Worldwide Golf by Worldwide Golf

M I ddle ea st ’ s N o.1 Gol f M a Ga z I Ne

Issue 119, OCTOBER 2010

Official Media Partner Middle East

EGYPTIAN OPEN SPECIAL THE HOME OF GOLF THE INVITATIONAL SWING TIPS EUROPEAN TOUR NEWS ARABIAN GOLF

GMaC clinches victory for Monty’s men to bring the Ryder Cup back to europe. Read pages 10-15

ISBN 978-9948-15-427-3

FREE DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS

See The Ryder Cup heroes in action for FREE. Sign up fast. Page 25

Els

PlAYER

NORMAN

FIsHER

9 789948 154273

NEWs & VIEWs

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

Worldwide Golf’s Executive Editor

PLAYER

GARY

PLAYER INTRODUCTION

Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell raises his putter and struts around the 16th green in celebration after holing his birdie putt to go two-up with two holes to play and stem the comeback from American Hunter Mahan who conceded defeat on the 17th green.

Graeme’s ‘winninG’ shot

HAT an amazing finale we had to The Ryder Cup – and what a wonderful climax we were treated to. To ‘clinch’ the Cup with a magnificent hole-winning birdie putt like that from Graeme McDowell on the 16th green was unbelievable. It was the shot of the entire tournament and it came at the most crucial time, giving the Irishman a two-hole lead with two to play. It was the final singles match of The Ryder Cup and Graeme’s U.S. opponent, Hunter Mahan, duly conceded the match – and victory to Europe – on the 17th green. It was a great Ryder Cup and a great four days of competitive golf. That’s what we all want to see. It’s good for golf to have a Ryder Cup that is contested as strongly as this and it really couldn’t have produced a better finish. We need a lot of good things at the moment in the golf industry and this Ryder Cup was one of them. It was played in a great spirit from start to finish by all the players on both teams and it did a great deal to erase the memory of Brookline in 1999. This was played in exact accordance to what Mr. Samuel Ryder intended it to be when he first started the ball rolling. I remember The Ryder Cup in the early days when it was merely an exhibition of golf by the Americans, who won it year after year. It just wasn’t competitive and because it wasn’t competitive there was little interest in the tournament. It was simply a waste of time. Now look at it. The Ryder Cup today is one of the biggest sporting events in the world – not just in golf. It was wonderful that a country like Italy can produce two players like the Molinari brothers who did their country

proud in a debut that will be remembered for a long time. Between them they contributed one-and-a-half points to the European cause that made a vital difference to the result. It’s good that a relatively small golfing community like Italy is producing such talent, along with the amazingly gifted seventeen-year-old Matteo Manassero. It didn’t surprise me that Woods was one of the top performers in The Ryder Cup, finishing top scorer along with Steve Stricker for the United States and Luke Donald and Ian Poulter for Europe with three points out of a possible four. In his singles match on Sunday Woods had a run of four birdies and an eagle in his defeat of Francesco Molinari 4&3. Woods is still No.1 in the world and he’s still the best. It could be that he will go on to win more and more Majors in the years to come. The drama of this Ryder Cup was fantastic and two hours before the tournament ended I predicted it would go right down to the wire. Right down to the final match. It did – and what a finish that was. The whole event was a success, despite the terrible weather. But the organisers have got to be very careful for future years when it is played in Europe. Daylight at this time of the year is very precious and too many stops and starts due to rain has to be avoided wherever possible. They’ve got to select the right course and the right time of year. They’ve got away with it this time but they may not get away with it next time. This was the first Monday finish in the history of The Ryder Cup and that should be a lesson for everyone to learn. Luckily, it turned out to be a truly great event. n www.wwgolf.biz

Over 100 destinations worldwide

Contents

DubaiWorld Championship

Riches Galore at

DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DP WORLD CONFIRM THEIR CONTINUING SPONSORSHIP OF THE EUROPEAN TOUR’S WORLD-CLASS SEASON-ENDING SHOWCASE

22G

LOBAL port operator DP World has been confirmed as presenting sponsor of the Dubai World Championship for the second year running, with a guaranteed purse of US$7.5 million making the event the richest on The European Tour. The season-ending bonanza is set to take place on Greg Norman’s Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 25-28 bringing to an end a thrilling year-long Race to Dubai which will have taken in 48 tournaments on five different continents. The top 60 golfers on The Race To Dubai will battle it out for the prestigious Harry Vardon Trophy (first awarded in 1937), with the winner taking home first place cheque for US1.25 million

while the top 15 finishers in The Race will share in an additional bonus pool of US$7.5 million with the No.1 player receiving US$1.5 million and a seven-year exemption to the Tour. The jaw-dropping sums of money on offer mean that there is the opportunity for one player to walk away from the event US$2.75 million richer – just as England’s Lee Westwood did last year when he beat Ross McGowan by six shots to win to the inaugural Dubai World Championship and take the title of European No.1 in the process for clinching first place on The Race to Dubai. “The European Tour’s Race to Dubai is of enormous significance for Dubai and the UAE as a whole, and reinforces our position on the world map of international sport,” said Mohammed

Sharaf, Chief Executive Officer, DP World. “DP World is extremely pleased to again be associated with The European Tour’s prestigious Race to Dubai championship. Sponsorship of the Dubai World Championship, the crown jewel event of The Race, offers us a great opportunity to connect with the world through one of the most popular sports. We look forward to some exciting golf as The Race progresses towards Dubai between now and November.” The first running of the new Race to Dubai format last year was a great advert for The European Tour’s ongoing commitment to taking the game of golf to new territories and emerging markets, with new events in Africa and Asia as well as the season climax in Dubai, – a country that European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady CBE believes is fast developing into one the world’s foremost golfing hotspots. “This event (the Dubai World

“This event is one of the most coveted titles on The European Tour’s annual calendar and The Race to Dubai is already gaining momentum in golf courses around the world.” – George O’Grady Championship) is one of the most coveted titles on The European Tour’s annual calendar and The Race to Dubai is already gaining

Left to Right: Colin Smith, Director, Dubai World Championship; Geoff Hunter, General Manager, Jumeirah Golf Estates; Saeed Harib, MD Nakheel Marine & Leisure and Member of the DWC Executive Committee; Mohammed Sharaf, CEO DP World; Adel Zarouni, Secretary-General, Emirates Golf Federation and member of DWC Executive Committee; and Nick Tarratt, Director, European Tour International, Dubai Office.

Lee Westwood hoists aloft the Dubai World momentum in golf courses around the world,” Championship trophy after winning the tournament and said O’Grady. “We are confident this year’s topping The Race to Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates last competition will further enhance Dubai’s November as His Excellency Matar al Tayer applauds. status as a top class golfing destination.” Saeed Harib, Managing Director, Nakheel Marine & Leisure, added: “We are delighted to have DP World as the presenting sponsor take on the challenge of Greg Norman’s ecofor the second consecutive year of the signature championship Earth course. In early Dubai World Championship. The success September we welcomed European Tour of the inaugural event in 2009 has set this officials to inspect the conditioning of the sporting challenge on the world stage Earth course – a programme of work is being and created enormous intrigue from golf implemented to ensure the conditioning and enthusiasts from around the globe as they aesthetics of Earth are to tournament standard.”

DubaiWorld Championship

tudded Dubai for the Star-S

tickets

IDDLE EAST golf fans are in for a real treat as the Dubai World Championship organisers have confirmed that the entrance fee will once again be free of charge. Last year, more than 60,000 spectators flocked to Jumeirah Golf Estates to watch Lee Westwood tame Greg Norman’s Earth Course to win the tournament and take home the title of European No.1 for topping The Race to Dubai in the process and a new record turnout is expected when the top 60 golfers on The Race To Dubai play for the richest prize on The European Tour this November. With Westwood set to defend his crown and Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, US PGA Champion Martin Kaymer and US Open winner Graham McDowell in the line-up, it promises to be yet another feast of golf as 60 of golf’s greatest players go head-to-head at their endof-season grand finale. As a spectacle, the Dubai World Championship is a thrilling end to the season, a golfing tournament unlike any other where fans from across the world gather for a four-day sporting and social festival that has something for everyone – and all for free. “The initiative of offering free entry to the grand finale of The Race to Dubai was a massive success last year and we fully expect this to be repeated in November,” said Colin Smith, Director, Dubai World Championship. For golf fans, it is a scintillating prospect – and if you’ve always fancied the chance of being a pro for a day, the event’s Ultimate Golf

2010 EGYPTIAN OPEN presented by SODIC

ionship

World Champ

Package allows you to tee it up and let it rip à la Westwood, Kaymer and McDowell. For just Dh 3,000, Ultimate Golf provides both a unique spectator and playing package. If you’re interested, get in quick as places are limited – the package includes daily course and clubhouse admission during the tournament with F&B vouchers for a variety of outlets and the major bonus of having the unique opportunity to play the Earth course in true championship condition – complete with Sunday’s tee and pin

positions, sponsor boards and grandstands – on November 30, just two days after the title is decided. “As you would expect from such a package, it’s one that appeals to amateur golfers looking to test themselves over the course that has played host to the players at the end of The Race to Dubai,” adds Smith. But while it’s a wonderful chance to experience golf as a pro, for those who prefer just to watch the action there are also plenty of options.

2010 EGYPTIAN OPEN presented by SODIC

58 SPONSORS TAKE UP 2010 Egyptian Open presented by SODIC

HE Egyptian Open will not only strengthen Egypt’s position as a major force on the international and Middle East golfing scene but it will further enhance Egypt’s reputation as a must-visit golfing tourism destination. The event has captured the imagination of the golf world and attracted significant sponsorship support. With the backing of SODIC as presenting sponsor the tournament, played at JW Marriott, Mirage City Golf Club from Wednesday, October 20 to Saturday October 23, will take its place in the Middle East golfing calendar. The appearance of Ireland’s World No.9 Rory McIlroy, who makes his debut in Cairo, has also helped the event generate considerable support from a number of prestigious sponsors, which include Mercedes (Official Car); Egyptair; JW Marriott, Mirage City Golf Club; Julius Baer Advisory SAE; Dell; Drexel; Club Car; Hydroturf; Toro; Microsoft; Global Brands; Heineken; Coca Cola (Official Soft Drink) and Dockland (Official Clothing). One of Egypt’s fastest growing

real estate development companies, SODIC is currently developing a number of the country’s largest and most exciting projects in the most lucrative and prestigious real estate sectors. Their developments range from residential projects to retail, commercial and fully-fledged city centres, aimed at becoming the main urban hubs of both east and west Cairo with a mission to transform the way people live and work by encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship and by challenging existing conventions. The involvement of presenting sponsor SODIC in the tournament is one of many by key organisations within Egypt. The event also enjoys a strong strategic partnership with the Egyptian Tourist Authority (www.egypt.travel), which is supporting the tournament as part of its initiative to develop golf tourism in the country. Also backing the 2010 Egyptian Open presented by SODIC as Official Car are Mercedes, who sponsored the event last year before it became a full Challenge Tour event.

Above: Last year’s Champion Steven Tiley receives the trophy from Ayman Hussein (Chairman, Egyptian Golf Federation). Tiley will be back to defend his title at the 2010 Egyptian Open presented by SODIC at JW Marriott, Mirage City Golf Club, from Wednesday, October 20 to Saturday October 23.

Official Car

Regulars 1

GARy pLAyER INTROducTION

ERNIE ELS cOLuMN

cLAudE HARMON III

WOMEN’S GOLF MIddLE EAST

ARABIAN GOLF

GOLdEN TIcKET QuALIFIERS FOR THE INVITATIONAL HOSTEd By ABduLLAH AL NABOOdAH ROSS FISHER cOLuMN

108

LOcKER ROOM

dIVOTS

111

GROOM ROOM

GREG NORMAN cOLuMN

112

IN THE BAG: cLuB pRO

dRIVING RANGE: pORScHE 911 cARRERA GTS cLuBHOuSE QuIcKIES

OFFIcIAL WORLd GOLF RANKING

GARy pLAyER cOLuMN

THE RAcE TO duBAI

EuROpEAN TOuR NEWS

WORLd ROuNd-upS

EGYPTIAN OPEN SPECIAL THE HOME OF GOLF THE INVITATIONAL SWING TIPS EUROPEAN TOUR NEWS ARABIAN GOLF

GMAC clinches victory for Monty’s men to bring The Ryder Cup back to Europe. Read pages 10-15

FREE DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS

See The Ryder Cup heroes in action for FREE. Sign up fast. Page 25

ELS

●

PLAYER

●

NORMAN

●

FISHER

●

9 789948 154273

NEWS & VIEWS

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

TROON TuTORIAL

ISSUE No. 119, OCTOBER, 2010 published by: Worldwide Sporting Publications Ltd, 54 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, England, SK9 1NY mike@wspglobal.com alex@wspglobal.com Tel: +44 01625 535081 Fax: +44 01625 537487 Editor-in-chief: Mike Gallemore Executive Editor: Gary Player

Official Clothing

10 THE RydER cup: Monty’s men battled against the elements and an American fight back to secure victory by the slimmest of margins.

32 TRAVEL FEATuRE: Worldwide Golf readers get the chance to take advantage of Evolution Golf Scotland’s superb bespoke Scottish golf tours.

Official Media Partner Middle East

MID D LE EAST’S No.1 GOLF MAGAZINE

Issue 119, OCTOBER 2010

World No.9 Rory McIlroy takes time out before his final round at The Open Championship at St.Andrews in July to greet juniors from Egypt, and Gerard Bent, Manager, Egyptian Golf Federation. “I’m very excited about the chance of playing in Egypt for the first time,” said McIlroy. “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.”

22 duBAI WORLd cHAMpIONSHIp: With DP World on board once again as presenting sponsor and free tickets for all, the second Dubai World Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates looks set to be every bit as captivating as last year’s inaugural event.

Chairman of the Egyptian Golf Federation. “We must also thank and welcome our family of support sponsors – JW Marriott, Mirage City Golf Club, Julius Baer Advisory SAE, Dell, Drexel, Club Car, Hydroturf, Toro, Microsoft, Global Brands and Heineken, while Coca Cola is our Official Soft Drink and Dockland is our Official Clothing supplier.” In addition to the four days of tournament play a preevent Pro-Am will be held on Tuesday, October 19, where Titleist and ECCO will join the tournament sponsors in offering great prizes to Egypt’s national and ex-pat amateurs who will have the chance to rub shoulders with the big names and tournament winners such as McIlroy, Scotland’s Andrew Coltart, last year’s Egyptian Open champion Steven Tiley and current Order of Merit leader Alvaro Velasco. The 7,108-yard course at the JW Marriott, Mirage City Golf Club, will be a test for the European Challenge Tour pros after 23 events on a 25-tournament calendar that started back in Colombia in February. With just 45 slots

Features

ASSISTING AMELIA

THE CHALLENGE

all set to be a huge debut success National airline, Egyptair, is also a commercial partner for the tournament. Over the past three years Mercedes Egypt has become more and more involved with Egyptian amateur and professional golf. While a long-time supporter of international golf through its world-class tournaments both on The European Tour and the PGA Tour of America, Mercedes has made a major impact on the Egyptian amateur golfing scene through its Mercedes Trophy. Their series of qualifying events, culminating in the National Final, gives local amateurs the opportunity to compete at the spectacular World Final at the home of Mercedes Benz in Stuttgart, Germany. As part of their support of the Egyptian Open presented by SODIC, Mercedes will provide luxury transportation for the event’s star player and World No.8 Rory McIlroy. “These are strong world-class brands to have associated with our event and again we are grateful for the support of Mercedes and Egyptair,” says Ayman Hussein,

FRONT cOVER: Ryder cup back on European soil ... just!

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.

43 uS pGA TOuR FEdEX cup: Jim Furyk overslept and got sent home from the first event in the fourtournament series but he’s wide awake now after coming back to win the $10million bonanza. 57 THE ALLEGRIA: Worldwide Golf takes a look at Greg Norman’s latest creation in Egypt’s capital city. 58 EGypTIAN OpEN pREVIEW: A look ahead to the oldest tournament in the Middle East as it prepares for its full debut on the European Challenge Tour. 67 KATAMEyA duNES: Worldwide Golf runs the rule over another of the new courses that is helping turn Egypt into a world-class golfing destination.

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.

My congratulations to both Ryder Cup teams on an amazing four days of unbelievable sporting drama

’VE just finished watching the Ryder Cup on television, which was just unbelievable sporting drama. It was amazing stuff. I have good friends on both sides of the Atlantic, but I pull for Europe, so in that respect it was a good result. But seriously, tournaments like this are great for golf. It’s what sport at the highest level is all about. I’d like to congratulate both teams on a fantastic four days of golf played in the true spirit of the game. But the big news from me this month comes from off the golf course with the news that I was to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. At first I was shocked and extremely honoured when the call

www.wwgolf.biz

came through from U.S. PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, but after a few hours when it finally began to sink in I felt an enormous sense of pride, not just for myself but for my family also. My first instinct was to pick up the phone and tell all my family and friends, but there was no way they’d have been able to keep it to themselves, especially my daughter, Samantha. She’d have been so excited that she’d have probably told everyone at school the next day! So I had to keep the news private until the official announcement was made during the week of The Tour Championship. This makes a good year for me

europe’s moment of ryder cup magic Graeme McDowell punches the air in celebration of an amazing Ryder Cup victory after defeating Hunter Mahan on the 17th green to clinch a hard-fought victory for the Europeans. Vice-Captain Sergio Garcia and McDowell’s foursomes and fourballs teammate and fellow Irishman, Rory McIlroy, and Martin Kaymer join in the celebrations.

“the world golf hall of fame makes a good year for me very special indeed. it makes me feel proud about what i’ve done in my career.” – ErniE Els

very special indeed. It makes me feel proud about what I’ve done in my career. Obviously, growing up I had my heroes – guys like Nick Price, Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros and, going back further than that, the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and, of course, Gary Player. Every young kid wants to be like his hero, so for me to be able to play it out in real life for the last 20 years has been quite thrilling and, to be honest, I feel very privileged. One of the consequences of getting a little older, shall we say, is that you notice how the time flies by. My origins as a golfer go back in South Africa to the days in the early 1980s when we were isolated from international golf, but we had Gary Player flying the flag and doing great things and winning tournaments and Major championships all around the world. That was inspiring for all of us. As a youngster in amateur golf I was lucky enough to do some travelling of my own and get the experience of playing around the world, winning the World Junior title in America and playing top tournaments in Europe also. It was great experience. Even my career just on the U.S. PGA Tour goes back a long way to the days when President Nelson Mandela got elected as President back in South Africa after he was released from Robben Island. If I look back to those times, the absolute defining

moment for me was winning the U.S. Open in 1994. I was just a young pro from South Africa and winning there, in one of the biggest tournaments in the world, well…it’s hard to put into words what that does for your confidence. It made me feel like I belonged out there and from then on it’s been a comfortable ride. I’ve won more than 60

“it’s hard to put into words what that does for your confidence. it made me feel like i belonged out there and from then on it’s been a comfortable ride.” – ErniE Els tournaments and hopefully I’m not done yet. I suppose moments such as these also make you think about the people around you. Golf seems like an individual sport and in many respects it is, but any golfer who’s enjoyed success will tell you that

it’s a big team effort as well. There’s a lot of people behind the scenes, not least my family whose support has never wavered, my wife Liezl especially. We’ve been together since 1993 and she’s been amazing through the good times and also the struggles. There are many other people, too, who have been very supportive of me throughout my career. They know who they are and they are assured of my eternal gratitude. Obviously I would like to have included a U.S. PGA Tour FedExCup win this year to my list of achievements, but it wasn’t to be. I went into the Playoffs in first place on the Points List and my goal was to win it. I just made that very difficult for myself with a couple of very average weeks in the first two tournaments of the Playoffs, The Barclays and the Deutsche Bank. Still, there have been a lot more positives than negatives this year. I got back into the winner’s circle twice early in the season and I’ve had a bunch of top-10s, which altogether means I finished third in the 2010 U.S. PGA Tour Money List, my best result on the PGA Tour since 2004. Also my scoring average for the year, 69.79, is my lowest since 2004. I’ve probably got at least another handful of events before the yearend so I’ll keep pushing as hard as I can. n

European Team Captain Colin Montgomerie proudly holds The Ryder Cup aloft after a dramatic final-match finale.

www.wwgolf.biz

!"#$%#&'(&$"))*+',-./'0 0(12' 03/4'(3564'13,,4'73.,

Lee Westwood

Paul Casey

Rory McIlroy

!8%+&99'7)"+: 0(12' 036/4'(36/4'136/4'73;//

Sergio Garcia

Graeme McDowell

Ross Fisher

YOUR GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY WITH EUROPE’S BEST TOUR PROS The Invitational has again joined forces with Worldwide Golf to stage three WWG Midweek Opens and one Women’s Golf Middle East event. These four UAE Regional Qualifying Events for The Invitational 2011 hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah will be held between October and December at four venues across the UAE.

UAE QUALIFIER VENUE

as Links Golf Club, Official Host Venue of The Invitational Pro-Am 2011 has also been selected to host the Abu Dhabi regional qualifying tournament on Tuesday 26th October 2010. The best 15 adults and 10 juniors will qualify for the Grand Final where the best adult and best junior will receive a Golden Ticket‚ to play in one of the finest pro-ams in the world, The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah.

LIMITED SPACES ARE AVAILABLE

ENTRY FEE

ONLY AED 495 AED 195 JUNIORS

To enter please email goldenticket@theinvitational.com

THE INVITATIONAL hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah is one of the most exclusive and prestigious pro-am golf tournaments in the world. 50 invited guests and 50 European Tour Professionals compete together in a fun yet competitive golf experience unparalleled in the Middle East. Players come from all over the globe to participate in the annual Pro-Am which will be held at Yas Links Golf Club on January 24th 2011. Over the last two years The Invitational has also contributed more than AED2million ($500,000) to local and international charities.

www.theinvitational.com Other qualifier venues;

Arabian Ranches GC, Dubai Monday, 15th November, 2010, Shotgun Start at 8am.

Entry Fee: AED495 (Ladies Only – Women’s Golf Middle East event). 6

www.wwgolf.biz

Faldo Course at Emirates GC, Dubai Monday, 22 November, 2010, Floodlit Shotgun at 5pm. (Floodlit) nd

Entry Fee: AED495, adults – AED195, Juniors.

Al Hamra GC, Ras Al Khaimah Thursday, 9th December, 2010, Shotgun Start at 1pm.

Entry Fee: AED450 adults – AED150, Juniors.

www.omegawatches.com

SERGIO GARCIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHOICE.

AVAILABLE AT:

Omega boutiques (BurJuman, Deira City Centre, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre, Sahara Centre, Wafi) and at select Rivoli Stores. Toll Free: 800-RIVOLI

Monty’s

Muddy Marvels

FTER all the drama of the run-up to The Ryder Cup with the saga of Woods’ will-he-won’t-he get a wildcard pick from Corey Pavin; should Montgomerie have opted for Casey instead of Harrington; the Italian Molinari brothers making a double debut; the appalling weather in Wales that caused a first-ever Monday finish and a seemingly comfortable match-winning margin of three points for Europe going into the final day singles. Surely, it was going to be a straightforward stroll in the park for the home boys. Yet, as we all know, The Ryder Cup is never over until it’s over. The galleries who had suffered a drenching over the previous three days now had to

www.wwgolf.biz

endure the heart-stopping anguish of a roller-coaster final afternoon that saw the USA gradually break down Europe’s emphatic lead before one man emphatically stemmed the flow. As one match took a dramatic turn towards the Americans another surprise finish pulled the advantage back to Europe – and then the fortunes were reversed again. Italy produced a period piece of pure theatre in the form of Edouardo Molinari who agonisingly let a 4-up lead after 12 holes gradually dwindle and instead of overcoming his young rival, Rickie Fowler, he had to settle for a half point. So it was all down to the final match where US Open Champion Graeme McDowell had been in control of proceedings against Hunter Mahan virtually from the first tee. Had Molinari managed a point instead of a half, the Northern Irish man of steel would have needed only a half to wrest the title back from the Americans. But as he’s shown all season, with increasing confidence, McDowell kept his nerve and at 2-up with two to play GMAC was taking it all in his stride, seemingly unfazed with the responsibility of carrying the hopes of Europe on his broad shoulders. He knew that only a win would bring back the Cup – so he duly obliged. When Hunter Mahan missed a 25-foot par putt on the 17th that was that. Europe had turned the tables on the USA. McDowell had two putts to win

Ryder Cup

Session 1: Fourballs

it – but he wasn’t required to go to his putter. It was all over – and the shouting that followed Mahan’s ball as it slid past the hole, showed it in one emotional explosive sigh of relief. McDowell had won 3&1 and Europe had won 14½ to 13½. Just one point had decided one of the tightest-fought and most dramatic Ryder Cups in the history of the great event. Against all odds the Americans had won three of the four sessions of The Ryder Cup and come so desperately close to snatching victory. The nail-biting final day had witnessed six wins and two halves for the USA and four wins and two halves for the Europeans. McDowell was the hero of the moment in the sunshine at Celtic Manor but there were so many heroes on both sides it would be unfair to single them out. For Europe’s courageous Captain Colin Montgomerie it was a moment to savour. He couldn’t bring himself to watch the final scene on the 17th when Mahan’s missed putt settled the issue. It was a victory for the game of golf as much as it was for the Europeans. The confrontational backdrop to the goingson at Brookline in 1999 were finally put to rest and any animosity that might have remained between the two teams was abashed forever. This Ryder Cup was played in the best sporting spirit imaginable and the crowd responded to the friendly atmosphere generated by the players. The partisan galleries may have been vociferous but they were quick to give credit where credit was due –

whether European or American. Montgomerie was understandably emotional when he was asked to comment on an historic victory. “This is a proud moment for us. I knew I had 12 great players out there and they all gave 110 per cent. Graeme McDowell was put there for a reason – he’s the US Open Champion and he’s got all the confidence in the world. His hole-winning birdie putt on 16 was unbelievable. We must give credit to the American team. They fought all the way, it couldn’t have been closer and Tiger showed he’s still the No.1 player in the world today.” Woods was the Americans’ leading scorer, along with Steve Stricker, both contributing three points from a possible four. Ian Poulter and Luke Donald did likewise for Europe. GMAC agreed with Montgomerie that his birdie putt on 16 was crucial. “Winning the US Open at Pebble Beach was like playing the back nine with my Dad at Portrush compared to what’s happened today,” said McDowell. “I can certainly agree that my birdie on 16 was the best putt of my life.” The United States Captain, Corey Pavin, was magnanimous in defeat, saying: “I’ve got no regrets. I was very happy with our preparations and very happy with our pairings. I’m only unhappy with the result.” Although it all came down to McDowell at the 17th hole of the final match it was tee-to-green drama throughout the extended four days where every shot had a crucial bearing on the outcome.

FTER months of preparation it was Mother Nature who stole the show on the opening day. The British weather is temperamental at the best of times but holding a tournament on the first weekend in October in Wales is asking for trouble. With play underway for barely two hours the incessant downpour showed no signs of letting up and the decision was made to halt proceedings. Seven hours later and after some of hardestworking ground staff you’re ever likely to see, had pushed their squeegees to the limit, the players were finally able to return to the course. The delay meant the organisers were forced to change the format in an attempt to get the tournament finished on Sunday. Five sessions became four with the opening fourballs followed by six foursomes matches then a session of four fourballs and two foursomes before the singles. It was a plan they might have got away with but for the rain. The fourballs were eventually finished on Saturday morning with inspired European No. 1 Lee Westwood and US PGA Champion Martin Kaymer, making his Ryder Cup debut, leading from the front with an awesome display to put the first point on the board for Europe with a 3&2 victory over Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson. Rory McIlroy, playing with Graeme McDowell, got his first true taste of Ryder Cup magic and gave the crowd an unforgettable moment when he sank a mammoth putt on the 17th which eventually secured a vital half point against Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar. It was a moment that Seve would have been proud of. Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods continued their sterling Presidents Cup pairing with a 2-up victory over English duo Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher and Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington fell 3&2 to impressive rookies Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton to leave the US leading 2½ - 1½. “Rory’s and McDowell’s game was most important – 2½-1½ is OK, it’s a fraction,” said Montgomerie. “If we get a good start here and win the first couple of games we get the lead now and we get this crowd going. This crowd are ready to go now and it’s up to us to do it. “It was a super putt Rory hit at the 17th. It was unfortunate at the last hole (when McIlroy went in the water with his second shot). He was telling me afterwards he could have made it easily but just caught it heavy with his second shot. “We usually like a slight upslope with a 3-wood and he found it. He just caught it a bit heavy unfortunately but it was marvellous to come back from two down with seven to go last night and to get something out of that game. That was vital for us.”

Europe 1½ – USA 2½

www.wwgolf.biz

Ryder Cup

Session 2: Foursomes

iTh the sun shining over Celtic Manor on Saturday it was hard to believe you were looking at the same golf course, in the same country. Following the end of the fourballs it was straight out for Session 2 with all 12 players from each team now required for the six foursomes. It was a change that Monty felt would benefit the Europeans but it was the Americans who again edged the session with 3 ½ points to Europe’s 2 ½ making the overall score Europe 4 – 6 USA. Italians Eduardo and Francesco Molinari became the first brothers to take part in the Ryder Cup since Jeff and Bernard Hunt joined Great Britain and Ireland’s ranks in 1963 but despite a courageous effort they had to swallow a 2-down defeat at the hands of Zach Johnson and Hunter Mahan as they lost the last two holes. Westwood and Kaymer were also frustrated having been leading since the second hole of their match against Jim Furyk and Rickie Fowler only to lose the last hole to share the match. Worldwide Golf columnist Fisher formed a devastating partnership with three-time Major winner and controversial Captain’s pick Padraig Harrington with the Irishman seemingly thriving on the responsibility of helping the Englishman through his first Ryder Cup as the pair beat the off-colour Phil Mickelson and partner Dustin Johnson 3&2. “I just couldn’t make any birdies in the fourballs,” said Harrington. “But I think Monty made a great decision – he gave me some responsibility today and looking after Ross,

www.wwgolf.biz

feeling like I have to do a bit more, it worked well for me.” The Woods-Stricker freight train kept on rolling with a 4&3 victory over Miguel Angel Jiménez and Peter Hanson while Ian Poulter soaked up the kind of electric atmosphere that he was born for to combine with the Rolls Royce like Luke Donald for a 2&1 victory over Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton. “We’re comfortable with one another and I think that’s the biggest thing,” said Stricker of his partnership with Woods. “Our games complement each other nicely. I try to get him in the fairway and he hits some unbelievable iron shots. We gel well together and hopefully we can do it some more.” Having saved the day with his putt on 17 in the fourballs earlier, McIlroy was brought back down to earth when he missed a short putt at the same hole against the same pairing of Cink and Kuchar which effectively sealed a 1-down defeat to leave Europe needing a strong third session to stop the fixture getting away from them.

Europe 4 – USA 6

Session 3: Foursomes & Fourballs

onty set his team a target of four points out of six in the third session, which started almost immediately after the end of session two on the Saturday and ended on Sunday and his boys didn’t let him down, covering the leaderboard in a sea of blue to win 5 ½ points in what he described as one of European golf’s “greatest days”. “All credit to everybody in that Team today

– I’ve always said that it takes 12 players to win The Ryder Cup. And all 12 on that course today performed brilliantly,” he said. “In the 20 years since I first started playing in The Ryder Cup, I truly believe that that was one of the greatest days for European golf that we’ve ever had. To turn a two point deficit into a three point lead was quite amazing today. All credit to everybody – to stop America winning a match was fantastic.” By the time bad light stopped play on Saturday evening Europe were up in every match. Another four and a half hour rain delay meant the event’s first Monday finish was a certainty but when play finally got underway at 1.30pm Europe started as they’d finished the previous evening. Westwood played like a true leader, sinking a mammoth putt on the 10th to rapturous applause to get ball rolling for his team as he and Donald made mincemeat of the shell-shocked Woods and Stricker with a 6&5 victory in their foursomes match. It was the World No.1’s heaviest defeat in his Ryder Cup career and it maintained the rock-solid Donald’s 100% record in the foursomes. “It feels great,” admitted Donald. “We thought they were going to come out strong, and we needed to come out stronger. You know, that putt Westy holed on the 10th was just magnificent. I mean, just now I can’t even put it into words. It’s just amazing to see that go in, and to go 5-up just gave us a huge boost and hopefully it ran through the team.” There were warriors all over the European Team. McIlroy and McDowell dovetailed perfectly to win the other foursomes match against Zach Johnson and Hunter Mahan. Whisper it quietly but the pair are starting to look every bit the natural successors to Seve

Ryder Cup

and Olazábal that Captain Monty predicted they would become. Harrington, although slightly stuttering himself, became Fisher’s unofficial caddie in their fourballs match against Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson. The Irishman read his partner’s putts as Fisher rose to the occasion like a veteran Ryder Cup player, doing the lion’s share of the scoring in their 2&1 victory. Jiménez and rookie Hanson played some beautiful golf to add another blue point on the board while Poulter again fed off the fervour of the crowd to combine with Kaymer for a thrilling 2&1 victory against the wretched Mickelson and rookie Fowler. The Molinari brothers played some spectacular stuff but Francesco, although magnificent from tee to green, couldn’t buy a putt all day, so when he stood over a four-footer at the last, which the pair needed to prevent the USA’s only victory of the day against Cink and Kuchar, the whole of Europe had their hearts in their mouths. But the younger brother produced the goods when it mattered most to claim a crucial half and complete an unforgettable day for the Europeans. “I wasn’t really confident,” Francesco said. “Obviously I’ve missed a couple of short ones today. I would have been more confident if Eduardo had to putt it. I just tried to stay focused on making a good strike and luckily the ball went in. It’s a fantastic feeling.” Thanks to an historic day the Europeans had overturned their deficit and headed into the singles with a 9½ - 6½ lead.

Europe 9½– USA 6½

Session 4: singles

ith a healthy advantage heading into the singles, Montgomerie loaded his big guns at the top with Westwood leading the charge followed by McIlroy, Donald, Kaymer and Poulter. Pavin sent Stricker out first with Cink, Furyk and Dustin Johnson next in line. Woods was sent out eighth while McDowell was saved till the very end by Montgomerie. The USA took first blood in the singles with Stricker defeating Westwood 2&1 and Dustin Johnson secured a second point shortly after, crushing Kaymer 6&4. However, Poulter quickly got some blue on the board to reassure Montgomerie with a 5&4 win over Kuchar to make it Europe 10½ - 8½ USA. McIlroy and Cink were all square heading down the 18th and that’s how it ended after they both failed to birdie the closing hole – McIlroy sealing the half with a gutsy 6-footer in front of a packed grandstand. Donald was the next over the line for Europe, halving the last hole for a 1-up victory over veteran Furyk. Jiménez, a three time winner in Europe this year, delighted the galleries with a cool 4&3 victory over rookie Watson while in the match between fellow debutants Fisher and Overton it was the American who came up trumps 3&2. Woods was at his dominant best as he despatched Francesco Molinari 4&3. The Italian did nothing wrong, the World No.1

was just too good as he won the last five holes with four birdies and an eagle. Also finding his ‘A’ game at last was Masters champion Mickelson has he cruised past rookie Hanson 4&2. The momentum was fully with the Americans and Fowler epitomised the comeback with birdies on the last four holes to come from 4-down to halve his match with Edoardo Molinari and with Zach Johnson easily defeating Harrington 3&2 it came down to the last match between McDowell and Mahan with the overall scores at 13½ - 13½. McDowell stepped up to provide the magical moment, sinking a superb birdie putt on the lengthy par-4 16th to win the hole and go 2-up with two to play. It was the putt which raised the biggest cheer of the week and with all other matches over they were the centre of attention. On the par-3 17th McDowell rifled his hybrid to the fringe while Mahan’s approach fell just short of the green. The pressure got to the American as he duffed his chip and after McDowell chipped to six feet the game was won when Mahan failed to hole his par putt and conceded the match 3&1. Cue pandemonium from the Europeans as they successfully regained The Ryder Cup.

Final Score Europe 14½– USA 13½ www.wwgolf.biz

WWGcolumnist

The greaTesT momenT of my career

S I write this month’s column I’m still floating on Cloud 9 after the greatest moment in my professional career. I’ve enjoyed some great times since I joined The European Tour. Winning my first title in Holland, winning the European Open by seven strokes and beating Anthony Kim to take the Volvo World Match Play Championship were all pretty special. But nothing comes close to the euphoria of playing in my first Ryder Cup and helping Europe win it back with a 14½ -13½ victory. I’m sure every European golf fan who watched as Graeme McDowell showed what a true Champion he is by securing the final point we needed, was on the edge of their seat, and words can’t describe what it feels like to be part of it. The crowd at Celtic Manor were phenomenal. They had to put up with a lot of rain delays, the change in the format and the Monday finish but their passion and enthusiasm never let up throughout the four days. Their support gave us a massive lift. I’ve never experienced anything like the reception Poults (Ian Poulter) and I got on the first tee at a golf tournament before. Poults had warned me what it would be like but nothing can prepare you for that roar. l I was quite nervous and was just happy to make contact with the ball with my first shot of the tournament but it wasn’t the greatest shot I’ve ever hit. Luckily, I had a good partner to rely on and he won our first hole for us. We were up against Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker who were a really strong pairing and unfortunately they just got the better of us, winning 2-up. I felt I let Poults down a little bit – I just didn’t hole enough putts to back him up but I was determined to go out in the afternoon and make up for it. I was paired with Paddy Harrington in the foursomes and the fourballs and we formed a great partnership, winning both of our matches together and gelling really nicely. It was an absolute pleasure and honour to play with a three-time Major champion. He took me under his wing and was 16

www.wwgolf.biz

absolutely brilliant. He was reading my putts for me and I just felt so confident. When you’ve got a three-time Major winner reading your putts, you’ve got a fair chance. I just kept hitting them on the lines he was showing me and they kept going in. To hear someone like Paddy say that my performance on the Sunday was up there with the best he’d seen in a Ryder Cup was amazing and the reaction we got from the crowd after we beat Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson (2&1) was unbelievable. l Sunday was a huge day for us. We wanted to get as much blue up on the board as possible and we certainly did that with 5½ points from 6. The Molinari brothers did a great job getting a half out of their match with Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar and overall it was a fantastic day, one of the best days in Europe’s golfing history. We took a three point lead into the singles but we knew that the Americans were going to come out strong, which they did. I was obviously disappointed with my match against

Jeff Overton down the back nine. I started well and was 2-up at the turn but the putts just wouldn’t go in and I lost 3&2 but I didn’t have any time to reflect on it because I was straight back out onto the course to cheer on the boys who were still out there. It was so close at the end and Rickie Fowler did fantastically for the Americans to come back from 4-down against Eduardo Molinari to rescue a half point. We knew it was all going to come down to GMAC’s match against Hunter Mahan in the final pairing and if there was one guy you’d want in that position it’s Graeme. He showed tremendous nerve to hole that putt on 16 to go 2-up with two to play. What a moment that was. When Hunter missed his putt on the 17th the noise from the crowd was incredible. It was a feeling that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It’s true what they say – once you’ve experienced a Ryder Cup you never want to miss another one and I definitely want to be involved in many more. n

seve’s inspiration The whole week was full of special moments but what was particularly special for me was the phone call we had with Seve before the start of the tournament. For him to be going through what he’s going through to take the time out to give the Team his best wishes and his best thoughts, meant a lot to me and I’m sure it did for all the other boys. Coming from Mr. Ryder Cup himself, meant a lot too. he told us to go out there, have some fun and just try and win the trophy back.

With the Pro V1, I know I’m getting the best technology and quality out there. For me, no other ball performs across the board quite like it. The ultimate combination of distance, short game control and feel. – David, Community Developer I play the Pro V1® because I can control the spin on my approach and chip shots while getting great distance off my driver. – Blake, Real Estate Investor

STORIES OF

Played a Pro V1x for the first time last year. Never had a ball that was as explosive off the driver yet could spin that much off a long iron. Switched and never looked back. – Clint, Student

TRUST. I play the Pro V1 for its consistency. I need to be able to control my distances. I also love the way it performs into and around the greens. – Hannah, Student

Shooting low scores is what matters most, so my golf ball has to perform well from tee-to-green. When I look down at my Pro V1x™ I feel confident it’ll do its part. The rest is up to me. – Paul, General Contractor

Learn more at titleist.co.uk

DIVOTS Furyk DQ’d for missing pro-am tee time

JIM Furyk was disqualified from the first PGA Tour FedExCup Play-off event because he missed his pro-am tee time by five minutes. The American was due to tee off on the 11th hole at the 7:30am shotgun start prior to The Barclays in New Jersey but overslept and arrived in the locker room too late to take to the course. Marc Leishman took his spot in the pro-am.

“The rules are rules,” Furyk said before returning home to Florida. “No matter what tournament it was, I’d be upset. But I’m more upset because it’s (in) the Play-offs.” The set-back didn’t however stop the American racing to victory in the FedExCup series after beating England’s Luke Donald by a stroke to win The Tour Championship.

Peter Uihlein wins US Amateur THE No.1 Amateur in the world, Peter Uihlein, won the 2010 US Amateur Championship on his 21st birthday in late August after defeating David Chung 4&2 in the 36-hole final at Chambers Bay in Washington. “It’s definitely the best birthday present I’ve ever had,” said Uihlein, who earned four points out of four for the USA in last year’s Walker Cup. “To add my name to that list on the Havemeyer Trophy is pretty special.” The American’s victory earns him an exemption into the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St George’s as well as a place in next year’s US Open and a likely invitation to the Masters Tournament.

Manassero earns 2011 card with bumper Swiss pay day

Michelle Wie wins Canadian Open MICHELLE Wie carded a final round 2-under-par 70 to win the CN Canadian Women’s Open by three shots from World No.1 Jiyai Shin, Kristy McPherson, Suzann Pettersen and Jee Lee Young. Wie, set to appear at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters in December, led wire-to-wire after an opening 65 but was tied with Shin for the lead entering the final round at 10-under. However, three birdies in a row from the 13th saw her take the lead and she held on to win her second LPGA Tour title. “I made a lot of crucial putts out there today,” she said after posting a 12-under-par total. “I think it was my ball striking that really kept me above water today. I have been working really hard at it and it’s really nice to see that it pays off.”

www.wwgolf.biz

ITALIAN teenage sensation Matteo Manassero earned his European Tour card for 2011 with a third place finish at the Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre. The 17-year-old took home a cheque for €125,200 in just his sixth start since turning professional. “Mission accomplished,” beamed the 2009 British Amateur Champion. “I am a full member for the first time. It was my goal and what I wanted to do and now I am here.”

News sNippets from arouNd the golfiNg globe

QUOte OF the MOnth

“Well, first I kicked him and then I hit him.” – Retief Goosen at The Tour Championship joking about how he broke his finger and toe earlier in the season. Sir nick Faldo to play handa Cup Senior Masters EUROPEAN legend Sir Nick Faldo has announced he will play in the Handa Cup Senior Masters to be held at the Ohmurasaki Golf Club in Saitama, Japan from 25-28 November. The six-time Major winner will be one of the headline names appearing when the European Senior Tour visits Japan for the first time at the Japanese PGA (JPGA) co-sanctioned event. Faldo will be competing amongst a field of 30 leading Senior Tour players – including Ian Woosnam, Sam Torrance and Sandy Lyle – and 66 JPGA players for a prize fund of approximately €1million (120 million Yen).

regional national teams set for eisenhower trophy TEAMS from across the region will follow in the footsteps of some of the great names in golf when they participate in the World Amateur Team Championship – affectionately known as the Eisenhower Trophy – on October 28-31 in Argentina. Teams representing Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Qatar and the UAE will travel to South America to take part in the biennial competition which is organised by the International Golf Federation (IGF). The 2008 Eisenhower Trophy was won by Scotland after they defeated the United States team by nine shots.

Asian tour loses a day’s play twice in two weeks FOR the second successive event on the Asian Tour one day of play was lost due to inclement weather. The opening round of the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open was cancelled due to bad weather after just 25 minutes of play, one week after the inaugural Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Taipei was cut short due to Typhoon Fanapi.

Bain finishes well in Singapore DUBAI-based Scot Ross Bain posted rounds of 69, 70, 67 and 69 for a 13-under-par total at the Handa Singapore Classic, which was good enough for a share of 18th place and his best finish of the 2010 Asian Tour season so far. South African Peter Karmis took home the trophy after he finished on 21-under-par, one shot ahead of compatriot Jbe Kruber.

ShOt OF the MOnth Spain’s José Manuel Lara was in danger of losing his European Tour card after nine missed cuts in a row but he sunk a nerve jangling 20-foot putt on the final hole at the Austrian Open which led to a playoff with David Lynn that he went on to win, securing his playing privileges for the next two seasons in the process.

StAtMASter

rOUnD OF the MOnth

With his fourth career victory on the PGA Tour at the BMW Championship 25-yearold Dustin Johnson became the player with the most wins among those in their 20s. Four PGA Tour players in their 20s have three victories – Sean O’Hair, Hunter Mahan and Anthony Kim.

Miguel Angel Jiménez shot the lowest round of his 27-year European Tour career with a 10-under 61 in the second round of the Omega European Masters en-route to victory. The Spaniard notched six birdies and two eagles in a flawless round. He had the chance to become the first player to shoot 59 on The European Tour, reaching the 16th needing two birdies from the remaining three holes, but settled for three pars to help him towards his 18th European Tour title.

www.wwgolf.biz

Riches Galore at

DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DP WORLD CONFIRM theIR CONtINUING SPONSORShIP OF the eUROPeAN tOUR’S WORLD-CLASS SeASON-eNDING ShOWCASe

www.wwgolf.biz

DubaiWorld Championship

momentum in golf courses around the world,” said O’Grady. “We are confident this year’s competition will further enhance Dubai’s status as a top class golfing destination.” Saeed Harib, Managing Director, Nakheel Marine & Leisure, added: “We are delighted to have DP World as the presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year of the Dubai World Championship. The success of the inaugural event in 2009 has set this sporting challenge on the world stage and created enormous intrigue from golf enthusiasts from around the globe as they

Lee Westwood hoists aloft the Dubai World Championship trophy after winning the tournament and topping The Race to Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates last November as His Excellency Matar al Tayer applauds.

take on the challenge of Greg Norman’s ecosignature championship Earth course. In early September we welcomed European Tour officials to inspect the conditioning of the Earth course – a programme of work is being implemented to ensure the conditioning and aesthetics of Earth are to tournament standard.”

www.wwgolf.biz

DubaiWorld Championship

hip s n o i p m a h C d l r o W i a b u D ed d d u t S r a t S for the

tickets

www.wwgolf.biz

More Control. Improved Feel. Tungsten Nickel Sole

Soft Forged Body

Tuned Feel System

IMPROVEMENTS YOU CAN FEEL.

Tungsten Nickel Sole

Thin Face

Tuned Feel System

More Forgiveness. Improved Feel.

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

NEW TITLEIST AP1TM AND AP2TM IRONS. Since their introduction, AP irons with their advanced performance, exceptional feel and great looks have been improving the games of PGA Tour players and serious golfers alike. Now AP1 and AP2 irons have been improved with new technology for even better sound and feel at impact and more playability. The only way to truly appreciate their performance is to hit them for yourself. Get all the details, including where to get fitted, at titleist.co.uk

DubaiWorld Championship

hampionship C ld r o W i a b tudded Du for the Star-S

rEE TICkETS are now available through pre-registration online at the official website: www.dubaiworldchampionship.com with applicants limited to a maximum of two free general admission season passes per order. “One of the most popular places to be for the finale of The Race to Dubai last year was the Hospitality Pavilion adjacent to the 18th green where we offered a contemporary setting with first-class food and premium refreshments in a climate controlled environment,” says Smith. Hospitality packages come in at Dh 2,600 (November 25), Dh 2,800 (November 26 and 27) and Dh 3,000 (November 28) with weekend packages for rounds two and three only (November 26-27) on sale at Dh 5,200 per person. Live music, a buzzing Championship Village with every type of food available, F&B outlets around the course, off-course golfing entertainment, children’s play areas and live TV and radio broadcasts – plus the greatest gathering of players in the world – make this the first ‘must see’ of the winter calendar. And Marshal Buddy Morin sounding a final rallying with entrance absolutely free, the Earth course call for the recruitment of marshals. Morin is geared up for the golfing event of the year. said: “We have already been impressed by the response for volunteer marshal support for Volunteers Wanted the forthcoming Dubai World Championship. Although tickets for the event are expected We all had a great time last year with the week to be popular, golf fans looking to get even forming the climax to The Race to Dubai. closer to the action are also invited to apply “We have received strong commitment to be tournament volunteers, with Chief from our regular and loyal volunteer marshal

base we are still looking at around 50 positions both Static and Roving Marshals.” Those with some golfing knowledge and awareness and who wish to have a unique and important role in what is one of Dubai’s biggest international sporting events are asked to contact Morin direct by e–mail on bud@eim.ae.

r for and to registe bsite n o ti a rm fo in For fur ther it the event’s official we vis free tickets, orldchampionship.com iw at www.duba

www.wwgolf.biz

EGF card holder benefits 15% OFF Dinner A’la Carte Menu Food Bill – valid from Saturday till Wednesday. 10% OFF Dinner A’la Carte Menu Food Bill – valid on Thursday & Friday. 20% OFF Lunch A’la Carte Menu Food Bill – valid from Sunday till Thursday. All above offers not valid with any other discounted offer or on set or promotional menus. All above offers not valid on Xmas, Boxing Day, New Year Eve, New Year Day & Thanksgiving.

DubaiWorld Championship

The

Hot List

THIS year’s Dubai World Championship cast list brings together some of the hottest talents in the world – with European Tour players dominating the global golf scene and hogging three of the four Majors, while Lee Westwood’s return from injury couldn’t have been more timely as he bids to defend his crown as Europe’s No.1 player.

Martin Kaymer

Graeme McDowell

Race to Dubai Ranking: 1 Key 2010 Results (1st-3rd): Three victories – Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, US PGA Championship, KLM Open.

Race to Dubai Ranking: 2 Key 2010 Results: The Celtic Manor Wales Open, US Open.

Lee Westwood Race to Dubai Ranking: 3 Key 2010 Results: One victory - St. Jude Classic (PGA Tour, doesn’t count for Race to Dubai); 3rd – Qatar Masters; 2nd – Dubai Desert Classic, 2nd – Masters Tournament, 2nd – The Open Championship.

Charl Schwartzel

Ernie Els Race to Dubai Ranking: 4 Key 2010 Results: Two victories – World Golf Championships-CA Championship, Arnold Palmer Invitational (PGA Tour, doesn’t count for Race to Dubai); 3rd – US Open.

Louis Oosthuizen

Race to Dubai Ranking: 5 Key 2010 Results: Two victories – Africa Open, Joburg Open; 2nd – Alfred Dunhill Championship (2009), World Golf Championships-CA Championship.

Race to Dubai Ranking: 6 Key 2010 Results: Two victories – Open de Andalucia de Golf, The Open Championship; 2nd – Trophée Hassan II.

Edoardo Molinari

Miguel Angel Jiménez

Race to Dubai Ranking: 7 Key 2010 Results: Two victories – Barclays Scottish Open, Johnnie Walker Championship; 2nd – Omega European Masters; 3rd – Nordea Scandinavian Masters.

Race to Dubai Ranking: 8 Key 2010 Results: Three victories – Omega Dubai Desert Classic, Alstom Open de France, Omega European Masters; 3rd – Johnnie Walker Championship.

Ian Poulter

Paul Casey

Race to Dubai Ranking: 9 Key 2010 Results: One victory –World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship; 2nd – Abu Dhabi Championship.

Race to Dubai Ranking: 10 Key 2010 Results: 2nd – World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, BMW Championship (PGA Tour doesn’t count for Race to Dubai); 3rd – The Open Championship.

NotAbLes: Rory McIlroy (11): One victory – Wells Fargo Championship (PGA Tour doesn’t count for Race to Dubai); 3rd – Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, The Open Championship, US PGA Championship. Rhys Davies (12): One victory – Trophée Hassan II; 2nd – Volvo China Open, Madrid Masters, The Celtic Manor Wales Open; 3rd – Maybank Malaysian Open. Luke Donald (13): One victory –Madrid Masters; 2nd – BMW PGA Championship, Northern Trust Open (PGA Tour), Deutsche Bank Championship (PGA Tour), The Tour Championship (PGA Tour).

Ross Fisher (14): One victory – 3 Irish Open, 2nd BMW International Open. Francesco Molinari (15): 2nd – Alstom Open de France; 3rd – Madrid Masters, Johnnie Walker Championship. Camilo Villegas (23): One victory – The Honda Classic (PGA Tour), 3rd – World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship. Anthony Kim (41): One victory – Shell Houston Open (PGA Tour); 2nd – The Honda Classic, 3rd – Masters Tournament.

Look out for next month’s Worldwide Golf Dubai World Championship Special issue where we’ll be running a closer rule over the main contenders taking part in The European Tour’s season-ending world-class showcase bonanza.

www.wwgolf.biz

WWGcolumnist

I’m excited at my new partnership with omega

look forward to my upcoming visit to Hainan Island, China, to participate in the inaugural Star Trophy at Mission Hills Haikou which takes place on october 28 to 31. Almost two years ago now, Tenniel Chu and I discussed the concept of creating Asia’s first Pro-Celebrity event and it is nice to see that the event is now coming to fruition and will be contested at Mission Hills’ new resort on Hainan Island. The Star Trophy will be different from the Pro-Celebrity events you see in the United States, such as the Bob Hope Desert Classic and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. For starters, the Star Trophy features only 20 Pros and 20 Celebrities, and of the Pros, the field is comprised of both male and female Professionals. The tournament features a two-day Pro-Am and then a 36-hole tournament, with a $1.28million winnertakes-all purse. Intentionally, the tournament is not sanctioned by one of the major Tours, which gives us the opportunity to invite 20 Pros who are high profile and work well in a Pro-Am format. We have been fortunate to secure the participation of Annika Sorenstam, Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Lorena Ochoa, plus a bevy of Asian Professionals. Similarly, we have secured an excellent line up of A-List celebrities, such as Matthew McConaughey, Hugh Grant, Catherine Zeta Jones, Christian Slater and some of Asia’s top celebrities,

www.wwgolf.biz

including Sanma Akashiya and Li Ning. As someone who helped the Chu family create the concept of the event, I’m excited to see the support it has received, and I, too, look forward to meeting some of the celebrities. The tournament has strong support not just from Mission Hills, but from the Tourism Authority of Hainan Island, which is an extraordinary destination. Already, Hainan is seen as the Hawaii of China, with an incredible amount of hotel, real estate and golf course development. We are hopeful this event will heighten the world’s awareness of what an extraordinary and environmentally pristine destination Hainan is. As an annual event, the Star Trophy will be complimented by the relocation of the Omega World Cup from Mission Hills Shenzhen to Mission Hills Haikou. By featuring these two events at the new

facility, there will be increasing attention focused on Hainan and the resort areas of Sanya, Boao and the capital city of Haikou, where the Mission Hills Resort is located. In that same vein, I was pleased to announce my new partnership with Omega. I am excited to be aligned with such a prestigious company with strong ties to golf, not just with the Omega World Cup, but also the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. I have had the good fortune of knowing Omega’s President, Stephen Urquhart, for a number of years and was able to spend time with him when I played the Omega European Masters in Crans Montana, Switzerland, last month, which was won by Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez by three shots from Italy’s Edouardo Molinari. It was Miguel’s second Omega-sponsored win of the season after his victory in the Omega

GreG NormaN’s uNique iNvolvemeNt with omeGas “we not only share common values with omega but very similar objectives in where we want to take our respective businesses. i look forward to developing a long-term partnership with them.”

Below: Stephen Urquhart presents Miguel Angel Jimenez with the impressive trophy as Greg Norman helps Jimenex on with the traditional Omega European Masters red jacket.

Pictured above left: Stephen Urquhart, President of Omega; European Masters Champion Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain, Gaston Barras, President of the Organising Committee and Greg Norman. Dubai Desert Classic in February. At Crans Montana Jimenez shot the lowest round of his 27-year career on The European Tour with a second round 61, which included two eagles and six birdies, with no bogeys, in his 21-under 263. From the Apollo programme to the Olympic Games, Omega has always set the standard for precision and reliability. It is clear that we not only share common values but very similar objectives in where we want to take our respective businesses. I look forward to developing a long-term partnership with them. My involvement with Omega is unique. As the Official Time Keeper to The Olympic Games, I will be working with the Omega team to develop the intersection between golf’s reintroduction to The Olympics in 2016 at Rio de Janeiro. Already, Lorena Ochoa and I have put in a bid to design The Olympic golf venue. As part of the process, I will be spending time in Brazil and I look forward to working with the newly appointed head of the IGF, Antony Scanlon, as well as Jose Antonio do Nascimento Brito and his team with the host organising committee.

With golf’s entry into The Olympic Games and the burgeoning economies of South America, there is a great deal of interest in developing golf in South America and Latin America. The U.S. PGA Tour recently announced that they are standing behind the creation of a new Development Tour in South America, the addition of several Nationwide Tour events, and, perhaps, even the development of a World Golf Championships event to be played in Brazil prior to The Olympic Games. Of course, we are proud of our involvement in managing the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Riviera Maya, Mexico. As the tournament now enters its fifth year it has given the U.S. PGA Tour a legitimate foundation from which to build on, to further develop its initiatives in Latin and South America. My congratulations to Juan-Miguel Villar Mir for having the vision to develop the U.S. PGA Tour’s first property in this market and we look forward to working with the OHL team to take this event to new heights. n

“We all knoW that GreG norman is a GolfinG leGend. furthermore, he is one of the Game’s Great personalities and is enormously popular both on and off the course. We are very much lookinG forWard to this partnership.” – OMEGA prEsidEnt stEphEn UrqUhArt

www.wwgolf.biz

Scotland Golfing Trip of lifetime for Worldwide Golf Readers

S featured in our last issue, three TNT Order of Merit golfers experienced the trip of a lifetime at the Home of Golf this summer when they toured around some of Scotland’s hottest golf spots. Now Worldwide Golf readers have the opportunity to follow in their footsteps. UAE golfers Xavier Farrington, Tony Dougherty and Shabir Yakub enjoyed an unforgettable trip which was expertly put together by Evolution Golf Scotland in conjunction with Worldwide Golf and it was so good that we thought we’d let you all in on it. Evolution Golf Scotland have forged a reputation for having an unrivalled eye for detail and first class customer service, with truly bespoke golf tours that go above and beyond the mass marketed packages put together by many companies to create something special for each and every customer. “The tour that was put together by Evolution Golf Scotland was absolutely top notch,” says Bryan Moulds, Countrywide GM of TNT UAE, who accompanied the guys on the trip. “They took care of absolutely everything and everyone left feeling as though they’d been so well looked after. It was a really fabulous trip and I wouldn’t hesitate for a second in recommending one of Evolution Golf Scotland’s tours to every keen golfer out there.”

Tour Hotspots THE INN AT LATHONES THE Inn, with its history, stone work and outbuildings, is over 400 years old and full of character. These days it’s best known for its award winning food, having been awarded 2 AA Rosettes. Last year The Inn was also awarded Visit Scotland’s Gold Award for Service Quality. The main part of the Inn consists of a cosy lounge bar for you to enjoy a wide range of drinks, including a large selection of the best whiskies. It has a great atmosphere, especially during the winter months when the log fire is burning. Let’s not forget our bedrooms though. Cosy, fresh and modern – that’s how most guests at The Inn describe the rooms. Natural wood, Italian furniture and 5-star amenities can be found in all 21 bedrooms. Most important are the fantastic beds with 100% goose down duvets and pillows which just invite you to snuggle up and enjoy a good night’s sleep. OLd COurSE HOTEL GOLf rESOrT & SPA BORDERING the renowned 17th ‘Road Hole’ of the Old Course in the Home of Golf, the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa enjoys a spectacular location overlooking the famous links courses, the West Sands beach and the beautiful Scottish coastline. With a combination of classically elegant and contemporary interiors, the hotel offers quietly

www.wwgolf.biz

Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

confident service, luxurious facilities and a warm welcome in the finest traditions of Scottish hospitality. With its world-class accommodation, decadent dining, Kohler Waters Spa, own heathland golf course, The Duke’s, and the utmost attention to detail, this award-winning five red-star resort is the ultimate hotel experience.

Travel

The Duke’s

CrAIL LOCATED to the east of St Andrews is Crail Golfing Society – the seventh oldest golf club in the world – and it offers two superb links experiences. Old Tom Morris laid out the original nine holes at the Balcomie course in 1895 and in 1998 a second course, the Craighead Links, was designed by award winning American architect, Gil Hanse. It’s a modern interpretation of links golf using natural undulations of the land at Fifeness. Its spectacular views range from a 100 mile radius, past Carnoustie and the Bell Rock to the North, North Berwick and May Island to the South and Muirfield and Edinburgh to the West. No two consecutive holes face the same direction and there’s a unique charm and elegance to be found at Crail.

Monifieth Golf Links

The Inn at Lathones

KINGSbArNS GOLf LINKS KINGSBARNS Golf Links is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season. The course has received worldwide recognition since opening, including being voted the No.1 European golf course to be created in the last 50 years. The club’s policy of nurturing the fine fescue and bent grasses that are typical of traditional Scottish links courses has paid dividends and the course is now showing a wonderful level of maturity 10 years on. The course plays host to such prestigious tournaments as The European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and was this year used as a Local Final Qualifying Venue for The Open.

PIPErdAm OSPrEy COurSE THE Osprey Course at Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort is a Parkland course with varied and challenging holes set up to test the experienced golfer yet also to offer the opportunity of good scoring for the novice. It has a par of 72 and is 6,437 yards off the medal tees. The course is so named as during the summer months Osprey’s fish in the 40 acre loch which the course surrounds. The new 9-hole course is also an excellent addition to the resort. This course is ideally suited for those with time constraints.

The course has received worldwide recognition since opening, including being voted the No.1 European golf course to be created in the last 50 years.

Crail

mONIfIETH GOLf LINKS THE complex at Monifieth consists of two fantastic 18-hole links courses, situated between Dundee and Carnoustie. The Medal course (6,655 yards – par 71) has hosted a number of championships and was selected by the R&A as a final qualifying course for The Open in 2007. The Ashludie Course (5,123 yards – par 68) provides a shorter but challenging links circuit. Both courses provide an excellent test of links golf!

Piperdam Osprey Course

Kingsbarns Golf Links

www.wwgolf.biz

Tyre Express â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your one stop tyre and battery shop at select Emarat petrol stations:

Dubai: Al Madares, Al Ramoul, Tel 04-282 3399, Al Nahrawan, Tel 04-261 3202, Al Rajhan, Opp. Dubai Immigration, Tel 04-398 8031, Al-Garhoud, Opp. WAFI Centre, Tel 04-324 0425, Al-Safa, Al Wasl Road, Tel 04-342 2692, Karmstaji Tunis Road, Mizhar-1, Tel 04-254 3141 Sharjah: Green Belt, BMW Road, Tel 06-539 7735 Sharjah Club, Near Cricket Stadium, Tel 06-543 1435, Emirates, Opp. Home Centre, Tel 06-539 8285, Al Dorra, Dubai-Sharjah Road, Tel 06-531 6022, Al Nakheel (next to Al Qasimi Hospital) Tel: 06-538 6787, Ajman: Al Maqam, Opp. City Centre/Carrefour, Tel 06-740 0285, Al Abraq, Umm Al Quwain R/A, Tel 06-766 2713

Al-Futtaim Motors tyre sales and service centers now also available in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain in the following ADNOC service stations:

Al Dana: Muroor Road, Abu Dhabi, Tel 02-448 8087 Al Shahama: Abu Dhabi-Dubai Road, New Shahama, Abu Dhabi, Tel 02-563 3377 Madinat Zayed: Beda Zayed, Abu Dhabi, Tel 02-884 4245 Al Bateen: Al Sulemat Road, Al Ain, Tel 03-767 8535 Jimi Al Khrais: Al Jimi Area, Near Al Khrais Roundabout, Al Ain, Tel: 03-762 3104 www.alfuttaimmotors.ae www.al-futtaim.ae

Travel

WORLDWIDE Golf readers can get their own taste of Evolution Golf Scotland’s outstanding personal service by taking advantage of one of the following great packages:

5* Majestic Golf

Kingsbarns Golf Links Clubhouse

The Majestic Golf Package offers an exhilarating Scottish golfing experience on The Duke’s plus two outstanding links courses – the recently-opened Castle Course and renowned Kingsbarns as well as luxury accommodation in the heart of the Home of Golf at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa. Package based on two golfers and includes:

• • • • • •

minimum two-night stay sharing twin accommodation full Scottish breakfast each morning A round of golf on The duke’s A round of golf on Kingsbarns A round of golf on the Castle Course use of the Kohler Waters Spa facilities

Packages from 3,175 AED (US$865/£550) per person based on minimum two-night stay

3* Hidden Gems

Kingsbarns Golf Links Holes 8 and 15

The Hidden Gems package offers an unforgettable traditional Scottish golfing experience over seven days with a full spectrum of superb inland and links courses along with accommodation in the warm and welcoming surrounds of The Inn at Lathones. Package based on eight golfers and includes:

• • • • • • • •

Six nights twin accommodation full Scottish breakfast each morning A round of golf on The duke’s A round of golf at Crail A round of golf on monifieth A round of golf on Piperdam Osprey A round of golf on Kingsbarns A luxury eight seater coach at your service throughout your trip

Packages from 5,857AED (US$1,595/£1,008)

Piperdam Osprey Course

Monifieth Golf Links

Crail

To book a tour or for more information contact: Evolution Golf Scotland U.A.E : +971 566921544 UK : +44 141416329 Email: enquiries@evolutiongolfscotland.com Web: www.evolutiongolfscotland.com Evolution Golf Scotland is a member of IAGTO and all golfers are fully covered by financial failure and public liability insurance. www.wwgolf.biz

WWG WHEELS

DRIVING

RANGE

RIDE COMFORT PERFORMANCE SPACE BRAKING New Porsche 911

Carrera GTS Now Even sportier

// W

ith a power output of 408 hp, outstanding vehicle dynamics and emphatically sporty equipment, the new 911 Carrera GtS ascends to the pinnacle of the Carrera model series. 23 hp more than the 911 Carrera S enable the new GtS – available as Coupé and Cabriolet – with 3.8-litre engine to close the gap up to the 911 Gt3 with 435 hp. this additional sportiness goes hand in hand with the economic advantage: thanks to Porsche intelligent Performance, the new top sports car consumes no more fuel than the Carrera S in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), and is also priced very attractively due to its extensive standard equipment. the new Porsche 911 Carrera GtS celebrates its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show this month.

www.wwgolf.biz

DRIVING

RANGE

RIDE COMFORT PERFORMANCE SPACE BRAKING

New Porsche 911

Carrera GTS Now Even sportier

www.wwgolf.biz

NiqUE within the Carrera family, the 911 Carrera GtS combines the 44 millimetre wider Carrera 4 body of the AWD models, including a wider track with a classic rear-wheel drive. there are many more details which distinguish the appearance and technology of a GtS from other Carrera models. For instance, the GtS runs on 19-inch centre-mount RS Spyder wheels, painted in black, with high-gloss finish rim flanges and 305/30 R 19 tyres on the rear axle. Other optical features include the SportDesign front apron with spoiler edge, painted in black, special sideskirts, also in black, and the Carrera GtS logotype on doors and rear lid, in black or silver depending

The GTS runs on 19-inch centre-mount RS Spyder wheels, painted in black, with high-gloss finish rim flanges and 305/30 R 19 tyres on the rear axle

on the body colour. the area between the two tailpipes in the rear is finished in black. in combination with the standard interior colour â&#x20AC;&#x153;black Alcantaraâ&#x20AC;?, the centre sections of the driver and passenger sport seats are covered with black Alcantara. in the sporty interior, dominated by the colour black, this high-quality material is also used wherever driver and passenger come into direct contact with the vehicle, like on the rim of the new three-spoke SportDesign steering wheel and on the gear and handbrake levers. Special attention has been paid to charge exchange in the 3.8-litre flat engine delivering 408 hp: in a special resonance intake manifold, six

WWG WHEELS

vacuum-controlled tuning flaps switch between power and torque-optimised geometry, whereas in a Carrera S power unit there is only one tuning flap. thus, maximum torque of unchanged 420 Nm is already available at 4,200 rpm, 200 rpm earlier, compared with the Carrera S. Add to that a sports exhaust system with two dual tailpipes. their outer shells are painted in black and their inner tubes are polished on the outside and nano-coated. As a standard, the Carrera GtS comes with a seven-speed Porsche Doppel–kupplungsgetriebe (PDK). in comparison with the Carrera S, top speed of the model with PDK rises by four km/h to 304 km/h. in general, acceleration from zero to 100 km/h improves by 0.1 seconds, and is 4.2 seconds for a GtS Coupé with PDK and a Sport Chrono Package Plus in Sport Plus mode.

Fuel consumption of a Carrera GtS with PDK in the NEDC is 10.2 litres/100 km (27.69 mpg imp). CO2 emissions are 240 g/km. the 911 Carrera GtS Coupé is available for order in the Middle East as of now with first deliveries being expected in January 2011. Starting price in the GCC is US $107,455. the Cabriolet can be expected at the same time. the basic retail price for this model in the GCC is US $117,489.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h improves by 0.1 seconds, and is 4.2 seconds for a GTS Coupé with PDK and a Sport Chrono Package Plus in Sport Plus mode.

PERFORMANCE Power: 300 kW (408 hp) at 7,300 rpm Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 4.6 seconds Acceleration: 0-160km/h (99mph): 9.7 seconds Top speed: 306 km/h

FuEl CONsuMPtiON Urban in l/100km (mpg) Extra Urban in l/100km (mpg) Combined in l/100km CO2 emission in g/km

BODY Length: Width: Height: Wheelbase:

FuEl tANk CAPACitY 67 litres

4,435 mm 1,852 mm 1,300 mm 2,350 mm

15.9 (17.8) 7.6 (37.2) 10.6 (26.6) 250

Specification based on the Manual Model, not PDK. www.wwgolf.biz

clubhouse quickies

PLAYER quotEs JokEs woRd of thE month CARtoons

Bill and Ralph, both of equal ability, decide to have a round together and “play it as it lies” on all shots. Both hit their tee shots on the par-5 first hole down the middle and about 260 yards. They drive up for the second shot, and Bill hits his shot down the middle for an easy approach. But Ralph slices his over the trees and it ends up in the cart path of the adjoining hole. “Guess I get a free drop from the cart path,” he says. “Oh no,” says Bill, “We agreed. Play it as it lies.” So Ralph drives Bill up to his ball in front of the green, drops him off and drives over to his ball on the cart path. Bill watches in amusement as sparks shower down from the practice swings of his opponent, then, in amazement as a perfectly struck shot lands on the green and roles to within three feet of the pin. Ralph drives back to the green. Bill says, “Great shot back there! What club did you use?” Ralph responds, “Your six iron.”

“I have a hook. It nauseated me. I could vomit when I see one. It’s like a rattlesnake in your pocket.” – Ben Hogan

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.

www.wwgolf.biz

WORD

OF the MONth... PiPeline: The centre of the fairway, so named because an irrigation pipe often runs down it.

DiD yOu kNOW?

Henry Gonder, a club professional, spent 18 hours and 25 minutes one day in 1940 deliberately trying to make a hole-in-one on a 169-yard hole. After 1,817 shots, he gave up.

Golf Partner A chap comes home after his regular Saturday golf game and his wife asks why he doesn’t include Tom O’Brien in the games anymore. The husband asks, “Would you want to play with a guy who regularly cheats, swears up a storm over everything, lies about his score, and has nothing good to say about anyone else on the course?” “Of course I wouldn’t,” replies the wife. “Well,” says the husband, “neither would Tom O’Brien.”

He’s a liar A group of golfers was searching for one of their golf balls out in the deep rough. After several minutes of labouring, the golfer who sliced his ball out into the rough declares he has found his ball, inciting another in his group to scream out: “He is a damn liar! I have his ball in my pocket!”

Golf is an awkward set of bodily contortions designed to produce a graceful result. – Tommy Armour

Miss this little putt for fifteen hundred? I should say not! – Walter Hagen Golf is about how well you accept, respond to, and score with your misses much more so than it is a game of your perfect shots. – Dr Bob Rotella I’m gonna be a Spaniard instead of a Mexkin as soon as I get some more money. – Lee Trevino just before winning his first US Open in 1968.

I accept the fact that I’m going to miss it sometimes. I just hope I miss it where I can find it. – Fuzzy Zoeller www.wwgolf.biz

Final FedExCup standings

SHOW ME THE MONEY

IM Furyk was disqualified from the first US PGA Tour FedExCup Play-off event at The Barclays in New Jersey after oversleeping and missing his pro-am tee time. Four weeks later he bounced back to land the biggest monetary prize in the game after a gritty win at The Tour Championship in Atlanta. With the dour rain falling steadily on East Lake Golf Club, Furyk launched his hybrid off the 18th tee toward the green but pushed it into a greenside bunker. Knowing an up-and-down would seal the $10m FedExCup bonus and the tournament itself, Furyk executed the perfect splash from the damp sand to leave a two-foot tap-in for a one-stroke victory over Luke Donald. It was a clutch moment that defined the career of one of the gutsiest performers in the game. “This was probably the best

bunker week of my career this week,” smiled Furyk as he gazed at both the FedExCup and Tour Championship trophies. “It’s a special moment and a special year. After what happened the first week I just wanted to have a chance to play here.” Furyk’s chances of FedEx Cup glory were hampered when he was sent home from The Barclays without hitting ball. After spending a week at home in Florida practising and watching Matt Kuchar win the first Play-off event he returned to action in Boston for the Deutsche Bank Championship where he opened with a superb 66. However, that was as good as it got for Furyk in Massachusetts as he wound up in 37th place but one good thing to come out of his trip to New England was a $39 Yes! putter which he picked up in a second hand outlet. Charley Hoffman was the surprise package at the Deutsche Bank Championship

as he shot a final round 62 to win by five shots and give himself a shot at FedExCup glory. The following week at the BMW Championship in Illinois Dustin Johnson picked up his second win of the season to stake a claim while Furyk – with new putter in tow – finished 15th to move to 11th in the FedExCup standings before The Tour Championship. After opening rounds of 67, 65 and 70 at East Lake, Furyk held a one stroke lead over Luke Donald and with three holes to play he found himself three ahead. However, the American made things interesting with back-to-back bogeys on 16 and 17 before his clutch moment on the par-3 final hole sealed the deal. His easy tap-in with his new putter earned him his third US PGA Tour title of the season along with that $10m bonus – a healthy return on his $39 investment. n

Rank 1 2 3 4 5

Player Jim Furyk Matt Kuchar Luke Donald Charley Hoffman Dustin Johnson

Points 2,980 2,728 2,700 2,500 2,493

THE PLAYOFFS: Aug 26-29 The Barclays Winner: Matt Kuchar Sept 03-06 Deutsche Bank Championship Winner: Charley Hoffman Sept 09-12 BMW Championship Winner: Dustin Johnson Sept 23-26 The Tour Championship Winner: Jim Furyk

www.wwgolf.biz

Now you have even more reasons to choose Hertz for your monthly car rental: • Free tank of fuel with absolutely no fuel recharges • 20% discount for all new bookings • Over 2000 new vehicles purchased this year You’ll agree, you get more mileage with Hertz!

• Youngest fleet in the UAE • Comprehensive insurance • 24/7 roadside assistance and recovery service • 40 point safety check • ABS and airbags as standard • Delivery and collection service anywhere in the UAE Hertz standard terms & conditions apply. New vehicles subject to availability. International Franchisee.

Official World Golf Ranking As of MoNDAY sEPTEMbEr 27, 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 Martin Kaymer paul Casey luke donald rory McIlroy ernie els Matt Kuchar dustin Johnson graeme Mcdowell hunter Mahan edoardo Molinari Ian poulter retief goosen anthony Kim Zach Johnson louis oosthuizen robert allenby padraig harrington Justin rose Bubba watson sean o’hair Miguel a Jimenez ross Fisher Camilo Villegas tim Clark nick watney geoff ogilvy Francesco Molinari rickie Fowler Charl schwartzel stewart Cink adam scott lucas glover henrik stenson Jason day robert Karlsson Y.e. Yang peter hanson K.J. Choi ryan Moore Bo Van pelt angel Cabrera Ben Crane Jeff overton Kenny perry Charley hoffman

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

Pts. Avg

Tot. Pts

Events

9.04 8.58 8.50 7.82 7.60 7.10 6.24 5.90 5.67 5.48 5.35 4.98 4.86 4.76 4.73 4.72 4.60 4.17 4.17 4.09 3.96 3.88 3.78 3.78 3.63 3.63 3.62 3.61 3.57 3.54 3.54 3.35 3.34 3.32 3.27 3.20 3.18 3.11 3.09 3.09 3.07 3.03 3.03 3.00 2.92 2.88 2.74 2.73 2.73 2.71

361.55 368.82 408.01 328.33 341.78 354.77 287.19 306.90 323.42 312.38 283.39 264.04 252.46 242.69 245.86 226.76 262.25 187.85 229.58 216.78 225.71 209.62 215.43 181.29 185.34 206.76 177.16 191.53 196.45 194.67 180.36 181.00 133.49 189.14 153.87 156.78 159.07 149.11 148.45 129.66 174.91 151.70 157.74 167.83 169.56 138.29 147.97 158.41 128.18 146.21

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

Pts. Gained 90.53 243.78 273.95 215.46 240.77 282.02 223.95 272.16 211.59 252.83 253.52 235.57 206.07 190.72 189.46 146.96 182.13 151.05 160.44 201.32 141.64 107.52 187.68 162.88 104.55 176.69 96.01 164.88 157.71 138.29 116.50 125.86 130.99 169.38 78.91 102.92 72.30 60.66 130.23 119.98 100.44 115.22 150.66 116.29 150.38 68.37 136.94 141.70 48.19 120.44

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

alvaro Quiros ryo Ishikawa Kevin na J.B. holmes ryan palmer scott Verplank rhys davies Yuta Ikeda sergio garcia Kim Kyung-tae liang wen-Chong heath slocum Martin laird Michael sim david toms ricky Barnes Bryce Molder oliver wilson Brandt snedeker Vijay singh simon dyson rory sabbatini Brian gay thongchai Jaidee Jason dufner Fredrik andersson hed david horsey stephen gallacher tetsuji hiratsuka toru taniguchi Brian davis hiroyuki Fujita Brendan Jones noh seung-yul søren Kjeldsen Justin leonard stephen Marino Marc leishman Bill haas stephen ames Chris wood danny willett, anders hansen Vaughn taylor darren Clarke John senden Fredrik Jacobson stuart appleby davis love-III søren hansen

esp Jpn usa usa usa usa wal Jpn esp Kor Chn usa sco aus usa usa usa eng usa Fji eng saf usa tha usa swe eng sco Jpn Jpn eng Jpn aus Kor dnk usa usa aus usa Can eng eng dnk usa nir aus swe aus usa dnk

Pts. Avg

Tot. Pts

2.65 2.50 2.46 2.39 2.38 2.31 2.31 2.27 2.25 2.20 2.17 2.16 2.14 2.12 2.08 2.00 1.98 1.95 1.95 1.93 1.90 1.87 1.86 1.86 1.86 1.85 1.81 1.80 1.80 1.79 1.78 1.78 1.75 1.74 1.74 1.72 1.71 1.68 1.68 1.67 1.67 1.63 1.63 1.61 1.61 1.61 1.60 1.59 1.59 1.58

145.78 145.26 135.48 121.87 130.73 113.39 134.01 118.25 110.06 112.41 99.93 125.04 123.97 97.29 106.09 107.79 104.79 103.37 105.25 88.70 110.20 108.52 108.15 108.01 106.08 85.29 90.75 75.47 104.14 78.75 103.28 99.48 69.99 69.70 92.13 89.48 99.45 97.72 94.03 78.32 81.64 75.17 81.35 92.00 87.06 93.46 75.22 92.26 85.63 85.34

Events Pts. Gained 55 58 55 51 55 49 58 52 49 51 46 58 58 46 51 54 53 53 54 46 58 58 58 58 57 46 50 42 58 44 58 56 40 40 53 52 58 58 56 47 49 46 50 57 54 58 47 58 54 54

121.01 73.84 99.48 114.92 136.99 74.27 115.83 60.01 58.15 78.49 67.05 81.59 90.11 54.94 59.83 96.93 74.40 60.18 81.24 67.65 43.55 75.22 59.59 70.54 59.57 77.30 84.60 77.63 82.66 58.91 82.25 60.49 41.69 67.77 40.41 49.80 67.98 64.46 85.60 45.06 55.93 58.16 27.10 81.78 66.85 46.42 58.97 67.22 63.41 40.98

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.

Relishing another wonderful Invitational Left: The competitors line-up at last year’s Gary Player Invitational at Fancourt Resort and The Links in George South Africa where a record R4.5million was raised for charity.

’M proud to be celebrating our 11th Gary Player invitational presented by coca-cola, which takes place at fancourt resort and the links in George, south africa, next month. once again so many european tour, us PGa tour, european senior tour, us champions tour and lPGa tour players have committed to giving up their precious time in their busy international schedules to support the event. among world golf’s leading players taking part are south africa’s doublemajor winner retief Goosen and fellow countryman louis oosthuizen; the current British open champion; european ryder cup captain, colin montgomerie; carly Booth; lee-anne Pace; mark mcnulty; louise friberg; vincent tshabalala; john cook and Glen ralph, plus many others. celebrities from other sports such as the legendary indian cricketer sachin

www.wwgolf.biz

tendulkar, former england world cupwinning rugby union coach, sir clive woodward; former formula 1 Grand Prix racing driver nelson Piquet; and former south african footballer and now coach, neil tovey, are supporting the event along with former miss south africa joanne strauss and radio dj sasha martinengo. Esteemed some of the leading figures in the international business field are also lending their help and presence to the event, including former ireland international athlete and now property magnate sinead Kenny; alex maditsi of coca-cola; dr. hans walter Peters of hamburg-based Berenberg Bank; claudia schonfeld of alfred e.tiefenbacher; dr. hasso Plattner, owner of fancourt and entrepreneur dr. jurgen dorsch.

with such an esteemed line-up from the worlds of sport, entertainment and business we should be in for another successful and enjoyable event. last year’s tournament was a truly wonderful occasion. in the professional betterball competition 2009 masters champion angel cabrera and tony johnstone produced a scintillating performance with rounds of 66 and 65 to beat john Bland and tjaart van der walt by three strokes. the fourball alliance produced a thrilling spectacle with a countback required to decide the winning team and it was the group of dubai-based businessman and worldwide Golf vice chairman abullah al naboodah and dj spoony along with professionals vincent tshabalala and thomas aitken who clinched it after shooting 22-under-par. they narrowly edged out the team of sinead Kenny, cricketer Barry richards,

Left: Angel Cabrera (left) and Tony Johnstone (right) are presented with the trophy by Gary Player following their victory in the professional betterball tournament at last year’s Gary Player Invitational in South Africa.

“ErniE has compilEd an Extraordinarily succEssful intErnational carEEr and richly dEsErvEs this honour. on bEhalf of thE World Golf foundation i look forWard to WElcominG him to thE hall of famE at thE cErEmony nExt may” – GARY PLAYER john Bland and tjaart van der walt, who finished on the same total, so it was a really exciting finish to the event. it wasn’t only the golf that was the winner last year either. the Player foundation has raised more than r250million worldwide over the past 25 years for underprivileged children and the 2009 Gary Player invitational raised a record r4.5million for the children’s hospital trust, masizame child and youth care centre and the sabine Plattner african charities organisation. Fortunate with coca-cola again supporting us as presenting partner we’re also grateful for the sponsorship of fancourt, audi, callaway, uPs, rolex, saP and supersport. we are so fortunate to have all this support to help children the world over to Above: Worldwide Golf Vice Chairman Abdullah Al Naboodah enjoy a better life. let’s hope we can break last year’s record at our 11th Gary Player and radio’s DJ Spoony celebrate their team’s victory in the Fourball Alliance with host Gary Player at last year’s Gary invitational from november 18 to 21. Player Invitational in South Africa. as hall of fame Global ambassador my congratulations to ernie els at being elected to the world Golf hall of fame. i see he received 66 per cent of the vote on the us PGa tour ballot which is quite something. ernie certainly deserves this recognition as he epitomises a ‘world’ golfer. he is a credit to the game and an excellent ambassador for the sport. ernie has been a wonderful friend over the years and i am very fond of him and his family.

i echo PGa tour commissioner tim finchem’s comments on ernie’s achievement: “ernie has compiled an extraordinarily successful international career and richly deserves this honour. on behalf of the world Golf foundation i look forward to welcoming him to the hall of fame at the ceremony next may.” ernie has won two big events this season and finished ninth on the fedexcup. i wish him another successful season in 2011. Belated congratulations to hunter mahan for winning the Gary Player cup at the wGc-Bridgestone invitational at akron, ohio. mahan shot a final round 6-under 64 for the biggest win of his career and his first world Golf championships title. mahan overcame a four-shot deficit by shooting five birdies on the front nine to go on and win by two shots from ryan Palmer. his victory sealed his place in the us ryder cup team. i was amused to hear that one of my favourite golf club’s watering hole is up for auction on eBay. the little wooden tea hut between the ninth green and the 10th tee at carnoustie was a welcome half-way house stopping-off spot and refuge from the elements that can blow across one of the toughest courses in world golf. i can’t imagine the tiny cabin could be worth very much but it should have sentimental value to someone. n

www.wwgolf.biz

Race to Dubai

As of Monday September 27, 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 Martin KAYMER Graeme McDOWELL Lee WESTWOOD Ernie ELS Charl SCHWARTZEL Louis OOSTHUIZEN Edoardo MOLINARI Miguel Angel JIMÉNEZ Ian POULTER Paul CASEY Rory McILROY Rhys DAVIES Luke DONALD Ross FISHER Francesco MOLINARI Alvaro QUIROS Peter HANSON Padraig HARRINGTON Simon KHAN Fredrik ANDERSSON HED Stephen GALLACHER Retief GOOSEN Camilo VILLEGAS Grégory HAVRET Robert KARLSSON Darren CLARKE David HORSEY Brett RUMFORD Alejandro CAÑIZARES Seung-yul NOH Sergio GARCIA Y. E YANG. Danny WILLETT Thongchai JAIDEE Oliver WILSON Chris WOOD Henrik STENSON Marcus FRASER Robert ROCK Raphaël JACQUELIN Anthony KIM Gonzalo FDEZ-CASTAÑO Peter LAWRIE Simon DYSON James MORRISON Jamie DONALDSON Robert-Jan DERKSEN Damien McGRANE Johan EDFORS Anders HANSEN

Country

Tournaments Played

Prize Money

Rank

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

17 18 11 12 19 21 23 23 11 12 12 24 11 17 21 20 18 10 21 21 24 9 10 22 16 22 23 21 23 16 11 10 22 18 20 21 13 20 27 26 7 24 25 22 22 20 22 24 21 20

€2,554,400 €2,094,667 €1,822,738 €1,771,118 €1,765,978 €1,747,726 €1,735,648 €1,671,801 €1,478,118 €1,438,864 €1,184,019 €1,145,096 €1,143,424 €1,129,085 €1,120,578 €1,116,792 €1,110,577 €1,009,431 €925,843 €897,727 €843,086 €841,664 €826,043 €811,041 €793,778 €785,285 €777,399 €704,241 €700,033 €668,753 €655,660 €655,347 €635,467 €625,236 €603,696 €599,164 €596,267 €594,144 €579,655 €559,924 €550,447 €513,225 €512,105 €510,994 €507,717 €501,305 €482,017 €479,923 €463,324 €460,226

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

Søren HANSEN Gareth MAYBIN Grégory BOURDY Shane LOWRY Richard GREEN Bradley DREDGE Richard BLAND Ignacio GARRIDO Richie RAMSAY Richard FINCH Thomas AIKEN Thomas BJÖRN Søren KJELDSEN Nicolas COLSAERTS Andrew DODT John PARRY Joost LUITEN Oliver FISHER Adam SCOTT Gary BOYD Tim CLARK Mikko ILONEN Peter WHITEFORD Ross McGOWAN James KINGSTON Fabrizio ZANOTTI Paul LAWRIE Marcel SIEM Stephen DODD Graeme STORM David LYNN Rafa ECHENIQUE Wen-chong LIANG Mark FOSTER David DRYSDALE Pablo MARTIN Angel CABRERA Anthony WALL Pablo LARRAZÁBAL José Manuel LARA Christian NILSSON Matteo MANASSERO Rafael CABRERA-BELLO Richard S JOHNSON Robert ALLENBY Michael HOEY Peter HEDBLOM Jeev Milkha SINGH Geoff OGILVY Vijay SINGH

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

Tournaments Played 24 20 23 25 19 20 5 25 25 25 21 24 21 23 16 29 22 27 8 23 7 22 26 22 19 24 19 24 19 24 25 25 10 23 27 21 8 20 25 26 19 12 25 2 6 21 21 12 9 8

Prize Money €457,117 €454,276 €444,709 €428,347 €421,001 €419,757 €412,576 €404,917 €403,956 €402,957 €395,181 €389,538 €385,858 €382,313 €378,918 €373,651 €365,959 €352,209 €346,388 €345,541 €345,077 €338,267 €334,271 €333,340 €331,966 €325,946 €323,381 €323,240 €322,633 €317,682 €312,630 €307,387 €301,437 €296,349 €288,798 €288,208 €285,820 €285,237 €274,575 €273,833 €273,447 €271,673 €270,310 €266,660 €262,959 €252,938 €251,638 €248,043 €243,860 €241,407

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 WORLDWIDE GOLF IS THE OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER TO THE EUROPEAN TOUR IN THE MIDDLE EAST. SENIOR TOUR RETURNS TO ITALY

HSBC GIVE BACKING TO US$2.7 MILLION ABU DHABI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP A DEAL has been struck between HSBC and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) that will see the bank become title sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship for at least the next five years. The event, which runs from January 20-23 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, will now be known as the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship with the prize money increasing by US$500,000 to US$2.7 million, making it the richest purse on the Middle East Swing. “This partnership ushers in a new era for the championship and golf in Abu Dhabi,” said His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman,

THE European Senior Tour is set to return to Italy for the Sicilian Senior Open for the penultimate event of the 2010 season at Il Picciolo Golf Club from October 22-24. The latest addition to the schedule means that there will now be 20 events counting towards the 2010 Order of Merit and with a €250,000 prize fund, the tournament could play a big role in deciding the destination of the John Jacobs Trophy. Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm the Sicilian Senior Open as part of the 2010 European Senior Tour schedule and we are all looking forward to returning to Italy where we have enjoyed some magnificent tournaments in recent years. “It is our first visit to Sicily and with the tournament taking place straight after the inaugural Cannes Mougins Masters and the second edition of the Benahavis Senior Masters, we anticipate an exciting climax to the season taking us into the Senior Tour Championship.”

ADTA. “It is in many ways a coming of age for the championship and for Abu Dhabi’s ambitions as a credible golfing destination. “This is a coming together of two organisations which share considerable synergies. Both have a diverse and inclusive culture and an uncompromising commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices taking responsibility for the social and environmental impact of their operations. Both also have an abiding commitment to community engagement. It is a meeting of minds in which we see a world of potential.”

ELS INDUCTED INTO WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME ONE of The European Tour’s finest players has been given the ultimate global recognition with the announcement that three-time Major winner Ernie Els is to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame next May. Els won the US Open in 1994 and 1997 and The Open in 2002. His mammoth list of achievements in the game also includes topping the Order of Merit twice in 2003 and 2004 and winning a record seven World Match Play Championships. “I was shocked and extremely honoured when the call came through from Commissioner Finchem to say that I was to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” said Els “I would like to thank all those who have helped make this possible, not least my family whose support has never wavered. There are too many others to mention by name, but they know who they are and can be assured of my eternal gratitude. Also to those who saw fit to believe I was worthy of a place among those who have been previously honoured, I say a big thank you.”

GRAND SLAM OF GOLF ALLEUROPEAN TOUR AFFAIR FOR the first time in its 28-year history the PGA Grand Slam of Golf will be comprised solely of European Tour players. The event, taking place at Port Royal Golf Course in Bermuda from October 18-21, traditionally features the season’s four Major winners, with extra players drafted in if more than one Grand Slam event has been won by the same player. This year’s line-up was supposed to comprise: Masters champion Phil Mickelson, US Open champion Graeme McDowell, Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and USPGA champion Martin Kaymer. Mickelson, however, has withdrawn from the event and is to be replaced by Ernie Els, who won the 1997 PGA Grand Slam of Golf. The tournament has only once before featured an all-international field – in 1994 when Ernie Els, Nick Price, Greg Norman and José Maria Olazábal played but neither Norman nor Price were playing on The European Tour at that time.

WorldrouNd-ups Tournament: Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles

Date: 19 - 22 Aug 2010

Venue: The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland

Magical Molinari wins big in scotland EDOARDO Molinari birdied the final three holes of the Johnnie Walker Championship to win his second European Tour title of the season and earn a wildcard pick from Colin Montgomerie for the European Ryder Cup Team. Montgomerie hailed the performance as, “The best finish I have seen in 25 years on Tour by anyone, anywhere,” as Molinari picked up his second win on Scottish soil this year after his triumph at The Barclays Scottish Open. “I knew if I won the tournament I could almost force Monty to give me a pick,” smiled Molinari, who joined his brother Francesco on the team. “Luckily, that’s what I did.” Edoardo was two behind Australian Brett Rumford as he stood on the 16th tee but produced a stunning finale – the highlight of which was a sensational 40-foot birdie putt which broke 12 feet from right to left. “I still felt I could catch Brett with three holes to go but that putt won it for me,” said Molinari, who finished with a birdie on the par-5 18th for a 1-under-par 71

and a 10-under total, one ahead of Rumford who had to settle for his second runner-up finish of the season. Welshman Jamie Donaldson was the only player to break 70 on a day of high winds in Perthshire as his 69 featured six birdies and three bogeys which helped him secure third place on 7-under-par and his best finish of the season. Finishing level alongside Donaldson was Miguel Angel Jiménez who sealed his fourth Ryder Cup appearance with another assured display. “It means a lot,” said Jiménez, who had initially elected to skip the event in favour of attending a nephew’s wedding before changing his plans in a bid to solidify his place in Montgomerie’s team. “It’s very important to me and I’m glad to be part of the team again.” Also in a share of third place was Francesco Molinari who started the day one shot ahead of his brother in the final pairing but faltered with a final round 75 as the conditions got the better of him.

INTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAG Driver: 3-wood: Hybrid: Irons (4-PW): Wedges: Putter: Ball:

TaylorMade R9 SuperTri 9.5° TaylorMade R9 15° TaylorMade Rescue 09 TP 19° TaylorMade R9 TP TaylorMade xFT 52°, 56° and 60° Yes! Golf Callie TaylorMade Penta TP

winner: edoardo Molinari

With this win Edoardo Molinari became the first player in European Tour history to win two titles on Scottish soil in the same season and although he was unable to qualify for The European Ryder Cup Team – relying instead on a Captain’s pick – he finished with 1,542,827 points – the highest number won by a player not to qualify for the team.

WinneR’S Cheque

€282,773

Winning Score: 10-under-par – 278 (70,68,69,71) runnerS-up: Brett rumford – 279 Tournament: Omega European Masters

Date: 02 - 05 Sept 2010

Venue: Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans Montana, Switzerland

JiMénez seals his hat-trick in the alps

winner: Miguel angel JiMénez

MIGUEL Angel Jiménez held off a spirited charge from his Italian Ryder Cup colleague Edoardo Molinari to win his third European Tour title of the season at the Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre in Switzerland. The Spaniard carded a final round 67 to finish on 21-under-par, three clear of Molinari, while another Italian – 17-year-old Matteo Manassero – finished third on 16-under-par which secured his Tour card for 2011. Jiménez stormed into contention after a stunning second round 10-under-par 61 which featured two eagles and six birdies. It was the lowest round in his 27-year European Tour career and took him to the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend. He then carded a 68 to take a three-stroke lead into the final day and he extended his lead to six shots after a steady

WinneR’S Cheque

€333,330

outward nine on the Sunday. However, after a nervy few holes around the turn Jiménez saw his lead cut to just one stroke by Molinari on the 15th but the Italian couldn’t gain any further ground and bogeyed the 16th. Jiménez then birdied the 17th to move three ahead with one to play. “I love to come here,” said Jiménez, who parred the last to become the eighth oldest winner on The European Tour as he edges towards his 47th birthday. “It’s not only my two times as runner-up (in 1993 and 2004) – it’s the amount of times I have finished inside the top 10 and been in contention, so it means a lot.” Korea’s Seung-yul Noh finished alone in fourth place on 13-under-par while Robert Coles, Robert-Jan Derksen, Charl Schwartzel and Oliver Wilson finished in a share of fifth place, one shot further back.

WorldrouNd-ups Tournament: KLM Open

Date: 09 - 12 Sept 2010

Venue: Hilversumche Golf Club, Hilversum, Netherlands

kayMer cruises to klM open title MARTIN Kaymer hit 17 greens in regulation as he cruised to a four-stroke victory over Christian Nilsson and Fabrizio Zanotti at the KLM Open in the Netherlands. The German showed effortless precision as he carded back-to-back weekend rounds of 4-under-par 66 for a 14-under-par total and his third title on The European Tour so far this season. “It was my goal to play well here, but I was not expecting to win again,” said Kaymer who confirmed he wouldn’t play competitively again before The Ryder Cup. “It’s a nice feeling.” Kaymer birdied the last two holes of the third round to take a one-stroke lead into the final 18 and moved to extend his advantage over playing partners Nilsson and Zanotti to three, birdieing the second hole after the Paraguayan and Swede each bogeyed the first. Nilsson did claw the deficit

back to two strokes with a chip-in birdie on the 15th but Kaymer hit back with a birdie on the 16th and then birdied the last for the fourth successive day to seal the victory. “I felt very strong and I was very patient,” said the reigning US PGA Champion. “The Majors are the biggest tournaments we play all year and if you win one of those it gives you probably the biggest confidence you can get.” Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen was one of four players in a share of fourth place on 9-under-par after a superb final round 65. England’s David Horsey joined the South African and Spaniards José Manuel Lara and Gonzalo FernandezCastano on 9-under while Ryder Cup debutants Francesco Molinari and Ross Fisher finished eighth and 11th respectively after they both carded final-round 66s.

With his victory at the KLM Open, Martin Kaymer follows in the footsteps of fellow European Ryder Cup Team member Miguel Angel Jiménez as a threetime winner on The European Tour this season.

winner: Martin kayMer

WinneR’S Cheque

€300,000

Winning Score: 14-under-par – 266 (67,67,66,66) runner-up: chriStian nilSSon, faBrizio zanotti – 270

Tournament: Austrian GolfOpen presented by Botarin

Date: 16 - 19 Sept 2010

Venue: Diamond Country Club

lara downs lynn in austrian play-off JOSé Manuel-Lara secured his European Tour card for 2011 with a gutsy play-off victory over Englishman David Lynn at the Austrian GolfOpen presented by Botarin. The Spaniard carded a final round 64 to get to 17-underpar, level with Lynn who shot a 68. On the first play-off hole Lynn drove into trouble and a simple two-putt par putt gave Lara his first European Tour title since the 2007 UBS Hong Kong Open. “I have missed too many cuts in the past two years,” said Lara after picking up the €125,000 winner’s cheque. “After playing so poorly, I could not imagine I could play so well as I have done all this week. Now I would like to climb into the top 60 and make the Dubai World Championship at the end of the year.” Lara, who had missed nine successive cuts before finishing fourth at the KLM Open a week

earlier, was eighth overnight but carded 10 birdies, along with two bogeys, in his 8-under-par round. He set the clubhouse target courtesy of a huge 20-foot putt to save par at the last. Lynn also made par at the last to force a play-off but then hit a nervy tee shot on the first play-off hole. Lara found the fairway as they re-played the 18th while Lynn drove into a terrible lie just in front of a bunker in the right hand rough. Lynn could only lay up on the fairway, while Lara found the green. Lynn’s third shot made the green but he left it 12 feet short and after he missed his par putt Lara was left with a simple tap-in par putt to seal victory. European Ryder Cup player Graeme McDowell carded rounds of 69, 68, 68 and 69 for a share of third place alongside Alexander Noren and Danny Willett on 14under-par.

winner: José Manuel lara

Austrian Amateur champion Matthais Schwab produced the best ever performance by a 15-year-old on The European Tour as he closed with a 75 for a share of 32nd, bettering the performances of Sergio Garcia and Jason Hak. He became the third youngest player ever to make the cut in Europe.

WinneR’S Cheque

€125,000

Winning Score: 17-under-par – 271 (66,71,70,64) runner-up: david lynn – 271 (defeated in play-off)

WorldrouNd-ups

Tournament: Vivendi Cup 2010

Date: 23 - 26 Sept 2010

Venue: Golf de Joyenval, Chambourcy, Paris, France

parry lands Maiden european title ENGLAND’S John Parry became the third rookie to win on The European Tour this season after a composed two-stroke victory over Johan Edfors at the Vivendi Cup. The 23-year-old Challenge Tour graduate closed with a 70 for a 17-under-par total to take home the cheque for €204,160 and secure his European Tour status for 2011. “I felt nervous and just tried to control my emotions. I felt I was playing well, though, and my concentration was good,” said Parry, whose best result prior to his win was a ninth place finish at the Madeira Islands Open in April. “I was trying to get to 20-under and I think I could have done it if I had holed a few more putts. “I thought I was good enough to win – it was just putting it all together. I know now what I am

going to play in next year and that takes the pressure off.” Parry started the day with a one-stroke lead and made the turn two shots to the good after three birdies and a bogey. He then produced what turned out to be his final birdie at the 10th which proved decisive as nobody could mount a challenge down the stretch and he could even afford to bogey the 17th and still take home the trophy. Danish pair Søren Kjeldsen and Mark F Haastrup finished in a share of third place alongside Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen, France’s François Delamontagne and Swede Jarmo Sandelin on 14-under-par. Padraig Harrington completed his warm-up prior to The Ryder Cup by shooting a best-of-theday 64 to finish in a share of eighth place.

winner: John parry

John Parry became the 12th first-time winner on The European Tour this season and is the fourth Challenge Tour graduate to win on this year’s schedule. Parry is the 21st Challenge Tour graduate to have gone on to win on their rookie campaign.

WinneR’S Cheque

€204,160

Winning Score: 17-under-par – 271 (64,67,70,70) runner-up: Johan edforS – 273

Welcome to the Greener Side of Life The Allegria, the first Norman-designed golf course and Troon Golf’s first project in Egypt is situated west of Cairo within SODIC’s “award winning”z residential development Allegria. Designed with young families and children in mind, Allegria comprises modern residential facilities set within acres of pristine parkland. The Allegria golf course provides a stunning backdrop for the development’s luxurious villas and townhouses and features state-of-the-art facilities including a clubhouse, golf academy and driving range. A five-star boutique hotel and luxury spa are included in the extensive community’s future amenities.

ThE AllEGrIA GOlf Club, ShEIkh ZAyED CITy, CAIrO, EGypT | +202 3857 3939 | www.AllEGrIACAIrO.COm

The AllegriA is mAnAged by Troon golf,® The leAder in upscAle golf course mAnAgemenT

2011 Annual Passes are now available on a limited basis. Please contact The Allegria Golf Club +2 012 377 9800

The Allegria – Time for a different lifestyle greg norman’s unique signature course brings a new golf community experience that harmonises a magnificent natural layout with an award-winning, world-class real estate development

ocated in sheikh Zayed city, off the cairoalexandria desert road and adjacent to the world-class british international school of cairo (bisc), is allegria – a high-end, residential community created to encourage families to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Allegria, created by Egyptian property developer SODIC, features Egypt’s first and only Greg Norman signature golf course and offers more than 30 different home designs by world-class architects while the masterplans was designed by the worldrenowned New York-based firm EDAW, which won an Award of Merit from the American Society of Landscape Architects for their work on Allegria. The project also received two CNBC Arabian Property Awards in 2008 for Best Development and Best Golf Development in Egypt. Allegria is a short walk away from Westown, the new mixed-use city centre, designed in collaboration with SOLIDERE that is destined to become the central hub of West Cairo. Greg Norman Golf Course Design is one of the premier signature golf course design firms worldwide with more than 90 completed or ongoing projects around the world. The Allegria, a stunning 18-hole course and the first of its kind in Egypt, has been designed to be a natural extension of the overall community. It blends in harmoniously with the overall atmosphere, shapes, colours and intricate nuances of The Allegria. Greg Norman has encompassed streams, rock features, vegetation and undulating topography as part of the natural elements in the design of The Allegria. Innovative methods have been utilised to make the best use of the natural trees on the site. The par 72 course covers 64 hectares of land (grass, landscape, bunkers and lakes) including 74 bunkers, 3.5 hectares of lakes and 1 stream. Although it is a championship-standard course it has been designed

in the great tradition of Norman layouts to be a testing course but playable to all levels of golfers – with four tee positions: Black – 7,217 yards; Blue – 6,609 yards; Silver – 5,989 yards and Red – 5,388 yards. Jason Scott-McCoy, Senior Vice President, Greg Norman Golf Design comments: “The Allegria course has all the outstanding characteristics that make it a really unique golf course, truly beyond anything in the region.” Troon Golf has been in charge of managing the build, and will also operate the course. Troon’s Mark Chapleski, who runs the company’s Middle Eastern operation, said: “The ownership group at SODIC is developing a golf community that will appeal to both domestic and international markets. The importance placed on quality of condition and service will see Allegria establish the benchmark for golf developments in Egypt and highlight the opportunities that exist for growth in this region.” SODIC Chief Executive Maher Maksoud said: “We are extremely happy to open this much awaited course. At SODIC we take pride in providing not only our residents, but our guests from around the world, a leisure experience that is of the highest standard. Allegria is truly set to be a new living and leisure experience for its residents and guests alike.” SODIC is Egypt’s fastest growing real estate development company and is currently working on a number of large projects in Egypt’s expanding real estate sectors. The Allegria has opened its doors to golfers and offers a Golf Annual Pass Programme. The Grand Opening with Greg Norman is scheduled early next year. For more information please visit: http://www.sodic.com/our-developments/allegria/golf or: http://www.allegriacairo.com

www.wwgolf.biz

2010 EGypTIAN OpEN presented by SODIC

SpOnSOrS TakE up 2010 Egyptian Open presented by SODIC

Official Car 58

www.wwgolf.biz

2010 EGypTIAN OpEN presented by SODIC

THE CHallEngE

all set to be a huge debut success National airline, Egyptair, is also a commercial partner for the tournament. Over the past three years Mercedes Egypt has become more and more involved with Egyptian amateur and professional golf. While a long-time supporter of international golf through its world-class tournaments both on The European Tour and the pGA Tour of America, Mercedes has made a major impact on the Egyptian amateur golfing scene through its Mercedes Trophy. Their series of qualifying events, culminating in the National Final, gives local amateurs the opportunity to compete at the spectacular World Final at the home of Mercedes Benz in Stuttgart, Germany. As part of their support of the Egyptian Open presented by SODIC, Mercedes will provide luxury transportation for the event’s star player and World No.8 Rory McIlroy. “These are strong world-class brands to have associated with our event and again we are grateful for the support of Mercedes and Egyptair,” says Ayman Hussein,

Chairman of the Egyptian Golf Federation. “We must also thank and welcome our family of support sponsors – JW Marriott, Mirage City Golf Club, Julius Baer Advisory SAE, Dell, Drexel, Club Car, Hydroturf, Toro, Microsoft, Global Brands and Heineken, while Coca Cola is our Official Soft Drink and Dockland is our Official Clothing supplier.” In addition to the four days of tournament play a preevent pro-Am will be held on Tuesday, October 19, where Titleist and ECCO will join the tournament sponsors in offering great prizes to Egypt’s national and ex-pat amateurs who will have the chance to rub shoulders with the big names and tournament winners such as McIlroy, Scotland’s Andrew Coltart, last year’s Egyptian Open champion Steven Tiley and current Order of Merit leader Alvaro Velasco. The 7,108-yard course at the JW Marriott, Mirage City Golf Club, will be a test for the European Challenge Tour pros after 23 events on a 25-tournament calendar that started back in Colombia in February. With just 45 slots

Official Clothing www.wwgolf.biz

The set is mixed. The results are not. Introducing the K15™ hybrid/iron set, the perfect blend of accuracy, distance and innovation. Easy-to-hit hybrids for higher launch and longer carry. Titanium-faced irons for added precision with plenty of forgiveness. To customize your way to more greens, visit a PING

fitting specialist or ping.com.

Play your besT

It’s the new science of straight.

™

2010 EGypTIAN OpEN presented by SODIC

12 GOOD REASONS TO ATTEND THE EGYPTIAN OPEN presented by SODIC 1 2 3 4 5 6

Watch World No. 9 Rory Mcilroy Win prizes courtesy of our Egyptian Open sponsors Enjoy interactive games with SODIC Win signed product by Rory McIlroy Watch the Rory McIlroy Golf Clinic brought to you by SODIC Free lesson with Qualified Pro brought to you by SODIC

available for the season-ending €300,000 Apulia San Domenica Grand Final in Italy – and with it the chance to qualify for the lucrative full European Tour for 2011 – competition will be fierce for the oldest trophy in Middle East golf. In all, just 20 players from the 2010 European Challenge Tour Ranking will obtain full playing rights for the 2011 European Tour International Schedule. The 2010 Egyptian Open presented by SODIC will have 114 players from 25 countries teeing off – with 15 winners from this year’s campaign already confirmed in the entry list. Although last year’s tournament – not part of the official calendar but supported by the European Challenge Tour – saw European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie take to the course, it was England’s Steven Tiley who held his nerve to lead from the front and win by four shots after a wind-swept final round. It was a controlled performance from the 28 yearold who played on both the Asian Tour and European Challenge Tour last season before recording the biggest win of his career thanks to a final round 68 that saw him take the title on 13 under par 275. Also confirmed to play is host golf professional at the JW Marriott, Mirage City

7 8 9 10 11 12

Win the chance to compete against McIlory in the SODIC Putting Challenge Watch the rising stars of European Golf from the Challenge Tour Enjoy JW Marriott Award-winning hospitality – special Egyptian Open menus Visit the Roof Terrace and enjoy previously unseen panoramic views of the course Sponsored drinks on the Roof Terrace and on the course Sign up for 2011 EGF Membership and have the opportunity to win further prizes!

Golf Club, Calle Carlsson who claimed 16th place last year with rounds of 66, 73, 72 and 76 which saw him finish on 1-under 287. That opening round 66 (-6) saw the popular Swede tied in second at the end of Day One and while he couldn’t quite match that for the rest of the tournament it was a spirited showing by the two-time winner of the event. “Of course I wanted to play well but it was more important that the tournament went well for the players,” says the 35 year-old from Orebro. “Having played in events like this, I know what players want and need so to have positive feedback from the pros last year was a great boost for all of us involved. With a portfolio of world-class sponsors in place, one of the world’s top players in the field and a field of hungry Challenge Tour professionals eager to make the step up into the big time of the full European Tour, the stage is set for a memorable Egyptian Open presented by SODIC. Add in a global TV viewership of around 328 million homes and it’s clear that the oldest professional golf tournament in the Middle East has definitely come of age.

UP FOR THE CUP! Above: The European Tour and the Egyptian Golf Federation celebrate the launch of the 2010 Egyptian Open as the first time the tournament is being played as a full European Challenge Tour event. With their hands on the Cup are 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).

Official Soft Drink www.wwgolf.biz

IT’S TIME TO PLAY Rediscover The Montgomerie, Dubai and its newly-enhanced greens with the club’s latest ‘Fantastic Four’ offer. For as little as AED444 per person, four friends can enjoy playing the revamped links-style championship course; four days a week. Offer valid Sunday - Wednesday. Terms & Conditions apply.

For more information or to make a booking, please call T: +971 4 390 5600 or E: montgomerie@theaddress.com

2010 EGypTIAN OpEN presented by SODIC

Middle East amateurs battle to Challenge the ‘Big Boys’

EaDIng Middle East amateur golfers had their opportunity to battle it out at Katameya Heights Golf & Tennis Club on September 30 to October 2 in the Egyptian Amateur Open for the five qualifying places in the Egyptian Open presented by SODIC. But competition was tough for the boys from Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon who were up against the elite players from England, Scotland, Norway, Holland, Germany and South Africa. For the first time in its history, the Egyptian Amateur Open will offer R&A World Ranking points with the Egyptian Golf Federation. “While we are delighted and honoured to have Rory McIlroy and the best of the European Challenge Tour players coming to Cairo, the Egyptian Open has a traditional history associated with the amateur game,” said Egyptian Golf Federation Chairman, Ayman Hussein. “I fully expect competition in this year’s Egyptian Amateur Open to be

stronger than ever with more than 50 players chasing just five qualifying spots for the Egyptian Open itself.” In total, 15 Challenge Tour tournament winners from this season are already confirmed for the Egyptian Open all intent on following in the footsteps of last year’s rankings champion Edoardo Molinari. The Italian, who won three times on the Challenge Tour in 2009, has enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign this season on the full European Tour, winning twice, earning a place in The Ryder Cup and moving to World No.15. “The Egyptian Open will be the 24th and penultimate tournament on the 2010 European Challenge Tour calendar and the last opportunity for players to qualify for the season-end Apulia San Domenico Grand Final in Italy the following week,” said Nick Tarratt, Director The European Tour International, Dubai Office. “The Grand Final offers the top 20 finishers a place on the full European Tour so we expect the competition in Cairo to be particularly intense.”

Colin Montgomerie’s different Tour of Egypt ONE of the big advantages Egypt has as a golf tourism destination is that they can offer something completely different that other golf resorts don’t have with many of Ancient Egypt’s most fascinating landmarks within ‘a driver and a three wood’ from the golf course. When Ryder Cup Captain, Colin Montgomerie, played in the Egyptian Open last year, finishing fifth, he took time out to visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. “It’s not often that you get the chance to do something like that so I was delighted to be asked,” said Montgomerie. “I was looked after incredibly well on my first playing visit to Egypt and I’d always look forward to coming back to this part of the world.” Montgomerie will be a frequent visitor due to his first Egyptian course design project at Citystars at Sharm el Sheikh.

Course is top notch, say Tour’s Stillwell RICHARD Stillwell, Senior Agronomist for The European Tour at the host venue for the Egyptian Open presented by SODIC, JW Marriott, Mirage City Golf Club. Stillwell speaks highly of the excellent condition of the golf course condition. “The greens are some of the best Bermuda grass greens I have ever seen,” he commented. Stillwell is pictured above with Mirage City Course Superintendent Will Righton (centre), and Egyptian Golf Federation Golf Manager, Gerard Bent (right).

rory McIlroy Clinic for juniors JUNIOR golfers who attend the Egyptian Open presented by SODIC will have the pleasure of learning some of the secrets of the success of World No.9 Rory McIlroy. The Northern Ireland star will conduct a series of clinics before and during the tournament at JW Marriott, Mirage City Golf Club. At 4.0 pm on Friday, October 22 on the driving range there is a SODIC Junior Clinic with Rory. Everyone is welcome. Junior golfers from all the local Cairo golf clubs, through the EGF, have been invited to attend. On Tuesday, October 19 at 10.0 am on the driving range David Edwards will give a Trick Shot Clinic prior to the Pro-am. David is one of the most entertaining Golf Trick Shot artists in the world. He performed at The Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor and will be at Jumeirah Golf Estates for the Dubai World Championship. David will also host his humorous video show on players - both Pros and Amateurs - playing in the Egyptian Open at the Pro-Am to be shown at the evening’s Proam Gala Dinner Prize Presentation. Also available at the Egyptian Open presented by SODIC are free golf lessons for all juniors, courtesy of SODIC on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd October on the driving range.

See the stars in action at Mirage City SPECTATORS at the Egyptian Open presented by SODIC will have the opportunity to see a number of former European Tour stars in action, including: England’s Peter Baker, winner of three titles. He finished a career-best seventh on the 1993 Money List, the same year he turned in a tremendous Ryder Cup performance, winning three points out of four, including a singles win over this year’s US Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin; Scotland’s Andrew Coltart (pictured right) who has won two European Tour titles and played in The Ryder Cup at Brookline. England’s Paul Eales, who has been a consistent performer on The European Tour since 1993, winning in 1994

and earning more than €1.6 million in prize money; Scotland’s Scott Drummond, whose big European Tour victory came in the Tour’s flagship event at the PGA Championship in 2004 en route to finishing 23rd on the Order of Merit and becoming the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year. He represented Scotland in the World Cup in 2004 and 2005; England’s Miles Tunnicliff, winner of two titles on The European Tour and earning prizemoney of more than €2.644 million. Among other notable players in this star-0studded field are England’s Phillip Archer, Oliver Fisher, Andrew Marshall and Sweden’s Pelle Edberg.

www.wwgolf.biz

For more information and for your free courtesy round of golf contact: simon.duffield@katameyadunes.com www.katameyadunes.com New Cairo, Egypt

Katameya Dunes – Desert Delight KATAMeYA DUNeS iS fAST becoMiNg oNe of The MUST-plAY coUrSeS iN egYpT’S fAST iNcreASiNg porTfolio of worlD clASS golf coUrSeS. locATeD iN New cAiro, jUST 15 MiNUTeS froM cAiro iNTerNATioNAl AirporT, KATAMeYA DUNeS iS A New lUxUrY reTreAT coMpriSiNg A 27-hole Sir NicK fAlDo DeSigNeD golf coUrSe, A five STAr plUS hoTel, A 3,000 SqUAre MeTre SpA AND A STATe of The ArT golf AcADeMY.

he 27 holes have been configured into two Championship Golf Courses, The Lakes and The Palms. The Lakes Course is over 7,400 yards long and The Palms Course is over 7,300 yards long. Both courses are already receiving rave reviews among the golfing fraternity. A 100 bedroom and 23 suite Hotel and Spa will be managed by a world renowned premier brand operator specialising in the management of ultra-luxury properties. The Golf Academy will boast the very latest in teaching equipment technology and will be complemented by extensive practice facilities and a 350 yard floodlit driving range. A soft opening of the golf facility will take place from later this month, followed by the Hotel and Spa later next year. During the soft opening period, golfers who have an interest in becoming members will be invited to play a courtesy round on The Lakes Course. Full golf memberships will be available from January 1, 2011. The 27 hole Championship Golf Course is designed by Sir Nick Faldo in partnership with the award winning Schmidt - Curley Golf Design from Arizona, USA and is an outstanding layout. Sir Nick has won over 40 Tour events including six Major championships. He was the world No.1 golfer for 98 weeks and captained Europe’s Ryder Cup team in 2008. In early 2006, Faldo Design was selected to create a 27 hole ‘desert oasis’ style golf course over spectacular duneland in New Cairo – which today is the spectacular Katameya Dunes. The course has been designed to maximise the enjoyment for every level of amateur golfer as well as being able to host major tournaments in the future. Sir Nick couldn’t be more pleased with his creation at Katameya Dunes. “I’m delighted to be working on what is our first design project in Egypt,” he says. “It’s our first in North Africa and it’s a wonderful site. There’s a really

special atmosphere about the place – the sense of history is almost tangible. I’m confident that, once completed, this 27-hole facility will go on to be recognised as one of the very finest in the region. “What I feel that I can especially bring to the project is a certain level of strategic insight that will help to define and colour the golfer’s experience. The courses I design are very much aimed at the thoughtful, imaginative golfer, and it is precisely these players who will get the most out of playing Katameya Dunes.” n

www.wwgolf.biz

Tee off in Style The Al Raha Beach Hotel offers its guests the ultimate in service and luxury. Set in lush landscaped gardens, this waterfront hotel is the ideal place in which to relax with the entire family. It’s also perfect for a great golf getaway. Re-discover your passion for golf at either the newly opened Yas Links or at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club with our exclusive Golf Getaway Packages.

Weekday Rates

Weekend Rates

AED 1205 includes a round of golf (18 holes) and buffet breakfast AED 1735 Combined Package*: includes 2 rounds of golf (18 holes) and buffet breakfast

AED 1385 includes a round of golf (18 holes) and buffet breakfas AED 2075 Combined Package*: includes 2 rounds of golf (18 holes) and buffet breakfast

*A round of golf at Yas Links and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

For bookings please call +971 2 508 0555 or 800 AL RAHA Room rates include • 10% service charges and 6% tourism fees • Buffet breakfast at the Sevilla restaurant • Green fees • Transportation to and from the golf course • Fruit on arrival • Access to recreation facilities at the hotel Terms & Conditions • Subject to availability • Advance booking required • Golf rounds included in the package are subject to availability • Rates are based on single room occupancy • Second person supplement for AED 150 net on BB basis will be applicable (excluding golf) • Additional night will be charged at AED 575 net on BB basis (single occupancy) • Winter rates are valid until 31st December 2010

Managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts, a division of National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels P.O. Box 38616, Abu Dhabi, UAE | T. +971 2 508 0555 | F. +971 2 508 0444 | Toll Free 800 ALRAHA E. info@danatresortalraha.ae | www.danathotels.com A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Brought to you by

bunker breakout

ith the recent bunker renovations at Abu Dhabi Golf Club we see beautifully shaped and strategically placed bunkers. These bunkers, although pleasing to look at, present quite a challenge and strike fear into the hearts of most club golfers. The newly renovated bunker on the seventh hole at the National course is certainly one of them! This tutorial focuses on the set-up and the correct use of the sand iron. Practice this, and you will be splashing out of bunkers with style!

www.wwgolf.biz

TUTORIAL The set-up is very important. Correct set-up for a bunker shot promotes suitable body and club movement throughout the swing. •

A little wider stance to help promote stability and power.

•

Weight slightly more to your lead leg to help promote a downward swing into and through the sand toward the target. Remember that we want to influence the sand… not the ball.

•

Ball position just inside the lead foot. This promotes the loft and the bounce (rear sole edge) of the wedge.

•

Golf club shaft aligned with centre, clubface open. Again this promotes true loft and will aid the club in bouncing through the sand.

Notice in this picture that a) the club is swinging through the sand rather than to the sand and b) the club shaft is still pointing towards your centre even after impact. This helps the club to swing through and is paramount to the resulting height of the shot.

After completing a full follow though, bring the club down and check the clubface position. If the grooves are staring you in the face then your club head has remained open, and kept loft through impact!

Brought to you by

PRO LOOK

The set-up changes a little for a bunker shot where the ball has buried or ‘plugged’ Start with the ball position halfway between the middle of your stance and your lead foot. In addition, push your hands toward the target, creating the opportunity for two important things to happen. •

A steeper angle of attack into the sand.

•

An opportunity for the leading edge (the front edge) of the club to strike the sand first. This helps to dig into the sand more and will stop the club head hitting the ball.

This needs to happen because the ball is sitting underneath the surface of the sand. With this shot we want more dig and less bounce. This shot requires more sand to be moved so don’t be afraid to swing with more power!

WIN

1 Dozen Titleist ProV1

Which Titleist staff player won the US PGA Championship?

A. ) Martin Kaymer B.) Tiger Woods C.)Graeme McDowell For more information on how to enter visit www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf.biz

In the

SWING

with

AmelIA

Claude harmon III, dIreCtor of InstruCtIon, butCh harmon sChool, dubaI sports CIty

putting drill

OR junior golfers, putting is very often overlooked and the easiest way to improve your scores is to become a better putter. In the past, I think too much emphasis has been placed on having a perfect stroke. I see far too many juniors working strictly on their putting mechanics. Good mechanics are part of good putting, but that is only part of what makes a good putter. Here is a formula that I recently explained to junior Amelia McKee. Ben Crane is one of the best putters on the US PGA Tour and when I asked him his thoughts on putting he said 70 percent of putting is green reading, 20 percent is the ability to start the ball on the line that you choose and 10 percent is the ability to hit a straight putt. Most juniors are never really taught how to read greens properly and struggle to putt well consistently. The best place to learn how to read greens is on the golf course itself so I took Amelia to a green and we started to talk about how to read â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the dancefloorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. First, I had Amelia roll some balls toward the hole in an attempt to identify where the low spot is around the hole. Finding the low spot will show you the break of the putt. The low spot is where gravity will take the ball when you putt and putts will tend to break towards to lowest spot around the hole.

www.wwgolf.biz

mcKee read your putt The easiest way to see the low point is to walk halfway along the line of your putt and look at where the lowest point is around the green. Next is to read the putt from behind the hole. Looking at the putt from behind the hole will show you what the ball is doing in the second half of the putt – when the ball is rolling towards the hole. What is happening in the second half of the putt will dramatically influence the speed and the break. Last, I had Amelia read the putt from directly behind her ball, which will tell her how the ball will roll in the first part of the putt. Most juniors only look at this part of the putt. Although it is important, juniors need to look at more than just what they see from behind the ball.

Spot putting Yas Links Abu Dhabi will stage The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah on January 24th, 2011. Pantone Metallic 8920 C CMYK C:0, M:54, Y:88, B:28

choose your line Crane stated that 20 percent of good putting is being able to start the ball on the line you choose, so I had Amelia use a string line to identify how she saw each putt breaking after going through her various different reads. The only goal here is to start the ball on the line she chooses. If she can do this consistently, she can putt much better. Another way to practice starting the ball on line is to place a coin down on the green and try to roll the ball over the coin. I call this “spot putting”, picking out a spot on the green that you want your ball to roll over. Again, if you can hit your spots, your touch and feel will improve.

Process CMYK

Defending champions: Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke

“I really enjoyed getting the chance to play Yas Links with David Burke from Worldwide Golf and my dad. It was amazing, every time I turned my head it was like a picture in a magazine or a postcard. I never knew the difference between a links course and what I usually play, but now I’ve played the course at Yas Island I want to go back every weekend. I can’t wait to play in The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah” – Amelia McKee www.wwgolf.biz

Below: Claude Harmon enjoys some quality time with father Butch during The Open at St Andrews this summer.

LTHOUGH most people take their holidays away from work, for me it is very difficult to get away from golf. This summer was no different. In July I headed to St Andrews for The Open Championship. I spent the week with my dad, Butch Harmon, while he got his players ready for the tournament. The highlight of the week was walking a practice round with Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Sir Nick Faldo. It’s always an amazing experience to get “inside the ropes” and see how some of the best players in the world prepare for big tournaments. I was blown away at just how far Dustin Johnson drives the golf ball, he is scary long. Phil Mickelson has one of the game’s best short games and I enjoyed watching him prepare around the greens at St Andrews. I will always cherish having my picture taken on the Swilken Bridge on the famous 18th hole at the Old Course with my dad, truly a great memory for me!

www.wwgolf.biz

Above: Phil Mickelson hones his technique on the range under the watchful eye of coach Butch Harmon.

In August I went to America for a much needed break from the Dubai heat. My first stop was the Titleist Performance Institute located in Oceanside, California. The staff at TPI are the leaders in golf fitness and I have been heavily involved with them and their work for the past six years. During my visit I filmed a few episodes of the Golf Channel Fitness Academy with Dr. Greg Rose and Dave Phillips, co-founders of TPI. The shows centred on creating stability during your swing and how to create a golf specific warm-up routine. I also spent time brushing up on the latest in motor learning and skill acquisition data, all of which will help me understand how my students learn and process information. I normally try to visit TPI at least once a year and always come away with new ideas to apply to my own teaching. My next stop was Las Vegas. Vegas is the location of the Butch Harmon School of Golf and also where my dad calls ‘home.’ We celebrated my dad’s 67th birthday in style and had some good laughs. The following day, my dad and I flew down to San Diego and spent the day working with World No.2 Phil Mickleson at his home course, The Bridges. I took loads of high speed video of Phil’s swing and really learned a lot from watching him practice. Phil places towels down on the driving range at specific distances. Then he hits a variety of different clubs to all the different yardages. I like to call this “practical practice”. Phil reckons this type of practice helps him recreate more of what happens out on the the course. I’m so lucky to have access to the world’s best players and I learned so much from spending the day with Phil and my dad. But by far the highlight of my day was flying back to Vegas via private jet. For sure it’s the only way to fly! Now I’m back in Dubai and looking forward to a busy season ahead. Although I didn’t get much of a break from golf, it sure was a summer to remember! n

www.wwgolf.biz

MICHELLE WIE READY TO LIGHT UP THE OMEGA DUBAI LADIES MASTERS

ICHELLE Wie will once again bolster a stellar cast at Emirates Golf Club when the charismatic American tees it up for the second year in a row at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters from December 6 to 11. With her star status in women’s golf, love of fashion and classic swing, the elegant Wie will be one of the main attractions at the Ladies European Tour seasonending event where she will be joined a slew of top drawer players from across Europe. The Hawaiian, who turns 21 this month, provided a glimpse of her talent and fighting qualities on her debut in Dubai last year, finishing runner-up to Korean In Kyung Kim, three shots off the pace. Feeling relaxed and upbeat after finishing her college exams the Stanford sophomore fired a stunning final round 65 to finish with an impressive 15-under-par total of 273. She had a chance to wrap up a sensational victory, but her hopes were drowned in the huge lake guarding the final green as she tried to reach it in two shots. She managed to salvage par after an excellent

www.wwgolf.biz

recovery shot over the lake to within three feet but it was not enough to seal a famous win. This year the World No. 7 is aiming to go one better. “Obviously my number one goal is to win the tournament, but I can’t really control all of it. What I can control is how hard I try and what I can do. What I can do is have fun out there and just play the best I can,” said Wie ahead of the €500,000 tournament, promoted and organised by golf in Dubai. “I have great respect for players on the Ladies European Tour, their competitiveness is second to none and it’s something which I have experienced first-hand during the Solheim Cup. “I am really looking forward to coming back to Dubai. It’s an extremely hospitable place where the people and the tournament organisers treat the players so well. I can tell from experience, the level of competition is high, the Majlis course is great and the Arabian hospitality is second to none.” Last year Wie scaled new heights by becoming the first player to strike a ball from the 124th storey of Burj Khalifa (inset),

the tallest tower in the world which rises 825 metres into the sky. “It was scary, but the experience was just amazing and so was the sight of my parents riding camels during a desert

safari. I think the tournament organisers are doing a great job of showcasing Dubai’s other attractions to the world,” said Wie, who is also a brand ambassador for Omega, the title sponsors of the Dubai Ladies Masters.

Women's Golf Middle East

LADIES TEAM CONFIRMED FOR ARAB GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY will be created when a women’s team from the UAE will compete in the Arab Golf Championship at the Citrus Golf Course in Hammamet, Tunisia, from October 8 to 10. Eida Al Mehairbi and Rabab Al Haj will form the two-player ladies team that will represent the country for the first time in an international competition, thus marking the beginning of a new chapter in UAE golf. The team is a part of a strong UAE contingent, which includes men’s and junior squads, heading to Tunisia for the regional golf summit and both Al Mehairbi and Al Haj are looking forward to the challenge ahead. “We are approaching this event with an ‘everything-to-gain’ attitude and hence we will do our best to ensure we return home with something to cheer about,” said Al Mehairbi. “We would like to thank the Emirates Golf Federation for creating such a great playing opportunity. I

think it will be fun to meet some with new people and play the best we can.” Khalid Mubarak, manager and captain of the UAE team, said: “Forming a women’s team has always been on the radar of the Emirates Golf Federation and I am glad that it has happened. If the enthusiasm of Eida and Rabab is any indication, I am sure we are in for good results from the championship and I wish them all best.”

Wallace waltzes to seasonopening victory WOMEN’S Golf Middle East kicked off the new season at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club late last month with Pauline Wallace taking top honours with a Stableford haul of 40 points. Wallace scored 20 points on both nines to win by seven points from Pernilla Karlsson and her performance saw her handicap reduced by three strokes. Dina Lunina, who only started playing golf just under a year ago, came in with 29 points for third place and has improved so much during that time that she now plays off a 15 handicap. Lunina capped a successful day by winning the Nearest the Pin prize while Brenda Cooke launched the Longest Drive. Winners: Pauline Wallace, Pernilla Karlsson and Dina Lunina.

sandy Meyer’s

Professional TiP THE IMPORTAnCE Of POSTURE

We see established players today falling into the bad habit of becoming lazy with their posture. This can be due to many reasons – one of them could be the fact that you may be hunched at your computer the whole day long, or it could be relative to your level of fitness and flexibility. Posture generally tends to be the first thing that breaks down when we become lazy when addressing the ball. The importance of posture is usually overlooked and if we understand how it relates to the golf swing we will understand next time to make sure we are set up correctly. The posture is the ‘backbone’ of the golf swing as it is the key to keeping everything working together. If your body starts moving up or down or side to side during the swing, you will encounter problems with your swing plane. It can be the cause of some huge problems, so next time you set up keep these points in mind: l Weight should be on the balls of the feet (not the toes or heels). l Knees should be softened (flexed) so that the knee and shoulder are on line along with the spine tilt. l Tilt from the waist so that your arms are hanging naturally down and are approximately one-hands distance away from your left knee. l Keep your spine angle relaxed yet straight with your shoulders straight, not hunched. Your chin will automatically fall into the correct position – do not force your head upwards. The stance and your hands stay opposite your left knee. Place more weight onto your front foot at about a 70:30 ratio. If you feel that you are moving your posture up and down during the swing make sure you set up correctly as described above and during the backswing imagine you are resting your chin on a table. This will help you maintain a consistent height.

www.wwgolf.biz

WINTER RATES 2010 CLUBS Abu Dhabi City Golf Club From: 1st October 2010 To: 31st May 2011

EGF RATE (AED) 18H 9H

Weekend Dhs.320 Dhs.185

NON EGF RATE (AED) Weekday Dhs.270 Dhs.165

Weekend Dhs.350 Dhs.195

Weekday Dhs.280 Dhs.175

Weekday Weekend 555 350 Rates includes golf cart, range balls, locker facilities and water

Weekday 795

Weekend 595

Weekday 150 90

Weekday 165 115

Weekend 120 85

Rates inclusive of shared buggy, water, pencil and towel Al Badia Golf Club From: 1st October 2010 To: 30th April 2011

18H

Al Ghazal Golf Club From: 1st October 2010 To: 30th April 2011

18H 9H

Al Hamra Golf Club From: 1st October 2010 To: 30th May 2011

18H 9H

Fri - Sat Sun - Thu 430 345 260 210 Rates inclusive of shared cart and 1 basket of range balls

Fri - Sat 475 285

Sun - Thu 380 230

Arabian Ranches Golf Club From: 1st October 2010 To: 30th May 2011

18H 9H

Thu - Sat Sun - Wed 460 390 275 240 Rates include range balls, optional cart for fee

Thu - Sat 660 395

Sun - Wed 555 345

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club From: 1st Oct to 15th Nov 2010 18H From: 16th Nov 2010 to 15th Mar 2011 18H From: 16th Mar 2011 to 31st May 2011 18H

Fri - Sat 625 715 625 Rates include cart and range balls

Fri - Sat 695 795 695

Sun - Thu 595 695 595

Emirates Golf Club – Majlis From: 1st October 2010 To: 31st May 2011

18H 9H

Whole week 875 525

Whole week 995 600

Emirates Golf Club – Faldo From: 1st October 2010 To: 31st May 2011

18H 9H

Fri - Sat Sun - Thu 625 495 375 300 All Emirates Golf Club rates include golf cart hire and practice range balls

Fri - Sat 695 420

EGC Faldo Night Golf (after 4pm) From: 1st October 2010 To: 30th April 2011

18H 9H

Whole week 385 230 Rates include cart and range balls

Whole week 425 255

Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa From: 1st October 2010 To: 31st May 2011

18H 9H

Palm Sports Resort From: 19th September 2010 To: 31st December 2010

18H 9H

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club From: 1st October 2010 To: 31st May 2011 Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club From: 1st October 2010 To: 31st May 2011

18H

Fri - Sat 320 185

Sun - Thu 290 160

Sun - Thu 595 360

Sun - Thu 320 175

Peak Off Peak 300 250 190 160 Rates inclusive of shared cart and driving range

Peak 330 200

Off Peak 270 180

Thu - Sat 550

Thu - Sat 825

Sun - Wed 600 Off Peak 315 190

Sun - Wed 400

Rates inclusive of shared cart and range balls prior to play 18H 9H

The Els Club From: 1st October 2010 To: 31st May 2011

18H

The Address Montgomerie Dubai From: 1st October 2010 To: 31st May 2011

18H

Yas Links Abu Dhabi From: 1st October 2010 To: 31st October 2010

18H

www.wwgolf.biz

Sun - Thu 495 625 495

Fri - Sat 350 200

Peak 355 200 Rates inclusive of shared cart

Off Peak 290 175

Peak 385 220

Thu - Sat 565

Sun - Wed 395

Whole week 795

Rates inclusive of cart and range balls Fri - Sat 625

Sun - Thu 475

Whole week 825

Rates inclusive of cart and range balls prior to play Fri - Sat 699

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

Weekend 95 75

Sun - Thu 299

Fri - Sat 799

Sun - Thu 399

WWG LOCAL FOCUS

ArAbiAN Golf Clubs in October 2010 Worldwide Golf

NEWS

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Abu Dhabi Golf Club Al Badia Golf Club Al Ghazal Golf Club Al Hamra Golf Club Arabian Ranches Golf Club Dirab Golf Club Doha Golf Club Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Dubai Golf Trophy Emirates Golf Club

Emirates Golf Federation International Pairs Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Jumeirah Golf Estates Katameya Heights Golf and Tennis Resort Maritim Jolie Ville Golf & Resort Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Saif Zone Golf Society League Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club Tower Links Golf Club Yas Links Abu Dhabi

FORUMS COMPETITIONS TRAVEL READ ONLINE

& MORE... visit;

www.wwgolf.biz

e m i r At e S G O L F F e d e r At i O n

Steedman and Stahl sizzle in the sun

REW Steedman and Ralf Stahl turned in impressive performances to take the honours in their respective Divisions in the EGF Summer Handicap Scheme Medal held at The Els Club last month. Playing consistently from teeto-green, Steedman shot a tidy net 69 to top Division ‘A’ while Stahl reigned supreme in Division ‘B’,

carding a solid 40 Stableford points to beat Mike Rafai by three points. Boushra Dalile held sway in the Ladies Division in the event which marked the end of the summer season. Steedman rounded off a great day by taking home the Nearest the Pin prize on hole 11 while Line Daile won the same prize on hole 4. Xander der Vet and Schalk

Van der Merwe bombed the Longest Drives on holes 9 and 18 respectively. The EGF has announced that the Handicap Scheme events will resume in the winter season with a medal tournament to be played at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club on October 15. “We are introducing a new Order of Merit for Men’s Gross and Ladies Net in the coming

season for all our handicap events,” said Saeed Albudoor, general manager of the EGF. “The intention is to make the events more interesting and appealing. “The winners of this EGF Handicap Scheme Order of Merit will be rewarded after the end of the season as we do in the case of our regular Order of Merit events which include club Opens and other high-profile events. “We are very pleased with the overall response to the Summer Handicap Scheme. Despite hot and humid conditions, the players turned up in good numbers to make it a success, something which amply shows there is no dearth of enthusiasm for the game here in the UAE. “I would also like to thank all the clubs for their continued support and hope the forthcoming events will be as successful.”

Left: Chris Brown, Director of Golf at The Els Club (left), is pictured with all the winners on the day.

WorldwideGolf

Tiger Woods at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Challenge Match 2004

Quality Golf at an affordable Price Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Midweek Packages and Daily Specials available from 1st October to 15th December 2010 at its award winning Resort Course:

Straight Shot Sunday 9 or 18-hole green fee includes electric cart or trolley and bucket of 50 range balls, plus 20% food and beverage voucher for use in the Sports Café: • 9-hole rate – AED 160 per person • 18-hole rate – AED 235 per person

Wednesday Ladies Special Rate 9 or 18-hole green fee includes electric cart or trolley and bucket of 50 range balls, plus 20% food and beverage voucher for use in the Sports Café: • 9-hole rate – AED 160 per person • 18-hole rate – AED 235 per person

Midweek 5-day Special Offer includes unlimited golf from Sunday to Thursday (excluding public holidays), electric cart or trolley hire, unlimited range balls, 12-day tee time booking privilege, plus 20% food and

Middle East’s Leading Sports & Leisure Beach Resort

beverage voucher for use in the Sports Café: • 2-month package – AED 1,495 • 6-month package – AED 3,995

For more information or bookings, please contact the Golf Reception on (04) 814 5023, (04) 814 5058 or the Golf Ofﬁce on (04) 814 5046 E-mail: golf.teetimes@jaihotels.com www.jebelali-international.com *Rates include 10% municipality fee and are valid from 1st October to 15th December 2010 unless otherwise stated above. Tee times and all packages are subject to availability. Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa reserves the right to charge normal green fee rates for failure to cancel a tee time at least 48 hours in advance. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other promotions or offers. Terms and conditions apply.

sponsored by

Emirates Golf Federation

21st - 23rd October 2010

SHAIKH RASHID TROPHY IS BACK ON THE CALENDAR

HE Shaikh Rashid Trophy returns to the domestic golfing scene this season after a gap of four years when the premier 54-hole event gets underway in Dubai on October 21. Organised by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and sponsored by Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, the tournament will see a plethora of leading amateurs – including some from overseas – battle it out for honours over three different courses in Dubai. The first round will be played at Al Badia Golf Club on Thursday, October 21, the second at The Els Club on October 22 and Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa will host the third and final round on Saturday, October 23. A cut will be made after 36 holes with top 30 and ties making it through to the final round. Open to amateur golfers holding a valid handicap of 18 or less, the flagship event of the EGF was first played in 1998 and continued uninterrupted until 2006. “The closure of the Dubai Country Club – a permanent venue of the Shaikh Rashid Trophy – in 2007 was one of the reasons which forced us to reschedule the tournament and that took some time,” said Saeed Albudoor, General Manager, Emirates Golf Federation. “The tournament has always been close to our heart and we also wanted to give it a makeover before reviving it. Now we are ready to host the event which we believe will be just as successful, if not more. We look forward to receiving an enthusiastic response from the leading golfers in the UAE and expect a good number of players from neighbouring countries to sign up.” The event has its own added incentives as it is a qualifier for the R&A World Amateur Ranking Order of Merit and a part of the EGF Order of Merit. Restricted to a field of 100, the tournament will be played from the Championship Tees and if it is oversubscribed, which is likely the case, golfers holding the lowest handicaps will get into the main draw.

“The TournamenT has always been well supporTed and enjoyed by boTh local and overseas players. IT’s greaT To know ThaT The evenT wIll allow players a chance To earn poInTs Towards The r&a world amaTeur rankIng sysTem – and ThaT’s a greaT IncenTIve whIch wIll undoubTedly excITe everyone and help aTTracT a hIgh-calIbre fIeld.” – James Williams

Director of Golf at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa

Prestigious “It’s great to have the Shaikh Rashid Trophy back on the UAE golf calendar this season,” said James Williams, Director of Golf at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa. “We have been the main sponsor of this very popular and prestigious golf tournament since its inception in 1998 and naturally we are delighted about its revival and our involvement. ‘The tournament has always been well supported and enjoyed by both local and overseas players. It’s great to know that the event will allow players a chance to earn points towards the R&A World Amateur Ranking System – and that’s a great incentive which will undoubtedly excite everyone and help attract a high-calibre field. “All three courses where the Shaikh Rashid Trophy will be played are great. The added spice of a cut after 36 holes and EGF Order of Merit points should make it a very competitive tournament.” Ross Bain, a regular performer on the Asian Tour, has the unique distinction of winning the event three times (2000, 2001 and 2004) while Peter Downie, the former Director of Golf at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, posted back-to-back victories in 1998 and 1999. Other winners of the Shaikh Trophy include Adrian Flaherty (2002), Gerard Bent (2003), Simon Dunn (2005) and Simon Payne (2006).

2010–2011

InvItatIonal Scratch Golf leaGue launched THE 2010 – 2011 Invitational Scratch Golf League has been launched with 12 teams from the UAE participating in this season long event. Four Leagues have been created with each of three teams playing home and away fixtures. The winners of each of the four leagues then proceed to the semi-final stages. The leagues have been ‘semi-seeded’ with each of last year’s semi-finalists placed in separate pools with the balance of the teams being selected on a geographical basis. All first round league matches are required to be completed by March, 31 2011. “We are delighted with the response to entries for this season’s Invitational Scratch Golf League,” said Bob Driver, Invitational Scratch League Co-ordinator. “We welcome the return of The Montgomerie, Dubai and Abu Dhabi Golf Club as well as Yas Links Abu Dhabi and the Palm Sports Resort Al Ain who are participating for the first time. “The Invitational Scratch Golf League is now established as a genuine highlight fixture in the UAE Golfing Calendar and we especially thank all the participating golf clubs for their support.”

2110 – 2011 Invitational Scratch Leagues:

League A: Emirates Golf Club, The Montgomerie, Dubai, Yas Links Abu Dhabi League B: Arabian Ranches, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Al Ghazal Golf Club League C: Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club, Tower Links Golf Club, Al Badia Golf Club League D: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, The Els Club, Palm Sports Resort, Al Ain.

WorldwideGolf

www.wwgolf.biz

pioneers in the region... award-winning courses... industry leaders...

22 years in the industry has amassed a wealth of experience and a host of accolades for Dubai Golf. Why not experience Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best golf for yourself?

Book your tee times online at www.dubaigolf.com

ArAbiAn Golf

Professionals retain the Dubai Golf troPhy

HE UAE’s Professionals had to undergo a nervy wait before clinching the Dubai Golf Trophy outright with a 16.5 point to 15.5 victory over their Amateur counterparts. The Pros had virtually sealed the outcome after the afternoon foursomes at Dubai Creek a day earlier as they headed into the singles matches at the Faldo with a three point lead. They then dominated the opening singles matches to get to the 16 point total required to retain the trophy but had to endure a late comeback from the Amateurs before sealing their ninth Dubai Golf Trophy win by one point. “We had a comfortable lead in the foursomes,” said the non-playing Professional captain Luke Cantello. “We then got to 16 points which meant retaining it very quickly but it was a bit of a wait to get to 16 and half points and actually win the match and win it outright.” The Amateur team produced a gutsy comeback in the final few singles matches but it wasn’t quite enough to tie as Pro Richard Sheridan sealed the cup, halving his game with Swedish expatriate Pontus Fredriksson. The Swede had a golden opportunity to win his match and force a 16-16 tie but three putted from four feet

on the 16th green to fall 1-down with two to play. Fredriksson did take the last hole to earn a half point but knew he had let an opportunity slip by. “I choked, big time,” he admitted after walking off the green. Losing captain John Mills was diplomatic in defeat: “It was a shame really they got to 16 points when there were five or six matches still out there. But the last two guys they didn’t give up. I’m very proud of our team and the effort we have put in. “To be three points down going into final day against the pros is a really tough challenge. We’ve had couple of pleasant surprises with Aditya Judge winning and Ivan Lawson also coming through.” Paul King, member at Dubai Creek and key member of the Amateur team, said: “The Amateur team consisted of two or three full time players, but was made up of ordinary working people. The Professional team consisted of men who hold golf clubs in their hands all day long! My view is that the Professional team should win and normally do. “Everybody had their hopes for the weekend. Everybody wants three points, but what you want or expect doesn’t normally happen. You get what you deserve and the Professional’s won.” n

final result: Professionals 16.5 – 15.5 amateurs four-balls Pontus Fredriksson/Daniel Hendry (A) beat Stephen Deane/David Gray 1 up Malcolm Young/Paul Hubner (P) beat Abdulla Al Musharrekh/Paul King 1 up Stephen Hubner/Fraser McLaughlin (P) halved with Vikram Judge/Aditya Judge John Mills/Ivan Lawson (A) beat Simon Payne/Andrew Pilfold 1 up Miki Mirza/Ahmed Al Musharrekh (A) beat Jamie Wood/Andrew Mathews 2 & 1 Craig Martin/George Kasparis (P) beat Alex Charawani/Steve Bennett 2 & 1 Ross McArthur/Mark Bull (P) beat Dino Varkey/Jamal Saab 4 & 2 Khalid Yousuf/Joel Neale (A) halved with Richard Sheridan/Steven Munro Professionals 4 – amateurs 4 foursomes Abdulla Al Musharrekh/Paul King (A) beat Stephen Deane/David Gray walkover Malcolm Young/Paul Hubner (P) beat Pontus Fredriksson/Daniel Hendry 5 & 4 Stephen Hubner/Fraser McLaughlin (P) beat Vikram Judge/Aditya Judge 2 & 1 Simon Payne/Andrew Pilfold (P) beat Miki Mirza/Ahmed Al Musharrekh 4 & 3 Alex Charawani/Dino Varkey (A) beat Craig Martin/Andrew Mathews 2 & 1 Jamie Wood/George Kasparis (P) beat Steve Bennett/Ivan Lawson 2 & 1 Khalid Yousuf/Joel Neale (A) halved with Ross McArthur/Mark Bull Richard Sheridan/Steven Munro (P) beat John Mills/Jamal Saab 3 & 2 Professionals 5.5 – amateurs 2.5 singles Stephen Hubner (P) beat Khalid Yousuf (A) 2 up Ross McArthur (P) beat Jamal Saab 3 & 2 Jamie Wood (P) beat Steve Bennett 6 & 5 John Mills (A) beat Stephen Deane 1 up George Kasparis (P) beat Ahmed Al Musharrekh 2 & 1 Joel Neale (A) beat Fraser McLaughlin 4 & 3 Steven Munro (P) beat Dino Varkey 3 & 2 Simon Payne (P) beat Daniel Hendry 2 & 1 Ivan Lawson (A) beat Andrew Pilfold 2 up Paul King (A) beat Paul Hubner 4 & 2 Miki Mirza (A) beat Andrew Mathews 4 & 2 Abdulla Al Musharrekh (A) beat Malcolm Young 7 & 5 Alex Charawani (A) beat Craig Martin 3 & 2 Aditya Judge (A) beat Mark Bull 2 & 1 Pontus Fredriksson (A) and Richard Sheridan tied Vikram Judge (A) and David Gray tied

Winning captain Luke Cantello receives the trophy from Chris May, General Manager, Dubai Golf.

www.wwgolf.biz

TECH ACCESS SIGN UP AS TITLE SPONSOR OF INTERNATIONAL PAIRS UAE

EADING IT distributor Tech Access has been announced as title sponsor of the prestigious International Pairs UAE series. International Pairs is the largest club competition of its kind in the world, with pairs of golfers from around the globe competing in a series of match-play tournaments for their chance to compete in first the National Final and then the World Final. The UAE’s International Pairs series gets underway at Arabian Ranches in Dubai on October 30 with a full schedule of tournaments leading to the National Final at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club next May. The lucky winners of the National Final will then be flown to an international destination to compete in the World Final – this year’s World Final is taking place at The Carrick on beautiful Loch Lomond in Scotland with lucky participants receiving three nights complimentary accommodation and a host of other benefits. “TechAccess is extremely proud to be the title sponsor of the inaugural International Pairs UAE series,” said Shomail Ghalib, President and CEO of Tech Access. “This tournament provides a perfect platform to recognise the talent of amateur golfers across all golf clubs in the UAE. We are glad to contribute to the awareness and development of golf in the region.” TECH Access is a leading value-added IT distributor, which provides end-to-end business solutions to the enterprise and mid-market sectors. Based in the UAE, their charter is to acquire, retain and develop a sustainable and profitable channel for their Vendors and Resellers. Headquartered in Dubai, with branch offices in Riyadh and Cairo Tech Access operations extend to over 16 countries across the Middle East, Levant and North Africa, providing IT products and solutions from the most innovative, networking, storage, hardware, software and

security vendors in the industry. With a firm belief in the ‘Test before you Invest’ approach to IT procurement, Tech Access has invested in a multi-million dollar Technology Center for potential customers to evaluate ‘best of breed’ IT solutions before making their capital investments. Tech Access technology offerings include infrastructure, data management, application management, security, business intelligence, outsourcing services, storage and IT consulting.

INTERNATIONAL PAIRS ANNOUNCES 2010-11 SCHEdULE 2010-11 InternatIonal PaIrs Uae Calendar Month

day

date

Club

location

time

October 2010

Saturday

30th

Arabian Ranches Golf Club

Dubai

1.30pm

November 2010

Saturday Friday

6th 12th

Abu Dhabi Golf Club Abu Dhabi City Golf Club

Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi

7.30am TBCv

January 2011

Saturday Friday Friday

8th 14th 28th

The Montgomerie Dubai Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club Al Ghazal Golf Club

Dubai Sharjah Abu Dhabi

TBC TBC TBC

February 2011

Saturday

19th

Jumeirah Golf Estates

Dubai

TBC

March 2011

Saturday Friday Saturday

12th 18th 19th

Els Club Al Badia Golf Club Emirates Golf Club

Dubai Dubai Dubai

TBC 1.30pm TBC

April 2011

Friday Saturday Thursday Saturday Friday Saturday

8th 9th 14th 16th 29th 30th

Yas Links Golf Club Al Hamra Golf Club Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club Tower Links Golf Club Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Emirates Golf Federation – Jebel Ali Golf Resort

Abu Dhabi Ras Al Khaimah Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Dubai Dubai

TBC TBC 4.30pm TBC TBC TBC

May 2011

Friday Friday

6th 27th

Palm Sports Resort National Final – Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Al Ain Dubai

TBC TBC

www.wwgolf.biz

SAIF ZONE GOLF SOCIETY LEAGUE READY FOR SECOND SEASON

HE SAIF Zone Golf Society League supported by BMW and Worldwide Golf is all set for a second season which will get underway later this month. The extremely successful first season saw 24 societies compete between January and June with the Indian Golf Society emerging as winners in a thrilling encounter against the WadiGators. The new league is set to kick off on October 16th and BMW and Worldwide Golf have renewed their support sponsorship while Sharjah Airport Free Zone upgraded to title sponsors for the coming season. Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club Golf Business Development Manager Claire Badger, said: “The format last year was extremely popular so we don’t want to make changes this time just for the sake of it. Team Match Play is quite a rare format, yet many of golf’s most exciting and popular events – like The Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup – are all team Match Play. “The league system also worked well with all the societies being pooled, they all play each other and the leading team from each league progressed to the semi-finals. “We expect a large number of societies to re-enter but some have disbanded, some have joined allegiances to bolster numbers and we have several new societies/companies already enlisted.

To enter or find out more about the SAIF-Zone Golf Society League or to enquire about Society golf days they can call 06 5487777 and ask

GOLF SOCIETY LEAGUE

“To enter a society needs to be able to commit four players to each round of fixtures. There is one fixture per month and they are always on Saturday afternoons. The society needs to provide a primary and secondary contact and a society or company logo.”

The Indian Golf Society Team collect their prizes after winning the first Golf Society League for Claire Badger or email her at golfsales@golfandshootingshj.com The first round of GSL fixtures are scheduled for October 16.

2010/11 Saif zone GoLf SoCieTY LeaGUe fiXTURe CaLenDaR

DATE

EVENT

TIME

OCTOBER 2010 Sat 16th Sat 30th