Worldwide Golf - Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke

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Issue 112, February 2010

MIDDLE EAST’S No .1 GOLF MAG AZINE

RECORD BREAKERS Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke break the Dubai Creek course record as they share the honours in The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah.

Kenny Perry The evergreen American Ryder Cup star visits the Middle East for his debut appearance in the Commercialbank Qatar Masters.

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ABU DHABI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP THE FIRE COURSE NEW GROOVES YAS LINKS DRIVING RANGE ARABIAN GOLF TUTORIAL TIPS ISBN 978-9948-15-427-3

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

FOR ADVERTISERS WHO DON’T HAVE MONEY TO BURN

Worldwide Golf, the highest Total Qualified Circulation of any audited Golf title in the Middle East.

Worldwide Golf: BPA Worldwide Average Monthly Qualified Circulation Jan – Jun 2009 = 14,325 Middle East Golfer: BPA Worldwide Average Monthly Qualified Circulation Jan – Jun 2009 = 3,892

WORLDWIDE

Golf Est:1999

Golf Digest Middle East: BPA Applicant; No figures available

Worldwide Golf’s Executive Editor

PLAYER

GARY

PLAYER INTRODUCTION

Thanks for the effort and support!

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HE success of the Saadiyat Beach Classic hosted by Gary Player last month was another great boost for The Player Foundation and it is quite remarkable that we managed to raise a magnificent 17.5 million Rand in 2009.

Considering the global recession that is a magnificent achievement.

We have a team of dedicated people who put enormous effort into organising our fund raising events. They are responsible for helping so many needy children around the world.

I’d also like to pay special thanks to all of the participants and guests who attended the Gary Player Invitational tournaments last year and those who made individual donations to The Player Foundation. Their incredible generosity of time, enthusiasm and money helped provide a better future for children worldwide.

It’s one of the most wonderful aspects of the game of golf that you can put on a charity golf event where the players and spectators can have a fun time while at the same time raising valuable funds for needy charities.

There are very few sports that provide that level of charity fundraising.

I was sorry and surprised to see Lee Westwood miss the cut at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and I have some sympathy with his explanation of why he didn’t perform to his usual high standards. He was 100 per cent correct in what he said.

He admitted that he had a complete break from the game for six weeks during the Festive Season of Christmas and New Year and that he had taken too long to get back into the swing of things again. He’s just got a new set of irons so the combination of a break of that length and struggling with the feel of new shafts etc is always going to cause you problems. As his caddie, Billy Foster, said to him during the tournament in Abu Dhabi, he’s a brave man changing his clubs right when he’s been playing his best

golf – but I hear that he and his great friend Darren Clarke each broke the course record at Dubai Creek with matching rounds of 8-under 63 to share first place in The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah recently, so he’s obviously getting his touch back already and it’s great to see Darren back in form as well.

Lee fully deserves his top spot in European golf and for a player to battle his way back to win the inaugural Dubai World Championship and The Race to Dubai was quite an achievement. He was the obvious choice but it was the icing on the cake for him to be honoured with The European Tour Player of the Year Award.

Maybe it will be a lesson learned that you have to keep things ticking over during the off season when players take a break from the game. It’s something I have always done throughout my career. When I’m back home on the farm in South Africa I’ll hit a bucket of balls and practice for around 30 minutes each day. Or I’ll play nine holes of golf with the grandchildren.

If I’m away and I’m not playing tournament golf I’ll still practice for half-an-hour or so.

When you’re a Tour golfer your golf muscles get stretched as a result of the constant work they get. If you don’t keep those muscles in good working order then they lose their elasticity and they are not as supple. It’s inevitable.

All the great players have been aware of the importance of keeping your body flexible and I would recommend that all Tour players look after their golf muscles accordingly.

Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Arnold Palmer were all great believers in this and I also think that maintaining your level of fitness throughout the year helps to extend your playing career.

Considering how well Lee has been playing I think Abu Dhabi was a blip and he’ll be in contention from here onwards now he’s back in the swing. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he adds a Major to his long list of titles in the near future. www.wwgolf.biz

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Over 100 destinations worldwide

Contents

WWGWHEELS

DRIVING

Speci f ication Engine All alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5935cc V12.

Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive.

Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves.

Compression ratio 10.9:1.

Max Power 350 kW (470 bhp / 477 PS) at 6000 rpm.

Max Torque 600 Nm (443 lb ft) at 5000 rpm.

Acceleration 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds.

Max Speed 188 mph (303 km/h) (predicted)

RIDE COMFORT PERFORMANCE SPACE BRAKING

Transmission Rear mid-mounted ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system.

Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft.

Wheels & tyres 20” alloy wheels.

Front tyres Bridgestone Potenza 245/40 R20.

Rear Bridgestone Potenza 295/35 R20.

Brakes Front Dual cast brake discs 390mm diameter with six piston calipers.

Rear Dual cast brake discs 360mm diameter with four piston calipers.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).

Traction Control.

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA).

Positive Torque Control (PTC).

Electronic Park Brake (EPB).

Dimensions Length 5019 mm (197.6”).

Width (including mirrors) 2140 mm (84.3”).

Height 1360 mm (53.5”).

Fuel Capacity 90.5 litres.

FIRST shown in 2006 in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show in the USA, the Rapide project received an immediate green light from Aston Martin’s new shareholders in mid-2007 following the sale of the marque by the Ford Motor Company.

In a little over two years, Aston Martin’s design and engineering team have delivered a new car from the ground up. Rapide has been developed from the ‘V/H Architecture’ platform which already forms the backbone to Aston Martin’s critically acclaimed line-up: the

DBS, DB9 and Vantage range. Director of Design, Marek Reichman who led the in-house design team which penned the Rapide said: “Like a racehorse standing still, you can see its power and elegance.

The shape of Rapide’s rear haunches are muscular, conveying the power that lies beneath, while its low stance produces a powerful look.”

First deliveries of the Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin’s 125 strong dealership network. Pricing will be confirmed at the Frankfurt Show.

PLAYER TECHNOLOGY HARDWEAR FOOTWEAR

resulted in the Rapide’s projected weight gaining only 190 kg over its DB9 sibling delivering a target kerb weight of 1950 kg. This figure is achieved through the use of Aston Martin’s Vertical / Horizontal architecture – a platform technology derived from the aerospace industry employing aluminium which is bonded rather than welded to create a lightweight and ultra-stiff chassis.

Despite the Rapide being 290 mm longer than the DB9, it was a key objective to maximise the structural rigidity accounting for the increased length in wheelbase. The Rapide’s

At the heart of every Aston Martin lies an evocative engine, providing effortless power and torque. The Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lbft) peak torque at 5000 rpm.

A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering columnmounted magnesium paddles.

The use of lightweight materials has

APPAREL BALLS

structure would require 28,000 Nm of force to be twisted through 1 degree.

This torsional rigidity is a key element in delivering the excellent dynamic feel by optimising wheel to road contact and minimising vehicle shake and vibration.

To take full advantage of its extremely rigid platform, the Rapide features Adaptive Damping System (ADS) first seen on the DBS. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different road conditions and driver inputs.

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Trion: Z

YES GOLF V-EASY 3-IN-1 TRAINING AID

TRION: Z bracelets are growing in popularity around the world with the Middle East one of the key growth areas. Named among the top ten products at the PGA Tour Merchandise Show in Orlando, the bracelets are gaining more and more fans from the world of golf for their calming and pain-relieving qualities. They work using magnetic therapy, combining the power of minus ions and 1,000 gauss magnets to counteract the positive ions we encounter in everyday life and sport, which are thought to contribute to a lack of concentration, stress, muscle and joint pain, headaches and nausea. The vast majority of customers who have bought either the bracelets or necklaces say they really do work and we’d have to agree. The result is a relaxed feeling of general well-being, which frees your mind to concentrate on shaving a few more shots off your round.

IN these tough economic times what better way to improve your game whilst being kind to your wallet than with this trick little creation from Yes Golf.

The V-Easy is essentially three training aids in one.

The first act it performs is to teach you to keep your hands ‘quiet’ when putting and chipping. Simply place the legs of the V under your arms and rest the club shaft in the hinge close to the bottom of the grip in a position that feels comfortable. Grip the club from behind the V and putt or chip as normal – you will be forced to hold your wrists in the correct position and rock from the shoulders, keeping the hands out of the stroke. The V-Easy can also be used as an alignment aid by placing it on the ground with the ball at the apex of the V. Aim the white dots parallel with your intended target line. Aim your toes up with the yellow or white markings on the legs and the stance will now be correctly aligned. The third use for the V-Easy is for distance control and accuracy in the putting stroke – put the legs of the V together and line balls up along it and perform a ‘ladder drill’.

www.trionz.com

www.yesgolf.com

Bridgestone introduce new additions to the E series

Nike Air Zoom Elite II

BRIDGESTONE Golf has three additions to its e-Series golf balls, each of which is targeted at the average amateur golfer. The e5, e6 and e7 balls focus on optimising trajectory to improve distance and accuracy.

Bridgestone e5: For golfers who struggle getting enough height on their shots and desire a higher trajectory and more carry.

Bridgestone e6: Targeted at golfers who are plagued by hooks or slices – in other words, golfers who impart too much sidespin on the ball.

Bridgestone e7: To help golfers whose trajectory is too high; golfers who desire a lower trajectory.

The technical details of each ball – how those target goals are addressed technologically – can be found on: www.bridgestonegolf.com

AS is usually the case with Nike golf shoes, the first thing that strikes you about the Air Zoom Elite II is how insanely stylish it looks. These shoes look like they’re from the future and the technology crammed within them is easily a match for their smoldering good looks. There’s the Nike Power Platform Control system on the sole to give you maximum ground contact – increasing power and control through the swing – while stability is increased further with the TPU caged lateral support system on the upper of the shoe. The soft full grain leather upper with sympatex ‘all weather’ treatment is extremely comfortable and also provides a striking visual contrast with the caged TPU framework. And then, of course, there’s the trademark Nike Air cushioning heel unit. A removable, washable Poron sockliner adds yet more comfort, while the Champ Scorpion Stringer Spikes with Q-LOK system ensure a strong grip no matter what the terrain. The verdict?

A definite thumbs up.

WILSON says that most of its customers fit the D profile: They want distance and need super-game improvement technology to help minimise the damage from their swing flaws. The 2010 Wilson Staff D line includes: New Di9 irons with deep weighting and patented wide-tip shafts to resist twisting.

The D-FY combo iron set – a set of irons and hybrids whose shafts combine attributes of both steel and graphite.

The super-game improvement D-FY Combo set is targeted to golfers with low to midspeed swings who are seeking to get more distance.

The set includes a 19.5º FYbrid utility; a 4 hybrid; 5- and 6-irons whose wide soles and hollow core designs help get the ball on a high launch and trajectory; and cavityback, perimeter-weighted 7-iron through to the pitching wedge.

The set utilises Wilson Staff’s new proprietary “Half-and-Half” shaft technology, which the company says combines the feel of graphite shafts with the responsiveness of steel shafts. Wilson describe the shafts as “fusing the exceptionally low torque and response of steel with the light weight and vibration-dampening effects of graphite, weighing in at only 76 grams.”

“The steel tip section provides bending stability and low torque at the hosel to deliver straighter shots on off-centre hits. More than 30 grams are removed from the steel shaft and replaced by a high modulus graphite shaft. A strong and durable joint section also provides maximum vibration dampening at the junction of the two materials.”

www.nike.com/nikegolf

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Regulars ERNIE ELS COLUMN ROSS FISHER COLUMN CLUBHOUSE QUICKIES

DIVOTS: NEWS ITEMS DRIVING RANGE: ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKING GARY PLAYER COLUMN WORLD ROUND-UPS CLAUDE HARMON III SWING ANALYSIS

WOMEN’S GOLF DUBAI ARABIAN GOLF LOCKER ROOM GROOM ROOM IN THE BAG: CLUB PRO

ISSUE No. 109, NOVEMBER, 2009 Published by: Worldwide Sporting Publications Ltd, 54 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, England, SK9 1NY mikeg@sportingpublications.com alexg@sportingpublications.com Tel: +44 01625 535081 Fax: +44 01625 537487

5 shots HOUT LOWER WIT g your changin swing

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6 THE INVITATIONAL hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah served up a great day of golf, banter and charity fund raising, with Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke both breaking the Dubai Creek course record.

48 MARITIM JOLIE VILLE ROYAL

PENINSULA: A look at one of Sharm El Sheikh’s finest resorts.

10 AMELIA MCKEE may be only 10 years old and barely bigger than her driver but boy can she play!

GREG NORMAN COLUMN

GEAR

www.golf-brain.com

Features

GARY PLAYER INTRODUCTION

TUTORIAL

www.wilsonstaff.com

DR Karl Morris is a leading a golf psychologist, or ‘Mind Coach’. He’s worked with the likes of Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and Graeme McDowell over the years so he knows a thing or two about how to get the best out of a player’s ability.

Whether you’re a top pro or a weekend hacker the mental side of the game is one of the hardest obstacles to overcome and Karl has developed a number of techniques to help you do this.

His latest two CD courses teach you to go, ‘5 shots Lower Without Changing Your Swing’ and learn ‘The Secret of Consistent Golf With the 7 Rituals of Success’ using the methods Karl and his team of Mind Factor coaches teach at courses and seminars around the world. The courses are extremely methodical and take you through the various mental procedures in a really clear manner while giving full explanation for each leg of the journey along the way, making it easy to buy into Karl’s techniques.

14 ABU DHABI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP: Germany’s Martin Kaymer lifts the Falcon trophy for a second time.

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MI DDL E E A S T’ S No . 1 G O L F M A G A Z I NE Issue 112, February 2010

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Dr Karl Morris – The Mind Factor

Wilson reveal gameimprovement clubs for 2010

21 KENNY PERRY is enjoying the form of his life at the age of 49. Worldwide Golf catches up with him he arrives in Doha for his Commercialbank Qatar Masters debut.

29 LEE WESTWOOD returns to Jumeirah Golf Estates, scene of his thrilling Dubai World Championship victory, to play Greg Norman’s new Fire Course for the first time

RECORD BREAKERS Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke break the Dubai Creek course record as they share the honours in The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah.

Kenny Perry

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CURBING THE GROOVE: Worldwide Golf looks at the new groove regulations brought in this year by The R&A and how they affect both pros and amateurs.

32 YAS LINKS – ABU DHABI: As membership opens Worldwide Golf gives you the lowdown on the front nine holes.

Editor-in-Chief: Mike Gallemore Executive Editor: Gary Player Editor: Alex Gallemore Publisher: Mike Gallemore Senior Editor: Richard Bevan Editorial Assistants: Todd Staszko, James Reeves, Tabitha Florence Design Manager: Mark Frain Technical Manager: Mark Collinge Editorial Panel: Gary Player, Mike Gallemore, Alex Gallemore, Richard Bevan, Todd Staszko

Published in Dubai by: Prografix, PO Box 24677, Dubai, UAE (Tel) +9714 340 3785 Advertising & Marketing: David Burke davidb@wspdubai.com (009715) 05519363 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.

The evergreen American Ryder Cup star visits the Middle East for his debut appearance in the Commercialbank Qatar Masters.

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9 789948 154273

ABU DHABI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP THE FIRE COURSE NEW GROOVES YAS LINKS DRIVING RANGE ARABIAN GOLF TUTORIAL TIPS

FISHER

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NEWS & VIEWS

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

FRONT COVER: Lee Westood and Darren Clarke hold the trophy at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah.

Printed by: Raidy, Dubai

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

BPA Worldwide Audited Average Monthly Qualified Cerculation 14,325 (Jan - Jun 2009)

WWGCOLUMNIST

ERNIE ELS is the most successful South African golfer of his generation. Els, nicknamed ‘The Big Easy’ due to his easylooking swing, has won three Majors and seven World Match Play Championships during a career that spans close on two decades. Els has two U.S. Opens to his name and won The Open Championship at Muirfield in 2002.

Time to limit my travel and enjoy family life

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Y the time you read this column I’m guessing the Christmas and New Year vacation will seem like a distant memory for you! I hope you had a good one, though. We certainly did, spending three weeks at our house down by the ocean in South Africa, surrounded by family and friends.

It’s probably my favourite time of the year, so in that sense I always have slightly mixed feelings when it’s all over. Part of me wants to relax some more and stay with the family, but at the same time the competitive golfer inside me is itching to get going again and tee it up in my first tournament of the New Year. In 2010 that happened to be in Hawaii at the Sony Open. Now let’s be honest, there are a lot worse ways to get back to work.

With a base in the US now it seemed strange that my first PGA Tour event of the year should involve a seven-hour flight. But we’re obviously looking at opposite ends of a vast country here - West Palm Beach to Hawaii. It’s got to be well over 4,000 miles. There’s no major time difference, though, so it was no big deal.

I got there nice and early in the week so I could get into the swing of things again. Being in Hawaii also gave me the opportunity to drop in and see the guys at the course we designed on the island, Hoakalei Country Club.

It opened in the early part of 2009 and was recently voted best new golf course by Links magazine, a prestigious golf architecture publication in the US. We were so proud that Ernie Els Design was entrusted with this wonderful project, which was the first new course to be built on the island for a decade. In terms of construction it was probably one of our most challenging projects to date. I think that makes it all the more satisfying 4

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when you see what’s been achieved there. The golf course looks absolutely fantastic. And awards such as this from Links magazine, whose team of experts review literally hundreds of golf courses every year, is a big pat on the back for everyone who was involved with this project. It really was great news for us.

Although the Sony Open was my first tournament of 2010, and inevitably you often tend to be searching for your game a little bit, I still set myself the highest standards every time I tee it up, especially at Waialae Country Club where I’ve had a couple of wins and a bunch of top-5s over the years. Saying that, tied-12th was a pretty solid week’s work and, to be honest, I was pretty happy with my game all in all. I could have holed a few more putts, but hey, other than that there were lots of good signs out there.

It was good to get a tournament under my belt with the new irons in my bag. Obviously with the 2010 grooves you notice a difference in spin, but this is kind of what I was used to earlier in my career so I think it will affect my generation less than perhaps the younger guys on Tour. I’ve always prided myself on having good touch, feel, and imagination around the greens, so with the ball spinning less those qualities will come even more to the forefront of the game. I have to say the new Callaway Tour (i)s golf ball, which has a slightly softer cover than the previous generation ball, really helps, too.

Another change for 2010 is the plan for my playing schedule. It’s looking a little different to what I’ve done the last 10-15 years in that I’m concentrating heavily on the PGA Tour. It was a difficult decision giving The European Tour’s Desert Swing a miss. They’re

great tournaments and I have a lot of friends in that part of the world and I always enjoy my time there. But taking everything into account I felt that it was the right thing to do for my golf.

For the last 20 years I’ve been playing a crazy schedule. I’ve loved it and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way – and I honestly believe it’s been good for my game and my career. But from now on I’m not going to travel around as much I have done in the past. I’ve talked about it a lot with Liezl and my future now is more in the US than overseas. Our kids have a busy life here and I want to be a big part of that.

Also, and this is a really key factor, playing more in the US helps me stay fresh between tournaments and effectively gives me more time to work on my game. The way I’ve organised my schedule will allow me to do that a little more than before. I’ve hit 40 now and guys like me, Retief, Phil and a few others – you know, it’s like the sand in the hourglass is starting to run out and we want to prove that we belong out here with the young guys and that we’re capable of winning more tournaments and Majors.

The only way to do that, as it always has been, is to work hard. And that’s what I intend to do. ■

HOAKALEI COUNTRY CLUB

THE Ernie Els signature course forms part of the world-class Hoakalei Country Club in Hawaii. The spectacular golf course reflects the scenic splendour of Oahu.

It features beautifully landscaped and manicured conditions and follows the natural landscape of the Ewa coastline, offering expansive views.

It opened for play in January 2009 and offers golfers an unprecedented private golfing experience.

“FROM NOW ON I’M NOT GOING TO TRAVEL AROUND AS MUCH I HAVE DONE IN THE PAST. I’VE TALKED ABOUT IT A LOT WITH LIEZL AND MY FUTURE NOW IS MORE IN THE US THAN OVERSEAS.” – ERNIE ELS

Ernie Els in action for the first time in 2010 at the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club in Hawaii where he finished tied 12th.

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OLD PALS ACT

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MIKE GALLEMORE REPORTS ON THE INVITATIONAL HOSTED BY ABDULLAH AL NABOODAH HELD AT DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB LAST MONTH, WHICH MORE THAN LIVED UP TO ITS REPUTATION AS THE MOST ENJOYABLE AND PRESTIGIOUS PRO-AM IN THE WORLD OF GOLF.

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T was an ‘old pals act’ of the highest order that became the centrepiece of The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club last month.

Lee Westwood, The 2009 Race to Dubai and Dubai World Championship winner, shared the Individual Professional prize with his best friend and ISM stablemate Darren Clarke.

European Tour Player of the Year Westwood was back to his brilliant best and Clarke showed signs of returning to the form that won him two World Golf Championships as the Englishman and Irishman both shot course record-breaking rounds of 8-under 63.

Westwood also partnered his good friend, the event’s host Abdullah Al Naboodah, to take first place in the Professional-Amateur team event section with a 9-under 62.

Clarke partnered George Horan, Deputy Managing Director of Premier Partners to The Invitational, Dubai Duty Free, to take third place with a 63, losing out on a one-shot countback for second place to Professional Richard Green and amateur James Collins, who

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THE INVITATIONAL HOSTED BY ABDULLAH AL NABOODAH

Winner’s cheque: Darren Clarke is presented with the winner’s charity cheque to be shared between the Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood Foundations by tournament host Abdullah Al Naboodah while Westwood hoists the trophy.

Fun fourball: Sergio Garcia (orange shirt) puts his arm round his team mate Allan Stanton while Lee Westwood stands alongside his partner Abdullah Al Naboodah.

From left to right: Sergio Garcia signs autographs.

Rory McIlroy poses with local amateur Miki Mirza before signing autographs.

Lee Westwood tees off on the 18th.

Abdullah Al Naboodah takes time out to talk to 10 year old starlet Amelia McKee. Sergio Garcia lines up a putt before comparing scorecards with Lee Westwood.

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THE INVITATIONAL HOSTED BY ABDULLAH AL NABOODAH

qualified through the Golden Ticket he won at the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open played at Arabian Ranches a few weeks earlier.

Professional Michael Hoey was presented with a Rolex watch for scoring a hole-in-one at the par-3 fifth hole with an 8-iron.

Westwood joked at the excellent and funfilled prizegiving ceremony and Dinner at the Park Hyatt Hotel that, “the secret to winning the team event was choosing the right partner – and Abdullah chose me.”

“The secret to winning the team event was choosing the right partner – and Abdullah chose me.”

– Lee Westwood Joint winner Clarke thanked all the Professionals for supporting Abdullah and The Invitational and commented that the field equalled any of the best Tour Pro-Ams played anywhere in the world. Clarke and Westwood also paid tribute to the huge contribution Abdullah had made to golf in the UAE in recent years and the much-needed funds he and the Al Naboodah Group had raised for deserving charities.

Abdullah Al Naboodah thanked all the Professionals for turning out in force and giving up their time at such a busy time in their schedules to make The Invitational a day to remember. Abdullah also paid tribute to the Premier Partners, Dubai Duty Free, Hawker Beechcraft, Delwood, The National and Atom; Partners the Al Naboodah Group, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Worldwide Golf and the Park Hyatt Dubai; and Official Suppliers ISM, Titleist, California Chiropractic and Sports Medicine and

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GMI for making it possible to stage the event.

A live auction raised a magnificent Dhs750,000 for the three benefiting charities, Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, Dubai Autism Centre and Red Crescent UAE. The players, sponsors and the considerable crowd of spectators commented on the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of the event. At the prizegiving ceremony Clarke said he had never played in an invitational event where the fun factor affected everyone from the sponsors to the players to the spectators.

Throughout the day the banter and laughter between the players and supporting spectators made this a day to remember.

One young lady who won’t forget the occasion was 10 year old Amelia McKee, who qualified for a Golden Ticket as the leading female player and junior at the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open.

Amelia was a sensation as she kept pace with her playing partners Jean-Francois Lucquin, James Collins and Richard Green. Her team partner, Frenchman Jean-Francois, commented: “She’s an amazing girl and a phenomenal talent.”

The 50 European Tour Professional players, who numbered seven of the top ten in the 2009 Race to Dubai ratings and 22 of the top 50 agreed this was the most enjoyable invitational they had ever played and the joint winners, Westwood and Clarke both said they couldn’t wait to come back and play next year’s Invitational.

“She’s an amazing girl and a phenomenal talent.” – JeanFrancois Lucquin

Above left: Golden ticket winners Amelia McKee (r) and James Collins (l) pose with their European Tour professional partners Richard Green (blue shirt) and Jean-Francois Lucquin.

Above top: Amelia McKee looks the consummate professional as she is interviewed by the Sky News team.

Middle: WWG’s Ross Fisher and compatriot Simon Dyson enjoy the prizegiving ceremony.

Bottom: Darren Clarke entertains the audience as he gives his winner’s speech.

AMELIA MCKEE

LITTLE AMELIA’S BIG DAY Left to right: Tournament Director James Bowring with Amelia McKee and James Collins who display the Golden Tickets they won to gain entry into The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah.

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NE of the surprise attractions among the galaxy of European Tour superstars at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah was a 10 year old girl who is no bigger than the cut-down men’s driver she swings.

Little Amelia McKee was the star of the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open played at Arabian Ranches Golf Club on January 5 when she shot a net 65, gross 91, off a handicap of 26 to earn one of only two much-coveted Golden Tickets to play in The Invitational. The other Golden Ticket was won by James Collins as the leading adult.

Amelia’s was a phenomenal round of golf that could have been even better. Faced with cameras and spectators at the final green, understandably, the nerves got to her and she four-putted when she could so easily have made it a net 63. Amelia’s performance was still good enough to put her five shots clear of her nearest rival junior and four shots clear of the nearest adult in the field.

“She putted really well and that was what won the day for her, although it was a shame that the pressure got to her on the final green when she was in the spotlight and the cameras were on her,” says her proud father, Rob. Amelia’s coach at The Montgomerie Dubai, Rhys Beecher, was equally delighted, saying: “She telephoned me straight after her win and was so pleased that she had made it into The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah.

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It has been her main motivation to play in The Invitational and I know she will cherish the experience.

“Amelia has continued to improve her game.

I believe her strength lies with her ability to take on new information and work hard to achieve her goals. We’ve made a few changes recently but she coped fine and that’s down to her own dedication and the parental support that she has. That will continue to make her excel within the game.”

Amelia started playing golf at the age of eight in Houston, Texas, having excelled as a swimmer.

“We lived beside a golf course in the States and Amelia began to take an interest the game, spending hours hitting balls on the practice range,” says Rob. “She virtually lived on the course and won the first junior competition she entered. She was junior champion at the age of eight.

She loves the game and she’s got such a competitive spirit in everything she does.”

Amelia’s record in the game already reads like that of a true phenomenon. Of the 18 tournaments she’s entered she has won 15, finished second twice and fifth once. She was the Al Naboodah Jr. Par3 Series Girls Overall Champion in the 18 years and under age group last year and leads the same Series this season.

“She’s not particularly big for her age but I gave her a cut-down men’s Ping driver and she’s

now hitting it off the tee between 165 and 180 yards and occasionally gets it 200 yards plus.” says Rob. Asked who her golfing heroes are, Amelia said: “I can’t make my mind up whether it’s Padraig Harrington or Sergio Garcia – and my favourite lady player is America’s Christina Kim.” ■

THE INVITATIONAL HOSTED BY ABDULLAH AL NABOODAH

The Invitational Tournament Director James Bowring (pictured left) came in for praise from tournament host Abdullah Al Naboodah: “I thank James for his expertise and hard work in doing such a magnificent job of organising The Invitational and helping to build its status and prestige in making it the world-class tournament it is today.”

Open Championship winner Paul Lawrie is presented with an IOU from playing partner Shahriar Khodjasteh, from Carpetland, at the Dinner. “I promised Paul that I would donate to his chosen charity Dhs1,000 for every birdie he got and another Dhs1,000 if his efforts got me on to the stage tonight – which they did. It’s been a wonderful event for all of us here and I thank Abdullah for hosting such a fantastic golf day.”

Darren Clarke gives the galleries a rare sight of his legs as he played The Invitational in his casual shorts – after forgetting to bring his golf trousers.

Amelia’s proud father Rob McKee commented: “I want to thank Worldwide Golf and The Invitational for all your support and interest over the past few weeks. This has been an experience that not only Amelia but our whole family will treasure for the rest of our lives. James Collins and the Professionals who were Amelia’s playing partners at The Invitational, Jean-Francois Lucquin and Richard Green, treated her like a princess and I don’t believe there could have been a script better written for her dream day. Worldwide Golf’s interest and involvement was a very big part of making this happen. To top the whole occasion off Abdullah Al Naboodah personally, kindly extended the invitation for Amelia to play in next year’s event. Amelia told me on the drive home from the Dinner: ‘This was the best day of my life.’ Talk about wringing out a father’s heart.”

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A LOT OF WORK TO DO!

Caption

I

T was great to get back in action at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club but I have to say I was pretty rusty to say the least. In fact, if I had to choose one word to sum up how I played it would be ‘dreadful’!

I went to the USA during the off season for the dual purpose of furnishing the new house we’ve bought on Lake Nona and getting in some warm weather practice ahead of the new the season but it didn’t exactly go to plan.

Jo, her sister Michelle, Eve and I had a great time in a personal sense and the new house is really nice, we’re really pleased with it.

But in a golfing sense it wasn’t a very successful trip, unfortunately. The weather was freezing – much colder than normal according to some of the boys who have houses out there – so I didn’t manage to get much practicing done and judging by my performance at The Invitational, I’ve got a lot of work to do!

Abdullah’s tournament was another big success. He puts a really good show on and knows how to treat both the pros and the amateurs so it was a great 12

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day. It’s the third time I’ve played in the event and it just keeps going from strength to strength – the field keeps getting better and better and the day as a whole is just fantastic. The atmosphere out on the course was brilliant and there was a lot of banter flying around so everyone had a lot of fun.

Hats off to Abdullah and James Bowring and all the people who had input on the day, it was a really successful event, which raised a lot of money for charity. To raise Dhs750,000 at the charity auction during the prizegiving dinner alone was absolutely tremendous and to know that you’re part of that is a great feeling.

But the serious business out the golf course starts this week with the Qatar Masters, my first proper tournament of 2010.

I’ve only played the event twice before but the course at Doha is one that definitely suits my game – history has shown that big hitters have won the tournament so hopefully I can shake off the rust and go out there and surprise myself with a good performance.

Who knows? It could be a really good week. If you go out there without any

real expectation – because you haven’t played – you can have a really relaxed, carefree attitude, which is what I’m going to try and do.

Hopefully I can perform well, get the competitive juices flowing again, and take the positives on to the following week when I’ll be back in Dubai for the Desert Classic – a tournament where I’ve enjoyed strong results over the last few years.

There’s a lot of talk about the new groove regulations at the moment and different players seem to have different opinions about how they will affect them.

From my own perspective I think they’re going to benefit me in a positive way. I’ve always spun the ball a tremendous amount with my wedges so I think the new rules will help me massively.

Where it’s going to take a bit of time to get used to is with my irons and shots out of the rough, stuff like that.

It might take me a few rounds or a couple of tournaments to get used to them but hopefully I can get comfortable straight away and go out and have a good week.

IN THE KNOW WITH ROSS FISHER

Ross Fisher currently sits in 18th place on the Official World Golf Ranking.

As he is yet to play an event on the 2010 Race to Dubai schedule he has not yet made his first impression on the money list.

KAYMER CLIMBS HIGHEST IN ABU DHABI

A

FTER crawling over the finish line two years ago to win his maiden European Tour title in Abu Dhabi, Martin Kaymer showed the composure of a seasoned pro last month by outlasting playing partners Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy in the final round to lift the Falcon trophy for the second in his career.

The German held the overnight lead by one stroke and posted a superb 6-under-par 66 for a 21-under-par total to beat Poulter by one and McIlroy by two and take home the cheque for €250,000 which moved him up to

didn’t really go for the birdies, you could see that my putting was really defensive. I left a lot of putts short. Today was different because I knew I had to make birdies to win the tournament.” And he duly did just that.

Kaymer sank six birdies in his final 18 with no dropped shots to post his best score of the week after three consecutive 67s gave him the outright lead. “We were going for the flags,” he smiled. “We were going for all of the putts and we were not shy, we just went for everything, which is great. And that’s why we were scoring so well.”

“It was one of the nicest rounds I’ve played on The European Tour so far. We were all playing so good today – it was very solid and was all about making as many birdies as we could.” – Martin Kaymer second place on The Race to Dubai. Poulter and McIlroy, however, played their parts in a sublime final round, carding a 66 and 67 respectively to the delight of the galleries.

“It was one of the nicest rounds I’ve played on The European Tour so far,” said Kaymer, who climbed to a career-high sixth place on the Official World Golf Ranking. “We were all playing so good today – it was very solid and was all about making as many birdies as we could.”

It was almost a complete opposite to the manner in which Kaymer made his breakthrough on The European Tour two years ago when he completed a wire-to-wire victory with a less than convincing 2-over-par final round. “During the whole final round in 2008 I played really defensive,” admitted Kaymer. “I

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Poulter and McIlroy both pressured Kaymer at various points down the stretch and the German almost fell behind on the 17th after a wild approach shot. But he played a courageous pitch onto the green and sunk a lengthy par putt to stay at 20-under and level with Poulter. From the 18th tee Kaymer found the fairway while Poulter pushed his tee shot into the rough. With the putting surface out of reach Poulter laid up and then fired his approach to within 20 feet. Kaymer smashed a 3-wood on the green and knocked his eagle putt to within four feet. After Poulter missed his birdie chance Kaymer calmly rolled in the putt to claim his fifth European Tour title.

“My goal for every year is to win two tournaments on the European Tour,” he said.

“I did it in 2008 and 2009 and I hope I can do

Above: Martin Kaymer celebrates after sinking the putt that clinches victory in the 2010 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Right: Martin Kaymer poses with the Falcon trophy for the second time having also won his maiden European Tour title in Abu Dhabi in 2008.

ABU DHABI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

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ABU DHABI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

“It’s a nice start to the season. If you’re going to take the positives out of that, I’m pretty frustrated that I’ve walked away from shooting that score and I haven’t won.” – Ian Poulter it this year. But my main goal is to play The Ryder Cup this year because when I went there two years ago I really felt I want to be there one day because it is so cool.”

Poulter, though disappointed not to have one, was pleased to continue his run of top-10 finishes after ending 2009 with a tie for ninth place at the Dubai World Championship.

“It’s a nice start to the season,” said the Englishman. “If you’re going to take the positives out of that, I’m pretty frustrated that I’ve walked away from shooting that score and I haven’t won.”

After failing to keep up with Kaymer and Poulter, Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, 20, claimed an eighth top-10 finish in his last nine events.

“It’s a great way to start the season in the last group and going down the last one behind and getting the juices flowing again,” said last year’s Race to Dubai runner-up. “It was a nice feeling and hopefully that will set the tone for the rest of the season.”

Fellow Irishman Shane Lowry finished in fourth place on 17-under-par for his best result on The European Tour since turning

ABU DHABI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL LEADERBOARD 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 8 8 8

Martin KAYMER Ian POULTER Rory McILROY Shane LOWRY Louis OOSTHUIZEN Ariel CANETE Rhys DAVIES Anders HANSEN Søren HANSEN David HORSEY

GER ENG NIR IRL RSA ARG WAL DEN DEN ENG

-21 -20 -19 -17 -16 -15 -15 -14 -14 -14

67 65 66 68 67 70 66 69 72 73

67 70 69 65 71 65 68 70 67 66

67 67 67 71 68 74 72 68 68 70

66 66 67 67 66 64 67 67 67 65

267 268 269 271 272 273 273 274 274 274

professional in May last year while South African Louis Oosthuizen, runner-up to Paul Casey in 2009, finished alone in fifth place a shot further back. “I like it here,” said Oosthuizen. “It’s a great golf course and if you hit the ball really well, you can make a few putts around these greens and shoot low numbers.” ■

Above: Ian Poulter acknowledges the crowds after he taps in par for second place.

Left: Rory McIlory tees off as eventual winner Martin Kaymer watches on intently.

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clubhouse quickies

PLAYER QUOTES JOKES WORD OF THE MONTH CARTOONS

Beaten by the weather Bob was a religious golfer. Every Sunday morning, he headed to the golf course. It didn’t matter what the weather was like. It could be raining cats and dogs but Bob didn’t care. It was off to the course.

Every single Sunday morning for years.

But one Sunday, Bob finally met his match with the weather. He got up early and drove out to the course, hoping the weather would improve by the time he got to the first tee. But once at the course, he knew he was beat. It was just a few degrees above freezing, and the rain was coming down steady and icy cold.

For the first time in years, Bob headed back home on a Sunday morning.

His wife was still in bed when he got there, so he took off his clothes, snuggled up to her and said, “Terrible weather out there.”

“Yeah,” his wife replied, “and can you believe my idiot husband went golfing again?”

Too quick for some The 1899 Open Championship saw Harry Vardon win for the second year running but it was Jack White who made a few headlines of his own with his second place finish. White stormed up the leaderboard with a course record 75 in the last round at Royal St. George’s and the news of White’s superb performance was sent off to London via telegraph.

However, one editor of a London newspaper had no understanding of golf and wrote a headline claiming White had sped around the course in seven minutes and five seconds.

Lehman’s dressing down Shortly after winning the 1996 Open Championship, Tom Lehman and his wife Melissa entered a mixed foursomes competition at their local golf club. On the first tee Tom smashed his drive down the fairway before watching his wife slice the approach 100 yards right. Tom then pitched to the green leaving it 15 feet short before watching again as Melissa made a hash of it – knocking the putt 20 feet past. Tom calmly rolled in the putt for a bogey 5 and as they walked to the next tee Tom suggested that Melissa needed to up her game a little, to which she replied: “Well you took three shots, I only took two!”

A golf ball driven off the tee at the John O’Gaunt Club, in Bedfordshire landed 40 miles away! The ball actually landed on a passing vegetable lorry and stayed there till it reached its final destination of Covent Garden market in London.

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TWO GOLFERS WAIT TO TEE OFF ON THE OPENING HOLE OF THEIR LOCAL COURSE, ONE TURNS TO THE OTHER AND SAYS: ‘HEY GUESS WHAT? I GOT A SET OF GOLF CLUBS FOR MY WIFE!’ TO WHICH HIS PLAYING PARTNER REPLIED: ‘GREAT TRADE!’

WORD

OF THE MONTH...

PAINT JOB: A pro’s putt that lips out.

Holes in professional tournaments are painted white for the benefit of the TV cameras. Sometimes the hole’s edge becomes crusty and makes the lip less accommodating to putts – at least that’s what the pros say...

DID YOU KNOW?

Craig Wood was denied victory at the first two editions of The Masters – by one stroke from Horton Smith in the inaugural tournament in 1934 and by Gene Sarazen in a play-off a year later. Wood finally landed the title in 1941 when he won by three strokes from Byron Nelson.

“You can make a lot of money in this game. Just ask my ex-wives.

Both of them are so rich that neither of their husbands work” – Lee Trevino “After all these years, it’s still embarrassing for me to play on the American golf tour. Like the time I asked my caddie for a sand wedge and he came back 10 minutes later with a ham on rye bread” – Chi Chi Rodriguez

Out in 34, back in an ambulance Standing on the ninth tee at Royal Birkdale in the summer of 1991, Englishman Richard Boxall was three shots behind leader Ian Baker-Finch in the third round at The Open Championship.

He stepped up to hit his ball, swung his 1-iron and spectators heard a loud “crack.” He fell to the floor in agony, suffering a stress fracture in his left shin.

“I had practised with Gary Player prior to the tournament and every time I went for something quickly I had pain in my left ankle,” he reflects. ”After the second round I had a funny feeling down my leg and spoke to Chubby Chandler, my manager at the time, and he said I was probably just a bit edgy.”

Boxall was paired with Colin Montgomerie in the fifth to last group on the Saturday. “On the range warming up I couldn’t commit to any shot, but I was still able to hit it,” he said. “I said to Monty at the start of the round that something was wrong with my leg. But he didn’t know what was coming up and nor did I. ”On the eighth both of us hit 1-iron, but I was a long way behind Monty and he asked if there was something wrong. ”I bogeyed the hole, got to the next tee, took a drink and thought to myself ‘I must commit to this next shot’. I still didn’t know what it was, but it was a bizarre feeling.”

After being noncommittal on the outward stretch, Boxall committed fully to his shot on the ninth...

“Miraculously there was an orthopaedic surgeon watching and he came on the tee to assist me. Then an ambulance arrived and took me away.”

US PRESIDENT BARACK

PUTTS IT IN AND SHAKES IT ALL ABOUT. OBAMA

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Find the right fit for your game at an authorized PING Fitting location or visit ping.com. ©PING 2009

Kenny PERRY

VINTAGE PERRY STILL IN THE FAST LANE I

T’S hard to imagine a more likeable man in the game of golf than 49-year-old American Kenny Perry.

The Kentuckian lit up The Ryder Cup in 2008 in his home state at Valhalla Golf Club and last year showed why golf is regarded as the most gentlemanly of sports with magnificent grace in defeat to Angel Cabrera in the Masters Tournament.

It was his second play-off loss in a Major having succumbed to Mark Brooks at the 1996 US PGA Championship but Perry can look back on a career of 14 PGA Tour victories, just over $30m in prize money and two Ryder Cup appearances which have made him one of the most popular and approachable players in the world.

After two victories last year Perry’s had a well earned break over Christmas and New Year but now he’s refreshed and embarking on another campaign, which will see him turn 50 in August.

WWG caught up with the Ryder Cup star after an impressive opening to the 2010 season – sixth place at the SBS Championship in Maui – as he prepares for a debut appearance at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters.

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WWG: Coming off the back of a second placed finish with fellow Kentucky boy JB Holmes at the Shark Shootout and then sixth place at the season-opening SBS Championship in Maui, how do you feel about your game heading into the new campaign? kp: I’m excited. I’m still hitting the ball beautifully.

I’m feeling healthy and working into my new V groove TaylorMade irons has been an easy transition for me. My wedges don’t bite like they used to bite – they want to release on out – but out of the fairway with my irons I haven’t noticed much difference at all. I feel great.

WWg: Is there anything you worked on in the break between seasons or is winter just a time for resting and re-charging your batteries? kp: I tried to relax as much as possible. Our off-season is not very long. The Chevron World Challenge and the Shark Shootout in December are great opportunities to knock off the rust before the season starts.

WWG: From Hawaii you’re heading to the Middle East for the Commercialbank Qatar Masters – do you plan on joining The European Tour for 2010 and do you see yourself competing in enough events to qualify for The Race to Dubai? kp: Unfortunately I don’t think my tournament schedule will allow me to compete in enough events to qualify for The Race to Dubai. It’s such a wonderful thing for golf and I hope we can make it work but I know I’m going to shorten my schedule.

I’m not going to play as much, and I’ll probably play some Champions Tour events come August when I turn 50. My wife, Sandy and I, we’re just going to travel and go, and I don’t know…we’ll see!

WWG: You seem to be getting better with age, how can you explain your success over the past few years and do you believe that improvements in technology have helped?

KP: Improvements in technology have definitely helped me maintain my length off the tee, but I think the biggest factor is the fact that my love for the game and my love for competing have not diminished. I still love teeing it up against the best in the world. I try to keep a limited schedule because I can’t practise like I used to – my right elbow bothers me and the knee I had surgery on bothers me – so I just take things a little bit slower, and when my game is on, hopefully I’ll hang in there.

WWG: After you helped the USA to a superb victory at Valhalla and enjoyed what you said was ‘the greatest day of your life’ in 2008, is The Ryder Cup something you’d like to experience again later this year? kp: Definitely. Making The Ryder Cup team or The Presidents Cup team is always a goal of mine. I love playing for my country and as a part of a team – it’s just a fun week.

WWg: At last year’s Masters Tournament you showed incredible sportsmanship and grace in defeat, how did you manage to bounce back to win the Travelers Championship on the US PGA Tour just a few weeks later?

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Main: Kenny Perry enjoys a hero’s reception at the 2008 Ryder Cup in his home state of Kentucky.

Inset: Kenny Perry receives the 2009 Payne Stewart Award, given annually to a player sharing Stewart’s respect for the traditions of the game and its charitable heritage as well as his own meticulous professionalism within the sport.

Kenny PERRY

“My love for the game and my love for competing have not diminished. I still love teeing it up against the best in the world.”

– Kenny Perry

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'FBUVSJOH B SFWBNQFE NFOV UIBU TBNQMFT «BWPVST GSPN FWFSZ DPOUJOFOU 5IF #PBSEXBML JT QPJTFE UP UBLF ZPV PO B DVMJOBSZ WPZBHF BSPVOE UIF 8PSME "OE CFTU PG BMM ZPV DBO FNCBSL PO UIJT FYQFSJFODF GSPN PVS QSJWJMFHFE XBUFSGSPOU MPDBUJPO XIJDI CPBTUT NBHOJªDFOU BOE DBMNJOH WJFXT PG %VCBJ $SFFL "MM ZPV¥MM OFFE UP EP JT TJU CBDL SFMBY BOE MFU VT UBLF ZPVS EJOJOH FYQFSJFODF UP OFX IFJHIUT Tel: (04) 295 6000 • creekdining@dubaigolf.com • Open daily 8:00am-12:00am (0-' … 3&4035 … )05&- … ."3*/" XXX EVCBJHPMG DPN

Kenny PERRY

“You have to be able to put bad shots and bad finishes behind you very quickly and move on – otherwise you’ll have a very short career.”

– Kenny Perry KP: You must have a very short memory to be successful in golf. You have to be able to put bad shots and bad finishes behind you very quickly and move on – otherwise you’ll have a very short career.

The 1996 PGA Championship taught me a lot. It took me a couple of years to get over that play-off loss to Mark Brooks. But last year it didn’t bother me at all. It was just a few weeks later I ended up winning again. It was fun. Last year was a great year for me with the two wins, and almost winning The Masters told me I could still be competitive and I can still compete in the Majors. That’s kind of my last goal to somehow get one Major before I get out of here.

WWG: Away from the golf course you’re an avid fan of cars and old motors, what kind of specialist cars and bikes do you have in the garage at home?

kp: I’ve got a lot, I’m not sure where to begin – I’ve got ‘68 and ‘69 Camaros, ‘55 and ‘57 Chevys, ‘67 Chevy II Novas, a Harley-Davidson, and one custom Chopper.

WWG. What’s your vehicle of choice from day to day? kp: My GMC truck. I love it.

WWG: Have you ever driven on a European style Formula 1 or MotoGP track or do you prefer straight-track drag racing? kp: I have not. I’m a pure drag racer.

WWG. Aside from all things to do with motor vehicles, where else do your interests lie away from golf? kp: Spending time with family and friends at home, and I love going to the movies. ■

Above: Kenny Perry bounces back from his Masters Tournament heartache to win the 2009 Travelers Championship.

Below: Kenny Perry receives the 2008 Memorial Tournament trophy from tournament host Jack Nicklaus.

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GREG NORMAN’S HOLE-BY-HOLE GUIDE TO THE FIRE COURSE AT JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES

I

WAS pleased to hear that the Fire Course we created at Jumeirah Golf Estates has been well received by the media – particularly Worldwide Golf, who describe it as, “visually exciting and user-friendly.” It was a wonderful opportunity to create the Earth Course and see it host an event of the stature of the Dubai World Championship but it was just as satisfying to build the Fire Course which I believe will prove to be every bit as popular as the Earth Course. I did the layout with all levels of golfer in mind and it’s good to hear that the Middle East Press got on with the course so well.

Here is my hole-by-hole description of the Fire Course – and I hope you get to play it soon and pass on your views to Worldwide Golf via the website: www.wwgolf.biz.

■ HOLE 1: Stroke Index 15 A relatively gentle opening hole, which if played sensibly can offer an early birdie opportunity, although out of bounds can come into play both left and right from the tee shot. A second shot played from the left offers a better angle into a small green sloping hard from right to left.

bunker short and one long and right.

bunkers on both sides protect a narrowing fairway the further the tee shot is played. The second shot is played to an elevated green, protected by bunkers short right and long.

Take plenty of club with the second shot to a relatively flat green. Weak approaches will roll back 30 yards short of the green.

■ HOLE 4: Stroke Index 1 A long dogleg right Par 4 up to an elevated green. Favour the left side off the tee to offer the best angle into the long, narrow two-tier putting surface, with a narrow entrance protected by a deep bunker on the left ready to gather any pulled or long second shots. Second shots will be played with ■ HOLE 7: Stroke Index 9 ■ HOLE 2: Stroke Index 13 A dogleg right Par 5, with the tee shot A long downhill Par 3 generally playing a mid to long iron. protected by two fairway bunkers on downwind, over a large fairway bunker the left hand side. Favour the right protecting the front of the green, ready ■ HOLE 5: Stroke Index 11 side from the tee to offer any hope to to catch any mishit tee shots. This hole The longest hole on the course and reaching in two. A sensible lay up shot is all carry and with a small right to left there is no let up here following a to the left will take the fairway bunkers sloping green, par will be a great score tough opening stretch. A definite on the right out of play and offer a three shot hole, requiring a solid tee every time. straightforward third shot to a raised shot, avoiding the fairway bunker on green protected by a ridge running the left. Second shot is played over a ■ HOLE 3: Stroke Index 3 Although this is a long Par 4, this hole fairway bunker to a fairway sloping left through the centre. will generally play slightly downwind. to right. The approach shot is played to a shallow green well protected by a ■ HOLE 8: Stroke Index 17 The downhill tee shot is played to a A well struck mid to short iron wide fairway sloping from right to left. large, deep front bunker. ideally played with a slight draw, Two fairway bunkers are ready to catch from the right hand bunker to a large any errant tee shots. An uphill second ■ HOLE 6: Stroke Index 7 A visually stunning hole. However, this undulating green offering many flag shot is best played from the left side to a narrow green protected by a large hole is not to be taken lightly. Multiple positions. Any shots leaked to the left

CARD OF THE COURSE Championship Course Out: 3,741yds In: 3,739 yds Total: 7,480 yds Hole 1 – 361 yds – Par 4 Hole 2 – 250 yds – Par 3 Hole 3 – 452 yds – Par 4 Hole 4 – 446 yds – Par 4 Hole 5 – 630 yds – Par 5 Hole 6 – 398 yds – Par 4 Hole 7 – 555 yds – Par 5 Hole 8 – 209 yds – Par 3 Hole 9 – 440 yds – Par 4 Hole 10 – 490 yds – Par 4 Hole 11 – 251 yds – Par 3 Hole 12 – 381 yds – Par 4 Hole 13 – 621 yds – Par 5 Hole 14 – 197 yds – Par 3 Hole 15 – 452 yds – Par 4 Hole 16 – 340 yds – Par 4 Hole 17 – 453 yds – Par 4 Hole 18 – 554 yds – Par 5 Tournament Course: 7,062 yds Signature Course: 6,507 yds Forward Tees: 5,619 yds

I WAS honoured to receive an Award for Excellence in Sport at the ‘G’Day USA Australia Week dinner in Los Angeles, California, last month. Coming from Mount Isa in North Western Queensland it was particularly pleasing to receive a Queensland-made Modo Muche bronze statue of a marlin from Queensland Premier Anna Bligh. Aussie actors Toni Collette and Simon Baker were also honoured at the dinner and we were in good sporting company with tennis legends Roy Emmerson and fellow Queenslander Rod Laver, who won the Award in 2009.

(Queensland Premier Bligh said that the Award was intended to honour Greg for his contribution to strong Australia-USA relations, exporting and international sport, adding: “Greg is arguably one of the world’s greatest golfers – he’s a legend, and as a sportsman is up there with fellow Queenslander Rod Laver. I particularly recognise his strong interest and personal ongoing contribution to the development of junior golfers in Queensland and throughout Australia.”)

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will gather down into the large lake surrounding the left side of the hole.

Hitting the centre of the green will make all flag positions accessible.

■ HOLE 9: Stroke Index 5 A tough tee shot to a well protected fairway with bunkers on both sides.

Longer hitters can carry the bunker on the left offering the shortest approach to a raised two-tier green well guarded by a bunker short right.

The putting surface is difficult and two putts are not guaranteed.

■ HOLE 10: Stroke Index 2 A very long start to the back nine.

The 10th hole is the longest Par 4 on the course, requiring a long tee shot missing the fairway bunker on the right. A long second shot to a slightly elevated green protected by a bunker short right which eats into the green and another, left, for any pulled second shots. Laying up left is a sensible play, leaving a straightforward pitch shot up to a fairly flat green. If played sensibly, par is an achievable score.

■ HOLE 11: Stroke Index 14 A long difficult Par 3 playing slightly downhill to a long narrow green sloping from front to back. Balls will feed down to the back portion of the green due to the length of the tee shot. Avoid the large bunker on the left and par will not be out of the question. A tee shot missed to the right will offer a fairly easy chip to most flag positions.

■ HOLE 12: Stroke Index 12 A good birdie opportunity for most players. Tee shot played to a wide fairway protected by a bunker on the right side. Second shot played from the left side to an elevated green over two deep greenside bunkers protecting left hand flag positions.

The green is relatively flat and will reward aggressive second shots.

■ HOLE 13: Stroke Index 8 A long Par 5 which plays downhill from the tee. The aggressive tee shot over a fairway bunker on the left hand side brings the out of bounds into play, but may reward longer hitters with the opportunity to go for the green in two. The safest play is to favour the right side off the tee, followed by a lay-up to a large fairway, leaving a short iron approach to a slightly raised green, sloping from right to left. Birdie is not out of the question here.

■ HOLE 14: Stroke Index 16 A short Par 3 to a large green, protected by a lake on the right which eats into the green making back right pin positions difficult to access.

The tee shot suits a fade, however a bunker lurks on the left to gather any pulled or over-clubbed tee shots. Not as easy as it looks.

■ HOLE 15: Stroke Index 6 A tough Par 4 with the tee shot played over water ready to gather mishit drives from the championship tees. A large fairway bunker down the left makes playing an aggressive tee shot difficult. Favour hitting towards the right hand fairway bunker to leave a mid iron approach to a well protected, but flat green.

Tee shots flirting with this bunker will offer a better angle into a green protected by a deep bunker short of the putting surface. Don’t be sucked into attacking left pin positions – centre of this wide green is good.

Above: Greg Norman surveys the Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

■ HOLE 18 : Stroke Index 10 A long finishing hole offering exceptional views of the Clubhouse, with the tee shot played over a fairway bunker on the left onto a downslope, offering an extra 30 yards distance, which will provide the opportunity to reach the green in two. A sensible lay-up favouring the right hand side will open up the green to offer a chance to attack the pin. Avoid missing this green left at all costs, as a steep slope awaits.

■ HOLE 16: Stroke Index 18 An exciting short Par 4 where eagle is possible for the longer hitters – as well as bogey. The tee shot is played over a bunker in the middle of the fairway, leaving a short pitch up to a small, raised green, with run-off areas on all sides. Distance control is crucial with the approach shot which is key to making birdie. Watch out for tricky flag positions.

■ HOLE 17: Stroke Index 4 The tee shot is played slightly uphill over a bunker in the middle of the fairway. Another bunker on the right side is in play from all teeing grounds.

The visually stunning Hole 6 at the Fire Course.

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5<GF DI OC@ AJJONO@KN JA >C<HKDJIN Tee off at Jumeirah Golf Estates, home of the Dubai World Championship.

The stunning Fire & Earth courses are now open at The Club at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Take advantage of our special introductory offers* and be one of the Ă&#x17E;rst to experience Fire and Earth and the Clubhouse and Tour Academy facilities. For a limited period, Annual Membership is just AED 32,000.

Or become a Debenture Member for AED 120,000 and receive Ă&#x17E;ve free Academy lessons and a waiver of the Ă&#x17E;rst yearĂ&#x2022;s annual membership fee.

We are also offering a Ă&#x201D;Preview PlayĂ&#x2022; for you and up to three other players for AED 795 per person per game. Should you decide to become a member of The Club at Jumeirah Golf Estates, your preview play fee will be fully reimbursed.

For more information, email membership@jumeirahgolfestates or call +971 4 363 0519 JUMEIRAHGOLFESTATES.COM

*Terms and conditions apply.

The Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates

WESTWOOD WEARS RACE TO DUBAI CHAMPION’S LOGO WITH PRIDE

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Lee Westwood in action at the Press day at Greg Norman’s Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, where he demonstrated a few bunker shots and hit off the first tee with each of the groups of Middle East journalists who had the honour of playing the Fire Course for the first time. Worldwide Golf’s verdict was: “The Earth Course is visually exciting and very player friendly. You can see the bottom of the pin with your approach shot on most of the holes and it provides the perfect partner to the Earth Course.”

EE Westwood returned to Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, the scene of one of the greatest moments of his career, to accept a logo specially designed for The Race to Dubai Champion.

The Englishman enjoyed a double triumph last November, winning the season-ending Dubai World Championship presented by DP World and with it the inaugural Race to Dubai.

As Europe’s No.1, Westwood will wear the special logo on his right sleeve throughout the 2010 season and beyond, representing the feat he achieved last season.

The 36 year old went into the Dubai World Championship second in The Race to Dubai ranking behind Rory McIlroy and knowing he had to better the Northern Irishman’s result to be crowned Europe’s top golfer. He took a slender lead into the final day and produced a golfing masterclass to win the tournament by six shots from Ross McGowan and lift both trophies.

“When I first heard about The Race to Dubai Champion wearing a special logo throughout the following season I thought it was a great idea,” said Westwood. “I am extremely proud

to have such a significant symbol on my shirt.

Winning the inaugural Race to Dubai was one of the finest moments of my career and to wear a logo representing my title as Europe’s No.1 is very special.

“I enjoyed returning to Jumeirah Golf Estates and it brought back some very fond memories of my victory in the Dubai World Championship on the Earth Course last November.”

Keith Waters, The European Tour’s Chief Operating Officer said: “The introduction of the logo, which has been designed by The European Tour and Leisurecorp, will herald the beginning of a legacy and will be worn by each Race to Dubai Champion in the future.

“The emblem will be unique to current and past winners of The Race to Dubai and serves as a constant reminder of the significance of the player’s achievement in winning the coveted title.

“The logo has been designed with The European Tour’s forward-thinking vision for golf in mind and each player wearing it will be an ambassador for the Tour and its premier competition.” www.wwgolf.biz

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curbing the groovy Spin The Ruling

T

he rule limiting groove volume will be applied to all clubs (excluding drivers and putters). The limit on groove edge sharpness will be applied to clubs with loft greater than or equal to 25 degrees (generally a standard 5-iron and above).

The Rules will apply to all new models of clubs manufactured after January 1, 2010. Existing models manufactured prior to this date, which meet the current regulations, will continue to be regarded as conforming under the Rules of Golf until at least 2024.

What it means: The revised Rules will significantly increase the spin differential between shots from the fairway and shots from the rough, by limiting groove volume and groove edge sharpness. All of the existing limitations on grooves will remain in place.

Who it affects: As of January 1 2010, all elite professionals and amateurs qualified to play in professional tournaments on the major tours.

2014: The ruling will apply to all lower level professionals and elite amateurs.

2024: All golfers of all abilities (this is the earliest date the Rules will be applied at this level and the issue will be reviewed in 2020). *Pre-2010 models can continue to be manufactured until the end of 2010.

Curbing the Groove

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rofessional golfers and amateurs alike have been benefiting from technological advancements for countless years and even though manufacturing evolution is a necessity, something was required to bring back a true reward for accuracy and skill.

Things hadn’t gone unnoticed in the professional game and tournament statistics showed events were not necessarily being won by the most accurate players.

Images of professional players, hitting from the rough and still able to get the ball to stop on fast running greens aren’t exactly a rare sight. In fact, put a professional anywhere on the course and you expect to see them pepper the flag.

But how is this possible when classic footage of legends such as Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus shows them invariably running the ball into the green from such treacherous lies, negotiating tight green side bunkers and undulations? The answer is the development of the groove when used in combination with the modern ball.

In the early ‘80s manufacturers claimed their new manufacturing methods were unable to craft the V groove and as a result the sharper edged boxed groove 30

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was born. Evolving over the decades, it gave the players more spin control from the rough, and with it the tools to take on greens where previously the only option was a lay up.

Now The R&A is turning things around with the introduction of new groove Rules. WWG spoke to Claire Bates, Assistant Director – Equipment Standards, R&A after a three-week tour of Australia and the Middle East where she was on hand to provide the professionals with a club testing service to find out if their clubs meet the new specifications.

“The Rules encourage manufacturers to take advantage of our lab testing facility by sending samples of their new products for us to evaluate for conformance. With the introduction of the new groove Rules this is even more important and we are publishing the status of pre2010 models on our web-based database to show which models comply with the new groove regulations and which do not.

This database is fast becoming a great tool for amateurs and professionals in clarifying the status of their existing clubs and future sets.”

Having all that technical support in labs

is one thing but how can the players find out if their clubs comply out in the field at professional tournaments?

“We have a field testing system in place,” says Claire. “Our portable system creates a rubber cast of the grooves. We are then able to take a microscopic photograph of the cross section of the grooves and run a software programme to measure the dimensions.

“It is the role of The R&A to assist the transition to the new Rules and that is the purpose of the database and the field test.

It’s up to the relevant Tours and tournaments how they uphold the new Rule but ultimately it’s the responsibility of the player to use clubs which conform to the Rules of Golf.”

And why do the professionals have to implement the rules from January this year and club golfers don’t have to worry about things until 2024?

“When the decision was taken to introduce the new groove Rules it was important that there was a gradual implementation. We didn’t want to put any unnecessary pressure on Club golfers to change their existing clubs ahead of their normal purchasing cycle.”

GROOVY

WITH the new R&A V-Grooves, clubface rules now taking full effect on the International Federation of PGA Tours across the globe, WWG looks at what some of the top players have to say about the transition to the new technology.

IAN POULTER: “What a difference. No

spin. The USGA are insane to make us change so quickly.”

Sean O’Hair: “I think some guys are

making a bigger deal of this than it is. These guys are so good. You could put a broomstick in their hands and they'd still play well.”

Butch Harmon: "It's going to be a whole

new visual as well as physical thing for the younger players. The new grooves make you hit shots, where with the square grooves they take their wedge from 150 yards and in, and hit it on the green and it stops. Those days are over.”

STEVE STRICKER: “I’ve tried different

techniques. It’s not the normal trajectory I’m used to seeing. I look down on the clubface and I’ve got a grass stain in the middle. It really is a guessing game now.”

CHAD CAMPBELL: “Out of the fairway I

haven’t seen that much difference with the wedges. Obviously, out of the rough it’s a little bit harder to control them.”

PADRAIG HARRINGTON: “It’s a massive

decision. I’ll go back to the way I chipped as a kid, to a much more floating shot.”

Brad Faxon: “There won’t be a whole

lot of difference in the world order of things. Phil Mickelson is not all of a sudden going to lose it because he drives it in the rough.”

PAT PEREZ: “I can’t chip. I’ve tried

them all - a bump, a flop. I haven’t figured it out yet.”

JERRY KELLY: “I sure hope there’s a

big difference. I expect to get fliers out of the rough. So I haven’t played well out of the rough since we’ve gotten the square-groove equipment. I’m very much looking forward to being able to hit the ball farther out of the rough, because it’s going to release more.”

ROBERT ALLENBY: “Before, it would

have come out soft, and we know that. Today, you don’t know where it’s going to go. I think it’s great, because now all of a sudden we have to manufacture our way around the golf course.” www.wwgolf.biz

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The 5th hole at Yas Links.

Yas Links promises Tradition

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EMBERSHIPS are now open at the magical and traditional Yas Links – Abu Dhabi, in advance of the opening of the clubhouse on March 25. The club’s 6500sqm Andalucia Clubhouse will be in full swing from that date and will include two food and beverage outlets – Hickorys and Barranca – a swimming pool and member’s locker rooms as well as a croquet lawn and golf academy. Throughout the months of April and May the club will phase in the opening of golf holes and practise facilities as the paspalum turf matures to an acceptable level. With the launch of founder member packages, those joining will benefit from access to the club’s facilities as they come on line prior to their full membership term from July 1 to December 31 – a truly remarkable rate that has attracted significant interest.

To provide golfers with a feel for this peaceful, tranquil links course where eight of the holes play alongside the ocean front and all the holes provide spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf, Worldwide Golf presents a brief description of the Front 9 holes of Yas Links which promises to be a Golfers’ Paradise.

The Magnificent Andalucia-styled Clubhouse at Yas Links – Abu Dhabi.

Hole Descriptions of the Front 9 Hole 1 – Par 4 THE opening hole presents a welcoming introduction to the links-like fairways and rugged dunes that are characteristic of Yas Links.

The landing area for the drive is wider than it appears from the tee. A tee shot down the left side that avoids the large bunker will yield the best angle for an open approach shot to the green. In the best tradition of links courses the green is a continuation of the fairway which provides a great opportunity to execute a low running “links-style” approach shot that will be a taste of things to come throughout the round.

Hole 2 – Par 5 THIS is the shortest Par 5 in the outward half and often plays into the wind. Routed through a long valley in the dunes, there are several natural bunkers that frame the fairway. The green is well protected on the right side, but a long,

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low-running second shot has the best chance of finding the putting surface, which falls away from the line of play. Most players will go right with the second shot as a dune ridge on the left side of the fairway obscures views of the green.

Hole 3 – Par 4 THIS is the first of eight picturesque coastline holes. The fairway bends left around the shoreline to a green tucked just behind a dune. A tee shot that flirts with the water and the bunkers on the inside of the dogleg will leave a shorter approach, especially when the coastal breeze is in your face.

The safer line is to the right, but too far right and the fairway drops into a low hollow from where views of the green can disappear. An opening framed by the dune on the right will accept a low-running approach shot, but beware of the front right bunker that will gather any shots that drift offline.

Aldar Yas Links

The picturesque Par 4 third hole, the first of the eight coastline holes.

The panoramic Par 5 seventh hole, the longest on the front nine.

Hole 4 – Par 3 THIS is the only inland Par 3 on the course.

It plays to a massive green nestled among the dunes. The safe line to take is to the left side of the green, which is visible from the tee. To reach the pin positioned on the more challenging right side pins, the line of play cuts over the large dune bunker on the right that is actually detached from the front of the green by 20 metres. Two “blind” bunkers lie directly to the right of the green and will gobble up any overaggressive his to this more dangerous side of the green.

Hole 5 – Par 4 THIS is a challenging two-shotter, that plays from an elevated tee with views back towards the coast. A controlled tee shot to the left side of the fairway is ideal, as a large, slightly detached bunker guards the front right of the green. The green narrows at the back and is protected by bunkers left and back right. Use caution when attacking a pin positioned at the back as the putting surface falls away and overlong shots will trundle down towards the sea.

Hole 6 – Par 4 A LONG par four that plays away from the sea. Tee shots must avoid the left side bunker to maintain a chance of reaching the green in two.

The green is large and receptive to approach shots, especially up the right side, but beware of the large dune bunker front right that can gather balls. There are also bunkers left of the green that may not be visible from the fairway, depending on where your drive comes to rest.

Hole 7 – Par 5 THE longest and perhaps most unusual hole on the front nine. The tee shot plays from a high dune ridge, where long views of Yas Links

and the sea can be seen in the distance. The downhill drive must negotiate a right side carry bunker that juts out diagonally across the line of play. Beyond this, a large bunker guards the left side. From the landing area, only the flag is visible over the left bunkers. The land before the green rises significantly, obscuring views and leaving somewhat of a mystery as to what lies beyond. In fact, there is ample room to land a second shot. The ideal shot is slightly right of the lone middle bunker, as the ground beyond falls away from right to left and towards the green, allowing long hitters to go for it in two. The green sits beautifully near the sea and is open from the right to accept low-running approaches.

Hole 8 – Par 3 A seaside par three that plays slightly downhill to a green that sits dangerously close to the water’s edge on the right. When the pin is near the water, the wise shot is to the left side of the green where contours will feed the ball back towards the centre of the green.

Hole 9 – Par 4 THIS is the longest and arguably the most challenging par four on the front nine. A classic links-style hole, where the drive must carry the water on the right that runs at a diagonal angle from the tee. Bite off as much as you dare chew to shorten your approach shot to the green.

The long bunker on the water’s edge can only be carried by the longest of hitters – shorter ball strikers will have to settle for landing short or left of it. The bunker at the front right of the green can be deceiving as it is actually 35 metres from the green’s edge. Whilst front of the green is void of bunkers, the green falls from front to back making this approach a fun, but delicate shot to execute.

The Par 3 eighth hole, a typical seaside hole that plays slightly downhill to the green on the water’s edge.

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DIVOTS Westwood honoured by fellow pros

LEE Westwood was named The European Tour’s Players’ Player of the Year for 2009 after his superb season which culminated in him being crowned Europe’s No.1 player for the second time.

Westwood ended a two-year drought with victory at the Portugal Masters before sealing the No.1 spot on The Race to Dubai with a six-stroke win at the Dubai World Championship.

“It was obviously a good year last year and I got an award from the press writers and various other awards but to be voted the ‘Players’ Player’ by the people you play with day in, day out, week in, week out and who know best what you go through emotionally when you are under pressure, obviously means a lot,” said the 36-year-old.

Westwood won his first Order of Merit in 2000 with earnings of €3,125,147 and last year again walked away with the top spot with €4,237,762 in the bank.

Europe regains The Royal Trophy THE European Team, led by Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie, held off a stern fight back from their Asian counterparts as they regained The Royal Trophy with an 8½-7½ victory in Thailand.

Asia began the Singles matches one point behind but surged ahead with 3½ points. Europe then bounced back with wins from Pablo Martin and Søren Kjeldsen to take it to the deciding match. Asian Tour Player of the Year Thongchai Jaidee had a 15foot putt to take his match with Henrik Stenson to extra holes but missed, handing Europe the victory.

Aussie trio earn Open spots AUSTRALIANS Kurt Barnes, Ewan Porter and Peter Senior qualified for The Open Championship at St Andrews in July after topping the leaderboard after the second round of Qualifying at Kingston Heath.

Barnes blazed an 8-under-par 64 to finish at 10-under and secure his first appearance at a Major, with overnight leader Porter two back after a 68 and Senior third at 5-under after a 2-under 70.

Senior (pictured) will make his first appearance at The Open since the 2000 edition – also at St Andrews – and his 18th in total, despite facing a nervous wait after bogeying the final hole. The duo of Aaron Townsend and Steve Jones could have capitalised but failed to close the gap as they finished at 3-under.

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NEWS SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE GOLFING GLOBE

ECCO Tour Championship moves to Germany AFTER four years on home soil in Demark, the ECCO Tour Championship on The European Challenge Tour is moving south of the border to Green Eagle Golf Club near Hamburg, Germany this season.

Jesper Thuen ECCO Sponsorship and Event Manager (pictured with last year’s winner JoséFilipe Lima), said: “We see it as a very healthy sign that the ECCO Tour Championship is moving outside of Denmark for the first time. ECCO is an international company, and the German market is very important to us.”

Thorpe faces jail for tax evasion JIM Thorpe has been sentenced to one year in prison for failing to pay more than $2 million in income taxes. The 13-time Champions Tour winner, who turns 61 this month, must turn himself in to authorities by April 1. He was also sentenced to two years of supervised release and 200 hours of community service. He must try to repay the taxes while he’s on supervised release.

Asian Tour gets stylish with J.Lindeberg partnership THE Asian Tour will welcome a new Tour Partner after reaching an exciting two-year agreement with renowned Swedish premium apparel company, J.Lindeberg to become its Official Apparel Partner.

Renowned designer Lindeberg will also create exclusive golf clothing merchandise for retail across Asia and provide a wide range of apparel designed for officials and staff members of the Asian Tour.

Pavin to concentrate on Champions Tour AMERICAN Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin will play primarily on the Champions Tour this season having turned 50 in November last year.

“I’m looking forward to the Champions Tour,” he said. “It’s a chance to be competitive and a chance to win again.” Pavin also admitted he would play at least six regular PGA TOUR events to keep in touch with potential Ryder Cup players and said he’s looking out for assistants to take to Celtic Manor later this year. “I’ll take four assistants,” he said. “I’d like a couple around my age and maybe a couple younger.”

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NEWS SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE GOLFING GLOBE

Watson downs Couples in season opener TOM Watson birdied the final two holes to beat Champions Tour debutant Fred Couples by one stroke at the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai.

“This is what I live for in my career – to do what I did today,” Watson said. “I don’t think I’ll have too many more, but I had this one.”

Watson, coming off a win with Jack Nicklaus in the Champions Skins Game at Kaanapali, closed with a 7-under 65 to finish at 22-under for his 13th Champions Tour title and his first victory in 34 career starts in Hawaii both as a regular and senior player.

Monty has high hopes for Europe’s Ryder Cup chances CAPTAIN Colin Montgomerie has backed his European team to regain the Ryder Cup later this year regardless of whether Tiger Woods is in the American side or not.

“A lot depends on whether Tiger plays as he hasn’t lost in the singles,” said Monty. “But if our 12 play to their potential, with the crowd’s backing, we will win.”

Dunn and Bain earn their cards at Q School DUBAI-based Scottish professionals Ross Bain and Simon Dunn have earned their cards for the 2010 Asian Tour after successfully negotiating through Q School.

Bain (pictured) finished in a tie for 11th after rounds of 68, 70, 71 and 70 for a 279 total while Dunn finished in a share of 25th, three shots back, with the top 40 and ties earning their cards.

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Quote of the Month “If I weighed 300 pounds and had four chins, I’d have no problem getting in. No one recognised me!”

– John Daly after a hotel official wouldn’t let him in to a Pro-Am party he was hosting.

Matthew handed MBE WOMEN’s British Open winner Catriona Matthew has been appointed an MBE in the New Years Honours list after her achievements in golf last year.

Matthew, 40, gave birth to her second daughter in May and just 11 weeks later won her first Major at Royal Lytham. “This is a wonderful surprise and a fantastic end to what has been a very special year,” said the Scot.

WWGWHEELS

DRIVING

ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE

Styling and Technology >>

RIDE COMFORT PERFORMANCE SPACE BRAKING

Aston Martin releases the ‘Rapide’ saloon The elegant Aston Martin Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults and golf clubs, combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with the elegant marque.

//

AS Aston Martin’s first production four-door sports car, Rapide encapsulates core values of Power, Beauty and Soul. Four ‘swan wing’ doors provide access to cosseting sports seats both front and rear, bestowing occupants with ample accommodation. A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers whether they be golf bags or indeed, sets of skis, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, any time, anywhere.

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DRIVING RIDE COMFORT PERFORMANCE SPACE BRAKING

FIRST shown in 2006 in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show in the USA, the Rapide project received an immediate green light from Aston Martin’s new shareholders in mid-2007 following the sale of the marque by the Ford Motor Company.

In a little over two years, Aston Martin’s design and engineering team have delivered a new car from the ground up. Rapide has been developed from the ‘V/H Architecture’ platform which already forms the backbone to Aston Martin’s critically acclaimed line-up: the

DBS, DB9 and Vantage range. Director of Design, Marek Reichman who led the in-house design team which penned the Rapide said: “Like a racehorse standing still, you can see its power and elegance.

The shape of Rapide’s rear haunches are muscular, conveying the power that lies beneath, while its low stance produces a powerful look.”

First deliveries of the Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin’s 125 strong dealership network. Pricing will be confirmed at the Frankfurt Show.

At the heart of every Aston Martin lies an evocative engine, providing effortless power and torque. The Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lbft) peak torque at 5000 rpm.

A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering columnmounted magnesium paddles.

The use of lightweight materials has

WWGWHEELS

Speci f ication Engine All alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5935cc V12.

Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive.

Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves.

Compression ratio 10.9:1.

Max Power 350 kW (470 bhp / 477 PS) at 6000 rpm.

Max Torque 600 Nm (443 lb ft) at 5000 rpm.

Acceleration 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds.

Max Speed 188 mph (303 km/h) (predicted) Transmission Rear mid-mounted ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system.

Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft.

Wheels & tyres 20” alloy wheels.

Front tyres Bridgestone Potenza 245/40 R20.

Rear Bridgestone Potenza 295/35 R20.

Brakes Front Dual cast brake discs 390mm diameter with six piston calipers.

Rear Dual cast brake discs 360mm diameter with four piston calipers.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).

Traction Control.

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA).

Positive Torque Control (PTC).

Electronic Park Brake (EPB).

Dimensions Length 5019 mm (197.6”).

Width (including mirrors) 2140 mm (84.3”).

Height 1360 mm (53.5”).

Fuel Capacity 90.5 litres.

resulted in the Rapide’s projected weight gaining only 190 kg over its DB9 sibling delivering a target kerb weight of 1950 kg. This figure is achieved through the use of Aston Martin’s Vertical / Horizontal architecture – a platform technology derived from the aerospace industry employing aluminium which is bonded rather than welded to create a lightweight and ultra-stiff chassis.

Despite the Rapide being 290 mm longer than the DB9, it was a key objective to maximise the structural rigidity accounting for the increased length in wheelbase. The Rapide’s

structure would require 28,000 Nm of force to be twisted through 1 degree.

This torsional rigidity is a key element in delivering the excellent dynamic feel by optimising wheel to road contact and minimising vehicle shake and vibration.

To take full advantage of its extremely rigid platform, the Rapide features Adaptive Damping System (ADS) first seen on the DBS. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different road conditions and driver inputs. www.wwgolf.biz

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Official World Golf Ranking AS OF SUNDAY JANUARY 24, 2010

A R O U N D T H E W O R L D O N T H E E U R O P E A N T O U R & U. S . P G A T O U R Pts. Avg 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

Tiger Woods Phil Mickelson Steve Stricker Lee Westwood Jim Furyk Martin Kaymer Padraig Harrington Henrik Stenson Paul Casey Ian Poulter Rory McIlroy Geoff Ogilvy Kenny Perry Sergio Garcia Robert Allenby Sean O’Hair Stewart Cink Ross Fisher Retief Goosen Ernie Els Lucas Glover Zach Johnson Angel Cabrera Anthony Kim Camilo Villegas Vijay Singh Y.E. Yang Hunter Mahan Luke Donald Ryo Ishikawa Robert Karlsson Nick Watney Yuta Ikeda Adam Scott Charl Schwartzel Mike Weir Soren Kjeldsen Francesco Molinari Anders Hansen Tim Clark Graeme McDowell Oliver Wilson Søren Hansen Rory Sabbatini Simon Dyson David Toms Ryan Moore Matt Kuchar Michael Sim Brian Gay

USA USA USA Eng USA Deu Irl Swe Eng Eng Nir Aus USA Esp Aus USA USA Eng Saf Saf USA USA Arg USA Col Fji Kor USA Eng Jpn Swe USA Jpn Aus Saf Can Dnk Ita Dnk Saf Nir Eng Dnk Saf Eng USA USA USA Aus USA

13.59 7.83 6.83 6.37 5.51 5.31 5.24 5.20 5.16 5.12 5.10 4.96 4.68 4.34 4.26 4.16 3.99 3.96 3.95 3.88 3.70 3.58 3.44 3.37 3.31 3.04 2.98 2.97 2.91 2.90 2.89 2.88 2.75 2.68 2.67 2.60 2.60 2.57 2.54 2.51 2.43 2.42 2.42 2.41 2.37 2.36 2.35 2.34 2.30 2.28

Tot. Pts 543.63 336.68 307.18 324.82 259.19 270.70 272.63 233.80 227.04 256.09 285.69 252.80 233.92 225.92 247.15 208.09 187.32 194.14 237.01 209.39 196.26 185.94 172.20 171.98 171.93 133.73 172.56 151.50 119.39 156.65 118.59 152.87 110.18 120.71 149.27 124.85 137.66 141.37 129.61 140.29 131.27 123.51 130.58 130.26 137.24 113.51 119.67 119.37 91.81 137.02

Events 40 43 45 51 47 51 52 45 44 50 56 51 50 52 58 50 47 49 60 54 53 52 50 51 52 44 58 51 41 54 41 53 40 45 56 48 53 55 51 56 54 51 54 54 58 48 51 51 40 60

Pts. Gained 0.00 0.00 25.75 0.00 0.00 54.00 0.00 3.11 8.20 32.40 21.60 48.16 8.28 5.04 30.00 12.42 6.90 0.00 23.28 5.32 4.49 9.00 7.96 5.04 3.92 0.00 4.79 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.03 0.00 0.00 42.00 0.00 1.27 5.04 8.10 2.21 0.00 0.00 11.90 29.33 1.95 1.55 8.28 18.40 0.00 5.21

Pts. Avg 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

Edoardo Molinari Ita Alvaro Quiros Esp Justin Leonard USA Dustin Johnson USA Peter Hanson Swe Stephen Ames Can Miguel A Jimenez Esp Alexander Noren Swe Jeev Milkha Singh Ind Chad Campbell USA Thongchai Jaidee Tha Scott Verplank USA Ben Curtis USA Ross McGowan Eng Shingo Katayama Jpn Jason Dufner USA Gonzalo Fdez-Castano Esp Hiroyuki Fujita Jpn Kevin Na USA Justin Rose Eng Heath Slocum USA Chris Wood Eng Davis Love-III USA John Senden Aus Louis Oosthuizen Saf Koumei Oda Jpn Kenichi Kuboya Jpn Yasuharu Imano Jpn John Rollins USA Martin Laird Sco Brendan Jones Aus James Kingston Saf Mathew Goggin Aus Liang Wen-Chong Chn Stephen Marino USA Jerry Kelly USA Anthony Wall Eng Gregory Bourdy Fra Shane Lowry Irl Kevin Sutherland USA Pat Perez USA Ryan Palmer USA K.J. Choi Kor Scott Strange Aus Prayad Marksaeng Tha Rod Pampling Aus Mark Wilson USA Marc Leishman Aus Darren Clarke Nir Paul Goydos USA

2.27 2.27 2.26 2.26 2.23 2.18 2.17 2.15 2.12 2.12 2.12 2.07 2.04 2.02 1.98 1.97 1.95 1.92 1.90 1.89 1.82 1.80 1.79 1.76 1.76 1.76 1.75 1.74 1.70 1.66 1.66 1.65 1.65 1.65 1.62 1.62 1.62 1.60 1.59 1.55 1.55 1.52 1.52 1.50 1.48 1.46 1.45 1.43 1.43 1.42

Tot. Pts 115.75 122.36 112.96 121.91 116.02 100.32 119.10 103.06 127.31 110.04 122.70 95.24 89.70 106.93 109.08 98.45 101.45 94.14 100.52 100.07 105.54 72.10 91.13 105.82 91.47 87.79 85.70 69.41 93.34 89.72 71.22 87.46 93.93 79.09 97.37 93.90 87.30 87.88 63.56 79.21 77.59 80.47 71.35 77.89 88.54 87.47 81.32 86.07 81.50 71.12

Events Pts. Gained 51 54 50 54 52 46 55 48 60 52 58 46 44 53 55 50 52 49 53 53 58 40 51 60 52 50 49 40 55 54 43 53 57 48 60 58 54 55 40 51 50 53 47 52 60 60 56 60 57 50

2.45 6.75 0.00 8.16 6.75 7.35 0.00 1.59 1.27 7.25 5.04 0.00 0.00 2.45 0.00 3.09 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.32 2.25 3.92 10.33 0.00 15.23 0.00 0.00 0.00 11.74 12.42 0.00 2.80 0.00 2.21 0.00 2.62 1.95 0.00 16.20 0.00 7.08 50.00 1.73 0.00 1.95 0.00 5.34 3.09 11.00 1.73

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WWGCOLUMNIST

GARY PLAYER IS A TRUE LEGEND OF THE GAME. THE SOUTH AFRICAN IS ONE OF ONLY FIVE PLAYERS TO HAVE WON A CAREER GRAND SLAM OF ALL FOUR MAJORS. HE HAS WON A TOTAL OF NINE MAJORS AND NINE SENIOR MAJORS, AMONG 167 TOUR EVENTS WORLDWIDE.

Never mind grooves, what about the ball?

I

T’S a missed opportunity that all the attention that is currently being focussed on the introduction of the new clubface grooves rules could not have been fixed on limiting the distance the ball will travel.

I’m using the new clubs that conform with the R&A and the International Federation of PGA Tours’ rules on clubface grooves but I don’t find them much different to my old clubs. I don’t think it will take the Tour players long to adapt to them, either.

The real point is being missed by golf’s authorities. All the players I’ve spoken to don’t believe the new clubface grooves rules will change very much at all. I’ve talked to Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and a number of other players and they all agree that it will make little difference – and it’s not the answer.

The real answer which will save our treasured, traditional Championship golf courses from extinction is to design a ball for professional tournaments that will only travel a certain limited, agreed distance.

With Tour players now getting bigger and stronger, where the emphasis nowadays is on fitness, power and sheer strength, it won’t be long before they’re hitting the ball 350 yards and more off the tee.

Martin Kaymer, who won the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship last month for the second time in three years in style, shooting a flawless final round 66 to beat Ian Poulter by one shot, is over 6ft tall and has a driving average of 291.17 yards – and he’s not considered a particular long hitter.

As Tour players get bigger, taller and more powerful and the technology in clubs and balls continues to push the boundaries, it won’t be long before 400yard tee shots are considered normal.

The length the ball travels currently is threatening to destroy those Championship golf courses that don’t

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have the room or the flexibility to extend their holes. Some of the world’s most famous holes are in danger of becoming ordinary.

The other worrying aspect of this is that we golf course designers are having to design courses of more than 8,000 yards to present a real challenge to the Tour players. At a time of global recession golf course developments are having to look after every cent they spend and the cost of producing a course of 7,000 yards is considerably less than creating a course of 8,000 yards.

Then there’s the cost of maintaining the course once it’s built. Every company management in the world is having to examine whatever means of reducing their running costs they can.

We’ve done that with our design at Saadiyat Beach at Abu Dhabi where

we’ve introduced sand areas to create the most attractive visual settings and utilising local grasses that thrive on very little water.

The whole point of reducing the distance the ball will travel is that we must try to encourage the skill factor in the game. We all like to see someone crunch the ball off the tee and we’ve got to create the conditions that provide players with a true risk and reward opportunity for taking driver. But there’s much more to the game than driving the ball a country mile.

The spectacle of seeing the longhitters won’t be diminished by reducing the distance the ball will travel.

Remember, I am only talking about Professional Tour golf. Amateur golfers can continue to play the way they always did with the clubs and balls of

Gary Player (above) believes that the new groove regulations, limiting the amount of spin players can generate will do little to impact on the professional game. Restricting the distance the ball can travel is the only way to stop traditional Championship courses becoming “ordinary”.

Ernie Els has taken the decision to concentrate his schedule on the PGA TOUR this season.

“ERNIE HAS A HUGE FOLLOWING AROUND THE WORLD AND IS A VERY POPULAR PERSONALITY IN THE GLOBAL GAME AND HE’LL BE MISSED IN MANY OF THE TOURNAMENTS.” – GARY PLAYER their choice. The amateur game and the Professional game are totally different.

They will always be different. Amateurs need all the help and encouragement they can get.

The new clubface grooves rule won’t affect amateurs until 2024 – and maybe not at all.

But instead of the current topic of conversation in the Professional game right now being the new grooves rule we should be talking about the ball.

HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY IT’S always good to start the new tournament season on the U.S. Champions Tour in Hawaii. For Vivienne and me it coincides with our wedding anniversary and last month we celebrated our 53rd. It was a lot of fun and we’re looking forward to many more.

ERNIE CURTAILS THE TRAVELLING I hear that Ernie Els has decided to concentrate on playing on the PGA TOUR in the States and limit his travelling abroad this year so he can spend more time with his family. Ernie has a huge following around the world and is a very popular personality in the global game and he’ll be missed in many of the tournaments he’s played regularly but I can understand why he has taken this decision. You have to respect how players choose to run their schedule.

It’s good that Retief Goosen is continuing to compete globally and I wish him and Ernie a very successful season. South Africa has some very talented golfers out on Tour and with players like Charl Schwartzel, Rory Sabbatini and Louis Oosthuizen it could be a good year for the Springboks. ■

Rory Sabbatini, one of the current crop of talented players flying the flag for South Africa at the moment.

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WORLDROUND-UPS Tournament: SBS Championship

Date: 7–10 Jan 2010

Venue: The Plantation Course, Kapalua Resort, Maui, Hawaii

OGILVY DEFENDS KAPALUA CROWN GEOFF Ogilvy successfully defended his SBS Championship title with a one-stroke victory over South African Rory Sabbatini in Maui.

Ogilvy carded a final round 6-under 67 for a 22-underpar total to beat the charging Sabbatini who posted a superb 10-under 63 to jump from 10th place overnight into the runner-up spot. “We knew what we had to do,” said Ogilvy. “I’d never been in that situation. I’m happy and excited to get it done. I needed to make birdies and I did.”

In winning Ogilvy became only the seventh player in the event’s 58-year history to win back-toback and joins fellow Australian Stuart Appleby as the only twotime winners since it moved to The Plantation Course in Kapalua in 1999.

Sabbatini, who started the final round six shots behind, had a run of five straight birdies on the back nine to close with a 63 – but it wasn’t quite enough to beat Ogilvy to the title.

Sabbatini couldn’t reach the green on the 663-yard 18th in

WINNER: GEOFF OGILVY

two and after pitching to 10 feet missed his birdie putt which ultimately let Ogilvy in.

“I said to my caddie, ‘We need to birdie the last two holes to have a chance,’” said Sabbatini. “The situation was you had to keep moving forward to put pressure on him. I had my opportunity, and unfortunately, it didn’t pan out.”

Ogilvy began his final round with a 25-foot birdie putt and picked up another stroke on the par-5 fourth. He gave a shot back after driving into the knee-high grass on the fifth but then made five birdies in nine holes to get to 22-under heading down the 17th.

With Sabbatini in the clubhouse Ogilvy needed consecutive pars to take home the title and did so in solid fashion, taking home the cheque for $1,200,000.

American Matt Kuchar finished alone in third place on 19-under with Sean O’Hair and Scotland’s Martin Laird in fourth place on 18-under. Kenny Perry, Retief Goosen and Ryan Moore finished a shot further back in a share of sixth place.

Geoff Ogilvy won the SBS Championship for the second consecutive year after excelling with the flat stick. The Australian led the putting charts on both Putts Per Round (28.8) and Putts Per GIR (1.639) on his way to another season-opening victory.

INTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAG DRIVER: FAIRWAY METALS: IRONS (3-9): WEDGES: PUTTER: Ball:

Titleist 909D3 9.5° Cobra S9-1 15.0° and 18.0° bent to 20° Titleist MB Titleist Vokey Design Spin Milled PW 50°, SW 55° LW 60° Scotty Cameron Prototype putter Titleist Pro V1

WINNER’S CHEQUE

$1,120,000

WINNING SCORE: 22-UNDER-PAR – 270 (69,66,68,67) RUNNER-UP: RORY SABBATINI – 271 Tournament: Africa Open

Date: 7–10 Jan 2010

Venue: East London Golf Club, Eastern Cape, South Africa

SCHWARTZEL FINDS HOME COMFORTS

WINNER: CHARL SCHWARTZEL

CHARL Schwartzel won his fourth European Tour title with a one-stroke victory over compatriot Thomas Aiken at the Africa Open in East London.

Schwartzel started the week as the highest ranked player in the field at 66th on the Official World Golf Ranking and ended it with a 20-underpar total after a final round 67 saw him overcome overnight leader Aiken by the narrowest of margins.

“Obviously I played so good all day,” said Schwartzel. “I pretty much didn’t miss a shot.”

Schwartzel played supreme golf and stood on the 18th tee 7-under-par for the day and without a blemish on his card. But he sliced his tee shot on the 411-yard par-4 closing hole and finally managed to get on the green in four. He held his

WINNER’S CHEQUE

€158,500

nerve and sunk his bogey putt which gave him an anxious wait to see if Aiken could birdie and force a play-off.

“I put a little pressure on myself there to make five at the end,” admitted Schwartzel. “I said to my caddie, Wynand, after I hit my second shot, ‘we’re still two ahead, so let’s make five and let them make the birdie’ and it worked out in my favour.”

Aiken failed to birdie the last and carded a 3-under 70 to post his best-ever finish in a European Tour event. Fellow South African Jbe’ Kruger finished third on 18-under-par while Trevor Fisher Jnr shared fourth place with Rick Kulacz, James Morrison and Chris Swanepoel, one shot further back.

OUTPLAY THE ELEMENTS Stuart Appleby trusts Cutter & Buck CB DryTec for maximum comfort on the course. Its lightweight, quick-drying fabric wicks away moisture, keeping him cool, dry and at his best.

Official Apparel Supplier

WORLDROUND-UPS Tournament: Joburg Open

Date: 14–17 Jan 2010

Venue: Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, Johannesburg, South Africa

WINNER: CHARL SCHWARTZEL

SCHWARTZEL MAKES IT TWO IN A ROW CHARL Schwartzel completed back-to-back victories on The European Tour with a superb six-stroke victory in the Joburg Open at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club.

One week after lifting the African Open, Schwartzel again stepped into the winner’s circle after beating Darren Clarke and Keith Horne with a final-round 5-under-par 66 in his home town.

“It’s been a fantastic two weeks for me. I played good last week and it definitely carried over,” said Schwartzel. “I played pretty much flawless golf and I don’t know what it comes down to – maybe a good positive frame of mind when you hit a bad shot.”

The win took Schwartzel to a career-high of 35th on the Official World Golf Ranking and further extended his lead on The Race to Dubai. “I’m leading the Order of Merit, but it’s still early days and I think this will

get me into The Masters,” smiled Schwartzel, who is yet to appear at Augusta National.

“I’m very excited about that.”

Schwartzel opened up with a superb 8-under 63 to sit one shot behind the lead of compatriot Neil Schietekat and after a second round 68 he remained in second place, this time one shot behind Englishman David Lynn who had carded rounds of 63 and 67 for a 12-under halfway total.

Schwartzel then opened up a four-stroke lead after a third round 64 with Clarke in second place, two shots ahead of Hendrik Buhrmann. Clarke had shot up the leaderboard with a 67 while Lynn fell 20 places after a 75.

With victory in his sights Schwartzel then cruised over the finish line with another superb round while Horne shot up the leaderboard into a share of second place alongside Clarke on 17-under thanks to a 64.

INTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAGINTHEBAG Driver: Fairway Woods: Irons (3-PW): Wedges: Ball:

Nike VR STR8-FIT (8.5º) Nike SQ II 3-wood (13º) and 5-wood (19º) Nike VR Blades Nike VR (54º and 60º) Nike One Tour D

With his six-stroke victory, Charl Schwartzel matched the highest victory margin on The European Tour throughout the 2009 season. After four tournaments and two wins Schwartzel had earned €488,850 and took the lead in The Race to Dubai by nearly €300,000.

WINNER’S CHEQUE

€206,050

WINNING SCORE: 23-UNDER-PAR – 261 (63,68,64,66) RUNNER-UP: DARREN CLARKE, KEITH HORNE – 267 Tournament: Sony Open in Hawaii

Date: 14–17 Jan 2010

Venue: Waialae Country Club, Honolulu, Hawaii PALMER FINDS WINNER’S CHEQUE PARADISE IN HAWAII

€206,050

WINNER: RYAN PALMER

RYAN Palmer won his third PGA TOUR title after an enthralling battle with Australia’s Robert Allenby during the final round of the Sony Open in Hawaii.

Playing in the final group together, Palmer wrapped up a one-stroke win over Allenby with the help of the flagstick as his chip for eagle on the final hole hit the pin and rested inches from the cup.

The ball looked like speeding way past the hole but with luck on his side Palmer eventually tapped in for birdie to pick up the cheque for $990,000.

“What a way to start the year,” said the American. “It was a good chip. The grain was running against me. I was either going to hit it fat or do what I did. Fortunately, I got the good break!” Palmer’s first PGA TOUR victory came at 2004 Funai Classic at Walt Disney Resort with a

field that included Tiger Woods but at this year’s Sony Open he won wire-to-wire, maintaining his composure in a tight final round against Allenby and World No.3 Steve Stricker, who was briefly tied for the lead and eventually finished third.

“It’s a great field,” admitted Palmer. “To play well every day was great, my bad round was still 2-under par and I never once got upset or impatient. What I did today was the best round of golf I have ever experienced.”

From the 10th hole Palmer went on a run of birdie, bogey, birdie, bogey, birdie which saw him exchange and share the lead with Allenby before they finally arrived at the 18th tee in a share of the lead. After Palmer’s chip left him a tap-in birdie Allenby needed to hole a 10-footer for birdie but missed, handing Palmer the win.

REGAL LUXURY BY THE RED SEA MARITIM JOLIE VILLE ROYAL PENINSULA HOTEL & RESORT

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GYPT is fast developing a reputation as a burgeoning golf tourism destination with a multitude of championship courses springing up all over the country and competitively priced flights from Europe and the Middle East making it easily accessible.

Sharm El Sheikh is Egypt’s No.1 holiday destination and whether you’re in town for a business trip or a holiday you’d struggle to find a better resort than the Maritim Jolie Ville Royal Peninsula.

The Royal Peninsula won’t break the bank like the other handful of ‘top end’ resorts in Sharm but it holds its own against them in delivering one of the few genuine 5-star resorts in the area.

The Championship Jolie Ville Golf Course, which played host to the European Senior Tour’s 2005 Jolie Ville Sharm El Sheikh Seniors Open, is right on the doorstep and while many golf tourists opt to stay at their sister hotel, the Maritim Jolie Ville Golf & Resort, which is indeed a splendid resort, the Royal Peninsula offers something different for the discerning traveller.

Situated at the opposite end of the beachside layout, the Royal Peninsula is just as convenient as its sister hotel for the golf course but offers quieter and slightly more tranquil surroundings, perhaps more suited to older families, adult groups or executive golfers. The Maritim International Conference Centre is right next door and the Royal Peninsula was originally built as a business hotel, making it a great place to

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combine work with play. Set amidst 200,000 square metres of pristine landscaped grounds and just 10 minutes away from both the airport and the bustling nightspot of Naama Bay, the Royal Peninsula offers a true sanctuary in a convenient location.

There are 337 rooms which are spread among 18 large bungalow-style buildings and visitors will be blown away by both the size and quality they offer. The standard 60 sqm rooms offer more than enough space for a family of four but the 90 sqm ‘Superior’ rooms are huge and more akin to large suites. There are, in fact, also 16 luxurious suites available, each measuring 150-360 sqm, for those who want something extra special.

Attention to detail and immaculate presentation are evident throughout with all rooms floored in stylish marble and with flat screen televisions, LAN wireless internet and climate control, while each has its own veranda where afternoon tea can be enjoyed overlooking the beautifully manicured gardens. The Superior rooms are furnished with one or two king-sized beds, a large sitting area, large wardrobes, a changing area and a sizeable bathroom complete with two showers and two sinks.

The pool is one of the largest and most impressive you will see anywhere. Measuring 4,000 sqm it is kept spotlessly clean by the multitude of tireless ground staff and with more than enough space available to relax guests are afforded the luxury of real tranquillity during their

Travel Feature

stay. The service throughout the resort is second to none with staff always on hand to take care of your every need. Accommodations are offered on a bed & breakfast, half board or ‘all inclusive’ basis and the quality of food is of an extremely high standard, with a choice of five restaurants.

The ‘Peninsula’ serves an all-encompassing breakfast with every food imaginable to choose from, while at dinner there is a constantly changing range of themed buffets. All inclusive guests also have the choice of dining here at lunchtime and unlike some resorts offering ‘AI’ the Royal Peninsula loses nothing in quality by offering this option.

The Pool Bar, situated on an island in the middle of the swimming pool and accessible by a series of bridges, features an open air barbecue serving delicious grilled food to order all day.

Drinks can also be delivered to your sun lounger throughout the day by the ever-conscientious waiting staff.

There are three à la carte restaurants to choose from, each serving cuisine of an international standard. There is ‘Panorama’ offering a varied international menu, the ‘Al Forno’ Italian or Siam, which presents mouth-watering Thai food cooked by a multi award-winning chef.

Drinks can be enjoyed in the Lobby Bar, the main bar, or the exclusive surroundings of the Windsor Lounge with its cocktails, brandies and cognacs. The Windsor Lounge also offers a selection of fine cigars and popular chocolate

and cocoa creations. There is an animation and evening entertainment programme and there are plenty of areas to relax and enjoy a ‘shisha’ under the moonlight.

The ‘Sabai Sabai’ Thai spa is an oasis of wellbeing where visitors can indulge in soothing saunas, steam baths, beauty applications, hairdressing, tension-relieving massages and hydrotherapies. The facility has a total of eight massage cabins, a number of VIP rooms with private steam baths and showers, two hydrotherapy rooms, two open-air treatment areas and one shiatsu room.

For sports lovers there is a multitude of choice with two high-quality tennis courts, a multipurpose court for basketball and volleyball, a state-of-the-art fitness room and table tennis tables.

A complimentary shuttle bus is on hand to take guests on the five minute journey to the spectacular ‘tiered’ beach, which is carved into the cliff face leading down to the shimmering Red Sea. There is a jetty on the beach offering some of the best snorkeling in the world while a beach bar serves snacks and drinks, which are complimentary for those on the All Inclusive package.

The bus service also takes guests into Naama Bay where a myriad of restaurants and nightlife options await but for those who prefer to relax at the hotel, everything they need is there. So if it’s a touch of the regal you’re after, look no further than the stunning Maritim Jolie Ville Royal Peninsula.

Maritim Jolie Ville Royal Peninsula Hotel & Resort, Peace Road at Um Marikha Bay, Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt.

Phone: +20 (0) 69 3604-200 Fax: +20 (0) 69 3604-199 Reservation phone: +49 (0) 6151 905-790 visit: www.maritim.com or email: info@srp-maritim-jolieville.com

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A M E M O R A B L E C O R P O R AT E C E L E B R AT I O N A S U C C E S S F U L B U S I N E S S R E T R E AT

The Address Montgomerie Dubai

Welcome to one of Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most celebrated golfing destinations,

The Address Montgomerie Dubai. This magnificent boutique hotel and golf course offers an idyllic setting for a perfect corporate retreat.

Plan a special golf day for your company and celebrate your business achievements with a Gala Dinner in stunning surroundings. Our outstanding facilities and highly skilled staff will ensure your corporate day is a success from start to finish.

Corporate retreats starting from AED 650 per guest.

T +971 4 423 8888 F +971 4 436 8880 STAY@THEADDRESS.COM WWW.THEADDRESS.COM

Brought to you by

Claude Harmon III

SWING Pro swing analyst >>

CLAUDE HARMON III, DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION, BUTCH HARMON SCHOOL,

PRO look

DUBAI SPORTS CITY

SERGIO GARCIA SERGIO GARCIA STARTS ANOTHER SEASON WITH THE UNWELCOME TAG OF “BEST PLAYER WITHOUT A MAJOR” NEXT TO HIS NAME. DESPITE THIS, HE CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF THE BEST BALL STRIKERS ON TOUR. HIS PROBLEMS WITH THE FLAT STICK ARE WELL DOCUMENTED AND THIS SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY THING HOLDING HIM BACK. SERGIO HAS ALL THE SHOTS, A GREAT SHORT GAME AND CAN HIT THE BALL MILES. HOPEFULLY 2010 IS THE YEAR HE GETS THE MONKEY OFF HIS BACK AND BAGS HIS FIRST MAJOR.

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SWING SERGIO CLAUDE HARMON III, DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION, BUTCH HARMON SCHOOL, DUBAI SPORTS CITY

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Image 1 (above): Sergio is bigger than you think. He plays a lot of tennis and works out hard in the gym. No surprise to see a perfect athletic set-up here at address.

Image 3 (above): The correct move off the ball is as follows – the club goes first, then the arms, followed by the chest, and finally the hips. Sergio’s upper body is turning against his stable lower body.

Image 7 (below): One of the major swing characteristics in Sergio’s swing is clubhead lag. As Sergio turns his lower body toward the target on the downswing, his arms stay very passive, and his upper body is pulled into impact by his lower body turn. When this happens, the arm and club drop into the impact zone with a huge amount of stored power and energy.

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3

Image 8 (below): Great space between the arms and the lower body here at impact. The shaft angle here at impact is the same as at address.

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GARCIA 4

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Image 6 (above, right): Sergio has changed his old â&#x20AC;&#x153;laid offâ&#x20AC;? backswing position to a much more stable position at the top of the backswing. His arms do a better job now of supporting the golf club. His old move caused the club to drop too much as his downswing started. His left arm is matching the angle of his shoulder turn here.

Image 12 (below, right): Sergio has as much speed in his golf swing as anyone on Tour. He crushes the ball. Yet his finish is classic, balanced with his weight transferred to his lead leg. The belt buckle is facing the target as the hips have led the way on the downswing.

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try the ‘ tee in the grip DRILL With DANNY JAKUBOWSKI, Director of Instruction Abu Dhabi Golf Club

the DRILL SOMETIMES as golfers we struggle to make the swing easy and efficient. One of the hardest things to do is actually quantify the path and plane of our golf swing, and by the end of a round of golf we end up being so re-active to the bad shots that we forget what we started out to do. By using this easy to use practice drill you will be able to more accurately determine the correct path and plane of the swing. In return, you will hit better tee shots and more accurate approaches. All you need to do is insert a tee into the top of your grip, and start with half swings.

We call this the “tee in the grip drill”.

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Brought to you by

Get o and n pl a s n t fLy art e ing www.wwgolf.biz

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TUTORIAL

THE key indicator is the halfway point of the backswing. At this point of the swing you can see two things: 1) My hands are somewhat centered with my chest.

2) The tee is pointing at the line of the ball.

This shows you the correct path and plane. In practice you could rehearse this in front of a mirror.

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PRO LOOK Brought to you by

FROM these pictures you can see that the hands are not in line with my chest and the tee is pointing away from the line of the ball. This shows an incorrect path and plane.

NOTICE the symmetry between the correct backswing and through swing. After you have hit the ball, the tee in the grip will point to the original line of the ball and your hands will still be centered with your chest.

This ball is going long and straight!

YOU can see that after impact the tee is pointing away from the original ball position and hands are not centred. Notice how open and closed the clubface is in these positions.

Remember that the through swing has equal importance to the backswing.

So for a more technically correct golf swing try practicing with a tee in your grip. Once you get used to the tee pointing at the line of the ball, increase the length of your swing and watch the ball fly further and straighter than ever before. This drill will help you quantify the path and plane of the swing and develop a more repeatable movement. Sometimes the simple drills are the best! www.wwgolf.biz

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LEARN – PLAY – CONNECT – BELONG WOMEN’S Golf Dubai’s main focus is to encourage more beginners to take up the game of golf.

Our events are open to ladies who hold a Players Certificate (PC) and higher handicap players (36 Hcp) are welcome to join our competitions, which include fun formats in a friendly environment on the best courses in Dubai.

Many ladies who have completed golf tuition at the excellent teaching academies in Dubai are usually unsure how to progress onto the next level – which is playing regularly and getting the necessary scores required to gain an official handicap.

Our events will help you achieve this. All you need to do is to submit your scorecard to your respective club or join the Emirates Golf Federation Handicap Scheme and they will be able to govern and provide you with an official handicap.

Taking part in these events offers an excellent opportunity to meet other ladies who play the game. From experience and feedback we have had from beginners who have started playing golf, many are not sure how to go about meeting other ladies.

Women’s Golf Dubai is all about connecting women through the game of golf and we strive to achieve our motto: Learn – Play – Connect – Belong.

DINA LUNINA TAKES AL BADIA GOLF DAY TITLE BY TWO NEWCOMER to Women’s Golf Dubai, Dina Lunina, who was playing her first event with us last month, took the spoils at the Al Badia Golf Day with a two-point Stableford victory.

With a field of more than 30 ladies taking part, Lunina played some exceptional golf on the back nine holes to score a very creditable 37 individual points. In second place was Denise Alcock (Arabian Ranches GC) who took the runner-up spot on a countback from fellow Ranches member Flore-Comby Merle after both had scored 35.

Special thanks go to Craig Skimming and his team for all their help and support and for giving us such professional service. The quality of WINNING SMILES: Newcomer to Women’s Golf Dubai, Dina Lunina, (pictured left, wearing a scarf) receives her prize for winning the Stableford competition at Al Badia Golf Club. Right: The other WGD prizewinners.

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the golf course, the facilities and the excellent service from the staff was outstanding and it was a great opportunity for our members to play at such a top class venue.

With the support of the Spa Inter-Continental, each lady was offered a much needed massage after the game as well as some fantastic giveaways and a specially discounted Spa Voucher. This added a wonderful touch to the event which was concluded with a buffet on the terrace overlooking the golf course.

We would also like to thank our sponsor Golf Shop Direct for their valuable contribution to the success of the day.

Women's Golf Dubai

GOLF CLINIC DAY AT ARABIAN RANCHES ENJOYED BY ALL A GROUP of our ladies enjoyed a fun-filled day at Arabian Ranches Golf Club last month which was hosted by PGA Professional Malcolm Young at their firstclass Golf Academy. Malcolm (pictured below) took our ladies through an hour and a half clinic, incorporating long game and short game techniques.

Sandy Meyer’s WGD WEBSITE UPDATE

PROFESSIONAL TIP – THE GRIP THE GRIP is probably one of the most important things to consider, as ultimately, the grip controls the position of the clubface and if the clubface is not square at impact, the ball will be hit off-line.

THE WGD website will soon be offering the opportunity for ladies who are interested in starting to play golf to register with us to help find the most convenient golf academy in Dubai that will suit your schedule.

We will also be offering ‘beginner golfers’ clinics during our competition days at the various clubs and anyone is welcome to join – from complete beginners who have never held a club before to players who need the encouragement from the qualified PGA Professionals to see them progress to the next level. All ladies taking part in these golf clinics are also invited to attend the presentation and lunch/dinner in order to meet more ladies involved in the game.

Some factors to consider when checking your grip: • • • • • • • •

Relax your wrists at address.

The right index finger should be the lowest point of the grip – not the thumb.

A player should feel the club shaft more in the fingers of the left hand (for right-handers).

The base of the thumb should hide the fingernails on the left hand.

Make sure you can see the logo on the back of the glove.

V lines formed between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand should both point up towards the right shoulder.

Make sure the left thumb sits just down the right centre of the grip.

Place a tee between the club handle and the palm of the left hand. If you open the left hand grip by releasing the last three fingers during the swing the tee will fall out, showing the loss of control.

The next WGD events this month will be at Jumeirah Golf Estates and there will be a Par-3 event to be held at the Emirates Golf Club with a confirmed date of Wednesday 24th February, 10.30am shotgun start. The information for both events will be sent out to all Women’s Golf Dubai Members, and you can register on the website -www.womensgolfdubai.com – and visit the ‘Diary’ section to find out more. www.wwgolf.biz

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WWG LOCAL FOCUS

ARABIAN Clubs in December 2009 Worldwide Golf Abu Dhabi Golf Club Al Badia Golf club Al Hamra Golf Club Arabian Ranches Golf Club Dirab Golf Club Doha Golf Club Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Egyptian Golf Federation Emirates Golf Club

Emirates Golf Federation Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Maritim Jolie Ville Golf & Resort, Egypt Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club The Address Montgomerie, Dubai The Palms Golf Club Intercontinental, Riyadh The Royal Golf Club, Bahrain UAE Golf Society www.callawaygolf.com

T N T O R D E R O F M E R I T S E R I E S , AT A R A B I A N R A N C H E S G O L F C L U B

Paul Smith takes Round Four of the TNT Amateur Order of Merit Golf Series Paul Smith (right) gets a congratulatory handshake from Brian Moulds, TNT Country General Manager.

PAUL Smith (11 - ARGC) shot a net 70 to win the fourth of eight Qualifying Rounds in the TNT Amateur Order of Merit Golf Series last month.

The format was Individual Strokeplay with a full handicap allowance and Smith began his round on hole 3 in the shotgun start. He made his intentions clear with an opening birdie and then claimed a solid par on the difficult fourth hole to maintain his momentum. He went on to close with an outward gross 42 and then played superbly consistent golf over his final nine holes with seven pars – a double bogey was the only blemish on his card. His inward 39 gave him a gross 81 for a net 70 and it was his back nine performance that saw him defeat John Onuonga (16) on a countback to take the title.

Francois Wolfaardt of Arabian Ranches Golf Club said: “We are now getting to the business end of the TNT series and after the first four events Scott Campbell leads the overall standings with 56.30 points. We look forward to the next four events as players play the required number of events to be able to qualify for a spot in the final.”

To qualify for the TNT Amateur Order of Merit Golf Series a player must compete in at least four of the qualifying rounds with the average of their best four performances forming a player’s points total, of the four qualifying rounds a player must compete in two Stableford and two Strokeplay events.

An added bonus to the eight individual qualifying round winners is that they automatically qualify and are exempt for the Grand Final as long as they compete in at least four events.

The leading 20 players and ties at the end of the Series qualify for the TNT Amateur Order of Merit Golf Series Grand Final in May.

THE TNT AMATEUR ORDER OF MERIT TOP 20 AFTER ROUND FOUR The Order of Merit reflects the average score of the top 10 players who have competed in all four events to date; two Stableford and two Strokeplay events.

Player

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Avg Pts

1

Scott Campbell

46.00

52.00

75.00

52.20

56.30

2

Jeff Ogden

59.00

52.00

47.50

39.00

49.38

3

Steve Foster

26.00

46.00

75.00

39.00

46.50

4

Shabir Yakub

34.00

65.00

41.00

28.50

42.13

5

Peter Boland

41.00

58.00

44.50

19.50

40.75

6

Terry Vaughan

41.00

58.00

36.00

19.50

38.63

7

Scott Kerins

0.00

34.00

47.50

63.25

36.19

8

Don Sinclair

34.00

12.00

36.00

46.50

32.13

9

Daryl Blanchard

34.00

34.00

36.00

19.50

30.88

10

Simon Crane

12.00

46.00

53.00

10.50

30.38

MALIK STORMS TO UAE NATIONALS MONTHLY MEDAL VICTORY SAEED Malik turned in a consistent performance to win the UAE Nationals Monthly Medal at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa last month.

Malik shot a gross 5-over-par 77 to take the honours, beating his nearest challenger and former UAE national champion Ismail Sharif by two shots with Abdulla Al Musharrekh finishing third with a gross 80.

Young Hassan Al Musharrekh made his presence felt, winning the Division ‘A’ title on a net 75, while Jamal bin Margoub walked away with the Division ‘B’ honours on a net 85.

Once again the event — part of the UAE Nationals Monthly Medal Series — attracted a good response with almost all the top UAE national golfers turning up to hone their competitive edge.

“The fact that we again had a full field amply shows the revival of the monthly medal series has created a big of buzz among the UAE nationals.

Since we have an Order of Merit for the series, so there is always a chance

RAYHAN TAKES CHARGE IN AL NABOODAH’S JUNIOR UAE PGA GOLF SERIES.

for any golfer to bounce back,” said Adel Zarouni, Secretary General of the Emirates Golf Federation.

Zarouni also lauded the efforts of the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa for facilitating the successful conduct of the medal event saying: “I think the conditions were pretty good and players did enjoy playing at their superb course. We look forward to playing more such events there in the near future.”

James Williams, director golf at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, was equally pleased to the host the event.

“It was great to welcome the local players back to Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa and, most importantly, to see the return of the Nationals Monthly Medal on the domestic circuit,” he said. “The national golfers are a very important part of the present and future development of the game, and the revival of the Medal series can only help in building a solid platform for the sport to grow from strength to strength in the UAE.”

DUBAI Creek Golf & Yacht Club played host to the third Al Naboodah sponsored UAE PGA Junior Par-3 Series, which saw homegrown Academy student, Rayhan John Thomas claim the title of Overall Champion.

Rayhan’s consistent game saw him return a round of 26, giving him a clear victory over the field of focussed and determined young golfers.

Girls 12-and-under winner was awarded to The Montgomerie’, Dubai’s Amelia McKee, carding a 33, which continued her fine run of recent form.

Second place was secured by Dubai Creek’s Kim

Chiang whose 35 gave her the runner-up spot by one shot over fellow Academy student Aashka Desai.

Boushra Dalile, of Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club, claimed the Girls 13-and-above tiara after returning a 35.

A tight finish in the Boys 12-and-under category resulted in a countback with the 2009 series winner, Dubai Creek’s Aryan Chordia, taking the title over Abu Dhabi City Golf Club’s Nicholas Bardt, with both carding a strong 28. Dhruv Nair, also of Dubai Creek, was pipped by the duo and after returning 29 and settled for third place.

The places in the Boys 13-and-above division were separated by one point each, with Abu Dhabi City Golf Club’s Jack Novack standing tall on the podium with 29.

Jorge Menkhorst of Emirates Golf Club settled for the runner-up position with 30 and Rishad Lakdawala, of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club took third place.

“A special mention to all parents today,” said UAE PGA Tournament Director Stephen Hubner. “Without their enthusiasm, dedication and bag-handling skills the series could not be as successful as it is.

“On behalf of the UAE PGA Committee I am delighted to see the growth and development of the juniors that play in these events, it is truly rewarding.

And to our Patron, Al Naboodah whose involvement in such events sets a firm foundation for us to continue junior development, we sincerely thank you.”

Winners and podium finishers of the third Al Naboodah UAE PGA Junior Series with David Gray and Stephen Hubner of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

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E M I R AT E S G O L F F E D E R AT I O N

ARABIAN GOLF

AL MUSHARREK CARDS LOWEST ROUND OF HIS LIFE A CAREER best of 5-under-par 67 at the Al Badia Golf Course saw Ahmed Al Musharrekh win the UAE Nationals Monthly Medal in December.

The 19-year-old prodigy set the par72 course on fire with an amazing finish to beat his nearest challenger – younger brother Hassan by a staggering 15 shots, the margin of victory amply reflecting on Ahmed’s commanding performance.

Ahmed eagled the par-4 17th after holing his approach shot with a wedge from 100 yards and then rolled in a birdie on the closing hole, thus picking up three shots on the final two holes – the highpoint of his excellent round.

Hassan, on the other hand, had a roller-coaster ride on the Robert Trent Jones II-designed layout as he came in with an 82 with Sohail Al Marzouqi finishing third, two shots further back.

“I am really delighted with my effort,” said Ahmed, who had also shot a 67 at the par-71 Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. I feel more confident about my game and my short game, particular, is coming off well.”

Mohamed Darwish took the honours in Division 1 with a tidy net 71 while Jalal Abbasi made his presence felt in Division ‘B’, taking the title with a net 79.

A full field of 36 golfers turned out

for the event which has been revived by the Emirates Golf Federation after a gap of four years. The Monthly Medal series has its own Order of Merit where the top players are awarded points according to their respective performance after each event. The UAE National Player of the Year will be crowned after the end of the series in April.

Saeed Albudoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, congratulated Ahmed, who honed his skills at the famed David Leadbetter Academy in Florida, for producing his career best score. “Ahmed is improving after every tournament and it’s great to see him putting together under-par

rounds on a regular basis,” he said. “I wish him all the best in coming events, both on the domestic and international circuits.”

“The fact that we had a full field shows there was no dearth of enthusiasm for the game among the nationals. There was also a great sense of camaraderie among the players and, I am sure, we may witness some interesting finishes as the Monthly Medal series progresses.”

“We, at the Emirates Golf Federation, are committed to exposing the players to healthy level of competitions and the revival of the Monthly Medal series is part of our initiative to keep the momentum rolling.”

Above: Participants line up after the presentation of prizes.

AL MUSHARREKH TAKES ORDER OF MERIT LEAD WITH STRONG PERFORMANCE

Order of Merit leader Ahmed Al Musharrekh.

AHMED Al Musharrekh posted a solid finish in the Al Naboodah Cup at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club to move atop the Emirates Golf Federation’s Order of Merit.

The talented youngster, who recently won a major tournament in Riyadh, carded a gross 79 to finish in a tie for fifth place, eight shots behind winner Mukhtar Mirza.

With this tidy finish, Ahmed took his tally to 53.25 points, overtaking Vikram Judge (50) and Mirza (49.5) in the Order of Merit rankings.

The Al Naboodah Cup was part of a fourevent series of the UAE PGA Patrons Cup which has been included for the first time in the Emirates Golf Federation men’s Order of Merit.

Some impressive scores were returned during the event which attracted a strong field. Mirza held sway with a consistent showing, beating his nearest challenger and former Order of Merit winner Mathew Turner

by three shots. Abdullah Al Musharrekh also produced a fine performance, finishing fourth with a gross 78, one shot ahead of his younger brother Ahmed.

With eight events still remaining to be played, the Order of Merit race promises to produce an exciting finish.

At present, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club golfers are dominating the race, occupying the first top five places and the trend may continue as the next event on the Order of Merit is the Dubai Creek Open.

Saeed Albudoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, thanked players for their enthusiastic response to the Order of Merit events. “With just seven points separating the top four, the battle for the Order of Merit title is picking up steam,” he said. “I am sure there will be some more twists and turns before the champion is crowned in April.”

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65

WINTER RATES 2010 ABU DHABI CITY GOLF CLUB From 1st November 2009 to 31st May 2010 Peak 18H Dhs. 280 9H Dhs. 180 Rate includes cart hire and range balls

Off-Peak Dhs. 260 Dhs. 160

ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 30th April 2010 27H Peak Rack Rate Dhs. 695 Twilight Rate Dhs. 350 Junior Rate Dhs. 295 Rate include A/c golf cart & practice balls AL BADIA GOLF CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 680 18H Weekday Dhs. 525 Rate includes shared cart & range access before play AL GHAZAL GOLF CLUB From 1st October 2009 to April 30th 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 150 18H Weekday Dhs. 95 9H Weekend Dhs. 90 9H Weekday Dhs. 75 AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 30th May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Peak Dhs. 405 18H Off-Peak Dhs. 345 9H Peak Dhs. 245 9H Off-Peak Dhs. 210 Rate includes cart & 1 basket of range balls.

ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 470 18H Weekday Dhs. 395 9H Weekend Dhs. 280 9H Weekday Dhs. 255 Optional cart available at Dhs. 55 DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekday Dhs. 495 From 1st October 2009 to 15th November 2009 18H Weekend Dhs. 625 From 16th November 2009 to 31st March 2010 18H Weekend Dhs. 715 From 1st April 2010 to 31st May 2010 18H Weekend Dhs. 625 Rates include cart and range balls before play.

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB - MAJLIS COURSE From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Dhs. 745 9H Dhs. 445 Rates include golf cart hire & practice range balls.

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Off-Peak Dhs. 525 Dhs. 325 Dhs. 295

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 850 Dhs. 695

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 165 Dhs. 120 Dhs. 115 Dhs. 85

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 450 Dhs. 385 Dhs. 230 Dhs. 230

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 660 Dhs. 555 Dhs. 385 Dhs. 345

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 595 Dhs. 695 Dhs. 795 Dhs. 695

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 825 Dhs. 495

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB - FALDO COURSE From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 625 18H Weekday Dhs. 495 9H Weekend Dhs. 375 9H Weekday Dhs. 300 Rates include golf cart hire & practice range balls.

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 320 18H Weekday Dhs. 290 9H Weekend Dhs. 185 9H Weekday Dhs. 160 PALM SPORTS RESORT From 1st October 2009 to 15th June 2010.

EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 300 18H Weekday Dhs. 250 9H Weekend Dhs. 190 9H Weekday Dhs. 160 Rates include range balls and shared cart

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 695 Dhs. 595 Dhs. 420 Dhs. 360

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 350 Dhs. 320 Dhs. 200 Dhs. 175

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 330 Dhs. 270 Dhs. 200 Dhs. 180

SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB From Jan 1 to May 31 2010 18H Weekend 7.0am - 3.50pm EGF RATE NON EGF RATE & midweek 4.0pm - 9.0pm Dhs. 275 Dhs. 305 18H Weekend 4.0pm - 9.0pm & Midweek 7.0am - 3.50pm Dhs. 210 Dhs. 235 9H Weekend 7.0am - 3.50pm & midweek 4.0pm - 9.0pm Dhs. 160 Dhs. 180 9H Weekend 4.0pm - 9.0pm & Midweek 7.0am - 3.50pm Dhs. 120 Dhs. 135 Rates exclude cart or trolley and range balls THE ELS CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 565 18H Weekday Dhs. 375 Rate includes cart and range access before play THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE DUBAI From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 595 18H Weekday Dhs. 450 Rates inclusive of cart and range use prior to play TOWER LINKS GOLF CLUB From 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2010 EGF RATE 18H Weekend Dhs. 390 18H Weekday Dhs. 330 9H Weekend Dhs. 210 9H Weekday Dhs. 180 Rates inclusive of cart and range balls

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 795 Dhs. 795

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 795 Dhs. 795

NON EGF RATE Dhs. 440 Dhs. 390 Dhs. 235 Dhs. 210

All rates subject to change at club’s discretion.

E M I R AT E S G O L F F E D E R AT I O N

ARABIAN GOLF

DARWISH AL QUBAISI Q&A Worldwide Golf talks to Emirates Golf Federation board member and keen golfer Darwish Al Qubaisi about the future of golf in the UAE. Q: Are you pleased with the progress the EGF is making throughout the UAE? A: Yes, so far I am. However, we must do more as far as the role of the EGF with tournaments in the UAE is concerned. We have the ability to do more with clubs and golf in the UAE.

EGF Board Member Darwish Al Qubaisi.

Q: Do you think the new handicap scheme will be well received by golfers in the UAE? A: I think it will be received well because it will keep track of a player’s progress and will be more transparent.

Q: With Saadiyat Beach and Yas Links now in operation, do you think that Abu Dhabi can start to call itself a golf tourism destination?

A: Since the start of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in 2007, Abu Dhabi has put itself on the golf tourism map and with the addition of two great courses in Saadiyat Beach and Yas Links, Abu Dhabi will be a great golfing attraction.

In addition to the existing courses, Al-Ain is currently developing an 18-hole course that will further improve the choice of locations with different surroundings within close proximity.

Q: Do you think Saadiyat Beach and Yas Links – as genuine links courses – will attract golfers from all around the UAE? A: I have no doubt about that. These courses are excellent and are very different from the rest of courses in the country, they are on natural islands and each island holds a large number of luxury hotels, so this will attract people to the UAE from all over the world.

Q: Golf is relatively new to Abu Dhabi. With three excellent courses now available do you think there are sufficient numbers of golfers in the emirate to keep the clubs going – or are they going to have to attract golfers from further afield?

A: Yes I believe so because golfers will have more options to choose from and these courses will also attract people from the GCC countries and other neighbouring countries to come and play.

Q: Can you see more golf courses being established in Abu Dhabi?

A: That depends on the success of the coming two courses over the next few years. Abu Dhabi still has prime natural locations available in both the Western region as well as the great city of Al Ain. Q: What more do you think should be done to market the UAE internationally as a golfing destination?

A: With more major sporting and exhibition events like the F1, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and the Tennis Championships we could further market golf in the UAE. This allows for the attraction of people for both business and pleasure.

enough to make golf available to youngsters?

Would it make a difference if golf courses were to offer free golf to youngsters under a certain age?

A: So far I’m not overly pleased. I feel that clubs could do more to attract young UAE nationals by offering free, subsidised or minimal memberships.

But there are some very positive signs from different clubs in the country who are willing to offer attractive programmes toward enticing more national kids to the game.

Q: Is there still a need for a pay-as-youplay course in the UAE – and how can that be encouraged?

A: Courses should adapt a more flexible Q: What more do you think can be done to approach to attract both guests and non-members encourage non-golfers to take up the sport? to their facilities. The more options offered the A: Continuous promotion of the game such better it is for the game and pay-as-you-play could as the offering of free demos/promotions at golf be one of these options. gatherings, shopping malls and schools could Q: Golf is comparatively expensive in the UAE. encourage and introduce the sport to the public.

What do you think could be done to reduce the Q: Do you think there is sufficient interaction costs? between the various golf courses in the UAE A: Clubs should offer various schemes and and, if not, what do you think can be done to have greater flexibility for members and guests depending on how often people play. The offer of encourage it?

A: Yes, there is adequate interaction but various different schemes would be an attractive more courses mean more interaction. And this incentive to many players in the region. is needed if we are to achieve our objectives of greater participation of younger players in this Q: Are you pleased with progress the juniors great game. ■ are making in the UAE? Are the schools doing www.wwgolf.biz

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EGYPTIAN GOLF FEDERATION NEWS

NATIONAL COACH OVERSEES THREE-DAY COURSE AT KATAMEYA EGYPT’S leading junior players enjoyed three intensive days of coaching with National Coach Anne Le Coniat at Katameya Heights Golf & Tennis Resort.

The extensive short game and range facilities at Katameya gave the youngsters the perfect opportunity for Le Coniat to work with the whole squad on each and every part of the game.

National Junior Team Manager, Mohamed Dakhakhny said: “ I was impressed with the attitude and work ethic of the juniors. With this quality of coaching and the talent in the juniors, I believe there is a real opportunity to create champions. The juniors are highly motivated and excited to learn and develop all parts of their game. Our thanks also to Katameya for hosting this coaching and providing access not only to their excellent practice facilities but also both the Nine Hole and Championship course.”

Dreamland win Event one of the EGF Ladies Golf League WITH A score of 179 points, the Dreamland team took advantage of playing on their home course by winning event one of the EGF Ladies Golf League.

Held over the Championship course the competition could not have been closer with only eight points separating the top four teams.

Dreamland took 10 league points for the victory with Katameya taking eight for finishing second. Mirage took six points for third while in fourth place, earning four points, was the team from Alexandria. In fifth place was Gezira who earned two points.

The second event will take place at Gezira Sporting Club on February 14.

Grass Roots and Juniors THE eagerly awaited ‘Try Golf For Free’ programme is well underway, with Alexandria Sporting Club and Dreamland playing host to events so far. The next event at Mirage Golf City on February 19-20 will see more people having the opportunity to try the sport by receiving a 60-minute ‘Introduction to Golf’ lesson by a PGA Qualified Golf Professional.

In an effort to encourage participants and the make the booking process easier the EGF have created a dedicated reservations line for the ‘Try Golf’ bookings. Further information on the programme can be found at: www.egyptiangolffederation.org

Juniors line up during their coaching sessions from Anne Le Coniat at Katametya Heights Golf & Tennis Resort.

Sponsorship announced for EGF Membership HARRIMAN Golf announced its support of the EGF membership scheme by offering a monthly prize to lucky EGF member. Harry Carson of Harriman Golf said: “We are delighted to support the EGF an offer a prize monthly to be drawn from the EGF members.

It is obvious from their recent efforts the commitment of the Golf Federation to grow the game in Egypt. I am particularly pleased that there seems to be a strong focus on junior golf and Harriman Golf is delighted to support in any way it can.”

Clubs Support EGF Membership EGF MEMBERS will enjoy preferred rates for green fees and Open tournament fees at member clubs in 2010. The saving of being an EGF member is significant with all clubs being supportive of the programme. In addition to receiving these preferred rates, only EGF members will be entitled to compete in EGF sanctioned events such as the International Qualifying events. Members can also win excellent prizes courtesy of a monthly prize draw.

For full details of EGF membership and the benefits visit: www.egyptiangolffederation.org www.wwgolf.biz

69

League Standing After Round 1 SAIF ZONE LEAGUE

PLAYED

WON

LOST

TIED

POINTS

Etihad Pilot Golf Society

1

1

0

1

4

Gulf Rock

1

1

1

0

3

UAE-Nepalese Society (Est. 1987)

1

1

1

0

3

Filipino Golf Society

1

1

1

0

3

Mott MacDonald Golf Society

1

1

1

0

3

Singapore Community Club

1

0

1

1

1

WON

LOST

BMW LEAGUE

PLAYED

TIED

POINTS

Indian Golf Society

1

2

0

0

6

Filipino Golfers in the Middle East

1

1

1

0

3

The Dubai Welsh Society

1

1

1

0

3

DAGS

1

1

1

0

3

KEGS

1

1

1

0

3

Jebel Ali Golf Society

1

0

2

0

0

WON

LOST

WORLDWIDE GOLF LEAGUE

PLAYED

TIED

POINTS

B.I.G.S.

1

2

0

0

6

WadiGators

1

1

0

1

4

DUBAL

1

1

1

0

3

Dubai Petroleum Golf Society

1

1

1

0

3

Black Stallions

1

0

1

1

1

Sharjah Golfing Buddies (SGB)

1

0

2

0

0

WON

LOST

SGSC LEAGUE

PLAYED

TIED

POINTS

DAPS

1

2

0

0

6

Lebanese Golf Society

1

2

0

0

6

MBB Golf Society

1

1

1

0

3

Halcrow Golf Society

1

1

1

0

3

COGS

1

0

2

0

0

Darjeeling Golf Society

1

0

2

0

0

Schedule of Matches SAIF ZONE

BMW

SHARJAH

WWG

FEBRUARY 16TH

1v3 2v5 4v6

1v3 2v5 4v6

FEBRUARY 20TH

1v3 2v5 4v6

1v3 2v5 4v6

MARCH 6TH

1v4 3v5 2v6

1v4 3v5 2v6

MARCH 20TH

1v4 3v5 2v6

1v4 3v5 2v6

APRIL 4TH

1v5 2v4 3v6

1v5 2v4 3v6

APRIL 10TH

1v5 2v4 3v6

1v5 2v4 3v6

MAY 8TH

1v6 2v3 4v5

1v6 2v3 4v5

MAY 15TH

1v6 2v3 4v5

1v6 2v3 4v5

GOLF SOCIETY LEAGUE

FOUR TEAMS OFF TO A FLYER FOUR societies have a 100 per cent record after the first round of fixtures in the Golf Society League at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club.

With each team of two players playing individual match play there were two chances to put points on the board, and at the top of their respective divisions with two wins out of two are DAPS, B.I.G.S, the Indian Golf Society and the Lebanese Golf Society.

Teams earned three points for a win, one for a tie and no score for a loss and the Worldwide Golf league has a clear leader after the first round as the B.I.G.S duo won their two games against the Sharjah Golfing Buddies to top the league with six points. The pairing of James (24) and Larry Burke (22) had a tight fixture against the SGB â&#x20AC;&#x201C; represented by Barry Furlong (19) and Malcolm Rees (18) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but after a titanic struggle the B.I.G.S emerged victorious leaving the SGB to prop up the league with zero points.

In the other matches in the WWG league the Dubal and Dubai Petroleum Golf Society won and lost a game against each other to sit on three points while the

WadiGators won one and tied one against the Black Stallions to sit on four points and leave the BS on one point.

The Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club league is a tight affair with two out of the six societies unbeaten. The DAPS and Lebanese Golf Society both prevailed in their two games against the COGS and the Darjeeling Golf Society to leave the four clubs at opposite ends of the table while The Halcrow Golf Society won one and lost one game against the MBB Golf Society which sees them take three points each. The Indian Golf Society leads the BMW league after two wins against the Jebel Ali Golf Society while the four other teams all won one and lost one to sit on three points each.

The Saif Zone League is wide open as every team has at least one point to their name. Leading the way is the Eti-had Pilot Golf Society who won one and tied one game in their match with the Singapore Community Club to sit on four points and one point respectively at the top and bottom of the league. The four other clubs sit on three points each after a win and a defeat in their opening fixtures.

Above: Participants from the Worldwide Golf and Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club leagues line up prior to play.

Right: The teams from DUBAL and the DPGS line up in their society outfits before play.

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SWAN SWOOPS FOR MAIDEN MEDAL GARY Swan (5) returned a gross 2-over-par 74 to win his first tournament at the January Omega – Rivoli Monthly Medal.

Swan, who recently joined ARGC, had shown good form prior to the medal and was perfect from tee to green when it mattered, posting four birdies with a double bogey on the 18th hole being the only blemish during his round.

His gross 74 gave him a best of the day net 69 to also win the opportunity to play alongside some of the world’s best players during the Dessert Classic Pro-Am. “I feel great winning my first Medal at ARGC,” said Swan. “It was very important for me to do well especially with the extra incentive of an opportunity to play in the Dubai Dessert Classic Pro-Am for posting the best

overall net on the day.” The Division ‘A’ net title went to Kevin Melton (5) with a 70 which edged out Alex Blom (6) by one shot.

In Division ‘B’ junior member James Sayer (16) won his first Medal event with a great net score of 71.

In the Ladies Division Leslie Hill-Smith (32) won the net with a 75 and Kuson Waimer won the Ladies Gross title with a 91.

Francois Wolfaardt, Golf Manager, commented at the prize giving: “It is good to see so many new faces on the podium winning events – especially for James Sayer one of our new junior members. I also want to thank Rivoli and Omega for their generous support in one of the Club’s most prestigious events.”

Gross Champions Gary Swan and Kuson Waimer with Club Captains Fortuna Dougherty and John Hainey.

Tight finish in Parasol Garden Furniture Team event THE four-player team consisting of Fraser Dawson (9), James Kachel (17), James Sibley (24) and Michael Dunphy (11) returned a score of 91 Stableford points to win the Parasol Garden Furniture Dependant on Par Team event last month.

The format saw the best two Stableford scores from the team recorded at the par 4s, the best individual Stableford score on the par 3s and the best three scores on the par 5s.

A full field of 100 players competed in this popular event and full handicap allowances were granted to each player to be used at the appropriate stroke index holes.

The winning team combined well and used the format smartly by doing the bulk of their scoring on the par 5s.

They were especially prolific on the front nine as they managed nine and 10 Stableford points on the two par 5s for a total of 50 points over the outward half.

They found the back nine tougher but held their nerve and recorded 41 points for their winning total of 91 points.

The Champions did not have it all their own way as they were almost overtaken by the team of Mark Sault (18), Viv Albertyn (12), David Stringer (12) and 72

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David Russell (5) who scored 89 points and were the leaders in the Clubhouse before eventually settling for second place.

Mark Sault of Parasol Garden Furniture said: “Congratulations to the worthy winners, Parasol look forward to hosting their next event in March.”

Mark Sault from Parasol and Club Captain John Hainey with the winning team.

ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB

Countback decides Marble Renewal Golf Day THE four-player team consisting of Rob and Tina Garner, Graham Atherton and Richard Determeyer returned a superb back nine score of net 97 to win the UAE Golf Day last month.

They beat the team of Owen Mills, Greg Wright, Nathan Fay and Allan Kelly who posted a net 102 over the inward half on their way to recording the same total.

ARABIAN GOLF LOCATION: Emirates Road (311) in the heart of Arabian Ranches.

CONTACT: Tel : +971 4 366 3000 Fax : +971 4 366 3355 INFO: Arabian Ranches Golf Club opened its doors in February, 2004 and was built as a true 18 holes, par 72 desert-style grass course, a signature course designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design.

COURSE: Championship Course 7691-yard par 72.

Farrell and Alban shine in bogey format SHILA Alban and Denver Farrell won their respective divisions in the Individual Bogey competition in late December.

In the Men’s Division Farrell (5) played one of his best rounds to date in competitive golf and finished 6-up on the course. His card consisted of four gross birdies with nines of 2-up and 4-up to win the Men’s division by a clear three shots from Graham Alban. Farrell’s handicap was reduced to four after his card was submitted to the tournament committee.

In the Ladies Division Alban (17) finished level against the course with nines of 1-up and 1-down against the course.

PGA Professionals Colin Cunningham and Paul Hubner hand out the prizes to the winners.

Atkinson and Proeschold crowned Champions

Club Captain John Hainey (l) with the winning teams.

THE team of Rob Atkinson (7) and Detlef Proeschold (6) were crowned Champions in the Al Futtaim Motors Order of Merit Greensomes Strokeplay event in December.

In the format both players tee off, the best-positioned ball is selected and alternative shots are played from there until the ball is holed out.

Atkinson and Proeschold started their round on the par 4 10th hole and didn’t get off to the best of starts with a bogey.

They went on to close out their first nine holes with a gross 41, leaving themselves with lots to do on their inward nine if they were to compete for the title. However, the duo didn’t disappoint and closed out their back nine with a gross 36.

Their combined handicap was 13, giving them an allowance of five shots, which allowed them to record a net 72 to take the title by one shot from Order of Merit leader Tony Azoulay (3) and partner Paul Clark (7). In the Ladies/Couples Division the Father-Daughter combination of Tony and Ksenia Grayling took the title with a superb net 71. www.wwgolf.biz

73

MARTIN CLAIMS MEN’S AMATEUR OPEN JAMES Paul Martin was crowned champion of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club’s Men’s Amateur Open 2010 with a 6-over-par total for a three-stroke victory.

The talented youngster, who was on holiday from Spain where he plays at San Roque Golf Club off a handicap of plus 2, scored rounds of gross 78 and 70 for a 148 total.

The second round score of 1-under-par 70, was an outstanding performance playing in a strong wind that made the scoring average far higher for the majority of the field compared to the first day. Martin was 3-under through his first 11 holes but bogeyed holes 15 and 16 to drop back to 1-under for the day. Two pars on 17 and 18 sealed the victory as he set a clubhouse target that wasn’t caught by the remainder of the field.

Martin also faces a new dilemma as he had to fly back to Spain the very night of his Championship win but was invited back by tournament sponsors Omega to take part in the Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am at Emirates Golf Club.

“It has been an amazing few

days and I must thank Omega for sponsoring this event,” said Martin.

“The course was in awesome condition and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is a superb place to come and play golf.”

Pontus Fredriksson (EGC) made his own comeback scoring gross 79 and 72, totaling 9-over-par 151 to finish alone in second place.

Finishing in third place was six-time past champion and joint overnight leader Vikram Judge (DCGYC) whose final round 81 saw him slip to a total of gross 154.

Joel Neale (EGC) finished in fourth place on 156 with Dino Varkey (DCGYC) taking fifth with the same score. Neale finished ahead of Varkey in the rankings because of his better second round score of 77.

Ahdip Shankar (DCGYC) won the overall net prize with two consistent scores of net 72 and 71 for a 143 total which gave him a two-shot win over Suhail Al Marzouqi (EGC). Third place in the net division by virtue of his better final round was Aditya Judge (DCGYC) who shot a net 149 with rounds of 75 and 74.

Left to right: Jacklyn Quadras of Omega’s marketing department with 2010 Champion John Paul Martin and Mustafa Al Hashimi, Club Manager.

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Overnight leader Miki Mirza teeing off with close rivals Vikram Judge and Jamal Saab looking on.

D U B A I C R E E K G O L F & YA C H T C L U B

Captain Adel Zarouni welcomed at January Medal DUBAI Creek Golf & Yacht Club welcomed 2010 Club Captain Adel Zarouni with the traditional drive in off the first tee during the January monthly medal.

Under the watchful eye of club members, Dubai Creek’s senior management staff and Dubai-based European Tour player Henrik Stenson, Zarouni struck his drive 258 yards down the right hand side to start off his captaincy in style.

Zarouni wished everyone a Happy New Year and said: “I look forward to a successful 2010 for us all and I would like to congratulate Francisco Giles on his year as our club Captain.”

Vinay Mehra won the overall medal prize with a solid net 71 by virtue of his better back nine. Mehra played a blistering inward half of net 33 to ensure his maiden BMW medal and take home the crystal and also claimed the Division ‘B’ win with Abdul Aziz Al Hakim taking second.

Phillipa Kennedy also shot net 71 and with her back nine of net 36 missed out on the main prize to Mehra but took consolation in winning the Ladies Division with Naema Maya finishing second with a consistent net 74.

Ahmed Al Musharrekh won best gross with a 2-overpar 73 and his younger brother Hassan scored the lowest net of the day – a 68 – to win the overall best junior prize.

ARABIAN GOLF LOCATION Deira, opposite Deira City Centre.

C0NTACT (04) 295 6000 dcgyc@dubaigolf.com Book online tee times at www.dubaigolf.com INFO First Open 1993, redesigned in 2005.

Course: 18 holes, Par 71, 6,857 yards, Championship course Design Originally: Karl Litten.

Redesign: European Golf Design in association with Thomas Björn.

Above Left: Adel Zarouni is presented the Captain’s jacket on the first tee by Chris May, General Manager, Mustafa Al Hashimi, Club Manager and Henrik Stenson.

Above Right: Overall winner Vinay Mehra receives his BMW trophy from DCGYC Captain Adel Zarouni and Mustafa Al Hashimi, Dubai Creek Club Manager.

Saab drives away with the honours at the Captain’s Day

Mark Bryant, Development Manager for Aqili Furnishings and David Gray, Golf Operations Executive at Dubai Creek present Vikas Mathur and Vikrant Mehra with their winner’s trophies.

DUBAI Creek Golf & Yacht Club hosted their annual Captains day on Friday 18th December as they honoured Francisco Giles’ year as Captain and it was Jamal Saab who won the overall prize with a Stableford score of 38 from his ¾ handicap allowance.

A fantastic finish to his round with 21 points over the back nine secured with win via a countback from J.H Mun who also scored 38 points. Four players were tied on 36 points and it was David Gowans who secured third place with 14 points over the last six holes.

Francisco Giles thanked members for their participation, saying: “Thank you to all the members who have played today and for all their support throughout the year. Thank you to Christopher May, General Manager, Mustafa Al Hashimi, Club Manager and Alan Mackenzie, Director of Golf and all the staff at Dubai Creek for their support as it has been a great pleasure and honour at such a fantastic golf club.”

Diya Chopra won the overall best junior prize with a great score of 39 points while Miki Mirza won Longest Drive on the 12th and Abdullah Al Musharrekeh won Nearest the Pin on hole 8.

Mathur and Mehra shoot sensational 61

Club Manager, Mustafa Al Hashimi and outgoing Club Captain, Francisco Giles presenting Jamal Saab with the winner’s trophy.

VIKAS Mathur and Vikrant Mehra won the Carpetland January Monthly Open with an amazing betterball stokeplay score of 10-under-par 61. Two consistent nines of net 31 and 30 helped them to a two-stroke victory over David Gowans and Joy Lirio while third place went to Joseph Ghossub and Fadi Mehio who carded a 6-under-par net 65.

With their performances the three pairs have secured their place in the Carpetland Grand Finals to be held at Dubai Creek in May. The in-form Adhip Shankar shot Nearest the Pin on hole 8 with a wonderful iron shot to just a few feet while Sandra Grenet out drove the field from the ladies tees and claimed the Longest Drive for the day on hole 11 www.wwgolf.biz

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R OYA L G O L F C L U B B A H R A I N

ARABIAN GOLF

Lane Wins First Euro Motors BMW Medal ROB Lane shot a superb net 71 to win the first round of the 2010 Euro Motors BMW medal series in January with Zayed Al Zayani finishing top in the second handicap category with a net 75.

“The course is particularly difficult at the moment due to the turf having gone into winter dormancy,” commented Phil Jones, the Club’s Director of Golf Operations. “A net score of 71 was therefore an excellent result for Rob. We look forward to working very closely with the team from Euro Motors over the coming year – they have provided some great prizes for the monthly winners and the members have really embraced this new event.”

The Euro Motors BMW members’ competitions will be held once a month at the Royal Golf Club with the monthly winners going forward to a Grand Final in December. Each event is split into two categories, the first for those with a handicap of 0 15 and the second from 16 - 28 (36 for ladies). The next round will take place on Friday February 12.

Right: Winner Rob Lane with the BMW 730i.

Lee Sharpe enjoys the Royal Golf Club ENGLAND football legend Lee Sharpe was in Bahrain for a short visit recently and enjoyed several rounds of golf at the Royal Golf Club, the island’s only championship golf course.

Sharpe, a former winger for Manchester United and Leeds United, was a guest of Club Member Haitham Haji as was Phil Fenton, a Dubai-based magician. The trio took part in the Royal Golf Club’s weekly Ecco Monday competition, teaming up with PGA professional and Golf Services Manager Colin Ferguson.

Left (l – r): Phil Fenton, Haitham Haji, Lee Sharpe and Colin Ferguson.

February Golf Events at the Royal Golf Club Date

Event

Time

Open to

Monday 1st

Johnnie Walker Monday Madness Night Golf League

6.30pm shotgun start

All

Tuesday 2nd

Wee Monty Par 3 League

6.30pm shotgun start

All

Monday 8th

Johnnie Walker Monday Madness Night Golf League

6.30pm shotgun start

All

Tuesday 9th

Wee Monty Par 3 League

6.30pm shotgun start

All

Saturday 13th

Valentine’s Better Ball

7.30am shotgun start

Members & guests

Monday 15th

Johnnie Walker Monday Madness Night Golf League

6.30pm shotgun start

All

Tuesday 16th

Wee Monty Par 3 League

6.30pm shotgun start

All

Monday 22nd

Johnnie Walker Monday Madness Night Golf League

6.30pm shotgun start

All

Tuesday 23rd

Wee Monty Par 3 League

6.30pm shotgun start

All

Fri 26th & Sat 27th

Adams Golf Demo Day at the Royal Golf Academy

From 10.00am to 4.00pm

All

Saturday 27th

Ed Daly’s Speed Golf

7.30am shotgun start

All

For further information on the above, please contact the Golf Events team on golfevents@theroyalgolfclub.com or telephone +973 17 750777 www.wwgolf.biz

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AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB

Sarkari’s performance pays dividends in the RAK Ladies Open NASHA Sarkari picked up maximum points for the Ladies UAE Order of Merit by securing victory in the fourth RAK Ladies Open last month.

Sarkari posted solid scores of 84 and 81 to finish with a total 165 and claim the overall winner’s trophy by eight shots from Nanna Nielson with Vicki Rogers finishing third a further two behind.

It was an all-Al Hamra members affair in the Net Division with Aminata Watts claiming the overall net trophy after carding two superb rounds of 69 for a 138 total.

Five shots further back in second place was Annie Marriot following her two very consistent rounds while Anne Lefebvre finished third after a net 175.

LOCATION: just off E 11, 12 miles south of Ras Al Khaimah CONTACT: TEL: +971 7 244 7474 FAX: +971 7 244 7423 INFO: Built along the Arabian Gulf, the course is complimented by a large open lagoon with four interconnected lagoons.

COURSE: 7,267 yard, par 72 18 hole course with additional par-3 Academy Course DESIGNER: Peter Harradine

Marriot lays the winning tombstone FOLLOWING two washouts on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day it was time for some typically glorious UAE weather for the Al Hamra members as they played the 2010 Tombstone Classic and it was Paul Marriot who took the title in a tense finale.

The annual tournament’s format sees the players calculate the number of shots they are allowed by adding the course Par (72) to their handicap. Once the player has hit their last shot they place their tombstone marker where the ball came to rest. If the player has shots left after completing the 18th hole they will start from the 1st tee again until their shots run out with the player who gets the furthest crowned the winner.

There were numerous outstanding performances on the course with the first tombstone being laid as late as the 16th hole, which demonstrated the level of golf on display. Between the middle of the 17th fairway and green competitors were starting to drop in numbers as the tombstones started to appear thick and fast.

On completion of the 18th hole four golfers were still standing – George Ward, Steve Dunnage who both had one shot left and Barry Rogers with three, and Paul Marriot with four.

Dunnage who played in the first group left his final shot to rest 68 yards from the pin on the 19th hole and

ARABIAN GOLF

with this in sight Ward limbered up on the tee to try and out-drive his opponent. He failed and missed out on a podium finish with Dunnage claiming third place.

Marriot and Rogers – who were playing side by side in the final group – teed off down their 19th hole and after two shots Marriot lay eight feet from the flag and Rogers approximately 18 feet away.

Rogers had one shot left but missed his putt, and with two putts Marriot used them both to make par and take the title.

Year-ending Medal whips up a storm

Yusuke conquers the daunting 15th

ACES have been few and far between of late at Al Hamra Golf Club with the last hole-in-one coming back in May 2009.

That was until Nishioka Yusuke stepped on the Par-3 15th in late December. Yusuke – playing in an Obayashi Corporation Golf Day – holed out on the notoriously tricky hole with a 6-iron and later said: “I am over the moon to have managed a hole-in-one and I can’t wait to get back out on the course to try again for another!”

WITH the Ras Al Khaimah weather resembling an unusually English climate it was left to the competitors to brighten up the day during the December Monthly Medal. Despite the weather Steve Rayment, Sekhar Tholda, Rita Hicks and Norma Williamson picked up their respective divisional honours in the final Monthly Medal of 2009 with some excellent performances.

Rayment stole the limelight with the round of the day as he fired a gross 83 to beat Fraser Moore by one shot.

In the Men’s Net Division Tholda returned a net score of 70 to win on a back nine card countback from Pierre Lefebvre. With both golfers in peak form they both caught the attention of the handicap committee and had their handicaps reduced by one.

In the Ladies Gross Division Hicks edged out Vicki Rogers to take the ladies lowest gross of the day with an 87 while Williamson continued her resurgence by taking the Net Division with a level-par 72. Finishing close on her heels with a net 75 was the ever-improving Liecl Ward . www.wwgolf.biz

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DIRAB GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Salem and Gaas take the plaudits

ARABIAN GOLF Location: Nestled in the picturesque Dirab Valley below the Tuwaiq escarpment, just 30 minutes drive from the diplomatic quarters of Riyadh, take the Makkah national road and turn left to Dirab.

The golf course is situated just off the Dirab Road.

Contact: TEL: + 966-1-498-0017/8 dirabgolf@yahoo.com Info: Opened in 1991, Dirab GC is the only grassed Championship golf course in Saudi Arabia with 9 of the 18 holes floodlit for night golf.

KHALED Salem shot a gross 75 for a net 72 to win the Men’s First Division at the first annual PlanetSky Solutions Golf Championship last month. Salem defeated six-handicapper Fahad Al Mansour by a stroke after he carded a gross 79 (net 73), with Jullian Bennett taking third place with a net 74 from a gross 81.

In the Second Division Alistar McIlroy shot a superb gross 86 for a net 69 to pip 14-handicapper Kamal Freed to first place after a card countback. Mark Campbell took third place with a net 70 from a gross 80.

The overall Best Net prize went to Turkey Al Hussain whose gross 86 converted to a net 67, while 2-handicapper Richard Gaas carded the overall Best Gross score as he shot a superb 67.

Course: 7,420 yards par 72 Championship Course with driving range and practice facilities.

Green Fees: 18-holes (peak): 18-holes (off-peak): 9-holes (peak): 9-holes (off-peak):

SR300 SR200 SR200 SR150

*Peak times – Thu/Fri Off-Peak times – Sun-Wed

Top: The winners celebrate their victory Middle (left to right): Fahad Abunayyan; Rabie Fares, CEO PlanetSky Solutions; Abdullah Alfouzan, Chairman of the Board PlanetSky Solutions; First Division winner Khaled Salem and Sheikh Mohammed Abunayyan.

Bottom (left to right): Rabie Fares, CEO PlanetSky Solutions; Abdullah Alfouzan, Chairman of the Board PlanetSky Solutions; overall winner Richard Gaas and Sheikh Mohammed Abunayyan.

Trio claim Zahid Tractor Golf Championship on countback

Top: The participants line up for the Zahid Tractor Golf Championship.

Bottom (left to right): The winning team (holding trophies) of Phil Armstrong; Mark Davies and Irshad Akhtar pictured with Fahad Abunayyan, Deputy GM Abunayyan Group, Naseer Uddin Siddiqui, Dirab Golf Club Committee Chairmand, Marwan Al Azraq and Mohammed Ali Abdul Ghani from Zahid.

THE trio of Mark Davies, Phil Armstrong and Irshad Akhtar bested the field to win the Zahid Tractor Golf Championship in the final Monthly Medal of 2009.

Davies, Armstrong and Akhtar claimed first place on countback from the four-person team of Ray and Ganet Chaplow, Thomas Trimble and Tim Brain. The sides tied on 55 at the end of the tournament in which one eighth of the players’ combined handicaps made up the team handicap and the best score on each hole counted. With a nine handicap, the team led by Davies never dropped a shot in a flawless round of 64 with nines of 31 and 33.

Back-to-back birdies on the first two holes laid the foundation for their romp to victory on the flat but challenging layout.

They added three more birdies on the front side on holes 6 and 9 and and barely put a foot wrong as they pocketed the top prize in the season-ending event.

Team Chaplow posted a gross score of 65 with nines of 32 and 33 and could have won outright had they not bogeyed the 18th – the only mistake in an otherwise immaculate round. They had four birdies on each nine including back-to-back on holes 3 and 4 and 11 and 12.

Two strokes back in third place was the quartet of Poul Hansen, Paul Thunder, David Carr and Daniel Gauvin who compiled a round of 57 off their handicap of 10.

The Lebanese due of Rabie Fares and Marwan Kousa teamed up with Mohammed Sofi and Ijaz Naqshbandi to take fourth place with 58.

Davies and Ganet Chaplow claimed the awards for Longest Drive in male and female categories respectively, while Bertil Sandstrom nabbed the Closest to the Pin prize. The SR60,000 worth of prizes distributed at the awards ceremony included golf bags, putters, clubs and other premium golf items.

Bouchaib El Jadiani delivered a ‘close of season’ speech as did Dirab Golf & Country Club Committee Chairman Naseer Uddin Siddiqui. Speaking on behalf of course owner and Saudi Golf Federation President Khaled Abunayyan, El Jadiani thanked the club, committee members and management for helping make 2009 another great success. www.wwgolf.biz

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E M I R AT E S G O L F C L U B

ARABIAN GOLF

Harradine impresses in BMW Medal

LOCATION Emirates Hills, Interchange 5 Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite the Hard Rock Café

MICHAEL Harradine shot a 1-under-par 72 over the Faldo Course to win the Best Gross prize at the January BMW Monthly Medal and also took the honours in Division ‘A’ with a net 69.

His outward nine included two birdies and two bogeys and his inward half was just as solid with further birdies on holes 10 and 13 and a single blemish on the final par-5 of the course.

His closest rivals in Division ‘A’ (hcp 0-10) were Jignesh Sangani and Johnny Aldridge who both signed for a net 71 with Sangani claiming the runner-up spot on countback due to a superior back nine holes.

Prabhakar Bandi Rao triumphed in Division ‘B’ (hcp 11-19) with a net 75 as he defeated Paul Mercer on a countback with Bhupesh Sharma taking third one shot back.

Frank Duggan took the honours in Division ‘C’ (hcp 20-28) with a net 78.

CONTACT (04) 380 2222 egc@dubaigolf.com Book online tee times at www.dubaigolf.com INFO Majlis Course – 1988 Faldo Course – 1996, redesigned in 2006 COURSES Majlis – 18 holes, Par 72, 7,211 yards, Championship course Faldo Course – 18 holes, Par 72, 7,433 yards Designers: Majlis Course – Karl Litten Faldo course – Sir Nick Faldo

Right: BMW Medal Winner Michael Harradine and Club Captain Mike Tracey.

Yazdi and Davidian lead the Par 3 League HASSAN Yazdi and Darvin Davidian hold a four shot lead at the top of the EGC Par-3 League after the fifth edition of the ten-week series.

Yazdi and Davidian are leading from last year’s winners Helen and Aditya Srivastava at the half way stage after returning scores of 24, 22, 24, 21 and 23, and with the best four scores counting toward their total they are out in front with a score of 90.

Their 23 in week five was good enough to clinch first prize in the 8pm shotgun event. The pair of Rabih Sfeila and Rami Safadi produced a fantastic score of 21 in the 6:15pm which helped them up to ninth place in the league.

The structure of the competition involves one league running from October 2009 through to April 2010 with 40 pairs taking part so far.

Forthcoming events at Emirates Golf Club February 2010 Friday 12th

Emirates Amateur Open - Rnd. 1

6:30 - 14:00

Majlis

Saturday 13th

Emirates Amateur Open - Rnd. 2

6:30 - 14:00

Majlis

Monday 15th

Ladies Monthly Medal

8:30 shotgun

Majlis

Friday 19th

BMW Monthly Medal

7:30 & 12:30 shotgun

Faldo

Monday 22nd

Camel Trophy

8:30 shotgun

Majlis

Friday 26th

Indian Invitation Golf Day

12:30 shotgun

Majlis /Faldo

Sunday 28th

Ladies Club Championship - Rnd. 1

6:35 -12:05

Faldo

Ladies Club Championship - Rnd. 2

6:30 - 12:00

Majlis

March 2010 Monday 1st

www.wwgolf.biz

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THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE, DUBAI

ARABIAN GOLF

Play-off drama at Boxing Day Bell THE first annual Boxing Day Bell competition was held at The Address Montgomerie, Dubai with a full field of 98 players vying to take home the twoperson shamble title.

In Division ‘A’ the team of Mads Helge and Morten defeated Tariq Chaudary and Mike Mustafa in a scorecard countback to take the top honours while in Division ‘B’ the same process was used to crown Qamar Rasheed and Taimur Kiddie the champions ahead of Derek Allan Jr. and Anne Allan.

Long Drive winners were Rita Walker and Richard Done while the Nearest to the Pin prizes were taken by Ok Young Cho and Maneesh Dungerwal.

THE PALMS GOLF CLUB INTERCONTINENTAL RIYADH

Torres Triumphs at Almarai Open Championship

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA

Jabri Celebrates Master Shot HARD work on the practice ground paid rich dividends for Jabri Murhaff as he achieved his first hole-in-one with a perfect 6-iron on hole 8 at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa. Jabri, who received a Mont Blanc Pen from sponsors Rivoli, is pictured celebrating with his family and members of the Resort Course Management Team.

SENG De Torres claimed the inaugural Almarai Golf Open Championship title at the Palms Golf Club InterContinental Riyadh after defeating Ador Laxa in a countback.

The pair of Philippine golfers came in with a score of 2-over-par net 57 but it was De Torres who triumphed thanks to his better back nine.

Danilo Naval, net 60, won the Division ‘A’ (hcp 0-6) prize while Rudy Pranga took the runner-up spot with a net 61. The Division ‘B’ (hcp 7-12) title was grabbed

by Ador Laxa with his net 57 with Khalid Raja claiming second place, four strokes back.

Korean Man Kyung Jun won the Division ‘C’ (hcp 13 and above) prize with a net 60 while Zoilo Holganza took the runner up position with a net 61.

Ladies champion Anne Bjornstad confirmed her position as one of the best players at the club with a net score of 63, defeating second placed Mami Tsukuda by nine strokes.

The two Nearest the Pin prizes were taken by Ceser Rosario and Dae Rieb song. www.wwgolf.biz

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AL BADIA GOLF CLUB

SAFADI MAKES A GREAT START RAMI Safadi began the new season with a bang as an eagle on hole six helped him round off a superb net 71 which saw him take home the Overall Winner’s title at the January Monthly Medal.

In Division ‘A’ John Allen took the title with a net 73 from his handicap of eight. He finished his round with a total of 12 gross pars which helped him to a one-shot win over Mark Groves.

Division ‘B’ winner was Adam Gray who won on a countback from Matthew Thompson after both players finished with a net 74. Gray had a birdie on the 18th hole which bettered Matthew’s par, while Mark Holmans won the Overall Gross prize with an 81.

BEST OF FRIENDS TAKE JANUARY GREENSOMES TOURNAMENT

Head Golf Professional Jason Froggatt (c) with overall winners, Rabih Sfeila (l) and Rami Safadi (r).

Golf Professional Mathew Parker (L) with Overall Winner, Rami Safadi.

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GOOD friends Rami Safidi and Rabih Sfeila teamed up to win the twoperson team Greensomes Tournament last month. It was a great month for Safidi as he carried on his good form with the help of his good friend Sfeila and their round included a birdie on the second hole and a run of four pars over holes 10 through to 13.

The duo of Mike Groves and Kieron O’Conner finished with a net 71 for second place after they defeated Naveed Kamal and KH Rho via a countback. Groves and O’Conner recorded a back nine of just 39 strokes which included birdies on holes 13 and 1 after their shotgun start.

ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB

MCQUATTIE CLAIMS JANUARY MEDAL

JANUARY’S Monthly Stableford Medal was played with the course in stunning condition as the ground staff were preparing for The European Tour’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Andy McQuattie’s haul of 37 points was matched by Mike Revell but McQattie’s better back nine saw him take the Men’s ‘A’ Division title on countback with Ricus Lehmkuhl claiming third place, one stroke back.

The Men’s ‘B’ Division was hard fought with some great scores posted and it was Rashid Al Suwaidi who took first place with a haul of 40 points. Kamal Belaid took second place, beating Joseph Holland on

ARABIAN GOLF CONTACT (02) 558 8990 INFO: The 27 hole championship course, managed by the worldrenowned Troon Golf, weaves through undulating terrain that features palms, ornamental trees and shrubs, as well as nine spectacular saltwater lakes.

The experience provides a tough-but-fair challenge, with lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers and generous greens.

Designed by Peter Harradine, planting had begun way back in 1992, accounting for the wellestablished look the Club presented even on the day of its inauguration.

a countback after both players scored 39 points. Ladies Captain Sue Henderson won her division with 32 points with Muriel Gosselin and Pascale Michel taking second and third place respectively.

Rivoli offered an exceptional additional prize for the inaugural event – a place in the Dubai Desert Classic Pro Am team that was very well received by the Abu Dhabi Golf Club membership.

This was decided by a blind draw for all who played and it was very appropriate that one of the divisional winners – McQuattie – won the prize

JOLIE VILLE GOLF & RESORT

ARABIAN GOLF

ANOTHER AWARD FOR MARITIM JOLIE VILLE GOLF & RESORT ."3*5*. +PMJF 7JMMF (PMG 3FTPSU XBT IPOPVSFE at the World Travel Awards in London by receiving UIF HPOH GPS A&HZQU T -FBEJOH (PMG 3FTPSU Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a huge accolade for the resort with so many other world class golf developments springing VQ JO &HZQU PWFS UIF MBTU GFX ZFBST BOE (FOFSBM Manager Mootaz Soliman was delighted to receive the award during a prestigious Gala Dinner held at Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grosvenor House in the presence of NFNCFST PG UIF JOEVTUSZ BT XFMM BT UIF FOUSBOUT GPS UIF .JTT 8PSME DPOUFTU â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a great honour to win the award for &HZQU T -FBEJOH (PMG 3FTPSU w TBJE 4PMJNBO â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was some very strong competition in the TFHNFOU XIJDI JT UFTUBNFOU UP IPX GBS &HZQU has come as a golfing destination in recent years.

The whole team at both the hotel and golf course have worked extremely hard to maintain the high standards we have set and the award proves that we must be doing something right.â&#x20AC;?

The award is voted for by 11,000 tourism experts, hoteliers and tour operators. It is the latest Maritim Jolie Ville Golf & Resort General in a long line of awards picked up by both the Manager Mootaz Soliman with the hotel and golf club in last few years.

award for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Golf Resort.

For more information or to obtain a tournament entry form please contact: golfreservations@sgr-maritim-jolieville.com

DAILY ACADEMY One full hour of golf instruction especially tailored for beginners. It gives a comprehensive introduction to the game. The programmes include all the basic shot techniques as well as the most familiar rules and etiquette of the game.

FRIDAY TOURNAMENT You can join in the weekly Stableford tournament, and in addition to receiving great prizes you will also receive the opportunity to play in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Grand Finalâ&#x20AC;?.

FREE GOLF LESSONS For those who want to have a go, but havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet built up the courage to book a lesson! Why not come along and join the instructors for a fun one hour introduction to the game. All equipment is supplied and sessions are on a Monday between 10.00am and 11.00am. Please call the golf shop to make your reservation!

Green Fee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Prices in EURO INCLUSIVE OF GOLF CAR

Jolie Ville Golf & Resort Royal Peninsula

Jolie Ville Resort & Casino

Other Hotels

Guests 9 Holes 18 Holes 3 x 18 Holes 5 x 18 Holes

50.00 75.00 205.00 340.00

60.00 85.00 255.00 425.00

70.00 115.00 345.00 575.00

Practice Facilities 1 Basket x 50 balls Rental Clubs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 Holes Rental Clubs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18 Holes Caddie â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 Holes Caddie â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18 Holes

6.00 22.00 36.00 22.00 36.00

6.00 22.00 36.00 22.00 36.00

8.00 25.00 43.00 25.00 43.00

Golf Coaching 45 Minutes Individual 4 x 45 Minutes Individual Extra Person Surcharge 18 Hole Playing Lesson 9 Hole Playing Lesson Daily Academy

36.00 136.00 75% 145.00 95.00 15.00

36.00 136.00 75% 145.00 95.00 15.00

50.00 179.00 75% 236.00 132.00 22.00

Terms & Conditions t "MM (SFFO 'FFT JODMVEF (PMG $BS t "MM SBUFT BSF OFU OPO DPNNJTTJPOBCMF JO &630

including all governmental taxes. t +PMJF 7JMMF (PMG 3FTPSU .BOBHFNFOU SFTFSWFT UIF SJHIU of keeping the above mentioned rates subject to change without prior notice. t +VOJPST VQ UP ZFBST PME SFDFJWF EJTDPVOU on the above mentioned green fees (Passport may be required for verification). t 1SJDFT BSF WBMJE GSPN UP Golf Shop & Reservations Telephone:

Fax:

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THE NEW STANDARD IN ACCURACY AND DISTANCE. INTRODUCING THE COBRA S2 IRONS. OUR MOST ADVANCED HIGHEST PERFORMING IRONS YET.

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Enhanced Heel/Toe Weighting maximises forgiveness.

Pro Sports International, PO Box 26723, Dubai, UAE . Sign up to SnakeBytes,our free e-newsletter at snakebytes.info

SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB

Simon Payne takes the Men’s Open title after two-hole play-off SIMON Payne, PGA Professional at Tower Links Golf Club, won the second edition of the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club Men’s Open Golf Championship after a sudden-death play-off with fellow Professional Richard Sheridan of Al Badia Golf Club.

Sheridan, playing in the final group, found himself at level-par as he stood on the 18th tee while Payne was in the clubhouse on 1-underpar with a 36 hole total of 143.

Payne then watched as Sheridan hit a pitching wedge to within inches of the cup for a tap-in birdie to match his score and take the pair into a sudden-death play-off.

On the first leg both players recorded routine pars on the 18th but on their second trip down the 18th Sheridan hooked his tee shot under the trees on the left.

As a result his approach shot missed the green on the right and a couple of misjudged chips saw him card a disappointing six. Payne meanwhile had again played the hole in a

Kim wins first event

LOCATION 2km from Tasjeel Auto Village behind Emirates Road. A five minute drive from University City.

CONTACT +971 6 548 7777 info@golfandshootingshj. com INFO A 9 hole fully floodlit course designed by Peter Harradine. Played twice results in a par-72 layout in excess of 7,300 yards.

Left: Overall winner Simon Payne (back centre) and all other prizewinners pose with their trophies.

steady manner and holed a two-foot putt for a solid par in front of dozens of spectator to take the title. Third place went to Asian Tour Professional Simon Dunn (AHGC) who would have joined the play-off had it not been for a bogey on the par-3 17th.

First round leader, Dubai Creek’s Jay Varkey

Daniel Hendry finally prevails after three extra holes SHARJAH Golf & Shooting Club held their first Junior Open in December and 19 eager players competed from across the UAE. Playing a scratch Stableford format, Emirates Golf Club junior Daniel Hendry (2) took the spoils after a three-hole play-off against Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club’s YJ Kim (5) and fellow EGC member Tom Green (2).

All three players tied on 33 gross points after 18 holes and all three calmly drove their ball down the fairway on the first extra hole.

From good positions Hendry hit his approach to 12 feet, Kim missed the green left and Green found the right hand side of the putting surface.

ARABIAN GOLF

Kim made an up-and-down for par but Green three putted for a bogey. Hendry’s putt just missed on the low side and he converted for par to eliminate Green and take Kim to a second extra hole.

Both players then made par on the second hole to take the encounter to a third and it was Hendry who prevailed after hitting a wedge to eight feet and holing the putt.

The best girl prize went to fast improving Sana Tufail (9) of Abu Dhabi City Golf Club who scored

THE Coral Beach Midweek Madness returned for its bi-weekly competition in late December and HD Kim (12) won his first tournament at SGSC with a two point victory.

Kim scored 22 Stableford points to pip 22-handicapper Tesjani Sabharwal to the title with the fast-improving Amiya Ranjan (8) finishing third on 19 points.

Sabharwal continued a good run of form to take second place but his round was a mixed bag which included a net eagle on hole 3 but this came after taking no points on the previous hole.

Ranjan had a steady round before a four-point haul on his final hole – a net eagle – helped him jump up the leaderboard and into third place.

(2), picked up Day 1’s best gross prize after his 1-under-par 71 while SGSC’s Purna Sharma picked up the Day 2 best gross prize also courtesy of a 71.

Sharma’s score was highlighted by a 9-iron approach to the final green which found its way into the cup for an eagle.

(From l-r) Yannick Kumar, YJ Kim, Daniel Hendry, Rahyan Thomas, Boushra Dalile and Sana Tufail.

38 net points. Boushra Dailie of Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club finished second, two shots back.

Yannick Kumar of Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club scored 44 points to win the best net award by a point from Rahyan Thomas (25).

Finnish pair take the honours THE BMW Members & Guest Social returned for its monthly competition in January and was played to two different formats.

Finnish duo Tom Jaatinen (8) and Varkko Ruka (19) won the opening nine hole betterball bogey competition by defeating the golf course 2up. Their round included no blemishes and birdies on holes 2 and 5 helped them to their fist victory at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club.

Playing a betterball medal for the back nine competition Oliver Crisostomo (18) and Sri Lankan playing partner Ranga Jeeva Srinath stormed around the inward half in net 30. They recorded net birdies on holes 11, 12, 14 and 18 and a net eagle on the lengthy 15th.

Mike Holliday (12) won both the Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin competition after two finely struck shots helped him to pick up two vouchers for the pro shop. (from left) Mike Holliday, Tom Jaatinen, Oliver Crisostomo, Ranga Srinath and Varkko Ruka.

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IXOS XMS222 OYSTER SPEAKERS EVERYTHING YOU WOULD WANT IN YOUR LOCKER... AND MORE!

THESE great little speakers are perfect for busy travellers who like to listen to music wherever they go. They plug into laptops and netbooks as well as any MP3 player, iPhone or iPod and can be powered by USB or battery. They’re incredibly easy to connect and they produce a surprisingly high level of sound quality for 2.5 watt speakers. www.ixos.co.uk

HUBLOT KING POWER ALINGHI HUBLOT’s striking King Power “Alinghi” watch has been released to coincide with the defending Swiss America’s Cup Team’s attempt to make it two victories in a row this month.

The Alinghi team head to Valencia to attempt to recapture the crown they won two years ago and Hublot have honoured the occasion with this bold creation bearing the same colours as the powerful catamaran.

The King Power is set in a 48mm microblasted black ceramic Bezel with moulded black rubber. The Sapphire dial features the Alinghi logo while the adjustable black rubber ensures optimum comfort. www.hublot.com

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cool stuff

UNDER ARMOUR COLDGEAR IF you’re planning a trip to the UK or another chilly country in the coming months you would do well to invest in one of Under Armour’s innovative ColdGear Mocks.

It’s basically a thermal base-layer that keeps you warm and free from sweat without weighing you down. The skintight garment, as worn by Worldwide Golf Columnist, Ross Fisher, features a double-sided fabric that wicks moisture from the skin, circulates body heat and controls odour by preventing the growth of odour-causing microbes. The Mock is available in a super-tight ‘Compression’ version, which promotes muscle performance and fast recovery or a ‘Fitted’ version, which sits next to the skin without compression. www.underarmour.com

AGLO VITAL AGLOVITAL are a French company who make products perfect for easing golfers’ tired muscles and aching joints after a long day on the course.

Algoclean is a solution used primarily for the relief of pain in the back and neck, while Cryogel and Algofraicheur are used to aid recovery of swollen and tired legs and feet as well as moisturising dry skin. A great product for golfers that really works. www.algovital.com

PLAYBOY GOLF GIFTS WHATEVER will they come up with next? Playboy isn’t usually a brand that you’d associate with golf but they actually have a full range of gift ideas sure to turn heads on the course.

This ladies pink gift box contains balls, tees, ball marker and cloth all featuring the famous Playboy Bunny hallmark. www.playboyhome.co.uk

GOLF DUST GOLF DUST is an innovative product which can be used again and again to show exactly where on the clubhead you are striking the ball.

As an alternative to tape or a sticker which may mark the clubhead or leave a nasty residue, Golf Dust is a simple spray which can be wiped away after each shot – it’s a game improvement device in a can. www.golfdust.com

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A F T E R A L O N G D AY O N T H E C O U R S E , I T ’ S A LW AY S G O O D T O TA K E T I M E O U T T O F R E S H E N U P

PHILIP B JET SET PRECISION CONTROL HAIRSPRAY

PORSCHE DESIGN THE ESSENCE INTENSE An intriguing eau de toilette from Porsche Design, The Essence Intense is unmistakably masculine with a fresh, woody aroma. The fragrance incorporates Siberian pine and black pepper in contrast with cinnamon, vetiver, myrrh, blueberry and bitter mandarin.

This top end hairspray from Philip B is super lightweight and provides wonderful volume, texture and hold. The special formula is soft to the touch and allows you to play with and restyle your hair on the go. Suitable for any climate.

JO MALONE GIFT SET This Jo Malone Gift Set is the perfect present for the lady who has to have the best.

Attention to detail runs through everything Jo Malone creates with only the finest ingredients used. You can even choose your own ingredients and create your own scents. This delicious set includes Vanilla & Anise Cologne, Nectarine Blossom & Honey Shower Gel and Body Cream, Vitamin E Gel and Orange & Geranium Night Cream.

VERA WANG EAU DE PARFUM

LACOSTE CHALLENGE

Groom Room

Challenge is an exhilarating fragrance for men who love a bit of action. Dynamic and energetic it radiates confidence, flair and enthusiasm with a combination of punchy citrus and spicy notes and rich, deep wood notes. Technical jargon: Top notes – tangerine, lemon. Heart notes – ginger. Base notes – teak, ebony.

Vera Wang’s Eau de Parfum is a sensual and intimate fragrance.

Bulgarian rose adds a hint of flirtatiousness to offset the fresh and flowery notes of calla lily and mandarin at the top of the fragrance. A flowery heart and a warm, woody base round off a truly classy perfume. Technical jargon: Top notes – Bulgarian rose, calla lily, mandarin flower. Heart notes – gardenia, lotus, iris, stephanotis.

Base notes – sheer musks, white woods, floral nectar.

BAG

D R I V E R - F A I R W AY- H Y B R I D - I R O N S - W E D G E S - P U T T E R - B A L L

INTHE PAUL WILSON

ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL, SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB, ABU DHABI

Q&A Q. When did you first start playing golf?

A. I started playing golf when I was 12 years old. Using an old 9-iron, my friends and I would go to a nearby field and hit balls. The aim of the game was to hit the trunk of a particular tree and we moved our ‘teeing’ position after every go. Our makeshift golf course was close to a busy road so after some near misses with traffic my mother arranged for a membership at my local club!

Q. How long have you been in Abu Dhabi and what has been your most memorable golfing moment during that time?

A. I have been in Abu Dhabi for roughly four months.

Already I have been fortunate enough to play some of the UAE’s finest golf facilities, such as The Els Club, The Montgomerie and Abu Dhabi Golf Club. However, my most memorable experience by far was the first time I saw the penultimate hole at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club – the Par 3 aptly named ‘Arabian Oasis’. With lush green playing surfaces contrasting with the sandy beachfront and crystal clear Arabian Gulf, this hole certainly lives up to its name!

Q. What was your first set of clubs?

A. My first set of clubs comprised of a Cobra 4-wood, a half set of Wilson Blue Ridge irons and a ladies Wilson putter!

Q. Who is your favourite golfing hero and why?

A. Ben Hogan. He won 4 US Opens, 2 Masters Tournaments, 2 PGA Championships and the only Open Championship he ever entered. He loved practicing and in my opinion Hogan was the greatest ball striker of all time. His determination directly influenced the modern fundamentals of golf. Jack Nicklaus was asked the question, “Is Tiger Woods the best ball striker you have ever seen?” and he replied: “No, it’s Ben Hogan, easily.”

Q. If you were the head of the R&A what rule would you change?

A. I would like to create a rule where you can take relief from a divot on the fairway. I find it very unfair that I can hit a drive straight down the middle of the fairway, only to see my ball stuck in a divot.

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