ROUND 3
FRIDAY
OCTOBER 29, 2021
ISSUE 3
Maria Fassi has a chance to go wire-to-wire but at least 12 players will have other ideas heading into the final round at Emirates Golf Club.
CLASSIC CLIFFHANGER
By Kent Gray – Editor, Golf Digest Middle East
M
aria Fassi is glad she still has a “target on her back” but isn’t half as relieved as Jessica Karlsson who is starting to believe she won’t have to rush back to school teaching anytime soon. The Mexican LPGA Tour player and sometimes math and science teacher from Sweden will begin the final round of the 15th Dubai Moonlight Classic presented by EGA in pole-position on Friday, albeit with their noses just ahead of a tightly bunched grid plotting their overtaking moves. Thailand’s highly-decorated Jutanugarn sisters, Ariya and Moriya, and Spaniard Nuria Iturrioz, the 2018 champion here, are among 11 players within four shots heading into the final round of the €260,000 Ladies European Tour event on The Faldo. After a course-record equalling 63 in Wednesday’s opening round, Fassi emerged from a frustrating Thursday just one stroke better to par, a 71 getting her to -10. Karlsson, meanwhile, added a 68 to her opening 66 to surprisingly find herself joint leader. “I didn’t know I was tied for the lead,” Karlsson said afterwards. “The photographer told me when I was walking in from the last hole. That’s good news.” So too is Karlsson’s welcome return to form, indeed that she gets to play golf at all after her return to the game via the COVID-19 lockdown didn’t quite go to plan. “It was a little bit tough at the start of the year. I played some really bad golf because it had been one-and-a-half years since I had played tournament golf. I was a maths
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and science teacher last autumn, which was really good. “It was hard to readjust. I have had a lot of time with my mental coach and he has really helped me with that part of my game and my readjustment. “I’m just going to enjoy it and have fun. I have my brother on the bag, so I’m just going to have a lot of fun!” After the fireworks of Wednesday, Fassi was simply pleased to get it into the clubhouse without any damage done yesterday. “It was a bit of a struggle out there today; I couldn’t get anything going and had to save pars every three or four holes so it was hard to build momentum that I had yesterday. “[But] I went out with a target on my back today and I still have it at the end of the day so that’s good, and hopefully some more putts drop tomorrow. “I hit it splendid yesterday and it was average today, and I couldn’t get the few opportunities I had for birdie to go in, so if I clean up with the irons and get a couple more putts to drop, I’ll be in good shape tomorrow.” ◼
POISED WITH PACE Lee-Anne Pace, a 10-time LET winner, is the closest challenger despite near cart-path calamity. PAGE 2
FINAL ROUND TEE TIMES Plan your viewing pleasure with all the groups and tee times for Friday on The Faldo. PAGE 4
IT'S ALRIGHT WITH DWIGHT Former Man United striker Dwight Yorke is a big fan of Dubai’s annual LET stop. PAGE 5
BLISTER SISTERS Philippa Stewart, Head Physio for the LET, on the injuries keeping her busy this and every week. PAGE 7
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NEWS
LEADERBOARD Rank Name (Country)
R1 R2 Par
1
Maria Fassi (MEX)
63 71 -10
Jessica Karlsson (SWE) 66 68 -10
3
Lee-Anne Pace (RSA)
64 71 -9
4
Olivia Cowan (GER)
65 71 -8
Pajaree Anannarukarn (THA) 69 67 -8 6
Ursula Wikstrom (FIN)
71 66 -7
Moriya Jutanugarn (THA) 69 68 -7
Nuria Iturrioz (ESP)
69 68 -7
Bronte Law (ENG)
68 69 -7
Ariya Jutanugarn (THA)
68 69 -7
Lydia Hall (WAL)
67 70 -7
Dubai Moonlight Classic October 27-29, 2021 Faldo course, Emirates Golf Club
56 54
PLAYERS HOLES (NO CUT)
Wednesday, October 27 4pm shotgun
Thursday, October 28 4pm shotgun
Friday, October 29 4pm shotgun
Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer
Chief Commercial Officer Anthony Milne
Group Editor and Managing Partner Ian Fairservice
Publisher David Burke
Editor Kent Gray Art Director Clarkwin Cruz Images Tristan Jones/LET, Getty Images, Supplied by Falcon and Associates
General Manager – Production S. Sunil Kumar Assistant Production Manager Binu Purandaran
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Pace Poised I
t won’t be lost on co-leaders Maria Fassi and Jessica Karlsson that the player closest to them leaderboard is the owner of 10 Ladies European Tour titles, and another on the LPGA Tour. Lee-Anne Pace is delighted to be so close after a topsy-turvy second round at the Dubai Moonlight Classic presented by EGA. The 40-year-old South African watched a six-foot birdie putt slide by on the 18th and with it a chance to make it a three-way lead at -10 on Thursday. But Pace’s eventual 71 could have been worse, especially after a run-in with a cart path on the 16th which sent a chip scuttling deeper into the undergrowth. “It was entertaining, up and down, and pretty much all over the show,” Pace said of her second round where she mixed five birdies with four bogeys. “I started a bit cold with the putter but then it got hot in the middle, then I hit it in the bush and nearly hit my head, so it was a bit all over the place, but one-under at the end of the day means I still have a chance. “My caddie really helped me out there because I wanted to play it into the bunker which could easily have been a seven, and he pointed in the other direction and we made an up and down [bogey six], so that was a great call.” Pace secured her 10th LET title at the SA Open in May and is happy to be plying her trade in “Europe” after an LPGA Tour focus in recent years. “I’m happy, I’m happy in my life and I’m happy in my golf so I’m really enjoying it, it’s great to be back in Europe and really nice to be around my friends. “I’m going to play the same game [on Friday] and try to get into the lead, and if not, try to chase the lead.” Fassi and Karlsson can’t say they haven’t been warned. ◼
Then I hit it in the bush and nearly hit my head, so it was a bit all over the place...
NEWS
Love Is(land) in the air W
hile the players may be used to production teams following them around the course, the humble caddie is rarely the focus of the camera. Not so Chris Hughes, on the bag for English golfer Annabel Dimmock this week. This caddie is a bit more used to the spotlight, from his starring role in the reality UK TV show Love Island. A decent footballer and cricketer, how is Hughes handling duties on the bag for his beau? He’s the first to admit he’s there to carry the bag rather than offer advice. “If Annabel lets me read a green, I’ve done well - she doesn’t have too much faith in me! I’m more of just a bag carrier but I’m there to keep her upbeat. If she plays a bit of a wayward shot, I’d cheer her up or if she plays good, I’ll cheer her on. I’m just there for a bit of moral support really. “It’s only my second experience as a caddie but I’m getting used to it now. I do enjoy it, it’s fun and good to experience. It’s a privilege to be watching good players, it makes you appreciate how good these players are, they’re amazing ball strikers and that’s great to watch being stood up close and personal amongst really talented people.” ◼
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FINAL ROUND TEE TIMES – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29
DRAW SHEET 1. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 1 ◼ Ursula Wikstrom (FIN) ◼ Pajaree Anannarukarn (THA) ◼ Olivia Cowan (GER)
2. TIME 16:10 • HOLE 1
◼ Lee-Anne Pace (RSA) ◼ Jessica Karlsson (SWE) ◼ Maria Fassi (MEX)
3. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 2 ◼ Pasqualle Coffa (NED) ◼ Tiia Koivisto (FIN)
4. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 3 ◼ Kim Metraux (SUI) ◼ Annabel Dimmock (ENG) ◼ Gabriella Cowley (ENG)
5. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 4 ◼ Michele Thomson (SCO) ◼ Karoline Lund (NOR) ◼ Liz Young (ENG)
-7 -8 -8
-9 -10 -10
+14 +8
6. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 7 ◼ Alison Muirhead (SCO) ◼ Meghan MacLaren (ENG) ◼ Pia Babnik (SLO)
7. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 8 ◼ Chloe Williams (WAL) ◼ Sanna Nuutinen (FIN) ◼ Krista Bakker (FIN)
8. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 9 ◼ Nicole Garcia (RSA) ◼ Catriona Matthew (SCO) ◼ Emma Grechi (FRA)
Plan your evening watching your favourite players with this guide to Friday’s tee times. +3 +3 +3
+3 +2 +2
+2 +1 +1
+8 +8 +5
9. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 10
+5 +5 +4
10. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 11
◼ Kristyna Napoleaova (CZE) ◼ Chiara Noja (GER) ◼ Whitney Hillier (AUS)
◼ Kylie Henry (SCO) ◼ Marianne Skarpnord (NOR) ◼ Caroline Hedwall (SWE)
+1 +1 +1
+1 +1 E
11. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 12
16. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 17
12. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 13
17. TIME 16:10 • HOLE 17
13. TIME 16:10 • HOLE 14
18. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 18
14. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 15
19. TIME 16:10 • HOLE 18
◼ Karolin Lampert (GER) ◼ Cloe Frankish (ENG) ◼ Anne-Charlotte Mora (FRA) ◼ Eleanor Givens (ENG) ◼ Kelsey Macdonald (SCO) ◼ Diksha Dagar (IND) ◼ Maria Hernandez (ESP) ◼ Atthaya Thitikul (THA) ◼ Agathe Sauzon (FRA) ◼ Felicity Johnson (ENG) ◼ Linda Wessberg (SWE) ◼ Tvesa Malik (IND)
E -1 -1
-1 -1 -1
-1 -2 -2
-2 -2 -3
◼ Aditi Ashok (IND) ◼ Laura Davies (ENG) ◼ Carmen Alonso (ESP)
◼ Manon De Roey (BEL) -5 ◼ Magdalena Simmermacher (ARG) -5 ◼ Alice Hewson (ENG) -6 ◼ Esther Henseleit (GER) ◼ Lydia Hall (WAL) ◼ Ariya Jutanugarn (THA)
◼ Bronte Law (ENG) ◼ Nuria Iturrioz (ESP) ◼ Moriya Jutanugarn (THA)
15. TIME 16:00 • HOLE 16 ◼ Christine Wolf (AUT) ◼ Johanna Gustavsson (SWE) ◼ Stephanie Kyriacou (AUS)
-4 -4 -5
-3 -3 -4
The latest news, views, player interviews and action from the world of sport. CNN’s daily sports show @ 16:30 (GST) cnn.com/sport CNN name, logo and all associated elementsTM & © 2021 Cable News Network. A WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
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NEWS
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Dwight loves the night
D
wight Yorke, the former Manchester United star, has heaped praise on this week’s Dubai Moonlight Classic presented by EGA, with the prolific striker also revealing he has a unique vantage point to watch the on-course action at Emirates Golf Club. “I’m here practising tonight but I’ll definitely be watching the action this weekend. I can see the players go by from my apartment window, so I’m very lucky the tournament is quite literally in my neck of the woods, we all are. It’s always good to have the Ladies European Tour back at Emirates Golf Club, it’s a special venue, one of the best and a great home for the Dubai Moonlight Classic,” said Yorke, who won three consecutive English Premier League championships with Manchester United between 1999-2001, as well as the UEFA Champion’s League during the Red Devils’ historic treble season in 1999. Yorke reserved special praise for the Dubai Moonlight Classic’s unique evening format: “The tournament’s night-time setting is fantastic, being played in the moonlight under the floodlights, it’s great to see and I am sure everybody will come out to support the girls this weekend,” said the former Trinidad and Tobago striker, who captained his country at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. After retiring from football in 2009, Yorke confessed that golf is a key avenue to maintain his competitive spirit. “I’m a big fan of the game, I love it. After my retirement from football, I have more time and this game brings a little bit of everything in terms of competitiveness. It’s obviously not a team sport, it’s all about you. My work ethic is if you put the effort in you get the rewards out, and I’m certainly hitting it well tonight – although maybe not as well as the girls out on the course,” he added. ◼
GOLFING GROOVES
Saxophonist Masha Kutskova is ringing in the weekend, providing tunes for the fans in the tournament village. Kutskova, who will be sharing the stage with local singer-songwriters Martyn Crocker and Jamie Wrecs, has been blown away by the atmosphere so far. “I love the place, love the people and everything is absolutely amazing. The environment is so relaxing, and I can’t wait to have a lovely couple of days playing music and enjoying this wonderful event with my friends.”
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VILLAGE LIFE
Tuck in with Truckers UAE
T
ruckers UAE events are a huge draw in the UAE, combining home-grown concepts and street food with a cool, laid-back atmosphere. Teaming up with the Dubai Moonlight Classic presented by EGA has given this golf tournament – and Emirates Golf Club - a whole new vibe. From shawarmas through to burgers, dim sum, maki rolls and ice cream, there’s something to suit
every taste. Navneet Kaur, co-founder Truckers UAE explains the recipe behind this perfect partnership: “This is our home ground technically, we host popular events at Emirates Golf Club, and this just seemed like the perfect opportunity to revamp and relaunch post Covid. “Our followers are as excited as we are and that’s great news as it will bring a whole new audience
to golf and vice versa, with golf fans getting to experience Truckers UAE. “People have been waiting for it after almost two years out, and people are actually getting in touch on social media with messages saying how excited they are to have us back. It’s all about good vibes, chilled vibes, very urban and non-commercial. Come down, you’ll love it.” ◼
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NEWS
BLISTER SISTERS B
listers, bad backs and stiff necks. Welcome to the life - and the most common dangers - of pro golf. Golf is a physically demanding sport that can take its toll on even the healthiest of players. Philippa Stewart, Head Physiotherapist for the Ladies European Tour, is part of the team working hard to make sure the players are all in tip top shape for three demanding rounds on the Faldo. So, what are the main injuries she’s had to deal with this week? Actually, it’s not muscular or skeletal but a common niggle that many golfers will understand. “The most common injuries this week are blisters. The girls are coming in with lots of blisters as it’s hot and sweaty.” The most common golf-related injuries that Philippa sees are related to the lower back, but she adds: “We also see a lot of neck problems which are actually related to travel - whether it’s bad pillows or uncomfortable beds.” Coming so late in the season, the majority of the work being carried out by Philippa and the team is to manage ongoing injuries. Philippa urges the players to understand the importance of rest and recovery, and to find a happy medium, adding that it is “OK to rest, recover and sleep.” She explains: “We’re doing a lot of taping as it’s quite late in the year, so the girls are carrying quite a few injuries. We teach the girls how to manage the injuries from icing to taping to the right kind of stretching and we tape it up and help support the injuries. “In golf, injuries tend to be a little more cumulative and come in over a period of time. The girls often come in the next day with a bit of a niggle – something might be feeling a bit tight or there might be a little pain here or there. What I’ve taught the girls over the years is to be very proactive when it comes to injury prevention but also to see me straight away if they feel something, before it becomes a major issue.” To any club golfers out there wondering how to stay fit and healthy? Philippa’s mantra is straightforward: “Prevention, prevention, prevention and proactivity.” ◼
The Faldo’s best spectator spot? You might be surprised W
ith the Faldo measuring over 7,000 yards, there are plenty of places to take in some top-notch golfing action. From the 1st tee to the 18th green (pictured), there’s no shortage of popular spots on the course. But the elevated beverage hut located between the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th hole may just be the best of all. This firm fans’ favourite allows for a bird’s eye view of all the action, covering the lush greens on the 13th and 15th and the tee boxes on the 14th and 16th. While the players drive for show and putt for the dough, you can soak it all up with snacks and refreshments. Strategic spectator locations don’t come much better, so put on your walking boots and head on out there, grab a drink and chill!
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ROLL UP, ROLL UP...
5 REASONS to attend the Moonlight Classic
Street food, golf lessons and live music will add to the carnival atmosphere on finale Friday
1
Food Trucks
Truckers UAE events are a massive draw in the UAE. The great news for golf loving foodies is that they are rolling into Emirates G.C. with a tasty range of homegrown concepts, food trucks and kiosks during their first event of 2021. From dim sum and maki rolls to burgers, pizza and desserts, foodies are in for a treat.
2
Golf Taster
The LET’s best golfers will make it look pretty easy and for anyone who catches the bug, the team from the Peter Cowen Academy will be on hand to offer free golf taster sessions. Put your swing and putting stroke to the test!
3
Feel the Beat
The Dubai Moonlight Classic is not just about golf. Chill out to some fab tunes from talented local singer-songwriters Jamie Wrecs and Martyn Crocker and saxophonist Masha Kutskova. Remember your dancing shoes!
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Family fun
Bring the whole family to the golf! A bouncy castle and plenty of space to run about will keep the kids amused while the grown-ups concentrate on the top-quality golf, entertainment and socialising.
It’s Free!
Entry is free for fans from 4-10pm. Don’t miss out on one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the Dubai social calendar. No registration required.
dubaimoonlightclassic.com
