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It has been almost three months now since I took over as Chief Executive of the DP World Tour and so far, I have been encouraged by the successes we’ve had both inside and outside the ropes.
On the course, we have had plenty to celebrate in terms of the achievements of our members, from those at the very start of their careers, such as 21 year old Tom McKibbin making the cut in his first Major Championship at the U.S. Open, to the longevity of Søren Kjeldsen (pictured above) and Jamie Donaldson who passed the notable milestones of 700 and 500 career appearances respectively.
Our various international pathways have also continued to yield dividends, with Yuto Katsuragawa becoming the fourth Japanese winner on the DP World Tour in seven months, while Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, one of ten DP World Tour players to earn dual membership on the PGA TOUR at the end of 2023, earned his breakthrough win in America with an emotional victory in the RBC Canadian Open.
Bob followed in the footsteps of France’s Matthieu Pavon, who has also taken full advantage of the opportunity provided to him via the ten PGA TOUR cards initiative. Matthieu won the Farmers Insurance Open in January and recently recorded his best performance in a Major Championship by finishing fifth in the U.S. Open, playing alongside winner Bryson DeChambeau in the final group in the final round at Pinehurst.
At the start of June, we announced the creation of a new pathway - the Global Amateur Pathwayfor the leading amateurs to play on the DP World Tour and Challenge Tour, and we look forward to seeing who become the first beneficiaries of this new initiative later this year.
Off the course, we have also made sustained progress over the past two months in our efforts
with the PGA TOUR, the Strategic Sports Group and PIF to bring greater alignment to the men’s professional game.
Although there remains much work to be done, conversations have unquestionably accelerated since the Masters Tournament at the start of April and we hope they will ultimately lead to a positive outcome for players, fans and sponsors, reshaping our game in a way that benefits golf globally.
To that extent, the week after the U.S. Open, European Tour Group Chairman Eric Nicoli and I attended the first joint meeting of the PGA TOUR Enterprises Board and the PGA TOUR Policy Board at the Travellers Championship, while PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan and some of his Senior Executives reciprocated by attending our own Board Meeting the following week.
Whilst such complex discussions must be conducted privately for reasons of confidentiality, I have also been trying to spend as much time as possible with our players to keep them as informed as possible.
One of the advantages of having spent more than 30 years in golf, including the last six years at the Tour, is that I did not come into the position of CEO needing to establish new relationships across our industry. That has meant that alongside the ongoing negotiations and the other day-to-day business of running the Tour, I have been able to spend time with our members, including at the three Major Championships played so far and at events in our Asian Swing and European Swing. I have also attended Player Meetings held at both Challenge Tour and Legends Tour events recently.
We are fortunate to have such great characters on all our Tours and also to have such a passionate and knowledge membership and it has been hugely insightful to listen to their views.
Having recently passed the halfway mark in the DP World Tour’s 2024 season, we head into a
particularly busy summer period optimistic about opportunities that await us in the remainder of the year.
The co-sanctioned Genesis Scottish Open, as well as the ISCO Championship in Kentucky and Barracuda Championship in California which form part of our Closing Swing, will offer further examples of how our ongoing Strategic Alliance with the PGA TOUR is benefitting our members.
The Open Championship at Royal Troon represents one final chance this year for one of our members to become a Major Champion, while in my role as Chairman of the International Golf Federation, I am also excited about golf once again being part of the Olympics in Paris in August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions will take place at Le Golf National, a course we know so well from the 2018 Ryder Cup, and in October the venue will also host the FedEx Open de France which take place as part of our new-look ‘Back 9’ played across the autumn.
We have already begun to announce some of the enhanced fields for those nine events, which will be compelling viewing as the season builds towards its conclusion at our two DP World Tour Play-Off events in the Middle East, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
I am confident that by the time we arrive at Jumeirah Golf Estates for the latter, we will be able to reflect on many more successes by our members on the course and on some significant developments and progress in the Boardroom.
GUY KINNINGS DP World Tour CEO
14 NEWS
All the latest news from the world of golf as we enter the second half of the year with plenty still to play for.
16 US OPEN FACTS
We deep down into the figures which stood out from the recent U.S. Open.
18 ROYAL
The best facts about the venue of this year’s Open Championship.
20
The final Major of the year is upon us, but who’s turn is it this year to triumph on the links?
24
The Open Champion gave us an exclusive insight into his life since becoming a Major winner, as well as reflections on his time in the Middle East.
32 HENRIK STENSON
We caught up with the Ice Man to find out all about his game as he embarks upon a return to Royal Troon - the venue of his Open win.
36 OLYMPIC GOLF
The Olympics is on the horizon, but who will emerge as the gold medal winners this year?
N E W P R O V 1 ® & P R O V 1 x ®
Outper f o rm with n ew P ro V 1 and P ro V1x , f e a t uring l o nger di s t an c e , m o re c o ns i s t en c y and unri valed c o n t ro l
We spoke to the Dubaiborn talent to find out what life has been like since turning pro.
PGA Professoanal Jonathan Craddock explains how Brian Harman’s glorious swing gets the job done.
Young Englishman heads to the States to chase his dream after years living in Dubai.
Min Woo Lee reveals the fundamentals behind hitting the much-wanted draw.
One of the shining lights of the female scene in the UAE gives us an insight into her game.
The EGF’s Order of Merit Champion has eyes on taking his game to the next level after a fantastic season.
DP World Tour winner Jeff Winther explains how to escape knee-high rough.
Luke Donald has named Paul McGinley as Strategic Adviser to the 2025 European Ryder Cup Team, adding further vast experience behind the scenes to Europe’s quest to retain the trophy at Bethpage Black in New York next September.
Having already named Thomas Bjørn and Edoardo Molinari – who were alongside him at Marco Simone last year – as Vice Captains once again, the addition of McGinley by Captain Donald adds considerable additional know-how and understanding of the Ryder Cup arena to Team Europe’s build-up and preparation.
The Irishman led Europe to victory in the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in Scotland, having previously featured on three winning teams as a player, and twice more as a Vice Captain.
In addition, since 2019, the 57 year old Dubliner has also been part of the Ryder Cup Advisory Committee which was set up to help
maximise the commercial impact of the contest. He will continue in that role, alongside Chair Sir Damon Buffini, Ian Ritchie and Richard Scudamore.
McGinley said: “It is clear we have built a very strong template for winning at home in Ryder Cups but I see my job as helping Luke, his Vice Captains and his backroom team to look at an away match differently to how we’ve looked at it before.
“I would say that the first important step we made in that regard was to reappoint Luke as Captain. He has the most recent experience of anyone in that role and we should look to utilise that experience and harness his knowledge.
“In addition to advising strategically on an away match, I see this role as two-fold for me. Firstly, I will be very much in the background as an independent sounding board for Luke and his Vice Captains, someone they can confide in, converse with and bounce ideas off.
“Secondly, I will provide an important link between Luke and the Advisory Committee so that not only are they aware of team plans, but also to ensure we are all pulling in the same direction.”
DP World announced Tommy Fleetwood as its latest Global Ambassador last month. He joins cricketing royalty Sachin Tendulkar, who was announced as a DP World Global Ambassador late last year.
Fleetwood and DP World officially opened The DP World Golf Performance Centre at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai in 2022, the region’s first-ever Tommy Fleetwood Academy. Appointing Fleetwood as a Global Ambassador perfectly aligns with DP World’s commitment to growing
grassroots golf in the region and globally, encouraging everyone to learn to play the game of golf, something Fleetwood is extremely passionate about.
Daniel Van Otterdijk, DP World’s Group Chief Communications Officer, said: “We are thrilled that Tommy is now part of the DP World family as our new Global Ambassador. Appointing him was a natural next step, strengthening our already very strong partnership. The calibre of talent that Tommy represents aligns perfectly with our goal to further build our brand in the realm of sport, as he appeals to such a huge
audience. We look forward to watching the magic he brings to the game week after week.”
Tommy Fleetwood said: “It’s an honour to grow my relationship with DP World as their Global Ambassador. Over the past two years, the work we have done together has made significant strides in the game we all love, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. DP World is a forward-thinking, innovative company that continues to invest in golf’s development, and anyone who knows me knows how close growing the game is to my heart.”
Rory McIlroy was 496-for496 putting inside 3 feet this season before his miss from
Neal Shipley became the fourth player since 1990 to earn low amateur honours at the Masters and U.S. Open in the same year, joining Phil Mickelson (1991), Matt Kuchar (1998) and Viktor Hovland (2019).
Scottie Scheffler entered this week averaging 5.22 birdies per round. He made four all week. Scheffler needed 127 putts to get around Pinehurst, his most in a tournament since last year’s Masters.
Sergio Garcia became the first European player in the modern era to make the cut at the U.S. Open 20+ times.
Francesco Molinari’s ace at 9, his last hole of the round, moved him inside the cut line. There is no known instance in U.S. Open history of a player making an ace on his last hole to get inside the 36-hole cut number.
Sam Bairstow’s 17-shot improvement from round 1 to round 2 (84-67) ties the biggest at the U.S. Open the last 40 years. Scott Gregory went 92-75 at Shinnecock in 2018.
Rory McIlroy became the first player in U.S. Open history to finish alone in 2nd place, 1 shot back, in back-to-back years.
Royal Troon’s Old Course was founded in 1878, expanded to 18 holes 10 years later and re-designed by five-time Champion Golfer James Braid ahead of its first Open in 1923. This month it will host its tenth Open Championship, with the star-studded field hoping to join the likes of Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Bobby Loclke as champions at the iconic property.
1
In addition to its place on The Open rota, Royal Troon is also the only club in Great Britain to have been granted Royal status during the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
2
Overall, the course will play 195 yards longer this year compared to 2016 when Sweden’s Henrik Stenson held off Phil Mickelson in one of the greatest duels in Open history.
3
The sixth hole will measure a whopping 623 yards, making it the longest hole in Open Championship history.
4
The field could also be faced with one of the shortest holes with the iconic par-three Postage Stamp eighth potentially coming in at 99 yards with a forward tee and pin positioned close to the front of the green.
5
This year’s total attendance is expected to be 250,000 -- the third highest for an Open, behind only the 150th Open at St Andrews in 2022 and the 261,180 who attended Royal Liverpool last year.
6
Six of the nine Opens at Royal Troon have been won by double digit scores under par.
7
Mickelson and Stenson share the course record after both men carded 63 at the 2016 Open Championship.
There’s quite a real possibility that Tiger Woods will bring his Open Championship career to an end at Royal Troon after the former World No.1 refused to rule it out following his missed cut at the U.S. Open.
The 15-time Major champion visibly struggled at Pinehurst No.2 last month, finishing the opening two rounds on seven over par to miss the weekend for the second successive Major outing.
Woods was asked whether could have been his last US Open appearance after needing a special exemption from the USGA to compete at Pinehurst.
“Well, it’s one of those things where in order to win a golf
tournament, you have to make the cut,” Woods said.
“I can’t win the tournament from where I’m at, so it certainly is frustrating. I thought I played well enough to be up there in contention. It just didn’t work out.
“As far as my last Open Championship or US Open Championship, I don’t know what that is. It may or may not be.”
While we don’t have a definitive answer on whether this will be his last start in the game’s most prestigious championship, he did reveal that it will almost certainly be his final event this year.
“I’ve only got one more tournament this season,” he added.
“I don’t think even if I win the British Open I’ll be in the [FedEx Cup] play-offs. Just one more event and then I’ll come back whenever I come back.”
HARMAN’S OPEN FACTS:
● Harman needed 106 putts for the week, the fewest by a champion in 20 years of tracked statistics at The Open.
● Harman was the sixth American to win The Open by six shots or more, joining legends Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, and Tiger Woods.
● He is one of three men to win The Open by six or more shots for their first major, along with Louis Oosthuizen (2010) and Shane Lowry (2019).
● At 36, Harman was the oldest first-time major winner in men’s golf since Sergio Garcia (2017 Masters at age 37).
Brian Harman heads to Scotland this month in a bid to become just the eighth American to win multiple Claret Jugs. Can he do it? You’d be a fool to think he can’t. We caught up with him ahead of the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Troon where he’ll be hoping to create even more Harman history.
Brian Harman winning the Open Championship last year was never in the script. Before his glorious week at Royal Liverpool, the American was regarded as a brilliant pro, if unspectacular. He hadn’t won for six years, while his near-15 year professional career had only seen two top ten Major finishes.
But, as is often the case with this fickle sport, the three-time PGA Tour winner did the unexpected and created headlines with one of the most dominant displays in recent Major championship history. By Friday afternoon he was five shots clear from home favourite Tommy Fleetwood. He held firm, and by Sunday evening he had the Claret jug in his grasp.
With the triumph, the he became just the third left-handed player to win The Open, joining Bob Charles (1963) and Phil Mickelson (2013). It moved him into the top ten players in the world, and effectively qualified him for his first ever Ryder Cup. His life had completely changed in the space of a week.
In a world where the golfing headlines are often dominated by distance
and youth, it was refreshing to see the opposite. Harman is proof that you don’t need to be young or a big hitter to be good enough to win the grandest events. Golf, especially on a links course, is as much a mental game as it is physical.
This month he tees it up again on a British links, but this time it’s different; he’s a Major champion and he knows he can compete. If he can retain his status at the Champion Golfer of the Year, he will cement his name amongst some of the very best in the game. Only 27 players in the history of this game have ever triumphed twice.
However, history shows that defending the Claret Jug is an extremely challenging task. The last golfer to successfully defend the title was Padraig Harrington, who won at Carnoustie in 2007 and again at Royal Birkdale in 2008. Both of these triumphs happened when Harman was still an amateur.
Here, we caught up with the American ahead of his defence at Royal Troon later this month where he gave us an insight into his life since becoming a Major champion, while also reflecting on his time in the Middle East.
What did you make of your first appearance at the Dubai Desert Classic, and what did you think of Dubai in general?
Brian Harman: I very much enjoyed my time in Dubai. I was so impressed with the city, and I hope I have a chance to return.
What were your thoughts of the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club?
Brian Harman: It was certainly a lot more difficult than I thought it would be, but it was perfectly manicured – and a real test of golf.
A year on, how has your life changed since becoming a Major winner? If so, how?
Brian Harman: The notoriety stuff has changed. How I’m viewed in the golf world has changed. But my life personally hasn’t changed. I’ve got a great family. They keep me really nice and grounded, so that part of my life certainly hasn't changed.
What was the first thing that went through your mind after you sank the winning putt at Royal Liverpool?
Brian Harman: Not disbelief, but just elation. I was just so happy to have done what I did, and was ready to celebrate.
What golf ball do you currently play with and what are the characteristics about the model that you particularly like?
Brian Harman: I love the Titleist ball. I switched to the Pro V1 back in 2017 from a different company and the effects were immediate, especially with how I’m able to flight iron shots into the wind. I can really control my trajectory. I don’t have to worry about the ball getting away from me. It’s just very, very, very predictable, and there’s nothing more important than having that consistency every time you tee it up.
How important is the fitting aspect when it comes to selecting the right golf clubs for your game?
Brian Harman: Probably one of the most critical things because every bit of a golf club that's not fitted for your swing is an adjustment you’re going to have to make during your swing to hit the ball properly. So that’s probably one of the very first things that I recommend for anyone that’s just getting started.
What was your initial reaction to the New Titleist GT driver and what was it you saw performance-wise that made you want to switch into the product so quickly?
Brian Harman Well, I’m very peculiar about my equipment. I haven’t switched into anything new just because it’s a new thing, but it was pretty apparent immediately off the bat that GT is certainly faster and it goes really, really straight.
Final question, on footwear, what model do you currently play in and how important is it to see golf shoes as an important piece of performance apparatus?
Brian Harman: They're certainly a part of my equipment. For me, it's stability. When I go into the downswing and I’m really pushing off the ground, I need those shoes to really dig in and support the bottom of my feet and my ankles. I'm very peculiar about 'em, and I've been through many, many, many pairs trying to find the right ones, and I feel like I could wear just about any FootJoy shoe and have it be really, really good and reliable.
BY JONATHAN CRADDOCK
rian Harman tees it up at this month’s Open Championship as the defending champion after his stunning display of dominance at Royal Liverpool last year.
The 37-year-old left-hander was a dark horse to win last year, especially given the fact he only had a handful of strong finishes in Major championships up until that point. However, when you break his move down frame by frame it’s easy to see why the American managed to claim the claret jug.
Since his victory on the links 12 months ago, Harman has managed
Harman starts in a perfectly balanced position with solid foundations. I would like to highlight just how comfortable he looks in this moment, arms hanging down from the shoulders with space between them and his thighs.
to cement his spot at the top of world golf with some more great results including a share of second place at this year’s Players Championship. It would seem like he’s knocking on the door for another big win.
And if you were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Champion Golfer of the Year at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic this year, hopefully you managed to learn a thing or two which you’ve now taken into your own game. However, if not, don’t worry, follow on here as I unpick his brilliant swing.
swing starts very simply with the upper body moving the arms away from the ball. Note how the golf club is out in front of the hands as opposed to being pulled inside of the hands and arms.
The American operates the swing with a slightly open clubface as the wrists begins to set up the left forearm. The right-hand position is being maintained in front of the right shoulder.
Take a look at the position of his club shaft at this moment; it’s above the trail elbow with clubhead behind his spine. Next time you are at the range, take a look at your clubhead at this moment and check to see if you have kept the club behind your hands.
As alluded to earlier, he uses his stability really well which is a large contributing factor to his consistency. Next time you’re at the range, hit balls while maintaining your trail foot position on the ground. You’ll need to reduce the speed as you are not finishing the swing but take note of the strike.
Note how the gap between Harman’s elbows is being maintained. Far too often, I see this gap increasing into this position as golfers lose width with their trail arm. His left elbow is in a perfect position, matching his spine angle.
I enjoy how stable Harman remains during impact. This is something all amateur golfers could benefit from. Far too often we see golfers jumping during impact, and although this can be a natural consequence of a powerful downswing, it is something that can cause inconsistency.
Harman demonstrates his wonderful flexibility in this frame as he fully releases the golf club around and up to the right. Posture still being maintained, left shoulder below right.
The Open Champion has maintained his posture wonderfully with the body fully spiralled around and up to the top of the backswing. Note how he’s using the ground correctly by pushing down with his lead side.
The American maintains his posture wonderfully his right side moving around and up. As with all consistent players we can see how he’s maintained the distance between his legs and hands.
A very simple golf swing fully utilising his stability to create consistency. Harman, in terms of PGA Tour distance, is not the longest but is for sure a consistent ball striker. It is clear to see how he won The Open Championship in such impressive style.
WORLD NO. 36 MIN WOO LEE
This is the shot I was more familiar with as an amateur, but not as much as a professional. It’s a shot that I hit really well, but I don’t trust it as much on the golf course. If there’s a fairway that’s a bit wider, it’s definitely a shot I go to.
My draw doesn’t draw ‘too much’ so I aim closer towards the right-hand side of the fairway. I definitely take it a bit wider on the takeaway through to the backswing, and I also stand more closed at address to help get the club on the right path. This basically means my right foot is slightly back at set up.
With the driver, I hit a fade around 310 yards on average. A draw for me is closer to 330 yards. It’s nice hitting it long, but we also want to hit fairways as golf is becoming harder with regards to hitting fairways. We want to prioritise fairways, especially as my length.
However, if you’re a shorter hitter, it’s definitely beneficial for you guys to hit a draw to get further distance. So, in short, a closed stance, closed club face with an in-to-out path. This will help to create that little draw.
Despite his smaller stature, Min Woo Lee is regarded as one of the longest hitters in the game. This season he ranks 8th for strokes gained off the tee on the PGA Tour, while he’s 4th for driving distance at 314 yards. He’s even managed to hit a 398-yard bomb in the third round of The Players this year.
You’ve got a pretty horrible lie, seven or eight yards to the green with a short pin. A difficult situation, but how do we get out of this?
Firstly, you need to assess the lie to find out if you can bump and run this, flop this, and so on. You need to decide the on the easiest way, and choose the right club. More often than not, it’s going to be a high-lofted wedge.
Let’s take the example of attempting more of a flop shot with a bit of a buried lie. Open the clubface completely, hold the grip with your left hand first, and then attach your right hand so you can create the most loft you can to get the ball up in the air. Put your weight forward, roughly 70 percent on your lead side.
Remember to take practice swings to gauge the rough’s density and don’t forget you need speed to get it up. You don’t open the face and just tap it, because you need it to go high up and stop short. Put the ball a bit forward in your stance and whack it, that way you get a nice smooth high flight with no spin and it trickles down to the pin.
When the ball is sitting more on top of the grass, you may want to pitch it just shy of the green and make it release a little more. The face should be open a little bit with it further back in your stance, hands in front of the ball, weight 60 percent on the lead side. Chip it easily with a lower flight.
Now the really tricky stuff is when you’re in knee-high rough. It’s essential again that you have your wedge with the most loft. You’ll need an open face as the rough has a good chance of wrapping around the hosel of the shaft and shutting the face.
Ideally, you need it the face open as much as possible with a strong left-hand grip to keep it open through impact. Try to pick a place to land it and release it down to the pin. This is unpredictable and a difficult shot, so if you can any chance to practice this shot, then take it!
Winning The Open Championship is hard. Since the inaugural edition in 1860, only 89 golfers have added their name to the prestigious Claret Jug. From those 89 names to have etched their name into the history books, just one stands alone as the custodian of the lowest score ever recorded in the tournament’s 153-year history – Henrik Stenson.
The Swede was flawless at Royal Troon in 2016, carding 264 after rounds of 68, 65, 68 and a spellbinding final day 63 to become the first Scandinavian male to lay his hands on one of the game’s four Major Championship trophies.
Jack Nicklaus described Stenson’s super Sunday as the “best round of golf he’s ever seen”, and few could argue with the Golden Bear. It was pure poetry in motion that was backed up by a tournament total of 20 under par, which, at the time, tied the record for the lowest total in Major Championship history.
Eight years after that memorable week on the links in South Ayrshire, Stenson and the Open Championship return to Royal Troon.
“It’s the biggest highlight of my career, no question,” Stenson told Worldwide Golf.
“To go out and shoot 20 under par for the week and 63 on a Sunday to beat Phil, it’s the stuff
“It’s going to be fun to return to the venue. I’ll have some of my family with me for the week”
dreams are made of when you’re standing on the chipping green as a 12-year-old saying, ‘this one is for The Open’.
“It’s going to be fun to return to the venue. I’ll have some of my family with me for the week, so it will bring back a lot of nice memories and be a special week.
“I’m sure I will attest to what some of the other past champions have said about going back to the venue where you actually won the
Claret Jug, as it’s always going to be that little bit more special.
“I’m really looking forward to that week, hopefully I’ll show a bit of form and give it another go.”
It would be amiss to talk about Stenson’s victory and not mention the role that Phil Mickelson played in making it one of the greatest Major Championship battles of all time.
Compared to the classic ‘Duel in the Sun’ between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus almost 40 years before it, the duo produced 18 holes of magic in Scotland that still live long in the memory.
Stenson began the day a shot ahead on 12 under, only to lose the lead by the end of the first hole, as he bogeyed, and Mickelson birdied. Stenson responded with five birdies in his next seven holes to edge one clear of Mickelson who managed one birdie and eagle.
The pair would be level again after Stenson bogeyed the 11th but the Iceman pulled two ahead for the first time after successive birdies on 14 and 15 with the latter a monster 45-foot putt across the green. A third successive birdie on the 16th was matched by Mickelson and the American then rolled in a par-saving putt on the 17th to stay two adrift going down the last.
But Stenson picked up a fourth shot in his closing five holes to secure a three-stroke victory over Mickelson, who posted a highly impressive 65.
With both men now playing regularly against one another on the LIV Golf circuit, you’d expect Stenson to give Mickelson a few jibes about coming out on top, especially ahead of the duo’s return to the venue later this month, right?
“He normally doesn’t want to reminisce about it,” Stenson joked.
“I would have to say I’m conscious that I don’t rub it in. I spoke to his manager a few months after the victory, and he was telling me that Phil thought it was the best golf he’d ever played without winning.
“You’re always going to be disappointed when you’re playing really well and don’t win, but you can’t be too angry when someone has played better than you that week, and it was just one of them.
“Ninety-nine times out of 100 Phil would have walked away with the Claret Jug, but this one time the stars were aligned better for me, and it was my turn.
“I think that loss stayed with him for a while. He was probably thinking ‘how did I not win that one?’, but I’m not going to rub that in. Unless he reads this article, we’ll pretend we never spoke about it!”
While there will be no representation from any of the Gulf nations at this year’s Open Championship, things are heading in the right direction at grass roots level to support the dreams of players in the region wanting to make it to the game’s biggest stage.
Earlier this year, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club hosted the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Challenge, which saw a record number of UAE National Team players receive an invite thanks to the Emirates Golf Federation’s longterm partnership with the European Tour group.
Rayan Ahmed was the pick of the bunch for the team, carding a first round 66 before narrowly missing the cut with a second round 72 – all while rubbing shoulders with the likes of five-time DP World Tour winner Alex Levy and 2023 European Ryder Cup Vice Captain Nicolas Colsaerts.
There was also history created a few months ago in Saudi Arabia at the Asian Tour’s Saudi Open, where the Kingdom’s Khalid Walid became the first amateur from the country to make the cut in a professional Tour event.
With a whole host of initiatives in place to grow the game at grassroots level in the Middle East,
two-time DP World Tour Championship winner
Stenson believes it won’t be too long before the region produces a winner at Tour level.
“Yeah, I think there could be if you have good coaching, funding and opportunities,” he said.
“Of course, you’ve got to have a pool to pull talent from, and then refine that talent. The bigger the pool, the more players you have and the bigger the chances you have to develop strong players – we’ve seen that time and time again.
“I think that’s probably the biggest challenge for smaller countries or places where golf is a smaller sport as you don’t have the talent pool to pull from. But you can still do really good work with limited numbers if you implement the right structure.
“I think a lot of places are doing that. They are doing that here (Middle East), from coaching staff to everything that goes around player development. So, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a winner from this part of the world.”
While we are likely still some way off that dream becoming a reality, the likes of Stenson and Co playing DP World and Asian Tour events in the region can only help accelerate that by inspiring the next generation of Middle Eastern golfers.
Golf returns to the Olympics for the third consecutive Games this summer with a plethora of the world’s best players gunning for gold at Le Golf National, site of Europe’s 17 ½ - 10 ½ Ryder Cup drubbing of the USA in 2018.
Here Rick Bevan provides the lowdown of everything you need to know about this year’s Paris showdown.
Venue: Le Golf National, (near) Paris
Dates: August 1-10, 2024
Format: 72-hole strokeplay
Qualification for the Olympic golf competition is based on the Official World Golf Ranking, with 60 men and 60 women taking part.
The top 15 players in the OWGR are eligible to make the trip to Paris but each country is only permitted a maximum of four male and four female representatives. After that, players ranked from 16th onwards will be eligible up to a maximum of two men and two women per country - as long as that country does not already have at least two players in the top 15 - until the 60 spots are filled.
Each of the five continents of the Olympic Movement will be guaranteed at least one player in each of the women’s and men’s events respectively. If they’ve not automatically qualified, the continental places will be allocated to the highest-ranked player (s) on the Olympic Golf Rankings from the continent(s) without representation.
Having been forced to miss the 2020 Olympic Games due to contracting Covid the week before the competition began, US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau will again miss out on representing Team USA. The American superstar was one of the highest profile defectors to LIV Golf and, due to the breakaway tour’s events not qualifying for World Ranking points, he is set to watch from the side lines again, despite his Major triumph at Pinehurst No.2 in June. “Hopefully one day the game of golf will get figured out and come back together and I’ll be able to play,” said DeChambeau. “I’m playing great golf, I’m excited but ultimately I’m frustrated and disappointed. I made the choices I have made and there’s consequences to that, I respect it. But hopefully sooner rather than later we figure that out.”
Meanwhile Dutch stars including six-time DP World Tour winner Joost Luiten, Driel and Dewi Weber, are also set to miss out, despite being eligible! A furious Luiten said: “The Dutch Olympic Committee will not send me even though I have qualified by the international golf federation’s criteria and the Olympic criteria. NOCNSF have their own criteria (good chance to finish top eight) and they don’t think I have a chance to finish in the top eight of the Olympics (60 men field) even though over my 18 year professional career I have finished inside of the top 10 almost 20% of the time and those were 156 man fields.”
The Dutch federation are instead only taking Solheim Cup star Anne van Dam for the women’s competition.
The field for the Paris Games is the strongest in Olympic history and despite DeChambeau’s absence, Team USA look very strong. They’re the only nation with the maximum four representatives in the men’s contest with World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, defending Olympic champion Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark and Collin Morikawa flying the stars and stripes, custodians of six Majors between them.
World No.2 Rory McIlroy will be out to make amends for his US Open meltdown. The fourtime Major champion was involved in an epic seven-man play-off for the bronze medal in Tokyo, eventually coming up short and taking fourth place.
“I’ve been saying all day I never tried so hard in my life to finish third,” he said at the time. “It’s disappointing going away from here without any hardware. It makes me even more determined to go to Paris and try to pick one [a medal] up.”
Spain’s Jon Rahm had to withdraw from the Tokyo Games after testing positive for Covid and was also forced to pull out of last month’s US Open due to a foot infection. After a meagre return at the Masters and missing the cut at the PGA Championship, the LIV Golf star will be eager to prove his defection to the breakaway Tour has not diminished his ability to compete for golf’s biggest prizes.
Great Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood was one of Europe’s star performers over Le Golf National’s Albatros course during that 2028 Ryder Cup triumph, forming a deadly partnership with Italy’s Francesco Molinari as the pair, dubbed ‘Moliwood’ became the first duo to win all four of their matches together. Fleetwood also tasted success there in 2017, winning the Open de France, so its most certainly a track that suits his eye.
The Englishman, who finished 16th at Tokyo 2020, is joined by fellow countryman Matt Fitzpatrick. The 2022 US Open Champion has had a relatively quiet season to date but he’s proven many times he’s the man for the big occasion and
his laser-like accuracy from tee to green should prove well suited to the tricky Albatros course.
Scandinavia is strongly represented with Masters runner-up, World No. 5 Ludvig Aberg one of the hottest prospects in the field. The 24 year old Swede has enjoyed a meteoric rise since turning professional in June 2023, winning titles on the DP World Tour and the PGA TOUR and making an eye-catching Ryder Cup debut. He and Viktor Hovland won both their matches together at Marco Simone and administered a crushing record 9&7 defeat on World No.1 Scottie Scheffler and five-time Major champion Brooks Koepka in the foursomes. Norway’s Hovland – the reigning FedExCup champion and current World No.7 - will join his Ryder Cup team mate in Paris hoping to ignite his 2024 season after a career defining year in 2023.
Aberg’s fellow Swede Alex Noren, like Fleetwood, won the Open de France at Le Golf National at 2018 and was part of Thomas Bjorn’s winning European Ryder Cup team there later the same year, where he sparked the celebrations on the
18th green after sinking a long birdie putt to beat Bryson DeChambeau in the final match on Sunday. He too will fancy his chances in Paris while Danish pair Nicolai Hojgaard, winner of the 2023 DP World Tour Championship and Thorbjorn Olesen, 2024 Ras Al Khaimah Championship victor, add more star quality to the Scandinavian contingent.
French duo Matthieu Pavon and Victor Perez will be buoyed by home support while 2021 Masters champion Matsuyama Hideki of Japan represents Asia’s leading light in the competition.
There have only been three women’s individual golf tournaments at the Olympics and the USA have won two of them. The Americans again look strong but the women’s field is well balanced with no country having more than three representatives.
Two-time Olympian and Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Nelly Korda headlines the field and the World No.1 is joined on a strong Team USA by World No.2
Lilia Vu and rising star, World No.9, Rose Zhang. South Korea will also field a tantalisingly strong three-women team in Paris comprising of Jin-young Ko, Amy Yang and Hyo-joo Kim – winners of four Majors between them.
2023 Women’s PGA Championship winner Ruoning Yin will be joined Xiyu Lin for China rwhile Great Britain’s quest for medals will be led by Charley Hull and Georgia Hall and French representation comes in the form of World No.6 Celine Boutier and Perrine Delacour.
GOLF’S HISTORY AT THE OLYMPICS
Golf made a return to the Olympics, after a 112-year hiatus, at the Rio Games in 2016 with Justin Rose scooping men’s gold and Inbee Park taking top honours in the women’s competition. It first appeared as an Olympic sport in the second edition of the modern Games, in Paris, 1900 where American Charles Sands won the men’s competition by one stroke over Great Britain’s Walter Rutherford. Margaret Abbott won the women’s event but died in 1955 unaware of the fact that the tournament she had won was part of the Olympics!
Golf returned for the next edition of the Games in St Louis in 1904 with Canada’s George Lyon taking gold in the men’s category. He’d only been playing for eight years and, having previously competed in tennis, baseball and cricket, he swung his club more like a cricketer than a golfer.
The sport was supposed to return to the roster for the London Games in 1908 but a dispute between the English and Scottish players about the format saw the British golfers boycott the event, leaving 1904 champion Lyons as the only entrant. According to the rules he was entitled to claim gold but he declined.
Two golf tournaments were planned for the 1920 Games in Antwerp but they were cancelled due to lack of entries and the sport continued to be absent from the Olympics until it’s triumphant return in Rio.
With the Covid pandemic delaying the Tokyo 2020 Games a year, America’s Xander Schauffele took gold in at Kasumigaseki Country Club in the men’s competition in 2021 while Nelly Korda made it USA double by taking top spot in the women’s tournament.
HARRY KANE INVESTS IN SUSTAINABLE APPAREL BRAND REFLO
Photography: JAMISON CREATIVE
FROM DUBAI TO AMERICA, AND MOST RECENTLY TO MOROCCO, DUBAI-BORN THOMAS HAS RECENTLY TURNED PROFESSIONAL, AND THE TRANSITION HAS BEEN A POSITIVE ONE SO FAR. HE GAVE US SOME EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS HOW HIS GAME’S PROGRESSING ON THE BIG STAGE.
Rayhan Thomas recently turned professional after completing a five-year golf scholarship at Oklahoma State University but prior to his move Stateside, the 24-year-old enjoyed a stellar amateur career in the UAE. He won on the MENA Tour, numerous local Opens, and several Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit events.
But more recently the talented golfer earned conditional status on the PGA Tour Americas, as well as teeing it up on the Asian Tour in the International Series event in Morocco. It’s been a steady and impressive rise until now, and we caught up with him to find out all about how life has progressed recently.
Playing a practice round with Rory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic a few years ago now. Was that inspiring, or intimidating?
Rayhan Thomas: Bit of both. He’s somebody I’ve looked up to for a long time. I was definitely inspired to play with him and see how his game up close. It was definitely intimidating at the same time because I’ve been looking up to him for so long. I was 17 at the time and wanted to give a good impression.
WWG: What did it mean to you when he said he was impressed your game and that you had a bright future ahead of you?
Rayhan Thomas: It meant a lot to me. He’s one of my favourite players and has the Middle East connection, so it was big for me to hear him say that. He has played with some of the world’s amateurs which made his comments more impacting.
WWG: Obviously he’s long off the tee, but what else did you learn from him? Not just his golf, but also his professional conduct?
Rayhan Thomas: He just looked extremely poised. It looked like nothing bothered him. Obviously it was only a practice round that day, but he seemed very relaxed. I was very excitable and my mind could be my worst enemy when I hit a bad shot. Emulating Rory has enabled me to just delete things and positively move onto the next shot.
WWG: How has growing up in Dubai helped your game?
Rayhan Thomas: It was huge. The weather means you can play every single day, and the facilities at the Els Club, Dubai Creek and all around were fantastic. For me, it was paradise trying to get better.
WWG: Is there anything you miss about not being able to play so often in Dubai anymore?
Rayhan Thomas: Yeah, I miss my buddies and the weather. It was always a good time when I was able to play with my best friends every time I went on to a golf course. Moving away was toug at first, but I’ve built new relationships in America now and it’s become home, though I do miss the weather and people in Dubai.
WWG: How do you go about playing courses that are not to the same championship standard and condition as the courses in Dubai?
Rayhan Thomas: I’ve played golf courses all over the world now at this stage. Good courses, bad
courses, good condition abdbad condition. You just have to suck it up, learn quickly as nobody it going to hold your hand regardless of what course you play, it’s all on you.
WWG: How did you find the early days settling in at Oklahoma State University?
Rayhan Thomas: I found it very easy, honestly. I had been travelling for so long and felt pretty independent by that point. Everybody was also so welcoming in Oklahoma and I made friends really quickly, especially with my teammates.
WWG: How did you find the competitive level over in America?
Rayhan Thomas: The level was very high. I struggled a little bit in my first few years, but the last year was really good for my confidence. As my game progressed and I was able to compete against the guys at the top. .
WWG: You say you struggled, just talk a little
bit more about that. Did something click, or what changed?
Rayhan Thomas: It was always kind of progressing. Once I started to struggle I wasn’t too concernd as my game was trending in the right way. This last summer I was hurt, so I was chilling out and caddied for one of my buddies on the Korn Ferry, Zach Bauchou. That really helped my game, kind of relax me, and see him play some really good golf after I had seen him struggle for a little bit.
WWG: At what point did you decide to turn pro?
Rayhan Thomas: When I saw my game progress the last year, I thought I could definitely do this. If I keep progressing the way I am, I will end up playing on one of the big Tours. I really enjoy the game, I love playing it, so why not try and play it for the rest of my life? There’s huge upside to being good at golf. You can make a bunch of money and do good things, but at the end of the
day you’re not doing anything like curing cancer, or going to the Moon, so you’ve just to relax and enjoy it.
WWG: What advice would you give any youngsters in the UAE who are looking emulate you?
Rayhan Thomas: I would just say you’ve got to work hard. You’ve got to be good if you want to play college golf, and progress in the right way. Pick an American college that you can get some starts on and play. If you go to a college that’s too high of a level, you’re not going to get many reps. You’re going to need to get reps at some point if you think your game is really good and progressing. I’d say if you want to play college golf, you’ve got to play a lot of tournaments and get your name on a many leaderboards as possible.
WWG: What would you do to try and further growing the game at a junior level in the UAE?
Rayhan Thomas: Keep expanding the junior golf programmes, that’s how I developed my game at
the Els Club and Dubai Creek. They were really fun for me to do and I enjoyed every minute. Dubai is doing a great job at expanding the game and try to encourage more kids to play.
WWG: If you turn the clock back to when you were 17 and played with Rory, would you do anything different?
Rayhan Thomas: I probably wouldn’t do anything differently. As the experiences have made me the guy I am today. Obviously I’m a lot smarter now about the golf swing and how my mind works, so I would just remind myself of all the things I do.
WWG: Have you become a player that relies on range monitors?
Rayhan Thomas: I don’t travel with a Trackman, I don’t have one. I use one when I’m back home in Oklahoma. To dial yardages in you’ve got to go on the golf course and find full numbers for your clubs. Trackman is a good basw marker but the only was to dial in is to adjust on the course.
WWG: Going back to the professional side of things, it’s quite solitary sport in many ways. It’s quite expensive, though. Have you got good backers behind you?
Rayhan Thomas: Right now, I just have my Dad and he’s been extremely supportive, He told me to just play and we will figure out the rest. We’re just taking it as it comes. I have a few things in the works and hopefully they come through so I wouldn’t have to lean on my parents so much for financial support.
WWG: And finally, how is the rest of the year looking for you in terms of playing starts?
Rayhan Thomas: I think for the most part I have some status in Canada from Q School. I’ve had some things lined up in the US, but when the opportunity came up to play recently in Morocco that was a no brainer. I’m kind of seeing where it goes from here. I will be playing the Korn Ferry Q School in September and considering the Asian Tour Q School but I hope for some more International Series starts.
THOMAS
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DOMINIC MORTON IS ONE OF THE SHINING LIGHTS OF THE LOCAL GOLF SCENE IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, AND HE’S NOW EMBARKING ON A NEW JOURNEY TO THE UNITED STATES TO CHASE THE PROFESSIONAL DREAM. WILL KENT CAUGHT UP WITH THE YOUNGSTER AHEAD OF HIS MOVE ACROSS THE POND.
Photography: Ahmed Oto & Andy Crook
Not matter what level of golf you’re competing at, winning a tournament is hard. It’s even more difficult in the Middle East where the standard of amateur golf is so high. If you’re a scratch golfer nowadays, you’re often being left behind.
But for Dominic Morton, who moved to the UAE six years ago from the UK as a mid-handicapper, it’s time to take the next step. The 18-year-old recently claimed victory at the EGF Order of Merit Championship at Al Zorah in dramatic fashion beating his friend Viktor Kofod Olsen in a play-off to prove he’s ready for just that.
“I’ve been trying pretty hard recently,” Dominic explained. “It’s just good to see something pay off
especially in an event where I’m playing against my friends, who are also the people who I play golf with every week. I know they’re at a good level so it’s good to compete with them all to a good standard, and win.
“Obviously, I got a load of confidence from it. I’m using that confidence to my advantage and just trying to practice away, keep doing what I’m doing. I must be doing something right, so I’m just working with that.”
It was a well-earned victory over 54 holes at the beginning of May in the heat with Al Zorah known as one of the more difficult courses out here. The Englishman shot 73-71-72 over three days and came up trumps with a birdie in the play-off to clinch the title.
“The heart rate over the final approach shot in the play-off was crazy,” he said while laughing. “Especially when I hit the shot and got it quite close. I hit it and was like ‘that’s good, that!’ It was a pretty good feeling. My heart rate was up, that’s for sure.”
It’s as cliché as ever with golf, but the most important shot is your next one. The memory of clinching that sweet victory will seem like a distant feeling now as he looks towards the future which involves a short stint competing in the UK before transiting to America on a one-way ticket.
The upcoming move to Odessa University in Texas on a golf scholarship in August is a route we’ve seen before. It’s a common move for aspiring professionals, albeit a brave one. The talent pool
is so vast in America, but it’s arguably where you need to be to give yourself the best chance of making it.
“Seeing all the professionals nowadays, it’s a common route,” he said. “They’ve all gone through the college system and it got them to where they are today, doing really well and getting their name round. I want to follow their footsteps. The likes of Scottie Scheffler, Viktor Hovland and Jordan Spieth all went to college and look at them competing at the highest level.”
There are also some more familiar faces in the form of Toby Bishop and Josh Hill who are also plying their trade in the States. Both are former UAE residents and well into their own respective stints in the American college system.
“I speak to Josh and catch up with him when I can,” added Dominic. “I played with him when he was in Dubai. Toby was also here a couple of months ago, so yeah, I haven’t lost contact with any of them.
“They’ve just said it’s how you write it up. It’s the home of golf at the end of the day in America. Everything you do out there, just make sure you do it to the best of your ability as it will pay off like you expect it to. Just try your hardest.”
With that said, it’s a monumental change of lifestyle that is set to test more than just his golfing ability. Being away from friends, family and home comforts are enough to test anybody’s resolve, but
also what an unbelievable opportunity to pursue a dream.
“It’s a mix of emotions, but mostly excitement,” he says. “But there’s definitely nerves there, going out by myself and being without my family for a long time. Leaving them will be a bit weird, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.
“As soon as I land it will be straight into it. Getting picked for the team, then after that it’s straight into tournaments every week. Hopefully winning the championships at the end of the season.
“If I’m not keeping up with my academics then I won’t make the team, it’s as simple as that. I understand I’ve 100 percent got to be able to do both. I’m going to study business, I like it and it’s interesting. I started it last year, so carrying it on at University and hopefully getting a degree from it will be great.”
From my own personal perspective, Dom was the first local player I interviewed for Worldwide Golf back in 2022. It was also his first feature in the magazine. At that time, he had a steady head on his shoulders and an immense amount of raw talent.
Two years have passed since that interview, and it’s evident he’s matured significantly. He was already remarkably mature for his age, but he has made great strides towards his goals. He’s improved his game, won tournaments, and is now taking a huge next step towards becoming a professional.
Morton pictured here alongside Walid Al Attar Board Member, Emirates Golf Federation, in the immediate aftermath of his EGF Order of Merit Championship victory at Al Zorah Golf Club back in May
“
They’ve just said it’s how you write it up. It’s the home of golf at the end of the day in America. Everything you do out there, just make sure you do it to the best of your ability as it will pay off like you expect it to. Just try your hardest.”
“I think maturing has been a big part of it,” he says, when I asked what’s changed over the last two years. “Understanding the game a bit more and speaking to people who know a lot about the game with a lot of experience.
“Getting out there and playing is the best way to do it, rather than being on the range all the time. You can be a great range player, but you’ve got to know how to get the ball in the hole at the end of the day.
“It has been so good and I’ve learnt so much in this country. I know handicap doesn’t mean much, but I came here a few years ago from the UK playing off 20 odd, and now I’m off plus three. It’s matured me and got my golf to a much better standard than it was before. In one word, my experience in the UAE has been unreal.”
By Will Kent
t’s been a big year for local talent Intissàr Rich. With support from the Emirates Golf Federation, the 24-year-old’s enjoyed success representing the UAE and even had the opportunity to meet one of her golfing idols at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
One local respected golf coach told me recently that Intissàr has “an abundance of raw talent”, and it’s hard to argue with that statement if you watch her play. She has all the tools you need to compete at the professional level, and
she’s made significant progress over the last 12 months of realising that dream.
Her recent achievements on the course such as winning individual gold at the December’s GCC Championships are not only fuelled by the facilities and opportunities available in the UAE, but also by her relentless determination to get better every she tees it up.
“I’d say that my golf is improving day by day,” she said. “My work ethic just gets better and hopefully the results will follow. Just eat, sleep,
golf. This summer time will be huge towards my training and development.”
She kicked off her summer in June by competing on the Ladies European Tour in the Czech Republic as well as participating in the LET Access Series. Although she would have hoped for better results, such is the nature of golf. The experience of playing against some of the sport’s best at that level will have been incredibly valuable.
But before that trip to Europe, she had an
equally-as-busy season representing the UAE in various prestigious events. Notably, she competed in the Espirito Santo Trophy at Abu Dhabi Golf Club last October which is widely regarded as the premier amateur tournament globally. Annika Sörenstam played in the competition twice during her career, winning the individual title in 1992. It’s an honour for any
Intissàr helped lead the UAE team to victory at the GCC Championships while also finishing in the top five herself at several other local tournaments. She also finished second at the EGF Order of Merit Championship at Al Zorah Golf Club, which was a WAGR recognised event.
“I learned how to channel great pressure and the emotions of representing your country,” she added of her experience playing in the prestigious event. “It was difficult, but I was honoured to be put in that position.
“Representing the UAE has only done positive things for me and my game. Especially mentally, and the important part is to be patient, of course. The support of the EGF is second to none.”
Building on her experience from that tournament over the course of the season,
But her golfing highlights this year haven’t just been limited to the course. The 24-yearold had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to receive a putting lesson from four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Does it get any better than that?
“Rory is one of my role models and favourite players to watch,” said Intissàr. “I aim to model his game, and being able to get insight into his routine was a dream come true. I was truly honoured to have met someone I admired for so long. It fuelled my passion even more.”
Like she mentions, this summer and beyond is set to be a crucial part of her development towards taking the next step. She’s making steady strides towards competing at the highest level in golf on a consistent basis, and her commitment to the cause is admirable. It’s surely now just a matter of time before she bursts through on a big stage.
THE EGF’S ORDER OF MERIT CHAMPION HAS EYES ON TAKING HIS GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL AFTER A FANTASTIC SEASON.
Photography: Ahmed Oto & Andy Crook
Jonathan Selvaraj is starting to build an impressive golfing resumé with a string of impressive results over the last 12 months, none more impressive than topping the EGF’s Men’s Order of Merit.
The 20-year-old battled over the course of the season against the best local amateurs to eventually come out on top of the season-long rankings. He also featured on the Clutch Pro Tour, Challenge Tour as well as the DP World Tour’s Ras Al Khaimah Championship. In short, it’s been a great year.
He’s now become one of the leading amateurs in the country having first moved to the UAE in 2011, switching from Manchester, England. After years on the range as a junior, he finally decided to test his swing on the course and it’s been an impressive journey ever since. We caught up with him to find out all about his game and his future plans.
WWG: How did you first get into the game of golf?
JS: I started when I was eight years old back in England, but I can’t remember how exactly. There’s no definitive date about the first time, honestly. Nobody in my family plays golf so it didn’t come from them. I just don’t remember. I did eventually join a school team, but that was some months after I had already started playing.
WWG: Was your golf good in England, or has the UAE really accelerated your progress and interest in the game?
JS: I was barely playing golf in England before I moved out to the UAE in 2011. When I first came to Abu Dhabi, I just used to be on the range every day. I never played a round for a long time, which is why when I finally got around to it my first handicap was nine. I used the range at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club before and after school for a couple of years. I hadn’t even played the game, I just liked hitting balls.
WWG: Talk to me about the transition between being a range-only golfer, to
actually getting out on the course. How did that come about?
JS: In 2015, I got a very short membership at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Then in 2016, I moved to Yas Links where I got my first handicap when I started competing in medals. Then with Yas Links until 2022, then in 2023 I moved to Dubai and got a membership at Trump International Golf Club Dubai. Now, since I’ve joined the national team, I don’t have a membership at any particular club.
WWG: Topping the recent EGF Order of Merit was a great achievement – congratulations on that. How would you review your season?
JS: I think this past year a lot of little things that have fallen into place. There have been some swing changes that I’ve really been struggling with in the previous year. I felt towards the start of this year especially, I felt things moving in the right direction. I’ve played some good golf. I haven’t checked my handicap for a long, long time but I think it’s around plus four, but this has been my best year. It’s been my third
on my game, to get what needs to be done which I can’t normally do during full-on season. I will play once, maybe t
Selvaraj played in several highprofile events this season, including the UAE Challenge in April
year doing these events. Both years before this I only won one event, so it’s been nice to win two this year especially with the second one being the penultimate event of the season. That was quite good.
WWG: What are your goals with this sport. Are you planning on turning professional?
JS: I’m doing University online as well as playing golf every day and focusing on that, but I’m planning to go for Asian Tour Qualifying School this year, hopefully in October or November. Generally, I’m just on the hunt for a tour card, and Asian Tour seems to be more applicable to
“
I WOULD DEFINITELY ENCOURAGE IT HERE IN THE UAE. IT’S NOT GUARANTEED THAT THE FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN COLLEGE GOLF WILL BE ANYWHERE CLOSE TO WHAT YOU CAN GET OUT HERE. THERE’S SO MUCH OPPORTUNITY HERE IN THE UAE INSTEAD, INCLUDING THESE TOURNAMENTS AS WELL.”
on my game, to get what needs to be done which I can’t normally do during full-on season. I will play once, maybe t
the kind of golf and golf courses I’m used to out here in the UAE. I’ve talked to quite a few guys including those on the Challenge Tour and DP World Tour, and they say do everything you can to get there. I figured Asian Tour Q School is coming up, I think it’s probably the next one, so let’s see where it goes.
WWG: It’s common for aspiring UAE professionals to travel to America to try the college route there. Was that ever a consideration for you?
JS: It was. I got a scholarship offer from an American university a few years ago, but with Covid I couldn’t travel. I did one year online with them, but obviously it was with no golf. I thought there’s not really much point, I might as well just stay out here and pursue the opportunities out here.
WWG: What would you say to people a few years younger than yourself who are considering of making the UAE home and trying to become professional here rather
than some ‘traditional’ routes in other countries?
JS: I would definitely encourage it here in the UAE. It’s not guaranteed that the facilities available in college golf will be anywhere close to what you can get out here. There’s so much opportunity here in the UAE instead, including these tournaments as well. They are getting better and better every year. There are so many highlevel players from outside the country flying in to compete against.
WWG: And finally, what’s your daily golf look like at the moment in the UAE?
JS: It’s mainly practice at the moment, especially in the summer. I had lots of playing opportunities during the winter. The summer is a great time to work on my game, to get what needs to be done which I can’t normally do during full-on season. I will play once, maybe twice a week at most. The EGF Order of Merit is a priority for me later in the year when it gets back underway, but the Asian Tour Q School is a goal as well.
Selvaraj pictured alongside Walid Al Attar Board Member, Emirates Golf Federation, after topping the EGF’s seasonlong Order of Merit
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Gree Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 545 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 645 AED
Website: www.dubaigolf.com/egc
What3words: chewing.gratify.headliner
Emirates Golf Club opened in 1988 and was the first all-grass championship golf course in the Middle East. Designed by Karl Litten, it quickly became a landmark for golf in the region. The club gained international recognition for its renowned facilities; stunning views of Dubai’s skyline and home of the Dubai Desert Classic.
Facilities:
MAJLIS COURSE
Opened: 1988 Course Designer: Karl Litten
Yardage: Comp 7,319 yds / Mens 6,896 yds / Ladies 5,568 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 1250 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 1395 AED
FALDO COURSE
Opened: 1996 Course Designer: Nick Faldo
Yardage: Comp 7,348 yds / Mens 6,916 yds / Ladies 5,443 yds
Costs:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 695 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 795 AED
Costs Club Hire 255 AED / Range balls 50 for 50 AED
What3words sever.crate.gesture
Opened: 2018 Course Designer: Gary Johnston
Yardage: Comp 7,283 yds / Mens 6,785 yds / Ladies 5,513 yds
Facilities:
Gree Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 718 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 851 AED
DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT
What3words revived.stages.potions
Opened: 2003 Course Designer: Karl Litten
Yardage: Comp 7,009 yds / Mens 6,849 yds / Ladies 5,340 yds
Facilities:
Costs:
Non-member midweek green fees: 760 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: 875 AED
Website: www.elsclubdubai.com
What3words: lapses.rife.puddle
Renowned as one of the finest golfing destinations in the Middle East, the experience of The Els Club is one that creates everlasting memories and should be on every golfers must-play list. Those who appreciate life’s finest pleasures will embrace this true sporting gem which has been designed by Ernie Els, former U.S. Open and Open Championship winner.
Facilities:
Opened: 2008 Course Designer: Ernie Els
Yardage: Comp 7,538 yds / Mens 6,829 yds / Ladies 5,343 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 445 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 595 AED
Website: www.jumeirahgolfestates.com/golf-club
What3words: nuggets.grumpy.hitch
Facilities:
The Earth course is the proud host of the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai - the culmination of the DP World Tour season. This sharply defined, sculptured course inspired by the great parklands of Europe and North America, paints a magnificent pastiche of ora, rolling terrain and rushing water.
Opened: 2009 Course Designer: Greg Norman
Yardage: Comp 7,706 / Mens 7,045 / Ladies 5,425
Costs:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 680 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 840 AED
Opened: 2009 Course Designer: G. Norman Yardage: Mens 7,062 / Ladies 5,425
Costs:
Non-member midweek green fees: 695 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: 875 AED
Lessons Available at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, enquire directly with the club for more
Website: www.jagolf.com
What3words: treads.earache.immaculately
Designed by the world-renowned Peter Harradine, JA The Resort Golf Course is both scenically stunning and a fair yet exciting challenge to players of all ability. With over 20 years’ experience the golf course has established itself as a must play golf destination in Dubai.
Facilities:
Opened: 1998 Course Designer: Peter Harradine
Yardage: Comp 2,933 yds / Mens 2,686 yds / Ladies 2,686 yds
Costs:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 365 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 440 AED
EGF fees: From 410 AED
Website: www.topgolfdubai.ae
What3words: supplies.holdings.eyesore
While not on a golf course, Topgolf is sports entertainment complex that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game that everyone can enjoy, paired with an outstanding food and beverage menu, climate-controlled hitting bays and music. Topgolf Dubai has an energetic hum that you can feel right when you walk through the door.
Make a reservation in advance with Topgolf’s simple online booking tool or walk right in and put your name down. Reservations aren’t required, though you may end up waiting longer during peak times.
What3words programmer.apart.honeymoon
Course Designer: Colin Montgomerie
Yardage: Mens 6,686 yds / Ladies 5,406 yds
Facilities:
A links-land style oasis with over 200 acres and featuring 14 lakes and 81 bunkers which will challenge players of all levels.
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 680
Non-member weekend green fees: From 840
What3words crowned.inversely.begged
Opened: 2017 Course Designer: Gil Hanse Yardage: Mens 6,839 yds / Ladies 5,119 yds
Facilities:
A premier destination for golfers, covering 500 acres of land, with holes 10 to 18 played under LED floodlights for a night golf experience.
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 595
Non-member weekend green fees: From 750
Website: www.abudhabigolfclub.abudhabi
What3words: exploit.crowned.workers
An 18-hole Championship course, including nine hole floodlit course offers stunning beauty and challenge for all skill levels. But that’s not all as the club has exceptional dining and leisure facilities, including multiple restaurants and bars, a fitness center, and a swimming pool including the 5-star VOGO Abu Dhabi.
Facilities:
Opened: 1998 Course Designer: Peter Harradine
Yardage: Comp 7,600 yds / Mens 6,796 yds / Ladies 5,802 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 625 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 785 AED
Summer deal Four rounds on The National Course is AED 1,225 between May & September
Website: aesgc.com
What3words: crafty.sphere.helping
The vast resort has a scenic 18 hole championship golf course and a 9 hole academy golf course, located just a short drive away from Dubai. It recently hosted the Abu Dhabi Challenge on the Challenge Tour, and is well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Facilities:
Opened: 2007 Course Designer: Gary Player Yardage: Mens 6,129 yds / Ladies 5,282 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 400 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 500 AED
Website: www.alzorahgolfclub.ae
What3words: situated.snares.card
Set within a stunning natural environment, with flowing dunes and an in-land Mangrove area, the highly desirable location will provide golfers with a unique golf experience with water levels shifting with the tides throughout the day, and completed with pristine course conditioning of the paspalum grass.
Facilities:
Opened: 2015 Course Designer: Jack Nicklaus Yardage: Mens 6,522 yds / Ladies 6,071 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 645 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 695 AED
YAS LINKS
Website: www.viyagolf.com/yaslinks
What3words: awarded.legroom.alleys
Yas Links Abu Dhabi represents the first true links golf course in the Middle East region, designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world’s leading golf course designers. The Championship Links course is located on the west shores of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s island of entertainment, also offering a luxurious clubhouse, gym, swimming pool, male spa, along with truly world-class, floodlit practice ranges, now with state of the art Toptracer technology and Golf Academy.
Facilities:
Opened: 2010 Course Designer: Kyle Phillips
Yardage: Comp 7,461 yds / Mens 7,037 yds / Ladies 6,236 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 550 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 550 AED
SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB
Website: www.viyagolf.com/saadiyat
What3words: daily.talents.quilts
Set by the Arabian Gulf with dolphins and other sea-life as your spectators, the course utilises existing salt water lakes and beach dunes in its highly-rated design. This Par 72 course is conceived to challenge for both pros and amateurs with 60 bunkers.
Facilities:
Opened: 2010 Course Designer: Gary Player
Yardage: Comp 7,784 yds / Mens 7,268 yds / Ladies 5,290 yds
Green Fees:
Non member mid-week green fees: From 650 AED
Non member Weekend green fees: From 845 AED
YAS ACRES
Website: www.viyagolf.com/yasacres
What3words: laughable.takes.preferring
A spectacular addition to the Abu Dhabi golf scene, this Fry/ Straka-designed golf course is situated within the heart of Yas Acres community. The world class 3700 yard, 9-hole golf course serves up both a challenging game and a breathtaking backdrop for the community. It’s a also floodlit with fantastic practice facilities so you can hone your skills late into the night.
Facilities:
Opened: 2021 Course Designer: Fry/Straka
Yardage: Comp 3,700 yds / Mens 3,422 yds / Ladies 2,554 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 350 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 350 AED
Lessons A 45 minute lesson with a professional is available from 480 AED while there are discounts for large packages. A 12 lesson bundle as an individual guest is 4,320 AED.
What3words perform.possessing.above
Opened: 2007 Course Designer: Peter Harradine
Yardage: Mens 6,989 yds / Ladies 5,815 yds
Facilities:
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 601 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 709 AED
Lessons 599 AED for a 6-week program
TOWER LINKS
What3words remains.flank.flap
Opened: 2004 Course Designer: Gerald Williams Yardage: Mens 7,098 yds / Ladies 5,496 yds
Facilities:
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 200 AED
Non-member weekend green fees: From 275 AED
Packages Enquire for all day golf deals inclusive of F&B
What3words goofily.tangle.motorist
Opened: 2012 Course Designer: Greg Norman Yardage: Mens 6,849 yds / Ladies 6,016 yds
Facilities
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 58 OMR Non member weekend green fees: From 70 OMR
Exclusive stay and play deals are available
What3words gloves.segments.defended
Opened: 1969 Course Designer: Graham Marsh Yardage: Mens 6,316 yds / Ladies 5,317 yds
Facilities:
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 35 OMR
Non-member weekend green fees: From 35 OMR
Costs 30 minute tune-up available from 20 OMR
What3words riddle.heads.tips
Opened: 1971 Course Designer: Bill Longmuir Yardage: Mens 6,527 yds / Ladies 5,430 yds
Facilities:
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek greens fees: From 22 OMR
Non-member weekend greens fees: From 22 OMR
Website: www.dohagolfclub.com
What3words: ideals.flagged.missions
At the centre of golf in Qatar, Doha Golf Club stands tall as a 27-hole venue including an 18-hole championship course. It’s one of the oldest courses in the region, and is now a green oasis surrounded by impressive views. It’s also hosted the prestigous Qatar Mastersa regular feature on the international DP World Tour schedule.
Facilities:
Opened: 1998 Course Designer: Peter Harradine Yardage: Comp 7,374 yds / Mens 7,179 yds / Ladies 5,867 yds
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 700 QAR
Non-member weekend green fees: From 850 QAR
Costs Range balls available from 25 QAR / Club hire available for 200 QAR
EDUCATION CITY GOLF CLUB
What3words tiger.purist.delay
Opened: 2019 Course Designer: Jose Maria Olazabal Yardage: Comp 7,307 yds / Mens 6,947 yds / Ladies 6,501 yds
Facilities:
Green Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 350 QAR
Non-member weekend green fees: From 400 QAR
for 4,542 QAR
What3words just.spaces.bashful
Opened: 1999 Course Designer: C. Montgomerie
Yardage: Comp 7,243 yds / Mens 6,799 / Ladies 4,985
Facilities:
Gree Fees:
Non-member midweek green fees: From 55 BHD
Non-member weekend green fees: From 75 BHD
Lessons
Single 50-minute lesson available for 44 BHD
