16 11 20 6 12 16 5 7 18 11 15 17 14 17 15 16 19 20 18 19 15 19

€1,974,181 €1,822,738 €1,650,386 €1,596,316 €1,510,256 €1,444,869 €1,278,271 €1,170,143 €1,128,385 €1,102,895 €1,080,147 €1,066,813 €1,047,664 €844,267 €825,153 €803,031 €781,374 €734,105 €700,085 €674,312 €662,169 €641,941 €636,959 €620,841 €614,818 €614,433 €598,374 €596,587 €572,691 €567,056 €555,020 €550,834 €535,894 €534,675 €520,563 €512,378 €497,424 €471,189 €451,825 €430,516 €422,062 €386,452 €382,966 €368,604 €367,591 €363,467 €359,836 €349,996 €349,534 €349,250

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

Name

Country

Andrew DODT Brett RUMFORD Oliver FISHER Richie RAMSAY Grégory BOURDY Søren KJELDSEN Damien McGRANE Jamie DONALDSON Robert-Jan DERKSEN Stephen DODD James KINGSTON Tim CLARK Mikko ILONEN Peter LAWRIE Peter WHITEFORD Johan EDFORS Joost LUITEN Paul LAWRIE Robert ALLENBY Marcel SIEM Ross McGOWAN Richard GREEN Pablo MARTIN Mark FOSTER Richard BLAND Alex CEJKA Angel CABRERA Simon DYSON Nicolas COLSAERTS Graeme STORM David DRYSDALE Adam SCOTT Pablo LARRAZÁBAL Jeev Milkha SINGH Trevor IMMELMAN Rafael CABRERA-BELLO Peter HEDBLOM Gonzalo FDEZ-CASTAÑO Niclas FASTH Vijay SINGH Geoff OGILVY Shiv KAPUR Keith HORNE Paul WARING David LYNN Hennie OTTO Steve WEBSTER Alexander NOREN Kenneth FERRIE Pelle EDBERG

AUS AUS ENG SCO FRA DEN IRL WAL NED WAL RSA RSA FIN IRL SCO SWE NED SCO AUS GER ENG AUS ESP ENG ENG GER ARG ENG BEL ENG SCO AUS ESP IND RSA ESP SWE ESP SWE FIJ AUS IND RSA ENG ENG RSA ENG SWE ENG SWE

Tournaments Played 11 14 18 18 16 16 18 14 16 13 15 5 16 17 18 14 16 15 6 20 16 13 14 17 19 2 6 15 15 17 21 6 17 8 4 19 15 17 16 6 7 19 11 15 17 15 15 15 20 12

Prize Money €343,737 €339,293 €333,617 €333,616 €333,285 €330,053 €318,038 €316,548 €305,961 €299,733 €299,468 €291,171 €290,542 €286,795 €286,053 €281,326 €274,834 €273,267 €262,959 €259,966 €256,015 €243,503 €241,048 €237,642 €236,564 €235,810 €235,072 €234,362 €232,822 €231,008 €230,298 €229,836 €229,699 €221,743 €215,583 €214,588 €213,338 €193,291 €190,154 €187,799 €186,277 €179,492 €164,660 €158,578 €157,685 €157,587 €146,133 €145,534 €143,438 €133,905

e x p l a n at i o n o f t H e e u r o p e a n t o u r r a C e t o D u B a i 2 0 1 0 The Race to Dubai on The 2010 European Tour International Schedule will feature a minimum of 47 tournaments, including six new events, culminating in the Dubai World Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The 2010 European Tour International Schedule launched with four events in South Africa and will travel through four continents before building to a thrilling climax in Dubai from November 25-28, 2010. The curtain came down on The 2009 Race to Dubai with England’s Lee Westwood finishing the year in style by winning the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World and securing The Harry Vardon Trophy by finishing European Number One. The second edition of the Dubai World Championship will again carry a prize fund of $7,500,000 while The Race to Dubai Bonus Pool remains at $7,500,000 to be divided between the leading 15 players at the conclusion of the season.

The Race To Dubai bonus Pool bReakDown 1 US$ 1,500,000 2 US$ 1,125,000 3 US$ 750,000 4 US$ 600,000 5 US$ 525,000

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

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

EUROPEAN TOUR NEWS INTRODUCING A NEW EUROPEAN TOUR EDITORIAL PAGE AS PART OF THE COLLABORATION WITH WORLDWIDE GOLF AS OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER MIDDLE EAST TO THE EUROPEAN TOUR. CBE FOR GEORGE O’GRADY

nEw lOOk AnD nEw DAtE FOR 2011 vOlvO wORlD mAtCh PlAY ChAmPiOnshiP At FinCA CORtEsin THE 2011 Volvo World Match Play Championship will be held 19th to 22nd May, 2011, at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf and Spa on the magnificent Andalucian coast in Southern Spain.

The 2009 Volvo World Match Play Championship was hailed a huge success as changes in qualification and format were widely acclaimed and the new blue chip venue of Finca Cortesin was warmly embraced by players, media and spectators alike.

With the global schedule becoming ever more congested in the Autumn months, Volvo and IMG have worked together with The European Tour and, crucially, the players, to ensure a successful future for this world class event.

The new permanent May date for the Championship is secured under a four year agreement with the European Tour (2011-2014) and ensures the Volvo World Match Play Championship is guaranteed the Spanish sunshine and that the world’s best players are able to include the Volvo World Match Play Championship in their schedules.

As well as a new date, Volvo and partners IMG, have increased the field size, boosted the prize fund and produced a refined qualification criteria.

The previous 16 man field will be increased to allow 24 of the world’s best players to compete for this coveted title. The qualification process, so successful in gathering one of the highest quality international fields on the European Tour in 2009, has been modified to accommodate the bigger field.

In keeping with its world class status the prize fund for the 2011 Championship increases to €3.4 million with a first prize of €800,000, the highest on The European Tour outside the Majors, the World Golf Championships events and the Dubai World Golf Championship.

Ross Fisher, 2009 Volvo World Match Play Champion, commented: ”I hope that winning such a prestigious match play tournament against such a strong field might have impressed our European Captain, Colin Montgomerie, who was at Finca Cortesin watching the Championship last year.”

GEORGE O’GRADY, Chief Executive of The European Tour, has been appointed Commander of the British Empire for Services to Sport in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

O’Grady started his career in golf in 1974 when he joined the British PGA as a tournament administrator and has spent a lifetime working in all aspects of tournament golf. In 1984 he launched the development of the Tour’s commercial arm with the formation of European Tour Enterprises and in 1986 he was responsible for founding the Tour’s Benevolent Trust which distributes funds for worthy causes.

O’Grady, who was appointed Chief Executive on January 1, 2005, commented: “This is a tremendous honour. I feel I am accepting it on behalf of so many people who have contributed to the growth and influence of The European Tour. It is also great recognition for the game of golf, and comes at a time when so many European Tour Members are excelling on the world stage. I am delighted.”

GEnwORth's 2010 Putts4ChARitY is GAthERinG PACE Genworth Financial's 2010 season of its popular fundraising initiative, Putts4Charity, which aims to donate £175,000 to this year’s main beneficiary, SOS Children’s Villages, is gathering pace. More than £400,000 has been donated through Putts4Charity activities across Europe since 2007 when the initiative first began.

Genworth, a leading global financial security company, opened the 2010 programme with a ‘big money’ one-putt by Genworth brand ambassador and Worldwide Golf Columnist, Ross Fisher, in the lead-up to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club. A number of celebrities attending the Pro-Am tournament also joined in the fundraising fun, including Tim Henman and Will Greenwood.

Putts4Charity helps raise funds for good causes by challenging the general public to make a successful “one-putt” on specially constructed greens at various stops along The European Tour Schedule. For each successful one-putt made at selected events, the Genworth Foundation makes a £1 donation to charity.

Similarly, every one-putt made by professionals competing in the tournament raises £2, helping to boost the total even further.

RORY mcilROY tO COmPEtE in thE 2010 EGYPtiAn OPEn RORY McILROY, ranked No.7 in the world, will be the star attraction when the European Challenge Tour stages its first official event in Cairo with the 2010 Egyptian Open at the JW Marriott, Mirage City Golf Club from October 20-23.

The 21 year-old superstar will join the cream of the European Challenge Tour at the penultimate event of the season. For McIlroy, pictured above with Egyptian junior golfers and Gerard Bent (right) Manager, Egyptian Golf Federation, at The Open prior to McIlroy's final round, it will mean a short break from The European Tour just weeks after his expected debut in The Ryder Cup and a month before to the end of The Race To Dubai.

“To have one of the world’s best players to join us for the 2010 tournament is a wonderful bonus after achieving full European Challenge Tour status,” said Egyptian Golf Federation Chairman Ayman Hussein.

“Having Rory McIlroy with us will help focus attention on Egypt, a country we firmly believe has a bright golfing future to match its reputation as the original home of the game in the Middle East.”

Although this will be McIlroy’s first playing appearance in Egypt, he is no stranger to the Middle East having picked up his first European Tour title at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009 before finishing the year as runner-up at the inaugural Dubai World Championship.

“I’m very excited about the chance of playing in Egypt for the first time,” said McIlroy, who wowed the huge crowds in The Open at St.Andrews with a Major Championship record-equalling first round 63. “I have heard about the courses in Egypt, the history of the Egyptian Open and the developments that are coming online. I can’t wait to see it for myself.”

Nick Tarratt, Director The European Tour International, Dubai Office commented. “The Egyptian Open will command a strong field, while the appearance of one of the world’s most exciting players in Rory McIlroy will give the Championship a huge boost and it underlines the massive steps taken by the Egyptian Golf Federation in putting golf in Egypt on the world map.”

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Ray Manulat relishing the Saadiyat Beach challenge Mike GalleMoRe talkS to Saadiyat Beach Golf cluB’S new ManaGeR, Ray Manulat, aBout the ‘StaRt of a GReat adventuRe’ at Saadiyat iSland and aBu dhaBi Saadiyat Beach Golf club’s new Manager, Ray Manulat, is a man who has spent nearly 20 years in golf management. yet, surprisingly, for someone with such a wealth of knowledge and experience in running and expanding golf resorts, his enthusiasm is boundless.

Ray’s background goes back to his native Australia at Hope Island Resort in the early 90s to Twin Creeks in Sydney and the Greg Norman course The Vintage, New South Wales. For the past 18 months he’s been in South Korea managing two courses, at Alpensia Resort, a $3 billion development, in expectation of hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Ray is no stranger to the UAE. He was here with Troon Golf during the pre-opening of The Address Montgomerie Dubai and he’s looking forward to the challenge at Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi.

‘Mind blowing’ “I’ve been fortunate to have been involved with six or seven world class golf courses around the world but Saadiyat Beach is mind blowing,” says Ray. “The Saadiyat Island development was difficult for me to fathom in its entirety. The location is truly spectacular and the overall resort is an ambitious project. From a cultural point of view the golf club will be unique with its iconic Frank Gehry-designed golf clubhouse

and the many other attractions on the Island such as the Guggenheim Museum, Louvre and the Zayed National Museum, yet to be unveiled “But in my relatively short time here I’ve learned that Abu Dhabi likes to do things properly. TDIC, the developers, have a longterm vision of this development and the positive impact it will have for tourism in Abu Dhabi.

“There is a passion here for their culture and retaining the rich heritage of the region. This is something I have a deep respect for. This is a dynamic, world class development and it’s important that we get everything right.”

‘Spirit of Cooperation’ Ray has worked in other areas where golf is breaking new ground and where flexibility is key to succeeding. “This isn’t the first time that I’ve faced a situation where we’ve got to build a golfing clientele from encouraging young and new golfers, while attracting existing ex-pat golfers. Growing the game is critical, globally.”

“Yet one of the greatest advantages we have is that thanks to the vision of ADTA and TDIC there is a genuine spirit of cooperation in Abu Dhabi. As a Troon managed course we’re obviously linked with Abu Dhabi Golf Club and, understandably, we’re sharing resources with them but we are also developing close

ties with Yas Links. The recent Worldwide Golf Abu Dhabi Desert Island Double is a perfect example of how two golf courses, Saadiyat Beach and Yas Links, can work together for the common good and put golfers on both courses.

“We can continue to do that and, with Abu Dhabi Golf Course, we can market a golfing break which enables golfers to experience three totally different courses, and stay at fantastic luxury hotels of their choice.

‘Passionate about the Emirate’ At Saadiyat Beach we have hosted many groups and a lot of weekend golfers. The future of Abu Dhabi golf tourism as a destination is enhanced with these magnificent golf courses.

“But golf is a small part of what Abu Dhabi has to offer the tourist and the businessman.

I’m impressed that the people of Abu Dhabi are passionate about the Emirate. They are traditional but they’re looking forward to the future.”

“For me, this is the start of a great adventure.

I’m already enjoying the experience but when you consider what has already happened here in such a short time, picture the scene a few more years down the line.”

Ray Manulat is equally passionate about his role in the Abu Dhabi story and his experience and enthusiasm will be a vital factor in forging the future of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. n

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37

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

WWGcolumnist

Lots of positives

I

’M writing this month’s column on the eve of The 139th Open Championship at St Andrews and by the time you read it, you’ll already know how I’ve done so fingers crossed, it’ll be positive news!

I’m feeling really good about my game. Germany was obviously a really positive week, finishing second at BMW International Open. To finish runner-up and feel like I didn’t putt very well at all is very pleasing.

I was a little bit disappointed to miss the cut in Paris at the French Open but it was one of those times where I wanted to go there and try to crack the week. It’s not one of my favourite places to play – I’ve never really done well there – but I wanted to go there and see if I could this time and unfortunately I didn’t manage to do that.

The Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond gave me the perfect opportunity to bounce back from that disappointment. Loch Lomond is a place I always really enjoy and I had my wife, Jo, and daughter, Eve, there for the week, which was lovely.

Contention I got off to a slow start and only just scraped through the cut but I had a very nice day on the Saturday when I shot 65 to put myself in contention.

My iron shots felt similar to the first three days in Germany so I knew I had to capitalise and fortunately I was able to sink some putts and make some birdies.

There were some really tough conditions on the Sunday and some really high scoring so I was reasonably pleased to shoot 70 and finish tied eighth – the same position as last year!

It’s slightly frustrating that my game has felt in great shape all season and it hasn’t really been reflected in my results so far but that’s the game and you just have to get on with it. If I had holed a few putts in Germany I could have won that tournament by a similar margin to my seven-stroke victory in The European Open and I really feel like I’ve got a really low score in me if I can just get the putter working.

I’m looking forward to The Open enormously. I could have won last year’s tournament but for one bad shot, one bad hole, in the final round. But that’s golf and you learn from your mistakes.

Hopefully if I get in that position again I’ll remember what to do this time.

At last year’s tournament Jo was pregnant and about to give birth to Eve – I had a pager and was ready to leave at any moment but I’ll be able to concentrate solely on the golf this time.

Eve and Jo will be at St Andrews with me so I’m sure it’ll be a great week.

I feel really comfortable at St Andrews. I’ve done well there before and have played it a lot of times. I came within a whisker of winning the Dunhill Links Championship there a couple of years ago so if I can recapture some of what I did that week I’ll be in with a chance.

Eve’s birthday Eve’s first birthday is coming up so we’re really looking forward to that.

I’ve loved every minute of the first year of fatherhood. Jo and Eve are able to come to some tournaments with me now and it’s great having them with me.

Volvo World Match Play I’m delighted the World Match Play is back on The European Tour Schedule for next year and I’m very much looking forward finally being able to defend my title at Finca Cortesin. I’m disappointed that I can’t do it this year but I’m thoroughly looking forward to doing it next year.

Dubai World Championship I heard that Abdullah Al Naboodah of my sponsors, the Al Naboodah Group, has been made Chairman of the Dubai World Championship and I think that it’s a great honour for him. He loves the game of golf and has done so much to help grow the sport in the Middle East so I’m really pleased for him and I’m sure he’ll be delighted.

In the know wIth RoSS FISheR

Ross Fisher has three European Tour titles to his name with victories in each of the last three seasons.

He won The 2007 KLM Open, The 2008 European Open and the 2009 World Match Play Championship.

Prior to The Open Championship Ross was 32nd on the Official World Golf Ranking and 31st on The Race to Dubai.

www.wwgolf.biz

39

Tournament: Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial

Date: 27 – 30 May 2010

Venue: Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

Zach johnson sqUeeZes oUt Davis for coLoniaL titLe ZACH Johnson picked up his seventh US PGA Tour title at the expense of Brian Davis after a superb come-from-behind victory at the Crowne Plaza Invitational in Texas.

Johnson started the day in second place behind Davies but overturned the Englishman’s one-stroke lead with a final round 6-under 64, to romp to a 21-under-par total and a threestroke victory over Davies who carded a 68.

The turning point came at the 17th when he took a two-shot lead over Davis after a day-long tussle. He drained a 14-footer for birdie and pumped his fist knowing he’d have a huge advantage heading down the 18th.

“As far as momentum and a big putt, that was a big one,” said Johnson. “I didn’t have a number in my head, but I figure if you get to 21, you have got a pretty good chance of victory.”

Davies bogeyed the last to fall further back and was left to

settle for his second runner-up finish of the season and his fifth on the US PGA Tour in his career as he still searches for a breakthrough victory.

“Zach won the tournament, I didn’t lose it,” said Davis. “It’s a weird feeling walking up 18 knowing you can’t win.”

Davis and Johnson started well with birdies on the opening two holes but Davis pulled away with birdies of his own on holes 6 and 7.

At the turn Davis was in command but Johnson came roaring back with birdies on 10, 12 and 13 before a bogey pegged him back on the 14th.

He bounced back with another birdie on 15 and with Davis failing to convert any chances on the back nine, Johnson landed the killer blow on the 17th.

Jeff Overton and Ben Crane finished in a share of third place on 17-under-par with Scott Verplank and Bryce Molder one shot further back in a share of fifth place.

Winner: Zach johnson

Zach Johnson set a new 72 hole scoring record at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial with his 21-under-par 259 total. The previous best score was held

by Kenny Perry who shot 261 in both of his victories in 2003 and 2005.

INTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAG Driver: Fairway Woods: Hybrid: 4-iron: Irons: Wedges: Putter: Ball:

Titleist 909D2 Titleist 909F2 Titleist 909H Titleist AP1 710 Titleist AP2 710 Titleist Vokey Spin Milled SeeMore FGP Titleist Pro V1x Plus

Winner’s Cheque

$1,116,000

Winning Score: 21-under-par - 259 (65, 66, 64, 64) runner-up: Brian daviS – 262 Tournament: Madrid Masters

Date: 27 – 30 May 2010

Venue: Real Sociedad Hipica Espanola Club de Campo

DonaLD boUnces bacK in MaDriD

Winner: LUKe DonaLD

LUKE Donald bounced back from the disappointment of missing out at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth by winning the Madrid Masters by one shot from Rhys Davies one week later. The 32-year-old was level with Davies with three to play but holed a 12-foot eagle putt on the 16th to go a shot clear of the Welshman who made a birdie of his own. Both then parred the 17th and Davies missed a 20-foot birdie putt on the final green to leave Donald in the winner’s circle for the first time in four years.

“It’s been a while since I won and to put last week behind me makes me very proud,” said Donald, whose last victory came in 2006 at The Honda Classic in Florida. “The way I played today means a lot to me. The eagle was huge because Rhys put a lot of pressure on me. It’s happiness and relief – definitely some relief.” Donald closed

Winner’s Cheque

$250,000

with a 67 to Davies’ 68 for a 21-under-par total and moved up to ninth on the Official World Golf Ranking to join compatriots Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Paul Casey inside the top ten. Davies, who turned 25 on the Friday, almost added to his maiden victory on The European Tour at the Trophee Hassan II in Morocco but fell just short behind the experienced Donald.

“I didn’t make a bogey in the final group in a big tournament,” Davies said. “It didn’t quite come off, but I’ve got lots to be pleased about.

“I was chasing the win and I just came up short, unfortunately. On the 16th I thought I might keep the momentum (he had birdied 15 to pull level), but he threw in an eagle to be fair to him.”

Italian Francesco Molinari finished in third place on 18-under-par with Graeme McDowell a shot further back in fourth place.

WorldrouNd-ups Tournament: The Celtic Manor Wales Open

Date: 03 – 06 June 2010

Venue: The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales

McDoWeLL staKes his ryDer cUp cLaiM With WeLsh victory GRAEME McDowell secured his fifth European Tour title at The Celtic Manor Wales Open, enhancing his bid to return to the venue as part of Europe’s Ryder Cup Team in October this year.

McDowell, who made his Ryder Cup bow two years ago after two wins in Europe, shot a final round 8-under-par 63 to post a 15under-par total and win by three shots from Welshman Rhys Davies who carded a course record 62.

“I think that’s the best final round I’ve ever played to win a tournament,” said McDowell.

“The first 11 holes was dream golf and I am ecstatic. I feel like I’m in the form of my life right now and I really feel I have a big event in me. To win around here is certainly going to stand me in good stead.” Luke Donald finished

Winner: GraeMe McDoWeLL

Winner’s Cheque

€350,940

two shots further back on 10-under-par while Scot Stephen Gallacher bogeyed the final two holes to finish in a three-way tie for fourth with Robert Rock and Italian Edoardo Molinari.

McDowell took home prize money of €350,940 for his first win since the 2008 Barclays Scottish Open while Davies had to settle for his third runner-up finish of the season and his second in succession after missing out behind Donald at the Madrid Masters a week earlier.

“I enjoyed every second. I went out very relaxed – I tried to push too hard yesterday and was mindful of that,” said Davies.

“I tracked what Graeme was doing. He continued to make birdies, so I kept my head down and tried to make some more. I tried my best, but it didn’t quite happen.”

Tournament: The Memorial Tournament

Date: 03 – 06 June 2010

Venue: Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

rose finaLLy bLooMs in the states JUSTIN Rose won his first title on US soil with a stunning threeshot victory at The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village.

Rose shot a superb bogeyfree 66 to overturn Rickie Fowler’s four shot lead to beat the youngster with an 18-underpar total.

Fowler, who had lead for three days, had to settle for second place with Ricky Barnes and Bo Van Pelt finishing third and fourth respectively.

“I couldn’t wish for a better place (to win) – it’s an honour,” Rose said after holing the winning putt in front of tournament host Jack Nicklaus.

“I have had a few close calls and sometimes you wonder why you can’t get it done. But when you do, it feels easy. It’s nice to have all that hard work pay off.”

Fowler, 21, posted rounds of 65, 66 and 69 to lead by four going into the last day but after a solid start to his round he bogeyed the 10th before making a disastrous double bogey on the par-3 12th to hand Rose the lead. Rose had gone out in

4-under 32 with four birdies in five holes before birdies on holes 14 and 16 put daylight between himself and Fowler. With Fowler teeing off on the 18th three shots back, Rose rolled in a simple par putt to seal the victory.

“In the past, I’ve certainly gotten ahead of myself,” said Rose, who followed Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy as British winners on the US PGA Tour this season. “It’s taken me a little while, but I think today I felt more comfortable in that situation because I was more in the moment.”

Despite his disappointing final round, Fowler was pleased with his performance over the four days. “It was an awesome week,” he said. “Obviously, it wasn’t the round that I wanted today – I didn’t hit as many greens as I would like to have done – but we had a lot of fun.

“Justin put up a great round today so I’ve got to give it up to him and congratulate him. I’m looking forward to, hopefully, being in contention a little bit more often.”

Winner: jUstin rose

Justin Rose’s victory at The Memorial Tournament came on his 162nd career start on US soil and was his first victory across the globe since the 2007 Volvo Masters at Valderamma.

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TaylorMade Burner SuperFast TaylorMade R9 TaylorMade R9 TP TaylorMade TP xFT ZTP Cleveland 588 TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost TaylorMade Penta TP

Winner’s Cheque

$1,080,000

Winning Score: 18-under-par - 270 (65,69,70,66) runner-up: rickie FoWler - 273

Tournament: Estoril Open de Portugal

Date: 20 – 23 June 2010

Venue: Penha Longa Golf Club, Linho Sintra, Estoril, Portugal

briLLiant björn enDs DroUGht in portUGaL

Winner: thoMas björn

DENMARK’S Thomas Björn won his first European Tour title in four years in fine style with a five-stroke victory over Richard Green at the Estoril Open de Portugal.

Björn closed with a composed 4-under-par 68 for a 23-under-par total to step into the winner’s circle for the first time since the 2006 Irish Open.

“It was certainly nice to win again,” said Björn.

“Today had its ups and downs, but I pulled it off when I needed to and closed out the tournament quite well in the end. I had a lot of chances to keep the chasing pack behind me, but I was probably a little bit more nervous than I might have been in the past.”

Björn started the final day with a three shot lead over Green but the Australian was snapping at the heels of the Dane from the off. After a tense battle the tall left-hander had got to within one

Winner’s Cheque

€166,660

shot of Björn by the 14th but then made backto-back bogeys and fell away. Björn made backto-back birdies on the same holes but bogeyed the 16th then birdied the par-5 closing hole to the delight of the galleries to seal the win.

“The conditions were very tough, so if it started going wrong, it can go very wrong,” added Björn, referring to the blustery afternoon winds. “But I was determined not to let anything get in my way. Even when I missed some short putts I kept battling away. I knew that if I didn’t make any mistakes over the closing holes I’d have a great chance of winning, and that’s how it proved.”

Fellow Dane Mark Haastrup finished third on 16-under-par with England’s Robert Rock fourth on 14-under. Darren Clarke shot the round of the day with a 6-under 66 to move up 20 places into a share of sixth place.

Tournament: St Jude Classic

Date: 10 – 13 June 2010

Venue: TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

WestWooD on sonG in MeMphis LEE Westwood secured his second-ever US PGA Tour title with a play-off victory over Robert Karlsson and Robert Garrigus at the St Jude Classic in Memphis.

American Garrigus needed a six on the par-4 closing hole to win his maiden PGA Tour title but wound up with a triple bogey to drop back to 10-under-par, level with the two Europeans.

Garrigus was then eliminated on the first extra hole with a bogey before Westwood finally pipped Karlsson to the title with a birdie on the fourth extra hole.

“It’s definitely nice to win again,” admitted Westwood, whose last victory on the US PGA Tour was in 1998 in New Orleans. “Nobody likes negative questions when you try to be positive all the time. Golf is a funny game. Sometimes it gives. Sometimes it takes away.

“You try to do the right thing all the time. It doesn’t always work for you. I’ve been in contention a lot, especially this year, and I suppose I got a

break today with other people’s misfortune but made the most of it and took my chance.”

Westwood began the final round three shots behind Garrigus but quickly raced into a one shot lead with three early birdies. However, Garrigus picked himself up with birdies of his own on holes 8, 10, 15 and 16 to take back the lead as Westwood could only play par golf.

Westwood then bogeyed the 17th to seemingly hand the title to Garrigus but the American then proceeded the blow his chances on the final hole in regulation.

“It just shows you, don’t expect anything in this game because you never know what’s going to happen next,” said Westwood, who became the first ever European winner of the St. Jude Classic.

Americans Garret Willis and Shaun Micheel finished one shot outside the play-off on 9-under par after rounds of 67 while Heath Slocum finished sixth one shot further back.

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Winner: Lee WestWooD

Lee Westwood joined Billy Maxwell (1958), Bob Lunn (1968) and Dicky Pride (1994) as the only players to win the St. Jude Classic in their first appearance and the victory came 123 starts after his last win in 1998.

Winner’s Cheque

$1,080,000

Winning Score: 10-under-par - 270 (67, 66, 66, 71) runnerS-up: roBert karlSSon, roBert garriguS – 270 (deFeated in play-oFF)

WorldrouNd-ups Tournament: Saint-Omer Open presented by Neuflize OBC

Date: 17 – 20 June 2010

Venue: Aa Saint Omer GC, Lumbres, France

WieGeLe WaLtZes to french victory MARTIN Wiegele became just the secondever Austrian to win a European Tour title with a two-stroke victory over a host of players at the Saint-Omer Open in France.

Wiegele, who won on home soil two weeks earlier on the Challenge Tour, carded a final round 3-under-par 67 for a 7-under total and a two stroke win from Pelle Edberg, Matt Haines, Robert Dinwiddie, Jamie Elson and Raphaël Jacquelin.

Wiegele opened with birdies on his first two holes and made another at the ninth to take him to the turn in 33 without dropping a shot.

On the back nine he made just one birdie and cancelled it out with a bogey at the last but it didn’t matter for the 31-year-old as he took home the winner’s cheque for €100,000. “This

Winner: Martin WieGeLe

Winner’s Cheque

€100,000

victory is just incredible – it’s what I’ve always dreamt of since I started playing golf as a little boy,” said Wiegele.

“It was great to get off to such a good start this morning. It brought me right back into contention straight away, and gave me a lot of confidence – especially as it’s not an easy start. After that I played really nicely, apart from the bogey on the last hole – but luckily enough it didn’t matter in the end.”

After winning the Kärnten Golf Open by Markus Brier Foundation on the Challenge Tour, Wiegele’s first win on The European Tour sees him become the second Austrian after Brier to achieve the feat and with it he collects an exemption on The European Tour until the end of 2011.

Tournament: Travelers Championship

Date: 17 – 20 June 2010

Venue: TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

bUbba boUnces bacK in connecticUt BUBBA Watson came from six shots back to tie alongside American Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin and Scott Verplank before defeating the pair in sudden death to win his first US PGA Tour title at the Travelers Championship.

Watson and Pavin both closed with a 4-under 66 for a 14-under total while Verplank shot a 64 to match them in the clubhouse.

From the resulting play-off Pavin was first to be eliminated, bogeying the first extra hole. On the next hole Watson was again the beneficiary of a mistake as Verplank bogeyed leaving him a 3-footer for par on the par-3 16th to seal the win. When the putt dropped Watson hugged his wife Angie and broke down in tears.

He admitted to being so nervous that he could not feel his arms on the final putt.

“I’m a very emotional guy,” he said. “I cry all the time. When I go to church on Sunday, I cry. I couldn’t get the ‘Yes’ out of ‘I do’ at my wedding. The pastor said, ‘You have to say it. You can’t just nod. You can’t nod.’

“Everybody has issues. My

family had some issues. My dad is battling cancer. My wife last year thought she had a tumour in her brain. We got lucky with that one, and now, we’re battling with my dad. It’s emotional.

“Truthfully, I never doubt myself. I have the ability, but maybe am not a strong enough mind to keep going on the course because I’m so emotional.”

Justin Rose, who was in good form after his first US PGA Tour win two weeks earlier at the Memorial Tournament had a three-stroke lead entering the round but wound up shooting a 75 to tie for ninth place on 11-under.

“It was obviously my tournament to lose,” said a disappointed Rose. “I could have shot 1-over today and won the golf tournament. It’s disappointing because it wasn’t overly difficult today.”

Chris Riley finished fourth on 13-under-par with Padraig Harrington, Chad Campbell, Retief Goosen and Ricky Barnes sharing fifth place on 12-under.

INTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAG Driver: Fairway Wood: Irons: Wedges: Putter: Ball:

Ping G15 Ping G15 Ping S59 Ping Tour-W Ping Redwood Anser Titleist Pro V1x

Winner: bUbba Watson

Bubba Watson’s maiden win on the US PGA Tour at the Travelers Championship came on his 122nd career start at the age of 31 and he became the ninth first-time winner in America this season.

Winner’s Cheque

$1,170,000

Winning Score: 14-under-par - 266 (65, 68, 67, 66) runnerS-up: corey pavin, Scott verplank – 266 (deFeated in play-oFF)

Tournament: BMW International Open

Date: 20 – 23 June 2010

Venue: Golfclub Munchen Eichenried

DaviD horsey Marches to MaiDen victory in MUnich ENGLAND’S David Horsey held off compatriot Ross Fisher to win his first European Tour title with a one-stroke victory at the BMW International Open in Munich.

The 25-year-old was in joint fifth place overnight but shot a final round 67 to finish on 18-under and pip Fisher to the title “Never really in my wildest dreams did I think I would win this tournament,” said Horsey, who topped the Challenge Tour ranking in 2008 and who had already posted two runners-up finishes on the main circuit.

“I wasn’t really in the mix until 16 and coming down the last I didn’t know what was going on.

I just wanted to concentrate on what I was doing.

“The last few weeks have been a bit of a struggle (three missed cuts in a row) and I just wanted to relax this week. This win is what I’ve been trying to get for more than a year. I felt I was good enough coming out on Tour, but maybe I put a little bit too much pressure on myself.”

Overnight leader Bradley Dredge, who was on course

for a wire-to-wire victory, saw his challenge fall away with a double bogey on the 16th as he carded a 74 to finish two strokes back in a share of third place with Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Alex Cejka, Kenneth Ferrie and Pablo Larrazabal.

Spain’s Larrazabal held the lead when he birdied the 15th but then duffed chips on holes 16 and 17 to fall back. He put the blame on missing the greens in regulation on poor preparation. “I thought I had only three or four metres (of green) behind the flag, but I had eight,” he said of his approach to 17 which came up short.

“These things you do in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. I lost the tournament there. It was a big mistake from us.”

Fisher sunk an eagle putt on the final green to cement second place but the day belonged to Horsey as he made no mistakes.

He kept his composure and birdied two out of the last three holes to take home the cheque for €333,330 and move up to ninth place on The Race to Dubai.

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Driver: 3-wood: Hybrids: Irons: Wedges: Putter: Ball:

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Winner: DaviD horsey

David Horsey played the par-5s in 8-under-par for the week at the BMW International Open and made birdie on the 556 yard 11th on each of the four days of the tournament.

On the final day his short game rescued him as he successfully saved par five times from off the green.

Winner’s Cheque

€333,330

Winning Score: 18-under-par - 270 (69, 67, 67, 67) runner-up: roSS FiSher - 271 Tournament: AT&T National

Date: 01 – 04 July 2010

Venue: Aronimink Golf Club, Newton Square, Philadelphia, USA

rose MaKes it tWo Wins in three at the at&t nationaL

Winner: jUstin rose

JUSTIN Rose won for the second time in three starts on the US PGA Tour with a one-stroke victory over Ryan Moore at the AT&T National.

Just a week earlier the Englishman had surrendered a three-shot lead in the final round of the Travelers Championship, collapsing on the back nine for a 75. However, after building a five shot lead heading into the back nine at the AT&T National Rose held on, hitting every green in regulation for an even-par 70 and a 10-under total to fend off the charging Moore and take home his second title of the season.

“I knew having not closed out last week it was important for me – just for myself – to do it today,” said Rose, who won The Memorial Tournament at the start of June. “Still, it’s never easy to close these things out, I’ll tell

Winner’s Cheque

$1,116,000

you.” Rose eagled the ninth to take a five-stroke lead but then back-to-back three-putt bogeys on holes 10 and 11 gave Moore a glimmer of hope. The American one-putted his last eight greens for a round-of-the-day 5-under-par 65 to make Rose work right to the last green.

“I knew level par would get the job done today,” Rose said. “Every two-putt felt like hard work coming in, I’ve got to tell you. But it was good fun. I felt very much in control of my emotions, although it’s been a long, hard week.

I can say I’m very glad we’ve got to this point with a win.”

Jeff Overton posted a final round 3-under-par 67 for an 8-under-par total to take third place with Charlie Wi one stroke back in fourth place and J.B. Holmes taking fifth on 6-under-par.

WorldrouNd-ups Tournament: The John Deere Classic

08 – 11 July 2010

Venue: TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

stricKer achieves the Deere DoUbLe

Winner: steve stricKer

STEVE Stricker successfully defended his title at the John Deere Classic by holding off the challenge of Paul Goydos – who excelled early on with an opening round 59 – by two strokes in Illinois.

Goydos opened with only the fourth 59 on the US PGA Tour in history but Stricker shot an 11-under-par 60 to sit just one stroke off the lead. Stricker then moved ahead with a 66 after Goydos carded a 68 and The Ryder Cup star built a six-shot lead heading into the final round with a stunning third round 62.

A birdie on the opening hole on Sunday extended his lead to seven strokes but with five holes to play Goydos had clawed his

Winner’s Cheque

$792,000

way back to just two behind. However, that’s the way it stayed as Stricker closed out his second US PGA Tour title of the season after winning the Northern Trust Open in February.

“It’s a position you want to be in, with a big lead, but you know you have everything to lose,” said Stricker, who finished with a 26-under-par total. “This is exactly the same way I felt at the Northern Trust. It was difficult.

It’s a hard round to play.”

Jeff Maggert finished third on 20-under-par with Shaun Micheel one shot further back in fourth place. Matt Jones took fifth place on 17-under-par and Vaughn Taylor finished sixth outright on 16-under par.

Tournament: Open de France Alstom

Date: 01 – 04 July 2010

Venue: Le Golf National, Paris, France

experienceD jiMeneZ triUMphs in france MIGUEL Angel Jimenez collected his 17th European Tour title at the Open de France Alstom after defeating Francesco Molinari and Alejandro Cañizares on the first hole of a play-off.

Jimenez was in pole position to land the title in regulation but put his approach shot into the water on the 18th and wound up with a double bogey to lose his two-stroke advantage and drop back to 11-under-par and into a three-way play-off. However, the 46-year-old kept his composure with a par on the trio’s return down the 18th to secure the title.

“The 72nd hole, last hole of the tournament, I hit a beautiful drive,” said Jimenez, who collected the tenth of his 17 European Tour titles since turning 40 in 2004.

“My 8-iron, 141 metres to the front and 146 metres to the hole - I feel a little pressure there, and the only thing I needed to do was hit a good shot.

“But we are human. I made the shot and I feel like I lost my rhythm, like the pressure is getting to me. I hit the ball a little bit behind and hit into the water.”

Jimenez then composed himself to win at the first time of asking as the trio went down the

18th. Cañizares twice went into the lake to kill off his chances while Molinari found a fairway bunker off the tee and was forced to lay-up short of the green.

Jimenez missed the green in two and pitched to fifteen feet.

Molinari put pressure on the Spaniard by sinking an 18-foot bogey putt but Jimenez showed his quality by rolling in his putt for par.

“Experience is always important,” admitted Jiménez.

“These two guys are playing very well – all three guys finish at 11-under and Alejandro is playing very well and putting very good.

But, you know, the experience, also, is one of the keys. On 18, I hit my ball in the middle of the fairway and both of them missed fairway. One of most important things is keep breathing and tell yourself to relax and breathe.”

Rory McIlroy finished one shot outside the play-off in fourth place after shooting a final round 5-under-par 66 for a 10-underpar total. Danny Willett finished on 8-under in fifth place while Oliver Wilson, Mark Foster, Peter Hanson, Gregory Bourdy and Martin Kaymer finished on 7-under-par.

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Winner: MiGUeL anGeL jiMeneZ

With his win at the Open de France Alstom Jimenez became the third player to win twice on the 2010 European Tour and the oldest player to win the championship at the age of 46 and 180 days – beating the previous record set

by Sam Torrance in 1998. He was 44 years and 308 days.

Winner’s Cheque

€500,000

Winning Score: 11-under-par - 273 (71, 69, 66, 67) runnerS-up: FranceSco Molinari, alejandro cañizareS – 273 (deFeated in play-oFF)

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WorldrouNd-ups Tournament: The Barclays Scottish Open

Date: 08 – 11 July 2010

Venue: Loch Lomond Golf Club, Glasgow, Scotland

MoLinari ‘cheqUes’ oUt With barcLays ITALIAN Edoardo Molinari secured his maiden European Tour victory with a three-stroke victory over Darren Clarke at a cold and windy Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.

Molinari held a one-stroke lead over Clarke heading into the final day and both players struggled to cope in the conditions early on.

Clarke bogeyed the second, then carded a disastrous triple bogey on the par-5 third hole and never truly recovered.

As Clarke struggled Molinari birdied the third for a four shot swing and despite carding bogeys on holes 6 and 7 and a double on the 15th he held his nerve to secure one of the biggest titles on The European Tour.

“When we teed off in the wind and rain I felt I didn’t have a chance because Darren is such a great player when it’s tough like that,” said Molinari, who carded a 3-over par 74 for a 12-under total. “But after making a birdie at the third I increased that lead and from then I played conservatively, concentrating on hitting fairways. I am proud of the way I did it.”

Molinari produced the round of

the tournament on the Saturday with a sensational 8-under-par 63 to snatch the lead from Clarke who had led after the opening two rounds. On Sunday he had one wayward moment with a pushed drive into thick rough on the 15th.

After consulting with chief referee John Paramor the Italian decided to take a drop and hacked his way out of trouble.

He wound up with a double bogey but it didn’t matter too much as Clarke couldn’t create enough birdie opportunities to apply the pressure.

“My second shot to the third was five feet from being good, but I ended up making seven and from there I was on the back foot,” said Clarke who secured a place at The Open Championship as the best placed none exempt player in the top-5. “I told myself to just keep going and just wait for something to turn around, but I couldn’t get close enough. I didn’t play well enough.

“The Open is a consolation prize, but if somebody had said at the start of the week that I would finish second I think I would have taken it.”

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Driver: 3-wood: Hybrid: Irons: Wedges: Putter: Ball:

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Winner: eDoarDo MoLinari

Consistency and a sharp short game was the key to Edoardo Molinari’s breakthrough victory on The European Tour. The Italian was second overall in Greens in Regulation with 80.6% and when he did miss the green his sand saves were at a superb 100% for the week.

Winner’s Cheque

€601,599

Winning Score: 12-under-par - 272 (66, 69, 63, 72) runner-up: darren clarke 275 Tournament: Reno-Tahoe Open

Date: 15 – 18 July 2010

Venue: Montreux Golf & Country Club, Reno, Nevada

bettencoUrt opens his pGa toUr accoUnt

Winner: Matt bettencoUrt

MATT Bettencourt secured his maiden US PGA Tour title at the expense of Bob Heintz at the Reno-Tahoe Open after a tense one-stroke victory in Nevada. Bettencourt shot a 4-underpar final round 68 to post an 11-under total and then watched as Heintz missed a three foot putt on the last green which would have forced a play-off. “You hate to see somebody miss one like that at the end but at the same time I played well enough all week to win and didn’t feel like I was really getting the bounces I needed until today,” Bettencourt said. “I’m just so excited, I’ll take it any way I can.”

Bettencourt took home a cheque for $540,000 and earned a place in the US PGA Championship for the first time, next month at Whistling Straits. He had the help of Rocco Mediate’s caddy Matthew Achatz for the week

Winner’s Cheque

$540,00

while Mediate was at St Andrews as a television commentator and Bettencourt was full of praise for his on-loan bag man. “Thank you, Rocco, for letting me use him,” he smiled as he accepted the trophy. “He made me believe in myself.”

40-year-old Heintz, who earned a degree in economics at Yale, was pleased to come away with $324,000 prize money for second place.

“I think it’s my biggest cheque ever,” he said.

“I kind of played like the Bob of old where my survival instincts kicked in and my short game was just shy of brilliant all day. I holed out three times from off the green.”

John Merrick and Mathias Gronberg each shot a 69 to finish in a share of third on 9-under while Robert Gamez (68), Kent Jones (68), Alex Cejka (69), Kevin Stadler (70) and Craig Barlow (72) all finished one stroke further back.

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Heythrop Park Resort

O

NE lucky UK golfer will get the chance to play in next year’s eagerly anticipated The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah with a Golden Ticket up for grabs at the UK Qualifier which taking place at the magnificent Heythrop Park Resort in Oxfordshire later this month.

Striking the right balance between ancient and modern is never easy but Heythrop Park Resort has achieved the ideal combination.

Meandering up the long drive from the picturesque Cotswold village of Enstone close to Chipping Norton it becomes evident that this was a country pile of some stature.

This typically English estate set in 440 acres of glorious Oxfordshire parkland, which dates back to 1710, has retained its original lakes, statues and monuments which give it a wonderful air of grandeur.

The long, winding drive finally brings you to the imposing 18th Century mansion house which gazes out across the most spectacular landscape imaginable.

Now the vista contains the magnificent new 7,088-yards par 72 Tom Mackenzie designed golf course, which is destined to stand 48

www.wwgolf.biz

comparison to the best of Britain’s parkland courses.

The course weaves its way between the ancient woodland, which provides wide tree-lined fairways. With its lakes, valleys and streams the course designer has stayed true to the original landscape first drawn up in 1706 by the world famous estate architect Thomas Bainbridge.

The golf course layout was carried out in association with English Heritage and the care and attention to detail is there for all to see.

Course architect, Tom Mackenzie, was delighted with the finished article, saying: “Working at Heythrop Park Resort has been a dream come true for me. My two great loves are golf and the landscape so to work on such an historic site has been incredible.”

With six par-4s, two par-3s and one par-5 on the outward nine of 35 and four par-4s, two par-3s and three par-5s, including the 596 yards 18th, the longest hole on the course, on the inward nine of 37, it’s a tough but fair test for any golfer.

Heythrop Park Resort also has 153 guest rooms in the wings of the mansion house, a

stunning newly-built health club and spa and a state-of-the-art conference centre. Soon to be opened is the glamorous and chic Crowne Plaza which opens its doors in the autumn.

The elegant boutique hotel will provide a further 197 stylish guest rooms with a choice of restaurants, bars and a business centre with a wide range of meeting rooms.

The golf course is already gaining a reputation as a Championship standard layout.

It has some spectacular holes, not least the par-4 sixth, which has become famous for The Heythrop Challenge. Any prospective member who can drive the green has the opportunity of having the joining fee waived.

The green is situated on the bank of the original 18th century fishing lake adjacent to the magnificent Archer Bridge that was built in the 1750s. The tee is perched on the opposite bank, some 50 feet above the level of the green. The carry to the front edge of the green is 277 yards, and any shots landing short will end up in a watery grave.

One of the stalwarts of The European Tour, Steve Webster, recently took on The Heythrop Challenge last month and succeeded at the

www.heythropparkresort.com www.theinvitational.com

second attempt. “I put it in the water on my first go at it,” said Webster. “But the second time around I managed to stop it right on the back of the green. It’s definitely a tough challenge and I can understand why so few people have managed it! It was good fun and I was really impressed with the golf course.”

Heythrop Park Resort hosts the only qualifier outside the UAE for The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah to be played at the spectacular Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, in January, 2011. The proceeds of the charity Qualifier will go to Make-A-Wish “I think Heythrop Park Resort is a great venue for The Invitational Qualifier,” said Webster, who has amassed prize money of more than €5.6 million since joining The Tour in 1996.

“It’s good to be able to promote the qualifier for The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah, which is the most enjoyable, yet competitive Pro-Am in golf. It’s a fantasti

“The heyThrop park challenge is a Tough TesT and i can see why so few people have managed iT. iT was good fun and i was really impressed wiTh The golf course” – European Tour player STEvE WEbSTEr c opportunity for those amateurs taking part in the qualifier at Heythrop Park Resort on July 28 to play in The Invitational in the UAE – it’s the golfing trip of a lifetime.”

Chris White, General Manger at Yas Links is relishing the prospect of what will be a proud moment in the club’s short history as The Invitational makes its Abu Dhabi debut next year after three years at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

“The vision of Aldar properties in the planning and development of Yas Links was to www.wwgolf.biz

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www.heythropparkresort.com www.theinvitational.com

create a unique and unseen golf course in the region that would add value to Yas Island as the region’s leading leisure destination,” said White. “For Yas Links to be chosen as the venue to stage The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah is testament to the unique design and quality of Yas Links. The Invitational has, like Yas Links, established a reputation in a very short period of time and is considered one of the best charity events in the region with one of the strongest fields you will see.

“Yas Links is extremely proud to be hosting The Invitational in 2011 and looks forward to welcoming some of the world’s best professional golfers and global business leaders to experience the tradition and challenge of true links golf.”

The winner of the 18-hole stroke play event at Heythrop Park Resort will earn a GOLDEN TICKET to play alongside some of the best players on The European Tour in The Invitational. This exclusive opportunity is the only international qualifying event to win a money-can’t-buy invite to play The Invitational Pro-Am. The winner and their partner will have

a four-night trip to the United Arab Emirates, including flights, to enjoy the competition and the wonderful hospitality of the emirates.

The Invitational Qualifier will be a great event in itself and I’m sure that those who attend the tournament will soon return to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and fabulous facilities of Heythrop Park Resort which is destined to become one the most exclusive golf destinations in the UK. n MIKE GALLEMORE

“The inviTaTional qualifier will be a greaT evenT in iTself and i’m sure ThaT Those who aTTend The TournamenT will soon reTurn To enjoy The relaxing aTmosphere and fabulours faciliTies of heyThrop park resorT” www.wwgolf.biz

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SWING Graeme McDowell Graeme McDowell’s recent Major victory may have surprised some, but not me. I worked with Graeme in 2004 and again in 2006 and knew that he had what it takes to play at the highest level – and win. The challenge in working with Graeme is that his swing is unique. His movement is by no means classic or orthodox. But the role of any good teacher is to take what a player does naturally and make it better.

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SWING 1

2

7

8

3

Graeme has always taken the club on the outside. At times his shoulders can turn a bit too steeply, but this is part of his unique movement. The club face here is pretty square, which is hard to believe given the position it gets into at the top!

Due to the position at the top, Graeme plays his best golf when he rotates his body hard left on the downswing. When he struggles, the shaft gets underneath his right forearm in this position, causing a double miss. His irons go left and his driver goes straight right. You may notice Graeme making an exaggerated practice swing movement where he tries to finish low and left on his followthrough. This helps get the club back in front of his body on the downswing and also allows him to hit the ball very straight.

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4

10

5

Graeme struggles to internally rotate on to his right hip. This means it’s difficult for him to keep the flex in his right knee during the backswing. He continues to work hard in the gym to improve the mobility in his right hip. As his right knee locks during the backswing, his arm lifts and the club get laid off and the club face gets shut. As a coach, I wanted to improve this position, but in the end made the decision not to. This is Graeme’s movement, it’s what he does naturally. This movement has helped him win tournaments as both an amateur and a professional.

At impact you can see how much Graeme has cleared his hips and chest to the left. He hits poor shots when he slides through impact, rather than turning. At impact there needs to be space between the arms and the lower body. When he slides his body instead of turning through impact his arms get too close to his lower body, which he calls ‘feeling stuck’ on the downswing. It also helps Graeme to feel his downswing be steep as his problem is his movement can, at times, be to shallow coming into impact.

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Graeme proves that if you have your own unique swing movement, and you can consistently repeat it every time, you can play golf to a seriously high standard!

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drive to victory

M

ost golfers dream about hitting the ball further and straighter off the tee. The driver has the longest shaft of any club and the least loft, making it by far the hardest club to hit consistently well. Whilst the saying, “drive for show and putt for dough”, is true enough, developing the confidence to use your driver can enhance the enjoyment from playing the many world class golf courses around the United Arab Emirates.

tee box I have set up on the left side of the tee area and aligned myself down the right side of the fairway. This enables me to aim away from the big trouble – in this case a water hazard. By using the full width of the teeing ground my landing area appears wider and I have a larger margin for error.

Standing on Hole 5 “Dolphin View” at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, you are faced with water down the left side, a fairway bunker bordering the right and the prevailing breeze coming straight off the Arabian Gulf. This tutorial will look at how to play a low drawing shot that will run down the right side of the fairway.

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TUTORIAL Practice Drill Many golfers struggle to get distance because they fail to release the hands through impact. A correct golf swing has many similarities with a baseball swing. This drill helps you to feel the correct movement, concentrate on the right arm turning over through impact.

turn back until the 2 Slowly back of the right hand points to the ground.

outstretched 1 Arms in front of body.

the right arm through the 3 Extend swing until the back of the right

hand is pointing directly upwards.

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Set-up

Backswing

Position the ball slightly back in the stance and grip down the club to promote a lower trajectory. Place weight over the balls of the feet and be careful not to grip the club too tightly as too much grip pressure can cause a loss in clubhead speed

Complete a full turn with my body whilst keeping the arm swing quite short, this helps to control the shot.

Into a breeze it is vital to be as relaxed as possible whilst maintaining an athletic posture with the focus being on timing and rhythm.

Downswing

release

Start to downswing by focusing on the hands and body working together. Near impact concentrate on releasing the right arm through the ball, squaring the clubface and sweeping the ball away.

With the correct impact position the clubface will compress the ball, producing a shot that travels forward rather than upwards. Try to keep your head behind the ball until you have released the club, stay relaxed to produce a smooth swing.

Focus During the swing focus on remaining balanced and maintaining good rhythm throughout the shot.

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In the

SWING

with

AmelIA

Claude harmon III, dIreCtor of InstruCtIon, butCh harmon sChool, dubaI sports CIty There are two very different skills for a junior golfer to learn. One is learning and mastering how to swing a golf club. This includes all the technical and mechanical parts of the golf swing. This is the area I see juniors work on the most. They spend most of their time trying to groove their golf swings on the range, hitting golf balls.

But there’s another totally different skill called ‘playing golf’ and I don’t see enough juniors learning this skill. Over the past few months I have worked with Amelia McKee on her basic movement patterns. All of which fall into the golf swing category. I recently went out onto the Els Club with Amelia to see how she performed on the course, where it really matters.

_ _

Golfers can’t see themselves in action so when I go out on the course with a player, I am a second pair of eyes for the student. Junior golfers struggle with getting aligned to their targets properly and Amelia is no different. on the course she hit a few offline shots that went exactly where she aimed them. so we hit two balls off each tee and most times her second ball was better because her body to target alignment was better. Young players work so hard on the technical part of their golf swings, but sometimes ignore where they are aiming. so going out on the course and seeing what aiming patterns Amelia has, is important to see as a coach. Her tendency is to aim too far to the right, especially when she hits her driver.

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_

As wItH most junior golfers, Amelia wastes too many shots on the putting green. Here you can notice Amelia is missing this putt below the hole. like many golfers, she tends to under-read the break. this causes her putts to lose speed as her ball takes the break too early in her putt. Junior golfers tend to worry more about the line of their putts, but ignore the speed. I worked with Amelia to try and play more break when putting, which helped her putts carry more speed as they rolled toward the hole.

mcKee

leArnInG the art of playing golf is so important for junior golfers. Part of becoming a better player is learning how to be creative and hit different types of shots. I showed Amelia one of my favourite specialty shots around the greens, putting with a 3-wood. this is a great shot to have in your short game arsenal. the basic idea is to use your 3-wood and make your normal putting stroke. this works well when you are just off the green or if you have to go up and down slopes. It’s easier to putt from off the green with your 3-wood because the shaft is longer than your putter – and because the shaft is longer you don’t have to make as big a swing as you would with your putter.

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From the performance of the premium Pittards ® Taction™ APL ™ Cabretta leather to the incredible feel, breathability and grip, the best players in the world know that FootJoy gloves are the most technically advanced and highest quality gloves available. To discover for yourself why the world’s best count on FootJoy, visit footjoy.co.uk/gloves.

Source: Darrell Survey (US) Sports Marketing Surveys Ltd (Europe). Pro Sports International, PO Box 26723, Dubai, UAE footjoy.co.uk Available from: Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Al Badia, Al Ghazal, Dirab Golf Club, Doha Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai Duty Free, Emirates Golf Club, Golf House Super Store, Golf Shop Direct, Katameya Heights, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mirage Golf Resort, Nad Al Sheba Club, Riffa Golf Club,The Montgomerie Dubai, Sports Mart Doha, ME Golf Kuwait.

Women's Golf Middle East

Verity rosewarne triumphs at the eLs CLuB WOMEN’S Golf Middle East held an Individual Stableford Event at The Els Club in late May and in the extreme heat Verity Rosewarne took the spoils with 39 points. Playing off a 29 handicap, Rosewarne scored 19 on the front nine and 20 on the inward nine to secure a two-point victory over Agnes Anwar.

Anwar played good golf on the outward nine, securing 20 points, but struggled coming back to the clubhouse and only managed 17 points for her total of 37. Riette Cuciurean took third place after nines of 19 and 14 points gave her a 33-point total.

In the on-course prizes, Pauline Smith, Sarah Martin and Agnes Anwar took home the Nearest the Pin prizes on holes 2, 4 and 17 respectively.

Debutant Arathi Apaiah wins Emirates Par-3 event ARATHI Apaiah took the honours at the fifth Women’s Golf Middle East Par-3 event held last month at Emirates Golf Club’s Academy Course.

The format was an Individual Stableford based on a modified handicap system and Apaiah triumphed with a 22-point haul.

The runner-up spot was settled by a countback after Ashley Anderson, Sarah Martin and Anne Baxter all scored 20 points and it was Sarah Martin who came out on top by virtue of her better last six holes. Ashley Anderson took third place with Anne Baxter missing out on a podium finish. In the Nearest the Pin prizes, Arathi Apaiah, Micki Johnson and Ashley Anderson took the prizes on holes 2, 5 and 8 respectively.

sandy Meyer’s

Professional TiP Playing from thick rough

for most ladies playing from thick rough is one of the most difficult shots to control. We find it far more difficult than men who are much stronger and are able to control the club much more through impact at is cuts through the grass.

We generally get two types of lie; one is when the ball is embedded in the grass and the other when the ball lies on top of the grass. the latter is by far the easiest to play.

Be careful when grounding your club or pushing your club down into the grass behind the ball because this can cause the ball to move and fall back against the clubhead. this can then lead to a penalty shot and the ball then has to be replaced. make sure you hover the club just above the grass to avoid any kind of interference with the lie of the ball – as if you were playing out of a fairway bunker where it is illegal to ground the club.

The worst of this situation is when the ball sits down into the grass, especially if the rough is particularly thick. Here are some tips for the next time you are faced with this problem.

• If you are off the fairway and in thick rough, take a more lofted iron to help get the ball out onto the fairway, even though you may be taking a club too short for the distance required to reach the green. The loft and weight of the club will help dig the ball out but taking any of the long irons such as 3, 4, 5 or 6-iron requires a lot of wrist strength.

• Grip slightly further down the shaft, this will give you more control of the club through impact.

• In very thick rough open the clubface slightly. The reason for this is sometimes the grass grips hold of the hosel of the club when making contact with the ball and forces the club to twist inwards, closing the clubface.

• Try and take a three quarter back swing – this helps to ensure •

• •

all your energy is used to accelerate through the ball, as any deceleration can lead to the ball being hit ‘heavy’.

Acceleration is vital for the pitch and chip shots. Many ladies decelerate on these shots and again, this leads to shots being hit ‘heavy’. Take a shorter backswing on pitch shots with increased acceleration through the ball.

On short chips, opt for the sand wedge or a lob wedge. These clubs are designed with loft to help get the ball up and the weight and design helps to cut through the grass.

On your set up with the short chip shots, make sure you place the ball slightly further back in the stance and keep your hands opposite your left knee (right knee for left handers). Place more weight onto your front foot at about at 70/30 ratio. www.wwgolf.biz

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SUMMER RATES 2010 CLUBS

UGA RATE (AED)

NON UGA RATE (AED)

Abu Dhabi Golf Club From: 1st June 2010 To : 30th September 2010

18H

Weekend 350 After 2.30pm - 265

Weekday 245 After 1.30pm - 175 After 4.30pm - 140 Rates inclusive of shared cart and range use

Weekend 390 After 2.30pm - 290

Al Badia Golf Club From: 1st June 2010 To : 30th September 2010

Holes 18H

Weekday/Weekend 295 Twilight - 225

Weekday/Weekend 395 Twilight - 275

Weekday/Weekend 75 50

Weekday/Weekend 95 60

Weekday 325 After 1.30pm - 225

Al Ghazal Golf Club From: 1st May 2010 To : 31st August 2010

18H 9H

Al Hamra Golf Club From: 1st June 2010 To :30th September 2010

18H 9H

Peak Off Peak 225 190 135 115 Rates inclusive of shared cart and range balls

Peak 250 150

Off Peak 210 125

Arabian Ranches Golf Club From : 1st June 2010 To: 30th September 2010

18 H 9H

Fri - Sat 265 160 All rates include range balls only

Sun - Thu 195 110

Fri - Sat 340 205

Sun - Thu 285 170

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club From : 1st June 2010 To : 30th September 2010

18 H 9H

Fri - Sat 360 220 Rates include cart & range balls

Sun - Thu 270 165

Fri - Sat 400 240

Sun - Thu 300 180

Emirates Golf Club – Majlis From : 1st June 2010 To : 30th September 2010

18 H 9H

Fri - Sat 380 240

Sun - Thu 360 220

Fri - Sat 400 275

Sun - Thu 400 250

Emirates Golf Club – Faldo From : 1st June 2010 To : 30th September 2010

18 H 9H

Fri - Sat Sun - Thu 290 260 230 220 Rates includes golf cart hire & practice range balls.

Fri - Sat 300 240

Sun - Thu 300 220

Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa From: 1st June 2010 To : 30th September 2010

18 H 9H

Thu - Sat Sun - Wed Thu - Sat 260 220 275 185 160 195 Twilight - Dhs. 115 Rate inclusive of shared cart or trolley hire and a bucket of range balls prior to play

Sun - Wed 235 170

Palm Sports Resort From: 1st June 2010 To : 18th September 2010

18 H 9H

Peak Off Peak 200 185 130 100 Rate inclusive of cart hire and driving range

Peak 230 150

Off Peak 210 120

18 H

Peak Off Peak 350 250 Twilight (after 3pm) Weekend Dhs. 290 Weekday Dhs. 175 Rates inclusive of shared cart and range balls prior to play

Peak 425

Off Peak 300

18 H 9H

Peak Off Peak 435 (2 players) 370 (2 players) 240 (2 players) 215 (2 players) Rates inclusive of shared cart and range balls

Peak 465 (2 players) 260 (2 players)

Off Peak 395 (2 players) 230 (2 players)

Whole week 385

Whole week 450

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club From: 1st May 2010 To : 30th September 2010 Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club From: 1st May 2010 To : 30th September 2010 The Els Club From : 2nd May 2010 To : 31st July 2010

18 H

The Montgomerie Dubai From : 1st June 2010 To: 30th September 2010

18 H

Mid-day Dhs. 285 (10am - 1pm) Twilight Dhs. 285 after 3 pm and Super Twilight Dhs. 185 after 5 pm Rates inclusive of cart and range balls Weekend 325

Weekday 250

Weekday/Weekend 395

Twlight - After 1 pm - Dhs. 350 Rates Inclusive of Cart and range balls

Tower Links Golf Club From:1st June 2010 To: 30th September 2010

18H 9H

Peak Off Peak 195 180 110 110 Inclusive of shared cart and basket of range balls prior to play

Peak 220 125

Off Peak 200 120

Yas Links Abu Dhabi From:1st June 2010 To: 31st August 2010

18H 9H

Peak Off Peak 399 299 200 150 Inclusive of golf cart and practice facilities

Peak 499 250

Off Peak 399 200

Note Peak/Weekend rates are applicable on Public holidays as well Rates subject to change at clubs’ discretion

ArAbiAN

WWG LOCAL FOCUS

Clubs in April 2010 Worldwide Golf Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Abu Dhabi Golf Club Al Badia Golf Club Al Hamra Golf Club Arabian Ranches Golf Club Dirab Golf Club Doha Golf Club, Qatar Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Egyptian Golf Federation Egyptian Open

Emirates Golf Club Emirates Golf Federation Emirates Golf Federation Golf Club Rates Jumeirah Golf Estates Katameya Heights Golf & Tennis Resort Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club The Address Montgomerie Dubai The Royal Golf Club, Bahrain Tower Links Golf Club UAE Golf Society League

NEWS FORUMS COMPETITIONS TRAVEL READ ONLINE & MORE... visit;

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i n A U G U r A L G O L F S O C i e t y L e A G U e At S h A r j A h G O L F & S h O O t i n G C L U b

Sharjah Golf Society League all set to go for 2010/11

T

HE inaugural Golf Society League at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club came to a close last month and was deemed such a resounding success that the organisers have announced a second edition of the event which will commence in October this year.

The first event saw 24 societies from across the region split up into four leagues – BMW, Worldwide Golf, Saif-Zone and Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club. Each team played each other once over a series of six fixtures and the eventual winners of each group progressed to a semi-final. From there the finalists were decided and the full results of the Grand Final can be found on page 71.

Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club’s Director of Golf, Martin Duff, said: “A

big thank you must go to all our sponsors and to Worldwide Golf and I also extend my sincere appreciation to all the societies, and in particular their captains who all contributed hugely towards a resoundingly successful inaugural event. We look forward to welcoming back many societies and, hopefully, some new additions for the second edition in October.”

EnTRiES close for the second edition of the league in September. To register your Society’s interest in joining please call Claire Badger on 06 5487777 or email golfsales@golfandshootingshj.com For more information visit www.golfandshootingshj.com

Emirates Golf Federation

CALLAWAY BOOST FOR UAE NATIONAL GOLF TEAM CALLAWAY Golf Middle East underlined its commitment to supporting the game in the region when the world’s leading manufacturer of premium golf equipment teamed up with the Emirates Golf Federation to sponsor the UAE National Squad as it gets ready for the busy season ahead.

The UAE squad will feature in a series of tournaments, both at home and abroad, when the season gets underway later this year.

“We are proud to have a brand of the stature of Callaway Golf Middle East on board as the sponsor of our national team and we believe that our partnership will continue to grow with time,” said Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF).

“The name of Callaway Golf is synonymous with the highest level of quality and service, and we hope their support will be a catalyst in strengthening the UAE team’s position on the regional circuit. With a string of creditable performances under their belt, UAE national golfers have already become a force to be reckoned with, and we look forward to seeing them scale new heights,” he added.

Progolf International, the distributors of Callaway Golf Middle East, are equally pleased to be aligned with the UAE National Squad. “Callaway, being the leading golf brand in the Middle East, is proud to be associated with the National Squad, and hopes to add value and performance to the team in every aspect,” said Scott Sullivan, Brand Manager, Progolf International.

“The sponsorship of the National Squad is more of a relationship that we want to build on for the future between the Callaway brand and amateur golf in the Middle East. Together with the EGF management, we hope to produce great champions in the future and maybe the first Major Championship winner from the UAE. Who knows?

“We would like to wish the team and its management the very best for their forthcoming tournaments, especially the Eisenhower World Amateur Team event. We know and trust that

they will produce their best golf, bettering their previous results and expectations.”

Meanwhile, members of the UAE National Squad have already started their preparations in earnest for the season ahead. At present they are in the United Kingdom attending a training camp to fine tune their competitive edge under tutelage of their coach Chris Vallender.

The players attending the camp are: Khalid Yousuf, Saeed Malik, Faris Al Mazrui, Abdulla Al Musharrekh, Ahmed Al Musharrekh and Hassan Al Musharrekh.

RAYHAN LEADS PEPSI-2 TO THRILLING VICTORY THE Pepsi-2 team, led by young Rayhan Thomas, produced some great teamwork to chalk up an exciting victory in the Pepsi Junior Am, organised by the Emirates Golf Federation to honour the junior players for their achievements during the season.

Undeterred by searing heat that engulfed The Els Club, the Pepsi-2 team, which also comprised professional Steve Hubner and amateurs Tariq Al Sakkar, Amr Farghal and Laurie Boyd, carded a sizzling net 54 to narrowly beat their nearest rivals Emirates Golf Federation (net 54.3) on a day when almost all of the teams returned some excellent scores.

Spearheaded by young Amelia McKee, the EGF team also consisted of professional Mark Chapleski, Saeed Albudoor, Abdulla Al Musharrekh and Larry Coleman.

With just two points separating the top four teams, the season-ending tournament produced an intense battle in the sun. Finishing a creditable third on a net 55.5 was the Jay Bhalla-led team of Emirates NBD while Daniel Hendry, the winner of the Junior Order of Merit title, guided his Pepsi-1 team to a fourth-place finish with a net score of 56.1.

Nigel Benstead, Vice-President and Chief International Compliance Officer, Pepsi Co, presented the prizes in the company of Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation.

Benstead congratulated the winners and promised to continue his support to the event which has become a popular fixture on the domestic circuit.

Saeed Albudoor lauded all the players for braving the heat and contributing to the success of the tournament. “We couldn’t have asked for

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a better finale to our season. The scores amply reflect on the intensity of the competition,” he said.

“The Emirates Golf Federation will try and create more playing opportunities especially for juniors in the next season. We have some of the best courses in the world and golf is flourishing. We need to keep the momentum going,” he added.

Special prizes were also presented to Shloka Desai, the Most Improved Junior, and Daniel Hendry, the Junior Player of the Year.

The winning Pepsi-2 team with Nigel Benstead and Saeed Albudoor at the prize presentation.

ArAbiAn Golf

RICHARDSON TAKES EGF OPENING HANDICAP SCHEME MEDAL

SIMON Richardson turned in a solid performance to win the first Handicap Scheme Medal event of the summer at Jebel Ali Golf Resort& Spa in June as he defied the heat to card a gross 78 and dominate Division ‘A’.

The competition in Division ‘B’, which followed the individual Stableford format, turned out to be a close affair with Ricky Whiting taking the title from Daniel Hicks on a card countback after the pair finished with 36 points.

While Hicks missed out of the top prize in Division ‘B’, he did take home the Nearest the Pin honours on hole 17. On hole 18 Richardson made it two wins on the day by booming the Longest Drive down the fairway.

Wendy Ayling took the Ladies Division with 30 points while John Coupland also made it onto to the podium, carding the best net score of the day with a 72.

The Handicap Scheme Medals offer a great opportunity to Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) members to try and improve upon on their respective handicaps while playing a round of golf at very reasonable rates.

“We are very pleased with the overall response to the tournament which was the first of our five-event summer series,” said Saeed Albudoor,

General Manager of the EGF. “Despite hot and humid conditions, the players turned up in good numbers which amply shows there is no dearth of enthusiasm for the game here in the UAE. I would also like to congratulate the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa for all their support in making the event a great success.”

The Handicap Scheme Medals have played a key role in promoting the game of golf. They are meant for golfers who are not members of a club, but are enrolled with the EGF. In addition to regular golf days, the players (subject to their playing standard) can attain a handicap according to the USGA Handicapping system, introduced recently.

With the number of golfers increasing at a rapid pace, the medal events will provide enthusiastic golfers easy access to the courses in the UAE. Richardson’s win was in the first of a five-event medal summer series while the winter series will be held from September this year.

“It has always been our constant endeavour to bring back these handicap events to our calendar as feel we golf enthusiasts who are not members of any club deserve an opportunity to start playing golf or, if they already play, to get better,”

Above: Prizewinners from the Handicap Scheme Medal with Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Club Federation, (third right) and Stuart McMurdo of Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa (fourth right).

continued Albudoor. “Since most of these handicap events will be held on Friday, we look forward to having a good turn-out. There are limited places for each event, but we will try and increase the number depending upon the response from the golfers. I appeal to all golfers to come and join us for these exciting events throughout of the summer.”

Left: Saeed Albudoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation.

SCHEDULE OF SUMMER HANDICAP EVENTS: July 30 – Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club August 14 – Arabian Ranches Golf Club September 24 – The Els Club at Dubai Sports City

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67

MCIlROY TO sTaR In EgYpTIan OpEn

R

ORY McIlroy will be the star attraction at this year’s Egyptian Open when the tournament gets underway as a full European Challenge Tour event for the first time.

Cairo’s JW Marriott Mirage City Golf Club will host the Egyptian Open – one of the world’s oldest Open golf events from October 20-23 – and World No.9 McIlroy will join the cream of the European Challenge Tour at what is the penultimate event of the season.

For McIlroy it will mean a short break from The European Tour just weeks after his expected debut in The Ryder Cup and a month prior to the end of The Race to Dubai.

“I’m very excited about the chance of playing in Egypt for the first time,” said McIlroy. “It’s not a country you would think about as a home for golf but I’ve heard about the courses there, the history of the Egyptian Open and the developments that are coming online. I can’t wait to see it for myself.”

Egyptian Golf Federation Chairman Ayman Hussein is delighted to have attracted McIlroy to the event and expressed his gratitude to The European Challenge Tour for acknowledging the tournament’s prestige.

“Following the success of the event in 2009 and the support we received from the Challenge Tour, we are proud that the Egyptian Open has achieved full European 68

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Challenge Tour status and is now part of the official Order of Merit,” he said.

“To have one of the world’s best players agree to join us for the 2010 tournament is a wonderful bonus. Having Rory McIlroy with us will help focus attention on Egypt, a country we firmly believe has a bright golfing future to match its reputation as the original home of the game in the Middle East. I am sure he will be guaranteed a warm welcome not only from Egyptian golf fans but also from the players of the European Challenge Tour.”

McIlroy picked up his first European Tour title at the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic and earlier this year he broke into the top 10 on the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time with a sensational victory at the Quail Hollow Championship on the US PGA Tour. The youngster, who was two days shy of his 21st birthday, shot a final-round 62 to win by four strokes from newly crowned Masters champion Phil Mickelson and become the youngest winner in America

Above: Rory McIlroy celebrates winning his first US PGA Tour title at the Quail Hollow Championship.

“To have one of the world’s best players agree to join us for the 2010 tournament is a wonderful bonus after achieving full European Challenge Tour status.”

– Ayman Hussein, EGF Chairman

EGyPTIAN OPEN

Top: Celebration time for The European Tour and the newly reformed Egyptian Golf Federation as Nick Tarratt (Director, The European Tour International - Dubai Office), Gerard Bent (Golf Manager, Egyptian Golf Federation), Ayman Hussein (Chairman, Egyptian Golf Federation), Mohammed El Attar (Vice Chairman, Egyptian Golf Federation) all hold the historic Egyptian Open Trophy.

Rory McIlroy proudly holds aloft the huge Dubai Desert Classic trophy following his one-stroke victory over Justin Rose at the 2009 tournament.

since Tiger Woods won the Las Vegas Invitational in 1996 aged 20 years and 10 months. Home-based players looking to rub shoulders with McIlroy, last year’s champion Steven Tiley and the cream of the European Challenge Tour will have the opportunity of securing their places in a number of events staged between now and the tournament itself.

As well as the Closed Championship of Egypt, the Egyptian Amateur Open and the Red Sea Amateur Open, players can qualify from their standings in the Egyptian PGA rankings with amateurs having to be of 3 handicap or less to be eligible.

Hussein added: “It is especially exciting for us is to have allocated the top five spots in the 54-hole Egyptian Amateur Open to be held September 30 to October 2 at Katameya Heights Golf and Tennis Resort to qualify to play in the 2010 Egyptian Open.”

Now in its 24th year, the European Challenge Tour has developed into a proven training ground where the stars of the future can hone their skills over 72-hole competition and under differing conditions in a substantial number of countries within Europe and beyond.

Widely regarded as a valuable stepping-stone onto The European Tour, the Challenge Tour has achieved incredible growth. It caters for aspiring, ambitious young hopefuls who aim to follow in the footsteps of Challenge Tour graduates such as Thomas Björn, Michael Campbell, Niclas Fasth, Trevor Immelman, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and Oliver Wilson. In 2009, the European Challenge Tour carried a total prize fund of more than €4 million during a season of 24 tournaments in 18 countries.

“We were impressed with the way the event was staged last year and received very positive feedback from all of the players who took part,” said Nick Tarratt, Director The European Tour International, Dubai Office. “The fact that Egypt will be the last chance of qualification for the 45 places available at the end-of-season Grand Final in Italy means Cairo will command a strong field.” n

Above: Last year’s champion Steven Tiley will be back to defend his title when the 2010 Egyptian Open makes its full debut as part of the European Challenge Tour in October.

“We were impressed with the way the event was staged last year and received very positive feedback from all of the players who took part.” – Nick Tarratt www.wwgolf.biz

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egyptian gOLF FeDeRatiOn NEWS

ANTON BergsTrOm TAkes The red seA AmATeur OpeN By sTOrm

A

NTON Bergstrom secured a place in the European Challenge Tour’s Egyptian Open in October this year by winning the 2010 Red Sea Amateur Open Championship earlier this month.

The Swede closed with a 73 for a winning total of 226 over the stunning Gary Player-designed course at Soma Bay, to finish eight shots clear of second placed Ali Hammoud.

Bergstrom, who accepted the invitation to Soma Bay shortly before the Championship, is the first European golfer to win this event, which has become one of the strongest events in the region.

In addition to the winner earning a place in the 2010 European Challenge Tour’s Egyptian Open, the event also carried official R&A World Ranking points.

With an impressive two-round total of 75 points in challenging, windy conditions Egyptian junior team member Hassan Said took home the 2010 Soma Bay Open Stableford held in conjunction with the Red Sea Amateur Open.

Said was tied with the USA’s Bill Huckaby after round one but in stronger winds on day two he stormed ahead to take the title.

The 12 year old Katameya Heights member saw his handicap reduced to 10 after his performance and it capped the end of an impressive season.

Hide Nishihira of Japan became the 2010 Red Sea

45 peOple ‘Try gOlf fOr free’ AT pOrTO mAriNA The Egyptian Golf Federation’s ‘Try Golf for Free’ initiative moved to the North Coast recently with Porto Marina providing the venue for the latest round of introductory classes.

Conducted by the EGF’S Golf Development Officer, Richard Phillips, and with the assistance of Porto Marina’s three resident professionals, a total of 45 people tried the game for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

This promotion will continue at Porto Marina during the summer months.

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Ladies Open Champion with a winning total of 176 which was good enough to beat Maha El Senoussi by seven strokes. Third place went to Dreamland member Nagwa Kamy who managed rounds of 93 and 92 for a 185 total. Tournament host, Dr. Farid Saad, enjoyed a convincing victory in the Super Senior category over Roger Dally with Mike Triggs finishing third.

The winners take their place on the podium.

Ahmed shindy, shams Bahaa, Ahmed hassan and ismael Bahaa win the global Brands Junior pro-Am THE team of Ahmed Shindy, Shams Bahaa, Ahmed Hassan and Ismael Bahaa won the Global Brands Junior Pro-Am with an amazing 19-under-par 125 over the Championship course at Mirage City.

The first Junior Pro-Am of its kind, presented by Global Brands, saw an impressive entry of 27 teams competing for honours with the format seeing the best two scores per hole recorded from each four-man team.

CONviNCiNg 17-7 viCTOry fOr The prOfessiONAls’ TeAm BY taking the singles matches by 11-5, the Professional EPGA team won the fourth Challenge Match trophy by a convincing 17-7 margin following a superb two days of match play golf at Stella Di Mare Golf Resort.

At the prize presentation both teams were

honoured with medals and the Challenge Match trophy was presented to the Professionals’ Captain, Steven Wilson, from Amateur Captain Ghassan Kabbani.

Both Captains thanked the event’s sponsors and the host club Stella Di Mare.

GOLF SOCIETY LEAGUE

igf lifT The firsT gOlf sOCieTy TiTle

T

HE Indian Golf Society (IGS) produced a virtuoso performance in the final of the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club’s Golf Society League to win the inaugural title with a 6-0 victory against the Wadi Gators.

Stand-in Captain Sunil Aggarwal (16) led his two teams to 4&3 victories against the Wadi Gators in a dominating display.

Wadi Gators captain Andrew Say (9) admitted that they gave it their best shot but came up against an inspired opposition. “They were just too good for us on the day,” he sighed.

At the prize presentation Aggarwal said: “I must thank Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club for such an excellent inaugural league. They always presented the course in immaculate condition and I think I can

say on behalf of everyone who took part that we had a superb time throughout the competition. I also must acknowledge the sponsors for their valued support.

The play-off for third place also took place ahead of the final between Gulf Rock and The Lebanese Golf Society and it was the Gulf Rock teams who romped to victory to collect third place. Shane Devlin (15), Chris Millward (13), Bernie Moral (16) and captain Barry Nefdt (13) won their matches 2&1 and 4&3.

SGSC Director of Golf, Martin Duff, once again thanked the sponsors and also extended his sincere appreciation to all the participating societies and in particular their captains who all contributed hugely towards a resoundingly successful event.

The winning Indian Golf Society Team collect their prizes.

MATCH

DATE

TEAMS

RESULT

3rd Place

26th June 2010

Gulf Rock Vs Lebanese Golf Society

6-0

Final

26th June 2010

Wadi Gators Vs Indian Golf Socieyu

0-6

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DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YAChT CLUB

BMW drives to the top

The winning BMW team receives their Crystal Gallery trophies from David Gray, Golf Operations Executive at Dubai Creek.

THE inaugural Dubai Creek Corporate Masters saw eight local companies who brought golf days to Dubai Creek last season come together and battle it out for honours in a pairs betterball Stableford event.

The BMW team of Stathis Stathis, Nick Evangeloplous, Gurbax Singh, Moshe Kohli, Satnam Kaur, Sandeep Singh, Paul Dennis and Anil Shivana drove straight to the top of the leaderboard with a points total of 127 and won by an impressive 11 points from their nearest rivals Technical Access Services, who finished with 116.

Gurbax Singh from AGMC BMW said: “Thank you to the Creek for organising such a lovely get together and especially to all the companies and players who took part to make the day a great success.”

LEE WINS DUBAI DUTY FREE GOLF CUP 2010 D.D. LEE was crowned the Dubai Duty Free Golf Cup champion for 2010 at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in late June after firing a gross 82 for 43 Stableford points and a fourpoint victory.

In the Men’s Division, Peter Traber clinched the title with a countback victory over defending champion Ivan Lawson after the pair each finished with 39 points.

However, Lawson clinched the overall gross prize for the day with a wonderful score of 1-under-par 70.

Joy Lirio won the overall Ladies Division with a very consistent 36-point haul for a one-point victory over Satnam Kaur with Suad Ghalib finishing third on 29 points.

The overall Junior Division was highly contested and it was Paul Saad who took home the silverware with 36 points.

George Horan, Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said: “The annual Dubai Duty Free Golf Cup has been running for 18 years and the tournament has grown quite popular, with 98 entries this year. I would like to thank Dubai Creek for organising this wonderful event and I look forward to seeing you all next year.”

George Horan (left), Deputy Managing Director and Nic Bruwer (right) Human Resources Manager of Dubai Duty Free presenting D.D. Lee (centre) with the Champion’s Trophy.

2 0 1 0 M AT C h P L AY C h A M P I O N S A N N O U N C E D

Jacklyn Quadras from Sales and Marketing Omega Middle East and Club Captain Adel Zarouni presenting the winners with the Omega prizes and Champions Trophy.

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DUBAI Creek Golf & Yacht Club staged its Omega Match Play competitions throughout the 2009/2010 season and after 186 members competed in the three divisions of Gents Singles, Gents Doubles and Ladies Singles three overall champions have finally been crowned.

In the Gents Doubles Division the duo of John Thomas and Alok Pant took the title with a convincing 5&4 win against Abdul Aziz Al Hakim and Charles Jones.

The Gents Singles Match Play Division witnessed the young Paul Saad dominate his way through the early round matches and into the final to play Paul Chader who played consistently well and triumphed over Paul King

in the semi final. The final saw a ding-dong battle between the two Pauls and it was Saad who prevailed, finishing the match off on the 14th green.

In the Ladies Division Vennesa North and Nasha Sarkari had seen off some tough competition to reach the finals and it was North who prevailed in a thrilling match by 2&1 to secure her maiden Match Play title.

“Omega has long been associated with the royal and ancient game of golf, and as golf is growing tremendously we are proud to contribute to and associate ourselves with this development, especially within the booming city of Dubai,” said Omega Vice President, Raynald Aeschlimann.

ArAbiAn Golf

KiNG oF the CreeK THE 2010 Dubai Creek Monthly Medal Order of Merit was decided in May with Paul King conquering Division ‘A’ with 590 points, more than double the number of second-placed Kennon Rider, who collected 270.

King finished no worse than fourth place in every medal that he played, which is a remarkable feet of consistency round the challenging Creek course. King also triumphed in the Gross Division with an amazing total of 630, beating close friend Miki Mirza to the title by 120 points.

In the men’s Division ‘B’ Alok Pant was the deserved winner with a total of 400 points, 70 points clear of his nearest rival Chris Farrar. Pant only missed one medal all season and didn’t finish lower than ninth – a great

achievement for the 17 handicapper. Maureen Platt was crowned the Ladies Champion, also with a total of 590 points, from close rival Joy Lirio who finished in second place with 530 points.

Platt didn’t finish outside third place in her last six medal in the division and that great run of form saw her end the year victorious.

Diya Chopra was crowned Junior Champion with a points haul of 440 to finish 120 points ahead of her closest challenger Shloka Desai. David Stevenson, Sales and Marketing Manager for Prosports said: “It has been a great privilege for Titleist to sponsor the new Order of Merit Series at Dubai Creek and congratulations to all of the well deserved winners.”

Location: Deira, opposite Deira City Centre. contact: Tel : + 9714 295 6000 dcgyc@dubaigolf.com Book online tee times at www.dubaigolf.com info: First Open 1993, redesigned in 2005.

Course: 18 holes, Par 71, 6,857 yards, Championship course.

Original Designer: Karl Litten.

Redesign: European Golf Design in association with Thomas Björn.

Pictured: (l-r) Club Captain, Adel Zarouni and Gross and Division ‘A’ winner Paul King alongside David Stevenson, Sales and Marketing Manager of Prosports.

E A S T T E A M TA K E S T h E C R E E K C U P DUBAI Creek Club Captain Adel Zarouni’s East Team triumphed at The Creek Cup recently after they secured a grand total of 362 Stableford points to take the title.

The 10 highest scores from each team of 30 players were added up and the East Team were left victorious, 13 points ahead of the Vice Captain Joseph Andrade’s West Team.

The contributing ten players were: Rishad Lakdawala (42), Ashok Galgotia (41), Joy Lirio (37), Jai Bhalla (37), Naresh Handa (36), Rayhan Thomas (36), Ashok Kumar (35), Viney Mehra (33), Arshad Waheed (33) and Naema Maya with 32 points by the better back nine. The West Team was only 13 points adrift but had to settle for the runners-up spot for the fourth year in a row.

Lakadawala was handed the ‘Best Individual’ prize while Stuart Deeson and Aditya Judge won the ‘Nearest the Pin’ and ‘Long Drive’ challenges respectively.

Above: DCGYC Club Vice Captain Joseph Andrade presenting the Creek Cup to the winning East Team Captain and Club Captain Adel Zarouni.

Left: The East Team Captain Adel Zarouni (third from left) proudly presents the retained Creek Cup along with the winning team members. www.wwgolf.biz

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ArAbiAn Golf

EMIRATES GolF CluB

Rasmussen Wins medal GRand Final

LOCATION emirates Hills, interchange 5 Sheikh Zayed road, opposite the Hard rock Café CONTACT (04) 380 2222 egc@dubaigolf.com Book online tee times at www.dubaigolf.com

THE KEGS Gentlemen’s Golf Society recently held their DASA Monthly Mug competition on the Floodlit Faldo course which was split into two handicap categories that played simultaneously on the front and back nines. Competitors were vying for the individual Strokeplay and Stableford prizes on offer donated by Dubai Arabian Shipping Agency (DASA).

Category ‘A’ players (hcp 1-19) tackled the front nine in a Strokeplay format and it was Drew Steedman who took the honours with a superb 3-under-par 33, winning by one stroke from two players. Andrew Parvin took second place after he defeated Scott Kemp on a card countback, with both players home with a net 34.

In Category ‘B’ (hcp 19-28) players played the back nine off a full handicap allowance in a Stableford format and the overwhelming winner was Frank Hartley who scored 28 points from his 21 handicap. Eight points back in second place was Darryl Petersen while Andrew Bannister scored 18 points for third place.

Philip Reilly of DASA said: “I’m really very pleased to see such a good turn out for the event and the scoring has been excellent, my congratulations go to all of today’s winners.”

INFO majlis Course – 1988 Faldo Course – 1996, re-designed in 2006 COURSES majlis – 18 holes, par 72, 7,211 yards, Championship course Faldo Course – 18 holes, par 72, 7,433 yards DESIgNERS: majlis Course – Karl litten Faldo course – Sir Nick Faldo

DASA Managing Director Phillip Reilly (right) hands out prizes to Category ‘A’ winner Drew Steedman (left ) and Category ‘B’ winner Frank Hartley.

Neale to0 Hot to HaNdle iN Summer opeN JOEL Neale produced a scintillating performance in the Emirates Summer Open supported by Titleist, Ping and Footjoy. Despite the extremely high humidity levels and soaring temperatures Neale finished his round like a true Champion.

He started his round on the second hole and a slow start saw him 2-over after his first eight holes. He began the back nine with an eagle three on the 527-yard 10th. Four straight pars followed and then a staggering run of five birdies on holes 15, 16, 17, 18 and 1 saw him post a gross 67.

Neale’s closest challenger was Miki Mirza from Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club who signed for a 1-over par 73. Ian Scott claimed third with a gross 76.

desai impResses in summeR seRies openeR SHLOKA Desai took the honours in the first event of the Dubai Golf Summer Series after a superb 38-point Stableford haul from a ¾ handicap allowance over the floodlit Faldo course.

Despite taking time away from playing regularly due to exams, Desai produced the round of the day with the highlight coming at the 317yard par-4 seventh, where she made birdie.

Three points back in second place was EGC’s Charlie Stricklin, who signed for a 35-point tally, while Mark McCarthy from the EGF claimed third place one point further back. Jamie Webb from The Address Montgomerie, Dubai took fourth place after losing out on a podium place to McCarthy following a card countback.

The other stand out performance on the night was that of Nasha Sarkari from Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club who fired a gross 80 to take best gross of the night.

Also in the prizes, sponsored by Ecco, were Rabih Sfeila and Jeff Ogden for their efforts on the Nearest the Pin holes.

Over the series the best three of four Stableford scores will be tabulated and the individual with the highest amount of points will win the grand prize sponsored by Etihad Airways and be declared the Dubai Golf Sumer Series Champion.

The next fixture in the series is to be held at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club on Saturday 31st July. www.wwgolf.biz

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arabian ranches GOLF CLUB

Latham Laps it up KAREN Latham topped the pile in the May Ladies Social event sponsored by Ecco with a splendid haul of 40 Stableford points. Latham scores 20 points on each nine to beat Haide Wright and Ireane McBain by one point and it was Wright who took second place outright by virtue of her better inward half of 23 points. Fourth and fifth places went to Louise Doyle and Anne Baxter on 36 and 35 points respectively.

tayLOr and ParsOns win the LexUs BetterBaLL

Club Captains John Hainey and Fortuna Dougherty, with the winning teams.

GOOd sCOres in shamBLes team event THE four-player team consisting of Deep (20) and Rohan Marwaha (20), Leigh Kendall (16) and Alan Kelly (18) returned a score of 105 Stableford points to win the Marble Renewal & Speed Cleaning “Shambles” Team event in June.

The team posted an outward half of 50 and an inward half of 55 for their total to win by three from Andy Scanlan, Daryl Blanchard, Ed Morgan and Mark Monkhouse.

Graham Alban from Marble Renewal, Terry Vaughan from Speed Cleaning and ARGC Club Captain John Hainey are pictured with the winning team.

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MARK Taylor (20) and John Parsons (21) scored 47 Stableford points to win the Lexus Betterball of Partners event in late May. Their card consisted of two halves of 23 and 24 points after starting on hole 7 in the shotgun format and scored four net birdies and a net eagle with only one blemish on the par-4 fourth hole where they managed only one point.

Taylor and Parsons continued their steady play on the back nine with five further net birdies on their way to posting the winning total.

The Champions were closely pursued by eventual runners-up Andre Coetzee and Nigel Fenwick who came home with 46 points.

In the Ladies/Mixed Division Graham (15) and Sheila Alban (16) took the spoils with a great performance, scoring 46 Stableford points.

swan and mcKeLvey win JuLy’s RivoLi medaL GARY Swan (4) returned a gross 1-over-par 73 to win the July Rivoli Monthly Medal supported by Ecco by two shots from Andy Burrow and Tony Dougherty.

“We appreciate the support from Rivoli who make this a premier event for members to compete in every month,” said Swan who carded nines of 35 and 38 for his winning score. “The front nine was tricky but I managed to keep the bogeys off the card and limit the damage to a 38.”

In the Ladies division, Adele McKelvey (4) added the July title to her trophy cabinet when she won the Ladies Gross title with an excellent 80.

The Men’s ‘A’ Division Net title belonged to Shabir Yakub (10) who posted a brilliant 67 to edge out Graham Atherton by one shot while in the ‘B’ Division Stephen Sanderson (14) took the spoils after a countback with Tony Grayling after both players posted a net 68.

Club Captain John Hainey is pictured with the winners.

ArAbiAn Golf

austin huRLbut taKes the June monthLy medaL AUSTIN Hurlbut (4) returned a gross 3-over-par 75 to win the June Rivoli Monthly Medal supported by Ecco in difficult conditions.

Hurlbut produced a brilliant performance over the windswept course as he carded nines of 38 and 37 and won by a countback over Mark Sayer and Steve Bennett.

“We appreciate the support from Rivoli making this the premier event for the members to compete in every month,” said Hurlbut. “The front nine was tricky in windy conditions but luckily I had a few shots to spare.”

The Division A Net title belonged to Jonathan Skittrall (12) who posted a brilliant net 68 to edge out Christian Futschik by four shots while in Division B Mark Sayer (13) posted the round of the day when he scored a gross 75 for a net 62 to win by nine shots from Chris Tometzki.

In the Ladies division, Tracy Karai (16) scored 86 to win her first Rivoli Gross title while the Ladies Net title went to Kun Sun Kwon with a 72, edging out Annie Hainey by six shots.

Location: emirates road (311) in the heart of arabian ranches. contact: tel : +971 4 366 3000 tel : +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 BakerFinch in association with nicklaus design. course: Championship Course 7691-yard par 72.

John Hainey ARGC Club Captain with the winners.

KendaLL and KeLLy win the tOyOta twO PLayer THE duo of Leigh Kendall and Alan Kelly were crowned the Two-Player Strokeplay Scramble Champions in the fifth event of the Al Futtaim Motors Order of Merit series sponsored by Toyota in June with a superb display of ball striking.

The pair the most of their opportunities on a day when everything seemed to go their way. They combined for four gross birdies to give them an outward half of 34 and an inward half of 37 for a gross 71 and a net 60.5. Their victory was by a small margin from runners-up Graham Wood and Owen Mills who posted a net 62.7.

The best gross prize on the day went to Detlef Proeschold and Colin Graham as they posted a 66. Mills and Wood matched that winning gross score but a better outward half gave Graham and Proeschold the victory.

In the Ladies/Mixed Division Mark and Karen Evans ran out victors with a brilliant net 60.7, beating Adrienne Fullerton and Paul Clark to the title as they could only manage a net 62.9.

COnnOr and saLem win the tnt CLassiC WAYNE Connor and Aziz Salem scored 49 Stableford points to win the TNT Classic Betterball of Partners in June.

Each player used their handicap index as the allowance to be taken at the appropriate stroke index holes and the best net score between the two players was recorded in Stableford points at each hole.

A net score of par scored 2 points, net birdie 3 points, net eagle 4 points and a net bogey1 point.

Connor and Salem’s card consisted of two halves of 24 and 25 points for their total to beat Mark Taylor and John Parson by two points.

In the Ladies/Mixed Division Tony Stroud and Adrienne Fullerton ran out winners with 46 Stableford points, one clear of runners-up Graham and Sheila Alban.

From right: Scott Sullivan of sponsors Callaway, Khalid Attieh 2010 Winner and Net Champion Douglas McLennan.

KhaLid attieh tRiumphs at singLe FiguRe chaLLenge KHALID Attieh returned a gross level-par 72 to win the Callaway Spring Single Figure Challenge in late May by three strokes from Douglas McLennan.

The 1-handicapper shot nines of 37 and 35 from the back tees to win from McLennan (7) who missed out on the gross title but did take the Net prize with his 68. Francois Wolfaardt, Golf Manager, said: “The course played tough today and had a Competition Standard Scratch of 76 with only five players from the 52 breaking 80. It is nice to see Khalid win as he is only going to be 16 this year but his accuracy is second to none and he was itching to win this title.” www.wwgolf.biz

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AL BADIA Golf CluB Riley takes the July Medal THE July Monthly Medal was played in the hottest temperatures of the year so far but despite the heat a winner still had to be crowned and it was Chet Riley who prevailed after winning the overall prize.

Brett Armstrong went about things very nicely with a 72 to win the gross prize while in Division ‘A’ 7-handicapper Charles Kinniburgh scored a net 74 for a three-stroke win over Kieran O’Connor.

By scoring pars on most holes, Matthew Thompson took the honours in Division ‘B’ after carding a score of net 73 which edged Sergie Neiger into second place after a countback.

With the big stick behaving very nicely Russell James bagged both the on course driving competitions – the Longest and Straightest Drive on holes 9 and 12 respectively – while the Nearest the Pin winners were Mark Holmans and Neil Grant.

(L) Overall Winner, Chet Riley, and (R) Academy Processional, Joanne Bates.

Crotty and Vanson C l i n C h J u ly ’ s o f f i C e l a n d M o n t h ly o p e n GREAT numbers attended the Officeland Monthly Open last month despite the searing heat beating down on the course and it was Liam Crotty and Steven Vanson who coped best with a superb display of golf.

Players paired up with the aim of earning a ticket for the finale of this prestigious tournament series and Crotty and Vanson claimed their place with a Stableford haul of 46 points.

Officeland’s own Mark Bryant and playing partner Ashok Kumargot made a flying start with a birdie in their first hole and their hot streak continued on the back nine as they totalled up 44 points for second place, one point ahead of Jeremy Hallet and Tim Swain.

(left – right) Academy Professional, Mathew Parker, Overall Winner Liam Crotty, and Clubhouse Manager, Oliver Tritschler.

jumeIrAh Golf estates haake hoses down the FiRe CouRse NICOLE Haake became the first female winner of a Monthly Medal at JGE by topping the pile in May over the Fire Course. Haake fired an impressive net 69 to pip Robert Duce to the title by virtue of her better back nine. Tommy Johnson secured third place with a solid net 71 against the course par of 72.

Scratch player Bilbo Perrot produced another consistent display to win the best gross prize with a 5-over-par 77.

leu and lu win audi quattRo Cup Regional Final FOR more than two decades the Audi quattro Cup has been one of the most popular tournament series for amateur golfers and at the Middle East regional final recently the married couple Sami Leu and Christina Lu from Dubai qualified for the grand world finale to be staged on the island of Sardinia from 8 to 12 October.

Some 300 golfers had been competing to reach the crucial final round of the Audi quattro Cup in four regional tournaments in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait and Dubai during the course of the year. Greg Norman’s Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates provided the setting for the close of the Dubai heat and over the two-day finale Leu and Lu prevailed with 40 Stableford points.

“The course was

allans set the paCe at MeMbeRs and guests gReensoMes 78

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quite challenging,” said Leu, who won the Audi Quattro Cup regional final before in 2007 with another playing partner. “Our strategy was to enjoy ourselves and focus on the game and on every single shot.”

In second place with 36 Stableford points were the Dubai based Burhan Mohamed and Abizher Mohamed followed by Mohammad Murad and Deano Hopwell from Abu Dhabi one point back.

THE June Members and Guest tournament held over the Fire Course saw David and Eniy Allan record a net score of 68 to beat Mitsuko Emmerson and her guest Mr Tagaki by one stroke, while third place went to David Domanski and Matther Carton.

ArAbiAn Golf the ADDress montgomerIe duBai

Location: Just off the 5th interchange of sheik Zayed road towards emirates hills. follow signs for emirates hills and then follow signs for the Montgomerie, dubai. contact: tel: +9714 390 5600 fax: +9714 360 8981 info: opened october 2002 course: 18 hole Championship 7308 yard par 75 from the Black pearl tee; 6753 yard par 72 from the sapphire tee; 6172 yard par 69 from the emerald tee; 5401 yard par 71 from the ruby tee 9-hole academy Course

dinuCCi shoots low to win the Final eCCo Medal oF the season KURT Dinucci shot a gross 76 to win the final Ecco Medal of the 09/10 season by two strokes from Keith Stacey.

In the Ladies Gross Division Kerry Fitzpatrick capped a successful day by winning the first prize while in the Men’s Net Division ‘A’ Sam Constance took the honours with a fine net 66. The Ladies Division ‘A’ was taken by Francis Milne who carded a 68 in testing conditions.

In the Men’s Division ‘B’ Alex Kuk scored a net 67 to take the title and in the Ladies Division ‘B’ the same score saw Julie Yoon emerge victorious.

In the on-course competitions Kerry Fitzpatrick took home Nearest the Pin

Designer: Colin Montgomerie

and a Long Drive prizes while Nadir Mohammdi and Kurt Dinicci also picked up prizes for Nearest the Pin and Long Drive respectively.

The final Ecco Medal helped crown the Ecco Champion of Champions as all the previous month’s winners competed against each other to finally establish who would be crowned the most consistent player of the season.

The Men’s Champion of Champions was Keith Stacey while the Ladies title went to Angela Lee. The Net Division helped cap a fine day for the Lee household as Robert Lee was awarded the Men’s title while Julie Yoon took the Ladies Net trophy.

l e e s l ay C l a i M t o 2 0 1 0 Mixed open THE 2010 Mixed Open sponsored by AGMC BMW and Tourism Malaysia saw a full field come out to play in the two person shamble event and the pairing of Angela and Robert Lee took home the honours in Division ‘A’ with a superb net 65.

Mark and Angela Calvert were victorious in Division ‘B’, defeating Gurbax Singh and Nina Lahm by three strokes.

bRash day at the June Citizen guest JOHN Brash teamed up with Marcus Wallman for a four-shot victory in the Gross Division of the June Rivoli Citizen Guest day.

The Net ‘A’ Division saw Alex Kuk and Cedric Fevre take home the title with a net 65 while in Division ‘B’ the same score was good enough for Nitin Puri and Suneesh Menon to top the pile.

Nearest to the Pin winners were Debbie Murray and Robert Lee while the Longest Drive prizes went to Rita Walker and Gareth Roy Venter.

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WHICH NEW IRON FITS YOUR GAME� Are you looking for maximum forgiveness or do you like to work the ball? The large, perimeter weighted G15 provides higherlaunching, longer carrying shots and the accuracy to hit more greens. The i15 is a mid-sized head that offers workability with cavity-back forgiveness. It’s engineered as a progressive set to deliver forgiveness in the long irons and more control in the mid- and short-irons.

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

ArAbiAn Golf DOHA Golf Club

Location: Close to West bay lagoon, 8km north of central Doha.

Mufleh wins June’s Guardian wealth Medal

contact: +974 483 2338 info@dohagolfclub.com

DESPITE gusts of up to 25mph, a total of 94 players took to the course for the June edition of the Guardian Wealth Monthly Medal and it was Abdul Aziz Mufleh who coped best in the wind with an excellent gross 77 for a net 71 to win Flight ‘A’.

Mufleh took the top spot by virtue of a countback from John De Groat who carded a gross 80 for the same net score but had to settle for second place.

In Flight ‘B’ Abdul Aziz Al Mohannadi was victorious with a gross 86 from his handicap of 18 for a net score of 68 to defeat Katsumi Aoki by three shots, while in the Ladies Division Susie Dagless took the honours with a net 75.

info: 18-hole 7,374-yard par-72 Championship course accompanied by a floodlit 9-hole academy Course with spectacular views of the West bay lagoon.

Designed by Peter harradine.

s a l e h a l i M i s b a h ta k e s J u n e VoDafone leaGue MeDal SALEH Ali Misbah took home the first event of the Vodafone Summer League in June with a countback victory over Ian McInerney in Flight ‘A’. Ali Misbah scored a gross 75 for a net 70 while McInerney shot a 74 for the same net score. However, Ali Misbah’s better back nine saw him walk away with the title.

Flight ‘B’ was won by CS Chandesekeran with a gross score of 92 for a net 66 and in second place was Abdul Aziz Al Mohannadi with a gross 88 for a net 68.

J o h n D e G r o at t a k e s J u ly ’ s s ta b l e f o r D

JULY’S Vodafone Stableford was played in the searing July heat but John De Groat held firm to win Flight ‘A’ with 38 Stableford points. His back nine of 21 points saw him secure the title from junior member Manu Chandesekeran.

Flight ‘B’ was won by Abdul Aziz Al Muhannadi with a score of 39 points as he pipped Pratyush Jain to the title by one point. Aziz’s win puts him top of the ongoing Vodafone Summer League Order of Merit.

nailed on victory for nels WINDS as strong as 25mph couldn’t knock Nels Michael Jensen off course as he won Flight ‘A’ of the July InterContinental Mug with a superb haul of 38 Stableford points. Nines of 21 and 17 saw him beat Emad Al Emadi to the title by just one point.

Andy Ryan also scored 38 points to win Flight ‘B’ after some stellar play over the closing holes as he recorded 11 points from hole 15 onwards. Uzma Mir took the honours in the Ladies Division with a 37 point haul.

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ABU DHABI GolF Club

ArAbiAn Golf ContaCt: tel : +9712 558 8990

ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB LAUNCHES ‘KIDS PLAY FREE’ PROMOTION FOR SUMMER ABU Dhabi Golf Club is offering kids free rounds of golf during the summer months of 2010 with their ‘Kids Play Free’ promotion running until September 2010.

On weekdays, kids 17 years and younger can play for free with a fee paying adult on the course that is home of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Building on the popularity of the 2009 scheme, this summer’s promotion allows for more affordability for families when playing a round of golf while also giving them the opportunity for holiday bonding with their kids over the school summer break period.

Info: the 27 hole championship course, managed by the world-renowned troon Golf, weaves through undulating terrain that features palms, ornamental trees and shrubs, as well as seven spectacular saltwater lakes. the experience provides a tough-but-fair challenge, with lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers and generous greens. designed by Peter harradine, planting had begun way back in 1992, accounting for the wellestablished look the Club presented even on the day of its inauguration.

abu dhabi Juniors Party With style to Finish season

morGan Wins audi may medal

THE Abu Dhabi Golf Institute in conjunction with ESNAAD hosted a unique end of season party for members of their Junior Programme. Over 60 juniors from all classes and programmes took to the SNAG (Starting New At Golf ) Course and Skills challenges with enthusiasm and distinction.

It was a wonderful afternoon for all the juniors involved and a great way to showcase their improved skills. Congratulations to the team of Aaron Parker, Mikhala Dows, Tara Al Marzooki, Max Baldock and Ahmed Rabbani for claiming the SNAG golf competition, and to Lewis Chappell, Brodie Chappell, Freya McGlauchlin and Saif Al Humaidan for winning the SNAG Skills challenge.

TOM Morgan survived hot and humid conditions to score a superb gross 76 and take the honours in the Audi May Monthly Medal while Fiona Berry’s round of 91 secured the ladies Gross title after a countback with Sigrid Aziz.

Chris Morgan took first place in the Men’s ‘A’ Division with a 70, beating Robert Ballantyne by three strokes and Maqsood Ahmed by five.

In the Men’s ‘B’ Division Jeff Feron carded an outstanding net 69 to take the spoils by one stroke from Mark Jenkins with Anoop Snood finishing third on 71.

Although Aziz missed out on the overall Gross title she did win the ladies Silver Division ahead of Cathy Feron respectively while Ceclia Harvey took the honours in the ladies Bronze division in front of Shari Corbin.

Play indoors at abu dhabi GC this summer ABU Dhabi Golf Club has teamed up with Full Swing Golf this summer to bring the game of golf indoors.

Built for performance, the Full Swing Golf simulator offers the opportunity to play over 50 world class Championship golf courses such as The Old Course at St Andrews and Pebble Beach Golf Links to name but two – all within the indoor comforts of Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Whether a beginner or low handicapper, players can improve their game, challenge friends on some of the world’s best golf courses and even test the latest equipment.

Guests can take the opportunity to book the Full Swing Golf simulator for blocks of an hour for AED220 (for up to four people). Extra people can play for an additional charge per person.

“The game of golf is changing daily. Our team here at Abu Dhabi Golf Club felt the need to look for alternative ways to make golf more enjoyable for all levels of golfers while escaping the heat this summer,” said Ken Kosak, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Golf Club. “Whether you are a beginner or just pressed for time, having the ability to play indoors is another alternative to enjoying the game.”

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Greg Norman Collection - “The Grove”, near the Ice Rink, Dubai Mall, Tel (+9714 339 8117)

Greg Norman Collection apparel now available at our flagship store in Dubai Mall and our on course partners & retail specialists : Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Emirates Golf Club, The Els Club, Golf House, Go Sports, Dubai Duty Free and Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

ArAbiAn Golf

ABU DHABI city GOLF cLUB

Buultjens swoops to win May Medal THE May Novotel Monthly Medal saw a full turnout of 72 players take to the course in the hope of shaving points from their handicap and getting their hands on the various Division trophies provided by Novotel.

Rohan Buultjens continued his recent dominance of the Gross event, storming home with a superb 76 to take the top honours, while the fiercely competitive ‘A’ Division was won by the ever-improving Junior, Sean Tierney, who returned a typically steady net 69 off his 12 handicap.

Nicolas Van Blerk continued his hot streak with a best of the day net 62 off a 17 handicap to claim the ‘B’ Division medal.

The Men’s ‘C’ Division was won by Chendra Sen Hada who played extremely well in returning a net 65 off his 24 handicap while the Ladies Division was won by the Ladies Champion, Sharon Hall, who returned a net 72 from her 9 handicap.

JUniOrs sHine BriGHt in tHe BeacH rOtana JUniOr LeaGUe cLimax THE record-breaking Beach Rotana Junior Golf League run by Abu Dhabi City Golf Club reached a fantastic conclusion during May as the top five qualifiers from the season’s seven events played in a one-off final to determine the 2009/10 Beach Rotana Junior League Champions.

In the 3-hole event, Tanmaya Hada produced a stunning performance under pressure, coming home in just 15 shots to claim top spot while the 10-hole champion was Lukas Niederlander who blew away the field with 23 Stableford points.

The 18-hole Handicap champion was James Roberts, who shot a fantastic net 64 off his 25 Handicap, while the Gross champion was Sean Tierney who came home with a very steady 80. Tierney’s handicap has improved from 25 to 12 in six months with his hard work under the tutelage of ADCGC’s Head Pro, Steve Johns.

Hardeman takes event twO OF vOLvO Order OF merit series THE momentum created by the launch of the Volvo Order of Merit at the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club continued into its second event as a full field of 88 players produced some outstanding scoring.

Megan Hardeman took the honours after compiling an excellent haul of 43 Stableford points, beating Kamal Ashrafi to the top spot by two points. Bruce McLoed finished third on 40 points while Tim Munnerlyn and Norbert Froelich were fourth and fifth respectively after they both carded 39 points.

During the Prize Ceremony Aldrin Afonso, the Branch Sales Manager for Al-Futtaim Trading Enterprises, said: “Volvo has had a long standing commitment to support golf worldwide both at professional and club level. We are delighted to be in association with ADCGC for the continuation of these fantastic events.”

The third event of the Volvo Order of Merit Series will be held on Friday September, 10th.

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ArAbiAn Golf

AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB

Location: Just off e 11, 12 miles south of ras al khaimah

GeorGe Ward names Players’ Player of the year GEORGE Ward was awarded the title of 2009 Player’s Player of the Year at the final event of another memorable season at Al Hamra which was played with an 18-hole Strokeplay format.

The competition wrapped up the Men’s and Ladies Order of Merits as both tables were still to be resolved with 18 holes to play.

The Ladies Gross Division was claimed by Rita Hicks with a score of 81 which helped her cemented her place at the top of the Ladies Gross Order of Merit. Val Pullan finished two strokes back for second place.

The Ladies Net Division saw a card play-off separate the winner and runner-up as both Sarah De Roose and Cindy Rials finished with a net 74. After a tense countback De Roose was confirmed the winner by virtue of her better back nine.

The Men’s Gross Division was topped by the 2010 Mens Club Champion Craig McGuire after a 9-over-par gross 81 which secured the top spot seven shots ahead of George Ward.

The Men’s Net Division, similarly to the Ladies, was also decided following a card play-off with Pierre Lefebvre narrowly claiming the title ahead of Ahmed Al Mashgari after both players carded a net 71.

The season’s award categories presented on the night were the Matchplays, Order of Merits, Eclectics, Most Improved Golfers’ of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year.

Barry and Vicki Rogers were the Fourball Betterball Matchplay winners, with the defending champions Phil and Karen Mallinson finishing second.

The Ladies Matchplay winner was Rita Hicks who defeated Veraena Kondes, the two time defending champion, in the final while Hicks and Vicki Rogers were crowned the Ladies Gross and Net Order of Merit champions respectively.

Smith’S LOCaL knOwLedGe prOveS invaLUaBLe COURSE Superintendent Blair Smith took a break from perfecting the golf course to play it and it proved to be a good decision as he sank five gross pars and three bogeys for a solid 18 points to win June’s Floodlit Challenge. George Ward claimed second place on 17 points after defeating Haridas Kondath on a card countback.

contact: tel : +971 7 244 7474 Fax : +971 7 244 7423 info: Built along the arabian Gulf, the course is complimented by a large open lagoon with four inter-connected lagoons. course: 7,267 yard, par 72 18 hole course with additional par3 academy Course.

Designer: peter harradine

The Ladies Gross and Net Eclectics saw two phenomenal scores take the top spots. Hicks’ 10-under-par 62 total gave her the gross title and Liecl Ward claimed the Net title with a very tidy total of 52.2.

In the Men’s Section Eric Engelbrecht was crowned the Matchplay Champion with Pierre Lefebvre the runner-up.

Steve Rayment and Eric Engelbrecht stormed away with the Men’s Gross and Net Order of Merits respectively while in the Eclectics John Watts took top spot in the gross with a score of 63 and Sean Mahony picked up his first Al Hamra title in the Net Eclectic with a score of 47.

The most improved male golfer was handed to Engelbrecht while Sarah De Roose was awarded the most improved ladies award.

mcGuire and hicks keeP cool in the heat AS the warmer summer months began to arrive the competitive feel at Al Hamra remained high as the members braved the first true heat of summer in the May Medal.

Craig McGuire returned a gross 4-over-par 76 to win the Mens Gross Division after nines of 36 and 40 saw him complete a six-shot victory over his nearest rival Fraser Moore who returned yet another solid round of 82 to claim the runners-up spot. After a short lay-off from golf John Watts returned in explosive form to win the Mens Net Division with a superb 71 which pipped Victor Husband to the top spot by one point.

The Ladies Gross Division title was secured by Rita Hicks as she expertly navigated the two nines in 39 and 43 respectively for a superb gross score of 82.The Ladies Net title was claimed by Cindy Rials after she carved out another one of her customary solid performances and recorded a net

71. It was a fitting end to Rials’ time at Al Hamra as she took home the medal in her final outing before returning to the United States.

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ArAbiAn Golf royal golf club bAhRAiN

Location: Situated just 20 minutes drive from bahrain’s capital, Manama, the Royal Golf Club boasts the country’s only 18hole grass golf course which forms the stunning centrepiece of Riffa Views, a residential lifestyle community.

Webb and Gilzean Win TnT World Cup TournamenT THE duo of John Webb and Peter Gilzean won the TNT-sponsored World Cup tournament recently which was held in conjunction with the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals in South Africa. Webb and Gilzean shot a superb net score of 56.5 to defeat two teams to the top spot by 1.5 strokes.

Mike Eastwood and Jonty Cross secured second place from John Boland and Paul Adamson by virtue of a card countback after both teams finished on a net 58.

Despite the searing summer temperatures 90 players turned out to compete in the two person scramble and in the individual prizes Daniel Owen won the Longest Drive contest on the third hole and Martyn Wright, TNT’s country manager for Bahrain and Saudi, won the Nearest the Pin on the 12th hole.

“We would like to thank Martyn Wright and TNT for their support of this official World Cup opening event,” said Phil Jones, the Royal Golf Club’s Director of Golf Operations. “TNT is renowned for their support of golf in this region and we look forward to working with them again on other events here in Bahrain.”

contact: Tel: +973 17 750777

All the winners on the day with Martyn Wright from TNT (third from right).

DIrab GOLf & COUNTRy CLUb

L A D i e S C A p TA i N R e V e L S i N e N D O f S e A S O N pA RT y DIRAB Ladies Captain Flore Bouzann partnered Aelis Sarieddine as they compiled a superb net 169 total to win the End of Season Ladies Fun Day tournament.

Madele Burger and Evelyn Jensen finished second while Yurika Hoshino and Gudrun Barnden took third place. The eclectic winners for 2010 were ‘Alpha Group’ – Yurika Hoshino; ‘Beta Group’ – Roselyne De Parcevaux; ‘Omega Group’ – Barbara Dickinson; Best Gross 2010 – Paromita Mukherjee; Best Net 2010 – Madele Burger; Matchplay Winner 2010 – Evelyn Jensen; Sportsmanship of the Year 2010 – Madele Burger.

contact: Tel : +966 1 498 0017/8 dirabgolf@yahoo.com

Participants in the Ladies Fun Day line up after play.

dirab Takes The 2010 oasis Cup

Oasis Cup Winners Group: Winners of the recent Oasis Cup tournament at Dirab Golf & Country Club.

THE Oasis Cup was won by Dirab Golf & Country Club on home soil this year as they defeated the Aramco team of Rolling Hills in Dharan by 9.5 points to 8.5 to regain the trophy.

Dirab Captain Fahad Al Mansour led the charge in this Ryder Cup styled event, beating Guy Perry from Rolling Hills while other winners for Dirab were Julian Bennett, Rabie Fares, Patrick Kennedy, Nadeem Mirza, Karen Bridgeford, Mohamed Benamar and Jawad Shah.

K i R K S TA K e h O M e T h e 2 0 1 0 X e R OX G O L f C h A L L e N G e THE visiting husband and wife team of Lee and Jane Kirk from Dhahran won the Saudi leg of the 2010 Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge recently after a countback victory over John Morris and Matt Martin. Both pairs tied with a total of 62 in the two-person best ball medal pairs tournament but the Kirks prevailed by virtue of their better back nine.

Their victory sees them seal their place in the Grand Final on December 9th at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. Third place went to Richard Gaas and Flore Bouzann on 63 with another husband and wife team of Patrick and Liz Kennedy claiming fourth on 64.

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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.

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

ToWEr lINKS GOLf CLUb

ArAbiAn Golf Location: Ras Al Khaimah.

The course meanders through a mangrove reserve with the hajar Mountains serving as a backdrop.

CLARK CONqUeRS T h e p O w e R p L Ay f O R M AT

contact: Tel : +971 7 2279939 (Reservations Desk) golf@towerlinks.com

DAVE Clark signed for a sizzling 28 points to win the Wednesday Powerplay Stableford competition held recently. The Powerplay format rewards players who make net birdies or better on their chosen Powerplay holes thus doubling their Stableford points, and Clark took full advantage with an excellent display of golf.

Troy Richardson finished second, one point back, while his playing partner Ross Burgmann took third place with a haul of 26 points. Ajay Kotwal and Chris Parry took the Nearest the Pin prizes on holes 12 and 16 respectively while Dan Greenfield was Closest in Three shots to the 18th.

info: first Open: May 2004 18 holes Championship course. floodlit back-nine holes.

DesiGner: Gerald williams

poWer from ToWer sTep aside afTer dominaTinG viCTory THE Tower Links staff team of Gary Constable, Simon Payne, Andy Stewart and Ray Arcala proved too strong for the members in the End of Season scramble in June as they tore the course apart with a superb 56.38 net.

The colourful quartet started like touring pros in the blisteringly hot conditions as they birdied their opening five holes, pared their next five holes and made six more birdies over the eight holes that remained.

Andy Jubber, Ross Burgmann, Troy Richardson and Dan Greenfield were awarded the top spot on default with their score of 56.68 net as the professional ‘Power from Tower’ team honourably stepped down to give them the title.

The day culminated with the 2009/10 Tower Links End of Season Awards ceremony where all the winners of the various honour board events and other major competition winners received their trophies for their achievements throughout the season.

The winners are as follows: Men’s Club Champion – Matt Jones Ladies Club Champion – Liezel Parry Golfer of the Year - Graham Farrington Eclectic Gross Winner – Matt Jones Eclectic Net Winner – Yuki Pellerine Medal Final Winner – Yuki Pellerine Singles Match Play Champion – Paul McCullough Pairs Match Play Champions – Chris and Liezel Parry Black and White Challenge – Mark Reid and Gillian Wright Ball and Chain Winners – Matt Jones and Yuki Pellerine

TROy CARDS A CRACKeR TROY Richardson scored a superb 26 Stableford points to win the 9-hole Social Stableford in June by one point from Yuki Pellerine and two from Mira Yoo. In the on course prizes Terry Belton and Graham Farrington won the Nearest the Pin challenges on holes 12 and 16 respectively while the Longest Drive down the 11th fairway was struck by Andy Flubber.

READ ONLINE and more at:

www.wwgolf.biz

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ArAbiAn Golf

Katameya heights golf & Tennis club

Location: Just 20 minutes away from cairo’s international Airport and conveniently located between cairo’s elite districts of Heliopolis and Maadi.

Sophie iSSa StormS to LadieS CLub ChampionShip titLe SOPHIE Issa played with the steady consistency of an experienced pro to win the 2010 Ladies Championship, defeating Catherine Clark and Helene Guillou to the title with a superb 18-hole performance.

In her brief victory speech Issa thanked her husband and friends, Head

contact: Tel: 00202 27580512 to 17 (6 lines) fax: 00202 2758 0506 email: enquiries@ katameyaheights.com Website: www.katameyaheights.com

Professional Steven Burton and the entire Professional team.

The Ladies Net champion was Florence Debayser with two solid rounds for a combined net 132. Marilyn Helmbeck took second place while Valya Murdoch came third.

SCareLLo Crowned 2010 CLub Champion THE 2010 Katameya Heights Club Championship was the Taymour Scarello show as he took home the honours with a two-stroke victory over Gary Pyott.

Scarello opened with a 3-over-par 75 on day one to sit two shots behind leader Ronny Farag heading into day two when he stepped on the gas and carded a 74 for a 149 winning total.

The net champion was Timi Obatoyinbo who returned a combined net total of 137, winning by three strokes from runner-up Oliver Debayser.

Obatoyinbo was also crowned the Net Junior Champion while the Gross Junior Champion was Ibrahim Wakid with a 156.

T e AM usA TriuMpHs AT TH e p H ArAoH cup THE 12th annual Pharaoh Cup took place in late May and it was the team representing the USA that triumphed to extend their lead in the series to 7-5 over their Rest of the World counterparts.

After the opening day the USA had opened up a commanding 7-point lead, scoring 11.5 points to the Rest of the World’s 4.5. The deficit proved too big for the Rest of the World and after the second day’s singles matches the final score was 29-19.

At the prize presentation ceremony USA Captain Ed Helmbeck was on hand to congratulate his team for their performance over the two day event.

pLayerS of the year announCed AFTER 10 events played out over a long season it all came down to the Club Championship to decide the Player of The Year titles for men, ladies and juniors and the results are as follows: Gross Men’s Player of the Year was Taymour Abou El Kheir with 271 pts Net Men’s Player of the Year was Terry Murdoch with 210 pts Gross Ladies Player of the Year was Sophie Issa with 236.5 pts Net Ladies Player of the Year was Catherine Clark with 146 pts Category 1 Junior Player of the Year was Katherine Spangenberg with 166 pts

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Katherine Spangenberg

ArAbiAn Golf Location: 2km from Tasjeel Auto Village behind emirates road.

A five minute drive from university city.

sharjah golf & sHooTing club

de SChepper takeS the air arabia winter matCh pLay SerieS HAVING started in October last year the Air Arabia Winter Match Play series finally drew to a conclusion with titles up for grabs in singles, doubles and gross divisions.

The fast improving tennis coach Oliver De Schepper (15), who has seen his handicap drop by 12 shots over the last 12 months, faced Nabil Sharif (8) in the final of the singles match play.

De Schepper, who had been in fine form in the build up to this event, was taken all the way by Sharif but finally prevailed on the 19th hole with a par putt to be crowned Air Arabia Winter Champion 2009/10.

Ian Roberts (11) came third after beating Jacqui Stewart (18) in the third and fourth place play-off.

In the gross section hot favourite George Liu (6) played out an intriguing contest with 11-handicapper Ian Roberts.

Standing on the final tee Roberts was 1-up and after Liu found water with his drive he held on to win his first gross match play title.

In the play-off match there was another upset as Amiya Ranjan (8) defeated Ramsey Yassin (3) to take third place.

The doubles section saw husband and wife pairing Martin

(19) and Cathy (36) Geskes were up against Vinod Arya (8) and Chandan Vaidya (14) and it was a crushing victory for the low handicappers as they closed out a 5&4 victory, combining perfectly to win their first ever doubles title.

Purna Sharma (0) and Oliver Crisostomo (15) took third spot after defeating Steve Chambers (0) and Iris Ebel (11) in the play-off match.

contact: Tel: +971 6 548 7777 info@golfandshootingshj.com info: A 9 hole fully floodlit course designed by peter Harradine. played twice results in a par-72 layout in excess of 7,300 yards.

M u lT i p l e Winners in bMW MeMbers And guesT sociAl

From left: Hassna Alaoui (Corporate Travel Consultant Air Arabia), Oliver De Schepper, Ian Roberts and Vinod Arya.

life’s A beAcH for osMAn THE June Coral Beach Resort Midweek Madness was played over nine holes from the yellow tees and it was the golf-mad Duad Osman (20) who clinched his first win in the Midweek Madness series after defeating the course 4-up.

Osman recorded net birdies on holes 10, 12, 13, 15 and 16 to win in superb style by one shot from JW Chio (12).

Choi, who had five net birdies and two net bogeys, had his handicap cut from 21 to 12 after a solid run of form.

Korean YD Kim (10) finished third after some excellent play which included six pars and birdies on holes 11, 14 and 18 sealed his place within the prizes.

THE June BMW Members and Guest Social was played over 18 holes with two competitions held over the back and front nine holes, opening up more prizes to the competitors who took part.

The front nine competition was a Betterball Medal and was won by Peter Gutteridge (15) and Arjun Giri (20) in excellent style as they recorded a net 11-under-par 25. This included some excellent dovetailing between the two players with Giri, in the form of his life, making five gross pars and a net eagle at the 574-yard sixth hole to storm to victory.

The back nine competition was a Shambles Stableford and Justin Spurge (14) and Mark Belling (14) took the honours, shooting 23 points to win on a countback.

The Nearest the Pin competition was won by Sunny Ramadas (3) while the big-hitting Nabil Sharif (8) won the Longest Drive contest at the par-4 16th.

boTHA And grip MAke iT look eAsy SOUTH African duo Pieter Botha (9) and Ben Grip (13) stormed around the inward half of the course in 28 shots to win the back nine section of the BMW Members and Guest Social in May. The duo recorded a net eagle on the 11th and then had six birdies in seven holes to seal their magnificent victory.

The front nine competition was a Texas Scramble and Mike Siddaway (17) and Richard Firth (17) topped the pile with a net 33.3 Ben Grip was in the prizes again after winning the Nearest the Pin prize at the par-3 17th while big hitter Leroy Durward won the Longest Drive prize after a scorching drive on hole 7 which was close to the 300 yard mark.

From left: Richard Firth, Mike Siddaway, Leroy Durward, Ben Grip and Pieter Botha. www.wwgolf.biz

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EVERYTHING YOU WOULD WANT IN YOUR LOckER... AND MORE!

2-Thumb PuTTer GriP by Gazely AT first sight the 2Thumb Grip designed by putting expert Philip Gazeley may look a little strange but believe us, it’s no gimmick. One of the biggest factors in bad putting is the hands becoming too active and the 2Thumb Grip prevents this by allowing you to position your thumbs side by side.

This has the effect of neutralising the hands as well as allowing you to maintain a perfect ‘triangle’ shape when putting, keeping your shoulders parallel to the target line through impact. The side by side thumb positioning also restricts the natural inclination to break the wrists during the putting stroke, again taking the hands out of motion so that they control the club rather than dictate the direction or power. Several pros such as Nick Dougherty, Richie Ramsay and Yohan Edfors have begun using the 2Thumb. It takes a while to get used to the new grip but it actually feels like a more natural way to hold the club. Gazeley has also developed a simple anti-wrist break training aid which clips onto the club and is lined up with the putter face. As you look down at the putter face the wrist brake should be level with it, if it moves ahead or behind the face during the stroke, you’ve broken your wrists. Simple yet effective! www.2thumbgrip.com

Nike Golf Summer aPParel SUMMERTIME is well and truly upon us and for those brave enough to venture out on the course in these scorching temperatures it’s all about keeping as cool as possible. Nike Golf have a great range of summer apparel that utilises ‘Dri-Fit’ moisture wicking technology to keep the skin from getting too wet and sweaty.

This Dri-Fit Tech Striped Polo is made from 100% lightweight, breathable yet hard wearing polyester. The Dri-Fit Vapor Skort is 95% polyester and 5% spandex.

You may be boiling on the course this summer but at least with these clothes you’ll also look smokin’ hot! www.nike.com

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TiGer: The real STory TIGER: the Real Story, by People magazine journalist Steve Helling, chronicles the life and career of Tiger Woods. It’s not just a rehash of the scandal; it’s a full portrait of a complex man.

Helling draws on his intimate sources in Florida, many speaking out for the first time, to create a never-before-seen portrait of the golfer – not the carefully groomed handlers’ image or the media-maintained façade – but Tiger as he really is. Helling shows how the people closest to Tiger – an ambitious father, a fiercely protective mother, and a star-struck wife – have shaped him into a singularly complex and conflicted man. www.perseusbooksgroup.com

boccieri Golf iNTroduceS heavy WedGe ‘coNTrol SerieS’ BOCCIERI Golf – makers of the Tour-proven Heavy Putter – have introduced a new product to the market in the form of the Heavy Wedge “Control Series”.

The series features four traditionally designed blade models which incorporate the company’s trademark counterweight technology resulting in superior performance on both full swing and greenside shots. www.theheavywedge.com

TifoSi SuNGlaSSeS Tifosi is the Italian word referring to an enthusiast – and that is exactly who the company provide eyewear for. Their mission is to provide technically advanced eyewear to enthusiasts of all sports and outdoor activities. They design, test and torture the sunglasses to enhance sporting participation so whether you’re running a 5k , playing 18 holes on a leisurely weekend or taking to the tennis courts – Tifosi sunglasses will withstand anything thrown their way.

Tifosi Optics Interchangeable sunglasses feature de-centred shatterproof polycarbonate lenses to virtually eliminate distortion, give sharp peripheral vision and offer 100% protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays, bugs, rocks, or whatever comes your way. Tifosi can be found at Golf House retail outlets in Deira City Center, Superstore, IBN Battta Mail, Mail of the Emirates and The Dubai Mail.

To win a pair of Tifosi Gold sunglasses, go to the Worldwide Golf answer this simple question:

Who won The 2010 Open Championship at St Andrews?

To enter visit www.wwgolf.biz and head for the competitions section.

Good luck! www.wwgolf.biz

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300 years in the making...

... and now you’re invited.

18 Hole Tom Mackenzie designed course

State of the art Health Club

Decléor Spa

heythrop park resort

18th Century Main House

enstone oxfordshire t: 01608 673333 e: info@heythroppark.co.uk w: www.heythropparkresort.co.uk

Crowne Plaza Heythrop Park – Oxford 18th Century Elegance, 21st Century Style Opens October 2010

For further information call 01608 673497, email sales@heythroppark.co.uk or visit www.heythropparkresort.co.uk

H E Y T H R O P PA R K - O X F O R D

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

issey miyake L’eau D’issey pour homme summer DaviDoff Champion this new cologne from davidoff is the height of manliness. it’s all about ‘symbolising the masculinity, primal power and sportsmanship of a true leader.’ the scent is irresistibly zesty while also delivering gutsy, woodsy accords. technical jargon: top notes – lemon, bergamot. heart notes – galbanum, clergy sage. Base notes – cedar wood accord, oak moss.

nina riCCi riCCi riCCi auDaCious BoDy Lotion

this is a wonderful summer version of issey miyake’s famous l’eau d’issey Pour homme fragrance. it’s light, refreshing and uplifting with fruity and lightly spicy notes. technical jargon: top notes – Vuzu, mandarin. heart notes – cardamom and sage.

Base notes – Vetiver, amber.

ricci ricci Audacious Body lotion will leave your skin feeling silky soft and smelling fantastic after a hard day on the course. it’s a modern, urban, chic scent which creates an air of glamour and mischief. technical jargon: top notes – rhubarb, zest, bergamot.

Heart notes – Moonflower, Indian tuberose, centifoliarose. Base notes – Patchouli, sandalwood.

Jo maLone pomegranate noir anD amBer LavenDer london-based Jo malone is currently taking the fragrance and beauty world by storm. the innovative malone has developed a hugely popular new way to buy perfume by offering ‘mix and match’ scents to allow customers to create their own signature fragrance. we tried a deep, fruity, Pomegranate noir with a spicy Amber and lavender and came up with a powerful, intoxicating mixture we call ‘fairway maiden’.

Groom Room

pauL smith sunshine for men A great new version of Paul smith’s limited edition summer fragrance, sunshine for men. this eau de toilette is all about light and colour. it utilises explosive ingredients like grapefruit, black pepper and coriander. great fun and ludicrously addictive. technical jargon: coriander leaves, grapefruit, black pepper, coriander seeds, nutmeg, star fruit, olibanum, noble moss, cedarwood.

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

in THE

BAG Andy HillmAn PGA ProfessionAl, YAs links Golf Club

Q&A

Q: When did you start playing golf and where?

A: i started playing at the age of 12 in Grahamstown, south Africa. i had my first golf lesson when i was 18. i learned by watching good players and my first golf book was Playing lessons by Jack nicklaus

Q: How long have you been in Abu Dhabi?

A: i’ve been here for about two and a half months. i did spend five months in Dubai in 2008. i have been fortunate enough to have travelled and taught golf in Australia, Great britain, the usA and now in the uAe. i have met and learned from the likes of Gary Player, ernie els, Pete Cowan, scott Cranfield, steven orr, David rawlings, Michael Hebron, suzie Meyers, Dr. fran Pirozzlo and Jamie Gough.

Q: What was your first set of clubs?

A: i had a set of Macgregor MT Tourney blades and a Wilson Persimmon 4-wood – they cost about 120 rand which is only 60 AeD! Q: Who has been your biggest influence in the game?

A: Michael Hebron. Has a totally different viewpoint from any other top coaches today. He believes we learn best through self-discovery. if you have not been improving maybe you should change the way you have been learning golf.

Q: Describe your coaching style to us?

A: When i coach amateurs i am trying to create a ‘learning’ environment and not a ‘fixing’ environment in my lessons. i give my pupils pictures and feelings and fewer words in order to get them to better understand their game and improve their core golf knowledge. i believe you should learn golf by understanding what the club is designed to do for the shot at hand and not on somebody’s tips or “how to” advice. Pupils need to understand that efficient swings obey the laws of nature.

Q: If you were head of The R&A, what rule would you change and why?

A: The rule about not being allowed to tap down and repair spike marks on the green. it is really not a player’s fault.

Q: Who would make up your dream fourball?

A: ben Hogan, nelson Mandela and scarlett Johannson.

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www.wwgolf.biz

Driver: 3 Wood: Hybrid: Irons (3-5): Irons (6-PW): Wedges: Putter: Ball:

Nike Victory VR str8 fit 9.5 with VS Proto by Aldila shaft Titleist 909 F3 15 Deg with Voodoo shaft Nike Victory 18 Deg with Vs Proto by Aldila shaft Nike Victory TW Irons Nike VR Forged Cavity Nike Victory Rust - 52º, 56º and 60º Taylormade Rossa Kia Ma – Maranello Nike One Tour

Dubai: Mirdiff City Centre, Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Mercato, Al Ghurair City, Dubai Festival City, Marina Mall, Oasis Centre, The Dubai Mall. Sharjah: Shoe Mart Qassimi St., Abu Dhabi: Marina Mall, Al Ain: Bawadi Mall.

Also available in: Kuwait - Qatar - Bahrain - Oman - Egypt - Iran - Syria - Iraq & Jordan.