Club Life Summer 2012

ISSUE 23 Summer 2012 Editor: Jacqui Barry egc@dubaigolf.com

Au Revoir Francois

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ell, the 2011-2012 season is officially over, finishing with the end-ofseason Scramble and, with that, the final issue of Club Life until the start of the new season. I would like to thank everyone who contributes to the magazine on a regular basis and to let you know that you have a couple of months free of emails from me sending you gentle reminders (and sometimes urgent reminders) that the deadline is looming or that your write-ups are overdue. So, thanks to our Captains, Mike and Caroline, to Craig Haldane, Andy Meech, Salina Handa at Sensasia Spa, Stephen Deane and other Pros who have contributed. Thanks also to Barney and to Nishanti for keeping me updated with results and to you, the members for the photos and members’ profiles. Finally thank you to Adele and Kirsten from Sales and Marketing for doing the final proof-read each month and to Eugene at In-House Publishing for all your patience with the lay-out and design as well as the numerous last minute changes and to Ganesh at IHP who is always so supportive, enthusiastic and helpful with everything.

Enjoy your break all of you!!

I am your ‘foreign correspondence’ for this issue of Club Life since I am already in Europe sitting on our patio in Portugal with this fabulous view in front of me which hopefully will inspire me to produce the summer magazine!

Reflecting on the season, I’m sure many of you will agree that it was a really good one with many new events and formats; Kudos to our Captains who have tried out various things this season so a special thanks to Mike Sim and Caroline Jones.

Mike is ‘threatening’ to leave Dubai to make his home in Florida but hopefully this will not be a permanent situation; he has been a member at EGC for 24 years and he has always been a staunch supporter of life at the Club, this year being no exception so it will seem strange to walk into the Club and not see ‘Simbo’ there, morning, noon and night (OK maybe not morning, except in exceptional circumstances like the Talker Cup!). Mike, you will be sorely missed!

Another person to leave us this season, albeit, not permanently, is Chef Francois but he will be returning to the club during the peak season. Francois has been at the Club for over twenty years and we have all benefited from his superb culinary skills and the fantastic reputation of Le Classique that he has built up. Francois we wish you well and we will miss you.

Finally, thanks to all our staff at the Club who do such a great job; I know I wrote about this last month but it deserves a second mention. We appreciate you all and it’s great to see so many of the staff receiving 5, 10, 15 and 20 year service awards. Well done to you and thank you.

In closing, I would now like to wish everyone a good summer and safe travels if you’re going to be out of Dubai.

Ramadan Kareem!

Jacqui Club Life Issue 23

Christopher May

General Manager cmay@dubaigolf.com

Barney Coleman

Andrew Whitelaw

Club Manager awhitelaw@dubaigolf.com

Andy Meech

Golf Services Manager bcoleman@dubaigolf.com

Recreation Manager ameech@dubaigolf.com

Julian Danby

Adele Cowgill

Senior Manager - Commercial Marketing & Communications & Business Development Manager jdanby@dubaigolf.com acowgill@dubaigolf.com

Kate Philips

Membership Manager kphillips@dubaigolf.com

Steen Simon

Food and Beverage Manager ssimon@dubaigolf.com

Ganesh Mangathil

In House Publishing Manager gmangathil@dubaigolf.com

Chef Benoit Cart

Chef Max Grenard

Culinary Director mgrenard@dubaigolf.com

Craig Haldane

Director - Golf Course Maintenance chaldane@dubaigolf.com

Keith Wilkes

Retail Manager kwilkes@dubaigolf.com

Stephen Deane

Executive Sous Chef Head Academy Professional sdeane@dubaigolf.com bcart@dubaigolf.com

Saeed Ahamed Financial Controller

mahamed@dubaigolf.com

EGC Key Telephone Numbers Main Switchboard 04 417 9999 Golf Reservations 04 380 1234 Membership 04 417 9801 Recreation 04 417 9850 Accounts 04 417 9875 SensAsia Urban Spa 04 417 9820

Haridas Palliyalil Resident Engineer

hpalliyalil@dubaigolf.com

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E

ditor Jacqui asked me if I would like to write one last article for Club Life before passing on the baton to incoming Captain Moshe. Initially I thought what can I write that has not already been used? Then it came to me. What about some highlights of my 24 years as a member of EGC? Of course there would not be enough room in the magazine to describe every fantastic event that happened.

I am sure you will all read about that in the upcoming book currently being written by the past General Mananger, Mr Rod Bogg. I could tell many stories that will never be covered in this book but I will keep them to myself!

My first memory of EGC was the day after I arrived in Dubai. It was early September and although I had lived in Athens for a few years nothing prepared me for the heat and humidity at the old airport. Of course it was nothing more than portacabins in those days with split air-conditioning units.

The following day, rather than check out where my office was, or start looking for a villa, I headed off to find EGC. One of my colleagues told me that the club was closing its doors to new members and I should join immediately. Driving along the old Abu Dhabi Road or dirt racetrack, I went what seemed like miles out of Dubai. I went so far that I even turned back. Eventually re-tracking my steps and continuing further into the unknown, I came upon this oasis in the desert. Driving through the main gate I remember thinking, “Wow, what a place.” Like no other Golf Club I had ever seen. I immediately signed the application, which of course had to be seconded by an existing member. Membership 517 out of 520

was allocated to me. I have still got it and am still proud to be one of the members who joined in the first year of the Club.

Thanks EGC for giving me the opportunity to see the initial Dubai Desert Classic and almost every one since. I was lucky enough to follow a young Ernie Els when he shot 61. The irony was that he started his round on the 10th and bogeyed the 11th. It could so easily have been a 59.

I remember playing with and against a very young Ross Bain, actually three-putting the last to lose to Ross in one of the original Engineers’ Cup competitions. Anyone remember why it was called the Engineers’ Cup? I remember the guys who played who are no longer with us. I remember Geoff Gill who tragically died in an accident at Dubal (Dubai Aluminium Plant). I remember Bill McBride, his brother in law, Tom Henry and Lynn Brett who were all taken by cancer.

I remember Jim Boocher and Bob Knott who both suffered heart attacks early in life. I always have a thought for them when I walk pass the benches bearing their names.

On a happier note I think about the fun I have had playing in events like the Talker Cup, Tri Nations, Indian invitational, the Hankook and Al Dobowi mixed events, the Kohlman Cup and of course every other Club event. I was quite successful in the early days with the highlights being winner of the first ever Tournament of Champions, qualifying for it by winning the Division B Club Championship. Not bad considering I never even had an official handicap when I joined 6 months earlier!

Winning the Men’s Matchplay was very special as was winning back-to-back monthly medals.

Members of the Saturday group that I play

with, and have so much fun with, do however remind me that there were much fewer talented players back then.

I think of the pros who have been at the Club. I remember James Williams begging me not to ask him for a lesson. I guess my swing needed some work. I remember Adrian giving my son Richie lessons when he was about six or seven years old.

Thankfully those lessons paid off as he now has the mechanics to play some good golf. Unfortunately he has no passion for the game like his Dad. I am very happy to see so many of the pros who originally came to EGC as teaching pros move on to management positions at other clubs in the region.

To the current management team thank you for all your support and keep up the great work in ensuring that EGC will always be the place to be if you are a golfer.

No walk down memory lane at EGC would be complete for me without thinking about the dear friends I have made over the years. Eddie and Margaret Bain have always been there and have made me laugh so much I went home in pain. I miss Mike and Francie Gerbich who are now in Scottsdale. Gerbs is one of life’s favourite characters. I can hopefully catch up with them Stateside. Tom and Jacqui Barry have been there for me since we were part of the ‘unwedded members’ society’.

The hardest part of leaving Dubai is no doubt leaving EGC. I know that there is no other club in the world that has such a diversity of great members nor will they have anything like to quality of events that members can participate in. I am not saying goodbye just saying that I will sign off for now.

Mike Sim Captain 2011 - 2012

A young ‘Simbo’

END OF SEASON SCRAMBLE Friday 15th June 2012 WINNERS Moshe Kohli, Nanna Nielsen

Ross Hopwood, Aman Chopra 57.6 RUNNERS UP Trevor Hardwick, Kurt Dinnucci

Dean Rolfe, Janine Craig 58.5 NEAREST THE PINS HOLE # 7 (LADIES) Sun Yong Park HOLE # 11 (LADIES) Glynis Hendry HOLE # 4 (GENTS) Tony Hutchinson HOLE # 15 (GENTS) Jon Sargeant

The winning team with Club Captain and Lady Captain

www.dubaigolf.com

4 SUMMER OPEN Friday 22nd June 2012 CHAMPION RUNNER UP CHAMPION

Ahmed Al Musharrekh (EGF) Khalid Yousuf (EGF) Tony Azoulay (EGC)

69 gross 72 gross 73 gross

WINNER RUNNER UP

Choon Park (EGC) Phillip Wooler (TMD)

66 net 66 net

WINNER RUNNER UP

Alan Salem (EGC) Ian Ellis (EGC)

66 net 67 net

A DIVISION (HCP.0-13)

B DIVISION (HCP.14-28)

Ahmed Al Musharrekh with David Stevenson of ProSports

TNT Trophy 31st May 2012

Hutchinson Delivers in TNT Trophy T

ony Hutchinson delivered a fantastic display over the Majlis course to triumph in the TNT Trophy. Tony will join the 11 other qualifiers from Emirates Golf Club in the Grand Final to be staged at Yas Links on 5th October.

Hutchinson carded a superb 42 points over the Karl Litten designed course, the 11 handicapper received 9 shots and his gross 75 included four birdies, five bogeys and a double bogey on the 16th hole. Starting his round in the shotgun start from hole 1 he birdied the second hole but gave shots back on the 6th and 8th holes to see him out in 36, one over par. A birdie on the 10th was followed by a dropped shot on the 11th but the highlight of his round came on the 447-yard twelfth, where he birdied the second hardest hole on the course. A birdie on the famous 18th made up for

Club Life Issue 23

dropped shots on the 14th, 16th and 17th holes.

Tony’s closest challengers were 5 shots back on 37 points, a trio of members signed for the oneunder par mark including Janine Craig, club captain Mike Sim and Jignesh Sangani. Janine took runners-up place due to her 21 points on the inward half and Sim edged out Sangani for third place finish with a better back six tally.

The other 8 qualifiers from the 104-strong field are Alan Salem, Kuttan Malattiri, Paul Byrne, Vijay Devnani, Keith Prosser, Aaron Loats, Yasser Refai and Jon Phillips. Thirty three points was the qualifying mark and the qualifiers will compete against the other 83 finalists from the region in the Grand final on 5th October followed by a Gala dinner and a nights stay in the Abu Dhabi. The three winners from the Grand Final will represent TNT in the Dubai World

Championship Pro-Am on the earth course in November.

The TNT Trophy qualifiers continue after the summer at the following locations: Jumeirah Golf Estates Fire course 7th September Arabian Ranches 21st September The Address Montgomerie Dubai 28th September Bryan Moulds, Managing Director for TNT Express Middle East comments, “We would like to thank all the players who participated in the TNT Trophy along with all our sponsors.

We will be back with a bang in September. So if you have not qualified yet, you still have three qualifying rounds before the grand finale at Yas Links.”

5 Saturday 7th July 2012

Tripathi and Hesson Impress in July BMW Rivoli Medal

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n one of the hottest and most humid days of the summer so far Dalip Tripathi and Eddie Hesson shone in the July BMW Rivoli Monthly Medal.

Tripathi the reigning singles matchplay champion produced a remarkable performance over the Faldo course and returned a net 67 to clinch Division A (handicap 0-15) by two strokes from Eric Koeman. The highlights of Tripathi’s gross 76, 4-over par,

was a hatrick of birdies coming on the 3rd, 9th and 12th holes.

Eddie Hesson coped admirably with the climate by firing a gross 72, net 71, good enough to give him best gross of the day and third in Division A. Hiromasa Tsuji took top prize in Division B (handicap 16-28) following his net 73. Madhav Nair claimed runners-up place with a 75 one clear of Alex Wonyop Kim in third.

Dalip Tripathi

Eddie Hesson

END OF SEASON SCRAMBLE Monday 4th June 2012 WINNER

Elaine Belcher, Sue Hopwood Jane Burgess

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RUNNERS UP Jenny Ayres, Naima Maya

Najla Bartette

86

THIRD

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Martha Wong, Josie Tracey Elvie Smith

NEAREST THE PIN HOLE # 12 (BRONZE DIVISION) HOLE # 8 (SILVER DIVISION) NEAREST THE ROPE HOLE # 10 (FOR ALL PLAYERS) LONGEST DRIVE HOLE # 5 (BRONZE DIVISION) HOLE # 16 (SILVER DIVISION)

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Elaine Belcher Glynis Hendry Nancy Wingate Marie Benson Rosemary Turlik

Asgar Patel Hole No. 17 at Archerfield, Scotland

2 Raza Abdullah Sunday 8th June 2012 4th Hole Majlis Course

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WHERE in the W RLD

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3 Mr. Choon Park Friday 22nd June 2012 11th Hole Majlis Course Summer Open Tournament

Wherever you’re travelling this summer, please try to get some photos taken of yourselves at golf courses that you visit so that I can run the feature I did at the beginning of this season, ‘Where in the World were our members playing golf this summer’. If you can, get a photograph with an EGC Polo Shirt with logo which would be even better. Please email your photos to me at any time during the summer at barrydxb@eim.ae

www.dubaigolf.com

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Adieu to our chef of over twenty years….

FRANCOIS PORTE

F

rancois has been our executive chef at the Club for over twenty years and he is now semiretiring to Thailand but he will return for three months during the peak season at the Club in an advisory capacity to assist with functions.

I took the opportunity recently to find out more about Francois.

Where were you born?

I was born 69 years ago in a small town called Valentine, in France, where I grew up.

Where did you do your training?

In 1958 at the age of 15+ I worked as a commis chef at Hotel de la Gare under an apprenticeship for three years in the town of Lannemezan in the south of France.

Where and when was your first chef job?

On my return from the military in 1964 I combined six months in Lourdes in the summer and six months as a chef in a ski resort in the French Pyrenees for a period of two years.

Club Life Issue 23

What followed after that?

After that I had my first experience in UK when I took on the position of Head Chef at a small restaurant in East Sussex, called The Golden Galleon.

Three years later, in 1969, I went to Barbados with the lady owner of the Golden Galleon, where I helped to transform an old plantation into a hotel/restaurant.

I remained in the West Indies for five years and then returned to UK to open my own restaurant call Le Provencal in Seaford, East Sussex.

When did you first come to Dubai?

In 1983 I was headhunted by a friend of mine called George Suttie who offered me my first Head Chef role in the Middle East at Dubai Country Club where I stayed until 1988.

One of the highlights for me during this time was to be invited by the British Embassy in Dubai to cook for UK’s Princess Anne for her 1987 visit to Dubai.

When did you start at EGC? In 1990 I was in UK when I was invited by Mr. Andrew Millar and Mr. Rod Bogg to take on the position of Executive Chef at the prestigious Emirates Golf Club.

What are your memories of your time at EGC? I have lots of memories so it would be very difficult to mention all of them. Over the years I have met so many wonderful members and I would like to thank all of them for their support, friendship and love.

I certainly couldn’t have done everything without the wonderful staff, some of whom have been with me from the beginning of my arrival at the Club and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart for their support and dedication.

One memory that sticks in my mind is when, in 1996, girls in Level 5 of Dubai Women’s College Communications Technology Department were given one term to produce a ‘pilot’ cookery programme for television as part of their training programme. They decided that quick and easy meals cooked by professional chefs were what people wanted to see on TV so Gavin Duthie, Executive Chef at the Ramada Hotel, and I were selected to do this. Gavin did the commentating while I reveled in the cooking! The programme required an enormous amount of preparation by the students to

7 achieve professional broadcast standards but the ‘Meals in Minutes’ pilot programme was screened on Dubai’s Channel 33.

I was also persuaded to put some of my recipes into a book first published by Motivate Publishing in 1996 called Francois’ Favourite Courses.

What has the job at EGC meant to you?

I have to mention that Le Classique has been my baby really from the beginning of my adventure. I am very passionate and proud of Le Classique, which has built a reputation over many years as an icon for the city of Dubai. It has not been challenged by diversity and new restaurant trends but has stayed with the original concept, identity and image until this day.

Le Classique will remain by tradition a very special restaurant for the city of Dubai and the members of Emirates Golf Club.

I know how much you loved your job because you once told me that every morning when you left home for work, you couldn’t wait to get there?

Why? Yes Jacqui, Emirates Golf Club has been my life from the beginning, I have had a fabulous time and it certainly will stay there in my heart until the end of my time I would like to say a big thanks to all the management, past and present, for their support, guidance and friendship during my time at the Club, which I definitely will never forget.

Francois has received many awards during his time in Dubai including, 2002 Top Ten Restaurants, Le Classique (Grumpy Gourmet) 2003 Top Ten Restaurants, Le Classique (Grumpy Gourmet) 2003 Restaurant Chef of the Year, Chef Francois (Grumpy Gourmet) 2004 Chef’s Choice Restaurant, Le Classique (What’s On) 2005 Finalist for Chef’s Choice Restaurant, Le Classique (What’s On) 2006 Finalist for Chef’s Choice Restaurant, Le Classique (What’s On) 2009 Chef’s Choice for Best Restaurant (What’s On)

www.dubaigolf.com

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GHALEB FARHA

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haleb is a founder member of Emirates Golf Club and long term resident of Dubai, having moved here in 1968.

Other than golf, what other sports have you been involved in?

I used to play two to three hours of tennis each day and participated in several tournaments (and even won some!). I’m still a member of the Queen’s Club where the famous Stella Artois tournament takes place prior to Wimbledon each year.

Horse-riding was my favourite sport and I had four horses at the Polo Club. I used to ride twice a week but due to my extensive travel, I have stopped though I miss it very much.

Skiing is another sport I have been involved in. I am not a good skier but for 17 years, I travelled with my family to Europe to enjoy the snow. My wife and my two sons are excellent skiers but I am better at the après ski scene!

How did you come to take up golf?

Well, it was actually a game that I never liked. As a matter of fact, I used to tell all my friends that it was a waste of time... until I got hooked myself and started to play it regularly.

How has your golf developed since that time?

I have been playing for over twenty years now and I enjoy it tremendously. I got my playing certificate after two months and I now see Mark Gregson-Walters once a week which has improved my golf so much.

I love the game so much that I have sets of clubs in London Germany, Beirut Club Life Issue 23

and Dubai. As well as that a group consisting of ourselves and four other couples have attended the Ryder Cup in Ireland and in Wales and, despite the atrocious weather in both countries, it was great fun!

What’s your handicap now?

I managed to get it down to 9 but it is now 12 and I play at least three times a week.

Do any of your family play?

It has afforded me the perfect opportunity to teach my grandson, Marwan.

He was only two

years old when I started to teach him and I used to take him twice a week to the club. A quiet, outdoor setting is the perfect combination for us to enjoy quality time on the greens together. He also had coaching once a week with a Pro and amazingly, at the age of thirteen now, he has become a very good player.

Do you play much overseas?

Well, I used to buy a sleeve of balls from each new golf course I played in and I have put one ball from each place in a specially made wooden frame. I have about 85 from different parts of the world. Along the way, I have met many interesting people from different backgrounds and with different personalities.

Golf gives one a great idea of a person’s character.

What does sport mean to you?

Talking of my game and my life allowed me to reflect on how much I love sport. Sport has helped me in different aspects of my life. I think it develops an awareness of where my attention is and allows me to focus this attention appropriately. It has taught me to think positively and to not give up but to try my best during a match so at the end I leave with a smile on my face.

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Emirates Golf Club Staff

LONG SERVICE AWARDS 2012 A

special staff ceremony was held recently at the Creek Golf Club to honour many of our staff who received long service awards for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service. There was a total of 104 staff members from Emirates Golf Club receiving awards, 48 of them completing 5 years, 28 completing 10 years, 19 completing 15 years, and 9 completing 20 years.

“It was significant to note that we had the first two UAE Nationals completing 5 years with Dubai Golf this year. Out of the 20 year award recipients, we had our dear friend and professional Chef Francois who will be retiring this year and Saeed Ahmed our Financial Controller from Emirates. In this economy, with varying opinions on investment, Human Relations is the only investment that never fails. We believe in our people, trust in their ability to look after our members and recognize their service. 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service to Dubai Golf shows the culture of the organisation with good leaders and good people. Congratulations to each and every one of you.”

Ramani Gurusinghe

Director of Human Resources for Dubai Golf

www.dubaigolf.com

EUR

S 2012 at FO

OOTBALL CEntral

12 Course Conditions

Summer Round up A

s temperatures sore and a lot of our members head to cooler climes for the summer, we in GCM take the opportunity to do some extensive works on the golf courses, this summer in particular.

We are all well aware by now of the irrigation project on the Majlis Golf Course, which includes upgrades to the Faldo mainline and software programming as well. The new pump station was commissioned earlier in the year and is now operational and as I write this article, is already supplying irrigation water to the front nine of

3rd green sprigged extension

the Faldo and the Par 3. By June 21st the entire Faldo Course will be operating from the new pumps and the ring main of the Majlis Mainline will be complete. We are then in a position to flush the mainlines out and begin with the more disruptive lateral line installation and sprinkler head install.

When designing the system, we took a lot of things into

5th green extension prep Club Life Issue 23

it does on a golf course irrigation system, you have to account for friction loss. Friction loss is simply the amount of pipe that deteriorates over time due to the volume and speed of water running through the network of pipes. This weakens the pipe 1st green prep considerably over time and you begin to encounter many leaks and breaks amounting to loss consideration in particular, our of water, time and efficiency. A need to ensure we minimize any typical PVC system is built to last 10 and all wastage of water. In order – 15 years maximum. We are at 23 to achieve this, we had to design a “hard line” system meaning that each grass to desert edge has a 180 deg sprinkler head covering the turf areas only. By doing so, very little to no water will hit the desert areas. The amount of heads required for a design like this increases by almost 15% and by creating an individual valve in head design we are able to now operate each head independently from the other. Typical systems would run two or three heads off a single 2nd green prep control (wire) meaning when you put a station on from the controller, those two or three heads come up years today! As you can see, it has simultaneously. This is also quite more than overstayed its welcome. efficient but on a hard line system like ours, we have made sure we are We are now using High Density Polyethylene Pipe which is fused at the advantage of being able to together to form one seamless adjust each head individually to its network with very few moving specific function. parts, nuts, bolts etc. The thickness By the end of July we will have of the pipe wall is unbelievable and completed holes 1 – 8 and 13 and will be operating the new design from the new pump station. We will then move onto holes 10, 11, 12 and 14 – 18 to complete the entire golf course by the end of September.

The timeline for an install like this is extremely tight and the contractor will be working whatever hours required ensuring it is completed not only on time, but to the high standards expected of them on this particular job.

I have been asked by many people 4th green extension left side what the advantage to this all is and why is it required. Well, the the durability is simply unmatched current system was installed in in the industry. It is easier to work 1988 and the material used was with and will cause us little to no PVC. Now, there is nothing wrong problems for the next 30 years. with a PCV system, but over the Not only is the pipe important, but years is deteriorates and becomes he selection of the sprinkler heads less and less efficient. When water passes through pipe at the velocity is paramount to the success of

13 will now notice that the 8th tee operator misses of the clean up is complete and the back of the pass. So, the 2000 greens edge is 17th green complex is complete a known entity due to the tracer wire and with the help of some as well. Our next area will be the photos and drawings we have 15th tee complex which we hope to been able to combine all this info complete this summer. We will also and bring the greens back to be building a new tee on the 13th their original form. You can see by hole this summer.

Fused pipe feeding Majlis some of the early photos on this project how significant some of the changes are. What I am most the project. We also investigated pleased about is as we have been the software and operation of this system and will now be doing these works, you really do operating on one of the most start to see the shapes return and efficient programs available in the I can already picture the type of market today. Add to this the new play around the greens becoming pump station and you now have in part more challenging but for all your bases covered to ensure the most part a lot more fun. We efficiency in distribution of water, will have additional pin positions use of power, operation of the available as well which will all aid system, site specific requirements in us presenting a more interesting Back of 10 mainline and ultimately a healthier and golf course on a daily basis for you stronger golf course with a reduced to enjoy. The putting green will be We are now in the planning stages carbon footprint that aids us in our made bigger during July as we lost of upgrading the short-game initiative towards being stewards of a lot of this green when the terrace the environment. was extended outside the spike bar. practice facilities. We are very aware that certain elements to Additional projects this summer our current facility are unable to include improvements to bunker provide our coaching staff with edges and tie-ins to green the tools required to teach our complexes in line with the greens members and guests some of the extensions. We will continue crucial techniques required to working on our tee tops and do enhance their game. We are in talks leveling works and expansion with some of the leading experts works where required. Over and in this field and will be putting above this we will off course forward a proposal this year for undergo our regular aerification schedules and do our hollow approval and implementation in Fusing pipe core of greens, tees, fairways and 2013. roughs. This will however all take place during the time the nine holes are closed therefore not While we are closed in part, we causing any disruption to play. have also gone back into the The Faldo underwent its history books and uncovered some aerification in May earlier this year. of the original photos and where It was a very aggressive process possible, blue prints of the golf which you can view in detail on course. In 2000 the greens were re- the website. We did a double grassed and then Superintendent aerification in one sitting as we Jeff Julich did us a massive favour knew we would be disrupting the by installing a tracer cable on the Majlis this summer and wanted new edge of the green. 12-years HDPE Mainline coupling out of pump house to offer you the Faldo without on it is alarming to see how much any disruptions throughout of that area has been lost due to the remainder of the year. The a combination of encroachment I trust you will all enjoy your recovery was exceptional and we of the rough grass type into the summer break and assure you were back to normal after 3-weeks. greens grass type and simple that my team will be working With this in mind, we may around the clock to ensure that consider changing our closer upon your return, we have the new strategies moving forward and irrigation installed, up and running rather take a 3-week one off hit and that we are well on our way than aerifying multiple times to completing the grow-in of our throughout the summer. This is greens extensions on the Majlis. under review and we will provide Enjoy the time away with your feedback after this season to loved ones and we look forward to see if this is possible based on welcoming you back for the start of the performance of the course. the season.

We have also continued with our environmental initiative Good golfing of planting native fire grasses Pump Station throughout the course. You Craig www.dubaigolf.com

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ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AWARD C ongratulations to Mr Harry Palliyalil of Emirates Golf Club’s Engineering Department who was recently invited to collect an award on behalf

of the Club for Emirates Golf Club’s effort in the collection of recyclable material covering eight major waste streams aluminum cans, paper, toner, glass, battery and plastic, Tetra paks and mobiles.

The annual Waste Management

Awards Ceremony, which coincides with the celebration of World Environment Day, underlines the fact that it is with the strong support and dedication of the EEG(Emirates Environmental Group) partners and participants that it has successfully managed to run its programmes.

Mr. Harry Palliyalil, EGC Resident Engineer collecting an award on behalf of Emirates Golf Club

Summer Calendar July Saturday 14th

Dubai Golf Summer Series Stableford

13:30 Creek

August Saturday 4th Dubai Golf BMW Rivoli Monthly Medal (EGC & Creek) Friday 10th Dubai Golf Summer Series Stableford Saturday 25th Dubai Golf Summer Series Stableford Club Life Issue 23

13:30 Creek 18:00 Faldo 13:30 Creek

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Members Consultative Committee Update-June 2012 Dear Members, I am pleased to confirm that we have now finalized the Members Consultative Committee for the upcoming season.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the following committee members who have been selected to join our incoming Club Captains, Moshe Kohli and Glynis Hendry and Vice Captains, Dick Purchase and Barbara Head on the new committee which will meet from September 2012 along with representatives from the Club.

• Pavan Nihalani • Alan Main • Rosemary Turlik • Eric Koeman • Jaimal Shergill We received a very strong response from Members who were interested in becoming part of the committee and I would like to thank everyone who put themselves forward for your ongoing support of Emirates Golf Club.

Andrew Whitelaw Club Manager

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e have created a Summer Specials Menu with your summer body rituals in mind. We’ve got it covered, so you can strip off with confidence. ‘That’ glow is this summer’s must have! So check out our prices… BARGAIN! Grab a ‘Skinny Beach’, a super slimming, and summer body kick-start espresso buff, topped off with a highly stimulating Shaaake iiit Uuup! Massage – designed to break down hard fat and encourage the body into detox or take a minute to yourself for ‘The Recovery’; we all want to be at our very best over the summer months – let’s face it, a lot more of you is on show! The Recovery is your treatment, you decide where you want us to focus and just relax and treat yourself!

Marshal Update

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orking closely with the Marshals to make sure all golfers enjoy their experience at Emirates Golf Club there seems to be some regular comments that pose the team challenges on a weekly basis, including: ‘We are on time leave us alone’ and ‘Stop rushing us we pay a lot of money for membership/green fees and want to enjoy our game’ The marshal team are acting on behalf of all the golfers on the course and in theory if all golfers follow golf etiquette and common sense then their work load would be greatly reduced.

The first comment ‘We are on time leave us alone’ is a regular misconception. An approximate timing schedule is in place however if you are playing in a 4-ball and ‘on-time’ for a 4 hour round this doesn’t entitle the 4-ball to have no consideration for golfers behind you. For instance if a 1 or 2 hole gap is in front of you and a group behind is waiting then it makes common sense and is golfing etiquette to call them through at an appropriate moment (e.g. on a par 3 hole or at drinks station). Golfing etiquette states that ‘it is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If you lose a clear hole and are delaying the group behind, you should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in the group’ (R&A Rules of Golf 2012-2015, page 19).

The second comment relating to ‘feeling rushed’ by a marshal is another challenge for the team. The marshals want all golfers to enjoy their game but occasionally do have to speak to a group about their position on the course which can affect the enjoyment of a particular 4-ball. However 20 – 40 golfers behind them will benefit and their enjoyment enhanced. It surprises me how against calling groups through members and guests are. Why would you choose to rush your game and continue to be pressurized by a faster group behind instead of calling them through at an apt moment?? As most of you reading this will be aware calling a group through demonstrates etiquette, common sense and respect for your fellow golfers, it has no bearing on playing ability or self importance.

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16 Dear Members,

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ith the summer now in full swing why not take the opportunity to utilise the excellent facilities indoors at Fit Lab. Please pick up a studio timetable from the Sports Desk as lots of our fantastic classes will be running throughout the summer.

With the Olympics around the corner this may give you the inspiration needed to make the first step and please watch out for Fit Lab’s summer challenge!!

Many of the personal trainers will be around during the summer to help give you the extra motivation you may need to get fit. Our personal trainers will tailor a programme to suit your needs, if you would like to make an appointment please contact a Fit Lab member of staff.

Looking ahead, there are exciting times for Fit Lab with a Wellness Company coming on board from September, joining to our resident Osteopath Nicki. We will also be offering Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and Nutrition advice.

Adam Pursglove, our squash professional, will be on hand for anyone wanting squash advice and all players are more than welcome to join the internal leagues.

Healthy Regards Andy Meech Head of Sport & Leisure

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At home this Summer? Want something for the kids to do? Why not enrol them in our Summer Camp?

DUBAI CREEK GOLF CLUB Week commencing 12th August 2012

Discover the newest sport in town at Emirates Golf Club. With three brand new courts ready for free trials this summer, come and try the fastest growing sport in the world!

Morning 7am - 10am Evening 6pm - 11pm • Racquet sport combining tennis and squash • Doubles format played on a glass enclosed court (size 1/3 tennis court) • Same scoring system as tennis • Played with tennis balls and foam racquets

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB Week commencing 19th August 2012 PADI JUNIOR OPEN WATER (10years+) 9.00a.m. – 12.30 (Open water dives organised by prior arrangement) Cost 2250 aed including all PADI materials and equipment (excluding wetsuits)

PADI SEAL TEAM (8years+) Various times available Cost 1800 aed including all PADI materials and equipment

To register your interest and for any further information please email Linda at linda@dubaiareadivers.com or tel:0502135140 Club Life Issue 23

Padeltennis, said to be the fastest growing sport in the world, landed at the Emirates Golf Club early June.

The first Padeltennis club in the U.A.E is so far having a warm welcome with many sports people trying it out!

For further details or to book a court please contact Ana on +971 56 175 1193 or email info@realracquetacademy.com

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Padeltennis DUBAI AREA DIVERS

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17

TABATA CHALLENGE

TO BURN BODY FAT

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abata, is a High Intensity Interval training programme, that consists of 20 seconds of ultra intense exercise followed by a 10 second rest and repeated for 4 minutes (8 rounds). You can use this protocol with any type of aerobic exercise.

The one I have found most effective is rowing as it’s a full body movement, easy on the joints and can quickly raise your heart rate.

Performing the Tabata challenge 3 times per week for 12 weeks is a scientifically proven method for significantly reducing total body fat and is a training method adopted here in the Fit Lab. Please feel free to ask a member of the Fit Lab team to set the rower for a Tabata workout.

Join the Fit Lab Tabata challenge! One 4 minute workout, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Ask at gym reception for more details.

Fitness Activity Schedule SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY STUDIO

STUDIO

STUDIO

STUDIO

STUDIO

STUDIO

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

08.45 - 09.45 Pilates Reformer Intermediate/ Advanced (Amanda)

08.45 - 09.45 Pilates Reformer Intermediate/ Advanced (Amanda)

10.00 - 11.00 Pilates Mat (Amanda)

10.00 - 11.00 Pilates Mat (Amanda)

SATURDAY STUDIO 07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga

09.00 - 10.00 Kettlebell Training Intermediate/ Advanced

14.00 -15.00 Pilates Reformer (Khadija) 15.00 -16.00 Pilates Reformer (Khadija) 18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga

18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga

18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga

18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga

18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga

18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga

19.00 - 20.00 Kettlebell Training Intermediate/ Advanced

19.00 - 20.00 Kettlebell Training Intermediate/ Advanced

19.15 – 20.15 TRX Team Camp Outdoor (Amber) 20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss

19.15 – 20.15 TRX Team Camp Outdoor (Karina) 20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss

20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss

20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss

20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss

20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss

For reservations, please call +971 4 417 9850 or email egcfitlab@dubaigolf.com dubaigolf.com

www.dubaigolf.com

19th HOLE

existence at EGC! As a run-up to the 25th Next season we will be in the 25th year of I will be featuring photos of EGC over the anniversary celebrations in March 2013, etite! years. Here are a couple to whet your app

The original Emirates Golf Club sign

An aerial view of The Majlis in the making!

Farewell to Janine Craig, Dean and family who are moving back to Australia

the announce that to ed as le p re We a gnised as has been reco Majlis course urses in ld’s Top 100 Co or W e th of e the UK! on ld magazine in or W f ol G y b 2012

Club Life Issue 22 23

Farewell to Gordon and Nancy Wingate who are retiring to Malaysia

19 Denis Irwin and Andrew Cole during a Question & Answer session with Phil Richardson at Football Central during the Euros

Farewell to Bryan and Steph Wilson who have just moved to Abu Dhabi

Funny!

A Texan seen on a Dubai beach recently!

Farewell to Howard and Kay Wright who are moving back to Scotland

Tom & Jacqui Barry with Irish Rugby international, Peter Stringer at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby

Mike Sim and Smokie Drummer Steve Pinnell

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Spectators at The Open 2012

Share the

Spirit of Ramadan

at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Where better to taste the traditions of Ramadan than the QD’s Ramadan tent, overlooking the waters of the Dubai Creek.

From humble beginnings, the Creek has seen the city grow and provides the perfect setting to savour the spirit of Ramadan with traditional Arabic flavours every evening during the holy month. Reserve your table in advance for 10 guests or more and receive special discounts on group bookings.

Iftar buffet, sunset to 9pm (Suhour served from 9pm) AED 120 per person (buffet and juices) AED 60 per child below 12 years For a private Iftar or Suhour, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club also offer a host of locations that can accommodate all sizes of groups, from an intimate gathering to a large function for up to 300 guests.

For further information and bookings, please contact Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club T +971 4 295 6000 Email creekdining@dubaigolf.com dubaigolf.com