Club Life March 2012

ISSUE 19 March 2012 Editor: Jacqui Barry egc@dubaigolf.com

Omega Dubai Desert Classic Winner 2012

Rafael Cabrera-Bello

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ime seems to pass so quickly once we get into the New Year and the second half of the golf season.

Even Barney sent a message along with his write-up this month saying how quickly it comes around. The past few months have been full-on though with Ladies’ Masters, Christmas, a couple of weeks of golf, followed by the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the Men’s Amateur Open…and I don’t even feel like I have got started this season yet!

Obviously I am going to peak during the summer months!

The Omega Dubai Desert Classic was a fantastic event again: there was a wonderful atmosphere, which was very relaxed and enjoyable. It was also an exciting final day with a number of players battling it out to take the winner’s trophy. However, we had the charismatic Rafael Cabrera-Bello as the 2012 Omega Dubai Desert Classic winner having outclassed many of the top-ranked players in the field, including Lee Westwood who unfortunately finished in second place for the third time. His win here in Dubai has surely got to come soon!

Congratulations to the ‘golf in Dubai’ team, Mohammed Juma Buamaim, Adrian Flaherty and Sean Shanor for staging another enjoyable and successful event.

As we get into the final few months of our season, there are a number of fun events, namely, the Indian Invitational, which is always a great day when a lot of money is raised for the Junior staff at the Club. It’s never easy organising such events and it takes a lot of time and effort so thanks to all involved for your commitment and hard work. The Kohlman Nations Cup takes place on 23th March and all credit must go to Vice-Captain Moshe Kohli for making this event bigger and better each year; this year will be no exception as again he has numerous surprises on the day. These two events are always oversubscribed so please be sure to sign up early.

The Emirates Men’s Amateur Open took place last weekend which drew a huge field of 108 from all over the globe, for this world ranking amateur event which was played over three days with many handicaps in the range of +4 to scratch.

The Club continues to go from strength to strength and the various dining outlets are very busy which creates a good Club atmosphere; do try out some of the special themed evenings and/or brunches. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy the next few months of activities at the Club and especially enjoy the courses, which are in such superb condition.

Check out the Emirates Golf Club Twitter account: @emiratesgc

Jacqui Club Life Issue 19

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

Kate Philips

Steen Simon

Food and Beverage Manager ssimon@dubaigolf.com

Ganesh Mangathil

Executive Chef fporte@dubaigolf.com

In House Publishing Manager gmangathil@dubaigolf.com

Chef Benoit Cart

Executive Sous Chef 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

Culinary Director mgrenard@dubaigolf.com

Chef Francois Porte

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

Membership Manager kphillips@dubaigolf.com

Chef Max Grenard

Craig Haldane

Director - Golf Course Maintenance chaldane@dubaigolf.com

Keith Wilkes

Retail Manager kwilkes@dubaigolf.com

Stephen Deane Head Academy Professional sdeane@dubaigolf.com

Haridas Palliyalil Resident Engineer

hpalliyalil@dubaigolf.com

Follow Emirates Golf Club on Facebook for the latest news, views and special offers.

We already have over 4,000 fans

3 wo weeks after the Classic it would have been normal to start this message referring to the results but I believe it more important that on behalf of all the members I pass on our best wishes to Keith Stack, his wife Nasreen and family. Keith, a long-standing member of the Club went in for minor knee surgery a few weeks ago and suffered a stroke postoperation. He is still in hospital and we hope that he continues to improve and is back at the Club soon enjoying his afternoon beer.

It was with tremendous pride that I represented the members of Emirates Golf Club at the prizegiving of this year’s Desert Classic.

It was a very proud moment especially with my son Richie, my brother Alistair, his wife Alison and son Mathew in the stand watching the ceremony.

Rafael was a deserving winner and a very pleasant, well-spoken young man. I think we all have a soft spot for Lee Westwood who spends a lot of his free time practising at the Club and am sure his time will come again.

Speaking to a number of players I was delighted to hear the comments they made about the course. The best condition they have ever seen it in and the best greens on tour. I was also very pleased when speaking to Colin Montgomerie who, known for his less than approachable nature on the course, was a delight to talk to, and who passed on his thanks to the members for their hospitality.

I asked him about his form and his response was that he was just happy that he did not have to make a living playing golf anymore! I guess that sums up the amount of talent out there.

The Amateur Open also proved to be a fantastic success. An amazing field of low handicap players from sixteen countries battled it out over

three days. Fantastic scores were recorded with Peter Stajanovski, a young Australian playing off +5 beating our own Michael Harradine in a play off.

The Majlis is now open for general play and personally I am a little disappointed that carts are now allowed back on the course. I would have liked to see players walk for a few more months as there is no doubt that the condition of the course will suffer.

My column would not be complete without the usual complaint of people not raking bunkers, not repairing pitch marks and now my latest rant. Just yesterday I watched a member throw a hissy fit because there were no buckets of balls at the chipping ground. The fact that there was not a piece of green that did not have a ball on it did not seem to register. When I suggested that the member maybe clear some of the balls off the green, the response I got was ‘’that is what the staff should do’’. The junior staff members are not our personal

servants. They do a tremendous job and try very hard to make our time at Emirates as enjoyable as possible. Let’s all take a little responsibility ourselves. Raking the bunkers and clearing a few balls after you have practised will make it a better experience for all of us.

We have a very busy next few months with some great events scheduled. Make sure that you sign up early and enjoy this fantastic weather.

Mike Sim Captain 2011 - 2012

Emirates Amateur Open Thursday 23rd, Friday, 24th Saturday, 25th February 2012 CHAMPION Peter Stojanovski (CGCS) RUNNER UP Michael Harradine (EGC) THIRD James Donaldson (RGCB) FOURTH Jack Colgate (R&GGC) FIFTH Charlie Wilson (LSGC) NET OVERALL OVER 54 HOLES BEST NET Sohail Al Marzouqi (EGF) SECOND NET Chris Cornwall (EGF) THIRD NET Hamed Mubarak (BGC) DAILY GROSS BEST GROSS DAY 1 Vikram Judge (EGC) BEST GROSS DAY 2 Craig Forrest (JGE) BEST GROSS DAY 3 Mark Halliday (RAGC) DAILY NET BEST NET DAY 1 Brian McCarthy (JGE) BEST NET DAY 2 Douglas Mclennan (ARGC) BEST NET DAY 3 Yoseph Dance (DGC) PLATE TOURNAMENT BEST NET Jehanzeb Awan (EGF) BEST GROSS Sam Hobday (BGC)

74+74+70 71+76+71 75+70+75 73+74+74 79+72+72

218 218 220 221 223

72+74+73 76+72+72 76+72+75

219 220 223

73 69 71 74 71 72 36 (BB9) 75 (BB9)

www.dubaigolf.com

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hat a great Omega Dubai Desert Classic - it’s much more exciting when it comes down to the last hole!

Congratulations to the worthy winner Rafael Cabrera Bello and to runnersup Lee Westwood and Stephen Gallacher. I’m sure they’ll all be back next year to try again! As usual the atmosphere around the club was fantastic and it was great to see many of the players in the Spike Bar mingling with the crowds. Of course Craig Haldane and his team had the Majlis in top condition and it made me proud to be a member of Emirates when I saw how fantastic it looked on the big screen whilst being broadcast all over the world!

The length of the rough is of course not a problem for the Pros, but our ladies found it very challenging the following week in the Medal, when only Jayshree Gupta and Glynis Hendry managed to have gross scores in the 80s! Congratulations to Jayshree and the other Medal winners Hiromi Ohashi and Karin Gesterkamp.

Despite losing to the Creek ladies by one point at the Saadiyat Interclub match, I am delighted to report that the Emirates Ladies team will be going through to the Interclub Grand Final on April 25th at Al Ain Golf Club. We are awaiting the results of the other sections to decide the other two finalists, but I am sure our team will be up to the challenge!

After a very windy weekend, the weather thankfully settled down for the Camel trophy at the end of February with a field of fifty ladies.

Hiromi Ohashi was once again in the winners circle as she proudly held the trophy high Our lady members model at the with her winning recent fashion show score of 38 points ! Will she The Charity I am supporting this continue her winning streak in the year is SENSES Residential Care Club Championship this week???

Home for Children with Special There are a lot of ladies ‘on form’ at Needs which is a local care home the moment so it should be a very providing 24 hour care to children exciting contest!! I look forward to and young adults with mental and bringing you the highlights of this physical disabilities and helps them competition in the next edition of cope with everyday life. Dr Lina Club Life. and her staff do amazing work and On 3rd March we had the it is a very worthwhile cause so rescheduled ASIA v ROW mixed please sign up for this tournament event, which was well supported on 12th March as the club will with thirty-two teams participating; donate the competition fee to the as usual it was a fantastic day with charity. Lunch and the presentation some great golf, great food and will be in Le Classique and the raffle great prizes! draw will take place on the day. I The ladies enjoyed a break from would like to thank you all for your golf on 28th February with a participation, buying raffle tickets fashion event in Le Classique when and donating raffle prizes for this our six beautiful EGC models hit event – and look forward to seeing the catwalk wearing the Spring/ there.

Summer collection of Libyan Yet another Hole-in One was fashion designer Fadwa Baruni. It achieved this month; well done to was a fun morning and I’d like to Chris Purchase who sank her tee thank the models for participating – shot on the Faldo 2nd hole – that they did a great job! A big thankcourse is obviously too easy!! you also to Fadwa and her team for putting on a fantastic show, and Caroline Jones they will kindly be donating some Lady Captain raffle prizes for the Lady Captain’s 2011 - 2012 Charity Tournament on 12th March.

Inter-Club Challenge Club Life Issue 19

5 SHAMBLES Monday, 30th January 2012 WINNER RUNNER UP THIRD

Viv Caley, Janet Curtis, Ingrid Sjodoff and Fiona Munro Maria Petre, Berit Paton Reid, Liz Thorpe and Janet Taylor Caroline Jones, Nina Watson, Helen Srivastava and Rena Sethi

LADIES MONTHLY MEDAL

CAMEL TROPHY

Monday, 20th February 2012

27th February 2012

SILVER “A” DIVISION (HCP. 0 – 14) Winner Jayshree Gupta Runner Up Glynis Hendry Overall Best Gross Jayshree Gupta SILVER “B” DIVISION (HCP. 15 –23) Winner Hiromi Ohashi Runner Up Maura Duggan BRONZE DIVISION (HCP. 24 –42) Winner Karin Gesterkamp Runner Up Carmel King

72 net 74 net 82 74 net 76 net

99 Pts 97 Pts 94 Pts

Overall Winner Hiromi Ohashi 38 Pts Silver Division ( 0-23) Winner Veronica Elias 37 Pts Runner Up Nancy Wingate 35 Pts Bronze Division (24 – 42) Winner Josie Tracey 36 Pts Runner Up Karin Gesterkamp 33 Pts

75 net 76 net

Hole In One

3 1. Mego Han Faldo Course, 12th Hole, 26th January 2. Chris Purchase Faldo Course, 2nd Hole, 27th February 3. Peter Falk Majlis Course, 11th Hole, 16th February

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2

4. Joseph Robehmed Faldo Course, 8th Hole, 16th February www.dubaigolf.com

6 STEPHEN DEANE… says…

Spotlight on...Alex Turlik

M

y name is Alex Turlik. I am seven years old, born in Dubai and I started playing golf in Scotland when I was five years old. Our house there is on a golf course so I used to watch the golfers and decided to try golf! I am now in the Elite division of the Junior Programme at Emirates Golf Club. Dave Adams and Stephen Deane are our coaches and they make golf a lot of fun for us.

I play as often as I can on the Par-3 Course at Emirates Golf Club with my Dad where my best score is +4 (on Christmas day with my new set of clubs!). Last year my Dad and I did a “Golf Marathon” and played the Par-3 courses at Dubai Creek, Arabian Ranches and the Montgomerie in one day.

I shot +17 and lipped out for a Hole-in-One at the Montgomerie!

My golfing ambitions are to get my handicap by the time I am eight and to have a Holein-One. My favourite club is my driver which I can hit about 150 yards and I can almost reach the green on the third hole on the EGC Par-3 course! My sister, Emma, has just started playing so my whole family play golf and I am looking forward to when we can play as a 4-ball with the boys taking on the girls!

When I grow up, I would like to be a Professional Golfer. My favourite players are Rory McIlroy and Miguel Angel Jimenez but I have been very lucky and met a lot of tour Pros. At this year’s Desert Classic, I had the chance to hit balls with Mark O’Meara and Fred Couples at their clinic and then again with Lee Westwood and Thomas Bjorn the next day. It was a lot of fun and Fred Couples said he would like to be my manager!

I play and love lots of sports including tennis and rugby, but especially cricket. I am at the ICC Academy and last year I was selected to do the coin toss at a Pakistan v South Africa match at Dubai Cricket Stadium.

Club Life Issue 19

A

lex is a talented youngster and at only seven years old is already one of the best Junior golfers within The Academy’s Junior Programme. His natural talent has allowed him to start his tuition within the Elite division of the Junior Programme.

Most Juniors his age start at Bronze level and work through to Silver, Gold and then Elite. This is a first for any Junior within the programme and shows his promise at such a young age.

One thing Alex loves to do is practise! He is content to stand on the range or putting green and hit shots. This will stand him in good stead as he follows his dream to become a future Professional and at only seven Alex is a great role model for the other Juniors within the programme.

Over the next six weeks The Academy will be hosting some Junior matches against The UAE Development squad and we hope Alex can help strengthen The Academy team as they go head to head on the Par 3 Academy course.

We look forward to working with Alex for the rest of the season as he is certainly a future talent to watch.

7

Ishu Rupani’s 60th Birthday Golf Day

By Vipen Sethi

M

r. Ishu Rupani celebrated his 60th birthday on Saturday, 7th January 2012 in great style at Emirates Golf Club.

Ishu’s golf day had nearly every active golfing member participate in what was pretty much a club tournament but one of the most interesting club tournaments I have played ever. The format enabled everyone to play their full round of 18 holes and yet win individual as well as team prizes as they went along.

Every hole had prizes, which were put together very selectively for the good and the not so good golfers.

Examples of nearest to the pins on par 3’s, nearest to the pin on par 5’s after two shots, longest drives, straightest drives as well as birdies on difficult par 4’s resulted in every golfer having plenty to look forward to on the course during the afternoon.

Having ordered perfect weather, Ishu’s Golf Day turned out to be very a pleasant and enjoyable golfing afternoon. The evening commenced with a champagne welcome and a very well presented five-course meal which went hand in hand with a progressive prize-giving function.

The one thing very evident was that all of Ishu’s well-wishers stayed back for the prize-giving, and took part in the whole evening. Also present were his family who had flown in from various parts of the world to share in this special occasion of his 60th birthday.

At 60, Ishu is in great shape and is looked upon as a great friend on and off the golf course. He is always there to give people genuine advice and is liked by one and all.

www.dubaigolf.com

8

TOM ROLLINSON

H

i, I first joined Emirates when you could see from the terrace of the clubhouse to the 7th green in 1988. Wow has that changed along with everything else in Dubai.

I was an active member of the club from 1988 to 1997 and remain one of the few Lifetime Members – I am often curious to how many of us there are as when I come back to Dubai now the reservations desk seems to have to search a large data base to see if I am still alive.

My former wife, Jan, (sounds much better than ex) moved to Dubai in 1988 from New Orleans with our two children, Ryan and Reid.

Some of you may remember Ryan as he won the 8 and under Junior Championship in 1992. Unfortunately neither of the boys has any passion for golf and have moved on to bigger and better things.

Ryan is living and going to school in Minneapolis (Gerbich’s home town) – he plans to save the world; I am very proud of him not only for his academic accomplishments but also because he has become a long distance bicycle rider. He does several rides a year (weather permitting) and is planning to bike across Europe when he finishes his studies.

Reid is living in Houston and hopes to own his own auto customising shop one day. I do not know where

Welcome Back

that gene came from as I do not even know how to change the oil in a car.

My passion for golf is matched by my passion for helping others; since 1999 I have been involved in a golf tournament in New Orleans to raise money to fund a camp for kids with terminal cancer, Camp Challenge. In 2004 I became involved in the Wounded Warriors Project and I help run an annual golf tournament in Houston that benefits those veterans who have come back from Iraq and Afghanistan with physical handicaps. In the initial golf tournament I played 18 holes wearing a Kevlar vest which gave me an appreciation of what our boys suffer through. May we will all learn to live in peace one day.

Jan and I divorced in 2007 – she is currently living in Meopham in the UK caring for her elderly parents who some may remember as they were frequent visitors during our ten year stay in Dubai.

I am living in Houston and was semiretired until a business opportunity presented itself in the Kurdish Region of Iraq. I became involved in this project in 2009 and it has developed into more than a full time job for me, but the beauty of it is that I get to make frequent visits back to Dubai.

Club Life Issue 19

days.

I was lucky enough to attend this year’s Desert Classic and even luckier to run into many old friends, one of whom, Jacqui Barry, convinced me to contribute to the magazine with this article.

I look forward to seeing more friends on future trips and hope to play the Majlis course again one day since I have not played it since 2005.

The number of golf courses now available still astounds me and I would like some day to have enough time to play them all.

If any one ever comes to Erbil in Iraq be sure to look me up. Unfortunately the only golf we have is the remnants of a nine-hole course left from pre-Saddam days but there is always a chance someone will build one. I also spend a lot of time in Houston and we recently had a “reunion” with several of the oldies but goodies that, as am I, still wake up and smell the daisies every day.

I hope to “retire” at the end of 2012 and possibly relocate to the Scottsdale area so I can lose money on a regular basis to Gerbich.

There were many familiar faces around the Club during the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and it was great to see so many past members visiting at that time. They included: Gerry Hodkins Graham Thewlis Mieko Coombs Jenni Hodgkins Janice Marler

A.B.Subiah

I, like others who leave and return, cannot believe the development of the city but yearn for the old days of bouncing across the desert to get to someone’s house and the closeness of the ex-pat community in those

Past member Pasan, now Thai Ambassador in Bangkok

Butch and Judy Kamps

Pam and Roger Wortley Stacey Walton Yang Suk MacNamara Tom Rollinson

Mike & Francie Gerbich

9 Ask The Rules Wizard

by Barney Coleman

D

o you have any questions about the rules. If so, please email your questions to Barney on BColeman@dubaigolf.com with the subject heading “Ask the Rules Wizard’ and we will put a selection of questions and answers in ‘Club Life’ magazine each month.

During the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, Chris had a very tricky putt on the 7th green of the Majlis course.

With the pin cut close to the front edge, he faced a fast 20-foot downhill putt towards the pin with the water beyond. Chris misread the speed of the putt and his ball went past the pin, gathered momentum and ended up in the water hazard. Slightly embarrassed he called for a referee?

Chris’s three option are: a) Play a ball as near as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played. b) Drop a ball behind the water hazard (back towards the 7th tee), keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped. c) Play the ball from the hazard

Chris elected for option (a) and placed a ball on the spot from where his last stroke was made playing his fourth. Unsurprisingly he left his bogey putt short! And suffered a costly double bogey.

Preparing the course for Desert Classic

F

ollowing the tournament, we will be continuing to maintain all conditions as close to these standards as possible. With both course crews focusing on one golf course, we had the luxury of resources only experienced during a tournament situation. We are however planning well in advance of our bigger member events to ensure these resources are used more efficiently, and to ensure we can continue to present the best possible conditions on both courses throughout the remainder of the season.

Our only plea to all, is to please take the time to repair your pitch marks correctly each time you play your round. Our staff do their best to repair pitch marks ahead of mowing the greens each morning, but we also are under pressure to stay ahead of play and we need to get done prior to your round. If a pitch mark is not repaired and the mowers mow over the unrepaired area, it causes bad surface damage that negatively affects ball roll and playability. We do try and roll ahead of the mowers, but this is not a practice one would carry out on a daily basis for the health of the plant. Please do your part and allow us the opportunity to present better surfaces daily.

Please also keep an eye out for notices in and around the clubhouse, notifying you of any additional works being carried out on the course, that may slightly interfere with your round. We are currently working on getting the rough down to more enjoyable levels for all, so bare with us when you see us out there between play trying to get this done. We will also have to do some light work on the greens, nothing too disruptive, simply light verticutting to improve overall ball roll and surface.

Thanks for your continued support and we look forward to a great end to the golfing season over the coming months.

Majlis during the Classic

Majlis during the Classic

Craig Haldane Director - Golf Course Maintenance

www.dubaigolf.com

Omega dubai des

Pro-Am winners, Gulf News: : Richard Green with Ashok Bakshi, Asim Arshad and Fred Watts

Celebrity Pro Challenge Match

sert classic 2012

Pro-Am runners-up, Omega: Jeev Milkha Singh with Tarun Khanna, Chris Turlik and Ishwar Jodha

Pro-Am third, Emirates NBD: Lee Westwood with Grant Robertson, Rob Jefferson, Rosemary Turlik

12

P

ace of Play and in particular ‘slow play’ is a constant topic of conversation around the Club and you’ll probably agree that our course marshals have a tough task to keep everybody happy.

The golf management want to take this opportunity to advise all members of the Club’s position on pace of play and detail to you what is expected from both golfing members and our marshal team.

Following our Emirates Amateur Open last year in which 144

players were successfully marshaled around the Majlis course, the timing schedule utilised has been adopted by the team ever since.

of ability across the membership not everyone can play at the same speed hence the above figures.

The schedule is for your reference as a player and the marshals. On leaving a green a marshal will know exactly what your pace of play is whether you’re on time, plus five or minus 10 to the schedule.

Golfing etiquette dictates that ‘it is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If it loses a clear hole and is delaying the group behind, it should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in the group’. Please note the word invite, recently a single figured handicapped 4-ball expressed the opinion that the group waiting should ask a group if they can play through, this is not the case and is poor etiquette. Our marshals are there however to relay such a message if they agree. Example 2 - Course is quiet, a shotgun start with empty holes.

Recently a member didn’t let a group play through because they were 5 minutes under the desired schedule. However they had 2 clear holes in front of them. As stated above etiquette dictates that they MUST let the group through.

Please don’t confuse the importance of golfing etiquette and a timing schedule. Golfing etiquette MUST be applied first and then the timing schedule is secondary.

Lastly, following plenty of

experience in the marshal team plus additional training they have been given the authority this coming season to force a group to let a faster group through. A slow group will be given the opportunity to improve their position but if a marshal feels it necessary to force a play through for the benefit of the golf course then so be it.

Please cooperate with the marshal’s decision.

Also please be aware that the marshal team has a lot clearer picture of the golf course than any single group. With up to three staff per course and a radio network they are better placed to know what is going on ahead than any player.

A timing schedule is defined as the recommended time a 4-ball in carts should complete 18 holes of golf.

There are obviously a number of TIPS FOR SPEEDING UP PLAY factors that can influence this time • Ready golf - Be ready to play as frame including: soon as it is your turn to play • The ability of the players in the • Leave your bags/cart in such 4-ball. High handicappers may a position to enable quick take slightly longer, however male movement off the green and golfers (handicap 20-28) are towards the next tee. encouraged to use the white tees • Immediately leave the green on to improve their pace of play. completion of the hole • Climate conditions - e.g. a windy • Do not mark your scorecard day when it is your turn to play • Speed of the greens, length • Whoever has the honour on the of the rough next tee be ready to play • If the course is walking only • Be aware of your position with For instance during the week regard to the group in front, after the Dubai Desert Classic don’t concern yourself with the with long rough, fast greens group behind and a restriction on carts it • Don’t wait until it is your turn to is likely that a percentage of play before putting your glove on groups will be slower than the • Don’t wait until it is your turn to defined timing schedule. play before calculating a yardage Desired Timing Schedules • Look at your own line of putt Majlis Course - 4hrs 6min while your fellow competitors Faldo Course - 4hrs 10min look at theirs (within the bounds The Majlis figure was of normal etiquette) obtained by deducting 18 minutes from the Dubai Desert Classic timing schedule. The club rated the Faldo course, and the extra four minutes reflect the increase in out-of-bounds and water in play on the course.

There are probably a number of you reading this expressing the opinion that this schedule is too generous and your preferred schedule is nearer 3 hours 30 minutes.

The golf management is of the opinion that a quicker pace of play is positively encouraged, however we are L-R Donessa, Kristy, Mercy, Cecille, Lucy also aware that with a range

Meet the ladies’ locker room staff

Club Life Issue 19

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Nasser Hussein Cameron Bellman with Colin Montgomerie

Ian Botham, John Daly

Jim Wheat and John Daly

Jenny Ayres with David Howell

Tottenham Hotspur players at night golf

NEW GPS SYSTEM

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ur new touch screen GPS systems are being installed, some are fitted already. See the information below so you will have a good understanding of how the new GPS system works.

Stayprime Pro–Elite GPS Touch Screen Unit • Automatically advances at each Hole • Distance to Green Centre/Pin always on view • Green outline and distances to Front, Centre and Back always on view • Yards/Metres Toggle Button • Press Helicopter image button for Hole Flyover • Press Pro Tip Button for advice on playing each hole • Touch Screen anywhere to get distance to Hazard/Layup Point and on to Pin/Centre of Green • Automatically zooms into Green as you get closer • Manual zoom in and out on Touch Screen buttons, bottom right • Pace of Play timer. Green- ahead of time, Red–behind time

www.dubaigolf.com

14 Farewell to

Cameron Bellman A

fter 17 years in Dubai, fifteen years as a member of EGC my career is taking me to pastures new. I have secured a position in our (BASF) Asia company based in Shanghai in a role that will see me travel extensively through Asia and Australasia. I am very excited at the new challenge of both the job and living in a new country in a different part of the world. I have been in he Middle East for nineteen of my working life, so I am sure it will be a big change.

I started to play golf originally at Nad Al Sheba in 1997 and became a member at EGC in 1998. It was here that I fell in love with the game, for its challenge, integrity and camaraderie, but not only that, the Club became a bit of a sanctuary for me, somewhere to escape to and driving through the gates still gives me that sense of peace that I got when I first joined.

Club Life Issue 19

I have felt privileged to be a member at the Club; the staff are fantastic, the courses and facilities are, in my opinion, without equal in the region.

This is all enhanced by the membership, the place really does have a Club feel. I was lucky enough to begin playing with the “ Saturday Group” in 1999, and have enjoyed every Saturday since. The friendly but competitive environment of those Saturdays helped my game improve, but more importantly, introduced me to a wonderful set of people.

I have been fortunate to play in ten Talker Cups and captained the European team twice. Two defeats!

I have also played for England in as many Tri-Nations events (England v Scotland v Ireland) These tournaments are without doubt the biggest on my golfing calendar. I cannot sleep before them with excitement.

The competition is fierce, the golf seems to be that much better. I will really miss these.

It’s the people that make anywhere, and there are plenty I will miss from EGC. The Saturday group became part of my week and indeed life and I shall miss them all, but I must single out Paddy, Keith and former member Gerry. Thanks guys!

The Club holds so many good memories for me. It was where I was married to Sarah, who joins me with our son Charlie on March 7th in China.

Golfing highs: Toyota Pro Am win in 1999; winning the Loch Lomond Invitational with Keith; any Talker Cup and Tri-Nations and just staring down the first fairway of the Majlis, ready to take onthat fantastic course again. (it won most of the time!); and of course the two tours with Gerry, Paddy and Keith to Scotland and London.

I will miss that place and people a great deal. Thank you for the memories.

15 Your Golf T ip Of The Month

CHIPPING

Mark Bruce PGA Professional, The Academy at Emirates Golf Club, in association with Peter Cowen explains chipping.

H

aving a good short game can be a massive asset to your golf and this area is under-practised by most amateur golfers. The chip shot is about controlling three factors, spin, loft and direction.

Gravity is a natural force so when we swing the club back it is always pulling downwards but also falls in behind us when the club passes parallel to the ground.

To help counteract this, stand closer to the ball with the shaft on a more vertical plane encouraging the player to hold the club online for directional control.

Spin and loft control may sound technical but can be made very simple. As mentioned gravity will pull the weight of the club back down towards the ball so during the motion of the downswing, let this movement be natural and let the club fall into the ball causing the club to “bottom out” which is using the bounce of the club

Correct upright shaft angle

Flat shaft angle, too far away from the ball, incorrect

perfectly under the ball. Too many players drive the hands through causing low flight and no spin control.

Soft landing, in order to get the ball to land almost dead with little forward momentum, after impact with soft hands, collapse the arms and position the hands into your hole side pocket. We can gain high Poor flights and low flights with this action. lie, toe When facing a poor lie or the ball is under the sitting down, use the toe of the wedge ball to position the club under the ball; this is the lowest point of the club and the ball can be struck out the centre of the face. This will lift the ball easily and deliver a soft landing and less roll for more control.

straight back, correct path

hands in pocket for soft flight

club falling behind after parallel

The Golf Academy W e trust you’ve had a fantastic February and got the golfing season off to a great start. The Academy has had a busy start to the year with a positive uptake of new and excising students. We would like to thank all members for supporting The Academy and we look forward to helping you and your families improve through out the season.

As mentioned a few months ago The Academy structures its teaching programmes to incorporate Peter Cowen’s philosophy of “simple effective coaching”. With a pyramid of learning put in place to allow constant growth and development as the student improves.

Pyramid of learning

ATTITUDE: Pre-shot Routine, Practice Drills, Signature Exercises Power Hand/Eye Co-ordination, Speed and pressure, Angle of Attack DYNAMIC MOVEMENT: Balance, Body Action, Arm Swing, Hand Action, Path and Plane SOLID FOUNDATIONS: Aim, Stance, Posture, Arm Hand and Grip, Body Position

We trust all of you who use The Academy have benefited from this structure and are seeing a lasting improvement in your games. As coaches we have certainly noticed a dramatic improvement in our students’ consistency and the ability to take their range games to the golf course.

If you would like any information on Private, Junior, Ladies or Beginners programmes, please feel free to send an e-mail to emiratesacademy@dubaigolf.com www.dubaigolf.com

16 Dear Member,

I

t was very interesting during another fantastic Omega Dubai Desert Classic to see so many of the worlds top golf professionals using FitLab. I remember ten years ago, when I first started working at Emirates Golf Club, there would only be one or two using the gym but this year we had over fifty. It is very nice and encouraging to hear that they love coming to Dubai and their personal trainers and physiotherapists comment that it is probably one of the best facilities, not only in Europe but the world.

We have some new activities happening at FitLab with the introduction of scuba diving and free trial dives will be given on Saturday afternoons through the month of March for anyone interested.

Studio Timetable: from March 1st the Zumba crew will be happy as we are putting on an extra two classes due to the demand on a Sunday

Fitness Activity Schedule MONDAY

SUNDAY

Studio

Studio

TUESDAY Studio

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Studio

Studio

Studio

06.00 - 07.00 06.00 - 07.00 06.00 - 07.00 Boot Camp Boot Camp Boot Camp (Peter) Outdoor Outdoor (Peter) Outdoor (Peter) - 08.30 07.30 08.30 07.30 07.30 - 08.30 07.30 - 08.30 07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga (Regular) Artistic Yoga (Regular) Artistic Yoga (Regular) Artistic Yoga (Regular) Artistic Yoga (Regular) 08.30 - 09.30 08.30 - 09.30 TRX Suspension TRX Suspension Outdoor (Stoyka) Outdoor (Amber) 08.45 - 09.45 08.45 - 09.45 08.45 - 09.45 08.45-09.45 08.45 - 09.30 Zumba (Tracy) Spinning (Alan) Kick Boxing (Stoyka) Zumba Toning (Tracy) Spinning (Andy) 08.45 - 09.45 09.45 - 10.30 09.40 – 10.40 09.40 – 10.40 08.45 - 09.45 Pilates Reformer Kick Boxing Fatburner Fatburner Pilates Reformer (Amanda) (Stoyka) (Stoyka) (Stoyka) 10.00 - 11.00 10.00 - 11.00 10.00 - 11.00 Mat Pilates Pilates Reformer Pilates Mat (Amanda) (Kirsty) 12.30 – 13.00 12.30 – 13.00 12.30 – 13.00 Fit Express (Stoyka) Fit Express (Stoyka) Fit Express (Stoyka)

09.00 - 10.00 Kettlebell Training Outdoor 09.00 - 12.00 Cavekids (Studio)

14.00 -15.00 Pilates Reformer For Golf (Khadija) 15.00 -16.00 Pilates Mat For Golf (Khadija) 18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga (Regular)

18.00 - 18.45 Spinning (Alan)

19.00 - 20.00 Kettlebell Training Outdoor 19.15 – 20.15 TRx Suspension Outdoor (Amber)

20.00 - 21.00 Artistic Yoga Weightloss

18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga (Regular)

19.00 - 20.00 19.00 - 20.00 19.00 - 20.00 Artistic Yoga (Regular) Power Yoga (Khadija) Artistic Yoga (Regular) 19.00 - 20.00 Kettlebell Training Outdoor 19.15 - 20.15 19.15 – 20.15 TRX Suspension TRX Suspension (Stoyka) Outdoor Outdoor (Stoyka) 19.30 - 20.30 19.30 - 20.30 Kettlebell Training Kettlebell Training Outdoor Outdoor 20.00 - 21.00 20.00 - 21.00 20.00 - 21.00 Yoga Artistic Yoga Artistic Artistic Yoga Weightloss Weightloss Weightloss

.

All bookings and packages are valid for 3 months from date of purchase free. lesson one get and 10 of package a Buy

Club Life Issue 19 ons, please call +971 4 417 9850 For reservati or email egcfitlab@dubaigolf.com

Tennis: WTA World number one tennis player Victoria Azarenka chose to do her pre season training for her very successful Australian Open campaign at our Academy.

Victoria was based at our Academy in Dubai for three weeks prior to capturing her first Grand Slam Event and ascending to the number one spot in the world rankings. Elite Tennis Academy students were able to spend time with the new world number one and also to practise with her.

Victoria was not the SATURDAY only Pro to be based at our Academy prior to Studio the Australian Open, as Dimitri Turzunov (ATP Top 20), James Ward 07.30 - 08.30 Artistic Yoga (Regular) (UK number 2 and Davis Cup Team Member) 08.45 -09.45 Grade 3 TAP Dance and Sergei Bubka Jnr 09.45 -10.30 ( ATP prospect) also Pre Primary Ballet chose Elite Tennis 10.30 - 11.00 Beginner Ballerinas Academy to do their pre-season training. The 11.00 - 12.00 Grade 1 TAP Dance Elite Academy has over 400 students starting 12.00 - 13.00 Primary Ballet from the age of three, 13:00-15:00 and we offer group and Grade 5 private programmes 15.15 - 16.15 Jazz Dance for beginners to competition players.

If you require any further information 18.00 - 19.00 Artistic Yoga (Regular) on what is happening 19.00 - 20.00 at FitLab please do Artistic Yoga (Regular) not hesitate to call on 04 417 9850 or email egcfitlab@dubaigolf. com and one of my team will be happy to assist you.

morning. Fitness Express is a new class for anyone wanting a short 30 minute class over lunchtime.

Squash: FitLab has two teams competing in the Dubai Premier League and are doing extremely well. Anyone looking to get into the teams or looking for a social game, we do have a social evening on Wednesday 7 – 9pm.

Healthy Regards Andy Meech

Recreation Manager

Dubai Area Divers Classes

17

PADI Scuba Diver Course

Mother’s `Day is soon so check out the special offers at Sensasia Spa for this occasion.

• ‘Adore Mum’s’ - indulge in Eve Lom’s Celebrity following ‘Ultimate Cleanse Facial’ for Dhs 399 (usually Dhs 495) • ‘My Mum & I’ - an award winning Elemis Facial and SensAsia Signature Hot Stone Massage for Dhs 650 (150 mins) • ‘Mummy to Be’ - Yummy Mummy to Be massage + SensPolish (for those hard to reach places). Dhs 595 (60 min massage and 60 min SensPolish,).

Recommended SensPolishes for the Mummy to be are Coconut & Rose or Sugar Daddy • ‘Super Mum’ - for being there for all her family she deserves the Pamper Me Silly for Dhs 1500 (240270 mins). Book in advance and let SensAsia Urban Spas know that this a special treat for your mum and she will be given a special mother’s day meal with chocolates.

• Want to select your own treatment for your Spavelous mum?

You’ll make her day with a cute and customised SensAsia Urban Spas Gift Voucher. SensAsia Urban Spas offers free delivery of all gift vouchers and can also arrange for a beautiful bunch of flowers to be delivered with the vouchers.

PADI Scuba Divers are trained to dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Divemaster, Assistant Instructor or Instructor to a maximum of 12 metres.

The course includes three knowledge development segments, watermanship requirements, three confined water dives and two open water dives. The Scuba Diver course does not qualify the participant for independent diving.

PADI Open Water Diver Course

This course teaches you the basics of Scuba Diving and upon certification enables you to dive in almost every country. The amount of time required to complete the course is based on class size, student aptitude and performance.

The course includes five knowledge development segments, watermanship requirements, five confined water dives and four open water dives.

AED 2,250 per person AED 2,000 per member

Dubai Seals (8 years +)

PADI Seal Team is an introduction to SCUBA and is held in the confines of a swimming pool with a maximum Instructor to Student ratio of 6:1. The course takes place over seven one hour sessions and includes five exciting Aquamissions in the pool.

AED 1,750 per person AED 1,550 per member

PADI Open Water Referrals

Take part in the Open Water course with Dubai Area Divers, but complete your Open Water dives while on holiday and we will provide you with a referral. Documentation will be provided to prove that you have completed the necessary training prior to your Open Water dives.

AED 1,750 per person AED 1,550 per member

AED 1,800 per child AED 1,600 per member

Dubai Master Seals (8 years +)

Dubai Seals can continue their dive education by completing the PADI Master Seal Team programme.

This course enables your child to undertake an additional ten speciality aquamissions, as well as reinforcing the safe diving skills and developing their confidence in the pool.

AED 1,800 per child AED 1,600 per member

Junior Open Water Diver (10 years +)

Available to children aged 10 – 14 years, the PADI Junior Open Water course will allow your child to dive anywhere in the world when accompanied by a PADI Professional or certified parent or guardian.

The course consists of five knowledge development segments, watermanship requirements, five confined water dives and four open water dives.

AED 2,250 per child AED 2,000 per member

For further information and to book a course, contact Linda on +971 502 135 140 or email info@dubaiareadivers.com

Dubai Area Divers An Underwater World of Adventure Dubai Area Divers is an independently owned PADI dive educator that has been established to provide underwater experiences and marine awareness to the residents of Dubai.

From private diving courses and trial dives, through to group lessons, children’s scuba parties and corporate events, Dubai Area Divers provide the very best of experiences in a patient and considerate manner, using first-class equipment and facilities and highly experienced PADI Professional instructors.

From February 2012, Dubai Area Divers will be offering a range of scuba diving experiences and tuition programmes for juniors aged 8 years and above, up to adults. Classes will take place at Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, between the hours of 6pm and 9pm.

Experience Programs Try-A-Dive Discover Scuba Junior Programs Bubblemaker Seal Team Junior Open Water Adult Programs

Sessions

Member AED

Guest AED

1 x 30 minute 1 x one hour

120 210

150 250

Sessions

Member AED

Guest AED

1 x one hour 7 x one hour

210 1,600 2,000

250 1,800 2,250

Sessions

Member AED

Guest AED

1,550 2,000 Price on request Price on request

1,750 2,250

PADI Scuba Diver PADI Open Water Corporate Events All other PADI Courses For further information and to book a course, contact Linda on +971 502 135 140 or email info@dubaiareadivers.com dubaigolf.com

www.dubaigolf.com

19th HOLE Against the clouds Thank you to Saad Rabia Designer & Motion Picture Producer, for this fantastic photo of Dubai in the fog

Ashok’s grandson Aayush

Mike & Kashe Gerbich, Adrian Flaherty with Rafael Cabrera-Bello Great view of the 9th hole Majlis

Congratulations to Josie Tracey who won the regional BMW final to gain a place in the International final to be held in Singapore this month. Good Luck Josie!

Club Life Issue 19

19 Creek Pro Cyril Rozes’ daughter with Gregory Bourdy

Two brothers with two sisters

Tom Rollinson and Mike Sim

Rafael Cabrera-Bello with Agnes Anwar and Barb McBean

Lady Captain, Caroline, Vice-Captain Glynis, with Mark O’Meara and Thomas Bjorn

Surender Kandhari with Mark O’Meara & Fred Couples

Membership Services Manager, Kate with Robert Rock

Looks like someone misunderstood the instructions!

Guess who

Sometimes golf practise can be so exhausting

19th hole snippets Martha Wong with Fred Couples www.dubaigolf.com

Enjoy Brunch at M’s every Friday and Saturday Every Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 3pm, enjoy a delicious International Brunch buffet at M’s. With a starter and dessert buffet, as well as a live carvery, make your own pizza station and plenty of kids’ entertainment, this is a great afternoon out for the whole family! Enjoy shisha on the terrace from AED 50.

Price AED 125 per person for food and unlimited soft drinks and water AED 245 per person for food and unlimited selected beverages AED 45 per child (5 – 12 years old) Children under 5 go free

For reservations, contact M’s restaurant +971 4 417 9999 or email ms@dubaigolf.com dubaigolf.com

Weekend Gourmet Brunch at Le Classique Embark on a culinary adventure with Chef François every Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 3.30pm in Le Classique. Enjoy an endless starter and dessert buffet along with an unlimited a la carte main course menu of Chef’s all time top ten dishes.

Children aged 12 years and above are welcome.

Price Unlimited food and soft drinks AED 150 per member, AED 185 per member’s guest and AED 195 per guest Unlimited food and your choice from a dozen varieties of reds and whites AED 250 per member, AED 285 per member’s guest and AED 320 per guest

For reservations, contact Le Classique on +971 4 417 9999 or email leclassique@dubaigolf.com