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THE MIDDLE EAST’S NO .1 MAGAZINE

EST APRIL 1999Worldwide Golf 2020

DAVID HOWELL REFLECTS ON THE HO-SUNG GOLDEN FRIENDSHIPS CHOI THE GAME HAS THE STRANGEST PROVIDED SWING ON TOUR ANALYSED

COVID-19 CHAOS P YERS COME TO TERMS WITH LIFE OFF COURSE

WHO IS ?

STEPHEN GALLACHER ALL MEET TOBY BISHOP  HOTTEST GEAR ON TOUR FEATURE SET TO COME BACK THE BASED WELSH  SCOTTY CAMERON SPECIAL SELECT WITH A BANG WHEN THE TEENAGER MAKING WAVES FOCUS EUROPEAN TOUR RESTARTS ON THE LOCAL CIRCUIT  CAL WAY MAVRIK MAKING ITS MARK

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR SUBSCRIBE FREE TO

THE MIDDLE EAST’S NO .1

EST JANUARY 1999Worldwide Golf 2020 We must fi nd a way of saving our sport DESERT SWING DARIUS RUCKER both in the short- WORLD CLASS GOLF HOOTIE AND THE RETURNS TO THE BLOWFISH ROCKER term and the long- MIDDLE EAST TALKS PXG term.

2020 PREVIEW THE LOWDOWN ON THE YEAR AHEAD

BROOKS KOEPKA LICENSED TO THRILL Di cult times but we can get through it IN SAUDI

DANNY WILLETT MG KEYSER  HONMA’S STUNNING BERES LINE THE MENA TOUR CHAMPION FEATURE THE FORMER MASTERS  MASTER THE CHIPPUTT Let’s hope that golf ’s governing bodies can come together in the spirit of co-operation to agree an CHAMPION OPENS UP ON HIS ON HIS UPCOMING DESERT FOCUS ROAD TO REDEMPTION CLASSIC DEBUT  TAYLORMADE PTI

ST_Logo_Port_4C_OnLight.AW CT_Logo_Port_4C_OnLight.AW emergency ongoing schedule that works as well as possible in the current circumstances. Worldwide Golf is the Official Media Partner to the European Tour in the Middle East

and the official magazine of the Emirates Golf Federation

and the official magazine of the Emirates Golf Federation

Worldwide Golf is the Official Media Partner to the European Tour in the Middle East

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FOCUS

ROAD TO REDEMPTION CLASSIC DEBUT  TAYLORMADE PTI

CHAMPION OPENS UP ON HIS

ON HIS UPCOMING DESERT

 MASTER THE CHIPPUTT

FEATURE THE FORMER MASTERS THE MENA TOUR CHAMPION

DANNY WILLETT  HONMA’S STUNNING BERES LINE Y travel plans have been turned upside down due to the The postponement of virtually all the fi xtures on the European MG KEYSER coronavirus pandemic, but there are many millions of Tour and PGA Tour for the next few months will cause colossal

people around the world who are in a far worse position damage to charities throughout the year. Golf is one of the

M IN SAUDI

than we are. I should have been in and Abu Dhabi last sporting world’s biggest charity fund-raisers and those charities TO THRILL

LICENSED month but instead, I was in Philadelphia. will be hard-hit and will struggle to carry out the vital benefi ts KOEPKA

There’s really nothing we can do about the situation, except and services they provide. follow the advice of the authorities and take all the precautions BROOKS necessary to stay safe and hope that the experts can fi nd a Emergency Schedule solution sooner rather than later. Let’s hope that’s golf’s governing bodies can come together in NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! It was a huge disappointment to hear that The Masters is being the spirit of co-operation to agree an emergency ongoing postponed until, possibly October. So many huge sporting events schedule that works as well as possible in the current have been postponed, cancelled altogether – or merged into 2021. circumstances. There’s no perfect solution, but we must fi nd a Receive your FREE copy of Worldwide Golf direct to your door. The , which dates back to 1927, could also be a victim way of saving our sport both in the short-term and the long-term.

of the pandemic, which would be a huge blow to Whistling Straits, In the early years of my career I learned how to play competitive

Wisconsin, and the town of Sheboygan, not to mention the rest of golf under great pressure. Because of the apartheid regime in my THE YEAR AHEAD THE LOWDOWN ON

the and . own country I learned how to accept spectators running onto the Subscribers also receive2020 PREVIEW our Worldwide Golf newsletter

green with screaming babies when I was about to take a putt,

TALKS PXG MIDDLE EAST

shouting at the exact point when I was teeing off, and even suffer BLOWFISH ROCKER Masters Economy RETURNS TO THE

HOOTIE AND THE

featuring great content,WORLD exclusiveCLASS GOLF competitions and all the latest

DESERT SWING The postponement of The Masters, which has always been close physical violence. It was a diffi cult time for me but it made me a DARIUS RUCKER

to my heart, will cause widespread devastation to the town of stronger person and a stronger golfer in the process. news and happenings in the Middle East golf scene. Golf Augusta and the surrounding area. The town’s economy is built on These are diffi cult times for the sport, but, hopefully, we can Worldwide

the fi rst of the four Majors, going back to the inaugural event back come together to fi nd a solution globally. When we compare golf’s

2020 1999

JANUARY in 1934. current hardship, we should make the comparison between the EST

People have always rented out their homes during Masters’ present golfi ng turmoil with the millions of homeless refugees

O .1 GOLF MAGAZINE

week and beyond – and in many cases their mortgages depend on around the world seeking to stay alive, and the ever-present THE MIDDLE EAST’S N the business created by the huge number of spectators drawn to terrorism that causes countless deaths of helpless women and the area each April. Restaurants and hotels will, inevitably, be children. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE FREE struggling to avoid having to close down and with that, will come When the coronavirus pandemic is fi nally overcome and the job losses for people who can least afford it. In many cases the world returns to some sort of normality the golfi ng world should WWW.WORLDWIDE.GOLF/SUBSCRIBE residents are totally reliant on The Masters taking place. be thankful for what they have to be grateful for. ■

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DUB_TitleistVokeySM8_DPS.indd All Pages 27/02/2020 13:56 CONTENTS IS DUBAI THE PERFECT STARTER PLACE TO RAISE A COLUMN MASTERS GOLFER?

LIFE STEPHEN CATRIONA AFTER GALLACHER MATTHEW GOLF MASTERS MEMORIES

OMAN NEXT OPEN TOBY PAGE COVID-19 CHAOS BISHOP

Worldwide GOLF 86 WorldwideWorldwide GOLFGOLF 97 CONTENTS

COLUMN MAVRIK HOTTEST MAKING GOLF GEAR ITS MARK ON TOUR

HO-SUNG CHOI’S SWING SEQUENCE AHMAD SKAIK COVER FEATURE SCOTTY CAMERON CELEBRITY DINNER SCOTTY CAMERON PARTY SPECIAL SELECT LINE TRAVEL

WorldwideWorldwide GOLF GOLF 108 WorldwideWorldwide GOLFGOLF 119 EDITOR’S LETTER

Pandemic could reset the money game

ITH the world having ground to a shuddering halt due – where will it all end? Are the days of golfers playing for $10 to the coronavirus pandemic it’s time to refl ect on million bonus pools and multi-million dollar tournaments going Wwhat happens when we all get back to normal. Will to be a thing of the past? Do Tiger, Rory and company really sport and golf ever be the same again? need more money? Is it fi nally time for a sporting reset and for In the UAE we are a resilient bunch and the government acted fi nancial caps on the outrageous amounts on what sports stars very swiftly to respond to the threat, unlike various other parts currently earn? of the world. Hopefully, this will make the UAE a safe-haven and Many companies will still want to support the game, but will one of the fi rst nations to resume some form of social normality. the same level of money be there? The likelihood of all the Majors and The Ryder Cup getting There are so many questions and, with no timeline as to when cancelled in 2020 is looking almost inevitable. and things can resume, we can just be thankful to all the doctors and have already stated that they will not be sending nurses who are braving the front line to keep us safe. athletes to , which no doubt prompted the decision of Olympic Committee and Japan to postpone the Scotty Cameron, master-craftsman Games to 2021. This month’s cover feature unveils the legend that is Scotty We are all worried about our loved ones, in addition to the Cameron. We’ve all heard of the famous , but how many of economic impact it will have on the global economy and our jobs. you golfers knew that Scotty is an American master-craftsman So here is a question, taking all things into consideration. Should who fi rst designed for Mizuno in 1992? One year later sport stars get paid the huge contracts going forward once and used one of his putters to win the Masters business resumes? An increasing number of sporting bodies Tournament and the rest is history – a golfi ng phenomenon was are already seeking fi nancial support from their governments created! ■

ISSUE No.224 APRIL 2020 • Published by: Worldwide Sporting Publications Ltd • Published in Dubai by: Prografix • PO Box 24677 • Dubai, UAE (Tel) +9714 340 3785 Editor-in-Chief: Mike Gallemore • Executive Editor: Gary Player • Editor: Alex Gallemore ([email protected]) Publisher: Mike Gallemore ([email protected]) • General Manager Dubai: Richard Bevan ([email protected]) • Editors: Todd Staszko, Scott Grayston, Thomas Wragg, Ashraf Ahmed, • Production/Design Editor: Thameem Rayyan • Editorial Panel: Gary Player, Mike Gallemore, Alex Gallemore, Richard Bevan, Todd Staszko • Photography: Getty Images • June 2009 SSN 1- 46805671 • Approval UAE National Media Council: Ref.816 30/5/2007 Trade Licence No. 1/104375/15280 • 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.

WorldwideWorldwide GOLF GOLF 128 THE MOST SPECTACU R LOCATIONS FOR GOLF STARTER THE COURSE

OLD HEAD GOLF With no professional golf taking place this month, we instead turn our attention to the most awe-inspiring places to play golf – and there are few as stunning as the Old Head Links on the south coast of .

UILT on the tip of a diamond- shaped peninsula in Kinsale Bin , the Old Head Golf Links juts out into the Atlantic Ocean to provide one of the most spectacular golf courses on the planet. With views of the ocean from all 18 holes, it is hard to imagine a more serene and challenging links course. Slender fairways reach out to exposed greens, and the tiny targets present a tough test in a strong wind, but on a calm day there are few courses that can match the Old Head for both playability and delivering a true sense of wonder. The relatively sedate inner holes don’t create the same level of drama as those that hug the rugged cliff edge, but they still pose enough of a challenge to keep things interesting before the layout makes it way back towards the coast. A farmer previously owned the land on which the course stands and sold it because he became fed up with his sheep falling into the sea. The course is framed naturally by the cliffs and the waves below and its manicured fairways, salty ocean breezes, famous lighthouse and stunning views make it a truly bucket-list experience. The lighthouse guided the ill-fated Titanic in and out of Cork’s harbour and its keeper was the last person to see the liner as it sailed on its tragic maiden transatlantic voyage in 1912. ■

Worldwide GOLF 1214 Worldwide GOLF 1315 STARTER

QUICK HITS

WITH a third place finish at now has 12 top-five finishes on the US PGA Tour since 2014, the second-highest record of YOUTHFUL OVERRIDE any player without a victory BETWEEN 1985 AND 2000, ONLY FOUR PLAYERS UNDER THE AGE OF 22 WON ON THE PGA TOUR. in that period of time. SINCE JULY LAST YEAR, FIVE PLAYERS AGED 22 OR YOUNGER HAVE WON IN AMERICA. TRIUMPHS FOR KOREA’S SUNGJAE IM AT THE HONDA CLASSIC (ABOVE) AND SAMI VALIMAKI AT THE OPEN REPRESENTED THE FIRST TIME IN THE LAST 40 YEARS THAT THERE WERE WINNERS ON THE suffered PGA AND EUROPEAN TOURS AGED 21 OR UNDER ON THE SAME WEEKEND. his third disqualification in three years on the European Tour at the Commercial Bank last month Teeing it up following a scorecard error. News, Facts and Figures from around the Tours The 29-year-old noticed his playing partner had written an incorrect score, Alice Hewson wins but inadvertently made the seals maiden fi rst event on change to the wrong hole. LET title in the PGA Tour Pepperell was previously South Champions disqualified at the 2018 BMW International Open 22-year-old Four-times Major graduate of and last year’s Turkish winner breaks Clemson University through with Airlines Open after won by one shot two stroke win running out of golf balls. ahead of Emma South African Ernie Els Nilsson and German legend Koepka and added another title to During the PGA Tour’s Langer clinches Rahm join IN LINE WITH CURRENT GOVERNMENT POLICIES Monique Smit his collection with a hiatus due to the 41st PGA Tour fi rst win on the PGA Tour Rory in turning coronavirus outbreak, While most professional OUR STORE HAS HAD TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE tournaments were Champions title Champions at the Hoag down the PGL Commissioner Jay Classic in California. cancelled or postponed Bernhard Langer Top three ranked Monahan has recently Els closed with a due to concerns closes in on Hale players in the announced that he is 4-under- 67 to win surrounding the Irwin’s Tour record world all dismiss coronavirus pandemic, by two shots ahead foregoing his salary for by just four wins Premier Golf Tour YOU CAN STILL SHOP WITH US ONLINE the Ladies European of , who an indefinite period. was seeking his third Tour continued with the Bernhard Langer shot Four-times Major career win at the event, Investec South African an 8-under-par final winner Rory McIlroy believes and fellow Women’s Open in Cape round to come from has distanced himself newcomer to the Senior that if The Ryder Cup is Town last month, which three behind and win from the proposed FOLLOW THE #STAYHOME INITIATIVE AND GET 15% OFF circuit, former DP World to go ahead as scheduled was won by English his 41st title on the Premier Golf League, in September then the prospect Alice Hewson. PGA Tour Champions stating: “I have a hard winner , ONLINE & FREE CONTACTLESS DELIVERY WITH CODE current qualifying points The youngster drained at the Cologuard time believing that also took a share golf should be about system should be scrapped a clutch seven-footer Classic in Arizona. for par at the last of second place. just 48 players.” and the Official World The win made it 14 hole to seal the title. consecutive years, The American is Golf Rankings should dating back to 2007, the second leading be used as the means during which Langer has player to turn down to decide the playing won at least once on the the advancements members for each team. US-based senior circuit. following Rory McIlroy, #STAYHOME As a result he brings while has ’s record of 45 also followed suit wins on the over-50s saying his future Tour closer into view. lies on the PGA Tour and European Tour. WWW.GOLFSUPERSTORE.AE

Worldwide GOLFGOLF 1614 *T&CS APPLY. VALID FOR PREPAID UAE DELIVERIES ONLY. VALID UNTIL 08.04.2020. LIFEAFT ERGOLF Which jobs would suit the Tour players? With the breakout of the COVID-19 virus, an array of golf events have been cancelled or postponed and the immediate future of the game’s Majors looks uncertain. For a bit of fun, our Worldwide Golf staff have put together some potential career ideas that the stars could turn to after golf.

Policeman Barber SCOTT: Hard one this but Robert SCOTT: Imposing Ryder Cup Rock possibly has the best hair Captain, Thomas Bjorn, could turn in golf and is one of the few his hand to keeping the streets players who never wears a hat safe if he were not a golfer. in tournaments – so it has to be him. TODD: Fleetwood is a non-starter - he clearly has a dislike for TOM: knows how TODD: seems like TOM: Tommy Fleetwood’s things barbers do. I’d say Rickie to keep his cool under pressure. he has a good grasp of authority luscious locks are second to Fowler. He always seems one step Just look back to his fi nal round and the way he puts his fi ngers none. He’d be the fi rst name ahead, clearly demonstrating battle with at The to his lips to calm people down is down as a potential barber his knowledge for what’s hip by . always reassuring. candidate for me. rocking a mullet recently. Fireman Bodybuilder Doctor SCOTT: Bryson DeChambeau’s recent bulking SCOTT: It’s got to be Swedish ‘The up has been crazy. He increased from 88kg SCOTT GRAYSTON: Iceman’ Henrik Stenson, putting out all to 104kg in the off- and has become Eddie Pepperell comes across the fl ames with his cool approach to his a beast. Bodybuilding could defi nitely be the as one of the most intelligent game. next step for him! members on Tour and would suit a doctor’s role – although it may TOM: Sam Horsfi eld. For one reason TOM: Would have to be Brooks prevent him from tweeting as TODD STASZKO: ’s and one reason only – ‘Fireman Sam’! Koepka. The big-hitting American much as he usually does. once surgical-like touch seems had this to say after his victory TOM WRAGG: Bryson De to have deserted him on the at the US Open in 2018: “Sunday TODD: . He knows is nicknamed ‘The course, but outside the ropes at the US Open I benched 225kg, Chambeau how to run hot, so he has the insider Scientist’ so a career change to a I’d be confi dent he’d be able to 14 times. I know that’s not that TODD: . Golf’s knowledge of how to cool off again. doctor would make perfect sense prescribe the correct treatment impressive. But I can get 315kg. fi rst Adonis is never one to for the American. for any minor ailments. So, it’s all right.” Sounds highly miss a gym session. impressive to me! Worldwide GOLF 1812 Worldwide GOLF 1913 1997 Tiger explodes onto the scene Fresh-faced 21-year-old Tiger Woods took 40 shots to complete the opening nine holes of the 1997 Masters. He then played the next 63 in 22-under-par as he smashed the record with an 18-under-par total and an astonishing 12-stroke victory. Woods delivered a display of power, precision, touch and imagination that left his competitors in complete awe. A first round 70 saw him four back, he took a three-shot lead ASTERS with a 66, followed that with a 65 to move nine clear and sealed the double-figure win with a 69.

2004 M Phil’s giant leap for joy At this point in Phil Mickelson’s career, he was widely regarded as the best ITH the postponement of this year’s Masters, sports fans around the player to never to have won a Major. It was Lefty’s 46th start in one of the MEMORIESworld have been robbed of the annual pilgrimage to the hallowed events but he arrived with a renewed sense of calm – and with a grounds of Augusta National for the first Major championship of new ploy of using a 3- more often to find the fairways. He took a share of the lead after 54 holes but made a poor start, dropping shots at 3, 5 and the season. Tiger Woods’ epic win last year was another memorable 6 after a birdie at the second. Meanwhile, Ernie Els emerged as the main Waddition to the tournament’s illustrious history. In its absence this year, let us help challenger and produced two eagles at holes 8 and 13 to pile on the pressure. you get over the disappointment by putting our heads together to pick our favourite Mickelson responded with a back nine charge for the ages, culminating in a editions of The Masters from the last five decades. downhill 18-foot birdie putt on 18 which sneaked into the left edge for a one- shot win. This caused Mickelson to jump at least 6 inches in the air in sheer delight while Els trudged off the property to rue another near miss. 1977 Tom sees off Jack in a pre-cursor to the classic duel at Turnberry THE opening Major of the 1977 season was for the first of two Masters titles. At one 2011 the catalyst for a series of Major victories point, the Kansas City Kid was four clear in which got the better of of Nicklaus, but the Golden Bear picked up – and not many golfers can four shots in six holes on the back nine to Schwartzel steps in as look back and say they did that too often. draw level. Watson then drained a tricky McIlroy collapses Watson, then 27, had previously won the downhill birdie putt on 17 to re-take the lead 1975 Open at but was beginning and Nicklaus, who was in the group ahead, For three and a half rounds of golf at Augusta National, Rory to earn the reputation of failing to close out stumbled with a bogey on 18 to hand Watson McIlroy looked every inch the heir to Tiger Woods’ throne as Major leads. At the 1974 US Open at Winged a two-shot cushion. Just three months the next great player of his generation. He was gunning for a Foot, Watson was leading after 54 holes later the pair played out a mammoth battle wire-to-wire maiden Major title but came horrendously unstuck but slipped up with a 79 to let Hale Irwin in. together in the final round at The Open after snap-hooking his shot on the tenth tee. From there his However, he put those demons to bed with where they famously traded blows with tournament unravelled over a 45-minute stretch. He eventually a composed 67 on a glorious final round Watson once again coming out on top. dropped three shots, dropped another at 11 and double bogeyed 12 after four-putting from 12 feet. Meanwhile, it turned into a blessed day for Schwartzel. He opened with a birdie and then holed an unlikely pitch for eagle at the short third. He gave a 1986 shot back on 4 and then parred his way round until he reeled off Jack defi es logic – and age – to win at 46 four successive birdies from the 15th and deny the Aussie duo of and by two shots. McIlroy signed for an Heading into the final round in 1986, not many in three holes from the 15th – hitting three of the 80 and finished in tied 14th. It’s worth remembering that McIlroy believed that Jack Nicklaus stood a chance best shots (and then holing clutch putts) of bounced back in the most spectacular fashion in the next Major as he stood four strokes back and with a vast his career in succession – and parred his way up on the schedule by winning the US Open by eight shots. array of talented players ahead of him. Greg the last to set the clubhouse target at 9-under- Norman led the way ahead of past champions par. With Nicklaus safely home, Seve dunked his and Bernhard Langer with Tom ball in the water at 15 to drop a shot and then Watson and also in the mix. As the three-putted on 17 to fall to 7-under, ending his afternoon unfolded, five different players held chances of a third Green Jacket. Norman, who the lead and it was Nicklaus who prevailed, was then still to win a Major, was playing the If you can’t get enough of past editions of The Masters, historic fi nal round broadcasts thanks to some truly stunning play. He made 18th on 9-under but made a disastrous bogey to three birdies around the turn to get into hand Nicklaus a sixth Masters win. The Aussie are available to stream via the offi cial Masters YouTube channel. contention and bounced back from a bogey at 12 would go on to say his approach to the 18th was with a birdie at 13. He then picked up four shots one of the worst shots of his career. COVID-19 CHAOS

RACE TO DUBAI AND DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER Jon Rahm had this to say about his family, who were on lockdown in Bilbao, : “Everybody’s there. I have spoken with them. I went to the grocery store, and I gave them a call since I knew they had nothing else to do. Basically, everyone is in quarantine. My family is in great spirits. COVID-19 My grandma is the most spirited, most energetic 85-year-old you’ll ever meet. She’s trying to look on the bright side of everything so it’s always refreshing to talk with her, but it’s hard. She saw a family get taken home by the police because they were out walking.”

RYDER CUP HOPEFUL “I was in for the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters before the virus really started to spread faster. When the Open was called off I stayed in Qatar hoping to get some good practice in before going to India – but then the was called off so I came back home to . Now, I’m at home, hanging out and waiting to CHAOSHE COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc with sporting schedules all see what happens next. I’m trying to stay fit and work out a bit but there are a bunch of restrictions from the government as you’re not over the world. Football’s European Championship has been postponed supposed to go outside or really gather with other people.” Tuntil 2021, the have been put back a year, the Formula 1 season is now scheduled to start in June and golf events have been postponed or cancelled across the PGA, European Tour and LPGA Tours – with casualties including both The Masters, the US PGA Championship and the second World Golf FOUR-TIME EUROPEAN TOUR WINNER, Championships event of the year. Here’s what the world’s top players had to say about the unprecedented situation. “I’ve been playing in the United States for the last few weeks and was watching on at what was happening on the European Tour and obviously keeping a close eye on it all. I was due to play LAST YEAR’S HERO FIFTEEN-TIME after The Masters and that was one of the first tournaments to be INDIAN OPEN CHAMPION, called off and then Kenya and India went, too. This was all going MAJOR WINNER on while we were at Bay Hill and then we came into the week at The Players. There was a bit of uncertainty – everyone was talking about it all the time – and we played the first day. While I was on the on the postponement of this Tiger Woods course, they announced that the rest of the tournament year’s tournament due to tweeted the following to was going to be behind closed doors and then on the his army of fans last month: Thursday night it was called off, along with the the COVID-19 outbreak: next three events. And then, the following day, it “A pandemic is a serious thing and people are “There are a lot more was The Masters. Now the event at Valderrama dying from it. There’s going to be an Indian Open important things in life than and the PGA Tour events up to the US PGA are tournament next year, so it’s just a case of getting a golf tournament right now. off, too. No-one knows what’s happening at the everybody back to full health. Obviously, you want We need to be safe, smart moment and golf stops being as important to go back as defending champion but the and do what is best for when we have something like this, which bigger picture is more important than ourselves, our loved ones and no-one has any experience of, is going on. sport. We don’t really know what’s our community.” I don’t know when I’ll be playing again, but happening, to be honest.” I’ll be doing all I can to be ready.”

Worldwide GOLF 3022 WorldwideWorldwide GOLF GOLF 2331 TOUR HALTS TICKET AND HOSPITALITY SALES AMID COVID-19 OUTBREAK

he European Tour have temporarily suspended all relation to coronavirus and evaluate its impact on all our ticket and hospitality sales for its upcoming events in tournaments, with public health and well-being our absolute Tthe midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which priority. Discussions regarding the possible rescheduling of all is sweeping across the planet and aff ecting all walks of life. postponed tournaments are ongoing and we remain hopeful European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley said in a of European Tour action resuming at the Dubai Duty Free statement: “As important as golf is to all of us, public health at the end of May.” and well-being is the absolute priority. That will remain the case as we continue to monitor this rapidly evolving global pandemic over the coming weeks, working with the World Health Organisation and each national Government and their public health agencies to ensure we have the latest advice to inform all our decision making. “Due to the current ongoing uncertainty, we are suspending ticket and hospitality sales for all promoted events until further notice. “This is a temporary measure but one we feel is proportionate in the current circumstances. If there are any changes to the status of any of our tournaments, we will communicate this to you in due course. “We will continue to monitor this global situation in

POSTPONED EVENTS: ▶ Magical ▶ Hero Indian Open ▶ The Masters ▶ ▶ Volvo Open ▶ Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters hosted by the Sergio THESE THINGS GO. Garcia Foundation ▶ US PGA Championship Born from the Titleist Speed Project, TS Hybrids represent a new standard in ▶ Made in presented by FREJA performance. In a word, these things just GO. They look great, feel amazing, and ▶ Olympic Golf Competition explode through the ball with a lively Tour-preferred sound. Wonder what it’s like to play a hybrid you can’t wait to hit? Stop wondering and GO . CANCELLED EVENTS: ▶ WGC-Dell Technologies The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is the next ▶ GolfSixes Cascais scheduled event on the European Tour, due ▶ D+D Real Czech www.titleist.co.uk to take place at Mount Juliet from May 28-31 Masters with Jon Rahm the defending champion.

Worldwide GOLF 25 GOLF 25

WWG_TitleistTSHybrids_Page.indd 1 27/08/2019 09:53 HE Finn, who was making only his sixth European Tour start after successfully navigating at the back Tend of 2019, found himself outside the top 100 after posting a disappointing two over par 74 in the fi rst round. But the 21- year-old superbly got himself back in the hunt for a maiden title with a 67 on the Friday before a stunning third round 64 placed him at at the summit of the of the leaderboard alongside fi ve others to set up a thrilling fi nal round showdown at Al Mouj Golf, Muscat. Series winner , 2018 champion , fellow Finn , , and Rasmus Hojgaard all joined Välimäki at the top on 11 under par to set up what turned out to be a thrilling fi nale in the Sultanate. In diffi cult, breezy conditions by the Gulf of SAMI Oman both Stone and Välimäki had held the lead on their own during the fi nal day but it was Frenchman Adrien Saddier who set the clubhouse VÄLIMÄKI target at 12 under par despite back-to-back bogeys on his opening two LANDS OMAN holes. Stone then celebrated wildly as he got to 13 under par after holing a 20-footer on the last, but there was more drama to OPEN TITLE come as Välimäki holed a crucial putt to force a play-off for the fi rst time in the tournament’s history. IN THRILLING The duo halved the 18th in pars twice but when Stone sent his second shot crashing into the stand on the third trip FINALE and failed to get up and down, a par was enough to hand Välimäki victory. LAST MONTH, SAMI VÄLIMÄKI GOT HIS “It’s awesome,” said Välimäki, who HANDS ON A EUROPEAN TOUR TROPHY picked up 460 Race to Dubai points with his triumph, surging up to 13th from 103rd FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME, FOLLOWING in the Race to Dubai Rankings . ONE OF THE MOST DRAMATIC FINAL “What can I say?” he concluded. “It’s unbelievable. After the ninth hole when I DAYS IN RECENT MEMORY AT THE ’S made a double I knew that the tenth hole OMAN OPEN. SECOND ROUND was an opportunity to pick up a shot and I FEATURED A 1,2,3,4,5 had to make a birdie on that. Then I made bogey on 11 and I felt like, ‘okay my chance AND 6! THE TWO-TIME has gone.’ MAJOR WINNER ACED “But then I just grinded it out, made THE 15TH WHILE HE three birdies and on the last, another POSTED A SIX ON THE awesome birdie. It’s great that more Finnish golfers are doing well and golf is 1ST AND 15TH. getting more popular in .” Saddier took home third while Korhonen and Guido Migliozzi fi nished a shot further back in a share of fourth. ■ WorldwideWorldwide GOLFGOLF 2624 CAMPILLO GRABS QATAR GLORY IN PUTTING MASTER- CLASS PLAY-OFF DEFEATS IN AN MAMMOTH PLAY- OFF AT LAST MONTH’S COMMERICAL BANK QATAR MASTERS TO PICK UP HIS SECOND EUROPEAN TOUR TROPHY, AT EDUCATION CITY .

ORGE CAMPILLO, winner of the Trophée Hassan II last year for his maiden European Tour title, looked set to wrap it up in Qatar without requiringJ extra holes, after leading by two shots on the 17th tee. But disaster followed as the 33-year-old double-bogeyed to drop back to 13-under, creating, for the second week in a row, a European Tour event being settled by a play-off to decide proceedings. A thrilling battle ensued with Campillo producing a master class in putting in Doha. The Indiana University graduate found sand off the tee on the fi rst trip back up the last hole but a sublime 25 foot putt brought a birdie which Drysdale matched from six feet. Another mammoth putt came at the next with a 20-footer bringing another birdie for Campillo, while Dysydale again matched it. Both men made routine pars on the third and fourth play-off holes and were given a buggy to make their way down the fairway as the light began to fade. Another stunning putt from beyond 20-feet brought Campillo a birdie and when Drysdale missed from similar distance, Campillo was a two-time winner in his 250th event on Tour. “I’m just so proud right now of the way I to try hard. I knew I was going to make some For Drysdale, this was played in the play-off,” said Campillo, whose putts. It was a tough win but I’m glad I pulled his 498th European Tour event without a win win took him to the top 15 of the Race to it off. It’s a great par four, the 18th – a tough and a fourth career runner-up fi nish. Niklas Dubai Rankings. “I hardly missed a shot and I hole. David was hitting some great shots into Lemke, , and was able to make some putts. the hole and I had to make some putts. Three shared third place after they all fi nished on “I hit some good shots in the middle of the birdies out of six on 18 to win is something to 12-under-par while Alexander Björk fi nished round but you have to be patient, you have be proud of.” a shot further back in fourth.

Worldwide GOLF 2826 WorldwideWorldwide GOLFGOLF 2927 STEPHEN DEANE “Dubai is perfect for many reasons, and it’s Is Dubai the certainly a privilege to learn the game in this wonderful environment. Outstanding practice facilities and championship golf courses perfect place to are a given and this is backed up with great coaching and development programmes. There’s a structure to the learning in Dubai and a development pathway at every level of the golfing journey. raise a golfer? The weather is obviously ideal for seven months of the year and this also attracts ARM WEATHER, PRISTINE many of the world’s best players to use Dubai as a practice hub during the off-season. COURSES AND STATE- This practice hub also adds to the package OF-THE-ART TRAINING as many of our promising juniors are exposed to world-class players on a weekly basis. They FACILITIES MAKE DUBAI understand what it takes to reach that level WTHE IDEAL SPOT FOR A GOLFER TO and they aren’t intimidated. In many instances it becomes normal for them to interact, DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS AND, HOPEFULLY, practice and play with touring Professionals. PROGRESS TO PLAY ON TOUR. IN 1988, This, obviously, is a unique benefit that can only help progress their games. EMIRATES GOLF CLUB’S ICONIC MAJLIS The multicultural environment here is also a WAS THE FIRST GRASS COURSE TO benefit as you learn how to live and develop in a city with so many wonderful individuals with BE OPENED, BUT AS THE CITY HAS varying beliefs, styles, cuisines, celebrations DEVELOPED SO TOO HAS THE GOLF and languages. It’s a fantastic learning SCENE WITH DUBAI NOW HAVING 12 environment for a future touring Professional who plans to play this game globally. GOLF COURSES. WE SPOKE TO A NUMBER The competitive scene is also strong and OF ASPIRING GOLFERS, COACHES AND developing each year. The MENA Tour has certainly been a massive positive to the PROFESSIONALS TO FIND OUT WHAT region and it’s great having our top amateurs THEY THINK OF DUBAI AS A GOLFING competing regularly and successfully against Professionals. HUB FOR UP-AND-COMING TALENTS. We also provide pathways to college golf in America which can lead to successful scholarship opportunities. Education is vitally important and again is another reason why Dubai works.”

CLAUDE HARMON TOBY BISHOP “Certainly, living in a climate “The facilities in Dubai are amazing, practicing at The Els HARRADINE where you can play golf 365 Club and playing courses like Trump International Golf Club, MOGIRE days a year makes Dubai Dubai – the fantastic opportunities we have living in Dubai, I “Dubai is a great place “There are so many great opportunities for an outstanding place probably wouldn’t have had living in the UK, so I’m very lucky to raise a golfer. We golfers out here in Dubai, especially up-and- to be a golfer. Dubai’s and fortunate to be living and growing up here.” are very fortunate coming players. The weather is fantastic so Rayhan Thomas has that there are so you could play all year round if you wanted gone on to study at many courses to, although you might get cooked alive in the No.1 golf college with state-of- the summer! We have so many world class in the world, Oklahoma JOSH HILL the-art practice courses in the region that give players a great State University, where “My parents moved here a month before I was born so I’ve lived here facilities that opportunity to hone their game and there is PGA Tour stars Matt Wolff, for 16 years now. It’s been amazing growing up in Dubai with all are kept in great a lot of healthy competition between players. and all graduated. the great clubs on offer in the region; it really is a fantastic place condition and Josh Hill, Arjun Gupta and Toby Bishop are I think 16 year old record-breaker Josh Hill to get to grips with the game. The first membership I ever had can be played all year three very talented youngsters who all want will help put the UAE even more on the map was at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. The club has such a great round. Once you have reached a certain level to beat each other and that has helped push for junior golf with the career path he takes. atmosphere and everyone seemed to get along really well with though, you have to play tournaments and them to be the best they can be. It’s great to Hopefully, this will inspire another young group each other. The course is obviously really well kept and it’s also gain experience in different conditions abroad. see the friendly rivalry and it can only be a a year at the DP World Tour Championship and of players to emulate what these boys have a challenge, so it really helped me grow my game and become the Tournaments and conditions aren’t always as good thing for golf in Dubai. We’re also lucky to the Omega Dubai , which can achieved.” player I am today.” rosy as they are in Dubai!” witness the world’s best players in Dubai twice only help to grow the game.”

Worldwide GOLFGOLF 3028 Worldwide GOLF 2931 ALLSTEPHEN GALLACHER SET FOR THE COMEBACK

FTER an uncharacteristically poor start to the season, Stephen Gallacher witnessed the green shoots of recovery at the Saudi International Apowered by SoftBank Investment Advisers and is looking to build on his momentum and make 2020 more memorable than 2019. “I could have shot 60 that day,” smiled Gallacher, who stormed up the leaderboard with a 4-under-66 in the final round at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, finishing 21st after beginning the day in 58th position. “That was as good as I have played for a long time. I got some good signs in the third round when I was a bit disappointed as I played better than my score suggested. But I played some lovely golf in the final round and I hit it really well. I got better as the week went on so it’s a step in the right direction for me to build on.” The performance was his best since he won the Hero Indian Open in March last year and put an end to a run of missed cuts at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the Omega – where he is a two-time former winner. Indeed, it seemed that 2020 was starting to play out in the same manner as how 2019 ended, because, despite the victory in India, Gallacher struggled to find the consistency he had previously enjoyed throughout his STEPHEN GALLACHER career. Gallacher’s triumph in New Delhi was his fourth on the European Tour and ended a five-year gap between titles, with “IT IS ALWAYS NICE TO WIN – I’VE his previous triumphs coming at back- to-back Omega Dubai Desert Classics in ONLY DONE IT FOUR TIMES IN NEARLY 2013-14. However, the former Ryder Cup star 600 EVENTS ON THE EUROPEAN couldn’t reach those highs again and during the campaign, and at one point he TOUR, WHICH SHOWS HOW HARD missed seven cuts in succession. “Last season was strange,” admitted IT IS – BUT IT SET ME UP WITH AN Gallacher. “It was great winning with my son, Jack, on the bag in India, and the EXEMPTION TO KEEP GOING. AT THE only thing that will top that is doing it again. SAME TIME, THOUGH, I MISSED A “It’s always nice to win – I’ve only done it four times in nearly 600 events on the LOT OF CUTS LAST SEASON BY ONE European Tour, which shows how hard it is – but it set me up with an exemption to OR TWO SHOTS. I JUST WASN’T AS keep going. “At the same time, though, I missed CONSISTENT AS I NORMALLY AM. I a lot of cuts last season by one or two shots. I just wasn’t as consistent as I NORMALLY HAVE A LOT MORE TOP- normally am. I normally have a lot more top-10 finishes than just one and so it 10 FINISHES THAN JUST ONE AND SO was a tough year, mentally. That’s why I had a break at the end of last season, and IT WAS A TOUGH YEAR, MENTALLY.” took November off completely. “I used that time to have a re- evaluation of everything and I’ve had a break from the coaching side of things. – Stephen Gallacher I’m trying to free my brain up a bit to try and get some consistency back. It’s all about getting into position on a Sunday. The more times you do it the better you become.”

New breed of Scottish players The 45-year-old was one of eight Scots in the field at the start of the 2020 campaign in Abu Dhabi and he acknowledges that the new breed of youngsters out on Tour gave him a ‘shot- in the arm’ as he set out on his 24th season on Tour. “The young Scots are doing brilliantly just now – and the more the merrier,” he said. “When these guys play well it shows others coming through that they can do it via the same pathway. “I had the same thing when I was a youngster with , , and Gordon Brand Junior – you looked up to those guys and watched what they were doing. “Youngsters these days are better Stephen Gallacher in action en route to victory at last year’s Hero Indian Open and (inset) celebrating with his son (and ) Jack. equipped for life in the professional ranks. They come out of the as if they’ve been here for 10 years. man from Lothian was handed a Captain’s what I was hoping for and was expecting. find my rhythm and when we finally did equipment, routines, absolutely everything. of these were former World No.1s and all of “I think that conveyor belt of talent is pick by the Irishman after impressing The fans were fantastic all the way around we didn’t really hole any putts. You have to “Whilst I knew midway through that 2014 them had previous Ryder Cup experience – going to keep going. It’s exciting to see.” with his dedication to make the team, the course. It was just a shame we never make birdies to win holes and we were a bit season that my performances had given me so, I knew that I was up against some fierce Gallacher’s lone Ryder Cup outing came and, as a result, he has memories that will got the birdies to compete with them shy – that was the difference. a great chance of a wildcard pick, I couldn’t competition for a place. on home soil, back in 2014 as he played last a lifetime. (Gallacher and were defeated “A few years ago I had made a conscious be confident that it would be enough to “To be chosen as a rookie and to be given his part in Europe’s superb 16½- 11½ “Stepping on to the first tee at 5&4 by Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed in effort to get into the Ryder Cup Team. I guarantee a place. the nod gave me a lot of confidence and defeat of the United States at Gleneagles Gleneagles on the Friday morning was the opening session of fourballs). improved every single part of my game – the “There were probably five other players made me understand just how far my game under the Captaincy of Paul McGinley. The magic,” reflected Gallacher. “It was exactly “It took me a few holes to settle in and mental aspect, nutrition, injury prevention, hoping to get one of Paul’s three picks – two had improved in the space of just over a

Worldwide GOLF 3234 Worldwide GOLF 3335 STEPHEN GALLACHER

THERE’S NO DOUBT THAT BACK- TO-BACK WINS IN DUBAI HAD Premium Women’s Technology GIVEN ME THE CONFIDENCE THAT I HAD BEEN MISSING.

– Gallacher

Designed Stephen Gallacher lets it fly on hole 8 at the 2014 Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club.

year.” Gallacher had the best year of his with Style. career in 2014. In addition to his Dubai title he had a runner-up finish at the Nordea Masters and was fourth at the Engineered Standard Investments among seven top tens. After earning McGinley’s trust for a place on the team he went on to end the season 18th in the Race to Dubai. for Performance. “I spoke with quite a bit about his experience in the victory at Medinah in 2012, and he said he was on At , we put a premium on performance. In the new a massive high after the tournament. So G Le2 women’s family, you’ll enjoy lighter overall club I thought, ‘you know what, I’m starting to play better – let’s go for it’. weights to help you swing faster and launch your shots “I always felt that I could add to my higher, straighter and longer than ever before. Clubhead Gallacher celebrates with his Ryder Cup teammates after their victory at the Dunhill Links Championship emphatic 16½ -11½ victory at Gleneagles in 2014. designs and materials are engineered and optimised for in 2004 and there’s no doubt that back- your swing speed – giving you the full-swing feel and to-back wins in Dubai had given me the He was well placed with a one-shot lead opportunity, given the concerns about forgiveness to play with confidence. confidence that I had been missing. at the halfway stage of the Oman Open but the coronavirus outbreak and the recent failed to convert that into a victory after a postponements of events. Visit a PING Club Fitting Specialist to find out what Ryder Cup moment disappointing weekend on the challenging “A pandemic is a serious thing and “Prior to that, I thought I had missed Al Mouj Golf layout. people are dying from it, so it’s no surprise combination of G Le2 clubs best fit your game. my chance of playing in a Ryder Cup and I “I had been struggling a bit but I’d to see all these cancellations,” said knew that if I wanted to make the team for worked hard on my game,” he said in Gallacher, who didn’t get the chance to Gleneagles then I had to have the best year Oman. “Things started to turn around defend his Hero Indian Open title last of my life – which, I’m pleased to say I did. in , where I started to hit month as that was one of the postponed I took a lot of pride from that and I’m happy some good shots and it’s amazing how events. to be here now, knowing that all of the hard it can snowball after that. You start to “It’s the way of the world right now. We’re work and the sacrifices were well worth it.” chip and putt a bit better and compete. in very uncertain times and we just hope it While those sacrifices were successful Hopefully, by Sunday you just want to be in gets sorted soon. that time around, Gallacher is now at with a chance to win.” “There’s always going to be an Indian the stage in his career when he’s looking While victory didn’t materialise in Oman, Open next year, so it’s just a case of getting to keep up with the next generation – the experienced campaigner has the everybody back to full health. © PING 2019 including last year’s European Tour Rookie confidence and the know-how to deliver “Obviously, you want to go back as of the Year Robert MacIntyre – and he again on the European Tour but he admits defending champion, but the bigger picture feels he’s in good shape. it might be a while before he gets the is more important than sport.” ■

Worldwide GOLF 34 Worldwide GOLF 3537 Matthew turned Matthew appeared professional in 1995 in nine editions of and won her first the as LPGA Tour title in a player, making her Hawaii in 2001 with a debut back in 1998. three-shot win over Annika Sorenstam.

A 25-year veteran on the LPGA Tour, Catriona Captaining a successful European Solheim Cup Matthew is one of ’s greatest women team was clearly one of the greatest highlights golfers with four wins on the circuit, including a of your career but would you like to see the Major at the 2009 Women’s British Open at Royal event played further afield in the Middle East in Lytham, which she won just 11 weeks after giving order to grow awareness? birth to her second daughter. CM: Yes, I think it would be incredible to stage the She was also victorious five times on the event in front of a new audience – really cool. , including twice in her home country at the Aberdeen Standard How would you change the current game to Investments before it make it more appealing to women and juniors? became a joint LPGA/LET event. Last year she CM: I’d make sure that dress codes are relaxed so oversaw one of the most thrilling finishes in that any perceived “stuffiness” isn’t on show and Solheim Cup history as her risky Captain’s Pick, try and continue to find ways to make golf fun and Suzann Pettersen, holed a clutch six-footer in the cool. Catriona Matthew final match to clinch the matches for Europe. Earlier this year she was awarded an OBE for Who was your golfing hero and why? THE CAPTAIN READY TO GO AGAIN Services to Golf and next year she will return as CM: Growing up it was Kathy Whitworth, who has Solheim Cup Captain at the Club in been the most successful player on the LPGA to Toledo, Ohio on August 31st. date – she’s also won more tournaments than any male PGA Tour player. She really was a trailblazer How big a surprise was it to receive an OBE in for professional women’s golf, and put many of the New Years Honours List? the foundations in place that led to us having the CM: It was a huge honour for me – and for the strong platform that we have today. team and also for women’s golf. It capped off what’s been an outstanding year for me. It was What ingredients make up the perfect course? literally a dream come true to captain a winning CM: I think one where you have to hit every club European Solheim Cup team in front of amazing in the bag, and that has a variety of lengths of home crowds at Gleneagles in September. This is hole. This should give you lots of options of shot really an award for the whole team as it was their choices around the green. outstanding efforts that led to the result we were all wanting, but I couldn’t have been more proud If you could change one rule in the game what of the way it all came together. would it be and why? CM: I’d make it legal to remove your ball from a The inaugural Saudi Ladies International was divot in the fairway. postponed due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, but its announcement marked a What would you do to speed up play? positive step towards growing the game among CM: I’d advocate playing ‘ready golf’ and have FLYING THE FLAG women’s golf in the region. Do you believe that harsher penalties for those who don’t speed up, Catriona Matthew has the Middle East is a potential growth area for especially on the professional tours! represented Scotland in ladies golf? the of Golf on CM: I’m sure it must be a potential growth area, Do you feel that the ball goes too far for three occasions and was since there are so few female golfers out there, professional men but should it remain unaltered part of Team GB at the Rio Olympics in 2016. currently. Hopefully, by bringing more professional for Ladies Tour players and amateurs? women’s tournaments to various Middle Eastern CM: Yes, I don’t feel that there is any need for countries it will really help to showcase the sport, balls to be altered for female players of any level. and, hopefully, these events are shown on local I understand that it’s causing issues in the men’s TV also to help introduce the game to as many professional game though – it seems that they people as possible. are running out of courses they can play. AHMAD SKAIK

BY SCOTT GRAYSTON OBY BISHOP is truly making a name for himself – not only in the Middle East but all over the world. At just 16 years old, he shot a sublime 62 to break the course record in the Saadiyat Men’s Open and then followed it up Twith victory in The Els Alliance against a strong field that contained the likes of European Tour professional . It’s a shame that the COVID-19 virus has put the brakes on for a youngster whom looks destined for greatness. TOBY BISHOP

HE Welsh golfer’s scintillating “Josh is one of my best mates so to see him the Welshman. “Josh and I are really good different routes, hopefully, all three of us record-breaking triumph in the compete in two professional events and friends off the course. We play lots of Xbox can go on to have careers like Rickie Fowler, Saadiyat Men’s Open came shortly enjoy so much success was great to see. online together when we’re not playing and Jordan Spieth!” after losing out in a play-off to It’s definitely inspired me to try and do that golf. In terms of the future, we have quite So what’s the long term plan for TAhmad Skaik in the Trump Men’s Open. Not myself.” different paths we are aiming to take. the record-breaking Bishop who has only did the teenager display his strong Although Bishop, Hill and Gupta are “I’m looking towards going down the been catching the eye of some of the mental game to bounce back, but also his regularly competing against each other academic route of college golf in the States, top American Colleges after his recent immense potential to shoot low – really most weeks, they are close friends away Arjun’s trying to get away from academics performances? low. “It all just seemed to fall into place from the course, which helps bring the best as soon as he can and then Josh is sitting Toby has it all planned out: “After college, in that tournament,” the teenager says out of each other’s games. more on the fence. I want to get onto the PGA Tour, and win all about his 10-under par performance that “The three of us are like brothers,” says “Although we could all be going in the Majors and become World No.1!” ■ including missing a four-footer, six- footer and 10-footer on holes 15, 16 and 17. “My game recently has been in a really good place, the long game is in good shape TYPICAL WEEK FOR TOBY and I’m hitting the ball really well,” said Bishop, who had Callaway’s new MAVRIK driver in the bag for the first time and missed only one fairway all weekend. HOME SUNDAY THURSDAY: “I’ve also been spending a lot of time on • Go to school at DESC. the short game area, which has been key to improving my scoring. I was out there • Usually wake up at 5:30am and arrive at school at 7:00am. attacking pins and everything just seemed • Leave school at 4:30pm and go straight to the club to to click. Every single putt, whether it was 40-foot or 5-foot, it felt like it was going to practice/workout. go in. My putter was red hot all day.” SCHOOL • Home at 7:30pm, bit of dinner, homework then bed.

BACK-TO-BACK VICTORIES Bishop, who is part of the Golf High GOLF WEDNESDAY: Performance Squad, then went back-to- back with victory in The Els Alliance, where • Has a half day to allow him to play more golf. he shot a 69 in the professional one-day event. WEEKENDS: Then, after holding the lead, he looked destined to complete a hat-trick of As much golf as possible! triumphs at the Trump Dubai Club Championship, where he’s a member, but his hopes were put on hold after the “My game recently has been in a really General Authority of Sports postponed COACH JAMIE McCONNELL the event due to children under 18 being good place, the long game is in good shape prevented by participating in golf events and I’m hitting the ball really well,” said REFLECTS ON TOBY BISHOP’S because of the COVID-19 outbreak. It was frustrating for Bishop, who was Bishop, who had Callaway’s new MAVRIK RECORD-BREAKING FORM in the form of his life, but he took it in his stride. “It’s quite annoying with my best driver in the bag for the first time and only Bishop trains at the Performance Academy performances happening recently but under the expert guidance of Jamie McConnell. The Golf there’s nothing we can do,” he says. missed one fairway all weekend. “It’s disappointing not to be able to play Academy Director spoke to Worldwide Golf exclusively about in more tournaments, but at the same time the 16-year-old’s development and potential. this gives me more chance to practice. It enhancements to my swing to help me Bishop says with a smile. “He came over would have been a special tournament for perform at a higher level.” from Spain, landed with a suitcase, and “Toby has always been a slow and steady recent victories. All of a sudden, something one person I have worked with who would me to win at the Trump, Dubai, as it’s my The Dubai English-Speaking College came straight to a lesson with me, so he’s improver,” says McConnell. “We have been like a 62 comes like it did at Saadiyat Beach always surprise me, as he achieves big goals home club’s championship, but, hopefully, student is part of a strong trio of seen my game develop all the way to what working together for almost seven years. He Golf Club. But whether he shots 62, 72 or every single year. Even when he looks unlikely I’ll be victorious in the event when it youngsters alongside Arjun Gupta and Josh it is now. We have a special relationship was my very first pupil in Dubai, which is quite 82, it’s the same person who remains an to beat his oponents – he does it. It’s funny happens again later in the year.” Hill who have been raised in Dubai and are because he completely understands my funny looking back at it now. He’s the most exceptional hard worker and who deserves because one of the goals this season was to The well-spoken teen’s impressive proving their ability on the MENA Tour. All swing and this seems to have been working constant improver that we have really had. everything that he gets in the game.” set a course record – and that is a difficult performances this season have come as a three are coached at the Claude Harmon really well in recent months.” He doesn’t jump very often – in fact, going McConnell knows Bishop’s game better goal for anyone, so for him to go out there and result of the countless hours of work he’s Performance Academy at the Els Club. Bishop’s friend, Josh Hill, has also broken 10-under would be unsual because it is such than anyone and can identify areas where he shoot 62 is amazing. been putting into various aspects of his records of his own when last season he a big step. He has been training like that for is looking to improve to get to the next stage “On that day I was away but I was in game. “I’ve tidied up my short game, which REAPING THE REWARDS became the youngest male player to win a while and he’s been working exceptionally in his career. touch with the coach in Abu Dhabi and he has been very helpful, and also done some Bishop is taught by the Academy Director an Official World Golf Ranking event at the hard on his game. “I would just say that he should keep doing was saying that Toby had been consistent. I great work with my psychologist who is part of Instruction, Jamie McConnell, and the MENA Tour’s Al Ain Open as a 15-year-old. “His ball striking has been through the roof what he is doing,” adds the coach. “Improving replied and said that I would love to see him of the Wales Golf Team,” he said. pair have developed a partnership that is Hill went on to play in the Abu Dhabi for a long time now and the short game work his speed is one of his biggest goals and one go low, and then later when I logged on to “In addition, the experience of playing reaping the rewards out on the course. HSBC Championship and the OMEGA he has put in over the last few weeks and of the things that he has worked hardest on. check the results, I nearly fell off my beach in events and improving my course “I’ve been working with Jamie literally Dubai Desert Classic this season which months has come together with these two He has hit goals along the way and he is the chair when I saw his score!” management has come together with since the first day he moved to Dubai,” has spurred Bishop on to raise his game.

Worldwide GOLF 4042 WorldwideWorldwide GOLF GOLF 4341 GUIDO MIGLIOZZI GUIDO MIGLIOZZI ‘WE MUST TAKE CARE OF OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY’ UTSIDE of China, is one of the worst aff ected countries to hit by the COVID-19 Ooutbreak. The country is still on lockdown with 92,472 confi rmed cases and 10,023 deaths attributed to the virus. We caught up with Italian golfer and two-time European Tour winner, Guido Migliozzi, at Jumeirah Golf Estates to get his thoughts on a range of topics from the worldwide pandemic to his dream fourball.

MIGLIOZZI ON DUBAI “I’m going to be moving have. Aside from the golf out to Dubai soon but the lifestyle here is nice I’m just waiting for my with lots of attractions apartment to be ready. I and things to do for can normally practice on everybody. We bought a so many great courses scooter to explore the out here. Dubai is a city which has been a lot golfer’s dream with all of fun. You’ll certainly MIGLIOZZI the fantastic facilities never get bored in Dubai! ON COVID-19 that the golf courses IN ITALY “It’s something that is MIGLIOZZI new for everyone and ON STAYING we need to take care of MIGLIOZZI ON MOTIVATED our friends and familiy. A NORMAL “It’s tough to keep motivated We need to be patient PRACTICE when you don’t know when you because this COVID-19 DAY will be playing tournament golf outbreak is a pandemic “My daily next. Since I was six years old, so we must wait for the routine starts I have always played at least European Tour Committee MIGLIOZZI ON off by going to the gym my game until the sun one tournament a month aside to make a decision on THE MASTERS in the morning and then goes down before heading from the winter break. I try and what will happen in the “It’s hard to believe grabbing some breakfast. inside for dinner. Dinner get on the course and play with future. All my friends that The Masters won’t From there I’ll go out on to typically consists of a lot friends to keep my motivation and family back home be taking place this the course and practice of pizza and pasta. I’m up. Before we went into in Italy are on lockdown. month but it’s the right on different aspects of Italian so I love to eat!” isolation I was spending a lot of It’s very hard to leave thing to do. We have time with Nino and Renato who the house and do daily to try and contain this MIGLIOZZI ON MIGLIOZZI ON are also out here so we had tasks such as going to virus and not have HIS DREAM little games against each other the supermarket. It’s mass gatherings of HIS FAVOURITE SHOW FOURBALL out on the course. The morning really crazy out there and people. Hopefully, it and afternoon were reserved you have to be there to will get played later “My favourite would have to be Breaking Bad; “Myself, Tiger Woods, for golf while the evening was believe what is going on. this year. We’ll just Walter White is such a great character. I’m also a and Phil for games of paddle tennis! But It’s really tough.” have to see what big fan of Narcos.” Mickelson. That would be now everything is shut we just happens.” pretty cool!” have to wait it out like everyone else.” DAVID HOWELL Talks about a remarkable COLUMN career that started in a fi eld behind his childhood home.

anks for all my unforgettable memories I hope golf comes back soon, so I can meet some more amazing people.

David Howell pictured with the 1999 Dubai Desert Classic Trophy when the event was held at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

HO knows what the world will look like in the coming And I am still there now on the Tour. It has been a blessing in all win my three-ball back in the days when bets could be introduced to me by a caddy, in front of 20 more , months, never mind what the will look like, manner of ways, but you know what, meeting and playing with the wagered. I’m not sure what value he saw in me that which would be fi ne if he hadn’t used the line: “Howard, so it seems to me that, sadly, during this sporting stars of that 1985 Ryder Cup team became 12 individual highlights the bookies didn’t, but it probably meant more to this is the young man who called you a ******** hiatus, the only reasonable thing to do is to look back for me. This is what springs to mind whenever I consider my time me than Sam will ever know. I won him a few quid earlier” - a long story involving a blocked tee shot and ratherW than forward and take of all that is certain – the past, around each one: for a while, too. no shout of fore. Suffi ce to say we became good or, to be more clinical still, my past. , the Captain, was the man who brought The Ryder As for Sandy Lyle, I relish looking back on the friends, regardless, much to my delight. I fell in love with game when I was ten Cup home. I was fortunate enough to evening in Italy a few years ago when we partnered Bernhard Langer, my fi rst Ryder cup Captain, the years old, on the fi eld behind my house, with share the studio live from The each other in an exhibition match. I felt easy in man who somehow paired me with my perfect partner, a ladies fi ve iron and a red Topfl ight XL, “I found myself at the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, sandwiched asking him about his career and his much-discussed . Winning that fi rst Ryder Cup point, for a man which was bought for me by a group of European Tour Qualifying between the greatest Ryder Cup Captain decline from the pinnacle of the game. who had helped inspire my career choice, teenage friends, after they witnessed Blain of all time and, perhaps, the greatest He was kind enough to indulge me with was a ‘pinch-yourself’ moment. Or did I Norridge hit all four of my balls over the School. I still practiced on the coach, . To say I felt great detail. I left wishing he had taken “We all still respect the dream it? Maybe. shops at the bottom of the fi eld. school field behind my dad’s insignifi cant was understating the the three-week break he needed, rather man who is no longer with I was crestfallen, but their act of kindness house on occasion. I’d never obvious. I wish I’d got the photo but I was than going for that fi rst-ever lesson that us, the greatest star of all, WHAT A RYDER CUP PARTY more than made up for Blains’ thuggery. The had a lesson or a coach, and too much in awe of the occasion to ask. he didn’t need. But then, I might not have Woosie, my second Captain, a man who feel of the ball on the clubface and that I played with Jose Rivero. I remember got to know him quite as well, which Seve Ballesteros. Playing kept faith in me when he didn’t need to, early friendship created by golf, etched the I’d never been in a gym. My thinking it was a treat. As for Canizares, would have been my loss. with him was great, the man who positioned me in just the game into my soul in my early years. mate Jason, who bought me well, I think of cigarettes for some reason playing against him was right place on Sunday so that I got to hole In 1985 Sandy Lyle won The Open. At the the red Topflight XL was and his off the fi rst at BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD a putt to win The Ryder Cup. A man who time, I didn’t quite get the signifi cance of the during that Ryder Cup – a turned over Sir , Britain’s golfi ng giant, the thrill of a lifetime. downed a pint of Guinness in front of event, but my interest was soon sealed carrying my bag, and after draw that ran a mile and set up an early walked Augusta’s back nine with me the thousands, then wiped the residue onto th Being captained by him when I watched The Ryder Cup for the fi rst chipping-in on the 16 hole birdie. Even now I can hear the voice of the fi rst time I ever visited, then, a few years was the stuff of dreams. my jacket. The man who hosted the best time. Sam Torrance with his arms aloft, and then making a putt from commentator describing it. I get to play later, he graciously gave me an afternoon winning party of all time, which I happily unbridled joy on his face, with the crowds in alongside his son now, and they swing it of his time to discuss my game and how I’ve done all three. Being helped conduct. rapture. It was my fi rst experience of a 12 feet on the last, I became a the same. he became the best player in the world. I complimented by him Plus, we all still respect the man who is sporting drama on this level – and what pro-golfer with a place on the lapped up every minute of it and I’m still would, perhaps, be more no longer with us, the greatest star of all, impressionable ten-year-old couldn’t have European Tour.” RYDER CUP TALES a little embarrassed that he happened Seve Ballesteros. Playing with him was got hooked after witnessing a moment like Manuel Pinero was another true golfer’s to become the butt of the best joke I ever than one man can take. great, playing against him was the thrill of that. golfer. I had the most wonderful dinner told. Sorry Sir. Unless you consider the a lifetime. Being captained by him was the with him three years ago, in Spain at Valderamma. I think he got , or ‘Brownie’ as we know words he once used: stuff of dreams. I’ve done all three. Being NEVER HAD A LESSON bored with my relentless questioning as I hung on to his every word him, once told me while walking off a complimented by him would, perhaps, be Exactly ten years later, I found myself at European Tour Qualifying as he told old tales of Ryder Cup encounters. What could be better? plane from Australia, how he had just “David, you’re not a bad more than one man can take. Unless you School. I still practiced on the school fi eld behind my dad’s house on When I think of I also think of Ray Floyd, the toughest watched an in-fl ight fi lm for the fi rst player for a tall man with consider the words he once used: “David, occasion. I’d never had a lesson or a coach, and I’d never been in a American of them all, and hearing how Floyd sent his own wife time. What do you normally do, I asked? short arms.” you’re not a bad player for a tall man with gym. My mate Jason, who bought me the red Topfl ight XL, was packing back to the clubhouse from the 8th fairway of the Brabazon ‘Oh, I just sit,’ he said. It was the fi rst and short arms.” carrying my bag, and after chipping-in on the 16th hole and holing a course, goes down as an all-time classic. When coming straight from only time I had ever heard that We’re all missing golf. It’s been good to putt from 12 feet on the last, I was a pro-golfer with a place on the the mouth of the person who beat him, it can’t be bettered. explanation. It must be why he’s so good me. I hope it comes back soon, so I can European Tour. Regarding Torrance, I think fondly of Sam for always backing me to on television, I guess. Howard Clarke got meet some more amazing people. ■

Worldwide GOLF 4644 Worldwide GOLF 4547 COLUMN

“I love travelling and going to different countries and trying out different kinds of food. I also miss competing against the boys and trying to beat them week in, week out. That’s why I play golf – I love the competition and how tough it is.” I miss trying to beat the boys week in, week out Pablo Larrazabal has been competing on the European Tour since 2008 and has been victorious on ve occasions including a stunning victory in the UAE capital at the 2014 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Life without travelling around the world competing against Europe’s nest is abnormal for most players but for stalwart like the Spaniard, I MISS BEING AWAY One of the aspects I miss most about it’s taken some getting used to. not being on Tour is not being able to travel. I love travelling and going to different countries and trying out different kinds of food. I also miss competing against the boys and trying to he situation with the worldwide corona then take it easy and I look over what my wife has beat them week in, week out. That’s why pandemic has certainly changed life for fi lmed and help her with that. Then we cook and I play golf – I love the competition and T everyone around the world. My family and I eat before having some siesta time. At 4.00pm or how tough it is. are based in the middle of so she goes and walks the dog I have been in contact with Guido Barcelona and we feel safe at and I go to the supermarket or Migliozzi and recently, the moment. If you do the “I’m still not sure do some more exercises at who are moving to Dubai. They’ve been right things and follow the home. When she comes back some of the only golfers who have been procedures you feel safe. I what I’d like to be if I after 7.00pm we cook able to go out and play golf and live a only go out for 25-30 minutes wasn’t a golfer. I’m something for dinner and normal life. I’ve been checking out how in the mornings to walk the that’s our day done. So, I’ve they’re doing with fi nding an apartment dog and if we need something about to turn 37 in a tried to be as healthy as and all that sort of stuff. from the supermarket I go in possible during this COVID-19 the afternoon with gloves and month and a half so outbreak. WHAT’S NEXT? a mask. my football career will I’m not sure how the season’s going to We try to stay at home for LIFE AFTER GOLF pan out and it’s a huge shame because the rest of the time. We have be over! There’s no After experiencing a taste of there’s so many signifi cant events our own routine to keep us chance of that life not on Tour, I’m still not scheduled for 2020. We will just have to occupied whilst there aren’t sure what I’d like to be if I see what happens. I think The Ryder Cup any golf tournaments happening.” wasn’t a golfer. I’m about to will be moved to 2021 because I can’t happening. We wake up at turn 37 in a month and a half see 60,000 people being allowed to be 8.00am, have breakfast and so my football career will be spectating at Whistling Straits. At the then, at 9.00am, I walk the dog. At 9:30am, my wife over! There’s no chance of that happening. I have same time, I can’t see 80,000 people starts her yoga practice or fi lms for her YouTube another three years guaranteed on the European being allowed to watch Barcelona channel then I go down to exercise at the Tour after my win on Leopard Creek this season so playing anytime soon so I think all big community swimming - I also run and do some I’ve got lots of time to think about something I’d like events in all sports will surely be exercises down there. We fi nish at 11.00 am or so to do after golf. delayed until at least September or October. Hopefully everybody stays safe and we get through this tragic situation.

Worldwide GOLF 4846 WorldwideWorldwide GOLFGOLF 4947 COVER FEATURE

MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE NAME Scotty Cameron From drawing up his own putter in the 1980s and standing on PGA Tour practice greens trying to get his foot in the door with the players - to having his putters helping to win more than 30 Majors and the most established name in the business!

Worldwide GOLF 50 Worldwide GOLF 51 SCOTTY CAMERON

HINK of a putter manufacturer, and chances are the name ‘Scotty Cameron’ will be one of the first that comes to mind. But how an innocuous name Tcame to be synonymous with the most- used club in the golf bag harks back to his very humble beginnings in California. Scotty’s journey began with his father, a two-handicapper, who introduced him to the game as a youngster. Together, when they weren’t out on the course, they would experiment in his father’s garage and tinker with clubs – shaping heads, making new grips and generally seeing what they could do to make the game easier and more enjoyable through changes to their equipment. When it came to the putter, they both agreed that the finished article should look like it ‘melts into the ground’ and that it should appeal emotionally as well as physically. That approach still applies today from Scotty’s putting studio, situated close to home in southern California.

Technology and experience “I’m in the garage and my workshop every day,” says Cameron, “Now with the technology and the work systems that we have, and the milling machines and all the hi-tech stuff, we can use both the old tech that has gone before – and we know that works – and add in some of the new technology to try and constantly improve our products. “We’re taking putter design to the next level with these technologies. There’s also improved man-power that goes into it, with better engineers. “I’ve been doing this for more than 30 “The knack is how to get it out of my head and onto paper and then work years, and every Monday I wake up and with it in design engineering, tooling and manufacturing. It’s a grind to get to the I’m still thrilled to go to work. I was a finished product, but every time we do a project we learn something that we take young kid and my dad showed me the into the next.” ropes. He put me in the garage with the Early days right set of tools, gave me some guidance Back in the 1980s, as Scotty started to take putter design seriously, he was and a little push and here I am…” drawing up putter blueprints for the Ray Cook Golf Company, Maxfli, Classics, Founders Golf and Mizuno before results for players are the difference creations and by 1994 CGI became and counting. “I’ve been doing this for tools he is able to continually experiment those key materials. So when I do that, eventually going it alone with his wife, between having a career and not. partners with Acushnet – owners of Titleist more than 30 years, and every Monday with new designs and materials in order I put them up for sale in our Gallery and Kathy, to start Cameron Golf International Their efforts paid off in 1993 when – after an introduction between CEO Wally I wake up and I’m still thrilled to go to to introduce putters that perform at the they do end up being bought, but in terms (CGI). Bernhard Langer – whose career was Uihlein and Scotty at that year’s Players work,” said Cameron. “I was a young kid game’s elite levels. But is there a limit to of what I can do for the masses – I’m Back then CGI’s mandate was to design beset by ongoing various struggles with the Championship. Since then, Cameron’s and my dad showed me the ropes. He how far putters can develop? governed by the expense of the materials. and produce the best putters for the elite flatstick in hand – won his second Major putters have grown and the name ‘Scotty put me in the garage with the right set of “At the moment, the only problem with “When I do it for the Gallery and dream players in the world. This meant taking title at The Masters using one of Scotty’s Cameron’ has earned its status as one of tools, gave me some guidance and a little how far we can push putter design is the big and produce a putter like that it helps the risk of going to PGA Tour events and putters. It was a turning point for the the most trusted in the push and here I am…” expense to do so,” he said. “For example, me learn ways of how to do it in a more convincing players to put them to the company and a moment that would change industry and his creations are the tools of Scotty continues to work diligently on with our gallery in Encinitas, just north of cost-effective manner and keep the test on arguably the biggest and most Scotty and Kathy’s lives. choice for many of the game’s top touring new ways to improve his putters, and with , I can create putters that will mass-produced products in line with our pressure-packed stage in golf, where Interest gathered pace in Scotty’s professionals, with over 30 Major victories the use of state-of-the-art diagnostic blow you away – but it’s expensive to use retail price range.” ■

Worldwide GOLF 52 Worldwide GOLF 53 TESTED: SCOTTY CAMERON GEAR

FIRST IMPRESSIONS? PERFORMANCE BALANCED WEIGHTING ROLLING INTO 2020 AFTER hitting several different lengths of putts with a variety of putter styles, I needed to know why this line felt better than the Newport 2 I’ve had in the bag for the last ten years. The most noticeable change for me was the weighting. As soon as I had a practice stroke this new model stood out. When trying to perform the perfect WITH A ‘SPECIAL’ START TO THE arc motion under pressure, this can be challenging, but with the new performance- balanced weighting technology this felt like riding a bike with stabilisers. Cameron has incorporated tungsten for the bladed putters and stainless steel for the mid- YEAR FOR SCOTTY CAMERON mallets, producing larger sweet-spots and enhancing stability. T’S NO SURPRISE that the new Scotty Cameron Special Select range is causing a stir in the golfi ng world. With heaps of new technology handcrafted into the original classic Idesigns and a reduced price point, Scotty Cameron has catered for all types of players with eight diff erent styles to suit any level of player. With newly introduced 100% milled stainless steel heads designed in the U.S, streamlined profi les which allow the product WHAT’S to sound and sit better, as well as ‘performance balanced weighting’ to enhance stability and strike, this new range covers all bases. Our gear specialist Jordan Smith headed over NEW? to Emirates Golf Club to try the new range with Titleist’s Stuart Taylor, who has worked closely with the ever-popular Scotty Cameron products over the years.

BY JORDAN SMITH

QUIETER HANDS WITH THE PISTOLINI PLUS GRIP The new Special Select putters come fresh off the shelf with the new Pistolini Plus grips. This unique addition is in cement grey and has LOOKS been slightly changed from the The new sleek profi les have Cameron’s art original grips to build up the lower looking sexier than ever. Whilst maintaining hand portion of the grip; but why the traditional overall head weight, there Is has Cameron changed this? noticeable changes to the face, height, neck 100% MILLED STAINLESS STEEL Stuart Taylor from Titleist position, hosel depth, fl ange thickness and CONSTRUCTION explained: “This style of grip the sole weight technology allows the putters In the words of The Craftsmen himself: promotes less that helps to sit better and perform better. Cameron has “There’s nothing quite as pure, as a solid keep the hands quieter. This is also incorporated a tri-sole design into the milled putter." Scotty Cameron has dedicated what the Tour players prefer, bladed products which provides a self-soling his life to creating a truly special putter having moved away from thicker feature at address for a mouth-watering view through art, science and innovation allowing grips – quieter hands will lead to a of the top line when stood over the ball. you to have a product that feels right in your consistent stroke and holing more hands and appeals to your eye. putts.” OVERALL THOUGHTS Each product has been designed and milled The new range is impressive throughout all in the U.S. from a block of 303 stainless steel eight styles. I personally loved the Del Mar for ultimate performance and playability, and the Newport 2 - which I believe has to enhancing sound and a soft feel. I tested be the best Scotty Cameron putter of all the putters with Titleist Pro V1x balls. The time. Both putters gave good feedback. For face felt fi rm, the difference in sound wasn’t example, I initially missed the fi rst batch of as noticeable for me but the sweet-spot putts to the right. Stuart put me into “toe- defi nitely felt larger as my bad putts still balanced” Del Mar which helped me square rolled nicely and it was easier to get my longer the face at impact to straighten up my putts in the ‘bin lid’ zone to avoid three- pushed putts. putting

Based on the feedback from my session with Stuart, and having such Finally, the main positive is that the price point has reduced! Yes, an old version of the Newport 2, I would probably look into upgrading you heard it right. We’re always talking about how products are having felt the difference in the weighting. This would certainly give progressively increasing in price, making the game even more me the confi dence on the course over the short putts being able to expensive, so it’s nice to have some good news that the prices have trust my stroke. slightly decreased, making a good product even more attractive.

Worldwide GOLF 54 Worldwide GOLF 55 GEAR: HOTTEST GOLF EQUIPMENT GEAR

CHIPPING ’S JOEL SJÖHOLM IS IN THE LEAD ON THE THE HOTTEST STROKES GAINED: AROUND THE GREEN CATEGORY WITH A SCORE OF 1.44 STROKES GAINED OVER A PERIOD OF 16 ROUNDS. LET’S HAVE A LOOK AT THE EQUIPMENT SWEDE’S TOOLS FOR THE JOB: CLUB: SM8 VOKEY Lofts: 50° 08 bounce F grind, 55° 10 bound S grind, 60° 06 bounce K grind – 60° 06 bounce M grind. Alternating ON THE EUROPEAN TOUR THIS SEASON the 60° depending on what type of course. VERY YEAR manufacturers release new products that proclaim to be the best or Joel longest that have ever been made. With so much technology and research going SHAFTS: DYNAMIC GOLD TOUR ISSUE S300 Sjöholm into their development, it’s often diffi cult to recognise a clear ‘winner’ when What’s the secret to his success? E “Well, I guess that I'm not hitting as many greens it comes to testing and comparing them. So we thought we’d look at the statistics as I should, and because of that I need to be great on the European Tour and see what clubs are in the hands of the players leading around the greens to keep up with the other pros! In each category. To make it a fair contest, we’ve only used players who have played a all fairness, I have always enjoyed getting up-and- down in practice and I try to use my imagination as minimum of 16 rounds this season. much as possible. While competing, the answer to an easy up-and-down is sometimes sitting under that putter head-cover, rather than a , and I'm no DRIVING stranger when it comes to using any club in my bag to YOUNG NORWEGIAN STAR VIKTOR HOVLAND IS EMBARKING ON HIS ROOKIE get the best statistical result, such as using a putter or CAMPAIGN ON THE EUROPEAN TOUIR THIS SEASON AND HIS DRIVING sometimes a 3-wood.” STATISTICS GO TO SHOW THAT HE IS ALREADY A TOP TALENT. HE LEADS THE DRIVING STATS FOR THE EUROPEAN TOUR WITH 1.56 STROKES GAINED: PER ROUND. LET’S HAVE A LOOK WHAT HE HAS IN THE BAG: HEAD: PING G410 LST (9 DEGREES) : PROJECT X HZRDUS BLACK 62 SHAFT. The Ping G410 certainly isn’t the longest driver on Tour, but from PUTTING PAISLEY our previous tests this club proved to be one of the most consistent THE LEADING PLAYERS IN THE PUTTS-PER-ROUND CATEGORY PUTTER: with the tightest dispersion out of all the drivers we have tested so SO FAR ON THE EUROPEAN TOUR ARE ’S Chris ODYSSEY WORKS far. Hovland has opted for the low-spin model with 9° loft, which AND ’S . Paisley VERSA TANK enables him hit the ball on the up, with less spin. This allows for the FROM 18 ROUNDS, PAISLEY’S AVERAGE USAGE OF THE #1W maximum distance with greater dispersion, which has led him to FLATSTICK IS JUST 27.5 WHILE OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC the best driving stats on the European Tour so far this year. RUNNER-UP BEZUIDENHOUT IS ON 27.6 FROM 20 ROUNDS. Viktor GRIP: PING PAISLEY HAS A SECRET WEAPON – HIS BROTHER ANDY IS HIS Hovland PUTTING COACH, SO THERE’S A RARE SIBLING RELATIONSHIP WHICH IS WORKING WONDERS!

Christiaan IRON PLAY Bezuidenhout ' IRON PLAY SETS THE STANDARD HIGH WITH 1.92 STROKES GAINED PER ROUND, BASED ON 22 OF HIS LAST EUROPEAN TOUR ROUNDS. WHAT IRONS ARE IN HIS BAG?

Thomas HEADS: CALLAWAY X FORGED 18, 3-PW Pieters BEZUIDENHOUT SHAFTS: TRUE PUTTER: TEMPER PROJECT X ODYSSEY WORKS 6.5 SHAFT BIG T #5 The Callaway X forged irons GRIP: TWO have been a popular pick for THUMB GRIP Tour players, with exceptional feel and grooves that promote a high level of control and excellent spin out of any turf conditions. There’s no wonder Pieters is running away with the iron play stats on the European Tour.

Worldwide GOLF 56 Worldwide GOLF 57 Worldwide GOLF 48 Worldwide GOLF 49 GEAR CALLAWAY

MAVRIKMAKING ITS MARK

ADVANCED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HAS CREATED THE NEXT LEVEL OF DISTANCE

The Callaway Mavrik has been an outstanding release that’s gone straight into the bags of numerous Tour players with its innovative technology and impressive performance. This is what Toby Bishop has to say about Callaway’s newest driver...

Toby Bishop The 16 year old Dubai youngster recently added the Callaway Mavrik to the bag and in the fi rst tournament using it he shot a course-record 62 at the Gary Player- designed Saadiyat Club in the Men’s Open. In this two-day event, Bishop only missed one fairway so the club has had a stunning impact on his game.

“Taking the Epic Flash out the bag was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make because it was my favourite club in the set. However, after testing the Mavrik, I wasn’t really given much choice. The numbers it provides me has made tee shots so much simpler due to the added yardage and tightened dispersion. I can defi nitely contribute my recent run of form to the addition of the Mavrik and can’t see it leaving NEW CYCLONE SUPER STRENGTH the bag any time soon!” AERO SHAPE A.I. FACE PROVIDES REDUCES DRAG NEXT LEVEL FOR INCREASED FORGIVENESS HEAD SPEED AND AND UNMATCHED MORE DISTANCE BALL SPEEDS

Worldwide GOLF 58 ©2020 Callaway Golf Company. Callaway, the Chevron Device, Cyclone Aero Shape and Worldwide GOLF 56 Mavrik are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Callaway Golf Company. ANALYSIS BY SWING SEQUENCE HO-SUNG CHOI ALASTAIR BROWN

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12

e starts with a closed stance to the right (2) and this allows him and amateurs should try and emulate this. Hto really open up the body and pick the club straight up along (9) Through impact he has a full extension of the arms due to his target line. The clubhead stays closed on the backswing (4). how well he continues rotating. (10) His unique pirouette finish On the downswing (6) he can now re-route the club a little bit like is a result of how much ground force he creates as he is literally HO-SUNG CHOI Matt Wolff and attack the ball from the inside. (7) He squats and jumping off the ground. (11) He finishes rotated well left of his THE MOST UNUSUAL SWING ON TOUR really grips into the ground getting his lower body opened up very target and on one leg, which to many would look like he is out of early, which helps him prepare to be very explosive. control but this signature move is so well practiced he can repeat Although Ho-Sung Choi’s swing is unique, it’s not completely (8) His chest hands and arms then really catch up mid it time and time again. It emulates similarities to many of the world unconventional – and his match ups are superb. downswing. The high speed of the arms is exactly what is needed competitors.

Worldwide GOLFGOLF 6058 Worldwide GOLF 5961 AHMAD SKAIK

ETTING TO PLAY In my first European Tour event in Abu Dhabi “Gis the best thing to ever happen to me,” says Ahmad Skaik, as he reflects on his breakthrough season. “I think I let the occasion get to me unfortunately, and I was sick in the week leading up to it, so it’s frustrating that I didn’t perform better (he finished 25 over par) but, hopefully, next time I’ll be better prepared and ready. I was so nervous on the first few holes that the club Ahmad Skaik’s looked closed when I was trying to grip it. It was a great experience, though, and I was so PATH TO BECOME UAE happy to be part of what is a fabulous event.” Skaik has since reacted to this frustrating performance by hiring Steven Thomas as a mental coach to help him calm his nerves when playing in prestigious tournaments and it seems to be paying dividends. Shortly after the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, he triumphed in the UAE to gain the accolade as the top Emirati golfer. “The last two years I choked on the final few holes and made a big number in the UAE Presidents Cup, but this year I birdied the 16th and 17th to get a two-shot lead on Khalid Yousef. This was enough to win by two shots after making a par on the last. “Khalid was one of my role models growing up, so it was great to beat him and win this event. It’s a good feeling (being UAE No.1) but I EING YOUR COUNTRY’S want to achieve more than that.”

BEST PLAYER IS A DREAM MIX IT WITH THE BEST FOR ANY SPORTSMAN, BUT Merely being the best in the country isn’t Skaik’s desire. He aims to mix it with the best BFOR AHMAD SKAIK IT’S SIMPLY ONE there is and wants to create a unique pathway for himself to climb to the top echelons of the OF MANY MILESTONES HE HOPES game. “I think the Arabs have a mentality where “I think the Arabs have a mentality where TO ACHIEVE IN A GLITTERING they believe the Europeans are much better they believe the Europeans are much better than us, but I want to prove that you can come CAREER. THE 22 YEAR OLD EMIRATI from Arabia and work your way to the top.” than us and we can’t do it, but I want to Skaik has proved his quality in recent HAS BEEN IN SCINTILLATING months when competing against the likes of prove that you can come from Arabia and FORM THIS SEASON WITH FOUR 16 year old hotshots Josh Hill and Toby Bishop work your way to the top.” to show just how far his game has come and – AHMAD SKAIK VICTORIES TO HIS NAME, AS WELL how much the level has improved in the Middle East. “Khalid told me they used to win with a AS MAKING HIS EUROPEAN TOUR 10-over par score in the EGF events but now DEBUT IN THE ABU DHABI HSBC if you shoot that kind of score you’re teeing off in third. “I feel comfortable shooting low scores first! That proves how far our game has come. these days, whereas before when I would get CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER WINNING A It’s crazy how much the scoring has improved. to 2-or 3-under and panic a bit, mess it up and PLAY-OFF AGAINST SAIF THABET IN “Two years ago I was shooting 2-under but fall back to level par,” admits Skaik. “Now I feel Josh Hill was shooting 5 or 6-under. In the past, confident enough to keep going and make more THE EMIRATI SECTION OF THE ABU my scores could have won a few events but birdies. now it keeps coming up short. Having said that, “This confidence has helped me win four DHABI AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP TO it makes it even sweeter to beat him at the events this season on the EGF Order of Merit QUALIFY. Trump Men’s Open– especially as that is Toby’s and this one was very satisfying against such a home club.” strong field.” The victory at the Trump International Golf The young UAE star is currently on an Club, Dubai was huge for Skaik’s confidence ‘International Studies’ course at the American as he shot 5-under over two days and then University in Dubai but, prior to the nationwide came out on top in a thrilling play-off against shutdown, could often be found training at Bishop, with Hill finishing a shot furtherback the Claude Harmon Performance Academy

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at the Els Club – which is also the same venue at which Bishop, Hill and Arjun Gupta train. “Coming here to the Claude Harmon Performance Academy is the best thing I’ve done,” he says. “Getting to use the facilities they have makes my practice far more beneficial. Myself, Josh Hill, Arjun Gupta and Toby Bishop all train there so you can learn UU from these talented guys and their great coaches. TheThe ltimateltimate “When I was growing up I was playing with beginners but you definitely grow much quicker as a golfer if you’re playing with better players. than yourself.” Skaik hired Joe Marshall to be his coach 18 months years ago at the CHPA and they’ve developed an outstanding partnership to help EntertainmentEntertainment the Emirati become a winning machine. “I didn’t have a coach for two years but looked on the website and Joe’s name was the first that popped up, so I met him and the rest is history,” he smiles. Ahmad Skaik poses with the Falcon Trophy ahead of this year’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the European Tour. “The results have shown that we work well together. Recently we changed my putting SummerSummerSummer ldcardldcardldcard technique after a poor putting performance in score at 6-under, although that didn’t look that remaining. In two years he will have finished Abu Dhabi and that’s working much better. impressive when Toby broke the course-record. his studies and will then have more free ADD MAY OR “We’ve won two tournaments using this new I started with four birdies so I thought I’d put on time to concentrate on his golf career with a technique and was runner-up at the Saadiyat the pressure with that but his score was crazy! professional ambition in his sights. OCTOBER FOR Men’s Open, so I think we’re on the right track.” “Toby and I exchanged messages on “ After University, I will start to compete on It was the ‘Welsh Golfer’ Bishop who stole Instagram about me beating him in a play-off the MENA Tour and build my way up,” he says. the headlines at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, but he got the upper hand that weekend!” “Obviously, I want to be the best so let’s see AED 1,850* shooting a course record-breaking 62 en-route Skaik, who has been named Vice Captain what happens.” If he carries on improving – to victory, but Skaik was putting pressure on for this year’s Dubai Golf Trophy, still has both mentally and physically – in this manner, him throughout, achieving a career-best score. business to do on the EGF Order of Merit sitting Skaik has the potential to be the first Emirati to “At Saadiyat I produced my tournament lowest in second place to Dan Byrne with two events make a truly global impact in the game.

COACH JOE MARSHALL ON AHMAD’S POTENTIAL “Ahmad’s not scared about in the last couple events of the Duration 1 Wildcard 2 Wildcards 4 Wildcards shooting in the red now. He’s season then we will set some kicked on and he’s seeing the new goals after that. Ahmad’s results recently. He’s proved got the skills and the ability to 1 Month AED 1,600 AED 2,900 AED 5,300 to himself that he can shoot try and push himself. Once his June - Sep scores like 5 or 6-under and University work settles down this has certainly helped his and he sets up a good plan, 2 Months confidence. He aims to catch he’s got the potential to drive AED 2,700 AED 5,000 AED 9,250 Dan Byrne on the Order of Merit forward in the sport.” June - Sep

4 Months BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR GOLF CAREER AED 3,700 AED 6,900 AED 12,700 June - Sep QUICKFIRE ROUND WITH AHMAD Winning the Trump Men’s Open in a play-off because of the strength of the field.

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Monica Palao holds her nerve to land the big one Monica Palao clinched this year’s Ladies Club Scratch League Captain Daneshvar nips in for Club Championship title Championship title after closing out a one-stroke win over Glory Xavier with some clutch shots down Kooros Daneshvar came from behind with a with a second round 70 and after Mezei failed to the stretch. Palao signed for a 14-over-par 158 superb second round 2-under-par over the birdie the last, a play-off was needed to crown the total after two rounds over the Faldo and Majlis Majlis and then defeated defending champion winner. Both players halved the 17th in par before courses while in third place with a 166 tally was Mike Mezei in a play-off to win the 2020 Club Daneshvar struck a superb wedge to eight feet Nonita Chand. In the Silver Division Maura Duggan Championship. After the opening round on the on the 18th and rolled in the birdie putt to take took the top spot with a net 138 total while a score Faldo, Mezei shared the lead with fellow past the title. Darren Cole took the spoils in Division ‘A’ of 150 saw Avani Shah take the spoils in the Bronze winner Sanjay Dhandsa and Rohit Gupta after after rounds of 70-75 for a one-shot win over Anil Division. In the Weekday Member category Haide they all scored 3-over-par, with Daneshvar well Shivanna, while in Division ‘B’ Tej Chhabra won by Wright topped the pile with a net 144 while the gross back after a 77. However, Daneshvar roared home one from Mike Craig with a 147 total. winner was Cathy Lajotte on 171. Great scoring at emotional 19-year- old Kohlman Nations Cup The 2020 edition of the Kohlman Nations Cup was an emotional one for participants as it was the fi rst to be staged since the passing of General Kohli, who started the event alongside his son, past Captain Moshe Kohli. A major fi xture on the calendar for 19 years, this year’s event was won by an Indian team of Ravi Khanna, Paul Joseph, Subhojit Biswas and Anthony Louis with 79 points. Taking second place was the English team of David Moody, Ross Barlow, Darren Cole and Ian Scott with 75 points, while an Glory Xavier goes low to win Indian team of Rajinder Razdan, Baljit Vohra, Arshad The Ladies congregated for their annual St Patrick’s Waheed and Veneet Mohan fi nished third. Day tournament and the competition was played Maya excels with limited resources with a twist – with every player who carded a double Lady Vice-Captain Naema Maya clinched the bogey (or worse) forced to remove the longest club in recent Three Clubs & A Putter challenge with a haul their bag. Going forward, players could then retrieve of 33 points over the Majlis course. With any lost clubs with a net par. Scoring was good – tough shot choices due to the limited club selection despite this particular rule – and coming out on top throughout the day, Maya coped admirably and with a haul of 38 Stableford points was Glory Xavier. won with a superb score. In the Silver Division Fari Vice Captain Naema Maya fi nished second, one Sayeed compiled 32 points to win while the same point further back, while in the Silver Division Rekha score was good enough for Chantelle De Villiers to Bandopadhyay scored 37 points to win and Avani top the pile in the Bronze Division. Shah clinched the Bronze Division with 36 points.

RAS AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB, OMAN ABU DHABI CITY GOLF CLUB AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB Ahmad Ejaaz wins the Muscat Open Lee cruises to Club Championship title The oldest amateur event in Oman opened a new Jae Woong Lee eased home to take the men’s 2020 chapter as Malaysian player Ahmad Ejaaz battled Club Championship with a 10-stroke win over Mike back from four strokes in the fi nal round to take the Dunn. Finishing third was Richard Cuddihy while spoils in the Muscat Open. Ejaaz’s second round score the ladies title went to Paula Svensson after she of 72 saw him tally the winning score of 146 while a clinched a fi ve-shot win over Young Nam Chang. 145 was good enough for Brett Merrell to win the net The men’s net crown went to Peter Loughran title in what was the 47th staging of the event. ahead of Dave Hoggins and Gavin Campbell, while the ladies net title was won by Ingrid Kenney, ahead of Young Nam Chang and Mi Young Kim. Rezko shines in Europcar Junior event The third round of the Europcar Junior Series took place last month as over 50 youngsters took to Rates are subject to change and include 3.5% municipality fees and 5% VAT where applicable. the course to compete across 2-hole, 3-hole and Terms & Conditions Apply. 6-hole competitions. There were some excellent performances on display and leading the way was JAgolf.com JAgolfdxb JAgolfdxb one of the club’s shining stars, Paul Rezko, who shot 1-under to win by three shots ahead of Efe Sargin. Worldwide GOLF 62 Worldwide GOLF 6567 ARABIAN GOLF

DUBAI CREEK GOLF AND YACHT CLUB

Historic Club Championships weekend at Dubai Creek For the fi rst time in its history, the Club Championships at Dubai Creek Wen Jie Li. In the Ladies tournament, rounds of 82-79 helped Glory Xavier saw all three divisions competing together across the same weekend for (above centre) to a massive 20-stroke win over Carlotta Riccio while the net their respective trophies, creating an exciting atmosphere throughout the title went to Joy Lirio, 14 clear of Shiba Wahid. The Men’s title was won by membership. This year’s Junior Championship saw Aarnav Nath (above Bayhaan Lakdawala (above left) after he fi red a second round 67 to move right) seal a memorable 7-shot win over Raghav Gulati thanks to rounds of through the pack and win by fi ve ahead of Michael McGinley with Ashok 73-75 while the best girls’ title went to Hannah Alan and the best boys’ to Sindhu in third.

Gupta on re for Ladies Open Jo goes low for Medal title A strong fi eld entered this year’s Ping Ladies The fi rst instalment of the Ladies Monthly Medal Amateur Open and fi ring a superb gross 3-under- under its new partnership with Park Hyatt Dubai par 68 to take the title was Natali Gupta. Four saw Seong Ah Jo rise to the occasion and seal the birdies and one solitary bogey saw Gupta win by title with a superb 6-under-par 65. three ahead of Hannah Alan, who shot a level-par In Division ‘A’ a 68 saw Kristi Sealey emerge 71, while Hyeonji Kang fi nished third on 72. In the victorious while a level-par 71 saw Liz Batson win net division Retna Schepens shot a steady 1-under- Division ‘B’. par 70 to win by one shot ahead of Janet Kim with Glory Xavier fi nishing third. Marvellous Mansour wins the Medal With 94 players packing out the course for last month’s OMA Emirates Monthly Medal it was Mansour Khodjasteh who emerged victorious with an excellent 2-under-par 69. The overall gross prize went to Max Burrow while in the men’s Division ‘A’ Jerome Natali beat Allan Stanton in a back nine countback after both players signed for a 72. In Division ‘B’ a countback was needed to separate George Chidiac and Farad Lakdawala after they both scored 73 and after their back-nines were compared it was Chidiac who was celebrating a narrow win.

JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES Bilbo Perrot pounces for Club Championship glory Bilbo Perrot came from two strokes back to win this went to Alan Dobbins ahead of Samvit Chopra. The year’s Club Championship with a second round 76 Ladies title went to Sheila McIlroy as she fi nished for a winning total of 148 ahead of runner-up Sam three strokes clear of Mitsuko Emmerson while Moxon. Perrot found himself behind after opening Anne Browne was the net champion ahead of Nikki with a 72 over the Fire course but came roaring back Moss. In the Seniors section Chris Wilmott sealed on day two on the Earth course to take the title. Dan the deal after opening up a lead after day one (70) Dickinson fi nished in third place while the net prize and hanging on in the fi nal round.

Viggo seals the Junior Open with daylight fading fast Viggo Sorensen defeated Natali Gupta in a mammoth play-off to take this year’s Junior Open after both players returned a 5-under-par 67 on the Fire Course. It took four return trips down the opening hole before a winner was crowned with Viggo eventually prevailing by holing a birdie putt with the daylight all but gone. The boys gross prize was won by Bonnen Clark, ahead of Josh Bibby, with the best net prize going to Jay Chinchankar ahead of Emanuel Gallepini. Gupta received the girls’ gross award after missing out on the overall title with Sakura Kawakami in second place after a 70. The girls’ net winner was Kate Bibby. Worldwide GOLF 6866 ARABIAN GOLF

SHARJAH GOLF AND SHOOTING CLUB Defending champions knocked out in the Quarter Finals Ryan and Berry clinch the BMW Series Open Social Last year’s reigning Golf Society League Champions, the Filipino Golfers in the Middle A mixed format was the order of the day for the East (FIGME) were knocked out of this year’s recent BMW Series Open Social and coming championship by newcomers GEMS International out on top with a score of 65 was the pairing of School Staff Golf Society in a superb quarter- Greg Ryan (below) and Richard Berry. The two- final match. The Angry Birdies glided into the man better ball was played over the opening semi-finals with a comfortable win against The nine holes and the back nine saw a new ‘salsa’ International Golf Society while the White Rose format, played where on the even hole numbers Society needed a sudden-death play-off to make it the teams had to combine their net scores through after coming up against a tough opponent and mark it down. The winning pair opened in in the form of the Happy Hookers. The final match 4-under 32 on the front nine and came alive of the day saw the in-form GTI Society make it on the back nine on the more difficult scoring through against KEGS 1 via another play-off. format as they combined brilliantly for a total Pictured are Gavin Taylor and James Mobbs from score of 80 – and a three-shot win. the GEMS International School Staff society.

THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE, DUBAI Great scoring at Centro Sharjah Hotel by Rotana Event Past Captain Mukti Rai put his course knowledge to good use by coming out on top in Division ‘A’ with a score of 19 points at the recent Centro Sharjah Hotel by Rotana event. Christofer Bagge took second place on 16 points while in Division ‘B’ Maruf Ali Khan took the spoils with an astonishing haul of 23 points, two clear of Rajesh Chitti.

Inam returns to winning ways after long wait

Aamir Inam showed Sean Millensted goes low to win no sign of rust as he compiled an excellent Sean Millensted carded a superb gross 75 for a performance – without haul of 40 Stableford points to win by four ahead much recent action to his name – to win the of the rest of Division ‘A’ in the recent Individual recent Coral Beach Sharjah event with a score Stableford competition. In Division ‘B’ Sami of 19 points. Inam topped Division ‘A’ by one shot Nasser clinched the top spot with a 34-point haul ahead of Samual McLaren, while in Division ‘B’ while Grace Yoon was crowned the ladies winner Rajesh Chitti scored 22 points to win by one on 37 points, fi ve clear of Young Cho. ahead of Maruf Ali Khan.

JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES AL AIN EQUESTRIAN SHOOTING & GOLF CLUB Nic Poisat and Kawakami crowned Club Champions Nic Poisat and Sakura Kawakami cruised to countback while in the net category Konstantine victories in their respective gross Men’s and Ladies Varga posted a 123 total to win ahead of Ian Mines sections to clinch this year’s Club Championship with Anton Van Schalkwyk in third. The Ladies title. Poisat carded rounds of 70 and 67 for a champion, Kawakami, signed for a superb total of 3-under-par total and a comfortable 15-stroke 149, well clear of Martine Garbutt on 188 with Tara win ahead of Wayne O’Mahony. A birdie at the King in third with a 195. The net winner was Hye fi nal hole proved crucial for O’Mahony as he took Sook Jee with a 133, ten clear of Ann Kritzinger second place outright ahead of Mick Garbutt on a with Charmaine Bakker in third.

Darwish delivers the goods Mohamed Darwish won last month’s OMA Emirates Medal after firing a superb net 62 over the Earth course. In Division ‘A’ Henrik Holtoft topped the pile after coming out victorious in a card countback with Matias Rejman with both players signing for a net 70. The honours in Division ‘B’ went to Brandon Grieve, one clear of Seamus Clune with a 70, with Eugene O’Doherty in third. Mitsuko Emmerson fired a 76 to win the Ladies Division by one from Michelle Walsh-Hall while Mark Dutton won the Super Seniors title with a 66, five shots clear of Sam Moxon. Worldwide GOLF 66 Worldwide GOLF 6971 WORLDWIDE GOLF VENUES , GOLF SON MUNTANER MALLORCA, SPAIN DIAMOND COUNTRY CLUB VIENNA, AUSTRIA PGA CATALUNYA RESORT BARCELONA, SPAIN JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES DUBAI, LIGHTHOUSE GOLF & SPA RESORT CAPE KALIAKRA, BULGARIA SAUJANA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA TRAVEL LONDON, TERRE BLANCHE HOTEL SPA GOLF RESORT***** PROVENCE, FRANCE GOLF CLUB ST. LEON-ROT HEIDELBERG, THE DUTCH AMSTERDAM, THE BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB & RESORT HUA HIN, ALBATROSS GOLF RESORT PRAGUE, BOM SUCESSO OBIDOS, CONSTANCE BELLE MARE PLAGE POSTE DE FLACQ, MARCO SIMONE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB ROME, ITALY VERDURA RESORT SICILY, ITALY FINCA CORTESIN HOTEL GOLF & SPA MARBELLA, SPAIN VILLAVERDE HOTEL & RESORT VENICE, ITALY QUINTA DO LAGO , PORTUGAL LINNA GOLF HÄMEENLINNA, FINLAND TBILISI HILLS GOLF RESORT TBILISI, ESTONIAN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB TALLINN, ESTONIA PIRIN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB SOFIA, BULGARIA CONSTANCE LEMURIA PRASLIN, SEYCHELLES DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB DUBAI, UAE EMIRATES GOLF CLUB DUBAI, UAE Taking full advantage of its natural environment set amidst the GENZON GOLF CLUB beautiful pine and birch forests of Finland, Linna Golf off ers a SHENZHEN, CHINA secluded and pristine golfi ng experience. UNDER DEVELOPMENT: ROSSINGTON HALL YORKSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM SPARBEN GOLF RESORT BORDEAUX, FRANCE

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ocated just 100km from Helsinki airport, was victorious that time and Linna Golf has a features a number of hazards including lakes LLinna Golf features a spectacular 18-hole proud history of producing winners of a high and rocky outcrops. The natural rise and fall Championship with a stunning pedigree. of the terrain offers a dynamic challenge clubhouse, superb practice facilities and The venue hosted the European Challenge to any level of golfer and the two signature a great selection of other outdoor pursuits Tour’s SK Golf Challenge in 2009 and the holes are the 9th and 15th. The 9th is in view which can be enjoyed throughout long following year was the venue for the European of the clubhouse and its green is guarded playing days in the warm Scandinavian Amateur Championship. Now a European by water to the front and left. The par-5 summers. Tour regular, Denmark’s 15th was designed by Dave Sampson, who Built across 100 acres on the grounds of emerged triumphant at the Amateur won a reader’s design competition in Golf the Vanajanlinna Manor, the course, designed Championship with a score of 15 under World Magazine in 2003 and was then later by European Golf Design in association with par, one stroke ahead of Tommy Fleetwood employed by EGD as a course architect. Tim Lobb, plays as a par 72 and when the and . Thomas Pieters, one of Linna Golf is consistently ranked as one of European Tour Destinations Senior Classic Europe’s star performers at The 2016 Ryder the top golf courses in Finland and last year was played in 2016, the course measured Cup, finished in a share of ninth place. was recognised as one of the top 100 courses 6,750 yards as the cream of the Staysure Tour The course meanders through the natural in by a leading European battled for supremacy. Spain’s landscape of pine and birch woods and publication. ■

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Worldwide GOLFGOLF 6975 Website www.egfgolf.com [email protected] Social Media Celebrity

We ask the European Tour’s top golfers how their dream dinner party would unfold. Players must choose three celebrities to accompany them, one band or artist to provide the music, what DANNY WILLETT would be on the menu and tell us their favourite party trick! Next in the hotseat is seven-times European Tour winner and 2016 champion, Danny Willett.

MICHAEL JORDAN A legend in basketball and I’m sure he’s got some fantastic stories to tell. Music LEWIS CAPALDI He’s already there so he would be free! He can sing us some beautiful songs. CHRIS HUGHES I played in the Pro-Am with him at the BMW PGA Championship and he was a very funny lad. I’m sure he would be good fun round the dinner table.

It would have to be the one I served at the MENU Masters dinner. LEWIS - Starter - CAPALDI COTTAGE PIES I quite like how he’s come across in the media over - Main - the last few years. YORKSHIRE STYLE SUNDAY ROAST WITH PLENTY OF GRAVY AFTER SIX BOTTLES OF RED WINE PARTY I’D ATTEMPT TO PLAY THE OASIS HIT - Dessert - TRICK ‘WONDERWALL’ ON THE GUITAR! APPLE CRUMBLE

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