Worldwide golf 150 anniversary issue

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Official Media Partner Middle East

Middle East’s No.1 Golf Magazine

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

TIPS GEAR NEWS TRAVEL

ISBN 978-9948-15-427-3

Issue 150, Summer 2013

INTRODUCTION

Worldwide Golf Executive Editor Since 1999

Player Gary

MY congratulations to Phil Mickelson on winning The Open in the style of a Champion. He seized his opportunity when the leaders were faltering and swept to his first Open win with birdies at four of the last six holes.

Phil was five shots off the lead going into the final round but he dropped only one shot in a fiveunder round of 66 that earned him a decisive three-shot win.

When I won the first of my nine Majors at Muirfield back in 1959 I went into the last day eight shots behind the leaders.

In those days we played 36 holes on the final day and in the third round on the Sunday morning I shot 70, which moved me up the leaderboard significantly.

On the 72nd hole I needed a four for a final round 66 but I put my tee shot in a bunker and three-putted for a six which

The 9-time Major Champion and 9-time Senior Major Champion who has witnessed and been a part of some of the most historic and memorable golfing occasionss reflects on the h game today day

left me a 68 and a total of 284. I thought that was not going to be enough and had to wait for the earlier leaders to come in.

Fortunately, my two closest rivals, England’s Fred Bullock and Belgium’s Flory Van Donck, shot 74 and 73 respectively to finish on 286. I had managed to outscore Fred by 10 shots and Flory by eight shots over the last two rounds to win by two strokes.

That first of my three Open wins set me on my way to joining the elite group of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods to have won the Grand Slam of all four Majors.

The only Major missing from Phil’s collection is the US Open, a tournament which he has been runner-up in no fewer than six times, including this year’s at Merion in June.

CONGRATULATIONS also to Worldwide Golf on reaching its 150th edition and to Mike and Alex on publishing such an excellent magazine. I also congratulate Ara Nakhnikian and Sheikh Saeed bin Hasher Al Maktoum in taking the brave step in backing the magazine from its launch in 1999.

They can all be proud of their achievement in publishing a magazine that provides a combination of local news from the golf courses across the Middle East, international news and player and personality features and interviews.

I’ve enjoyed writing my Introduction and Column each month for the past 14 years as Executive Editor and I hope to be contributing for many years to come.

Back in 1999 I could identify with Mike and Alex’s intention to publish a magazine that would inform and entertain readers around the Middle East and spread the golfing word. They have certainly produced an outstanding magazine which serves the region well with a distribution which covers almost every golf club and golfer.

In 1999 golf had only just attained a foothold in the Middle East. There were very few grass golf courses in existence and even fewer under construction. As new golf courses emerged, Worldwide Golf followed their progress from planning stage to opening day and promoted and publicised each course to ensure that when they did open for business, golfers knew all about them.

I’ve been spreading the word about the popularity of our wonderful game of golf throughout my life and I’ve been delighted to be involved with a publication that is driven by that same intention.

Mike and Alex have the best interests of the game of golf at heart and I am pleased that they have continued to produce a magazine that we can all be proud of.

Here’s to the next 150 editions of Worldwide Golf.

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CONTENTS PHIL’S MAJOR THRILL THIS year’s Open Championship at Murifield certainly left us with a lot to talk about. It all started with the dramactic mental collapse of Rory McIlory who acknwoledged that he’s ‘in a dark place’ and is struggling to concentrate. We all know the talent he possesses but all that sponsorship money seems to be like ‘kryptonite’ as he continues to miss cuts.

He needs to get back to basics and start playing more golf. I still can’t believe that after struggling for months at the start of the season with his Nike clubs, he put an unbelieveable final round 64 together at Doral to finish the WGC event on a high.

So, you’d expect him to play the next series of events to build up his form and confidence. No – he took three weeks off and even said no to playing Arnie’s Invitational at Bay Hill. I know he’s going through some management changes, let’s hope we get the ‘old’ Rory back in time for him to defend his DP World Tour Championship title.

Lee Westwood will certainly make it to the season finalé at Jumeriah Golf Estates after coming so close, again to winning that elusive first Major. Working with Ian Baker Finch certainly saw him gel with the putter but the pressure of guarding a lead is always a tough challenge in any tournament, let alone a Major. He, like so many others, myself included, thought his main threat would have come from Tiger. But the World No.1 still hasn’t won a Major when not leading the field going into the final day. That’s a statistic that still shocks me! Tiger’s final round 74 was his tied highest in the Open Championship – the Major drought continues.

One Major Champion that flurished in the fast-running conditions was Phil Mickelson.

Always smiling regardless of the odd missed putt, big Phil admitted after winning the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open that he finally understands the art of playing links golf.

His win at Castle Stuart means that the past three ee Open Champions all played the Scottish Open prior or to lifting the Claret Jug. I know that many of the players like to relax before a Major but Mickelson’s result goes to show that you can’t underestimate the he e mental benefit of a tough links challenge the weekk before.

I CAN’T believe it’s our 150th issue. So much has happened to golf in the Middle East since we launched in 1999. Now the GCC is one of he main strongholds for The European Tour and home to the season-ending tournament – the DP World Tour Championship. Thank you to all our readers and supporters as we continue to develop Worldwide Golf across the Middle East and further afield.

Alex Gallemore Editor

FEATURES

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Muirfield of Dreams Q Phil Mickelson wins back-to-back in Scotland and collects the Claret Jug, the one Major that he thought he might never get his hands on.

30 Paul Casey rockets up The Race to Dubai Ranking after winning the Irish Open.

7DAYS Chief Executive Mark Rix talks about his passion for the game and the DP World Tour Championship.

Join Jenni’s happy family of volunteers.

The Luckiest Ball on Earth calendar is released.

ISSUE No. 150, SUMMER, 2013 Published by: Worldwide Sporting Publications Ltd +44 1663 719926 Published in Dubai by: Prografix, PO Box 24677, Dubai, UAE (Tel) +9714 340 3785

Printed by: Raidy, Dubai Worldwide Golf specifies that post-press changes may occur to any information given in this publication and takes no responsibility for goods or services advertised.

Over 100 destinations worldwide

INSTRUCTION

THE STARTER

Q JGE Instructions title.

TRAVEL

Q Check your left wrist.

Q Reading the greens.

QUICK PRO TIPS

8 By: Stuart Fee, Golf Professional, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa

PASSIVE WRISTS FOR SOLID

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Most players tend to get very active with their wrists through the impact area when chipping as they try to scoop the ball into the air. This leads to poor striking and an inconsistency to their ball ight meaning that they can’t judge consistently how far the ball will release when landing.

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INSTRUCTION Bryan Smith Golf Professional

CHECK YOUR CLUBFACE AT THE TOP

If it’s vertical (or perpendicular) to the ground, you’re cupping your left wrist and opening the clubface. That can result in a slice.

ARABIAN GOLF

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eMIRATES GOLF CLUB

What does that mean in practical terms?

When you look down at the clubface at address, “square� is relatively easy to see. It’s harder to see it when you’re at the top of the backswing. But if you get the clubface open or shut at the top—by cupping or bowing the left wrist (or having a grip that’s too weak or too strong)—you’re going to hit a lot of high slices or low hooks.

WWG talks to the Chairman of the Oman Golf Committee, Mundhir Al Barwani, about the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic and developing the game in the Sultanate.

Worldwide Golf visits London, home to some of the ÅVM[\ PW\MT[ QV \PM _WZTL J]\ _PI\ UIVa XMWXTM don’t realise is that it’s also the perfect base for I OWTÅVO PWTQLIa _Q\P I PW[\ WN W]\[\IVLQVO OWTN courses, literally on the doorstep.

This image shows that by placing two clubs together, it stops the icking of the wrists as the top club hits into the side of the chest meaning the wrists are nice and passive at impact, which will lead to a better contact and a more consistent ďŹ ghting of the ball.

Golf in the clouds; Rory McIlroy plays against a robot; Golf’s bad boys; Clubhouse Quickies; Top5 Golf apps; Tour news and more...

If the clubface points to the sky (Inset Pic 4149), you’re bowing your left wrist and closing the clubface. That can cause a hook.

CHECK YOUR LEFT WRIST Cupping it can cause a slice; Bowing it can lead to a hook The ultimate goal for any golfer is to produce a swing motion that repeats time after time.

FOLLOWING the success of the recent 33rd PAN-Arab Golf Championship Morocco’s top two players in the event will be leading the way to the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic in October, courtesy of their sponsor’s invitations.

Golf instructors have argued endlessly about the various ways to achieve this goal, but one way to make it easier is to swing with the clubface square to the arc of the swing.

When the face is square, the left wrist is at, and the face is parallel to it. From there, it’s easier to swing to square at impact resulting in a straighter, more consistent ball ight.

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News and results from the leading clubs in the Middle East.

INSTRUCTION BY- Bryan Smyth, Golf Professional at Emirates Golf Club

ROSS McARTHUR PGA TEACHING PROFESSSIONAL AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB

READING THE GREENS

As we all know the dierence between a good score and a great score usually comes down to missed putts during your round. There are many factors involved in making a putt such as The speed of the green, the undulation of the green, whether the putt is uphill, downhill or relatively at. The ability to use this information will make you a very good putter. Reading the green is an acquired process that with practice can give you a much increased chance of success on the greens.

To accurately read the line of a putt we have to look at it from dierent angles.

The speed of the green will aect the ďŹ nal execution of the putt depending on how the gravity aects the ball on its journey to the hole.

COLUMNISTS

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STYLE

Crouch down behind the ball in a direct line to the hole. Form here again you are looking for the higher ground this time to the sides of the golf ball. If there is a side slope to the putt the ball must be played on its initial journey up the slope allowing gravity to do its job and bring the ball back down towards the hole.

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The last point to view the putt is the last meter or so before the hole. This is where all the action will happen. As the ball is coming to the end of its journey it is travelling slower giving gravity its chance to take maximum eect on the ball. Look closely around the hole to see if there are any hidden changes in the ground level and help you visualize how the ball will enter the cup.

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Place yourself halfway down between the ball and the hole crouch down low and look to see if the ball is higher or lower than the hole. This will determine if the putt is uphill or downhill. A downhill putt will roll a lot faster therefore if there is any side slope more borrow will be required. An uphill putt will require more speed which means you can be more aggressive with the line and borrow less or the side slope.

One you have viewed the putt from these three positions when you address the ball plot a path for how the ball will travel to the hole. Draw an imaginary line and stroke the ball to a point in the distance where you think gravity will start to have its eect on the ball. That point will be where you align to. Hit the putt straight at this point and the let gravity pull the ball down the slope into the hole. The more experience you gain at this the easier it becomes to read the lines on a green.

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In this issue: Q

Passive wrists for solid chips

Q

How to read greens

Q

Q

Check your wrist position to prevent a slice or hook.

Conquering the slopes at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

HERMIONE FITZGERALD, who learned to play golf in Dubai in the early 1990s, has her sights Ă…ZUTa [M\ WV RWQVQVO \PM MTQ\M WN TILQM[Âź OWTN

Greg Norman, Gary Player and Pete Cowen air their views on the state of the game.

Editor-in-Chief: Mike Gallemore Executive Editor: Gary Player Editor: Alex Gallemore

Editors: Todd Staszko, James Reeves, Tabitha Florence Design Manager: Joanna Eardley Technical Manager: Mark Collinge

Publisher: Mike Gallemore Senior Editor: Richard Bevan

Editorial Panel: Gary Player, Mike Gallemore, Alex Gallemore, Richard Bevan, Todd Staszko

Advertising & Marketing Director: Rasha Siriani rasha@wspdubai.com Designer: Sarah B. Mahmood

June 2009 SSN 1- 46805671 Approval UAE National Media Council: Ref.816 30/5/2007 Trade Licence No. 1/104375/15280

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TITLEIST AP1 AND AP2 ADVANCED PERFORMANCE Serious players know there’s nothing like the feel of hitting a solid iron shot. And for more and more players at every level of competitive golf, Titleist AP1 ® and AP2 ® irons continue to be the advanced performance choice. The multi-material design

TITLEIST AP IRONS. THE BEST COMBINATION OF FORGIVENESS

“AP2 irons are great looking and so forgiving.”

– Rob Alessi Amateur

AND CONTROL. Steve Stricker

“Out on tour, we face all kinds of conditions. AP2 irons give me the ability to hit every shot I need.”

– Matteo Manassero

Jason Dufner

Aaron Turner Amateur

IRONS. FOR ALL PLAYERS. provides maximum forgiveness, in a traditional look, without having to sacrifice shot control or feel. To learn more about Titleist AP irons, visit a Titleist fitter or go to titleist.co.uk and experience the best combination of forgiveness and control for your game.

Learn more at titleist.co.uk

“I love the solid feel and forgiveness.”

“I’m fitting more and more players into AP irons.”

– Tim Fleming PGA Professional

– Bill Burke Amateur

“My AP1 irons launch high and fly straight. I love them.”

– Tina Ferraro Amateur

“The beauty of Titleist AP irons is that the features that help us at this level, also benefit amateur players.”

– Zach Johnson hhh prosports.ae

THE STARTER THE STARTER

Golf in the clouds

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B

La Paz Golf Club

10,650 feet above sea level

IF you’re scared of heights La Paz Golf Club in Bolivia might not be the place for you. Standing at an altitude of 10,650 feet (3,246 metres) above sea level, the South American track is the world’s highest golf course.

Those brave souls who venture up to La Paz’s dizzy heights will be thrilled to learn that they can expect an extra 30 yards to be added to the length of an average 5-iron shot due to the thinness of the air.

But players are advised to arrive a few days early to acclimatise to the conditions as well as drinking plenty of water during the round!

The good news is, while you may be struggling for breath, you won’t be weighed down by your clubs as La Paz has no fewer than 150 caddies on hand to help you get round.

Built in 1912 by British railway workers, the plush, perfectly manicured country club course features pristine fairways and greens with an abundance of trees and other greenery dotted around.

The layout has been designed to counteract the length advantage gained by the thin air, with the potential for 300 + yard booming drives often tempered by severe doglegs, while cunningly positioned greens encourage accuracy rather than power with your irons.

And it’s not just the oxygen levels that take your breath away at La Paz. The views are simply specular with the majestic Illimani, the second highest mountain in Bolvia, towering over the course while the unusual lunar landscape has been described as an “odd work of art, like a desert filled with stalagmites.�

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THE STARTER Clubhouse Quickies Golf in Heaven

RORY TAKES ON THE ROBOT

ONE of Rory McIlroy’s earliest brushes with the limelight came when he was seen nonchalantly chipping golf balls into a washing machine on a popular Irish TV show.

Fast-forward 15 years and Rory was up to his old tricks again, only this time, there was more than one washing machine and he was challenged to get more balls on target than his opponent…a robot called Jeff.

Sadly, the Northern Irishman was no match for his mechanical opponent but he took the defeat in good spirit.

You can view a hilarious video of the challenge on our Facebook page, which has already gone viral with more than 300,000 views! www.facebook.com/worldwidegolf

Swing by Swing This Android app features a GPS rangefinder which shows the distance to the centre of the green as well as every obstacle on the course for 35,000 different layouts around the world and allows you to view satellite imagery of the hole you’re playing. There’s also a digital scorecard and a connected website that lets you review and analyse your rounds in detail.

Rotary Swing Golf Great instructional app for iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad which includes over two hours of game improvement footage. You’ll learn the three simple movements of rotation, elevation and flexion that will greatly improve your swing while subscribers gain access to new videos every month on everything from improving your fitness to how to bomb the ball 40 yards further.

V1 Golf Excellent swing analysis app for Android devices. Allows you to record, trim, edit and import your swing then play it back at a variety of speeds or frame by frame. There’s a split-screen swing comparison function while the app holds over 50 pro swings from the likes of Rory McIlroy, Fred Couples and Lorena Ochoa. You can also access video drills from top instructors.

Visulax Golf They say golf is 90% mental but not everyone can afford a session with a top sports psychologist. Enter Visulax Golf. This iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad app provides relaxation and visualisation techniques, teaches you how to block out distractions and focus on the target and gives you course management and short game tips.

A friend of Henry’s dies suddenly. A week later, he comes back to tell his friend how great Heaven is.

“Henry,” he says, “you won’t believe it, but there is golf in Heaven.”

“That’s wonderful!” Henry replies.

“Don’t be so thrilled,” his friend tells him. “You have a tee-off time scheduled for Saturday.”

The devil himself interrupts saying, “Steady on old man, we don’t want to finish them off that quickly.”

Wedding Vows As a couple approaches the altar, the groom tells his wife-to-be, “Honey, I’ve got something to confess: I’m a golf nut, and every chance I get, I’ll be playing golf!”

“Since we’re being honest,” replies the bride, “I have to tell you that I’m a hooker.”

The groom replies, “That’s okay, honey. You just need to learn to keep your head down and your left arm straight!”

Ladies Tee It was a sunny Sunday morning, and Murray was beginning his pre-shot routine, visualising his upcoming shot, when a voice came over the clubhouse loudspeaker. “Would the gentleman on the ladies’ tee please back up to the men’s tee.”

Murray remained in his routine, seemingly unfazed by the interruption.

A little louder: “Would the man on the women’s tee kindly back up to the men’s tee!”

Murray raised up out of his stance, lowered his driver, and shouted, “Would the announcer in the clubhouse kindly shut up and let me play my second shot?”

Golf Rules Quick Reference 2012-2015 We’ve all been there – you’re in the middle of a round with your golf buddies and inevitably at some point a disagreement over rules emerges. Well this app will settle any dispute in an instant by giving 3-D image rulings on every possible incident. Available for iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad.

SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE DAY FOR TOMS With the final Major of the season just around the corner, 2001 US PGA Champion David Toms recounts the moment that won him the tournament at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Georgia. He had a one-stroke lead over Phil Mickelson as he teed it up on the 490-yard closing hole – at that time the longest par 4 in Major championship history. After finding the first cut of rough with his tee shot, he initially had a five wood in his hand but switched to an iron and elected to lay up in front of the water protecting the green much to the dismay of the jeering crowd. The tactic proved spot on as Toms followed up with a beautiful wedge to eight feet before sealing the win with a calmly struck putt for par.

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LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE LEADING CANDIDATES FOR THE BIGGEST REBEL IN GOLF FROM THE DOWN THE AGES….

JOHN DALY

WHAT more needs to be said about modern day golf’s most infamous hellraiser? John Daly has provided an endless supply of copy for reporters around the world with his rebellious antics. Struggles with alcohol have been at the root of many of Big John’s problems and he once revealed that prior to joining the US PGA Tour in 1991, when he was earning a living on the mini-tours, it was a common occurrence for him to play whilst inebriated, saying: “Oh, the mini-tours, I played the whole thing drunk,” said Daly.

“Nobody knew. I’d ride around with my ice and Jack Daniels in the cart.”

When Daly joined the US PGA Tour he was frequently seen hitting the bottle after a bad round, only to withdraw from the tournament the following day.

On more than one occasion he was seen to suffer from the shakes, often breaking down during a round and has frequently walked off the course during tournaments when things haven’t been going his way – most recently in 2011 when he stormed off at both the Austrian Open and the Australian Open.

In 1999 at the US Open Championship he hit a moving ball on the 8th hole in the final round and left the tournament declaring, “This is my last US Open, ever.

I’ve had it with the USGA and the way they run their tournaments.”

He was forced to write a letter to apologise for his comments. Daly indulged his rock ‘n roll fantasies by trashing hotel rooms with alarming frequency and in 1992 he was forced to leave a New York-bound plane in Denver after confronting a stewardess while drunk.

But alcohol wasn’t his only weajness.

He was also addicted to marriage (he has had four of them), gambling, junk food, smoking and general chaos. In his 2006 autobiography Daly claimed to have lost between US$50 million and US$60 million over a 15 year period, including squandering around US$1.5 million in October 2005, mainly in US$5,000 Las Vegas slot machines, after winning US$750,000 for finishing runner-up at the WGC-American Express Championship!

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THE STARTER

KEN GREEN

DAVE HILL

Ken Green was golf’s chief agent provocateur during the 1980s. A winner of five US PGA Tour titles, he was known as much for his refusal to follow the rules as he was for his talent, leading him to some 24 fines.

“For whatever reason, I never really liked people telling me what to do,” said Green. His antics included sneaking a group of his friends into the Masters Tournament in the boot of his car and then refusing to visit the club’s barber because he, “didn’t want to end up looking like (former Chairman) Hord Hardin”.

He was also fond of hitting balls through sliding glass doors or open car windows. On one occasion at the US PGA Championship at Bellerive, St. Louis, in 1992, Green was signing autographs when he was asked, “What do you think of the course?” to which he replied, “course sucks”.

One of Green’s most famous controversial moments came at the Masters Tournament in 1997 when he was paired with Arnold Palmer in the second round. He got a friend to go and get him a beer and proceeded to drink a toast to his legendary partner. He also picked up a hefty portion of his fines due to using ‘overcolourful language’ on course.

Dave Hill lit up the golfing landscape in the 1960s and 1970s but he also shook up the establishment somewhat with his frequent outspoken remarks, which earned him the nickname the ‘Don Rickles’ of golf after the famously insulting American comedian.

He was constantly getting fined for swearing on the course and could often be seen breaking clubs over his knees after a bad shot.

Halfway through the 1970 US Open, when he was asked what he thought of Hazeltine golf course, he replied: “I’m still looking for it. It really did lack only 80 acres of corn and a few cows. They ruined a good farm when they built this course. I think the architect [Robert Trent Jones, one of the world’s best-known golf course architects] had his blueprints upside down when he laid it out.”

It later transpired that Hill had arranged with a local farmer to hire his tractor to drive to the awards ceremony should he have won the event.

WALTER HAGEN

Golf’s original bad boy. The Haig’s rebellious highlights include turning up to play still dressed in the previous night’s tuxedo, as his playing partners waited patiently on the tee.

An official irritated by his lateness on one occasion commented, “Practicing a few shots Walter?” to which the star replied, “Nope, having a few.” Hagen’s rebelious nature actually served to change the way professional players were treated.

When he started out the pros weren’t allowed into the clubhouse or the locker rooms and had to eat in the kitchen, such was the amateur eliteism prevalent in the game at the time. But Haig, golf’s first true commercial star, with an army of fans around the world, wasn’t having any of it. At The 1920 Open he embarrassed the R&A by turning up in his limousine, complete with footman, parking it outside the clubhouse at at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club in Kent and used it as a changing room.

The same year he threatened to boycott the French Open unless the pros were allowed to use the locker rooms. The organisers bowed to his wishes, aware of his huge pulling power, and gradually, with sustained pressure from Hagen in speaking out at every opportunity and refusing to accept trophies at tournaments where he’d been treated in a second-rate manner the message began to get through. Today’s pampered stars owe this bad boy one huge debt of gratitude. www.wwgolf.biz

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H.H. SHEIKH HAMDAN PATRONAGE FOR OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC HIS Highness Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, has granted his official patronage for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in a fitting recognition to the role played by the event in contributing to the Emirate’s status as a global centre of sporting excellence. The eyes of the golfing world will firmly be focused on Dubai early next year when an all-star cast, spearheaded by world number one Tiger Woods and second-ranked Rory McIlroy among other past champions, descend on Dubai to vie for honours in the landmark 25th edition of the longest-running European Tour event in Asia and the MENA region at the Emirates Golf Club from January 27 to February 2014 ,2.

PERRY SEALS SECOND SUCCESSIVE SENIOR MAJOR

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council presents Ernie Els the 2005 Omega Dubai Desert Classic with the trophy, as Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of ‘golf in DUBAi’, looks on.

KENNY Perry savoured his “greatest round” of golf after firing a 63 to complete a record comeback victory at the US Senior Open and claim a second successive senior Major.

The -52year-old went from 10 shots behind pacesetter Michael Allen at the halfway mark of the tournament to a five-stroke victory in Omaha, Nebraska.

“Today’s round was probably the greatest round I’ve ever played,” said Perry, who had a -13underpar total of 267 to add the US Senior Open title to the Senior Players Championship title he won two weeks earlier.

“I was just spot-on with all my irons and I putted like Ben Crenshaw. It all just came together for me.

It’s been a remarkable month. I’ve had a great run.”

DIVOTS NEWS WATSON NAMES ANDY

KPMG GOLF BUSINESS FORUM HEADS TO ABU DHABI

FOR 2014 RYDER CUP

THE tenth anniversary of the Golf Business Forum was recently held at St Andrews, Scotland, and the next edition will take place in Abu Dhabi from April 2014 ,30-28. The highend facilities in the Middle East record close to 45,000 rounds per year and revenues can reach more than 10$m.

Faisal Al Sheik, Director, Events Bureau, TCA Abu Dhabi is delighted to host the forum. “Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the KPMG Golf Business Forum will help us share our destination’s world-class offering and extend the emirate’s appeal to proven mainstays in the international corporate golf travel market,” he said.

“Our golf tourism sector is not simply growing, it is positively thriving. The emirate’s golf tourism proposition extends well beyond the fairways and greens of our trio of championship-ready courses and we now boast extensive business, leisure and cultural hospitality facilities and attractions to complement the on-course element.”

United States Captain Tom Watson has appointed US Open Champion Andy North as a vice-captain for next year’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. “Andy knows what it takes to close the deal and that’s what we need on the Ryder Cup team,” said Watson. “We need players who can close the deal. We’ve been discussing the players already, back and forth and the types of young players who might make the team, the types of players who I hope make the team.“I’m certainly happy to have Andy on my side and in my ear helping me make the decisions that will bring the Cup back home from Europe this time. It’s been away too long.”

international ambassador Ernie Els has agreed to become the Asian Tour’s first international ambassador. The -43year-old South African joins South Korean pair Yang Yong-eun and K.J. Choi, Fijian Vijay Singh and Jeev Milkha Singh of India as an honorary member of the -10year-old tour.

“It’s a great honour for me – this is absolutely wonderful,” Els said. “I’ve played in Asia for many, many years and this is something which I will take seriously.

“Who knows where the Asian Tour will be in 10 years’ time? I can only see it growing. Golf is so spectacular over there for the people and they are so excited about it.

“Golf courses are going up all over the place there. It just keeps growing.”

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TOUR NEWS

Rose in full bloom

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Q: How does it sound on the tee when you’re announced as the 2013 US Open Champion?

JR: It’s incredible. To win a Major championship is a moment you really hope is going to happen in your career. And I say hope, because there have been so many great players throughout the course of history who haven’t quite managed to have everything happen for them that one week. I’ve been a pro for 15 years but probably only in the last two years have I felt ready for that moment. So in a sense, to have it happen so soon, is very satisfying.

Q: How inspired were you by the way Adam Scott dealt with his Open collapse last year and then his Masters win earlier this year?

JR: It hit me really at Merion that if you’re not willing to experience the heartache and heartbreak of losing a Major like Adam did at Royal Lytham last summer, then you can’t really truly play your best stuff and be free enough

in that moment to get it done. That’s what I think Adam drew on when he won The Masters earlier this year. I’m OK with the fact that you just have to put yourself in that moment time and time again and be willing to just keep knocking on the door. That’s kind of what I learned as well from Adam.

Q: You’ve been on a very steep upward curve in the past few years since winning your first title in America in 2010. Take us through some of the highlights of the last three years and your path to Major glory.

JR: I think last year’s Ryder Cup and the singles match with Phil Mickelson for example, might have been a stepping stone towards it all. I felt a very similar experience there, just the pressure that you face in that environment. That, for me, was more about making putts under pressure, and I was telling myself that I could do that. Soon after there

was the World Golf final in Turkey where I played against Lee Westwood and I played Tiger Woods, and managed to come out on top in a very good field. Around that time I started to think that I could do this.

Then at the DP World Tour Championship at the end of last year, I shot a final round 10-under 62 on the Sunday. On the 18th hole I stepped up and made two great swings and almost made a miracle eagle putt down the green for what I thought would win the tournament. But then Rory McIlroy buried the last five for birdie to pip me to the title.

It’s definitely been a slow, slow journey and it’s taken its time, but it feels great to have gotten there. Regarding Majors, you never know if it’s going to happen for you. You think you’re good enough, you can tell yourself you’re good enough, you can tell yourself you’re ready and you can believe you’re ready, but until it really happens, you just don’t know.

2013 US Open Leaderboard 1 T2 T2 T4 T4 T4 T4 T8 T8

Justin Rose Jason Day Phil Mickelson Jason Dufner Ernie Els Billy Horschel Hunter Mahan Luke Donald Steve Stricker

ENG AUS USA USA RSA USA USA ENG USA

+1 +3 +3 +5 +5 +5 +5 +6 +6

71 70 67 74 71 72 72 68 71

69 74 72 71 72 67 69 72 69

71 68 70 73 73 72 69 71 70

70 71 74 67 69 74 75 75 76

281 283 283 285 285 285 285 286 286 www.wwgolf.biz

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TOUR NEWS Date: May 23 - 26 Event: BMW PGA Championship Venue: Wentworth Club, Surrey, England Winner’s Cheque: €791,660

MAGIC MATTEO WINS AT WENTWORTH Italian superstar-in-waiting Matteo Manassero became the youngest ever winner of The European Tour’s flagship BMW PGA Championship at the age of 20 after he outlasted Simon Khan and Marc Warren in a nervy play-off. The trio tied on 10-under after 72 holes with 2010 winner Khan setting the target after firing a superb final round 66. Warren was eliminated first in suddendeath after his ball found the trees off the tee. With Manassero and Khan in a stalemate through three holes the youngster finally broke the deadlock to win his fourth European Tour title and by far and away his biggest Championship so far.

Al k Z]]f Yf YeYraf_ o]]c& A `Yn] YdoYqk ^]dl kge]l`af_ j]Yddq kh][aYd YZgml O]flogjl` Yf\ l`ak lgmjfYe]fl& =n]jql`af_ `Yk [ge] lg_]l`]j l`ak o]]c& A eYfY_]\ lg hdYq o]dd Yf\ l`]f hmdd]\ al g^^ oal` l`ak hdYq%g^^& A e l`] `Yhha]kl eYf af l`] ogjd\ ja_`l fgo& Pos. Name 1 T2 T2 T4 T4

Date: May 23 - 26 Event: Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial Venue: Colonial CC, Fort Worth, Texas Winner’s Cheque: $1,152,000

Country To Par R1 R2 R3 R4 Total

Matteo Manassero Simon Khan Marc Warren Miguel Angel Jiménez Alejandro Canizares

ITA ENG SCO ESP ESP

-10 -10 -10 -9 -9

69 69 69 76 69

71 72 70 69 70

69 71 70 67 68

69 66 69 67 72

278 278 278 279 279

Date: May 30 - June 2 Event: Nordea Masters Venue: Bro Hof Slott GC, Stockholm, Sweden Winner’s Cheque: €250,000

ILONEN ENDS SIX YEAR DROUGHT

BOO ENDS HIS FIVEYEAR HOODOO Boo Weekley picked up his third US PGA Tour title and his first since 2008 thanks to a superb final round 4-under 66 which gave him a one-stroke win over Matt Kuchar at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. The Floridian’s previous two wins on the US PGA Tour came in successive years in ’07 and ’08 at the Verizon Heritage at Hilton Head.

Mikko Ilonen ended a six-year title drought with a commanding victory at the Nordea Masters on the outskirts of Stockholm. The Finn began the final day two shots clear but none of the chasing pack gained any ground and a cool 3-under 69 gave him a three-stroke win over home favourite Jonas Blixt. Ilonen’s only slip came on the 12th where he three-putted but he soon put that right with a birdie on the following hole and then closed out his first win since the 2007 Scandinavian Masters.

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Al k hj]llq kh][aYd& A [gmd\ ^]]d Y dgl g^ kmhhgjl ^jge >afdYf\$ ]kh][aYddq lg\Yq& A n] Z]]f hdYqaf_ o]dd j][]fldq Yf\ h]ghd] `Y\ Z]]f ]ph][laf_ e] lg oaf kg al k fa[] lg _]l al \gf]&

Pos. Name 1 2 3

Country

Boo Weekley Matt Kuchar Zach Johnson 18

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USA USA USA

To Par

R1 R2 R3 R4

Total

Pos. Name

Country

To Par

R1 R2 R3 R4

Total

-14 -13 -12

67 67 66 66 65 65 69 68 69 65 68 66

266 267 268

1 2 3

FIN SWE AUS

-21 -18 -17

70 63 65 69 70 66 66 68 69 72 64 66

267 270 271

Mikko Ilonen Jonas Blixt Bernd Wiesberger

Date: May 30 - June 2 Event: The Memorial Tournament Venue: Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, Ohio Winner’s Cheque: $1,116,000

Date: June 6 - 9 Event: Lyoness Open powered by Greenfinity Venue: Diamond CC, Atzenbrugg, Austria Winner’s Cheque: €250,000

KUCHAR IMPRESSES IN JACK’S BACK YARD

JOOST THE TICKET IN AUSTRIA

Matt Kuchar picked up his second win of the season after holding off a late charge from Kevin Chappell at the Memorial Tournament. The American Ryder Cup star began the day in the ascendency but found his lead cut to just one down the stretch by Chappell who was knocking it close at almost every hole. However, it wasn’t quite enough as Kuchar grinded it out. As he teed off on 18 he had a onestroke lead and he then sank a 20 foot birdie putt in front of tournament host Jack Nicklaus to clinch a two-stroke win.

Joost Luiten picked up his second win on The European Tour with a composed two-shot victory over experienced Dane Thomas Björn at the Lyoness Open powered by Greenfinity.

The Dutchman, who won the 2011 Iskandar Johor Open, began the day with a three-shot lead and was rarely threatened. He signed for a 1-under 71 to win from Björn who climbed up to outright second with a birdie at the last for a 4-under 68.

Lg oYdc g^^ l`] _j]]f Yf\ Z] _j]]l]\ Zq Ej& Fa[cdYmk Yf\ `Yn] `ae [gf_jYlmdYl] e]$ l`Yl k kge]l`af_ A dd []jlYafdq f]n]j ^gj_]l& Oaffaf_ lgmjfYe]flk Zj]]\k Y `m_] Yegmfl g^ [gfÚ\]f[]& Country To Par R1 R2 R3 R4 Pos. Name

Al oYk Y dgf_ \Yq& A klYjl]\ g^^ oal` Y Zg_]q Zml A `al l`] ZYdd fa[]dq kg A bmkl oYfl]\ lg ^g[mk gf l`Yl$ `al l`] _j]]fk$ log%hmll Yf\ eYc] l`] gl`]jk [`Yk] e]& Total

1 2 3

276 278 281

Matt Kuchar Kevin Chappel Kyle Stanley

USA USA USA

-12 -10 -7

68 70 70 68 71 71 68 68 67 70 73 71

Date: June 06 - 09 Event: FedEx St. Jude Classic Venue: TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee Winner’s Cheque: $1,206,000

ENGLISH DELIVERS THE GOODS

Al k Yf mfZ]da]nYZd] ^]]daf_& A j]Yddq \a\f l l`afc A \ Z] `gd\af_ l`] ljgh`q o`]f A [Ye] g^^ ZY[c%lg%ZY[c Zg_]qk gf 0 Yf\ 1& :ml eq [Y\\a] oYk kYqaf_ `]q$ d]lk _g Z]Yl l`ak ZY[c faf]$ d]lk _]l Y^l]j al$ Yf\ l`Yl k o`Yl o] \a\& Pos. Name Country To Par R1 R2 R3 R4 Total Harris English Phil Mickelson Scott Stallings Ryan Palmer

USA USA USA USA

-12 -10 -10 -9

Country NED DEN CHI FRA

To Par -17 -15 -14 -14

R1 65 71 67 68

R2 68 70 72 68

R3 67 64 69 69

R4 71 68 66 69

Total 271 273 274 274

Date: May June 13 - 16 Event: Volvo China Open Venue: Najeti Hotels et Golfs Open presented by Neuflize OBC Winner’s Cheque: €250,000

Harris English birdied holes 16 and 17 to overtake Scott Stallings and win his first US PGA Tour title at the FedEx St. Jude Classic. English thought his chances of victory had gone after he bogeyed holes 8 and 9 to make the turn in two-over but a pep-talk from his caddie Brian Smith helped gee him up for a back nine assault.

Whatever was said worked as he made four birdies and a solitary bogey to sneak into the winner’s circle two shots ahead of Stallings who faltered down the stretch.

1 2 2 4

Pos. Name 1 Joost Luiten 2 Thomas Bjorn T3 Wen-chong Liang T3 Romain Wattel

66 70 67 72

64 67 68 67

69 65 67 65

69 67 68 67

268 270 270 271

THORNTON HOLDS HIS NERVE FOR FIRST WIN SIMON Thornton won his first European Tour title with an emotional play-off victory over Tjaart Van der Walt and dedicated the victory to his late father after clinching the Najeti Hotels et Golfs Open presented by Neuflize OBC on Father’s Day. The Irishman made a par on the first extra hole of sudden death to win after both players found themselves level on 5-under-par after 72 holes of regulation.

L`ak kg Za_ ^gj e]& Gf >Yl`]j k <Yq lgg$ `] hYkk]\ YoYq l`j]] q]Yjk Y_g Yf\ al kladd `mjlk$ Zml l`]q Yj] `Yhhq l]Yjk lg\Yq& L`ak ak \]\a[Yl]\ lg `ae& A \a\f l hdYq hYjla[mdYjdq o]dd Zml A _gl mh%Yf\%\gof o`]f A `Y\ lg Yf\ `gd]\ kge] _gg\ hmllk& Pos. Name

Country

To Par

R1 R2 R3 R4

Total

1 2 3 4

IRL RSA ENG ENG

-5 -5 -4 -2

74 67 75 72

279 279 280 282

Simon Thornton Tjaart Van Der Walt Seve Benson Robert Dinwiddie

70 71 65 66

65 71 70 74

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70 70 70 70 19

TOUR NEWS Date: June 20 - 23 Event: Travelers Championship Venue: TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut Winner’s Cheque: $1,098,000

Date: June 20 - 23 Event: BMW International Open Venue: Golfclub Munchen Eichenried, Munich, Germany Winner’s Cheque: €333,330

EASY DOES IT FOR ELS ERNIE Els set the tone for a wonderful week of golf with an opening round of 63 at the BMW International Open in Germany but had to withstand pressure from Thomas Björn and Alexander Levy in the final round before sealing the victory.

Els was overtaken by both Levy and Björn at various stages of the final day but he hung in there and after the Dane and Frenchman fell away he signed for a third consecutive 69 for an 18-under total and a one shot win over Björn with Levy third.

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Country RSA DEN FRA

To Par -18 -17 -16

R1 63 68 65

R2 69 69 68

R3 69 65 68

R4 69 69 71

Total 270 271 272

Date: June 27 - 30 Event: The Irish Open Venue: Carton House GC, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland Winner’s Cheque: €333,330

VETERAN DUKE FINALLY BREAKS THROUGH Ken Duke won on his 187th start on the US PGA Tour after defeating Chris Stroud on the second hole of a play-off at the Travelers Championship. The 44-year-old made a two-foot birdie putt to deny Stroud who had chipped in from 51-feet on the 72nd hole to get to 12-under and force the play-off with Duke. Stroud’s celebration was highly energetic but that was as good as it got for the 31-year-old as Duke’s stunning approach in the play-off left him a tap-in for victory.

Al k Z]]f Y dgf_%lae] [geaf_& A n] Z]]f gf l`] ;YfY\aYf Lgmj$ l`] eafa lgmjk$ l`] 9kaYf Lgmj$ Kgml` 9e]ja[Yf Lgmjk Ydegkl Ydd g^ l`]e& Al k _j]Yl lg Z] Y hYjl g^ l`] ^Yeadq g^ oaff]jk gf l`] MK H?9 Lgmj& Pos. Name Country To Par R1 R2 R3 R4 Total 1 2 3

Ken Duke Chris Stroud Graham DeLaet

USA USA CAN

-12 -12 -11

69 68 65 66 66 69 66 67 65 70 65 69

268 268 269

Date: June 27 - 30 Event: AT&T National Venue: Congressional CC, Bethesda, Maryland Winner’s Cheque: $1,170,000

PAUL CASEY’S BACK WITH A BANG

BILL HAAS EARNS HIS HONOURS

PAUL Casey clinched his first title since 2011 with a superb three-shot win over Joost Luiten and Robert Rock at the Irish Open. The Englishman, who has been beset by injuries since his last win at the 2011 Volvo Golf Champions, sealed the victory in some style, knocking in a 45-foot eagle putt on the last. Rock had to settle for second place for the second time in Ireland after losing out to Shane Lowry in a play-off in 2009.

BILL Haas picked up his fifth title on the US PGA Tour after a stunning closing round 5-under 66 gave him a three-shot victory over Roberto Castro at the AT&T National at Congressional. Haas was the only man in the field to break par in all four rounds The American made six birdies and a solitary bogey to wrap up a comfortable victory.

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A [Yf l ]n]f l]dd qgm `go _gg\ al ^]]dk& A oYk ljqaf_ lg c]]h eq ]eglagfk af [`][c gml l`]j]& Al k kg `Yj\ lg \g& EYfq lae]k A n] [`gc]\ Yf\ `al ZY\ k`glk Yf\ al `Ykf l ogjc]\ gml& Lg `al _gg\ imYdalq _gd^ k`glk \gof l`] klj]l[` ak km[` Y _gg\ ^]]daf_&

Pos. Name 1 T2 T2 4

Country

Paul Casey Robert Rock Joost Luiten Pablo Larrazabal 20

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ENG ENG NED SPA

To Par

R1 R2 R3 R4

Total

Pos. Name

Country

To Par

R1 R2 R3 R4

Total

-14 -11 -11 -9

68 69 67 69

274 277 277 279

1 2 T3 T3

USA USA KOR USA

-12 -9 -8 -8

70 66 71 71

272 275 276 276

72 66 70 69

67 71 66 66

67 71 74 75

Bill Haas Roberto Castro D.H. Lee Jason Kokrak

68 69 66 66

68 71 75 70

66 69 64 69

Date: July 4 - 7 Event: Alstom Open de France Venue: Le Golf National, Paris, France Winner’s Cheque: €500,000

Date: July 4 - 7 Event: The Greenbrier Classic Venue: The Old White TPC, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia Winner’s Cheque: $1,134,000

McDOWELL MAKES IT THREE FOR THE YEAR Graeme McDowell collected his third title of the season with a sublime fourstroke win over South Africa’s Richard Sterne at the Alstom Open de France. The Ulsterman carded matching weekend rounds of 67 to win at Le Golf National for his third win in eight starts. Between those victories McDowell has suffered missed cuts causing him to comment, “It’s been a funny year” so far. Eduardo De La Riva and former winner Graeme Storm finished a short further back tied third.

Al k Z]]f Y Zal g^ Y ZYlld]& Al k Z]]f Y ^mffq q]Yj& Eq _Ye] `Yk fgl ^]dl ^Yj YoYq egkl o]]ck Zml A `Yn] eakk]\ Y dgl egj] [mlk l`Yf fgjeYd Yf\ eakkaf_ [mlk `mjlk& Al []jlYafdq eglanYl]\ e] Y dgl gn]j l`] dYkl ^]o o]]ck& Pos. Name Country To Par R1 R2 R3 R4 Total 1 2 T3 T3

Graeme McDowell Richard Sterne Eduardo De La Riva Graeme Storm

NIR RSA ESP ENG

-9 -5 -4 -4

69 68 72 70

69 69 67 68

70 71 72 73

67 71 69 69

275 279 280 280

BLIXT GOES LOW FOR SECOND CAREER WIN Sweden’s Jonas Blixt was a model of consistency as he followed an opening round of 66 with three consecutive 67s to win The Greenbrier Classic by two strokes clear of four players sharing second place .Blixt, who won his first title at the 2012 Frys.com Open, won ahead of Australian Pair Steven Bowditch and Matt Jones and Americans Johnson Wagner and Jimmy Walker.

L`ak bmkl [gfÚjek l`Yl qgm j] \gaf_ l`] ja_`l l`af_k Yf\ \j]Yek [Yf [ge] ljm] a^ qgm ogjc `Yj\ Yf\ c]]h Yl al& Pos. Name Country To Par R1 R2 R3 R4 Total 1 T2 T2 T2 T2

Jonas Blixt Steven Bowditch Matt Jones Johnson Wagner Jimmy Walker

SWE AUS AUS USA USA

-13 -11 -11 -11 -11

66 65 69 62 69

67 67 66 70 65

67 69 66 64 64

67 68 68 73 71

267 269 269 269 269

Date: July 11 - 14 Event: Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open Venue: Castle Stuart Golf Links, Inverness, Scotland Winner’s Cheque: €579,080

Date: July 11 - 14 Event: John Deere Classic Venue: TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois Winner’s Cheque: $828,000

MICKELSON’S MAGIC PREVAILS IN SCOTLAND

TEENAGE SENSATION SPEITH MAKES HISTORY

Phil Mickelson bounced back from missing a 5-footer for victory in regulation to win on the first extra hole of a play-off with Branden Grace. Mickelson needed a par on the par-5 72nd hole to secure the title but bogeyed to tie with Grace on 17-under-par. However, on their first trip down the 18th the American struck a delightful wedge to within inches of the pin for a tap-in birdie to deny the South African and pick up his first title in Europe since 1993 in the process.

Jordan Spieth became the first teenager to win on the US PGA Tour in 82 years thanks to a mammoth play-off win over Zach Johnson and David Hearn. Just two weeks shy of his 20th birthday, Spieth outlasted Hearn and Johnson on the fifth extra hole of sudden-death after the trio had tied on 19-under. After they couldn’t be separated after four holes Spieth won with a regulation par on the last after Johnson found the water with his second shot and Hearn missed a par putt from eight feet.

A `Yn] Z]]f [geaf_ `]j] ^gj kge] lae] Yf\ `Y\ kge] ghhgjlmfala]k Yf\ A Ydegkl d]l al kdah YoYq lg\Yq& Lg [ge] gml gf lgh oYk l]jjaÚ[& Pos. Name Country To Par R1 R2 R3 R4 Total 1 2 T3 T3

Phil Mickelson Branden Grace J.B. Hansen Henrik Stenson

USA RSA DEN SWE

-17 -17 -15 -15

66 71 68 70

70 65 65 64

66 66 69 66

69 69 71 73

271 271 273 273

A \a\f l l`afc al ogmd\ `Yhh]f l`ak ]Yjdq& A `Y\ Y hdYf Yf\ A _m]kk l`] hdYf _gl ]p[]]\]\& A e ]plj]e]dq hd]Yk]\& Pos. Name Country To Par R1 R2 R3 R4 Total 1 T2 T2

Jordan Spieth Zach Johnson David Hearn

USA USA CAN

-19 -19 -19

70 65 65 65 64 66 67 68 66 66 64 69 www.wwgolf.biz

265 265 265 21

Murifield of Dreams

F

OR a man who once admitted that he ‘hated’ links golf, Phil Mickelson’s outlook on the original version of the game had to change completely if he were ever to win the grandest and most coveted tournament of them all.

The Open Championship always seemed a step too far for the gifted Californian who frequently said that he didn’t have the necessary tools in his armoury to win on a British coastal course.

Now, arguably the most naturally talented player in the game has changed all that. Mickelson has been working diligently on what is required to play well on the links and he was duly rewarded with what he described as his ‘most fulfilling’ victory at the 142nd Open Championship, on the East Lothian coast.

When many of the game’s big names bypassed the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open on the links of Castle Stuart the week before The Open Mickelson stayed loyal to the event and produced a masterclass of links golf that set him up for his Muirfield triumph.

Hopefully, Phil will claim that elusive US Open title in the coming years to take his place alongside the greats of the game as a Grand Slam winner. He’s been runner-up six times, the most heart-wrenching of which came earlier this summer when he shot a 74 in the final group to let in Justin Rose at Merion.

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Murifield of Dreams Now, after overtaking the front runners in the field at Muirfield with a truly sensational 5-under-par 66 he’s only got that one piece of the Grand Slam jigsaw left to win.

“It was probably the best round of my career,” said Phil shortly after parading the Claret Jug to the crowds in Gullane.

“It feels amazing to have won this Championship. And then to make it even more special to have my wife Amy and the kids, Amanda, Sophia and Evan here and to share this with my caddie Bones, it really is special. It’s a day that I’ll always cherish and always remember.

“It’s a huge difference in emotions. I was so down after the US Open. But to come back and use it as motivation, as a springboard, knowing that I’m playing well and to push me a little bit extra to work harder, to come out on top, in a matter of a month and turn it around feels really amazing.

“I thought that it could go either way.

You have to be resilient in this game because losing is such a big part of golf.

After losing the US Open, things could have easily gone south. But I looked at it and thought I was playing really good golf – some of the best in my career.

“I didn’t want it to stop me from any potential victories this year and I’m glad I didn’t because I worked that little bit harder and in just a few weeks I was able to change entirely the way I feel.” It was a day when Mickelson went for broke. It was no holds barred golf He decided to

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run the risk and take a chance – as he has done his whole career – and it paid off in the form of a glistening Claret Jug. Putt after putt dropped, whether they were testing par saves from inside 10 feet or birdie putts from outside 20, his charge to victory was something to behold. He birdied the two par fives on the outward nine and parred the other seven but came unstuck on the tenth, dropping his first and only shot of the day. He parred holes 11 and 12 before the Mickelson Juggernaut took off and steamrollered the links.

He rifled his tee shot on the par-3

TOP: Tiger Woods battles out of the rough on the 11th hole during the final round.

BELOW: Lee Westwood looks on in anticipation after he hitting out of the rough on the 3rd hole during the final round.

13th to around 10 feet and sank the putt.

He knocked his approach on the 14th to around 25 feet and sank the putt. Feeling the momentum was with him he then drained two superb par-saving putts on 15 and 16 before reaching the par-5 17th with two huge blows with his trusty 3-wood.

A two-putt birdie put him clear and then a dainty downhill birdie putt on the 18th sealed the victory.

Muirfield didn’t know what had hit it them. There were still players out on the course – overnight leader Lee Westwood, World No.1 Tiger Woods, Masters

champion Adam Scott, American Hunter Mahan and Swedenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in-form Henrik Stenson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but they were all playing in vain.

The dried-out, lightning fast links had got the better of them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and Mickelson knows exactly how that feels.

His ďŹ rst taste of seaside golf came in 1991 at the Walker Cup at Portmarnock and he actually rather enjoyed it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I played well there and it was a wonderful test,â&#x20AC;? he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but the conditions and the penalty for missed shots in The Open Championship are much more severe than when we played in The Walker Cup. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It took me a while to ďŹ gure it out. I would say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only been the last eight or nine years Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve started playing it more eďŹ&#x20AC;ectively and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve started to hit my shots more eďŹ&#x20AC;ectively. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But even then itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so diďŹ&#x20AC;erent to what I grew up playing. I always wondered if I would develop the skills needed to win The Open. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Winning the Scottish Open the week before at Castle Stuart, at the time was a big win for me. But to follow that just seven days later in winning The Open was something extra special. But it was a special week for me at Castle Stuart because I was playing so well. â&#x20AC;&#x153; It gave me conďŹ dence heading into The Open. It was exactly what I needed to propel me into MuirďŹ eld and playing well on that ďŹ nal day in diďŹ&#x192;cult conditions gave me the conďŹ dence that I could play some of my best golf in links conditions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think that if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m able to win the US

B

MASTERS TOURNAMENT: 2004, 2006, 2010 US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: 2005 Open and complete the career Grand Slam, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the sign of the complete great player. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just one leg away. I think there are ďŹ ve players who have done that and those ďŹ ve players are the greats of the game. You look at them in a diďŹ&#x20AC;erent light.â&#x20AC;?

The US Open will have to wait, but for now Mickelson, who is back up to World No.2 behind Woods, can bask in the glory of joining the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino, Walter Hagen, Sir Nick Faldo and Ernie Els as winners of the greatest championship in the game, at MuirďŹ eld. Q

TOP: Ian Poulter celebrates a birdie putt on the back nine but his late charge is all in vain.

BOTTOM: Phil Mickelson holds the Claret Jug with his wife Amy and children Amanda, Evan and Sophia.

THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP: 2013

B 3

1999 (Pinehurst No.2) 2002 (Bethpage Black) 2004 (Shinnecock Hills) 2006 (Winged Foot) 2009 (Bethpage Black) 2013 (Merion)

Loves the US Open. Won in 2010 and was runner-up last year. Hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t won anywhere since 2010 until he pounced at Hilton Head two months ago â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a tight course that requires precision. A bit like a US Open. A win at the Volvo World Match Play in Bulgaria last month confirmed heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the in-form European and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also fifth in the Driving Leading amateur Matthew Fitzpatrick of England,left, second-placed Henrik Stenson of Sweden and 2013 Open Champion, Phil Mickelson during the presentation ceremony.

Accuracy ranking. Q www.wwgolf.biz

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Adam Scott

Luke Donald

Webb Simpson

Lee Westwood

Matteo Manassero

Louis Oosthuizen

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7$w'!5 61 & 6 $ 5 ! # OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKING  AS AT JULY 22, 2013

Pos. Player Country Points 1 Tiger Woods USA 12.64 2 Phil Mickelson USA 8.63 3 Rory McIlroy Nir 8.61 4 Adam Scott Aus 7.72 5 Justin Rose Eng 7.71 6 Matt Kuchar USA 6.54 7 Brandt Snedeker USA 6.08 8 Graeme McDowell Nir 6.07 9 Luke Donald Eng 5.55 10 Lee Westwood Eng 5.21 11 Steve Stricker USA 4.88 12 Louis Oosthuizen RSA 4.84 13 Charl Schwartzel RSA 4.75 14 Ian Poulter Eng 4.74 15 Ernie Els RSA 4.70 16 Sergio Garcia Esp 4.70

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Keegan Bradley Bubba Watson Jason Day Henrik Stenson Webb Simpson Hunter Mahan Jason Dufner Bill Haas Dustin Johnson Zach Johnson Branden Grace Matteo Manassero Nick Watney Peter Hanson Bo Van Pelt Jim Furyk Richard Sterne

USA USA Aus Swe USA USA USA USA USA USA RSA Ita USA Swe USA USA RSA

4.51 4.45 4.45 4.44 4.16 4.16 4.07 3.94 3.87 3.67 3.39 3.38 3.33 3.33 3.26 3.22 3.02

34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Hideki Matsuyama Rickie Fowler Martin Kaymer Francesco Molinari Billy Horschel Jamie Donaldson Kevin Streelman Thorbjorn Olesen Nicolas Colsaerts Angel Cabrera Gonzalo Fdez-Castano Ryan Moore Scott Piercy Carl Pettersson Martin Laird Jonas Blixt Paul Lawrie

Jpn USA Deu Ita USA Wal USA Dnk Bel Arg Esp USA USA Swe Sco Swe Sco

2.98 2.97 2.91 2.87 2.86 2.81 2.75 2.69 2.69 2.64 2.64 2.58 2.56 2.51 2.46 2.46 2.44

Henrik Stenson is back in the World top-20 after his runnerup finish at The Open and the Swede is determined to get into the top-10 by the end of the season. He had fallen as far back as 230th in the World but Stenson, who has settled in Florida after many years in Dubai, has recaptured his game and is set to push on. “I found some form at the back end of last year,” he said after collecting the Silver Salver for finishing second. “It was great to be back in the winners’ circle at the South African Open in November. I’ve put down some long-term goals with my game and worked hard at them, and, as always, that pays off in the end.

“I’ve made some great improvements this season, and I’m really getting back to form. I’m going to keep on trying to put myself into these positions going forward, and hopefully we can close the deal in the near future. I’m kind of looking at trying to get back into the top 15, then top 10 by the end of this year if I keep progressing. I can definitely see top ten in the World and I wouldn’t say I’m that far off.”

Henrik Stenson

Back-to-back wins at the Scottish Open and then The Open Championship moved Phil Mickelson up from No.12 in the World back to equal his career-high ranking of second. But the big mover this last month was veteran American Woody Austin. As Mickelson was shooting the lights out to win at Muirfield, the 49-year-old won the Sanderson Farms Championship for his first US PGA Tour win since 2007 and moved up 351 spots from 608th to 257th in the world.

In Italy, home favourite Marco Crespi took the title in the Mugello Tuscany Open with four birdies in the last six holes (rather Mickelsonesque) to win the second European Challenge Tour event of his career. Crespi now sits at 232nd in the world after moving up 123 places.

Woody Austin

Marco Crespi

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27

THE BEST HOSPITALITY ON EARTH For HOSPITALITY information visit www.DPWTC.com

7$w'!5 2013 5'% /6 .(5! 5 ! # THE 2013 RACE TO DUBAI RANKING ď&#x161;ť AS AT JULY 22, 2013 Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Name Justin ROSE Graeme McDOWELL Matteo MANASSERO Henrik STENSON Richard STERNE Branden GRACE Ernie ELS Sergio GARCIA Brett RUMFORD Ian POULTER Lee WESTWOOD Mikko ILONEN Charl SCHWARTZEL Angel CABRERA Jamie DONALDSON Thongchai JAIDEE Thorbjørn OLESEN Thomas BJĂ&#x2013;RN Stephen GALLACHER Scott JAMIESON Marc WARREN Joost LUITEN Thomas AIKEN Kiradech APHIBARNRAT Nicolas COLSAERTS Louis OOSTHUIZEN Francesco MOLINARI Simon KHAN Alex NOREN Paul CASEY Gonzalo FDEZ-CASTAĂ&#x2018;O Marcel SIEM Chris WOOD Felipe AGUILAR Pablo LARRAZĂ BAL Bernd WIESBERGER RaphaĂŤl JACQUELIN George COETZEE Darren FICHARDT Martin KAYMER Ricardo SANTOS Marcus FRASER Peter UIHLEIN Rafa CABRERA-BELLO Shane LOWRY Victor DUBUISSON GrĂŠgory BOURDY Eduardo DE LA RIVA David HOWELL Miguel Angel JIMĂ&#x2030;NEZ

Nationality

No. of events

Prizemoney

Pos

ENG NIR ITA SWE RSA RSA RSA ESP AUS ENG ENG FIN RSA ARG WAL THA DEN DEN SCO SCO SCO NED RSA THA BEL RSA ITA ENG SWE ENG ESP GER ENG CHI ESP AUT FRA RSA RSA GER POR AUS USA ESP IRL FRA FRA ESP ENG ESP

8 9 16 11 13 15 11 10 15 8 7 15 8 3 13 15 14 16 15 20 19 16 18 10 9 9 15 12 15 14 12 13 11 18 21 16 17 12 16 10 20 13 15 19 12 15 19 17 19 8

â&#x201A;Ź1,561385 â&#x201A;Ź1,545988 â&#x201A;Ź1,179880 â&#x201A;Ź1,179710 â&#x201A;Ź1,152912 â&#x201A;Ź1,035064 â&#x201A;Ź994,464 â&#x201A;Ź958,082 â&#x201A;Ź912,673 â&#x201A;Ź894,210 â&#x201A;Ź867,678 â&#x201A;Ź843,121 â&#x201A;Ź818,773 â&#x201A;Ź772,752 â&#x201A;Ź755,432 â&#x201A;Ź735,237 â&#x201A;Ź695,210 â&#x201A;Ź683,795 â&#x201A;Ź663,807 â&#x201A;Ź647,430 â&#x201A;Ź636,175 â&#x201A;Ź599,863 â&#x201A;Ź592,516 â&#x201A;Ź592,365 â&#x201A;Ź591,363 â&#x201A;Ź590,806 â&#x201A;Ź578,709 â&#x201A;Ź574,527 â&#x201A;Ź563,614 â&#x201A;Ź553,694 â&#x201A;Ź549,920 â&#x201A;Ź544,626 â&#x201A;Ź532,863 â&#x201A;Ź532,564 â&#x201A;Ź521,518 â&#x201A;Ź508,010 â&#x201A;Ź506,870 â&#x201A;Ź490,747 â&#x201A;Ź468,025 â&#x201A;Ź466,608 â&#x201A;Ź435,286 â&#x201A;Ź433,554 â&#x201A;Ź430,436 â&#x201A;Ź423,385 â&#x201A;Ź418,003 â&#x201A;Ź406,333 â&#x201A;Ź386,286 â&#x201A;Ź382,120 â&#x201A;Ź382,047 â&#x201A;Ź372,976

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

Name Padraig HARRINGTON Danny WILLETT Alejandro CAĂ&#x2018;IZARES Luke DONALD Tim CLARK Steve WEBSTER Paul LAWRIE Peter HANSON David HORSEY Peter WHITEFORD Edoardo MOLINARI Tommy FLEETWOOD Eddie PEPPERELL Garth MULROY Graeme STORM Robert ROCK Robert-Jan DERKSEN Maximilian KIEFFER David DRYSDALE Richie RAMSAY Gareth MAYBIN Andy SULLIVAN John PARRY Anders HANSEN Lee SLATTERY Romain WATTEL Dawie VAN DER WALT Kristoffer BROBERG Morten Ă&#x2DC;rum MADSEN JB HANSEN Simon DYSON Wen-chong LIANG Rory McILROY Julien QUESNE Søren KJELDSEN Carl PETTERSSON Gaganjeet BHULLAR Peter LAWRIE Jonas BLIXT Paul WARING Lorenzo GAGLI James KINGSTON Jorge CAMPILLO Richard BLAND Jaco VAN ZYL Matthew BALDWIN GrĂŠgory HAVRET Seve BENSON Damien MCGRANE Ross FISHER

Nationality

No. of events

Prizemoney

IRL ENG ESP ENG RSA ENG SCO SWE ENG SCO ITA ENG ENG RSA ENG ENG NED GER SCO SCO NIR ENG ENG DEN ENG FRA RSA SWE DEN DEN ENG CHN NIR FRA DEN SWE IND IRL SWE ENG ITA RSA ESP ENG RSA ENG FRA ENG IRL ENG

10 12 18 8 6 19 14 9 17 22 14 20 18 16 21 18 17 20 22 13 19 22 18 11 20 18 8 20 15 20 19 10 8 16 22 6 9 20 2 18 21 9 24 17 13 23 21 15 19 8

â&#x201A;Ź359,785 â&#x201A;Ź347,834 â&#x201A;Ź341,122 â&#x201A;Ź340,885 â&#x201A;Ź339,733 â&#x201A;Ź334,909 â&#x201A;Ź331,050 â&#x201A;Ź328,997 â&#x201A;Ź326,326 â&#x201A;Ź320,903 â&#x201A;Ź319,759 â&#x201A;Ź307,589 â&#x201A;Ź301,661 â&#x201A;Ź296,033 â&#x201A;Ź292,353 â&#x201A;Ź281,159 â&#x201A;Ź279,711 â&#x201A;Ź274,067 â&#x201A;Ź271,980 â&#x201A;Ź271,871 â&#x201A;Ź265,640 â&#x201A;Ź262,847 â&#x201A;Ź260,622 â&#x201A;Ź259,902 â&#x201A;Ź251,263 â&#x201A;Ź250,266 â&#x201A;Ź249,550 â&#x201A;Ź245,005 â&#x201A;Ź243,260 â&#x201A;Ź240,398 â&#x201A;Ź240,176 â&#x201A;Ź239,477 â&#x201A;Ź233,590 â&#x201A;Ź230,015 â&#x201A;Ź229,727 â&#x201A;Ź222,550 â&#x201A;Ź219,795 â&#x201A;Ź212,533 â&#x201A;Ź209,924 â&#x201A;Ź209,057 â&#x201A;Ź205,770 â&#x201A;Ź203,921 â&#x201A;Ź202,829 â&#x201A;Ź199,367 â&#x201A;Ź187,977 â&#x201A;Ź185,618 â&#x201A;Ź185,348 â&#x201A;Ź183,908 â&#x201A;Ź177,639 â&#x201A;Ź175,559

E X P L A N AT I O N O F T H E E U R O P E A N T O U R R A C E T O D U B A I 2 0 1 3 The Race to Dubai is a season-long competition spanning a minimum of 45 tournaments in 24 countries and all ďŹ ve continents on The 2013 European Tour International Schedule. The Race to Dubai winner receives The Harry Vardon Trophy (ďŹ rst awarded in 1937), and a seven year European Tour Card exemption. The winner of The Race to Dubai will secure Category 1 Membership of The European Tour similar to the winners of The Open Championship, the US Open, the US PGA Championship and the Masters Tournament. The Bonus Pool will count as OďŹ&#x192;cial Money on the ďŹ nal Race to Dubai standings.

www.wwgolf.biz www.wwgolf. wgolf.biz

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Paul Casey

OUTOFTHE SHADOWS PAUL Casey was forced to watch last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DP World Tour Championship from the sidelines as his European Tour peers Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose battled it out for one of the most prestigious prizes in the game. +PLWT[ JCF EWTVCKNGF JKU UGCUQP CPF JG HCKNGF VQ ÂżPKUJ KP VJG required top 60 on The Race to Dubai to make him eligible for the tournament.

It was a bitter pill to swallow, but, sadly for the supremely talented Englishman, not a new experience. The highs of Caseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career, of which there have been many â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 European Tour titles, including a record 10&8 victory over Shaun Micheel to claim the 2006 Volvo World Match Play Championship and subsequently The European Tour Golfer of the Year Award; a World Cup victory for England with Luke Donald (2004); three successive Ryder Cup appearances (20042008); a US PGA Tour victory at the 2009 Shell Houston Open; and a World Ranking high of No.3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have been offset by a series of frustrating, injury-blighted lows.

Casey looked to be heading for the top of the 2009 Order of Merit, JCXKPI ENCKOGF VJG 6QWTÂśU Ă&#x20AC;CIUJKR $/9 2)# %JCORKQPUJKR GXGPV CV Wentworth and a second Abu Dhabi Golf Championship title, before a rib injury derailed the second half of his season. He missed the DP World Tour Championship that year, too.

Then in January 2012, while snowboarding in Colorado, he dislocated his right shoulder â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an injury which took a long time to get QXGT CPF NGF VQ C NQUU QH HQTO CPF EQPÂżFGPEG 1WVUKFG VJG 9QTNF 6QR 100, he missed last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s US Open as well as the Dubai showpiece, and having been overlooked by Colin Montgomerie for the 2010 Ryder Cup while he was a top 10 player, he again missed out as his Tour colleagues achieved the impossible at Medinah.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been ineligible for the Majors this year but a three-stroke victory at the Irish Open, sealed with a spectacular 45-foot eagle putt QP VJG ÂżPCN JQNG UKIPCNNGF C FTCOCVKE TGVWTP VQ HQTO *CXKPI YCVEJGF his good friend Justin Rose claim last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s US Open, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now fully focussed on getting back to competing for golfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest prizes.

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Paul Casey Q: You must have been pleased to win the Irish Open in the manner that you did?

PC: I was absolutely thrilled. I always wanted a grandstand finish and I got one.

I’ve never holed a putt like that to win a tournament. I was over the moon.

I don’t think I quite realised the list of names who have won The Irish Open until I was presented with the trophy. But I’ve always held golf in Ireland in a special place and I regard it as the highest level; the Irish fans are fantastic.

Q: What did it mean to you to win again after the struggles you’ve had over the last couple of years, and do you think it could now open the door to more victories?

PC: Psychologically, it’s huge. It’s almost like a first win again, it’s that kind of feeling. I’ve struggled with my confidence so it’s a huge relief knowing that I’m moving in the right direction; that I’ve got some great golf left in me for another ten plus years. It’s a massive confidence boost.

Q: Was there ever a moment after your accident when you actually feared for your career?

PC: Yes. It’s difficult to pinpoint a particular moment but there was a period where I really struggled with getting the shoulder back to where I wanted it.

In hindsight, did I come back too early?

Probably, because the swing changed, trying to protect the shoulder. That led to a knock-on snowballing situation. I started losing confidence because the swing had changed and I was not hitting the shots I wanted to hit.

When you’re playing great golf, you have no idea how you ever played bad golf.

When you play bad golf, you’ve got no clue how you ever played good golf.

Looking at some of my mates hitting great golf shots, I was thinking to myself, ‘I can’t see myself doing that right now and I don’t have the confidence to do that’. That eats you. It really hurts. It’s quite a painful place to be.

Q: You sprinted up the 18th fairway at one point – I guess your toe isn’t as sore as it was?

PC: My toe is actually very sore. I’ve got no cartilage in the right big toe joint. I’m not very technical on names of bones, but yeah, it is quite painful.

At some point, I’ll probably have an injection in it to relieve that pain, and probably at the end of the year, I might have it cut open and cleaned out, which might mean having to take some time off.

But I’m manning up and I’m dealing with the pain!

Q: There were lots of messages of congratulations to you on Twitter and one of the first was from your coach, Peter Kostis, who’s suffering from health problems himself at the minute.

Can you just speak about him and his influence?

PC: Yeah, he’s recovering. He’s actually going through chemotherapy for colon cancer right now. I’m like his adopted son.

He’s my other dad. He’s not just my swing coach or golf coach. He’s sort of my life coach as well. He’s been a massive part of my comeback and he never stopped believing in me, and for that I can’t thank him enough. I’m very lucky to have him as a coach and as a friend.

Q: Did your friend Justin Rose’s victory in the US Open act as an inspiration to you?

PC: It certainly did. Justin’s victory was phenomenal. He’s a good friend and I was so proud of what he did; the way he played; the way he conducted himself.

It’s just another one of those moments where I thought, ‘I want to replicate what Justin is doing.’

His career started off indifferently.

It’s been well documented how he struggled at the beginning. I’ve seen the work that he’s put in. He’s one of the world’s best players. I’ve been there before, and I desperately want to be back in control of my golf game and winning championships again. Watching him just gave me another little sort of kick, another sort of prod.

Q: Is getting back into The Ryder Cup Team after missing a couple a big priority?

PC: Of course. That’s obviously a target.

It always is. It’s hard being on the outside of the last two, but watching them was entertaining, I’ll say that! Although I’d rather watch them from inside the ropes.

Q: You and your girlfriend Pollyanna seem to be getting on very well – how does that help having a steady relationship off the golf course?

PC: It’s great. Pollyanna’s fantastic. She understands me very well. Those people who have met her will understand the positive attitude that she carries with her at all times. It’s very infectious.

Unfortunately, I’m not that way inclined, and I need that positive approach to things, so it’s nice to have that around me. She’s very calm, and I think that’s been a very helpful influence on my golf and on my life in general.

TOP OF PAGE: Casey tees off on his way to finishing in a share of 16th place at the 2011 DP World Tour Championship, Casey’s last appearance in the tournament.

MIDDLE: Casey lifts the Irish Open trophy after winning his first European Tour event since his victory at the 2011 Volvo Golf Champions in Bahrain.

ABOVE: Casey enjoys the playing conditions in the Arabian Gulf having won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in 2007 and again in 2009 and also the Volvo Golf Champions in 2011.

Q: Do you have any advice for Rory McIlroy, who missed the cut in The Open, on playing with Nike equipment? He’s said he’s still not quite got the driver right. Do you think it’s just a matter of time?

PC: I can’t answer that – we have so many different specs. He’s using a different golf ball to me, a different shaft, a different head. There are so many variables. You know, it really frustrates me when I read negative press about Nike and their equipment. They are a legitimate golf brand, a legitimate golf company, and sure, people don’t necessarily see what I see behind the scenes with all the R&D and the personnel who are making fantastic golf products. It’s right up there, I would put three or four other manufacturers in the same ballpark. But it is not inferior in any way, and this is just something that Rory’s just trying to get right. I have every confidence in him that he will.

Q. Do you still snowboard or have you given it up?

PC: I just haven’t been back! I haven’t really given it up. But I believe it’s now in my contract, my Nike contract (that I can’t do it). www.wwgolf.biz

33

9 Hole s with ...

51 !+ THE UAE’s most popular English language newspaper 7DAYS has renewed its support of \PM [MI[WV̉MVLQVO ,8 ?WZTL <W]Z +PIUXQWV[PQX I[ \PM 7NÅKQIT 6M_[XIXMZ WN \PM UQTTQWV \W]ZVIUMV\ ,)A; +PQMN -`MK]\Q^M 5IZS :Q` \WWS \QUM W]\ NZWU \PM J][a _WZTL WN VM_[XIXMZ X]JTQ[PQVO \W \MTT ][ IJW]\ PQ[ W_V OWTÅVO PMILTQVM[° WWG: When did you start playing golf and what’s your handicap?

MR: I was a reluctant 11 year-old when I started to play golf. I hated it at first because there were girls to chase but I had to caddy for my dad at Morecambe Golf Club in England.

After the round, while he was having a drink in the Spike Bar, he arranged for me to have golf lessons and that was it – today I play off 3.3.

WWG: Tell us about your best day on the golf course.

MR: That has to be at Bull Bay Golf Club, Anglesey in Wales, back in the UK. I shot a gross 68 and won a monthly medal playing off a handicap of seven at the time. To be fair, it was a rare calm day.

WWG: If you could play only one course for the rest of your life where would it be and why?

MR: ‘The Links’ at Fancourt in George, South Africa. It’s a stunning course in great location and near my family – and, above all, it would take me the rest of my life to play to my handicap on that course!

WWG: Your worst day?

MR: Has to be when I was runner-up in the Club Championships at Al Badia Golf Club in Dubai three years ago. I had a chance to win with three holes to play and then threeputted the 16th, 17th and 18th! It was hugely disappointing but Brett Armstrong was a deserving winner in the end.

WWG: As a sponsor of a golf event, you must have met many of the game’s biggest names – any particular favourites and why?

MR: I’ve been lucky enough to play with quite a few top professionals. Miguel Angel Jiménez was a joy to play with and got right into the Pro-Am team event at the DP World Tour Championship. He was also very gracious at the evening event. Second on my list would be the current DP World Tour Championship title holder Rory Mcllroy. I played with him in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am when he had just become World Number One. For such a young man, he was great company and willing to advise each of our team on their game and technique.

WWG: What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen during a round of golf?

MR: Playing two years ago at ‘The Pines’ in Sanctuary Cove on Australia’s Gold Coast, my playing partner and I were chased down the 18th fairway by two ‘crazed’ male kangaroos that had been attacking members earlier in the day! It was pretty hairy as they were really aggressive and would be quite dangerous if you squared up to them. Fortunately for us, there was just enough battery juice in the buggy to hop out of their way!

WWG: The DP World Tour Championship is now in its fifth year – what are your favourite moments from the Earth course?

MR: The five consecutive birdies Rory McIlroy made from the 14th in last year’s final round stands head and shoulders above anything else in my opinion.

WWG: What golfing ambition do you hope to fulfill before hanging up your spikes?

MR: Play at Augusta National.

WWG: And finally, including yourself, who would you love to have in your ultimate four-ball?

Samuel L. Jackson, Alice Cooper and my dad…

34

www.wwgolf.biz

% ! 0 533* 5 ! * THE sign of good officials at a sporting event is that you don’t really notice they’re there. The same can be said about a smoothly-run golf tournament. The DP World Tour Championship has perfected the art of keeping everyone happy with the minimum of hassle – and it’s all down to a winning legacy.

The years of experience of old hands, Buddy Morin and Jenni Hoskins, created a winning formula at Jumeirah Golf Estates right from day one. As far as Jenni is concerned it’s all down to ‘togetherness’ and creating a successful ‘family’ atmosphere among the volunteers.

Jenni took over as Chief Marshal at the DP World Tour Championship in 2011 after returning to support Buddy Morin for two years. Buddy had originally been one of her lead marshals at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic for many years and was Chief Marshal at the inaugural DP World Tour Championship in 2009, before moving on to refereeing which he continues to do.

“My husband, Martin, and I came over to live in Dubai in 1989. It was very different then. I was a keen tennis player and my friends were forever asking me to play golf.

I told them I was too young to play golf but they finally succeeded in persuading me.

“I took myself off quietly to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club one day, which had just opened up, and had some lessons without them knowing. Unfortunately, one day, my golfing friends caught me at the Creek, and before I knew it, they had whisked me off

to join the new Nad Al Sheba Golf Club and from there, I eventually moved on to join the Emirates Golf Club in the early 90s.”

Jenni decided to support her new club and became a marshal at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and really enjoyed being part of the show. “I did that for four or five years before moving on to assist with the organisation of the marshals at the event, which I continued to do for 11 years.

“During that time, I was asked to take on the Chief Marshal’s job at the inaugural Omega Dubai Ladies Masters in 2005. I really enjoyed learning more about the ladies’ game, and the support they need, over the six years I worked on this event. “ When the inaugural DP World Tour Championship took place in 2009 Jenni was living in England. “I got a call from Buddy who said, ‘Jenni, you know the ropes, can you come out and help?’ I became his right hand girl and it was a great double act.

“The following year I asked Buddy if he needed me again, but he explained he was switching roles to become a referee. He spoke to Nick Tarratt, Director, European Tour International, Dubai Office, and the rest is history. “It’s a big advantage that I know all the marshals who’ve officiated over recent years,” says Jenni. “There’s a huge commitment out there among the volunteers. It’s at least 60 per cent ‘repeat business,’ which makes putting the team together a whole lot easier.

“The volunteers are so enthusiastic. It’s not so much a team, it’s almost like a family. Even on the internet when I’m rounding them up

“It’s a four or five month task to organise the volunteers for the DP World Tour Championship which has become one of the biggest tournaments in the Middle East. It’s a big event and it’s one where all the volunteers want to be. They know that they’re not just going to see one or two superstars they’re going to see the top 60 players on The European Tour. The atmosphere at the event is electric. Last year when Rory McIlroy (above) won and Justin Rose made that amazing run it couldn’t have been more exciting.”

“It’s important that we look after all our volunteers really well and ensure they feel appreciated and they leave feeling proud of a job well done, having contributed to the success of the event.” – JENNI HOSKINS pictured in pink on Rory McIlroy’s left, with her ‘family’ of volunteers.

from all over the world, the atmosphere is fantastic. You can just feel their enthusiasm.

As soon as they arrive it becomes a reunion.

They’re all asking each other how they’ve been getting on and what they’re doing now, it’s wonderful. Straight away we create the camaraderie that continues till the last volunteer goes home on Sunday night.

They’re eager to help new recruits feel at home and explain what to do.

“My biggest advantage is that I have a core team who show the way to the newcomers and they know how to organise people. We try to make it fun and interesting for all the volunteers, whatever job they do. We get people from all over the world officiating and they all get on so well together. They are also totally reliable, which is crucial.

“I’ve started my recruitment campaign already,” says Jenni. “Firstly, I send out invitations to the regular volunteers and then to those who couldn’t take part the previous year for whatever reason. I’m confident I’ll reach my target figure of 300 volunteers and I’m sure it will be another great event.”

If past DP World Tour Championships are anything to go by, Chief Marshal Jenni and her ‘family’ of volunteers will be so efficient st igge you won’t even notice them....just d’s b l r o w il.com what she likes! f the a

o one hotm rt at nih51@ a p Jen ay a to pl mail at: w o e on h i by ation act Jenn m r o t n nf ore i ons co For m g occasi www.wwgolf.biz 35 n golfi

Available throughout the GCC. Contact your nearest Golf Shop.

BELOW: Ornella Parigi pictured with her Pro-Am team at the 2012 event.

LEFT: Ornella receives the prize from 2011 DP World Tour Championship winner Alvaro Quiros.

UAE GOLFING AMATEURS HOPING TO HOLE THE

B B A once in a lifetime chance to play with one of the top 60 players on The European Tour in the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai Rolex Pro-Am will be the ultimate prize when amateur golfers from across the UAE tee off in the qualifying rounds of the tournamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Luckiest Ball on Earthâ&#x20AC;? competition in September.

Twenty-one events will be staged at 20 clubs aďŹ&#x192;liated to the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) with each winner going through to the Luckiest Ball on Earth Grand Final on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates on 13 October.

In addition to the 21 club event qualiďŹ ers, the top three UAE nationals in The Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup will also be invited to compete in the Grand Final.

The DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am takes place on 12 November on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, 48 hours

before The Race to Dubai reaches a dramatic conclusion with the US$8 million DP World Tour Championship on the 14-17 November.

Now in its third year, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Luckiest Ball on Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; initiative has proved to be a huge success with the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keen amateurs.

The annual competition is open to all golfers aged 18 or over who hold an OďŹ&#x192;cial Club Handicap recognised by the EGF (maximum 28 for men and 36 for ladies).

In 2012, Italian Ornella Parigi of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, became the ďŹ rst female winner of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Luckiest Ball on Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; competition and won a place alongside Australian Marcus Fraser in the Pro-Am. Ornella Parigi also won the Longest Drive prize, which she received at the pre-event Championship Beach Party from The European Tour Chief Executive George Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Grady.

Northern Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kevin Barrett of Arabian

Ranches Golf Club was the ďŹ rst winner of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Luckiest Ball on Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and played alongside former European Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari in the 2011 Pro-Am. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are excited that more than 1,000 golfers from all over the UAE will be taking part in the 21 events this September to put themselves in with a chance to play with one of the top 60 golfers on The European Tour,â&#x20AC;? said Nick Tarratt, Director European Tour International, Dubai OďŹ&#x192;ce. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Luckiest Ball on Earth competition gets bigger and more competitive each year and we wish all the golfers the best of luck as they chase that coveted place in the DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our thanks and appreciation go to all the participating clubs as well as to the Emirates Golf Federation for its continued support of the Luckiest Ball on Earth.â&#x20AC;?

2013 LUCKIEST BALL ON EARTH QUALIFYING EVENTS - DATES AND VENUES: September 6 Arabian Ranches Golf Club (Monthly Medal); Al Dhafra Golf Links (Monthly Medal); Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (Rosewood Medal) September 7 The Track â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Meydan Golf (Quench The Thirst Open); Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (Mashreq Medal Championship); Al Badia Golf Club (Monthly Medal) September 13 Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club (Monthly Medal); The Address Montgomerie Dubai (Monthly Medal); Emirates Golf Club (Gentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Monthly Medal) September 14 Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club (Monthly Medal) September 19 Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa (Monthly Medal) September 20 Al Hamra Golf Club (Monthly Medal); Al Ghazal Golf Club (Monthly Medal); Yas Links (Monthly Medal) September 21 Abu Dhabi Golf Club (Monthly Medal) September 23 Emirates Golf Club (Ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Monthly Medal) September 27 Jumeirah Golf Estates (Monthly Medal); Tower Links Golf Club (Monthly Medal); Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club (Monthly Medal); Abu Dhabi City Golf Club (Monthly Medal) September 28 The Els Club (Monthly Medal)

Tickets for the four-day DP World Tour Championship are free of charge and can be obtained by registering online at the event website www.DPWTC.com www.wwgolf.biz

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! %0/6 % $61 #6 $ ! 7 5 5QSM /ITTMUWZM \ITS[ \W \PM +PIQZUIV WN \PM 7UIV /WTN +WUUQ\\MM 5]VLPQZ )T *IZ_IVQ Q: Do you think that the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic, the first professional golf tournament to be held in Oman, is a major milestone for golf in Oman and will their sponsorship encourage other companies to get involved in golf?

MAB: It is a major milestone in Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golďŹ ng history. But I believe that the true measure of its success to encourage more local sponsorship for golf, can only be realised if the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic is professionally marketed both locally, regionally and internationally. With Azaan Al Rumhy and Ali Hameed being invited to play as sponsorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invites the event will show what a wonderful return on investment the sponsor can enjoy. With this beneďŹ t and with good PR it will lead other potential sponsors into supporting golf in Oman.

Q: With golf being a relatively new sport for Oman do you think that golf in Oman has achieved a great deal in such a short time?

MAB: Absolutely yes, this is evident in how our Junior Golf initiative has been copied in the region. It has been heartening to see that where the monetary and infrastructure support has been positively placed the junior programme has ďŹ&#x201A;ourished. We are in a fortunate position to meet the challenges faced when introducing golf as a new sport to Oman. We have a wealth of knowledge and practice to draw on from international bodies such as the R&A, who have been right behind the OGC from the start and who continue to support the development of Golf in Oman. The Ministry of Sports AďŹ&#x20AC;airs has also been key to our success and our achievements to date.

Q: Do you think that National Bank of Oman sponsorship of the Challenge Tour event has opened the door in putting golf in Oman on the international map?

MAB: I believe that our emerging golf industry along with the passion for the game our golfers have, especially our Patron, H.E. Dr. M. Al Rumhy , Minister of Oil, who is a great ambassador for golf in Oman, have made the ďŹ rst steps in putting Oman on the golďŹ ng map. The Bank of Oman sponsorship of the Challenge Tour event will be another step forward for Oman Golf.

Q: With three very different golf courses, and another under construction, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a start in establishing Oman as a Golf Tourism

destination â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is that how you see the future and do you think that hosting international golf events will help boost Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism?

MAB: Golf represents the largest sportsrelated travel market. It has been valued at US$20 billion with over 50 million golf tourists travelling the world to play on the estimated 32,000 courses. This sector is important and very attractive to a country like Oman as it looks to move away from its dependence on oil and gas. Golf Tourism will have a signiďŹ cant role to play and we are fortunate that we already have three wonderful golf properties that compliment each other to attract the golf tourist. We have been working closely with the Ministry of Tourism to promote golf in Oman as a tourism destination Q: What can the Oman Golf Committee do to help the game progress in the Sultanate?

MAB: The OGC, under the auspices of the Ministry of Sport, is the governing body for golf in Oman and is poised to launch its three-year plan that will implement structural development of golf as a sport to Oman and enable Omaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to participant in both the local and international arena. We see the OGC playing a big part in spreading golf throughout the Sultanate. Our school initiative programme is one of the elements in making golf accessible to all Q: Oman doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a substantial ex-pat golf-playing community so for golf to thrive it means more Omanis, particularly juniors, will need to take up the game. How can the OGC and the golf clubs encourage this?

MAB: Our junior golf programme has proved a success and by dedicating ourselves to expanding this programme to a larger market we should grow more golfers. But I believe we need to have a collective approach and include all stakeholders. That would be more eďŹ&#x20AC;ective and all would beneďŹ t.

Q: Is there a possibility for the schools in Oman to introduce golf as an activity?

MAB: It is included in our OGC 3-year plan to introduce a school initiative where we hope to train the golf trainers. This will, we hope, have participating schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; PE teachers being trained in basic golf as part of the curriculum.

Q: Are there incentives the OGC can offer to help grow more golfers?

MAB: Yes, we can support golf development programmes with endorsements, but we

Chairman of the Oman Golf Committee, Mundhir Al Barwani.

are currently looking into developing a ladies golf programme in line with the R&A recommendation to develop this target group. Once our pilot study has been completed we hope to roll this out toward the end of the year. Other incentives like golf clinics and tournaments with the right media coverage will also broaden golf awareness within Oman as well as internationally.

Q: By encouraging juniors to play golf, will it help their understanding of fair play and etiquette within their overall education?

MAB : Most deďŹ nitely. Look at the First Tee Programme and you see how golf has had such a positive inďŹ&#x201A;uence on youngsters.

Q: With the NBO giving sponsorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invitations to Azaan Al Rumhy and Ali Hameed to play in the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic along with the first two in the GCC Championship do you think the competition between Arab Nationals and Challenge Tour players will be a good experience for GCC players?

MAB: The experience of participating will deďŹ nitely encourage our top golfers. I feel that by having Omani golfers participating it will beneďŹ t the coverage for both the event and for golf in Oman. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to the Classic and hope we can use this as a great learning experience for our next OGC Golf event, the inaugural under-14 GCC Youth tournamnet towards the end of the year. Q www.wwgolf.biz

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Adel Zarouni, Secretary General of the Arab Golf Federation, with Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of The European Tour.

F

OLLOWING the overwhelming success of the recent 33rd PAN-Arab Golf Championship Moroccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top two players in the event will be leading the way to the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic in October, courtesy of their sponsorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invitations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Congratulations to both Ahmed Marjan and Mustapha El Maouass for their outstanding performances in ďŹ nishing ďŹ rst and second in the individual competition and leading the Morocco team to victory in the PAN-Arab Championship,â&#x20AC;? commented Nick Tarratt, Director, European Tour International, Dubai OďŹ&#x192;ce. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wish them the best of good fortune when they take part in the prestigious National Bank of Oman Golf Classic at Almouj Golf The Wave, Muscat, Oman, on October 24-27. Again, we thank the National Bank of Oman for oďŹ&#x20AC;ering sponsorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invitations to the top two players in the PAN-Arab Championship.â&#x20AC;?

With the Championship being decided by a sudden-death play-oďŹ&#x20AC; Ahmed took the title at the ďŹ rst extra hole, becoming the individual champion of the Championship, which underlines the strength of Moroccan golf. It is very gratifying for us at The Tour to witness the fast-improving standard of golf 40

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among the Arab nations. With the generous support of the National Bank of Oman in oďŹ&#x20AC;ering sponsorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invitations to so many talented Arab Nationals we can look forward to seeing how they perform against our European Challenge Tour professionals in Muscat in October. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure it will be a fascinating and highly competitive tournament,â&#x20AC;? added Tarratt.

Adel Zarouni, Secretary General of the Arab Golf Federation, commented: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The National Bank of Oman should be congratulated for breaking new ground in sponsoring the ďŹ rst professional golf championship to be played in Oman, and the ďŹ rst European Challenge Tour event in the GCC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Arab Golf Federation welcomes the invitations from the National Bank of Oman to the leading two amateurs from the PAN-Arab Golf Championship to compete in the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Golf in Oman is gathering pace and to host a European Challenge Tour event so early in the golďŹ ng history of the Sultanate is a considerable achievement for the National Bank of Oman and all concerned with the event. The Arab Golf Federation wishes the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic every success.â&#x20AC;? Azaan Al Rumhy, who was tied 17th in the individual competition from 49 competitors, with the Oman team ďŹ nishing overall ninth, commented:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Golf in Oman is gathering pace and to host a European Challenge Tour event so early in the golďŹ ng history of the Sultanate is a considerable achievement for the National Bank of Oman and all concerned with the event.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ADEL ZAROUNI â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was fun and very competitive. In previous PANArab Championships two or three countries have dominated the event but this year it was much more open. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Oman Team was a new team for us with the youngest average age of any Omani team ever to participate in the event. Ahmed Al Balushi only ďŹ nished his exams three days before the Championship but it was great experience for Ahmed and my younger brother, Hamed. Ali Hameed played well to ďŹ nish in 27th position in the

The Oman Golf Team with Marcus Casey (right), the National Team Coach.

Champions Morocco, runners-up Bahrain (right) and host country Egypt (third left) on the presentation podium with Sheikh Fahim Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Arab Golf Federation, applauding and Adel Zarouni, Secretary General of the Arab Golf Federation handing out the medals.

individual standings. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud to say that all four Team Members were from my golf club, Ghala Valley, and we gave a good account of ourselves competing against leading teams like Bahrain, Egypt and Lebanon who all had older and much more experienced players in their teams, who have competed at a high level for some time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Dreamland course was in good condition and the atmosphere was excellent. We all enjoyed playing the course. In the PAN-Arab Championship you need to have four strong players and many of the teams competing were made up of four very good, experienced players. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although there were 15 countries taking part, with Syria, Iraq and Jordan sending players to the Championship, there were 12 countries actually competing in the team category. It was a very competitive four days.â&#x20AC;?

With the National Bank of Oman giving sponsorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invitations to the top two players in the PAN-Arab Championship the representation of Arab Nationals competing in the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic in October has risen to a signiďŹ cant number.

Among the invitees are Ali Al Bishi from Qatar and Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hamad Mubarak, who were the leading

two players in the GCC Championship at Almouj Golf earlier this year; Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Saleh Al Kaabi and Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Azaan Al Rumhy and Ali Hameed and Ahmed Al Musharekh, who was the UAEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading amateur before turning professional last year.

There are still a number of National Bank of Oman sponsorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invitations and qualiďŹ ers to be conďŹ rmed in the coming weeks which will add to the truly international and Arab National ďŹ&#x201A;avour of the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic.

Bill Longmuir, one of the stars of the European Senior Tour, who has a long relationship with Oman and helped lay the foundations for golf in the Sultanate, is among around 20 professionals who will be competing in the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic through sponsorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invites. Sponsorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invites were also oďŹ&#x20AC;ered to The MENA Tour to their leading professionals and amateur. Q

Azaan Al Rumhy proudly holds the trophy on winning the Black Tee Challenge at Almouj Golf The Wave

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GARY PLAYER

THANK goodness that finally the US PGA Tour have decided to abide by the decision of the R&A and the USGA in banning the use of longhandled anchored putters. It’s taken them an eternity to come to the conclusion that they should support the decision of golf’s rulesmakers on the basis that it “avoids confusion.”

But why on earth does it take three years to implement? They should say to the players, you’ve got six months to acclimatise to the short putter. They shouldn’t be allowing them three years to acclimatise. If I’ve got to make a change in my swing I’ll do it in six days. I remember with Sam Snead when he used a long putter pendulum stroke between his legs they stopped him immediately. They’ve got to be more consistent in the future.

It’s not that players using long-handled anchored putters hole a lot more putts, it’s just that it eliminates the shakes and the nerves, which is an integral part of golf. I worked all my life on how to control my nerves because I realised that the man who could best control his

nerves coming down the last nine holes is the man who’s got the best chance of winning.

If you’ve got a slight tremble and you’re using a long putter, that tremble is no longer there because the handle is anchored against your body. It takes the nerves and the wrist action out of the equation. Why should you be rewarded for straight driving, good putting, good bunker play and not be rewarded for having the best control of your nerves.

It was not the way golf was meant to be played. I don’t think the ban should apply to the amateur club golfer. If he finds it better to use a long-handled anchored putter he should be allowed to continue using it. He should go ahead and have fun. That applies to all clubs.

I admire the R&A and the USGA tremendously for sticking to their guns. They know that the ban is in the best interests of the game.

IT’S good news that the Nedbank is now part of The 2014 Race to Dubai. It elevates a great tournament and this year we’ve got a really strong field for the event. www.wwgolf.biz

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I

WANT to congratulate Mike and Alex Gallemore on publishing their 150th edition of Worldwide Golf Magazine this month. I have been a contributing columnist for the past nine years and I’ve really enjoyed working with the team at Worldwide Golf. Having a regular column in Worldwide Golf has given me a chance to share my thoughts on golf, business and life in general.

I’m proud to be associated with the magazine and it serves the Middle East region really well and it keeps its readers updated on what’s going on in golf around the world.

It was a courageous move for Mike and Alex to launch Worldwide Golf with the help and support of Ara Nakhnikian and Sheikh Saeed bin Hasher Al Maktoum back in 1999 when golf was in its infancy in Dubai.

Since then the magazine has gone from strength to strength and plays a vital role in promoting and publicising golf in the Middle East all around the world. I’m looking forward to writing my column for the next 150 editions.

Speaking of my thoughts, for the past two

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months I have been spending some time at my ranch in Colorado. Whether it’s fly fishing in the blue ribbon trout streams, or camping out for three days in the wilderness on horseback, the ranch offers me a chance to step away from golf and business and enjoy some much needed time with family and close friends.

To get an idea of how beautiful this place really is, you can watch my interview on the Golf Channel’s Feherty Show which can be seen on my website: http://www.shark.com/sharkwatch/ videos/#feherty-1 While I may not be playing much golf this summer, I have enjoyed watching the year’s first three Majors. 2013 really has been special so far as the host venues for all four of the Majors have such a rich tradition and history.

It doesn’t get much better than Augusta, Merion, Muirfield and Oak Hill. I competed in Majors at all four of these sites and watching on television certainly brings back a lot of memories.

In the four Open Championships I played at Muirfield my best result was 18th but I

In the four Open Championships I played at Muirfield my best result was 18th but I always enjoyed pitting my wits against the East Lothian Links. I thought for a few holes around the turn in the final round at Muirfield that Adam Scott would make up for his disappointment of missing his opportunity at Royal Lytham & St. Annes in last year’s Open Championship. always enjoyed pitting my wits against the East Lothian Links. I thought for a few holes around the turn in the final round at Muirfield that Adam Scott would make up for his disappointment of missing his opportunity at Royal Lytham & St. Annes in last year’s Open Championship.

The talented Australian had a run of four

GREG NORMAN

Oak Hill, home to the final Major of the season, the US PGA Championship.

birdies in five holes after the 7th that shot him into the lead at 2-under but four straight bogeys on 13-14-15-16 ended his chances. Despite a birdie at the final hole, Adam finished in a tie for third place with England’s Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, four shots behind the winner, Phil Mickelson.

Congratulations to Phil who followed his Scottish Open victory on the links of Castle Stuart in Inverness with his first Open win. To shoot a final round 5-under 66, dropping just one shot, at the 10th, when the leaders were struggling, was quite something.

Now, we are on to the final major of the year, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill. Oak Hill has a rich history and tradition, hosting three US Opens, three US PGA Championships and a Ryder Cup. If the past is any indicator, it should provide us with another great champion, as Oak Hill has produced such great Major Champions as Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and Curtis Strange.

It will also be interesting to see if Rory McIlroy can get himself back on track again after missing the cut at Muirfield by three shots, and regain his form of last year while defending his title

Adam Scott was on the verge of his second Major at Muirfield.

at the US PGA Championship. In Golf Course Design News, I was very pleased to learn that my first golf course design in Egypt, The Allegria Golf Course, which opened in 2010, was recently named the top golf course in Egypt by Top 100 Golf Courses of the World.

The course, which is the focal point of a residential development, is located in Sheikh Zayed City in west Cairo, and many of the holes offer distant views of the famous Pyramids of Giza. The course sits in the middle of the desert and the concept was to use the natural desert topography and landscape to provide a golf course that creates smooth transitions from the golf course to the development.

The course features wide fairways, expansive waste bunkers and large scale formal bunkering that fits the vast desert surroundings. One of the more unique features of the golf course is the ‘tomb style’ practice range. The practice range was cut into the desert, approximately 15 metres below the existing surface and keystone retaining walls that mimic the great pyramids were used as support structures on the range surrounds. Cutting the practice range

Justin Rose heads The 2013 Race to Dubai after his US Open win.

into the ground helped provide ample fill-in material to shape the rest of the golf course, while providing a wind-free practice area for the golfers on the range.

Work continues on our other current project in the Middle East, the Ayla Oasis, in Jordan.

This project is really exciting because it’s the country’s first 18-hole golf course which should help to introduce golf to so many new players in the country and the region.

The golf course, which is scheduled to open in early 2015, is part of a resort being developed by the Ayla Oasis Development Company in Aqaba. Work is progressing well and I’m looking forward to going back there to see how things are.

The DP World Tour Championship, played on the Earth course I designed at Jumeirah Golf Estates, hosts The European Tour’s end-of-season Race to Dubai and with Justin Rose winning the US Open, Paul Casey producing a comeback win at the Irish Open and Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter sharing third place at The Open, the Grand Final looks like it will yet again provide an exciting climax to The Tour’s schedule. Q www.wwgolf.biz

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PETE COWEN Tee to green, Henrik played unbelievable golf, with a 79.2% in greens in regulation and driving acuracy of 80.4%. Those are just unbelievable numbers! If only a few key putts had gone in...

T

HE game of golf these days is played by multi millionaires who strive for World Ranking points, Ryder Cup places, but, more importantly, MAJORS! The Open Championship at Muirfield was a true test and it was great to see Lee (Westwood) going into the final round with a two shot lead. Mickelson took the gamble and played aggresively and it paid off for him.

It was plain to see that coming into the event he was in good form after winning the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart. Phil enjoys playing competitive golf the week before.

Others have been critisied for taking it too easy coming into a Major but there isn’t a winning formula. Each guy has his own way of doing things. Padraig Harrington plays at home in Irleand prior to The Open and that certainly worked for him. This game is all about confidence and knowing what works best for you.

The one thing you can’t do in a Major is expect others to fall away and leave you at the top of the leaderboard. As Tiger and Lee experienced, you can’t shoot a 74 or 75 in the final round of a Major and expect to win.

I’ve been asked if Lee had Billy Foster on the bag would the outcome have been any different? I think it would, but Lee hit some very uncharacteristic shots during the final round and it’s something we will never be able to prove. The one thing that

I’m confident about is Lee will win a Major, or even a couple. He’s only 40 and he’s in the best shape of his life, plus he’s just too good a player. His putting is coming together, which is all about confidence. He’s always been able to putt but to have a 56.9 greens in regulation percentage at Muirfield just shows that he wasn’t playing his best golf.

Henrik Stenson was the standout player from tee to green. He’s been training hard in the gym and he’s never hit the ball so well. He can control the movements in the swing a lot better. He’s got such a wide arc and shoulder muscles which enable him to apply so much pressure to the ball.

If anything, he’s probably hitting it too far. The driver is almost redundant. If he’d managed to sink a few more putts I think he could have won. That three putt on the 18th during the third round cost him dearly, putting him one shot further back at a key moment.

Tee to green, Henrik played unbelievable golf, with 79.2% greens in regulation and driving acuracy of 80.4%. Those are just unbelievable numbers! If only a few key putts had gone in.

As well as Henrik I’ve also been working

hard with Graeme McDowell who’s been critised recently for not having one of his most consistent seasons. He’s had one of his most consistent winning seasons and that’s what the game is about. He’s either been missing cuts or winning events, but there aren’t many players who will win three tournaments in any one season and we’re only half way through the year. I reckon he’ ll win another couple more.

I know all the talk has been about Rory McIlroy but the lad is just low in confidence and in this game than can easily turn around.

He’s never had adveristy to deal with in the media to this extent before. This is where the management and family support come in and try to figure out the formula that reinstates his confidence.

He might not have been playing much but he’s about to play seven out of the next eight weeks, so we’ll see whether that gets his juices flowing, and it probably will. He might have lost his conficence but you never loose your talent and Rory has masses of it.

One of my players who will be having some rest is Louis Oosthuizen. The problem is these guys play so much golf these days they’ve got to preserve their body more and that includes training hard in the gym during the weeks off to help prevent injuries occuring.

It’s a fine line in the gym or on the range between dedication and obsession but it’s obsession that can do more damage. Q

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BACK ON THE BAG AFTER more than a year on the sidelines, following a bizarre but agonisingly-painful knee injury BILLY FOSTER, one of the most popular caddies in the game and perhaps the biggest joker in golf, is now back in action on the world stage where he belongs. )N\MZ NW]Z _WZTL̉KTI[[ \W]ZVIUMV\[ IVL \_W Z]VVMZ[̉]X ÅVQ[PM[ PM \ITS[ \W 5QSM /ITTMUWZM IJW]\ _PI\ I LQNNMZMVKM I aMIZ UISM[

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T’S been a frustrating 12-months for me, sitting at home after the agony and the operations on my damaged knee, but it’s great to be working again. I’m so happy and I’m cherishing every moment of being back on the bag. Maybe my year away from the game will be a blessing in disguise. I’m certainly enjoying myself again and looking forward to each coming tournament.

It was an emotional experience when I returned to Wentworth caddying for Thomas Bjorn at the BMW PGA Championship in May. I really appreciated the warm reception I got from all the boys there, players, caddies, officials – everyone. I had my jester’s hat on for the first couple of days but I didn’t get into any serious trouble.

It felt like my first day back at school when I went out for the opening round. I was a bit apprehensive at first but after the opening round I started to settle down and got straight back into the old routine as if I’d never been away. I suppose when you’ve been part of the furniture for 30 years you soon get back into your stride.

After the tournament, I felt a bit tired. I had a few aches and pains in my back and shoulder, but that was only to be expected. The main thing was that my knee had stood up to the test well, without any problems. The only surprise was I’d forgotten how heavy the bag was.

Now I’m getting something like ‘match’ fit.

It’s not just the physical side of it. I’m well aware that part of getting back to your top form is what’s in your head and how you handle it.

Having spent 13 months out of the game entirely, it’s a totally different situation being back on the golf course again. So it’s onwards and upwards from here on in.

When I was flat on my back at home for all that time I appreciated hearing from some of the players asking how I was going on.

Then earlier this year I had a number of calls as word got around that I was getting back to something like full fitness. I told the players that I’d like to get back into the game and work on a freelance basis for a while for different players until things settled down.

Thomas Bjorn was one of the players who got in touch. I worked for Thomas about 10 years ago for an 18 months stretch. He asked if I’d caddie for him at Wentworth and I said that I’d give it a go. It was nice to be asked and it was

a very humbling experience. It was different because Thomas works in metres and I work in yards but that was the case when I caddied for Thomas before. It was also the case when I caddied for Seve for five years.

‘Bjorn Again’ Thomas is a wonderful player and a great personality and we both get on well together.

Thomas is playing well at the moment. He’s had six top ten finishes so far this season, including two runners-up spots at the Lyoness Open and at the BMW International Open and he currently stands in 18th position on The Race to Dubai.

I told Thomas I that I’d got no long-term plans and that I just want to take it a week at a time and see how it goes and pick which tournaments I want to do. Thomas was an unlucky 40th at Wentworth but then went on to finish runner-up at the BMW International in Munich, losing by just one stroke to Ernie Els. After Munich I told Thomas that didn’t want to push my knee too far and commit to a number of tournaments and he was happy to make other arrangements. Then I heard that Branden Grace’s caddie, Zack Masego, was returning to South Africa for personal reasons and Branden needed a bagman for the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart.

Branden’s a good guy. He’s a bit like a mini Graeme McDowell, he’s so competitive. He’s also

a very hard worker. We gelled well together up in Inverness. We had a laugh and a joke and it was a lot of fun. The Scottish Open is a great event – it always has been – and Castle Stuart is an ideal links course to host the championship the week before The Open further south at Muirfield.

Branden has been brought up playing on the famous links at Fancourt in his native South Africa so he’s no stranger to links golf. He shot a final round 69 at Castle Stuart, which equalled Phil Mickelson’s 17-under total of 217 to go into a play-off with the most famous lefty in the game. It was great to be there watching Branden battling it out with Phil, who birdied the first extra hole for victory. Branden’s runnerup finish has helped put him in sixth place in The Race to Dubai. It was a great week and an ideal preparation for The Open.

It didn’t surprise me at all that Phil went on to win The Open with a final round 66.

Congratulations to him. I guess it proved that his week at Castle Stuart was just what he needed to fine tune his links golf game. Branden was not so fortunate at Muirfield, finishing tied for 64th.

I’ve never caddied for a player in winning The Open but it’s something that’s very close to my heart. Maybe next year. Right now I’m just happy to be out there. Let’s hope my injuries are behind me and I’ve got a good future ahead. Q www.wwgolf.biz

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Travel

SWINGING LONDON

LONDON is one of the most vibrant and bustling cities in the world and a hugely popular tourist destination, particularly at this time of year when the climate is considerably more bearable than it is in the Middle East.

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PLAY Wentworth Golf Club Wentworth Drive, Virginia Water, Surrey, GU25 4LS www.wentworthclub.com +44 (0) 1344 84 22 01 Wentworth Golf Club is steeped in history.

Follow in the footsteps of great champions like Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer around the three Championship golf courses situated deep in the Surrey heathland. All the courses have a renowned tournament pedigree.

The famous West course, which received an extensive redesign three years ago, is the venue for The European Tour’s flagship event – the BMW PGA Championship – and has hosted The Ryder Cup while the inaugural Curtis Cup was played on the East course.

The Edinburgh was designed by John Jacobs in consultation with golfing legends Gary Player and Bernard Gallacher and hosted the Wentworth Senior Masters for 11 years.

Among the Champions were Gary Player, Neil Coles, Brian Huggett, Sam Torrance and Edouardo Romero. Wentworth is one of the most famous golf courses in the UK.

The Grove Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire, WD3 4TG www.thegrove.co.uk +44 (0) 1923 80 78 07 Located just 30 minutes’ drive from Central London, The Grove is one the finest modern day golf courses in England. The greens are maintained to the highest Championship standard all year round and the course is open to players of all levels, due to its multiple tee options. Designed by Kyle Phillips in 2003, The Grove played host to the World Golf Championships-American Express Championship in 2006 which was won by Tiger Woods. The opening nine holes feel like a links course while the back nine have a more parkland appearance with more trees. The Grove is part of the largest family owned and run luxury hotel group in England and is a sister hotel to the Athenaeum in Piccadilly, the Runnymede-on-Thames and 23 Greengarden House. It’s an ideal place to stay and the golf club is managed by the worlde renowned Troon Golf.

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Sunningdale Golf Club Ridgemount Road, Sunningdale, Berkshire, SL5 9RR www.sunningdale-golfclub.co.uk +44 (0) 1344 62 16 81 The Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire, just a few miles away from the Wentworth Club, is a supreme heathland course and one of the true gems of inland courses in the British Isles. The best thing about this classic layout is that you don’t need to be a power player to get around. To fully enjoy The Old Course you need accuracy and good course management. If you try to hit the ball too hard off the tee you’ll end up closer to those beautiful pine, birch and oak trees than you’d like! The neighbouring New Course is just as beautiful but more open than the Old Course. The trees do not intrude as much but from the tee the New Course demands some lengthy carries over treacherous terrain to narrow fairways.

Sunningdale has one of golf’s most distinctive traditional clubhouses and played host to the 2009 Senior Open Championship.

Royal Wimbledon Golf Club 29 Camp Road, London SW19 4UW www.rwgc.co.uk +44 (0) 2089 46 21 25 Located just a well-placed serve away from the famous All England Tennis Club lies a gem of a golf course inside the M25 circle. Willie Park laid out the Royal Wimbledon course at its present location in 1907 with a redesign from Harry Colt coming in 1924 at a cost of £7,000 and it is this layout that is so fondly enjoyed by members and guests alike. The course is a tough test with narrow, tree-lined fairways running to a 6,348-yard par 70 layout and the foundations of a good score will be built on the front nine. All the par 4s are particularly challenging; the short holes are testing and the greens fast but true. The course always presents a fair but stern test of golf.

The Royal Blackheath Golf Club Court Road, Eltham, London SE9 5AF www.royalblackheath.com +44 (0) 2088 50 17 95 The Royal Blackheath Golf Club is the oldest golf club in the world.

Instituted in 1608, the museum in the clubhouse features club trophies dating from 1798 and other items of interest and memorabilia going back over the years. Over the four centuries the course at Royal Blackheath has evolved from a 5-hole gravel-pitted heathland to a relocated and remodelled outstanding 110 acre parkland layout. Narrow tee shots between imposing trees, and drives over foreboding ponds, are among the hazards and features of this excellently thought-out design.

The Addington Golf Club Shirley Church Road, Croydon, London CR0 5AB www.addingtongolf.com +44 (0) 2087 77 10 55 The Addington Golf Club is situated on an ideal site for 18 holes of top quality golf within easy reach of London city centre. The course meanders through mature pine and birch trees, which create a feeling of intimacy and isolation, yet the course still affords generous views of the capital from hilltop tees like that at the 14th. The course will challenge and excite golfers of all abilities and with no one hole the same The Addington ensures players will need to pull off every shot in the book to navigate their way around this superb golf course.

The London Golf Club Stansted Lane, Ash, Kent, TN15 7EH www.londongolf.co.uk +44(0)1474 87 98 99 The two Championship Courses at The London Golf Club are beautifully manicured and suit all levels of golfer. Both The Heritage and International Courses were constructed under the watchful eye of Jack Nicklaus and are a purist’s dream. Despite being located next to the famous Brands Hatch race circuit the courses have a definite links feel to them with wispy shin-high rough lurking just off the fairways and greens. Both courses are wide open without tree-lined fairways so if the wind blows, getting around in par becomes an even greater task. The course hosted The European Open in 2008 and 2009.

Foxhills Resort Longcross Road, Ottershaw, Surrey KT16 0EL www.foxhills.co.uk +44 (0) 1932 70 44 65 Foxhills, situated within just a few miles to Wentworth and Sunningdale on Surrey’s sand belt strip, features two Championships courses and a superb 9-hole course to hone your short game. The course is named after the late Bernard Hunt, MBE, the former Ryder Cup, star who sadly passed away last month, was the Club’s first head professional before going on to teach there for many years.

Foxhills is a serious test for the club golfer while the other 18-hole layout – The Longcross – is considered one of the very best examples of a treelined Surrey course as it winds its way through the pine, beech and silver birch trees.

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STAY The Corinthia The Corinthia is a truly striking modern hotel situated in a building that is steeped in history – providing the perfect blend of the old and the new. The Whitehall location could not be better for enjoying the sights of central London.

The North bank of the Thames is literally on the doorstep as is the Playhouse Theatre while Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square are less than five minutes’ walk away.

As far back as 1885 the old Metropole Hotel stood on the site where the Corinthia now is, before the building was requisitioned by the government in the lead up to WWI to provide accommodation for Government staff. It was to be used by the Government in various capacities before finally being returned to its former glory when the Corinthia London Hotel opened in 2011.

The hotel is immaculate throughout with no expense spared in the ultra chic décor. The rooms are spacious and have every mod con imaginable from the iPod docking station and huge LED TV to the Nespresso coffee maker. The bathrooms are grand and luxurious with marble flooring and a rain shower you could stay in all day.

The ESPA Life Spa is among the finest we’ve visited anywhere in the world, covering 3,300 sq. metres with a selection of hydro pools, swimming pool and relaxation pods and multiple treatment rooms where a highly skilled team of therapists offer a full range of treatments.

The two main restaurants are outstanding. The Massimo Restaurant and Oyster Bar is a bustling, vibrant hive of activity with some of the most knowledgeable and welcoming waiters and sommeliers in London. The Oysters and other inventive seafood starters were superb while the modern Italian-influenced menu didn’t disappoint at any juncture. Northall Private Dining Room is a more refined experience with a terrific English-influenced menu. Richard Bevan

The Cadogan and No.11 Cadogan Gardens SITUATED in the exclusive Knightbridge area, among the designer boutiques of Chanel, Prada and Gucci is the enchanting Cadogan Hotel.

This was Oscar Wilde’s favourite hotel and I was lucky enough to stay in the famous poet and playwright’s favourite room, No.118, which, like the rest of hotel, was charmingly quirky and wonderfully appointed with beautiful leather upholstery, oak wood flooring and décor that paid suitable homage to the flamboyant Wilde. At 28 sq. metres, there was more than enough space to swing several cats and the room offered great views of the beautifully manicured iconic Cadogan Gardens, as well as ample opportunity for a spot of people watching upon the shoppers of Sloane Street below.

Staying at the Cadogan without having dinner there would be an opportunity lost. The food is simply exquisite, thanks in no small part to the innovative new ‘Great Taste at The Cadogan’ concept launched recently by the hotel. A selection of creative fixed price menus can be enjoyed in the grand high ceilinged restaurant, all of which are constructed utilising ingredients which have won ‘Great Taste Awards’. We enjoyed such creations as Miso Marinated Mackerel, Kedgeree Scotch Egg and Heather Fed Lamb.

To work off all that delightful food when you’re not on the golf course the hotel has its own tennis courts across the road, which are free for guests to use, and there’s even a small but amply appointed gym.

Just a five minute walk around the corner from the Cadogan is its sister hotel, No.11 Cadogan Gardens. This hotel had a completely different feel to it but was every bit as charming. Stepping into the old Victorian building, situated in the old Buckingham Palace cricket grounds, is like entering Harry Potter’s Hogwarts – all creaky winding staircases and tiny corridors that don’t seem to follow any sort of uniform layout.

It has an eccentric and undeniably charming style all of its own. Our huge room was like something from the Moulin Rouge – all dark red velvet with a gargantuan four poster bed and spooky oil paintings on the wall.

The staff at the hotel were absolutely wonderful, especially Sam the concierge, who was witty and entertaining as well as extremely helpful with his encyclopaedic knowledge of London. The restaurant was great, with a contemporary and inventive menu – perhaps not as dazzlingly impressive as the Cadogan, but delicious nonetheless. There was something extremely endearing about No.11 Cadogan Cardens and I would highly recommend it for visitors who want something with real old English warmth and charm that’s a bit different from the standard identikit 5-star experience.

Richard Bevan

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51 Buckingham Gate Taj Suites & Residences

The Athenaeum

I have stayed at many of the world’s most spectacular and celebrated hotels but for sheer unabashed opulence 51 Buckingham Gate Taj Suites & Residences has two of the most distinctive suites I have ever laid eyes on.

This exclusive hotel combines outstanding luxury with the informal comfort of a private home. The Taj Suites and Residences comprise three individual buildings, beautifully restored to their former glories, Kings, Falconers and Ministers. Taj Hotel Resorts and Palaces present 86 outstanding suites comprising from one to nine sumptuous bedrooms, each with their own kitchen and living area in addition to the luxurious bathrooms.

The magnificent Michelin-starred Quilon Restaurant presents some of the most unusual and delicious cuisine I have ever tasted. The Executive Chef, Sriram Aylur, created a series of Southern India coastal dishes which were truly unforgettable.

The Suites in themselves are outstanding yet the crowning glory is the Jaguar Suite and the Cinema Suite. The Jaguar Suite of 170 sq. metres, is two bedrooms with study, living room, dining/meeting room and kitchen created by Jaguar Cars’ Head of Design Ian Callum. The Jaguar identity is everywhere. It’s intriguing how the brand has been incorporated into the entire design. A chauffeur-driven Jaguar for your entire stay is included along with butler service.

The Cinema Suite is simply staggering. It has to be seen to be believed. Created by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee the decor is rich deep reds, golds and browns with pictures of cinema greats adorning the walls. The centrepiece is the 85-inch television with Steinway Lyngdorf sound system that seems to be almost inside you.

With Buckingham Palace just three minutes’ walk away and a 10 minutes’ stroll to Westminster Abbey, many of London’s leading attractions are within reach. The courtyard is a culinary oasis where everything from BBQs to exotic dishes to finger sandwiches are served and, on occasion, operatic evenings. Mike Gallemore

The Athenaeum by virtue of the very name, conjures up an image of an oldstyle London traditional gentlemen’s club, yet nothing could be further from the reality. The Athenaeum, situated on Piccadilly opposite Green Park, is a veritable home from home for its guests.

Its friendly, welcoming staff create an ambience of informality that make you feel comfortable and each time I stay I’m already working out my next visit before I leave. In fact, the Athenaeum is so flexible you really can make it your London home. With its combination of luxurious bedrooms, suites and apartments it’s possible to stay from one night to 365 nights, with any permutations of dates in between. By booking one of the luxury apartments adjoining the hotel, you can also have your own front door.

The apartments are ideal for families for short or long stays. With Green Park only across the road and with Hyde Park just round the corner and St. James’s park a short walk away there are any amount of activities available for children of all ages, including riding bikes hired by the hotel.

The apartments, rooms and suites can accommodate guests of any number and the famous rooftop suite is also available, providing a spectacular view over the London skyline. The excellent Spa with its hot tubs and steam room is ideal and provides bespoke REN treatments and Elemis massages.

There’s also a well equipped gym.

The Athenaeum’s Whisky Bar and Restaurant is a well known rendezvous and meeting place for friends, family the cuisine and business contacts and is exceptional. Sample the Atheneum hospitality and you’ll want to return.

Mike Gallemore

Sofitel London St. James IT’S hard to imagine that within less than three minutes’ walk from the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly Circus there is a tranquil and relaxing oasis where sheer luxury and service transport guests to another level. The Sofitel London St.James at Waterloo Place is not just an outstanding hotel it’s also full of wonderful surprises.

There can be few more strategically-situated hotels in London where so many of London’s leading attractions are literally on their doorstep. Turn left out of the imposing facade of the Sofitel London St. James, and Horse Guards’ Parade, Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square are just a short stroll away. Walk down the steps past the statue to the Grand Old Duke of York and turn right down The Mall and Buckingham Palace is in view, or cross The Mall and St. James’s Park awaits with its variety of walks and gardens.

Or head up Waterloo Place into Piccadilly and enjoy the shoppers’ paradise that is Oxford Street, Regents Street

and Bond Street. The French-British brasserie restaurant, the Balcon, serves a wide variety of excellent dishes all day and the Rose Lounge is quiet and relaxing, the ideal place to take a peaceful afternoon tea. The St. James Bar has plenty of atmosphere and a broad selection of drinks. There are also a wide variety of rooms and suites to suit every requirement.

The Sofitel London St. James is a perfect blend of French chic and Old English elegance and tradition but it’s below the ground floor where the hotel has an astonishing array of advanced fitness and wellness facilities – So Spa, So Fit – with 24 hours access. There is also a comprehensive business centre accommodating from 12 to 180 guests, with an endless flexible combination of meeting rooms to cater for every conceivable corporate occasion from events to celebrations, all with state-of-the-art equipment on hand.

I found the Sofitel London St. James a real gem. It certainly does have everything for everyone. Mike Gallemore

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Traveller WORLDWIDE GOLF

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Troon Golf Academy adds final touch to Agalarov A galarov Golf & Country Club, within the Greater Moscow region, has now added a Troon Golf Academy to the multitude of facilities, which include a Sports Club, Hotel, Spa Sabun Nga and luxury residences.

Five professional studios are available, focusing on golf fitness, physical screening, video analysis, dynamic balance, 3D motion capture, custom fitting and putting all under one roof to assist in the development for golfers of all abilities and ages.

The Russian National Team are based at the Troon Golf Academy, which plays a major part in their training schedule by studying all aspects of their game with the aim of creating an international-star player.

All golf coaches are PGA and TPI qualified to ensure the ideal specific training environments are available for achieving personalised goals.

An excellent junior programme runs throughout the year based on the TPI Junior Programme which utilises many sports to develop the necessary skills in becoming athletes then great golfers. The programme covers fundamental movements, sport skills, golf skills and preparation for tournament golf. Parents are invited to the annual parent support programme at the Troon Academy to hear additional information and gain advice from the coaches.

“The Troon Golf Academy project has proven to be very

exciting and a huge learning process for all involved,” says Peter Holland, PGA Director of Golf and Instruction at Agalarov Golf & Country Club.

“By linking proven technologies to private studios we can now quickly identify limitations within our players’ ball flight, golf swing and physical body movements. From this data we are able to create a complete personalised programme which enables us to coach our players to higher performance levels, while having a lot of fun along the way,” says Holland.

“Another goal is to create interest in this fascinating game by collecting books to create a golf library with history and written text from past and present legends, memorabilia from major golf events such as the US Masters, a Wall of Fame, focusing on the achievements of Russian National players which inspire other golfers and and our Russian and International coaches dedicated to guiding our players to higher levels of success.

“For the juniors we make golf a lot fun and allow them to simply have a blast. Our experience teaches us that beginners learn quickly if they’re enjoying themselves and advanced players can find all the answers, help and advice they need to stimulate and encourage them to take their game forward. This is a very cool Troon Golf Academy and we love what we do,” says Holland. Q

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INSTRUCTION

Q Check your left wrist to prevent hooks and slices Q How to conquer the slopes at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Q Tips on how to read greens

QUICK PRO TIPS

By: Stuart Fee, Golf Professional, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa

PASSIVE WRISTS FOR SOLID CHIPS Most players tend to get very active with their wrists through the impact area when chipping as they try to scoop the ball up into the air. This leads to poor striking and an inconsistency to their ball flight, meaning that they can’t judge consistently how far the ball will release when landing.

This image shows that by placing two clubs together, it stops the flicking of the wrists as the top club hits into the side of the chest, therefore the wrists are nice and passive at impact, which will lead to a better contact and a more consistent ball flight.

To watch the video go to Facebook/WorldwideGolf and go to the video section. www.wwgolf.biz

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INSTRUCTION Bryan Smith Golf Professional

eMIRATES GOLF CLUB

CHECK YOUR LEFT WRIST Cupping it can cause a slice, bowing it can lead to a hook The ultimate goal for any golfer is to produce a swing motion that repeats time after time.

Golf instructors have argued endlessly about the various ways to achieve this goal, but one way to make it easier is to swing with the clubface square to the arc of the swing.

When the face is square, the left wrist is ďŹ&#x201A;at and the face is parallel to it. From there, it is easier to swing to square at impact resulting in a straighter, more consistent ball ďŹ&#x201A;ight.

Play the Faldo with our 2 for 1 Summer Special

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN IN PRACTICAL TERMS? When you look down at the clubface at address, â&#x20AC;&#x153;squareâ&#x20AC;? is relatively easy to see. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harder to see it when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at the top of the backswing. But if you get the clubface open or shut at the top â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by cupping or bowing the left wrist (or having a grip thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too weak or too strong) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to hit a lot of high slices or low hooks.

CHECK YOUR CLUBFACE AT THE TOP If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vertical (or perpendicular) to the ground, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re cupping your left wrist and opening the clubface.

This can result in a slice.

If the clubface points to the sky, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bowing your left wrist and closing the clubface.

This can cause a hook.

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INSTRUCTION BY- BryanSAADIYAT Smyth, Golf at Emirates Golf Club PJ Van Merch Golf Professional BEACHProfessional GOLF CLUB

The 67 expansive bunkers at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club have a huge role in defending the flagsticks, however raised greens and treacherous slopes also play a big part of the course design. If you do miss a green and manage to avoid the infamous bunkers, you will most likely be tasked with a daunting chip shot, one that ultimately requires some tough decision making.

The 10th hole at Saadiyat Beach is the aptly named “Mousetrap” and has a classic example of such a slope! Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of the three main options when chipping on to an elevated green such as this.

CONQUERING THE SLOPES AT SAADIYAT!

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INSTRUCTION PJ Van Merch Golf Professional SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB THE HIGH LOB LOB OR SAND WEDGE PROS: The high lob is a shot that carries over the slope and lands close to the flag. The advantage of this shot is that once the ball hits the green it is on a smooth surface and the high trajectory will have the ball stopping almost straight away with very little forward roll. It also never fails to impress your playing partners!

CONS: The nature of this shot requires the longest swing and the longest carry distance of the three options. This, in theory, makes it the hardest shot to play successfully. Imagine throwing a ball of paper in a waste basket 2 feet away… easy isn’t it? Now take 3 big steps back and try again. You can see the further away you are from the target landing area the harder the shot becomes.

THE BUMP AND RUN 8 OR 9 IRON PROS: This shot is easier to execute than the high lob as a shorter swing is required. The other advantage is that the carry distance is a closer target (Indicated by X in the picture) than the high lob. In basketball terms this shot is a free throw compared to a three pointer and is therefore easier to play.

CONS: Although it is an easier shot to play, the bounces on the surface surrounding the green may not be as consistent. This is because the grass is longer than the putting surface and therefore less likely to produce the same bounce as intended.

THE TEXAS WEDGE PUTTER OR HYBRID PROS: This is by far the easiest possible shot to play.

Firstly the ‘Texas Wedge’ shot requires the shortest length swing and secondly the landing area (Indicated by the X) is closest to you. Why a hybrid and not a putter? The loft that is provided by the hybrid will get the ball trundling rather than rolling.

When the grass is slightly longer around the green it has a tendency to slow a rolling ball too soon.

The loft that a hybrid provides allows a little more air time which means the ball will not get snagged by the grass.

CONS: Although this shot is the easiest to play with the most margin for error, the less consistent bounces (due to the surface) will make the result harder to predict.

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THE HIGH LOB. This shot will typically yield the most impressive results for the A grade golfer. This is not a shot that should be attempted without plenty of practice and confidence. Play this shot when you have no other option.

SO WHICH IS THE BEST?

THE BUMP AND RUN. This shot has the best combination of margin for error and results. This is a shot that you would see being played by tournament professionals and beginner golfers alike. It is also a shot that can be easily repeated.

THE TEXAS WEDGE. This is the ultimate shot in an intermediate golfer’s toolbox! Not only will this option save this golfer shots around the green, it will also take the pressure off the need for perfect contact. The only flaw with the Texas wedge is that it tends to be more for safety than for closeness to the flag.

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INSTRUCTION ROSS McARTHUR PGA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB

READING THE GREENS

As we all know the difference between a good score and a great score usually comes down to missed putts during your round. There are many factors involved in making a putt such as the speed of the green, the undulation of the green, whether the putt is uphill, downhill or relatively flat. The ability to use this information will make you a very good putter. Reading the green is an acquired process that with practice can give you a much increased chance of success with the flatstick.

To accurately read the line of a putt we have to look at it from different angles.

The speed of the green will affect the final execution of the putt depending on how the gravity affects the ball on its journey to the hole.

1 Place yourself halfway down between the ball and the hole crouch down low and look to see if the ball is higher or lower than the hole. This will determine if the putt is uphill or downhill. A downhill putt will roll a lot faster therefore if there is any side slope a bit more borrow will be required. An uphill putt will require more speed which means you can be more aggressive with the line and borrow less.

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BY- Bryan Smyth, Golf Professional at Emirates Golf Club

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3

Crouch down behind the ball in a direct line to the hole. Form here you are looking for the higher ground, this time to either side of the ball. If there is a side slope to the putt the ball must be played on its initial journey up the slope allowing gravity to do its job and bring the ball back down towards the hole.

The last point to view the putt is the last metre or so before the hole. This is where all the action will happen. As the ball is coming to the end of its journey it is travelling slower giving gravity its chance to take maximum eďŹ&#x20AC;ect on the ball. Look closely around the hole to see if there are any hidden changes in the ground level. This will help you visualize how the ball will enter the cup.

Once you have viewed the putt from these three positions when you address the ball plot a path for how the ball will travel to the hole. Draw an imaginary line and stroke the ball to a point in the distance where you think gravity will start to have its eďŹ&#x20AC;ect on the ball. That point will be where you align to. Hit the putt straight at this point and then let gravity pull the ball down the slope towards the hole. The more experience you gain at this the easier it becomes to read the lines on a green.

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LOCAL NEWS

ARABIANGOLF

Summer’s selection of local news EMIRATES GOLF CLUB EGF SCRATCH LEAGUE DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB AL BADIA GOLF CLUB MEYDAN GOLF  THE TRACK

70 73 74 76 78 79

80 81 83 83 84 85

ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE DUBAI AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB THE ROYAL GOLF CLUB, BAHRAIN

85 ABU DHABI CITY GOLF CLUB

88 MUSCAT HILLS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

86 SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB

89 THE ALLEGRIA, EGYPT

86 YAS LINKS GOLF CLUB

89 BANYAN GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

87 INTERCONTINENTAL RIYADH

90 ALMOUJ GOLF THE WAVE, MUSCAT, OMAN

87 TOWER LINKS GOLF CLUB

92 DIRAB GOLF CLUB

FELLINGHAM SEALS THE OPENING DUBAI GOLF SUMMER SERIES FIXTURE THE opening round of the Dubai Golf Summer Series was played at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and home player John Fellingham took the spoils with a superb haul of 37 Stableford points.

The Summer Series consists of four fixtures which are played between two of the local clubs in the Dubai Golf portfolio; Dubai Creek and Emirates. The Stableford format always produces some fun competition and despite the hot and humid conditions the event boasted a full field of over 100 players.

“The old boy did it,” smiled Fellingham after collecting his prize. “I overcame the heat and humidity and I’m delighted to have come out with a win.”

Finishing just one stroke back in second place was EGF member Makita Takamasa with Creek member Dhruv Chopra taking third place with a respectable 35-point haul.

Picking up the best gross prize was another Creek member Shezad Lakdawala, who made a superb gross points score of 38 while the ladies prize was won by young Aashaka Desai who put in a great performance and scored 33 points to finish in the top spot. The junior division was slightly closer contested as two juniors, Mark Baxter and Montgomerie Stapleton finished tied on 37 points. The winner was to be decided on a countback and in the end it was Baxter who was just victorious over Stapleton thanks to his better inward half.

Fellingham also picked up the Nearest the Pin prize for his accurate tee shot into the tough par-3 eighth hole while Crag Strydom followed suit and picked up the Nearest the Pin prize on the par-3 14th.

Director of Golf Alan Mackenzie and Head Professional Stephen Hubner congratulare winner John Fellingham.

FITCHET AND SEHMI TRIUMPH IN ROUND 2 GEORGE Fitchet shot a fabulous score of 39 Stableford points under the floodlights of the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club to win the second event in the Dubai Golf Summer Series.

The Al Badia member’s card included nine pars, seven of which came on the back nine which gave him an excellent inward haul of 23 points. Two players finished two points back and after a countback it was Dubai Creek’s Jai Bhalla who took second place, relegating Pieter Nortje into third place.

The in-form Emirates Golf Club member Kavita Sehmi took the overall gross prize with a 4-overpar 76 which included a birdie two on the par-3 2nd hole and another birdie on hole 6 while the Ladies winner on the night was Glory Xavier with 35 points.

The best overall Junior winner was Arabian Ranches player Aryaan Kumar with a best of the day equaling 39 points.

Also in the prizes were Karam Shemi (EGC) and Shloka Desai (DCGYC) following their accuracy

off the tee to win the Nearest the Pin prizes no holes 8 and 12 respectively.

Winner George Fitchet.

TWO FIXTURES REMAIN Fixture

Location

Date

Time (shotgun)

3

Dubai Creek

Friday 23rd August

13.30

4

Emirates Golf Club – Majlis

Saturday 31st August

13.30 www.wwgolf.biz

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EMIRATES GOLF CLUB www.dubaigolf.com

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EMIRATES GOLF CLUB EXECUTIVE EARNS GLOBALLYRECOGNISED MANAGEMENT QUALIFICATION EMIRATES Golf Club Manager Andrew Whitelaw has become only the second executive in the Middle East to receive the prestigious Certified Club Manager (CCM) status from the Club Managers’ Association of Europe.

Following in the footsteps of Dubai Golf’s Chief Executive, Christopher May – the first executive in the region to gain CCM status in 2010, Whitelaw becomes one of only 28 club managers across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region to gain the qualification.

Recognised as the global industry benchmark for golf club managers, the CCM requires a comprehensive knowledge of 10 core club management competencies, including club governance, food and beverage management, accounting and financial management, and membership and marketing.

“Any club manager wanting to advance their career and business network should have attaining the CMAE’s Certified Club Manager designation at the top of their list of personal development goals,” said Whitelaw, pictured right.

Christopher May, Chief Executive of Dubai Golf, added:

“Continuing to offer guests and members the finest levels of service is at the heart of all golf clubs we operate and I believe the depth of knowledge achieved from attaining CCM status not only enhances managers’ professional skills, but also allows customers and members to benefit from the resulting superior levels of service.”

The Club Managers Association of Europe (CMAE) is a non-profit making professional association with members involved in the management of sports clubs (golf, tennis, sailing, rowing, rugby, football, cricket), health and fitness clubs, leisure, city and dining clubs located throughout Europe.

CMAE Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Kilby, said: “Achieving CCM status is an important benchmark in any club manager’s career and I congratulate Andrew on his achievement. The UAE region is at the heart of growing golf in the Middle East and its future development, through properly managed clubs led by well-trained business professionals, is key to its continued prosperity.”

TRIPATHI AND BYRNE ON SONG IN MASHREQ MEDAL JUNE’S Mashreq Medal Championship in Association with BMW and Harvey Nichols Dubai saw two stand out performances over the Faldo Course from Dalip Tripathi and Paul Byrne.

Tripathi and Byrne, both single figure handicappers, produced superb performances in hot and humid conditions and they both signed for a 4-under par 68. A card countback had to decide the top two positions in Division ‘A’ (hcp 0-15) and it was Tripathi’s birdie on the 18th to Byrnes’ bogey which turned out the decider. Despite the loss in the Division, Byrne was delighted to pick up the prize for best gross of the day a 73.

Suresh Shewakramani signed for a net 71 to triumph in Division ‘B’ (hcp 16-28) with Alex Kim in second after a 77 and Nishith Patel in third on the same 5-over-par score.

Champion Chris Cornwall is pictured with Muhammad Afifi – Store Manager, Thomas Pink, The Dubai Mall.

CORNWALL CLINCHES THE BLACK TEE CHALLENGE

Winner Dalip Tripathi is pictured with Hem Lakhani of Mashreq Gold.

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THE 15th staging of the Emirates Black Tee Challenge welcomed Thomas Pink on board as new sponsors and coming out on top in the 36-hole championship was Chris Cornwall with a superb tally of 3-over-par 147.

Cornwall, representing the Emirates Golf Federation, produced the best round of the day in the opening round on the Faldo course with a one-over par 73 and followed it with a 74 for his winning score. Rayhan Thomas (Dubai Creek) carded a superb final round of 73 to claim second place overall on a 152 total with Ricky Dominguez also shooting a second round 73 to take third place overall.

The net category witnessed a runaway winner as Ishpal Bajaj from Dubai Creek posted rounds of net 70 and 69 to win by six shots on 139, well clear of second placed Abizher Mohammed (Els Club) with Ed Hesson (EGC) in third.

Alex Field, Head of Marketing, Thomas Pink commented: “We are pleased to be the headline sponsor for this year’s Emirates Golf Club Black Tee Challenge.

Congratulations to all of the players, and thanks to the organisers for their help and support in making the event a great success.”

LOCAL NEWS CONTACT: Tel : 2222 380 9714+ E-mail: info@dubaigolf.com

PATEL WINS THE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

Moshe Kohli (Club Captain) is pictured with winner Nishith Patel and Caetano Fernandes (Head of Mashreq Gold).

the staging of the Tournament of Champions and the Mashreq Medal Championship in Association with BMW and Harvey Nichols Dubai and coming out on top in the Tournament of champions was Nishith Patel with a net 69.

In the Medal, Ewan Cameron was the top man as a superb gross 71 for a net 70 gave him both the overall gross prize and the top spot in Division ‘A’ (hcp 10-0).

Finishing second in Division ‘A’ was Jignesh Sangani as he lost out to Cameron on a countback while Marcus Wallman took third place with a net 72.

Patel and Ed Hesson produced the low rounds of the day in Division ‘B’ (handicap 20-11) with net 69s but it was Patel who took the top spot due to a superior back nine.

Jan Hooftman carded a net 70 to clinch Division ‘C’ (hcp 34-21) and like all prize winners he was in receipt of Harvey Nichols Dubai Vouchers.

OMEGA MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONS CROWNED THE Majlis played host the Omega Match Play Championship recently and coming out on top in the Men’s and Ladies brackets were Ewan Cameron and Carolyn Thompson respectively.

Cameron took on Kevin Roy in the Men’s final and Cameron needed to draw on all of his matchplay experience to down Roy by one hole.

The final in the Ladies section was between Thompson and Naema Maya and with both players playing off the

same handicap is was in effect a scratch matchplay classic. After a ding-dong battle it was Thompson who prevailed with a 2 hole victory.

The Omega Mixed Foursomes Matchplay saw 64 members sign up at the start of the season and the top two pairs were Trevor Varri and Jenny Ayres and Paul Byrne and Maura Duggan.

Varri and Ayres, fresh from a superb victory in the Hankook Greensomes Championship, were too strong on the day and claimed a 5 and 3 victory.

“Having been title sponsors for the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Omega Emirates Amateur Open it is befitting for us to now be supporting some of the prestigious Matchplay events that contested for over the season by the members of Emirates Golf Club,” said Raynald Aeschlimann, Omega Vice President and International Sales Director.

The Men’s Fourball Matchplay final saw Tony Hutchinson and Bob Curtis

defeat Charlie Stricklin and Mathys Oberholster 5 and 4 while Lorraine Logan and Chris Dyball defeated Ashley Anderson and Jenny Isles 7 and 6 in the Ladies Fourball Matchplay.

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EMIRATES GOLF CLUB www.dubaigolf.com

CONTACT: Tel : +9714 380 2222 E-mail: info@dubaigolf.com

EmiratesGolfClub

MICHAELIDES MARVELS IN MASHREQ MEDAL HARIS Michaelides produced his best performance over the Majlis course to triumph in the May edition of the Mashreq Medal Championship in Association with BMW and Harvey Nichols Dubai.

The 13-handciapper signed for a gross 78 for a net 65 to win Division B (hcp 11-20) and his 7-under total was four shots better than the rest of the 72-strong field.

His consistent round included eleven pars and seven bogeys, keeping the dreaded double off his card. Both Iain Everingham and Anand Lakhiani recorded 3-under par totals of 69 but it was Everingham who took second place in Division ‘B’ with a superior back nine score.

Tim Evans claimed top prize in Division ‘A’ (hcp 0-12) with a net 70 but did it the nervy way after he won a countback with Tony Azoulay.

Haris Michaelides with Parag Tikekar (Mashreq Gold).

Inaan Budhiraja returned to form with the best gross of the day, a 72, and his net 72 gifted him third in the net section for Division ‘A’ while in Division ‘C’ (hsp 21-34) it was Gautam Vir who took the honours with a 71.

TONY NORSTROM WINS IN STYLE

Jenny Ayres collecting her prize from Lady Captain Glynis Hendry and Academy Professional Mark Bruce.

AYRES SEALS THE MEDAL JENNY Ayres took home the spoils in May’s Medal over the Faldo course as her 1-under 71 gave her the spoils in the Silver ‘A’ Division (hcp 0-14).

Mitsuko Emmerson shot a fine gross 81 for a net 71 to take the overall gross honours but missed out on the Silver Division title to Ayres.

In the Silver ‘B’ Division it was Mego Han who triumphed with a fabulous 4 under par 68 to win by three from S.L Rim. Taking the top spot in the Bronze Division was Josie Tracey with a 5-under 67.

TONY Norstrom scored 35 Stableford points to win ahead of a field of 80 in the fifth staging of the Prince Philippine Independence Day, held at the Faldo Course.

In the Platinum Division (hcp 0-12) Lorenzo Rivera took the honours with a countback win over Nestor Labis after both scored 34 points with Dan Alforte third with 33 points.

The Gold Division (hcp 13-18) saw Jimmy Camero win with 34 points, two points clear of Ibrahim Baggash with Andy Dadosky third on 30 points while in the Silver Division (hcp 19-25) John

Lady Captain Glynis Hendry receives the trophy from the incoming Lady Vice Captain Mitsuko Emmerson.

The ceremonial tee shot is struck by Hon. Consul General Frank Cimafranca.

Aradani won after defeating Tai Tien on a countback.

Honorable Consul General Frank Cimafranca got things underway, splitting the fairway with a 220 yard drive.

HENDRY LEADS HER TEAM TO VICTORY LADY Captain Glynis Hendry and her playing partner Lynne Whitelaw secured a nice 2-up win over the incoming Lady Vice Captain Mitsuko Emmerson and Janet Curtis to lead her team to an overall 10 to 3 victory in the annual Lady Captain V Lady Vice Captain match.

Top scoring partners for the Lady Captains team were Maura Duggan and Jacqui Barry with a superb 5 and 4 victory over the pair of Najla Bartette and Naema Maya.

For the Lady Vice Captains team it was the pair of Noemy Bertuol and Selma Kehoe who scored the top win for their team with a 5 and 4 victory over Lynne Dickinson and Nina Larm.

DOUBLE THE FUN AT PAST LADY CAPTAIN’S TROPHY JENNY Ayres scored a steady 35 points to win the annual Past Lady Captain’s Trophy around the tough Faldo design course while Evelyn Sword triumphed in the Stableford competition that was held on the same afternoon with an excellent haul of 42 points.

Han Soon Shin won the Silver Division (hcp 0-23) with a 39-point haul, four clear of Carolyn Thompson while in the Bronze division (hcp 24-42) it was G.A. Cho who took the top honours with 38 points, one shot clear of Sue Hopwood.

Jenny Ayres receives the trophy from Lady Captain Glynis Hendry and Academy professional Mark Bruce.

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LOCAL NEWS

SCRATCH GOLF LEAGUE

CONTACT: Tel: 2952277 4 971+ E-mail: info@ugagolf.com

UAE INVITATIONAL SCRATCH GOLF LEAGUE CHAMPIONS Emirates Golf Club to match that score in the second leg and then Invitational Scratch Golf League.

All four matches on the day remarkably went to the final green with The Address Montgomerie Dubai winning the top two games by just one hole.

The final two matches were both halved resulting in a 4 – 4 halved match over the two legs. The match was then decided by a sudden-death play-off with two players nominated from each side.

Charlie Simpson and Chris Alderman from the home club beat Ewan Cameron and Ross Hopwood on the second extra hole and this dramatic finish gave The Address Montgomerie the League title for the first time in this the seventh edition of the UAE Invitational Scratch Golf League.

“Congratulations go to The Address Montgomerie, Dubai for winning this year’s League,” said Bob Driver, League Co-ordinator at the conclusion of the match. “It is encouraging to see a new club on the trophy with EGC and ARGC the only previous champions; four times and twice respectively. We thank all clubs and players for their support throughout the season.”

Twelve teams competed in the season long league which featured 28 matches and a total of 158 golfers.

Above: The Address Montgomerie, Dubai team with their league trophy.

Below: The individual performances by the winning team.

RESULTS: Second Leg Saturday 25th May – The Address Montgomerie, Dubai names first; Charlie Simpson and Paul Pitman beat Charlie Stricklin and Paul Byrne 1 hole.

Paul Philmore and Keith Stacey beat Rohit Gupta and Inaan Budhiraja 1 hole.

Chris Alderman and Russell Yeomans halved with Ewan Cameron and Ross Hopwood Graeme Henderson and Joon Eun halved with Ed Hesson and Johnny Aldridge Overall score – The Address Montgomerie, Dubai 4 Emirates Golf Club 4.

Play-Off Match; Charlie Simpson and Chris Alderman beat Ewan Cameron and Ross Hopwood on the second extra hole.

CHAMPIONS – THE ADDRESS, MONTGOMERIE, DUBAI

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DUBAI CREEK GOLF AND YACHT CLUB www.dubaigolf.com

DubaiCreekGolf

dubaicreekgolfandyachtclub

BBGS TEAM WINS THE 2013 INTER SOCIETY CHAMPIONSHIP DUBAI Creek hosted the eleventh edition of its prestigious Inter-Society Championship recently and this year’s field consisted of teams from the JIGGERS, BBGS, Lebanese Golf Society, Indian Golf Society, Dubai Divots, Dogfight Society and the FOGS. As always, each society was invited to enter a team of eight players to compete in the Pairs Betterball Stableford format with the top three pairs’ scores making up the overall team score.

The Lebanese Society set out hoping to make a successful defence of their title after they were victorious last year.

However, they were unable to do so as the BBGS team of Stephen Rutter, Matthew Baxter, Richard Mylrea, Andrew Crockford, Andrew Baxter, Neil Haywood, Yvette Haywood and Neil Orchard cruised to victory with a superb winning team score of 116 points.

After being presented their prizes and trophy, Stephen Rutter of the BBGS society said: “This is the first victory for the BBGS in the Inter-Society Championship. We are delighted to have come out on top today over so many other great golf societies in what is always a fabulous event at Dubai Creek. We look forward to coming back next year and defending our title.”

It was a much more closely contested battle for second place with the Indian Golf Society and the Dubai Divots Society finishing tied on 113 points. This meant that second place was to be decided on the fourth best score from each team. In the end it was the Indian Golf Society who narrowly claimed runner-up position as

The winning team is pictured with Head Pro Stephen Hubner (left), Aija Karklina (Marketing Manager, Ecco Middle East (centre) and Assistant Golf Experience Manager Rashid Hamood (right). their fourth team score of 33 edged out the 31 point score from the Dubai Divots.

There was a two way tie for the ‘Best Pair’ prize as Andrew Baxter and Neil Heywood of BBGS finished on 42 points alongside Brett Kraetzer and Ryan Taylor of the Dubai Divots. After a countback they were separated and coming out on top with a better back nine of 21 points were Kraetzer and Taylor.

ABOUKHALED TRIUMPHS IN THE HEAT

Dubai Creek team in green shirts and Emirates team in grey shirts are pictured before play.

EGC WIN THE CLASH OF THE TITANS THE Biennial Dubai Golf Clash of the Titans between the members and Professionals at Dubai Creek and Emirates Golf Club took place recently at Dubai Creek and it was the away side who triumphed with a total of 380 points to Dubai Creek’s haul of 355.

The format was Pairs Betterball Stableford with one professional from either club playing among each four ball and the top group of the day came from EGC as Pro Dong Lee and his partner Gurinder Singh scored a hugely impressive 48 points. The only Creek team to break past the 40 point barrier was Head Pro Stephn Hubner and member Aubrey Ghose while three other teams from EGC scored 40 74

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Director of Golf Alan Mackenzie is pictured with EGC Lady Captain Glynis Hendry and Dubai Creek Captain George Horan. or higher to set them on their way to victory. After conducting the prize giving Dubai Creek’s Director of Golf Alan Mackenzie said: “It is always a pleasure to welcome our friends from Emirates Golf Club to The Creek, and for the Dubai Golf professionals to have the opportunity to play with our members.

“Everyone had great fun out there today and we look forward to having a go at winning back the trophy at Emirates in December.”

YVES Aboukhaled found himself back in the winner’s circle after he won June’s Mashreq Medal Championship in association with BMW and Harvey Nichols Dubai ahead of a field of over 100 in the searing, summer heat.

Aboukhaled shot a 2-under net 69 to win and afterwards said: “I’m very happy with the win – it’s good to be back. Thanks to my playing partners and to the ground staff for maintaining the course to such high standards.”

Ashok Kumar and Anish Bhatia both finished with net 73’s in the Men’s ‘A’ Division and so the winner was to be decided on a countback and in the end it was Kumar who had the slightly stronger finish to come out on top.

In Men’s ‘B’ Division, Nitin Kripalani made a net 74 to take the top spot and his first victory in the series by just one shot over Mark Hughes while in the Ladies Division Harini White won by five strokes thanks to her net 74.

Dubai Creek junior, Rayhan Thomas took the overall gross prize for his solid 4-over 75 and in the new Senior Division, now in its second month, it Pritam Mirchandani who topped the pile with a very respectable net 75. Rishi Nair posted another super score of net 66 to take another junior division title.

With the order of merit now at the halfway stage it is John Fellingham who leads with 361 points ahead of Lady Captain Maureen Platt on 294 and Praveen Kalia on 291 points.

At the end of the season the leading 36 players at both Dubai Creek and Emirates Golf Club will earn their place in the Grand Final in January.

Rashid Hamood (Assistant Golf Experience Manager, Dubai Creek), George Horan (Club Captain), Yves Aboukhaled (Medal Winner) and Stephen Hubner (Head Golf Professional, Dubai Creek).

LOCAL NEWS CONTACT: Tel : +971 4 295 6000 E-mail: dcgyc@dubaigolf.com

Left to right: Head pro Stephen Hubner is pictured with Lady Vice Captain Paula Savage, G.A. Cho, Naema Maya , Mini Philip, Ladie Captain Maureen Platt and Assistant Golf Experience Manager Rashid Hamood.

MAYA SEALS THE LADIES MORNING TITLE

Alan Mackenzie (Director of Golf, Dubai Creek), George Horan (Club Captain, Dubai Creek), Samuel D’Souza, Sergy D’Souza, Sidney D’Souza, Stephen Hubner (Head Golf Professional, Dubai Creek) and Serifa D’Souza.

DUBAI CREEK CELEBRATES 20 YEARS DUBAI Creek Golf & Yacht Club rounded off their 20 year anniversary celebration in June with the 20th Anniversary Open. After turning 20 years old back on January 28th, the club had been running a series of anniversary promotions over the 20 weeks since then and this event was the grand finale.

The event marked a monumental occasion in the club’s history and was greatly received with more than 100 players turning out to compete in event which was played in a 4-Man Team Shambles format with the best two net scores on each hole to count towards the overall team score.

Taking full advantage of the 3/4 handicap allowance was the D’Souza family team of Sergy, Sidney, Serifa and young Samuel as they won with a superb 32-under-par net score of 110.

“It was a great win for us,” said Sergy. “We had a game plan that was well executed with good focus and great teamwork between us all which led to a good score and a pleasant victory.”

The runner-up prizes went to the team of Ramon Navea, Alex Tivi, Paul Welling and Rudy Laguna after their solid performances gave them a 28 under-par team total of 117. Just three shots further back and finishing in third place was the team of Tejan Fadlu-Deen, Salem Dasmal, Miki Mirza and Jay Varkey.

“This has been a very special day here at Dubai Creek and I am delighted to hear such positive feedback regarding the format we chose for the event,” said Head Pro Stephen Hubner. “A huge thank you must go to Ping and Prosports International for their wonderful support, providing the excellent giveaway items to all players and the beautiful prize table.”

NAEMA Maya clinched the honours in the final Ladies Morning event of the season thanks to an excellent gross 82 in a field which also included lady members from Emirates Golf Club.

“I played well today and I am very happy to have won,” said Maya. “I would like to say a big thank you to the staff involved with the event for all of their hard work and also to our Captain and Vice Captain, Maureen Platt and Paula Savage for their continued efforts. I look forward to seeing you all next season and wish you all a wonderful summer.”

The Best Net prize had to be settled on a countback with Paula Savage and G.A Cho locked at the top with fantastic Net 64s. However, after the cards were compared it was Cho who took the honours after coming back in one stroke less than Savage. Mini Philip also put in a superb performance as she won her first victory in the Stableford section with a massive haul of 44 points.

There were a host of on-course prizes up for grabs and Maya took home the Longest Drive prize on the 7th while EGC member Sulufa Hamdam struck the Straightest Drive down the 12th fairway.

The Nearest the Pin in Two on hole 11 was won by Harini White while there were Nearest the Pin prizes up for grabs on all the Par-3s. These were snapped up by Annette Carstanjen on hole 5, Lady Captain Jenny Ayrse on hole 8, Net winner Cho on hole 14 and main winner Maya on the 16th.

IBPC TEAM DEFEND THE CREEK CORPORATE INVITATIONAL

Head Professional Stephen Hubner, Suneel Aggarwal, Rakesh Shah, Ishwar Jodha, Ishu Rupani, Sudesh Aggarwal, David Stevenson (Titleist), Ashok Ahuja, Anand Lakhiana, Anish Bhatia, Ashok Sindhu and Rashid Mahood, Assistant Golf Experience Manager.

THE fourth staging of the prestigious Titleist Dubai Creek Corporate Invitational was held recently and the team representing IBPC successfully defended their title after another stellar display.

Each company which entered put forward a team of eight players to compete in the Pairs Betterball Stableford format with the top three pair’s scores making up the overall team score.

The IBPC team were confident ahead of their defence and they won in convincing fashion with a score of 118 points. The team was made up of Suneel Aggarwal, Anand Lakhiani, Ashok Ahuja, Ishwar Jodha, Anish Bhatia, Ashok Sindhu, Rakesh Shah and Alok Pant and they beat the Dubai Duty Free team, led by Club Captain George Horan, by four points. www.wwgolf.biz

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KIM AND YAZDI TAKE TAT TITLES B. J. KIM and Hassan Yazdi respectively won the Tourism Authority of Thailand Net and Gross Order of Merits supported by Thai Airways at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club. The pair only missed two of the qualifying rounds between them on their way to lifting the two Major Titles.

It was Yazdi’s third in the three and a half years of his membership, moving him equal with Golden Kim who also has three Major titles.

Kim led the Net Order of Merit going into the last round with Yazdi hot on his heels.

The couple were paired with fellow Net Order of Merit contenders George Liu and J. J. Kim in the final qualifying round.

Three other players stood a mathematical

chance of making the top three slots but were heavily reliant on very poor performances from the leading quartet.

Of the main contenders, third placed George Liu produced the best round of the day, his net 72 resulting in a tie for second to guarantee his seat on the plane to Bangkok.

J. J. Kim produced the second best score of the top four players. His 73 resulted in a tie for seventh place, but with Liu finishing ahead of him his valiant efforts all proved in vain.

Champion B. J. Kim had his worst performance of the season. His net 82 left him outside the points in 27th place - his first no score of the season.

However Yazdi also failed to score (finishing 23rd) so Kim’s consistent efforts over the whole eight months meant one poor performance could be absorbed.

Yazdi had the gross title sewn up in advance of the final round. George Liu came second with Club Champion Nathan Fisher overtaking Charlie Wilcox on the final day due his 74, making him first reserve for the trip. The three players will enjoy a four-day trip to Bangkok September 8th – 12th which includes flights, accommodation and two rounds of golf all kindly provided by the Tourism Authority and Thai Airways. Parties wishing to accompany the three winners can do so with prices starting from AED 3,750.

THOMSON AND GOULD LIFT THE BMW TROPHY THE formidable partnership of Rory Thomson and John Gould were back to their best as they ran out clear winners in the June edition of the BMW Members & Guests Social. With the option for the field to either play in the morning or the afternoon shotgun it allowed for 25 pairs to enter the popular monthly event.

Thomson and Gould produced consistent scores on both sets of nines and finished with a net total of 62.45, two clear of their nearest rivals.

The morning’s winners were lefty Robert Scott and Scratch Team member Roy Holmes who combined beautifully to return a net 29.9 in the Texas Scramble format, even recording a net eagle on the par 5 fourth hole. Regular BMW winners Firdaus Bin Idris and his son Zubair captured the back nine with a solid 6-under net 30 in the betterball format.

The afternoon contest turned out to be a much closer affair, with SGSC Golf Professional Joe Marshall teaming up with his flatmate Dave McGrath to win the Texas Scramble front nine with a net score of 34.8, proving conditions were much tougher in the afternoon. The back nine betterball prizes went to visiting partnership of David Gould and Irene Moody who really produced the performance of the day with an incredible 9-under net 27.

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The day’s other prizes went to Roy Holmes and Ted Green who both claimed the Nearest The Pin awards at the almost un-playable tricky pin position on the par 3 17th hole whilst Sanjoy Das and Rory Thomson picked up the Longest Drives on the seventh hole.

LOCAL NEWS CONTACT: Tel : +971 6 548 7777 E-mail: info@golfandshootingshj.com

AIR ARABIA CHAMPIONS HONOURED SHARJAH Golf & Shooting Club honoured its latest Major champions recently as it presented trophies and return flights to the winners of the Air Arabia Matchplay Championships.

The season long events started in October and covered three different Matchplay formats – Singles Net, Singles Gross and Pairs Net. Over 200 matches were played across the three formats culminating in the three finals which were played during the month of May. The Singles Net format proved the tightest affair with Imran Akthar getting the better of Asim Arshad after 21 holes. The Gross final saw 2011/12 champion Jon Gould take on Matchplay specialist S. S. Son. Both competed regularly in SGSC’s Scratch League Team last season so were very familiar with each other’s games, making the tie difficult to predict. The veteran Korean came out on top with a 3&2 victory over the Englishman.

In the Pairs Net it was Malaysia versus England as Sunny Ramadas and Andrew Say squared up against former Pairs and Gross champion Ian Roberts and Martin Duff. Ramadas’ putter proved to be the difference as the Malaysian converted numerous putts from six to 12 feet to return a 3&1

SGSC Golf Club Captains with Hassna Alaoui of Air Arabia and the champions S. S. Son, Imran Akthar and Sunny Ramadas (Andrew Say not present). victory in a rollercoaster affair. Also picking up trophies and tickets for claiming third place were Westley Burke, who bettered his fourth place from last year; Tim Collins, who had a fantastic second half to the season; and teachers Peter Kavanagh and Keith Smithard. At the presentation Director of

Golf Martin Duff congratulated all the winners in a landmark year for the event which had seen more entrants and more matches than in any of the four previous years. He also acknowledged founder sponsors Air Arabia whose commitment to the event has remained unparalleled.

A.E RAVI ADDS ANOTHER MAJOR TO HIS TROPHY CABINET A.E RAVI added another Major title to his accomplishments at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club by hoisting the sixth edition of the SGSC Summer Open Golf Championship. This was to further add to his win on Captains Day merely a few weeks prior.

In what is always one of Sharjah’s best attended Open events, over 100 golfers tee’d it up in either the morning or afternoon shotguns in pursuit of being crowned champion.

Ravi used his local knowledge well to finish in an excellent 3-under 39 points, a slight blip at the 18th hole didn’t matter as he walked away with the title one shot clear of his nearest rival. Finishing one adrift was Simon Mmutle; a baron spell of late was finally put to bed as he returned in 21 points for a 38 total to win the Division B award.

Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club supporter Andy Thom, representing the EGF, was a further point behind on 37, a superb round of golf with no double bogeys

recorded allowed him to walk away with the Division A award.

SGSC Club Captain Mel Stewart and Vivien Verma ran out runners-up in both divisions, whilst Mel’s wife and Lady Captain Jacqui Stewart proved the best of the 12 ladies with a credible score of 32 points. Excellent junior prospect Julia Alhemoud ran in slightly behind the Lady Captain to claim the runners-up spot.

The day’s gross contest proved extremely tight and it was Iranian golfer Hassan Yazdi who walked away with the bragging rights in a field full of low handicapped golfers. Thirty one gross points was just about enough to beat of Mick Conneely who finished on the same score but lost out on a countback. The The Ladies gross prize went to Ri Man Lee, whose long trip over from Abu Dhabi Golf Club wasn’t spoilt as she scooped yet another prize in this annual event. The event was made even more memorable as Dubai Creek visiting member Mohammad Rizal Bin Ibrahim fired home his first ever hole-in-one on the 17th hole, this was also the first ace in the event’s six year history.

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AL BADIA GOLF CLUB www.albadiagolfclub.ae

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ARMSTRONG TAKES THE US OPEN TEE CHALLENGE AL Badia’s second annual US Open Championship Tee Challenge, which played just over a staggering 7,300 yards, was conquered by Brett Armstrong as he became this year’s overall gross winner with a phenomenal score of 77.

Armstrong’s highlights came on the front nine with a great birdie on the par 5 eighth hole and a birdie on the par 4 17th which helped him complete an exceptional score of

level par for the back nine. Division ‘A’ section saw John Fry take top honours after firing a net 73 to marginally top Mick Conneely with his net 74. Division ‘B’ was claimed by Mike Beggs, who fired a net 77, leaving him a bit of a cushion for the win with runner-up position, Les Reis carding a net 81.

Hee Sun Kim ran away with the Ladies Division title as she shot one of her personal best gross rounds,

coming into the Clubhouse with a fantastic net 75. The runner-up position was awarded to this year’s Ladies Club Champion, Michelle Hilbert with a net 84. The on course prizes went to Sebastain Tartaglia for the nearest the pin on the third hole and Mark Fitzpatrick for longest drive on the 13th hole. In the Ladies Division, Yulia Savina took the prize for longest drive on the first hole and Carol Baldwin for nearest the pin on hole 11.

Overall Gross Winner, Brett Armstrong with Golf Professional, Joanne Bates.

Division ‘A’Winner, John Fry with Golf Operations Supervisor, Brodie Macdonald

BATSON WINS RIVOLI MONTHLY MEDAL

JUNIORS GRADUATE

PAUL Batsun was crowned overall winner at the Rivoli Medal after a wonderful performance. With his wife, Liz Batson, taking top honours in the previous edition, it would seem this duo is dominating the competition. Batson fired a fantastic gross 78, bringing in a net 67, including a brilliant birdie on the difficult par 4 ninth hole, to coast to victory. The winner of Division ‘A’ had to be decided by scorecard countback with John Fry coming out on top after carding an impressive net 70 while Bill Taylor had to settle for the runner up spot. In Division ‘B’, Young Hun Park narrowly edged home ahead of Hee Sun Kim to claim victory.

The on course prizes went to Hee Sun Kim for her longest drive on the ninth hole, Stewart Adams in the men’s division for his longest drive on hole 12 and Chet Riley for nearest the pin on hole 7.

OVER 200 proud parents and family members gathered for the Junior Development Programme Graduation recently at Al Badia Golf Club.

This marked the culmination of the 29 week programme running from the winter season from September 2012 to May 2013. The successful Junior Development Programme (JDP), now in its fourth year, is designed to develop the golfing skills of youngsters aged 6 to 16 years, and covers every aspect of the game including putting, chipping, full swing, etiquette and rules, plus an on-course experience at the end of each term.

The event was organised to recognise the achievements of all 180 junior participants on the programme and reward some outstanding accomplishments.

Al Badia Golf Professional, Ed Chapman commented: “This year’s JDP has grown from last year in terms of participant level which we expect to see grow as the programme goes from strength to strength. The programme itself has evolved from last year with a change in how we show the students their improvement through what we call the “Personal Development System”, where the main focus is on each individual junior’s improvement rather than them comparing themselves against others.

“We have also adopted more from the ‘Long Term Athlete Development’ research into the programme, which helps us look for long term improvement in the juniors we coach over a number of years rather than taking each year separately. Next year will be even more along the lines of LTAD with all the groups divided by set age categories, providing the best biological age split and allowing us to focus specific types of improvements at different phases of their development.”

The top honour of this year’s ‘Spirit Award’ went to Elizabeth Forshaw who takes away an annual Junior Membership for her achievements in the programme.

Chapman explains: “The Spirit Award is given to the golfer who has shown the most improvement through the year along with a dedication to the sport, great behaviour and attitude. Elizabeth has been the epitome of all these characteristics. She has been dedicated to improving her golf by staying behind after sessions to practice in addition to after school practice. Her behaviour and attitude throughout the year has been impeccable and always encouraging towards her fellow golfers and has been a joy to coach.”

SEARS SEALS THE SHIELD THE Peoria Shield kicked off at Al Badia with this fun and somewhat lucky format returning to the tournament calendar for a second year.

The Peoria System works by the tournament organisers selecting six secret holes at random where the participant’s Stableford score will count.

The remaining 12 holes are used to determine your handicap for the day.

After play finished, tournament organisers revealed that holes 3, 6, 9, 12, 16 and 17 were the secret holes.

Graeme Sears came out on top to win the tournament with 18 points as he benefited on the secret holes with two pars and managed to lock in a higher than normal handicap on the 78

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Runner-up Les Reis. remaining holes. Les Reis took second place on countback with 16 points while George Fitchet finished narrowly behind in third place.

The on course events went to Colin Gow for his longest drive on hole 12 and John Allen for nearest the pin on hole 7. In the Ladies Division, Hee Sun Kim was the winner for nearest the pin on hole 11 and Kirsty Evans collected the prize for longest drive on hole 12.

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ARMSTRONG DOMINATES WITH SUB PAR ROUND BRETT Armstrong shot a superb round of gross 71 for a net 68 to win July’s Rivoli Medal. Armstrong went out in 1-over 37 and came back with a stunning 2-under 34 to post the total and win the Net prize outright. Taking the gross honours was John Allen as he was propelled by back-to-back birdies on holes 3 and 4 to an excellent 75.

Club Vice Captain Richard Kim won Division ‘A’ (hcp 0-14) with a net 73 whle in Division ‘B’ Chris Vasey took the spoils with a net 69.

The on-course events went to Armstrong for his Longest Drive down the 12th fairway and Chet Riley who won the Nearest the Pin contest on hole 7. The Ladies Nearest the Pin winner was Yoshiko Kawakami on hole 11 while Michelle Hilbert collected the prize for Longest Drive on the 12th.

July’s Champions Brett Armstrong is pictured with Golf Operations Supervisor Brodie MacDonald.

THE TRACK, MEYDAN www.meydangolf.com www.meydangolf.com

CONTACT: Tel : +971 4 381 3733 E-mail: info@meydangolf.com

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WOOD WINS THE INUGURAL RAMADAN OPEN STEPHEN Wood took the spoils in the inaugural Ramadan Open at The Track last month after defeating Tony Stroud by virture of a better back nine.

Both players scored 35 points but it was Wood who prevailed while taking third place with 34 points was Ben Mulvaney.

The individual Stableford competition was the first event to be held at Meydan Golf during the holy month of Ramadan and Marketing Manager James Leeman was pleased with the turn out.

“Our recent events such as the Masters and

YADAV WINS THE OPEN RAKESH Yadav struck 20 Stableford points to win The Track’s Open Championship last month by two strokes from Andres Francis with Barry Cotter taking third place on 17. Yadav crowed a successful day by also taking home the Nearest the Pin prize with Andrew Maxson taking the prize for Longest Drive.

US Open have shown that there is a huge demand for top quality golf at an affordable price,” he said. “Our mandate is to make the sport as accessible to as many Dubai residents as possible and we do this through the events we organise, our prices and the fact the we are a pay and play course.

“Being a floodlit course enables us to stay open late, which is an enormous benefit at this time of year when it can be uncomfortable to play during the heat of the day. It means we can organise events like the Ramadan Open in the evening.”

MIJARES AND PELAYO WIN THE PAIRS AFTER a seven-month long battle the winners of the AMGC BMW Pairs series were Jose Manuel Silva Pelayo and Jose Manuel Silva Mijares as they beat Michiel Blaauw and Barry Pavic by nine points.

KUMAR WINS THE TRACK’S US OPEN THE Track’s US Open tournament, which was played alongside the second professional Major of the season at Merion GC, saw Aryan Kumar take the spoils with a superb Stableford tally of 59 points.

Taking second place outright was John Fry after he downed Sarah Jane Martin on a back six countback with the pair locked on 57 points. www.wwgolf.biz

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CONTACT: Tel : +971 4 366 3000 E-mail: info@arabianranchesgolf.ae

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Men’s Division winners, Alex Blom & Tim Davies alongside Lady Captain Anne Hainey.

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Mixed winners eric and Jane Bruce Smith are pictured with Anne Hainey.

BLOM & DAVIES CROWNED BETTERBALL CHAMPIONS ALEX Blom and Tim Davies scored 45 Stableford points to win the Men’s Division in the Two Player Team event held at Arabian Ranches recently. The format for the event was Betterball Stableford with full handicap allowance and the best net score from each pair was taken at each hole.

Having started on hole 2 in the shotgun format, with 38 teams competing, Bloom and Davies’ round included seven net birdies and one net eagle on the ninth hole.

They managed to complete the round without a net bogey or worse on the card and shared the stage equally – managing their score well by ensuring one player in the team was always scoring on a particular hole.

The Champions were closely pursued by eventual runners-up Patrick Poles and Mohamed Mok on 44 points, the difference being the two net bogeys scored on the fourth and 12th holes.

In the Ladies/Mixed Division Eric and Jane Bruce Smith posted the best score of the day with 47 points, winning their division by one point from Graham Tickell and Ksenia Grayling. Jane and Eric were consistent throughout the day with 24 points on the front and 23 points on the back nine.

Eric had a brilliant round, scoring a gross 79 playing off 14 to set the foundation for their win.

Club Captain Eddie Ramage (Center) alongside the prize winners on the day.

MAHMOOD AND MIR ARE NET CHAMPIONS THE team of Saqib Mahmood and Shahid Mir were crowned Net Champions in the Hydroturf Two Player Strokeplay Scramble.

A full field of 82 players competed in this popular team event which sees both players tee off with the best positioned ball selected and both players playing from the selected position until the ball is holed out.

Each team received 30% handicap allowance of the two players combined handicaps unless the combined handicap is higher than the lowest player’s handicap then the lowest player’s handicap is used. Men played from the blue tees at 6,700 yards and ladies from the red tees at 80

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5,500 yards. Mahmood and Mir are regular supporters of the Tournaments at ARGC and the pair used a combined handicap allowance of 10.2 during their hard fought victory.

They made the most of their opportunities on a day when everything seemed to go their way, combining for four gross birdies to give them an outward half of 33 and inward half of 38 for a gross 71 net 60.8.

The best gross prize on the day went to Eddie Ramage and Adele McKelvey who posted 62 playing with a combined handicap of three. They also posted the best net score on the

day with 59 and their round included 11 gross birdies and one bogey on the fourth hole with two nines of 31 and had an impressive run from hole five to 12 which included six threes and two fours.

In the Ladies/Mixed Division Mark and Karen Evans ran out victors with a brilliant net 65. Edoardo and Beatrice Galeppini came close but had to settle for the runners up spot when they posted 66. Mark and Karen posted a gross 71 playing with a combined handicap of 6.

“Thanks to Hydroturf and Club Car for their support, it was a fantastic tournament enjoyed by all,” said Club Captain Eddie Ramage.

All the winners are pictured with Club Captains Eddie Ramage and Anne Hainey.

SAYER AND MCKELVEY TAKE THE MONTHLY MEDAL JAMES Sayer returned a gross 2-under-par 70 to win the July Rivoli Monthly Medal supported by Speed Cleaning. Sayer, one of the club’s top junior golfers, who was also included in the ARGC Scratch League squad for 2013, has been knocking on the door of a few events and finally made the step up to claim a brilliant victory.

Sayer’s round was up and down but he made some crucial saves and rescued several holes following a few wayward tee shots. He kept his composure and did the bulk of his scoring on the inward nine with 33 following his 37 on the outward half for a total of 70.

The best net round of the day in the Men’s division belonged to Division ‘A’ Champion Ole Sealey, who posted a net 68 to win by two from Mark Evans.

Men’s Division ‘B’ was another tight contest, however Jamie Rooms prevailed and took the spoils with a net 71, edging out JC Hut by one shot.

The Ladies Division saw Adele McKelvey return to the winners’ circle when she posted a 74 and win the gross title, the Ladies strokeplay has become a see-saw battle this year between young Kim Chiang and McKelvey. The Champion, playing off a 5 handicap, had a fantastic front nine, posting 36 followed by a 38 on the back nine and included three birdies in her round.

The Ladies Net division was successfully defended by Ksenia Grayling who posted a net 73 to win by one shot from runner-up Pauline Wallace on 74 following her net 68 in the previous month’s medal.

ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB www.adgolfclub.com

CONTACT: Tel : +971 2 558 8990 E-mail: info@adgolfclub.com

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BILAL BELAID CROWNED MATCHPLAY CHAMPION AN exciting seven months of competition culminated at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in the Annual Matchplay Championships Final.

Since November, members of Abu Dhabi Golf Club have been fighting it out on the National Course for the Men’s Handicap, Men’s Scratch, Ladies Handicap and Foursome’s Matchplay Championships.

The 2013 Men’s Scratch Matchplay winner was Bilal Belaid who faced Laurie Burkhardt, a regular scratch team member and a very consistent performer in club competitions. The pair took their tight match to the 19th hole, before Bilal could close the deal and take the championship.

The Men’s Handicap Matchplay Champion of 2013 was the Abu Dhabi Golf Club vice-captain Donovan Joseph, who managed to defeat Andy Tyson 6 and 4. Both players put in a magnificent performance to see off 40 other competitors and reach the final.

Eighteen year-old Maeva Deslaudure was crowned the Ladies Handicap Matchplay Champion of 2013, after successfully defeating Debbie Betts in the final.

The Foursomes Matchplay final saw the 2011 and 2012 Foursomes Champions, Aart and Ricus Lehmkhul, take on Sung Jin Hwang and Inki Kim. Despite best efforts, Aart and Ricus were unable to claim the title three years in a row, as Sung Jin and Inki pulled out a nail-biting two and one victory. Sung Jin and Inki have consistently put in superb performances through the year, and thoroughly deserved a victory together.

BUGGY TALK AROUND THE TURN This time last year I was walking around the beautiful courses on The Isle of Arran and, perhaps by no small coincidence, I was there again very recently. However, what made this an exceptional Arran visit was that on the first afternoon whilst strolling along the Brodick sea front I bumped into my brother, Bruce. Nothing particularly newsworthy in that, one might say, but Bruce lives across the Atlantic in the US and despite my annual invitations to Arran he has not made it in over 20 years. And then, there he was! Unannounced and in the flesh. My usually calm demeanour was briefly put on hold as I greeted him like, well, a rarely seen brother! Bruce was visiting Arran for the first time in many, many years with his fiancée Lisa.

They are getting married in the US in August - maybe I'll surprise him by pitching up for that.

After the usual pleasantries were concluded, we instinctively got down to the business of the island – golf - and quickly arranged a game for the following day. Whilst playing the quirky 12 hole Blackwaterfoot/Shiskine links it was clear Bruce was not only struggling with his golf, in particular his terrible putting, but was in some discomfort with his ears. When I asked him about his poor performance he quickly replied that since landing at Heathrow two days previously he had not been able to balance the pressure in his ears properly and he was now struggling with the Arran pollens which were aggravating his long dormant hayfever. He was sneezing and had itchy eyes and throat. Being my brother and opponent on the golf course, all I could hear were excuses! I did offer him some medicines to relieve his symptoms when we were back at the hotel.

Airborne allergies, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis and eustachian tube dysfunction are all conditions which characteristically affect our upper airways and manifest themselves as symptoms in the nose, eyes, ears and throat. They are rarely, if ever, life threatening but always disrupt quality of life with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. There are close links between asthma and these upper airway conditions. There is now an excellent range of medicines to manage each of these, some medication helping to improve all of these conditions. The secret is to take them for long enough before reducing or stopping them. As always, if you find your golf adversely affected by your ears, nose or throat then speak to your doc.

Top Tip: If the Burj Khalifa is obscured by dust, remember to take your allergy medicines.

YOUNG FLYING HIGH IN ETIHAD AIRWAYS NIGHT FLIGHT CLEAN SWEEP THE first in the series of the Etihad Airways Night Flight competitions took place at Abu Dhabi Golf Club with a full field of 44 players hoping to fly away with the truly magnificent first prize of 25,000 Etihad air miles.

In first place was Young Souk Choi, who managed to post a tremendous 22 points over the nine-hole floodlit Garden Course, and win the first ever event in the series. Young impressively also won the Ladies

Nearest the Pin special event.

In second place, narrowly missing out by just a single point was Corey Spring, who managed to shoot a very respectable 21 points.

Third place went to Ana Liza Hirst as she pipped Aart Lehmkuhl on countback with 20 points.

The Etihad Airways Night Flight competitions are taking place at Abu Dhabi Golf Club throughout the summer.

By Dr. Andrew Devine

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JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES www.jumeirahgolfestates.com

CONTACT: Tel : +971 4 375 999

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WAITE AND UDDIN SEAL THE DEAL THE June Members and Guest Pinehurst Stableford was played over the same weekend as the US Open on the Fire course with a field totaling 40 teams taking to the course to compete for honours.

The standard of play was very high with many teams scoring either forty points or above and taking the honours with a tally of 43 points were Terry Waite and partner Ehtasham Uddin. The duo added a back nine score of 19 to a superb score of 24 on he opening front nine to win by one from Steve Drake and Mike Talbot.

Denise Fennell and Mick Fennell combined well to take the final podium position on 42 points while the on-course prizes went to Nadeem Masud and Luke Underwood for their Nearest the Pin efforts on holes 8 and 14 respectively.

WILMOT WINS THE MEDAL CHRIS Wilmot recorded a respectable 6-over-par 78 to collect the gross prize in Division ‘A’ of the June Medal with Henrik Nielsen taking home the net prize with a 4-under 68, one clear of Shankar Majrekar.

In Division ‘B’ Dean Stothard stole the show with a superb round of 66. His strong finish of three net birdies combined with an outward nine of net 31 helped him finish two places higher than his third place finish in the April Rivoli Medal which was also played on the Earth course.

A net birdie-birdie finish allowed Jon Nurse to claim second place as his net 69 was enough to nudge Eugene O’Doherty into third place by a single shot. In the Ladies Division Tania Gelasini took the spoils with a 4-under 66, two clear of Chloe Dillon. The on-course prizes went to Terry Waite and Darren Jacobs for their Nearest the Pin efforts on holes 14 and 11 respectively while Dillon won the Ladies Nearest the Pin on hole 8.

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BARB AND MALC DO THE BUSINESS BARB McBean and Malcolm Gray were victorious at the 2013 Mixed Open sponsored by AGMC BMW and Nivea with an excellent score of 74 gross. Bill Glasgow and Sandra Grenet took home the A division by the smallest of margins over Kevin Thorley and Jo Higgins. In the B division John and Valerie Millar triumphed by one shot over Kang Gi Chuan and Ji Won Bae.

NEW CAPTAINS WELCOMED THE Captain’s Trophy saw the fourball team of Chris Moore, Myung Kyu Shin, Hans Nieuwendijk, and Vera Bondarenko take the spoils by two shots after a wonderful combined performance.

The event marked the end of the Captaincy for John Brash and Kerry Fitzpatrick, and the beginning of the Captaincy for Kevin Thorley and Fiona Linn. A full field turned out to see the pair drive in and kick off Captain’s Day as the Club thanked John and Kerry for their service over the last year, and welcomed the new Captains to their roles. www.wwgolf.biz

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AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB www.alhamragolf.com

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CONTACT: Tel : +971 7 244 7474 E-mail: enquiries@alhamragolf.com

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JAKE CROWNED FIRST RAK CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS JAKE Maki-Petaja became the first RAK Champion of Champions with a landslide victory in Ras Al Khaimah’s inaugural Strokeplay competition.

The event saw the best Al Hamra members pit their wits against the best Tower Links members in a bid to find the overall Club Champion of RAK. Day one took place at Tower Links with some tough scoring conditions meaning Derek Fisher was the only person to shoot under his handicap with a net 68, gross 76. Fisher’s performance saw him move into second place in the gross division after day one, just four shots behind halfway leader Maki-Petaja who shot 80.

Day two took place at Al Hamra and again produced some indifferent scores with a lot of competitors struggling to match their handicap. Maki-Petaja, however, produced a quality round of 74 to add to his first round 80 for a competition winning total of 154 - a colossal 18 shots ahead of his nearest competitor Eric Engelbrecht who scored 172. The win saw Maki-Petaja’s trophy cabinet bulge ever more having won Al Hamra Golf Club’s Club Championship

in the same fashion two months earlier. Fisher sealed a comfortable victory in the net division after adding a 75 to his first round 68 for a 143 total to finish six shots clear of runner-up Steve Rayment who put together two consistent rounds of 75 and 74 for a total of 149.

The ladies division saw Terri Stewart pick up the gross trophy with a three-shot margin from Yuki Pellerine after rounds of 93 and 88 while Anupma Kotwal picked up the best net prize after shooting 75 and 74 respectively.

STEVE’S SMASHING SUMMER START STEVE Rayment had the perfect start of his Summer Season by claiming victory in the RAK Summer Open Weekend, the first event of the Summer Fixtures, with a comfortable four-point winning margin.

The double-header was held over the courses of Tower Links and Al Hamra and Rayment got off to a rocky start at Tower Links, scoring 33 points to lie in sixth place place, five points behind the leaders Terri and Brian Stewart.

Having left himself a lot of work to do, Steve then produced the best day two score with a phenomenal 40 points for a 73 total to win by four from his nearest competitors, David Thomas and Mathew Ambat. Ambat would go on to pick up the runner-up prize after a card countback as his second round of 34 points bettered that of David’s 32.

In the ladies division Rabab Al Haj followed 84

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up her impressive score of 37 points on day one with 31 points around Al Hamra to pick up the top prize, finishing two points ahead of her nearest competitors. As with the men’s division, the runner-up prize winner would need to be separated by a countback between Pat Mottershead and Terri Stewart as both players finished with totals of 66 points. Unfortunately for Terri, Pat better her second round score by three points with 31 to claim the last podium spot.

Brian Stewart had a consolation prize of picking up the best day one score while Sergio De Souza picked up the same prize for day two.

The four Special Event prizes were picked up by Malcolm Tennant and Mohammed Omar Safi for their closest the pin efforts on day one while Tony Cashman and Serifa De Souza had the nearest the pins on day two.

HOOD HOLDS ON FOR STABLEFORD VICTORY JOHN Hood had to endure a card countback before he was eventually crowned the winner in the last Open Stableford of the winter Season. Both Hood and Fred Watts carded scores of 37 points in the tough windy conditions which meant a card play-off would be required in order to separate the two.

Hood eventually won it on the back six holes, scoring 11 points and leaving Watts to pick up the runner-up prize. Third place also came down to a card countback as both Ma Li Min and Bill Grosser carded level par scores of 36 points. Li Min’s awesome back nine of 21 points which included a net eagle on the 13th hole was easily enough to brush of Grosser’s 19 points, resulting in her taking the last podium place. The two special events for the day went to Damian Curran for his interesting-but-close shot on hole 4 and Terri Stewart for her best efforts into hole 11

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MEMBERS WIN THE HABOUBI CUP THE team of Members triumphed in the third staging of the Haboubi Cup, the annual tournament held in memory of Hamed Haboubi, a popular member at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club.

For the past two years the team of staff and members of the Haboubi family and friend have come out on top in the tournament but this year it was the turn of the members to sense that winning feeling.

LOW SCORES IN MERCURE MEDAL A FULL field of 48 took to the course for June’s Mecure Medal and coming out on top in Division ‘A’ was Sami Ghandour with a stellar net 69.

Taking the spoils in Division ‘B’ with a superb net 67 was Chandra Sen Hada.

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FISHY GOINGS ON AT THE ROYAL GOLF CLUB

The winning Royalists team.

ROYALISTS WIN CAPITAL CLUB BAHRAIN GOLF EVENT THE Royalists Golf Society was victorious in the second annual Jim Porter Team Challenge Trophy held at the Royal Golf Club in association with the Capital Club Bahrain.

The team scored a total of 465 points in the accumulative team Stableford tournament which is named after former highly popular Royal Golf Club Member Jim Porter, who moved back to the UK last year due to illness. “The Derelicts” team took second place in the competition with an accumulative score of 427 points while the “Bahrain Team” came third with a total of 408 points.

Well over 100 competitors took part in the event which culminated in a prize-giving ceremony and canapé reception in the Royal Golf Club’s exclusive Members’ Lounge.

THE Royal Golf Club’s Course Maintenance Team has introduced 1000 Tilapia fish and 200 Snakehead fish into their numerous lakes as part of a three-year plan to improve water quality and the eco system at the facility.

The Club, under the management of Troon Golf, has signed a contract with Dubai-based Hillthom, a lake management company, to manage the quality of the lakes, preventing organic sedimentation by minimising the development of algae, and in doing so, leaving sufficient oxygen to support a diversified eco-system.

Tilapia are a larvivorous fish which

will help reduce the populations of midges and mosquitoes around the lakes. Tilapia reproduce extremely quickly so the predatory snakeheads, which are native to Africa and Asia, have also been introduced simultaneously to keep the Tilapia population under control.

“We are very excited about the introduction of these fish to our lakes,” commented Jordan Fairweather, the Club’s Golf Course Superintendent.

“They will be instrumental in improving the water quality and eradicating nuisance insects.”

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YAS LINKS GOLF CLUB www.yaslinks.com

YasLinksGC

CONTACT: Tel : +971 2 810 7777 E-mail: info@yaslinks.com

YasLinksGolfClub

GREAT SCORES IN END OF SEASON FINALE MEMBERS at Yas Links celebrated the end of the 2012/13 season in a big way by holding an afternoon shotgun for themselves and guests.

In the team event the top honours went to Michael Knox, Ahmed Al Menhali, Andrew Campbell and Ian Haywood with a superb haul of 111 points.

Finishing in second with a 106 tally were David Harvey, Peter Gilzean and

David Stewart and his guest while in fourth spot a further two points back were Thomas Kunt, Elizabeth Campbell, Jim Duggan and Ari Vuorenmaa.

The Men’s and Ladies Nearest the Pin titles were wrapped up by Derren Sanders and Elizabeth Campbell respectively while the Longest Drive prizes went to Brian McClure and Carol Goodey.

HEAT NO OBSCACLE IN JULY’S OPEN STABLEFORD A BRAVE full field turned out for July’s Etihad Open Stableford despite baking hot temperatures.

Bragging rights aside, up for grabs were denominations of 25,000, 15,000, 10,000 Etihad Guest Miles respectively for Division ‘A’ and ‘B’ winners. Coming out on top in Division ‘A’ was Ronald Herman with an outstanding total of 40 points, and with that his all-time lowest score on the Yas Links course.

John Baker was not far behind and took second place with an impressive 38 points while third place went to Emanuel Ostojic who finished with 36 points after a superb back 9.

David Harvey put in a fine performance to top Division ‘B’ with 41 points while Andrea Hartley crept up right behind him and finished with a commendable 40 points putting her in second place. Walter Hall took third place, finishing with a fine 35 points.

CONTACT: Tel : +971 2 557 8000 Email: info@sbgolfclub.ae

SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB www.sbgolfclub.ae

SaadiyatBeach

Saadiyat-Beach-Golf-Club

ALHUSSEINY CAPTURES ABDULLA AL MASAOOD AND SONS TITLE THE Abdulla Al Masaood & Sons Individual Stableford competition saw some fantastic scores in pristine conditions on the beachfront course at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Mohamed AlHusseiny captured the winners title with an excellent score of 46 points, which put him an impressive six points ahead of the runner-up.

Second place went to Jung Bin Kim, who scored a respectable net score of 40 points, while third place was taken by Hugh McNaughtan who scored 35 points.

“This win was a pleasant surprise for me”, said Mohamed. “I have been working on my golf swing with the Saadiyat pros and I never believed that I would improve this fast. I am excited about my progress and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club makes golf that much more fun!”

SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB MEMBERS PIP STAFF FOR 2013 TOP SPOT THE members of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club came out victorious in the 2013 Members vs Staff Tournament on a memorable, sun-soaked afternoon at the Gulf’s stunning beachfront course.

The NBAD Elite sponsored competition saw around 40 members and club staff come together in an attempt to clinch the top spot 86

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and bragging rights for another year. The format for the day was an Individual Stableford for all competitors with the 10 best members’ scores versus the 10 best staff scores determining the winners of this year’s tournament. Michelle Larter and Ornella Parigi each scored an impressive 39 points, tying them for the winning members’ score, while Krisho Kumar Balaraj carded the

highest staff score with 41. It was a close competition with only 14 points difference between the members who carded a total score of 342 points and staff who recorded a total 328 points.

The annual Members Versus Staff tournament is one of various events held over Associate Appreciation Week at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

LOCAL NEWS

THE INTERCONTINENTAL RIYADH, PALMS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB www.intercontinental.com

CONTACT: Tel : +966 (01) 465 5000 Ext. 6146

intercontinentalriyadh

TOP SCORING AT MONTHLY MEDAL FILIPINO duo Alex Arellano and Mario Vera Cruz scored a brilliant one-two in the A Division of the Monthly Medal recently amidst wonderful conditions at the PALMS Golf Club InterContinental Riyadh.

Arellano scored 31 Stableford points while Mario notched 30 points to bag the runner-up position.

The ‘B’ Division saw some wonderful play with champion Pakistani golfer Tariq Javed shooting level par for 36 points while Tailander Umka Charnara finished runner-up with 30 points.

The ‘C’ Division winners were Swedish golfer Anas Rashid and Indian golfer Mohiuddin who returned the cards with 32 and 29 points respectively to bag the first and second places. Sonny Acance and Alex Arellano won the nearest the pin awards.

Asst. Golf Club Manager Baby Joseph thanked Ahmed Haroun, Regional Director of sponsors Power Horse International for his contined support to Palms Golf Club Intercontinental Riyadh. Haroun congratulated all the winners and handed over the prizes and Power Horse trophies.

TOWER LINKS GOLF CLUB www.towerlinks.com

Anas Rashid receiving the trophy from Ahmed Haroun.

CONTACT: Tel : +971 7 227 939 Email: membership@towerlinks.com

towerlinksgc

GARY AND FIYAZ STORM TO VICTORY FIYAZ Ahmed and Gary Smith paired beautifully in the two-player Turkey Shoot to outplay their rivals with a winning score of 29.75 net.

The format requires pairs to play three holes in scramble format, three holes in greensomes format and three holes in betterball format, which not only tests your golfing skills but your friendship as well!

The in-form pairing of Ajay and Anupma Kotwal finished second with a net of 31.7 leaving Noman Ahmed and Mizu in third place with a net score of 32.05.

The couple leaving with the wooden spoon were social regulars Dave Oldfield and George Llewellyn who will no doubt be filing for divorce after this performance. Taking home the Nearest the Pin prizes were Leo D’Souza on hole 12 and Dewalde Lubbe on the 16th.

SHINJIRO STRIKES IN SOCIAL STABLEFORD SHINJIRO Hino made a long overdue return to the winner’s circle after he posted a fantastic 21 Stableford points in the weekly social competition to win by one stroke from Mike Cox and Andy Prescott. In the battle for second place it was Cox who came out on top after a countback win over Prescott while finishing dead last with just seven points to his name was Nathan Jones. The Nearest the Pin prizes went to Gerry Gibson on hole 12 and Greg Maddox on the 16th. www.wwgolf.biz

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MUSCAT HILLS GOLF CLUB www.muscathillsgolf.com

MuscatHills

CONTACT: Tel : +968 245 14080 E-mail: bookings@muscatgolf.com

Muscat-Hills-Golf-Country-Club

MUSCAT HILLS WIN GREEN LANDSCAPE AWARD IN 2012 Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club received a special commendation in the Green Awards of Oman, just missing the Green Landscape Award prize. But in 2013 the Club has gone one better by winning the Green Landscape Award for the most ecofriendly landscape in Oman.

Muscat Hills pride themselves on trying to “think green” with the high-end residential estate featuring solar powered lights and the golf course now trying to conserve water by utilising its underground natural aquifers. The Club is situated amid mountainous terrain with views of the Hajar Mountains and natural aquifers provide abundant water. Significant capital investment was used to develop the well and make it functional for commercial usage.

“Muscat Hills work extremely hard at keeping the golf course in an excellent condition all year round for consumers and with the hot weather in the Middle East water is extremely important,” said Ray Stopforth, Director of Golf. “We managed to test the water quality in the quality in our aquifers and it was good

quality sweet water. We therefore sought assistance to install a pump to generate our own natural water. We have a plentiful supply of water from our aquifer and with our natural wadis these will continue to replenish over time.” The Oman Green awards have been developed to create awareness in the community of Oman and honor outstanding environmental vision, endeavors and achievements of corporate and individuals in the environmental cause.

GOLF CLINIC FOR BEGINNERS PROVES BIG HIT MUSCAT Hills held a complimentary golf clinic for beginners and novice golfers recently, attracting over 50 non golfers from around Oman of differing nationalities keen to experience the game.

The non golfers learnt the three main facets of golf - putting, chipping and the full swing.

Muscat Hills PGA Professionals entertained the golfers for an hour and a half and following the clinic the golfers enjoyed some complimentary beverages and snacks in the clubhouse.

Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club is

an ideal place to learn the game featuring, as it does, a first class golf academy with air conditioned tuition studio which includes V1 Software, flight scope, short game areas and an undercover driving range which is accessible for members and visitors alike.

The Driving range is open until late in the evening so even with the hot weather beginners are still able to get some practice in after work.

Tuition packages are available for all levels of golfers from beginner to advanced golfers looking at improving their golf game and their knowledge.

STEVE PICKERING WINS INAUGURAL MILLENNIUM RESORT MUSSANAH GOLF DAY THE summer heat does not stop Muscat Hills’ golfers participating in regular weekend competitions and competitive spirit and strong will were shown by all 45 golfers who took part in the Inaugural Millennium Resort Mussanah Golf Day, won

by Steve Pickering with a superb 43 Stableford points.

Virendra Agarwal finished second with 40 points followed closely by Ray Baird in third also with 40 points but losing out on a countback.

Winning the ladies division was Susanne Solberg with 37 points while special prizes for the Nearest to the Pin prize on the 14th hole went to Steve Pickering, and Longest Drive on the fourth hole to Ben Mccarron. Steve won a gift voucher for the golf shop and a one night stay in the resort while Susanne also won a stay in the resort.

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MUSCAT HILLS WIN LADY CAPTAINS DAY MUSCAT Hills Golf & Country Club kick-started the summer season by winning a Ladies Captains Day which drew golfers from Almouj Golf and Ras Al Hamra Golf Club. The driving force behind the tournament was the Muscat Hills Ladies Captain Karen D’Amours who has been captain of Muscat Hills for almost two years.

“Growing the game of golf amongst the female community is our goal we are working hard to encourage all ladies expatriates and Omanies to play the game of golf” said D’Amours.

Almost 30 Ladies participated in the nine-hole tournament which featured a Skins format with members from all the clubs competition against each other.

After a fun day out on the course all ladies gathered in the Muscat Hills clubhouse to share their tales over snacks and refreshments sponsored by the lady Captain.

The new restaurant in Muscat, MORE Café sponsored prizes for the winning ladies with lunch vouchers and homemade Jams for all the ladies to enjoy.

LOCAL NEWS

THE ALLEGRIA www.theallegriacairo.com

CONTACT: Tel +20.12.377.9800 Fax +2 0122 880 2354

TheAllegria

TOP RANKING FOR THE ALLEGRIA THE Allegria Golf Club has earned distinction for having the best golf course in Egypt. The Greg Norman Signature Golf Course at Allegria ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world by the webside top100golfcourses.co.uk, outshooting any other golf course in the country to take the No.1 ranking among golf courses in Egypt.

The Greg Norman Signature Golf Course at Allegria provides an interesting twist to a regular game of golf, with challenging greens that have impressed golfers from around the world.

“We’re delighted to see the Greg Norman Signature Golf Course at Allegria being recognised among the top 100 courses in the world,” said Josh North, Director of Golf at The Allegria. “The course offers the finest

and most elite services for world-class players, providing an unforgettable experience on and off the course.”

The Greg Norman Signature Golf Course at Allegria is the first golf course in Egypt to be managed by Troon Golf, the world’s leading luxury brand golf management, marketing and development company. It is also the first 18-hole course in Egypt to be designed by the legendary Greg Norman, offering the ultimate experience for golf enthusiasts including business professionals, executives and community leaders.

The Greg Norman Signature Golf Course at Allegria has set an extremely high benchmark for world-class golf, not just in Egypt, but across the region with excellent agronomic conditions and exceptional customer service.

BANYAN THAILAND

CONTACT: Tel : +66 3261 6200

www.banyanthailand.com

GOLF CITIZEN SERIES GETS UNDERWAY AT BANYAN BANYAN Golf Club in Hua Hin recently hosted the first of a national series of Golf CITIZEN Open tournaments being held throughout Thailand from June-December.

The winners of the regional qualifiers will tee it up in a Grand Final in Hua Hin in December with the top placed players receiving a VIP trip to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in January 2014 where they will compete in the Pro-Am. Winning the inaugural event at Banyan was Bea Wallace while Carsten Andersen and Beetnara Kim took second and third place respectively.

For more details on upcoming events visit: www.golfcitizen.com www.wwgolf.biz

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ALMOUJ GOLF www.almoujgolf.com

CONTACT: Tel : +968 2200 5990 E-mail: info@almoujgolf.com

almoujgolf

D’AMOURS CROWNED THE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS AMOUJ Golf recently held its first ever Tournament of Champions where the winners of the season’s The Chedi Muscat Monthly Medals all competed for the auspicious title of the Champion of Champions, and coming out on top after a fascinating day’s play was Kevin D’Amours with a net 73.

D’Amours sealed with the win by a narrow three-hole countback over Ahmad Kamel Mahmud with John Petersen in third place with a 75 and Iain Watters fourth one further back.

The Ladies Net winner on the day was Yvonne Welling with a score of net 82 while the best gross on the day came from the Men’s Club Champion Tenzin Tsarong with an 80.

MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCED AFTER eight months of knock-out matchplay golf the final of the Mercedes-Benz Matchplay Championship came down to a battle between Iain Liversage and Steve Morris, and it was Liversage who got his hands on the silverware thanks to a 2 and 1 victory.

The Doubles final was a keenly contested affair with Lady Captain Kim Davies and Louise Daly pitting their wits

against the strong-looking duo of John Petersen and Lee O’Donoghue. Daly and Davies had earlier knocked out the 2012 winners Ed Daly and Steve Morris but they couldn’t provide another upset in the final as Peterden and O’Donoghue clinched the match on the 17th green.

Kim Davies bounced back from her doubled defeat to win the Ladies MatchPlay with a 3 and 2 victory over Yvonne Welling in the final.

WATTERS THE WINNER THE June Chedi Muscat Monthly Medal was the final chance to gain valuable OGC Order of Merit Points in an effort to book a place in the Chrysler Cup Squad and taking the spoils in the Net Division was Iain Watters with a fine level-par 72.

Hot on his heels, just one stroke back was Ahmad Kamel Mahmud while the Ladies Net Division saw Yvonne Welling take the spoils with a net 74, two shots clear of Shirley Prescott.

A few notable players were absent which left the gross prize wide open and taking full advantage was 8-handicapper Robert Daniel as he posted an 81 to take the prize.

HOT FAVOURITE O’DONOGHUE DOESN’T DISAPPOINT TOURNAMENT favourite Lee O’Donoghue recorded eight pars and a solitary bogey on his way to a score of net 25 to win the Final event of the second edition of the Swiss Air Par-3 League Series.

O’Donoghue held off a host of players who scored a net 26 to win, with a countback needed to separate the other placings. Taking second place outright was Nick Smith with Robert Daniel finishing third place and Johan Keyter relegated to fourth.

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LOCAL NEWS

DIRAB GOLF CLUB

CONTACT: Tel : +966 1 812 6671 E-mail: info@dirabgolf.com

www.dirabgolf.com

ALMANSOUR SEALS THE FUCHS OPEN FAHAD Almansour won a countback over fellow Saudi national team player Faisal Salhab to capture the Best Gross title in the seventh annual Fuchs Open recently.

Almansour and Salhab both finished with a 4-over total of 76 but after comparing their back nine scores to break the tie it was Almansour who emerged the winner.

The net winner was Takashi Kato with a 67 from a gross score of 86 while the Division ‘A’ winner was Julian Bennett thanks to a countback win over Jose Vigil after they tied on 75.

Ronny Lidman was the men’s Division ‘B’ (hcp 10-19) winner with a 69, two shots clear of Dirab Golf Committee Chairman Tariq Javed with Alistair McIlroy third on 72.

In Division ‘C’ Richard Dunn came out on top thanks to a countback win over Shaun Temple after the pair posted matching 69s while Muhammad Fuad took third with a 70.

Clare Hunter, a 20 handicapper, put together one of her best rounds ever as she posted a gross 83 for a net 63 to win the Ladies Division by 12 shots from Susan Tessier.

VIGIL AND BALL TAKE AN EARLY LEAD IN THE VISTA LAND RACE TO MANILA JOSE Vigil and Rick Ball emerged the overall Best Gross and overall Best Net champions respectively to win the first event in the Vista Land Race to Manila golf series which will conclude in November.

Sponsored by Vista Land International Marketing Inc. in cooperation with Saudi Golf Business Society (SGBS), Filipino Golf Association and Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers, the competition comprises of five tournaments leading up to the final towards the end of the year.

Points will be awarded to the winners in each of the five tournaments akin to the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup as follows: 500 to first place, 490 to second place, 480 to third place and so on, with 1,000 points awaiting the winner in the November final. An all-expenses paid trip to Manila will be awarded to the Race to Manila champion in both the Best Gross and Best Net categories.

Second to Vigil in the men’s First Division (hcp 0-9) was Robin Williamson on 74 with Stuart Walker third on 75 while in second place behind Ball in the Third Division (hcp 19-28) was Ian McDonald.

In the Second Division Raghe Hassan took the spoils while Liz Kennedy won the Ladies Division courtesy of a countback win over Lynda Avriett.

LADIES CELEBRATE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON THE Dirab Ladies Group ended their 2012-2013 season with a monthly medal tournament and then the end of season awards shortly after.

The group, which meets on Tuesdays, takes a breather for the summer vacation before it starts its new season in October and taking first and second place in Division ‘A’ were Martina O’Reilly and June Hee Kim with rounds of 74 and 77 respectively.

Roselyne Delpon de Vaux took the spoils in Division ‘B’ with a 75, one shot clear of Cheryl Williamson while in the final Division Cindy Clark fired a 74 to win well clear of Christy Roe. Sile McIlroy and Barbara Dickson emerged the Best Gross and Best Net winners on 88 and 68 respectively at the end of season awards while Clare Watts was named Sportswoman of the Year and Susan Tessier was crowned the Eclectic Winner. www.wwgolf.biz

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WWG STYLE

Hermione FitzGerald Mike Gallemore talks to HERMIONE FITZGERALD, who learned to play golf in Dubai in the early 1990s through the EGF’s Junior Development Programme, and recently won her ÅZ[\ XZWNM[[QWVIT tournament and now PI[ PMZ [QOP\[ ÅZUTa set on joining the elite of ladies’ golf.

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WWG STYLE

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STAR GOLFER “Having spent much of my youth in Dubai I have a soft spot for the place and it would be fantastic to play in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club where it all began for me.”

– HERMIONE FITZGERALD LD

H

ERMIONE FitzGerald can credit Fred Couples as being the inspiration in sparking her ambition to become a professional golfer. “I had the privilege of being invited by a friend of our family, Galen Weston, to join his team to play in the J.P. McManus Pro-Am at The Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort, near Limerick,” says Hermione.

“It was an amazing experience playing alongside the likes of Tiger Woods. I was a six or seven handicapper at the time but I played quite well, and played the back nine on the second day at 3-under-par. I thought, ‘I quite like this.’

“Fred Couples was in our team and he said I had talent. Fred was an inspiration and a lot of fun. After Fred’s remark I started taking golf more seriously. It was at that moment that I decided I’d like to do this professionally.

“Up until then I had played purely for fun but Fred changed my perspective on golf.

I really enjoyed playing in front of a crowd of 25,000 spectators at Adare and I actually enjoyed the pressure,” she adds.

Hermione showed that she could rise to the challenge by winning her first event on the Ladies Jamega Tour at Hever Castle in Kent in June, coming from three shots behind in the final round to win in a play-off, with her father, Lord John FitzGerald, acting as caddie.

It was her father who first introduced Hermione to golf at the age of seven when he came to Dubai in the early 1990s to join H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum’s racing operation. “My Dad and Mum both joined Emirates Golf Club and took lessons from Adrian Flaherty and I went to the Saturday junior golf clinic at Emirates Golf Club. It was all fun and games and I was just happy to know I could get the ball into the air,” says Hermione.

“I started to improve and got my first par on the fourth hole on the Majlis course. The

family moved back to the UK when I was about 12 years old and I started playing golf again at Newmarket Golf Club about two or three years later with friends. I played a bit of county golf but I didn’t take it very seriously,” she says.

“Then I went to work in Ireland at Dad’s old family home, Carton House, where they played the Irish Open in June, which was won by Paul Casey and that chance invitation from Galen Weston changed everything.

“After that, I started going over to Galen Weston’s estate at Windsor in Florida, and it’s done my game the world of good, particularly practicing in the winter months.

I’ve even been able to play with sporting heroes such as Ivan Lendl, Andy Murray’s tennis coach, whilst I was staying there.

“I turned professional in January 2011 and received an invite to play an event on the Ladies European Tour but unfortunately had to retire after the first round due to a hip injury. After two operastions on one hip and lots of dedicated rehabilitation I have only actively started playing professionally since the start of 2013.”

“I’ve played four events on the Ladies Jamega Tour and I won at my fifth attempt.

If I can get some sponsor’s invites for the Ladies European Tour that would be great but I’m setting my sights on qualifying for the LET at Q-School at the end of this year.

Hermione is finding her form after shooting two-under at The Berkshire Golf Club to qualify for Final Qualifying of the Ladies British Open at Kingsbarns Golf Club, St. Andrews.

“I’ve recently started having lessons with Michael Evans at Burhill Golf Club. My game

is coming together and I’m getting fitter and stronger. I came over to Dubai a couple of years ago and played Emirates and The Els Club and Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, which is a lovely course. It could be in Scotland if it were a lot colder.”

Hermione is a Swiss National and with golf becoming an Olympic sport in 2016 she’s got an eye on getting into the Swiss team for Rio. ” You have to set yourself targets and I’m working hard on my game,” she says. “I’ve got ambitions to get onto the LET, go to the Olympics, and play in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.

“Having spent much of my youth in Dubai I have a soft spot for the place and it would be fantastic to play in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club where it all began for me.”

With Hermione’s natural talent, fierce competitiveness, determination to succeed and her ability to thrive under pressure she could become a leading lady of the women’s game before very long. Q www.wwgolf.biz

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WWG STYLE

Sugar Ray Leonard Handicap: 15

I LOVE GOLF BECAUSE...

WHAT I miss most about boxing is that competitive spirit, the nature of the challenge. I never thought in a million years that that same feeling would come out on the golf course.

In my sport of boxing, I was the guy who was charismatic, who was flamboyant, who was entertaining everyone. Then all of a sudden I come out on the golf course and it’s serene, it’s quiet, it’s tranquil but it’s also competitive.

I think about my sport and what I did when I’m on the golf course. I really believe I can make that putt or hit that ball the right distance, the same way I believed I could beat Hagler or Hearns.

I wish that I’d allowed this game to come into my circle back when I was competing in the ring. I wish I knew then what I know now – how amazing, how therapeutic, how much longevity you can get out of this sport.

I grew up near D.C. We didn’t have much money. When I moved to L.A. after I retired - one of my many retirements - a friend invited me to play. I said, “Golf? In my hood, you don’t play golf.” When I finished, I was drained mentally, but I loved it. I remember getting so excited about a triple-bogey.

A triple! Boxing and golf are similar in so many ways, and not just, “Keep your head down.”

Finesse. Psychological warfare. Warrior mentality.

And guys make excuses. They complain about their bad back. Well, Tiger won the US Open with a broken leg. THAT’S a warrior.

Golf makes you face your fears. Marvin Hagler wasn’t scary. Roberto Duran? Nah. A downhill 3-footer? That’s scary! But when you hit a great golf shot, you feel it, it’s effortless. It’s the same thing when you throw the perfect knockout punch, it resonates through you and you get that tingling and just know you’ve hit the target, the sweet spot. It’s an amazing comparison because it’s true. When you hit that ball perfectly, ‘pow’ you know it’s gone and in boxing, ‘pow’ you know he’s gone.

When I was young, boxing saved me. In a way, golf has saved me, too. It’s made me more solid.

More balanced. Other places, my mind races. On the course, my mind is calm, focused, ordered, like it was in the ring. Golf gives me peace.

It’s a very challenging game, and the minute you think you’ve got it figured out – it wakes you back up!

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World Titles: WBC Welterweight Champion 2 x WBC Welterweight Champion WBA Light Middleweight Champion WBA Welterweight Champion WBC Middleweight Champion WBC Super Middleweight Champion WBC Light Heavyweight Champion

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