- Cool Oosthuizen eases to Open Championship glory 19/07/2010
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UNHERALDED South African Louis Oosthuizen produced a performance that rivalled the supremacy of Tiger Woods at St Andrews ten years ago to secure a maiden Major title at the home of golf and cap a sensational year of sport for South Africa.
Oosthuizen was the very definition of calm as the gusts coming in off the North Sea blew away his competitors and he was left to stroll to a seven-stroke victory ahead of Lee Westwood.
“It’s unbelievable,” he beamed after following in the footsteps of Bobby Locke at St Andrews and Gary Player and Ernie Els as winners of The Open. “It was a battle for me to keep calm round this course. That was the biggest goal for me, to keep calm. It’s probably going to hit me tomorrow or the week after what I did.”
The 27-year-old began the final day with a four-stroke lead over Paul Casey and after an inspirational chat with Player prior to teeing off he carded a stress-free 1-under-par 71 to finish on 16-under-par for the tournament.
“We had a chat in my home language Afrikaans,” said Oosthuizen. “He said to stay calm, have a lot of fun and that the crowd was going to be on Paul’s side.
“Then he told me the story when he played against Arnold Palmer when he won his first Masters. He said they wanted to throw stuff at him, but he was so focused on beating him in Augusta. It meant a lot him phoning me up. He’s just a great guy.”
Oosthuizen opened with seven straight pars but when he bogeyed hole 8 his lead was down to three strokes from Casey and the crowd showed their support for the Englishman as they sensed a change in fortune. However, the 5’ 10” powerhouse from Mossel Bay moved quickly to exert his dominance, sinking a raking eagle putt on the following hole after driving the green. Casey made a birdie but with the gap back to four strokes Oosthuizen could breath a little easier.
He made it to 17-under on hole 12 while Casey wound up with a triple bogey after hitting some gorse bushes and from there the result was a formality. Westwood couldn’t apply any real pressure on the outward half, making his first birdie on the ninth. A bogey on the 12th pegged him back to level par for the day but back-to-back birdies on 13 and 14 gave him second place. He bogeyed the 17th Road Hole but birdied the last to hang on to second on 9-under-par and secure his fourth top-three finish in the last five Majors. Casey wound up with a 3-over 75 and a share of third place alongside Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson on 8-under.
Oosthuizen did drop a shot on the 17th but a simple par at the last was all that was required for him to take golf’s biggest prize on what was Nelson Mandela’s 92nd birthday.
“It’s amazing. I woke up this morning and I didn’t know it was his birthday, but I saw it on the news,” said Oosthuizen. “It felt a bit special out there. When I walked down the 18th I was thinking about his birthday and then my manager also gave me a list of things for my speech and it was also in there. What he’s done for our country is unbelievable.”
Another of his fellow countryman on his thank-you list was 2002 Open Champion Ernie Els. Oosthuizen revealed that the experienced he gained in his three years in the Ernie Els Foundation set him up perfectly for a career in professional golf. Before turning pro Oosthuizen admitted that Els had funded and supported his progress and said that he wouldn’t be where he is today without his help as his father didn’t earn enough to financially back the youngster to go all the way.
“At that stage things weren’t going that great on the farm, and we just heard of this foundation which had just started,” he explained. “It was an unbelievable three years with what Ernie did for me, travelling around the country, helping with expenses, giving clinics, things like that. He’s such a good mentor, probably without him I wouldn’t be here. It’s just nice knowing him; he’s just a great, great guy to be around.”
The Big Easy himself is proud of his young protégée after he became the first Major winner to progress through his foundation.
“This is absolutely unbelievable,” said Els, who won at Muirfield eight years ago.
“It would be difficult to find anybody in the world who is more proud of him right now.
“He comes from a little town on the outskirts of George in South Africa and needed help so we took him into the foundation and educated him and sent him to various tournaments around the country and also the world.
“I could not be happier. He is our first Major champion and has made us all very proud. His life will change but he won’t. He is simply a wonderful kid. You cannot find a better one. I thought long before anybody had heard of him that he was going to be an exceptional player.”
Words quickly came in from Player too, who never doubted the youngster’s temperament in what was the biggest moment of his career to date.
“He’s very, very good, has a magnificent golf swing and has got a lot of experience," said the 74-year-old three-time Open Champion. “He has won golf tournaments and is very, very strong physically but he doesn’t look like it when you see him walking along the fairways with waterproofs on.
“He wants to buy a farm, it’s a great incentive and I understand because that’s how I wanted to win to buy my farm and that’s my great joy in life.”
Prior to his historic win Oosthuizen had won five times on the South African Sunshine Tour and finally made his European Tour breakthrough earlier this year at the Open de Andalucia de Golf in Spain. Now he’s setting his sights on more Major glory after getting the taste for it around the most famous track in the world.
“I want a few more of them,” he smiled. “It would be great - after winning one you want to get to the second one and after the second one you probably want to get to the third. I’m going to work harder and get as many as I can. To win an Open Championship is special, but to win it here at St. Andrews is just something you dream about.”
- Egyptian Open joins European Challenge Tour for 2010 15/06/2010
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Egypt will find itself as a venue on the European Challenge Tour for the first time this year when the 2010 Egyptian Open – one of the world’s oldest Open golf events – is staged at Cairo’s Mirage City Golf Course from Wednesday, October 20 to Saturday, October 23.
With $250,000 in prize-money at stake and in prime position as the last European Challenge Tour event before the Apulla San Domenico Grand Final in Italy the following week, the Egyptian Open is expected to attract a powerful field, while negotiations are currently underway with one of the world’s best players to appear as a guest invite.
“Following the success of the event in 2009 and the support we received from the Challenge Tour, we are proud that the Egyptian Open has achieved full European Challenge Tour status and is now part of the official Order of Merit,” said Egyptian Golf Federation Chairman Ayman Hussein.
“As well as around 80 players from the European Challenge Tour, around a third of the field will be made up of local and regional invites and qualifiers. This is important to us at the Egyptian Golf Federation as the event has a tradition for being a showcase of the best in Egyptian golf as well as the region.”
Home-based players looking to rub shoulders with the likes of last year’s champion Steven Tiley and the cream of the European Challenge Tour will have the opportunity of securing their places in a number of events staged between now and the tournament itself.
As well as the Closed Championship of Egypt, the Egyptian Amateur Open and the Red Sea Amateur Open, players can qualify from their standings in the Egyptian PGA rankings with amateurs having to be of three handicap or less to be eligible.
Hussein added: “It is especially exciting for us is to have allocated the top five spots in the 54-hole Egyptian Amateur Open to be held September 30th to October 2nd at Katameya Heights Golf and Tennis Resort to qualify to play in the 2010 Egyptian Open.
“We are encouraging all amateurs in the region, whether Arab Nationals or expats, to enter this Egyptian Amateur Open which, we believe, will add significant kudos and credibility to the Egyptian golf calendar. We are also in the process of inviting representatives from the Golf Associations of the Arab Golf Federation to the 2010 Egyptian Amateur Open.”
Now in its 24th year, the European Challenge Tour has developed into a proven training ground where the stars of the future can hone their skills over 72-hole competition and under differing conditions in a substantial number of countries within Europe and beyond.
Widely regarded as a valuable stepping-stone onto The European Tour, the Challenge Tour has achieved incredible growth. It caters for aspiring, ambitious young hopefuls who aim to follow in the footsteps of Challenge Tour graduates such as Thomas Bjorn, Michael Campbell, Niclas Fasth, Trevor Immelman, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and Oliver Wilson. In 2009, the European Challenge Tour carried a total prize fund of more than €4 million during a season of 24 tournaments in eighteen countries.
A true test of character, the Tour offers only the top twenty ‘promotion’ each year to The European Tour but scores have gone on to become tournament winners on The European Tour with many earning Ryder Cup honours.
“We were impressed with the way the event was staged last year and received very positive feedback from all of the players who took part,” said Nick Tarratt, Director The European Tour International, Dubai Office. “The fact that Egypt will be the last chance of qualification for the 45 places available at the end-of-season Grand Final in Italy means Cairo will command a strong field.”
Pictured: 2009 champion Steven Tiley will be back to defend his title when the 2010 Egyptian Open makes its full debut as part of the European Challenge Tour in October
- Magnificent McIlroy cruises to Quail Hollow victory 04/05/2010
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RORY McIlroy shot an incredible 10-under-par 62 to win his first PGA Tour title at the Quail Hollow Championship by four strokes from Masters champion Phil Mickelson.
The 20-year-old made an eagle and eight birdies in his final round as he broke the course record in North Carolina to become the youngest winner on the American circuit since Tiger Woods in 1996.
“I’m delighted - I don’t think I’ve ever played a better round in my life,” beamed McIlroy after his 15-under-par total. “I’m just so excited. I got off to a pretty slow start this week and had to fight to make the cut and the weekend was just very, very special.”
McIlroy made the weekend’s play on the cut-line at 1-over-par and then fired rounds of 6-under and 10-under to take home the title. “I suppose I just got in the zone. I didn’t realise I was going eight, nine, 10-under-par. I just knew I’d got my nose in front, I was just trying to stay there.
“Ever since I was 10 or 11, I wanted to be a professional golfer and you know it's been a crazy ride to this point. I’m going to have a bit of a party - if I was back home and had a win like this I’d be having a good one tonight.”
He began the day four strokes behind Bill Mayfair and started his charge with three birdies in succession from hole 7. He then moved clear of the field with a run of birdie-eagle-birdie from the 14th and wrapped up the victory in stunning fashion with a 43-foot birdie putt on the final green. Mayfair carded a 4-over 76 to drop out of contention while Angel Cabrera carded a 4-under 68 to claim third place behind Mickelson. Zimbabwean Brendon de Jonge shot a 66 to move up 13 places and into fourth place on 9-under-par.
- YAS LINKS HOSTS MAIDEN TOURNAMENT 28/04/2010
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AFTER four weeks of operations Yas Links Abu Dhabi, the latest gem by Aldar Properties, will host its inaugural Men's Open on Saturday May 1, 2010.
Currently only the front nine of the Kyle Phillips designed layout is open for play so the Yas Links Open will be played over two loops of those nine holes playing from two different teeing grounds.
Prizes will be awarded to the winners in both gross and net divisions. The tournament has been oversubscribed with over 100 entries so a handicap ballot was taken to get the field down to the desired 60 and one thing for certain is that the region's first true links course will be a unique challenge for all participating.
Nick Oakley, Director of Golf at Yas Links said: "We are very excited to host the Yas Links Open, the course is in great condition considering its maturity and we are sure the guys will enjoy it. This is a very special course and when we launch the full 18 in June there is no doubt this will be regarded as one of the best in the region."
Yas Links needed to host the tournament over the nine holes in order to qualify for the Order of Merit events in 2011. Nick went on to say: "Obviously we would have loved to host the event over the full 18 holes but due to deadlines within the EGF calendar we had to host it this way. The back nine holes are developing very quickly and will be ready by June 1st".
The Yas Links Ladies open will take place on the 11th May while golfers can experience the full 18 holes by signing up for the WWG Desert Island Double taking place June 10-11, 2010. See the May issue of Worldwide Golf, out now, for details or read all about it here on www.wwgolf.biz.
- Honest Davis hands Furyk Heritage title 19/04/2010
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ENGLAND’S Brian Davis called a two-shot penalty on himself during the first hole of a sudden death play-off which effectively handed Jim Furyk his second PGA Tour victory in the space of a month at the Verizon Heritage.
Furyk, who missed the cut at the Masters last week, was drawn into a play-off when Davis birdied the final hole with a superb raking putt. However, after Davis knocked his approach shot to the 18th on to the beach he splashed out but notice he knocked a piece of reed during his backswing. To his credit he called over rules official Slugger White who confirmed the penalty before Furyk stepped up to two-putt for par and take the title.
“To have the tournament come down that way is definitely not the way I want to win,” said Furyk, who shot a final round 2-under-par 69. “It’s obviously a tough loss for him, and I respect and admire what he did. To be there and be in the battle and have an opportunity to win, and then have to call a penalty on yourself has got to be extremely disappointing but it’s a testament to our game and the people that play on the Tour, and that we have so many guys that do that.”
Davis, who began the day one shot behind Furyk and shot a 3-under 68 to match his total on 13-under-par, was disappointed he couldn’t close out the victory after dropping shots on holes 15 and 16 and then missing a birdie putt on 17.
“I’ve got to learn from that and make a couple of putts on the back nine, that’s what makes a champion,” said Davis, who now has four second-placed finishes in his last four years on the PGA Tour. “It then came down to 18th and I hit an unbelievable second shot and obviously I made the putt. It was great getting into the play-off, but it was a disappointment not to win.”
- ENTRY TO WORLDWIDE GOLF MIDWEEK OPEN AT TOWER LINKS STILL OPEN 19/04/2010
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ENTRIES are still being received for the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open at Tower Links Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah on Thursday May 6th.
The WWG Midweek Open in as Individual Stableford event for male and female golfers with an official handicap. Entrance fee for the event includes access to the practise facility prior to play and the locker rooms plus a light buffet presentation dinner at the close of play.
To enter simply fill out the entry form on page 4 of April’s issue of Worldwide Golf and fax it to Tower Links on 07 228 444.
If you do not wish to use your credit card, payment can be made directly to Tower Links Golf Club. Payment is required in advance to book your place in the competition. Advance fees paid by players who fail to turn up will not be refunded unless cancellation notification is received within 48 hours of the competition.
Entry fee AED260 includes Green Fees, shared golf cart, event shirt, range balls, tournament prizes and buffet.
Only players who are registered with the Emirates Golf Federation are eligible to play in the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open. Those not registered with the EGF please contact the EGF on 04 368 4988 or visit the website on www.emiratesgolffederation.com to apply.
- UAE Juniors given boost with joint sponsorship of Amateur Open 26/03/2010
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JUNIOR GOLF in the UAE has received a huge boost with wasl (Dubai Real Estate Corporation and owners of Dubai Golf) joining the Saeed and Mohammed Al Naboodah Group in the sponsorship of the 2010 Junior Amateur Open at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club on April 2.
wasl has matched Al Naboodah’s sponsorship to help create an even bigger and better Championship with 30 juniors competing, ranging from 11-18 years old. There will be three divisions on the day: DIV A - handicaps 0-14 playing off the blue tees; DIV B - 15-28 off the white tees and the Girls Division off the red tees. The overall tournament is a gross format with the Division prizes decided by net scores.
The Championship was launched in 2001 and among the winners are Dubai Nationals Nabil Sharif, who won the inaugural event and the 2007 Champion, Khalid Yousuf.
Abdullah Al Naboodah, who has inspired and sponsored the Junior Open since 2008, commented: “This is an enormous benefit to junior golf in the UAE. The involvement of wasl as a joint sponsor of the Championship will help us take it to a higher level. It was a big step to take in introducing the Junior Open and it has proved to be a great success. We are already witnessing the effect of the event with Joel Neale’s triumph last year and Matthew Turner’s victory in 2006 – helping both players to embark on a professional career in golf. With the support of wasl we can look forward to a great future for the Championship and to further promoting junior golf in the region.”
A delighted Hesham Abdullah Al Qassim, wasl Chief Executive Officer, added: "wasl is proud to sponsor the 2010 Junior Amateur Open alongside the Al Naboodah Group. Over the last two years with Al Naboodah's support it has become the premier Junior Amateur Open event in the UAE and with wasl's added support this year it will no doubt be the best.
“We have been able to significantly reduce the entry fee to add more value to the event and ensure all the juniors with a valid handicap can afford to take part. Junior Golf Development is very important for the future of golf in the UAE and at our two wasl-managed courses, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and Emirates, we have hundreds of youngsters learning the game under the helpful guidance of our PGA Professionals.
“I am sure it will be a thrilling event as proved over recent years and I look forward to seeing who will be crowned champion for 2010."
Matthew Turner and Joel Neale, winners in 2006 and 2009 respectively, are ineligible to compete this year as they are over the entry age of 18 but among the wealth of talented youngsters competing for the most prestigious prize in junior golf in the UAE are the talented Faisal and Sohail Al Marzuki and Hassan Al Musharrekh.
Pictured: Abdullah Al Naboodah and Hesham Abdullah Al Qassim, CEO wasl, with golfers Sohail Al Marzuki, Faisal Al Marzuki and Hassan Al Musharrekh.
- Old Pals Act at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah 29/01/2010
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It was an ‘old pals act’ of the highest order that became the centrepiece of The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at the Creek Golf & Yacht Club as Lee Westwood, The 2009 Race to Dubai and Dubai World Championship winner, shared the Individual professional prize with his best friend and ISM stablemate Darren Clarke.
European Tour Player of the Year Westwood was back to his brilliant best and Clarke showed signs of returning to the form that won him two World Golf Championships as the Englishman and Irishman both shot course record-breaking rounds of 8-under 63.
Westwood also partnered his good friend, event host Abdullah Al Naboodah, to take first place in the Professional-Amateur team event with a 9-under 62.
Clarke partnered George Horan, Deputy Managing Director of Premier Partners to The Invitational, Dubai Duty Free, to take third place with a 63, losing out on a one-shot countback for second place to professional Richard Green and amateur James Collins, who qualified through a Golden Ticket at the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open earlier this month.
Sam Walker won longest Drive for the professionals, while Farbod Dowlatshahi of Premier Partners Delwood had the Longest Drive for the amateurs (0-14) with Stewart McIntyre taking the 15+ prize. Westwood joked at the excellent prize-giving ceremony at the Park Hyatt Hotel that: “the secret to winning the team event was choosing the right partner – and Abdullah chose me.”
Joint winner Clarke thanked all the pros for supporting Abdullah and the event and commented that the field equalled the best Tour Pro-Ams. Abdullah Al Naboodah thanked the professionals for turning out in force and making The Invitational a day to remember and also thanked the Premier Partners, Partners and Official Suppliers for making it possible to stage the event.A live auction raised a magnificent Dh750,000 for the two benefiting charities, Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs and the Dubai Autism Centre.
At the prize giving ceremony Clarke said he had never played in an invitational event where the fun factor affected everyone from the sponsors to the players to the spectators. Throughout the day the banter and laughter between the players and supporting spectators made this a day to remember.
One young lady who won’t forget the occasion was ten year-old Amelia McKee, who qualified as the leading female player and junior at the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open earlier this month. Amelia was a sensation as she kept pace with her playing partners Jean-Francois Luquin, James Collins and Richard Green. Her team partner, Frenchman Jean-Francois, commented: “She’s an amazing girl and a phenomenal talent.”
The 50 European Tour Professional players, who numbered seven of the top ten in the 2009 Race to Dubai ratings and 22 of the top 50 agreed this was the most enjoyable invitational they had ever played and the joint winners, Westwood and Clarke both said they couldn’t wait for next year’s Invitational.
- PAUL CASEY ADDS MORE STAR POWER TO THE INVITATIONAL LINE UP 14/01/2010
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RYDER Cup star Paul Casey has confirmed his participation at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah and adds his name to the already world-class line-up at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on Monday, January 25th.
Casey won three times in the space of five months last year to reach a career-high third place on the Official World Golf Ranking before a rib injury derailed his season.
Casey won the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in January on The European Tour before winning his first US PGA Tour event at the Shell Houston Open in April. He then won the flagship tournament of The European Tour, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May before his injury – sustained at The Open Championship - forced him out of action until October.
The Englishman is now back to full fitness and finished in a tie for 10th place at the SBS Championship on the US PGA Tour earlier this month.
Casey joins the likes of Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Ross Fisher in the field to become the seventh player in the top ten of The European Tour’s final 2009 Race to Dubai ranking and the fifth player inside the top 20 on the Official World Golf Ranking to compete in the most prestigious Pro-Am in the region.
Garcia, currently ranked 13th in the World and 10th in the final 2009 Race to Dubai ranking, will be flying into Abu Dhabi for the first leg of The Tour’s Middle East Swing, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, in style in his Hawker 4000 aircraft. The prestigious aircraft manufacturer, Hawker Beechcraft, has now become a Premier Partner of The Invitational, along with Dubai Duty Free, Delwood and Atom.
The Spaniard joins a host of leading European Tour players in The Invitational, including Europe’s 2009 Golfer of the Year, Westwood. World No.4 Westwood returns to Dubai on the back of one of the most consistent seasons of his career. He capped a stunning victory in the Dubai World Championship in November, by adding The Race to Dubai title with two wins and 11 additional top-ten finishes to collect €2,750,000 and take his season’s earnings to a record €4,237,762.
In total, 50 Professionals and 50 amateurs will combine in a betterball stroke play competition in teams of two – one Pro and one amateur – with the Pros playing for a charity prize fund of AED500,000.
Al Naboodah Director of Golf and The Invitational Tournament Director, James Bowring, commented: “It’s great that Paul Casey has joined the party and that we’ve got so many leading players competing who are right on the top of their game. The sponsors and the spectators are going to be treated to a wonderful day of world-class golf played in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s going to be a special day for them to be able to play a part in enjoying this unique tournament.”
For more information on The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25, please visit:
www.theinvitational.com
- Dubai Duty Free named Premier Partner to The Invitational 04/01/2010
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Dubai Duty Free has added their support to The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah by becoming a Premier Partner to the charity event to be held at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club on Monday January 25th.
Dubai Duty Free joins The National, Delwood and Atom as Premier Partners for the prestigious tournament widely regarded as the biggest and most popular Pro-Am in the Middle East.
Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, commented: “Dubai Duty Free is a long-time supporter of golf in Dubai and we are delighted to extend our support to The Invitational 2010, hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah. This event has grown over the past couple of years and has caught the attention of the top professionals as well as the media, which is good for Dubai and its reputation as a golfing destination. We are looking forward to participating in the tournament.”
Abdullah Al Naboodah added: “Dubai Duty Free have supported charity and golf events for many years and I am both pleased and honoured that they have become a Premier Partner for The Invitational.”
With Colm McLoughlin having been a long time member of the Creek and a former Club Captain, the connection with the golf club was further strengthened with Thomas Björn, who redesigned the course, confirming that he will be joining the star-studded cast of European Tour players which includes Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy.
Spectators are welcome to see the Professionals up close and personal in one of the friendliest and most competitive invitationals in World golf, where the galleries are made to feel an integral part of the proceedings.
For free tickets visit www.theinvitational.com
Pictured with Colm McLouglin is Rory Mcilroy, winner of the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic, and Salah Tahlak, Director-Corporate Communications, Dubai Duty Free.
- Thomas Bjorn joins the all-star cast at The Invitational 30/12/2009
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NINE-time European Tour winner Thomas Bjorn has joined the already world-class line-up of professionals at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25th.
Bjorn, the former Chairman of The European Tour Player’s Committee and first ever Dane to play in The Ryder Cup, redesigned the Dubai Creek course in 2004 and joins the likes of Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood in the field of the most prestigious Invitational Pro-Am in the region.
Garcia, currently ranked 11th in the World, finished 10th in The Race to Dubai and joins a host of leading European Tour players in The Invitational, including Europe’s Golfer of the Year, Westwood. The World No.4 returns to Dubai on the back of one of the most consistent seasons of his career. He capped a stunning victory in the Dubai World Championship in November, by adding The Race to Dubai title with two wins and 11 additional top-ten finishes to collect €2,750,000 and take his season’s earnings to a record €4,237,762.
He was rightfully voted The European Tour’s Golfer of The Year for the third time in his career, having ended Colin Montgomerie’s seven-year reign at head of European Golf by winning the Order of Merit in 2000 after finishing runner-up in 1999 and third in 1997 and 1998.
Westwood and Garcia are joined in the field by fellow Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell who recently shot back into the World top 50 with a superb second place finish at the Chevron World Challenge in California. Ross Fisher, currently ranked 20th in the world and who finished fourth in The Race to Dubai is another leading player to confirm his place in The Invitational on January 25.
Volvo World Match Play Champion, Fisher, who is sponsored by the Al Naboodah Group, put in a near-tournament winning performance at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa, finishing in a share of third place.
Another player bringing his best form to The Invitational is host Abdullah Al Naboodah himself. Abdullah teamed up with UK radio presenter DJ Spoony, Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken to win the fourball alliance competition at the Gary Player Invitational at The Links at Fancourt, South Africa, in November.
Other players confirmed to play at the Creek on January 25 include Rory McIlroy, Jeev Milkha Singh, Darren Clarke, Simon Dyson, Johan Edfors, Charl Schwartzel and Richard Green. In total, 48 Professionals and 48 amateurs will combine in a betterball strokeplay competition in teams of two – one Pro and one amateur – with the Pros playing for a charity prize fund of AED500,000.
Al Naboodah Director of Golf, James Bowring, commented: “It’s great that we’ve got so many leading players competing who are right on the top of their game. The sponsors and the spectators are going to be treated to a wonderful day of world-class golf played in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s going to be a special day for them to be able to play a part in enjoying this unique tournament.”
For more information on The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25, please visit:
www.theinvitational.com
- Star-studded cast for The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah 16/12/2009
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AS The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah gathers pace the strength of the international field continues to grow in stature. The recent announcement that European No.1 Lee Westwood, who headlines a world-class cast at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25th, had won the European Tour’s Golfer of the Year Award, followed a series of excellent results from other leading players competing in the most prestigious Pro-Am in the Middle East.
Westwood returns to Dubai on the back of one of the most consistent seasons of his career, which he capped with a stunning display to win the Dubai World Championship in November. The Englishman topped The Race to Dubai with two wins and 11 additional top-ten finishes to collect €2,750,000 and take his season’s earnings to a record €4,237,762.
He was rightfully named The European Tour’s Golfer of The Year for the third time in his career, having ended Colin Montgomerie’s seven-year reign at head of European Golf by winning the Order of Merit in 2000 after finishing runner-up in 1999 and third in 1997 and 1998.
Westwood is joined in the field by fellow Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell (pictured) who recently shot back into the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking with a superb second place finish at the Chevron World Challenge in California. The Irishman put in a superb performance as he finished one shot behind winner Jim Furyk but ahead of a field that included the likes of Padriag Harrington, Stewart Cink and Steve Stricker.
In South Africa, Ross Fisher, who is sponsored by the Al Naboodah Group, also put in a near-tournament winning performance at the Nedbank Golf Challenge finishing in a share of third place, one shot off making the play-off between Robert Allenby and Henrrik Stenson with the Australian finally winning at the third extra hole.
Fisher, who took home the biggest pay cheque of his career with a dominating display at the Volvo World Match Play Championship at Finca Cortesin in Spain in October, is currently ranked 18th in the World and will join fellow form-players Westwood and McDowell at The Invitational
Another player in top form is tournament host Abdullah Al Naboodah himself. Abdullah teamed up with UK radio presenter DJ Spoony, Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken to win the fourball alliance competition at the Gary Player Invitational at The Links at Fancourt in November.
Although the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola is a fun charity tournament it is also a competitive event as Masters Champion Angel Cabrera and British Senior Masters Champion Tony Johnstone proved in defeating John Bland and Tjaart van der Walt by three shots.
Other players confirmed for The Invitational include Rory McIlroy, Jeev Milkha Singh, Darren Clark, Simon Dyson, Johan Edfors, Charl Schwartzel and Richard Green.
Al Naboodah Director of Golf, James Bowring, commented: “It’s great that we’ve got so many leading players competing who are right on the top of their game. The sponsors and the spectators are going to be treated to a wonderful day of world-class golf played in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s going to be a special day for them to be able to play a part in enjoying this unique tournament.”
The list of confirmed players for The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah is as follows:
Lee Westwood Rory McIlroy Ross Fisher Simon Dyson
Charl Schwartzel Robert Rock Graeme McDowell
Johan Edfors Jeev Milkha-Singh Peter Lawrie
Chris Wood Steve Webster Gareth Maybin
Graeme Storm James Kingston Thomas Aiken
Bradley Dredge Jamie Donaldson Darren Clarke
Paul Lawrie Rafael Enchinique Ricardo Gonzalez
Daniel Vancsik David Lynn David Howell
Shane Lowry Paul Broadhurst Stephen Gallacher
Steven Jeppesen Pablo Larazzabal Richard Green
Simon Khan Gregory Havret Jean Francois LuquinFor more information on The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25, please visit: www.alnaboodahinvitational.com
- Late Charge Carries Al Naboodah to Victory at Gary Player Invitational 02/12/2009
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ABDULLAH Al Naboodah led his team to victory with a superb performance at the 2009 Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola at The Links at Fancourt in South Africa.
Teaming up with British radio celebrity DJ Spoony, Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken, Al Naboodah (left on the picture) propelled the team to a nail-biting victory in the fourball alliance competition of this premier charity tournament.
The competition was eventually decided on a countback on 22-under. This denied Irish property magnate Sinead Kenny the chance to become the first businesswoman to lead a team to victory in the team competition. Kenny combined well with playing partners John Bland, Tjaart van der Walt and South African cricket legend Barry Richards, but on the day Spoony and Al Naboodah’s fourball posted the lower score to seal the win.
“When I lost so narrowly last year, I vowed to come back and it would be game on,” said Spoony. “We cut it pretty fine today, but combined superbly over the closing holes. I’m delighted and I’ll definitely be back to defend.”
Naboodah, who made the biggest contribution at the charity auction, was the team’s star performer and also confirmed that he will soon be booking his ticket back to next year’s tournament.
“It would be fantastic to return and I will do my best to be here,” he said. “This was one of the best tournaments I’ve ever played in. My family and I are very passionate about charities around the world. When I met Gary a year ago, we spoke about giving back through golf. I have a lot of respect for what he does. We just enjoyed ourselves out there and it’s a bonus to walk away with a win.”
- Your chance to play at The Invitational hosted by Al Naboodah 26/11/2009
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WORLDWIDE Golf has partnered with the Al Naboodah Invitational to offer our readers an exclusive opportunity to play alongside European Tour professionals like Race to Dubai and Dubai World Championship winner Lee Westwood, Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell and World No.10 Rory McIlroy in the charity event on January 25th, 2010, at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
This is the only chance to play in the Al Naboodah Invitational as it is a strict invitation only event. Two spots in the field have been reserved as ‘GOLDEN TICKETS’ for winners of the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open in January. The two lucky winners will each become a VIP for the day, partnering a European Tour professional and compete against some of the world’s best players in the most competitive yet friendly pro-am in the region.
There is one spot available for adults (maximum handicap 18 for men, 24 for ladies) and one spot for juniors (maximum handicap 28).For your chance to win a place in the tournament that every amateur wants to play, and a prize that money just can’t buy, simply enter the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open at Arabian Ranches Golf Club on Tuesday January 5th, 2010.
The Worldwide Golf Midweek Open is an Individual Strokeplay event for male, female and junior golfers with an official handicap. The entrance fee is inclusive of access to the practice facility prior to play and to the locker rooms and a light buffet presentation dinner at close of play (beverages will be at individuals’ expense).The sign-up is simple. Just fill out the entry form on page 4 of the December issue of Worldwide Golf and fax. it to Arabian Ranches Golf Club with your credit card details on 04 3663355
You can also download the entry form from www.alnaboodahinvitational.com
If you do not wish to use your credit card, payment can be made direct to Arabian Ranches Golf Club. Payment in advance is required to enable us to fill the limited field in the competition. Advance fees paid by players who fail to turn up to compete will not be refunded. Money will be refunded if cancellation is received with 48 hours’ notice as it will allow those on the long waiting list the chance to participate.
The details of the event are as follows: Entry fee AED495, which includes Green Fees, shared Golf Cart, Event Shirt, Range Balls, Tournament Prizes, Buffet at the Prize Presentation.Date: Tuesday, 5th January 2010
Venue: Arabian Ranches Golf Club
Time: 1.00 pm Shotgun Start
Format: 18 Holes Strokeplay Full Handicap Allowance
Tees: Men – Gold Tees, Ladies – Red Tees
Entry Fee: AED 495.00 (Juniors AED195.00)
Closing Date: 20th December 2009
Cancellation:
The entry fee will be debited from the card details enclosed with this form once the club has confirmed your event entry. If you need to withdraw your entry we require 48 hours notice to make the space available to players on the standby list. Your card will not be debited if you follow this cancellation process.
- Dubai World Championship charity auction raises AED 150,000 18/11/2009
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Funds donated to Dubai Autism Centre and ‘Els for Autism'
AN exclusive charity auction launched by global marine terminal operator DP World in conjunction with the Dubai World Championship has collected AED 150,000 for charity.
The funds were raised through an online auction in which golf enthusiasts bid for the chance to play with three-time Major winner Ernie Els in the Dubai World Championship Pro-Am on the stunning new Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The proceeds from the auction were presented by DP World and South Africa's Els to the Dubai Autism Centre and ‘Els for Autism' before the Pro-Am Championship got underway.
Abdullah Al Naboodah, an avid golf fan and charity supporter, was the winning bidder, revelling in the opportunity to raise money for good causes while playing 18 holes of the stunning Greg Norman-designed Earth course alongside Els who is known as ‘The Big Easy'.
Chairman of Dubai World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said:
"DP World is proud to become part of the initiative. It is heartening to see golf fans coming forward wholeheartedly for a worthy cause. Autism is close to Ernie's heart and in great fellowship golf fans have stepped forward to stand alongside him to help raise awareness and much needed funds."
Els has devoted much time to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders since he discovered his son Ben was affected by the condition. The champion has since been working towards building a research facility and school close to his home in Florida in USA.
Mr. Mohammad Al Emadi Board Member and Director General of the Dubai Autism Centre, said:
"We express our immense gratitude to Ernie Els and DP World for taking the initiative to create awareness and raise the much needed funds to provide the necessary intervention programs and spread awareness. We depend entirely on philanthropic activities of organizations and individuals to meet our running expenses."
The Dubai World Championship has attracted 70,000 registrations for free tickets to date which are still available at http://www.dubaiworldchampionship.com/
- MICHELLE WIE TO HEADLINE STAR CAST FOR OMEGA DUBAI LADIES MASTERS 05/11/2009
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MICHELLE Wie, one of the brightest stars in the world of women's golf, will headline a stellar field when the American golf sensation tees it up for the first time in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.
The Ladies European Tour's end of season event will be played at the Emirates Golf Club for the fourth consecutive year from December 7 to 12, 2009.
After a tremendously successful rookie season on the LPGA Tour, which also saw her play a key role in the U.S. team's Solheim Cup victory, the 20-year-old is expected to electrify the tournament when she joins an already talented field from Europe in what promises to be an intense Desert Duel.
Named in a 2006 Time magazine article as "one of 100 people who shape our world," the Hawaiian is the latest superstar to sign up for the Dubai Ladies Masters which, since its inception in 2006, has showcased players of calibre and reputation of Annika Sorenstam, Laura Davies, Karrie Webb, Gwladys Nocera, Sophie Gustafson and Natalie Gulbis, making it the most popular ladies golf event of Dubai's sporting calendar.
"We are really delighted to have Michelle in the field. She is charismatic, she is skilful and her presence will certainly provide a big boost to the tournament," said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi - the promoters and organisers of the euro 500,000 tournament.
"Michelle Wie may be just 20, but it appears that she has been around for a long time and has done wonders to raise the profile of women's golf. The amount of hard work she puts in every day to improve her game and fitness shows she is determined to realise her dream and is on the brink of mega-star status," said Buamaim, who also welcomed Omega on board as title sponsors of the golf in DUBAi events, which also includes the Dubai Desert Classic.
"Together, we will strive to deliver events befitting the global image of the brand Dubai," he said.
Nayla Hayek, a member of the Swatch Group Board of Directors, commented: "We're excited that Michelle, who is also an Omega brand ambassador, is making her first visit to Dubai. Combining feminine grace with power and technique, she is a strong ambassador for the future of women's golf.
"Omega is one of the few brands in the world with a rich history and tradition that can compete with that of golf. Our involvement in international golf today includes tour and tournament sponsorship as well as official timekeeping," she added.
Commenting on Michelle Wie's first visit to Dubai, Buamaim said: "Her presence will certainly bring star value to the event, but the reputation of the Dubai Ladies Masters is built on the collective presence of the players. And we are very pleased to know it has once again attracted a strong field.
"All the 108 players in the field are capable of winning the event on their day, but certainly fans will also be keen to follow the progress of seasoned stars such as Laura Davies, Sophie Gustafson, Gwladys Nocera, defending champion Anja Monke and the new Swedish sensation Anna Nordqvist, who will formally seal her "Rookie of the Year' award in Dubai.
"I wish all players, officials, caddies and guests a pleasant stay here in Dubai and I am confident they will all return home with fond memories of this city and further propagate the message of Dubai, as the ‘City of Golf'," Buamaim added.
"I am very excited about making my first trip to Dubai and playing in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters," said Wie. "I have heard so many great things about Dubai as a city, but also about the golf here, and I'm looking forward to experiencing it for myself."
"This season was a very rewarding one for me, both on the golf course and off, and I'd love nothing more than to wrap this year up with a strong showing at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters. I have such great respect for the players on the Ladies European Tour, and was able to develop close friendships with many of them in my first Solheim Cup experience, so it will be a great week."
Wie, ranked 15 in the world, turned professional in October 2005, and has been building an impressive resume in golf since a young age. At 10, she became the youngest player to qualify for the USGA Women's Amateur Public Links Championship in 2000 and qualified for an LPGA event when she was 12.
A year later, she became the youngest to make a cut. She played in the men's Sony Open when she was 14. Now 20 years old, Wie is proving successful both on and off the golf course.
'golf in DUBAi' is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor while BMW, CNN, Emirates Airline, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Jumeirah Hotels, MasterCard and wasl are co-sponsors in its drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
- OMEGA Dubai Ladies Masters Changes its Schedule - Volunteers needed 22/10/2009
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IN a slight break from tradition, the 2009 Dubai Ladies Masters champion will be crowned on a Saturday instead of a Sunday when the Ladies European Tour event gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club next month.
Announcing new dates of the tournament, ‘golf in DUBAI’ - the promoters and event - said the tournament kicks off on Wednesday, December 9 and the final round will be played on Saturday, December 12.In line with the tradition, the tournament will be preceded by a pro-am on December 8 and a challenge match, featuring marquee players, on December 7.
“Since we have a Friday-Saturday weekend in the UAE, it makes sense to have a Saturday finish which would encourage more spectators to come to the venue, adding to the carnival-like atmosphere there,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of 'golf in DUBAi.
”We are grateful to the Ladies European Tour for giving their nod to the weekend finish which, I think, will greatly enhance the profile of the event in all areas, also adding more value to the hospitality packages.“Since the inception of the Dubai Ladies Masters in 2006, the tournament, which also marks the end of the LET season, has created quite a buzz in the region. No doubt about that. I think there is another dimension to it - and that's somehow the players feel comfortable in Dubai.”
“Whether it’s our hospitality or whether that’s the way Dubai is, I don't know. The formula, somehow, is working and that’s great for Dubai. That’s great for golf in Dubai too.”
The presence of world-class players like Annika Sorenstam, who has since called it a day, Laura Davies, Karrie Webb, Natalia Gulbis, Gwladys Nocera, Sophie Gustafason and Catriona Matthews over the last three years has firmly established the Dubai Ladies Masters a most sought-after event on the Ladies European Tour.
This year again there will be no entry fee and the intention is to encourage and motivate more ladies to take to the sport.
Organisers have also called upon golfing enthusiasts to come forward and be part of the action when the season-ending Ladies European Tour event gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club
‘golf in DUBAI' – the promoters and organisers of the €500,000 tournament - estimates over 150 volunteers will be required to act as marshals, scorers, TV production assistants, scoreboard carriers and carry out other related positions as needed.
“The role of the volunteers will be crucial in continuing to showcase Dubai as the 'city of golf', as we strive to make the Dubai Ladies Masters the most successful tournament on the Ladies European Tour,” stated Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of 'golf in DUBAI.'
All golf fans wishing to be part of Dubai's premier ladies event may visit the tournament website --- www.dubailadiesmasters.com or www.golfindubai.org – for online registration. Preference will be given to those volunteers who can commit to two or more days.
- TOP 10 TRIO EYE ABU DHABI’S FALCON TROPHY 15/10/2009
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Casey, Garcia, and Ogilvy Vie For Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Glory
TWO-time Abu Dhabi Golf Championship winner and World No. 4, England's Paul Casey, will return this January to defend his crown, in a bid to extend the impressive form that has re-catapulted him to the forefront of the golfing world.
The 32-year-old, however, will have his work cut out for him, as Spanish swing wizard and world number eight, Sergio Garcia, and Abu Dhabi debutant, Australian Geoff Ogilvy - the current World No. 10 - have also thrown their hats in the ring for the European Tour-sanctioned 2010 Championship, which runs 21-24th January at Abu Dhabi Golf Club's sublime Par-72 National Course.
And with three of the world's top 10 golfers now teed-up, Faisal Al Sheikh, Head, Major Event's Division, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) - which organises the four-day spectacle - believes the landmark fifth edition of the US$2 million Championship will be a major boost to the emirate's growing credentials as an emerging world-class golfing destination.
"The Championship's success over the last four years has gone a long way to cementing Abu Dhabi's status as one to watch on the global golfing scene. The sport continues to form a key pillar of our long-term destination product, and will do so for the foreseeable future. We have no less than three great courses being finalised throughout the emirate and the people visiting and watching this Championship are connecting with a world-class golfing destination in the making," said Al Sheikh.
One player who knows more than most about the UAE capital is Casey, the only player to lift Abu Dhabi's coveted Falcon trophy twice: in 2007 and 2009 - the last of which kick-started a run of form where he clinched the Shell Houston Open and BMW PGA Championship. Casey is fully aware of what an Abu Dhabi win can do for a player's season.
"The Abu Dhabi victory really gave my season a boost and helped me build momentum over the following months. As one of the first major events of the year, a good showing here can really make the difference, especially with the Majors teeing off not long after," said Casey, who is sponsored by Abu Dhabi developer ALDAR, which is behind the Kyle Phillips-designed Yas Island course, set to be the emirate's first links course.
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And Casey - who has 11 Tour wins under his belt - is keen to become the first golfer to retain the Falcon in back-to-back attempts.
"I have strong ties with Abu Dhabi, both on and off the course, and coming here always feels like home away from home. The National is stunning and fits my game nicely and I know what is needed to win. For me, it's about doing the right preparation, getting focused during the winter break and coming to Abu Dhabi in the right frame of mind," said Casey, who carded a Championship record this year with a stunning 21-under par to hold off 2008 Champion, Germany's Martin Kaymer.
"Being the only player to win twice in Abu Dhabi is a fantastic personal achievement. I now want to see if I can do it two years on the trot. I know the 2010 field is going to be extremely strong, and there are going to be guys out there who are hungry to win. I just need to be hungrier."
Five times Ryder Cup star Garcia, one of the youngest ever players to compete in the biennial competition, is a familiar favourite at the Abu Dhabi event, having competed in the UAE capital for the last three years.
Adored on both sides of the Atlantic, the fiery Spaniard - the 2008 US Players' Champion and US Tour Championship runner-up - knows that securing an elusive Abu Dhabi win will be an important catalyst to his 2010 season.
"I've been playing pretty consistently over the last year but I know there's more to come. As one of the first events in 2010, everyone looks to the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship to get the ball rolling and build momentum for the long season ahead," said Garcia, who has 19 professional wins under his belt.
"The Championship is one of the most enjoyable events on the calendar. The hospitality is unparalleled, the course plays great and the competition is intense. I'm looking forward to getting out there and hitting my best."
The imposing 6' 2" Aussie Ogilvy - whose career highlights include snatching the 2006 US Open by a one shot stroke and being a triple World Golf Championships winner - is hoping his lack of Abu Dhabi experience won't be an issue come January.
"I've already heard a lot about the National Course from many of the other guys that have played there. I enjoy a fresh challenge and I'm intrigued to see what all the hype is about," said Ogilvy, who beat Casey earlier in the year to win the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona, USA.
Ogilvy, who notes golf course design as a hobby, is also relishing the opportunity to take in some of the UAE capital's latest golfing initiatives, including the Gary Player designed, Saadiyat Beach Golf Course - the Arabian Gulf's only ocean front course.
"I understand that Abu Dhabi has made some impressive strides in establishing itself as a golfing destination, and I wouldn't mind having the chance to look around. I know the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will be open to play when I'm there, so I hope to take the time to check it out."
All four days of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship will be covered live on high definition TV, reaching a global audience of over 140 million in many of the ADTA's key global markets.
The 2010 Championship formally begins on Wednesday, January 20th with the Al-Masaood Pro-Am and Awards Gala when sponsors and their guests will play and socialise with some of the world's best professionals.
- UAE HOPEFULS PERFORM WELL ON ALPS TOUR 27/08/2009
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AHMED Al Musharrekh and Khalid Yousuf turned in some encouraging performances in the Uniqa FinanceLife Open held at the Golf Club Gut Murstätten at Lebring in Austria in late July.
Al Musharrekh (pictured) comfortably made the cut on the challenging 7,017-yard layout with tidy sub-par rounds of 70 and 71, but consecutive 6-over-par 78s in the third and final rounds prevented him from making a strong finish in the tournament which was an important stop on the demanding Alps Tour.
Yousuf also got off to an impressive start, carding 1-under-par 71, but he stumbled to a disappointing 81 in the second and missed the cut by six shots.The top UAE golfer, who has twice featured in the Dubai Desert Classic, opened his second round with a birdie, but lost his momentum and a triple bogey on the long 564-yard, par-5 17th hole further added to his woes.
Meanwhile Al Musharrekh made his presence felt with some solid golf. Playing his first major tournament at the international level, Al Musharrekh negotiated the course with a mature performances in the first two rounds, but in the end had to settle for tied 50th at 3-over-par 219, 16 shots behind the winner Paolo Terrini of Italy.
Spurred on by a good showing in Austria, Al Musharrekh is determined to use his steady performance as a springboard to greater things when the new season gets under way in October. “Overall, I am pleased with my performance,” he said. “I could have done much better. Now I know what it takes to compete at this high-level of golf. I will try and use the experience to my advantage in the forthcoming tournaments.”
- Young guns to test their skills on the Alps Tour 20/07/2009
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KHALID Yousuf and Ahmed Al Musharrekh will make their first appearance in an Alps Tour event when they feature in the Uniqa FinanceLife Open at the Golf Club Gut Murstätten at Lebring in Austria, from July 23 to 25.
The two leading UAE golfers have been selected by the Emirates Golf Federation as part of its ambitious drive to expose the homegrown talent to a high-level of competition.
Leading professionals and amateurs will be showcasing their skills during the tournament, part of the Alps Tour which has been created to give young players the opportunity to play and earn their chance to step up to the European Challenge Tour and gain exemptions from Stage One of the European Tour Qualifying School.
Yousuf is no stranger to playing in the company of top professionals having twice competed in the Dubai Desert Classic, but for Al Musharrekh it will be his first exposure to such a high level of golf.
The pair were selected for the trip following their impressive showing on the regional circuit. They were instrumental in guiding the UAE team to a creditable second-place finish - just one shot behind winners Bahrain - in the recent GCC Golf Championship where Al Musharrekh also won the individual championship with a gross 216.
“Both Khalid and Ahmed have already made their mark on the regional circuit and it’s time they should be competing at the international level to hone their competitive edge,” said Saeed Albudoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation.
“If their recent form is any indication, I am sure they will do well in Austria. We, at Emirates Golf Federation, are committed to providing the players the best playing opportunities that we can and this Austrian trip is very much part of our initiative to try and keep the momentum going.
“I am sure the exposure that Khalid and Ahmed are getting at the international level will motivate other national players to take up golf seriously.”
Chris Vallender, the UAE team’s coach, is pleased that the pair are having an opportunity to play competitive golf with other hopeful young golfers.
“There is no short cut to success,” he said. “The best thing is that the boys are willing to sweat it out and that’s quite encouraging. The experience of playing with aspiring professionals will go a long way in building the confidence in their abilities.”
- UAE FINISH SECOND IN GCC CHAMPIONSHIP 28/04/2009
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KHALID Yousuf shot a tidy level-par 72 as the UAE finished second to Bahrain, narrowly missing out on their maiden GCC Golf Championship title at the Sahara Golf and Country Club in Kuwait.
Starting the day four strokes off the pace, the UAE team staged a compelling fight-back before posting an impressive 54-hole gross total of 671, just one shot behind Bahrain who managed to sneak home despite not being at their very best. The Saudi Arabia team finished a distant third on a gross 714.
It was the UAE team that held the centre-stage on the final day of the regional golf summit at the challenging Peter Harradine-designed course. Yousuf, who plays off plus one handicap, led the UAE charge with a flawless 72, the best individual score of the day.
The Musharrekh brothers – Ahmed and Abdulla - fired an identical 77 to contribute to the score while Saeed Malik, the fourth member of the team, carded 81 in the team event where the best three scores were counted towards the total.
Ahmed Al Musharrekh, who shot a sizzling 69 on the opening day, had the distinction of finishing on top in the individual championship with a gross 216 along with Abdullah Sultan of Bahrain, two strokes of ahead of Yousuf.
The UAE had something more to cheer about as Hassan Al Musharrekh won the individual championship in the junior division with a three-round gross total of 233 - one shot ahead of his closest challenger Khalid Atteih of Saudi Arabia.
Faisal Al Marzouqi carded a gross 252 while his brother Sohail was forced to withdraw from the championship after falling sick.
“We have every reason to feel pleased about our team’s performance. The boys did a great job on the final day in particular and nearly upstaged Bahrain,” said Adel Zarouni, secretary-general of the Emirates Golf Federation and head of the UAE delegation to Kuwait. “You do feel bad when you miss out on the championship title by just one shot, but then close finishes are part of any sport. We are proud of the team’s fighting qualities and the way they kept up the pressure on Bahrain was something remarkable.
“I would also like to congratulate Hassan for winning the individual championship. Hassan is fast maturing into a solid player and that’s augurs well for UAE golf.”
UAE’s non-playing captain Khalid Mubarak also paid tributes to the team members, saying they approached the championship with a positive mindset. “We had our chances of winning the championship, but full credit to Bahrain for their consistent play over three days,” he said. “With a runners-up place in the team championship and impressive individual performances by Ahmed, Khalid and Hassan, in particular, we should be very proud of the team’s achievements.”
- Gary Player Invitational a huge success 27/04/2009
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THE Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Invitational presented by ECCO and hosted by Gary Player under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum at Emirates Golf Club on Friday, April 24, was a resounding success.
More than 700 people attended the day which began at 10.30 am with a brunch organised by the South African Business Council where the UAE Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Yacoob Abba Omar, welcomed Gary to the Emirates.
Gary responded with an inspiring and passionate speech on the subjects of South Africa, diet, health and golf, which included an entertaining insight into his world. He talked about the importance of positive thinking and having the ambition to become the best in the world at whatever you chose to do – or maybe striving to become the best as a person.
It was an enthralling speech, which brought huge applause from the gathering of more than 100 guests.
From the balcony overlooking the Majlis Course Gary made his way to the driving range where he entertained a sizable gallery who were fascinated by his demonstration and his golfing reminiscences. Gary went out of his way to involve the youngsters present and invited some of them to hit a ball with him – which they did to considerable applause.
Gary then went to the 1st tee to hit a ceremonial drive to signal the start of the Invitational before heading for the 7th tee where he hit a drive with each of the 27 four-balls who played in the shotgun fourball two-ball betterball team event, which was won by the Hesson family, who had qualified to play in the Invitational.
In the evening, nearly 200 guests attended the Awards Dinner where Gary Player received a special award for his services to golf in the Middle East from Worldwide Golf and WSP Chairman Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum.
Due to the personality, charisma and ability of one of the game’s greatest legends it was a day that all who attended will never forget.
- UAE UNDER-18 TEAM TAKES THE ARAB JUNION GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 26/04/2009
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Sohail Marzouqi and Hassan Musharrekh produced some solid performances as UAE beat off a strong challenge from a quality field to win the net under-18 team title at the Arab Junior Golf Championship held at the Yasmine Golf Course in Hammanat, Tunisia.
The talented duo also made their presence felt in the gross team division by posting a top four finish behind hosts Tunisia, Qatar and Egypt at the Yasmine course, designed by well known Californian architect Ronald Fream.
Faisal Marzouqi, the third member of the team, has also returned home with something to cheer about after taking fourth place in the under-15 individual category, a creditable effort considering the fact the youngster was playing his first international tournament away from home.
Sohail and Hassan did stutter and stumble in the first round, but staged a compelling fight-back in the second and final round to post a strong finish. Sohail shot gross rounds of 102 and 92 while Hassan carded 100 and 82 in the championship which had drawn entries from several Arab countries, including Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon Libya, Morocco, Palestine and Qatar.
They could have done even better but were left bemoaning the shots that got away. “I think overall we have done well,” UAE coach Chris Vallender said. “The experience gained from the championship will go a long way in honing their competitive edge.
“I am, in particular, pleased with the way young Faisal handled the pressure. His back-to-back 91 on a challenging course amply shows the boy has the game needed to become a decent player.”
Adel Zarouni, secretary-general of the Emirates Golf Federation, congratulated the team for winning the net (under-18) title. “Their performance augurs well for the UAE golf. We, at Emirates Golf Federation, will keep trying to create more playing opportunities for our junior players.
“It was a good trip to Tunisia and there was a good camaraderie as players competed in a healthy environment. On behalf of the federation, I would like to thank the Tunisia Golf Federation for hosting the event. They did a wonderful job,” said Zarouni.
- Gary Player to host Worldwide Golf Invitational at Emirates GC 03/04/2009
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GARY Player, one of the true legends of golf, will play a hole in an Invitational tournament in the UAE for the first time.
The Black Knight is a winner of nine Majors and nine Senior Majors in a career that saw him claim his first title back in 1955, in Egypt. Since then he has won 167 official tournaments worldwide, travelling more than 14 million miles, and is universally recognised as golf’s greatest international player.
At Emirates Golf Club on Friday April 24 Player will host The Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Invitational presented by ECCO under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum.
Player, who was part of the legendary Big 3 with Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer and is one of only five players to have won all four Majors, will also host a brunch at Emirates Golf Club, organised by the South African Business Council, attended by The Ambassador, H.E. Yacoob Abba Omar. Player will then do a clinic on the driving range prior to the 18-hole, shotgun start, Invitational.
Player will play the par-3 seventh hole on the Majlis Course with each of the fourballs competing in the Invitational. Earlier this year the 73-year-old, who is arguably the fittest player in Senior Golf, beat his age on three successive days at the 7,100 yards Hualalai course in Hawaii in a U.S. Champions Tour event, shooting 70-71-71
The charity event will conclude with an Awards Dinner at Emirates Golf Club hosted by Player.
The South African Hall of Famer has amassed numerous awards throughout his 56-year career, captained the International Team in The Presidents Cup in 2003, 2005 and 2007.
“I have nothing but admiration for Sheikh Mohammed and his remarkable vision in creating such a thriving business, tourism and golfing centre in Dubai. I have been a frequent visitor to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Oman over the years and I am really looking forward to hosting the Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Invitational at the Emirates Golf Club,” said Player.
“It will be an opportunity to renew some old friendships and make some new ones and I hope it will be a day that all who attend will recall as an occasion to remember.”
- The race for the EGF Order of Merit hots up 27/03/2009
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THE battle for the EGF Order of Merit title is hotting up after two of the main challengers sat out crucial events as the race for the title heads towards its climax.
Khalid Yousuf took advantage of the non-performance of Matthew Turner at the Audi Men's Open at Abu Dhabi Golf Club to move to the top of the EGF Order of Merit.
Yousuf posted rounds of 72 and 75 for a 3-over gross total of 147 to win at Abu Dhabi Golf Club to move above Turner in the rankings with 86 points. Another promising UAE star Ahmed Al Musharrekh matched Yousuf's 147 - the best score by an amateur in the Audi Men's Open - to jump to fifth position with a tally of 51 points, just 8.5 points behind Dino Varkey of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and 6.5 points of Joel Neale, who plays off an impressive plus-1 handicap.
Former Order of Merit champion Vikram Judge posted a 156 to slip to seventh place with 47.5 points.
However, Turner returned to action at the Ras Al Khaimah Men's Open at Al Hamra Golf Club to reclaim his place at the top of the Order of Merit as he took his turn to take advantage of his competitor's absence with rounds of 73 and 71 for a six-shot victory over Joel Neal.
Yousuf could not make it to the RAK Men's Open after a busy schedule in the 29th Arab Golf Championships where he played a key role in guiding the UAE national team to a creditable second-place finish.
With Neale making solid gains after a second place finish in the RAK Men's Open, the race for the Order of Merit title has picked up steam with at least three players in contention for claiming the honours.
Neale, also of Emirates Golf Club, has tallied 81.5 points after the RAK Open, the fifth event on the EGF Order of Merit schedule. Snapping at his heels is seasoned Vikram Judge who has jumped to fourth place from seventh with 67.5 points after a fourth-place finish in Ras Al Khaimah.
Ahmed Al Musharrekh was also absent from Ras Al Khaimah due to his performances alongside Yousuf in the Arab Golf Championships. He remains on 51 points but dropped down to seventh place.
With just two events remaining at Al Ghazal Golf Club in Abu Dhabi and The Montgomerie, Dubai, the race for the EGF Order of Merit title looks like it will go to the wire.
Order of Merit leaders after the RAK Men's Open:
1. Matthew Turner (EGC) 95
2. Khalid Yousuf (EGC) 86
3. Joel Neale (EGC) 81.5
4. Vikram Judge (DCGYC) 67.5
5. Paul King (DCGYC) 59.8
6. Dino Varkey (DCGYC) 59.5
7. Ahmed Al Musharrekh (SGSC) 51
8. Steve Kelly (EGC) 49
9. Alex Charawani (ADGC) 46.25
10. Robert Watts (EGC) 45
- Bahrain dominate the 29th Arab Golf Championship 06/03/2009
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BAHRAIN put the disappointment of a runner-up finish at last year’s Arab Golf Championship behind them with a dominating display to win their 13th Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club yesterday
The Bahrainis completed a wire-to-wire victory in the 29th Arab Golf Championship thanks to rounds of 233, 235, 230 and 241 for a 939 total and a 17-stroke win over the UEA team.
The team of Abdulla Saleh, Naser Yacob and Sultan Sultan combined superbly well over the four days to beat the host nation into second place. Egypt finished third, two shots behind the UAE while last year’s winner Lebanon finished fourth after being beaten to a podium place by a countback by the Egyptians.
- Sergio Garcia joins World Class Invitational lineup 17/12/2009
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SERGIO GARCIA is the latest big name to join the all-star cast at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25th. The popular Spaniard, currently ranked 11th in the World, makes his debut in the most prestigious Invitational Pro-Am in the region.
Garcia, who finished 10th in The Race to Dubai, joins a host of leading European Tour players in The Invitational, including Europe’s Golfer of the Year, Lee Westwood. The World No.4 returns to Dubai on the back of one of the most consistent seasons of his career. He capped a stunning victory in the Dubai World Championship in November, by adding The Race to Dubai title with two wins and 11 additional top-ten finishes to collect €2,750,000 and take his season’s earnings to a record €4,237,762.
He was rightfully voted The European Tour’s Golfer of The Year for the third time in his career, having ended Colin Montgomerie’s seven-year reign at head of European Golf by winning the Order of Merit in 2000 after finishing runner-up in 1999 and third in 1997 and 1998.
Westwood and Garcia are joined in the field by fellow Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell who recently shot back into the World top 50 with a superb second place finish at the Chevron World Challenge in California. Ross Fisher, currently ranked 20th in the world and who finished fourth in The Race to Dubai is another leading player to confirm his place in The Invitational on January 25.
Volvo World Match Play Champion, Fisher, who is sponsored by the Al Naboodah Group, put in a near-tournament winning performance at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa, finishing in a share of third place.
Another player bringing his best form to The Invitational is host Abdullah Al Naboodah himself. Abdullah teamed up with UK radio presenter DJ Spoony, Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken to win the fourball alliance competition at the Gary Player Invitational at The Links at Fancourt, South Africa, in November.
Other players confirmed to play at the Creek on January 25 include Rory McIlroy, Jeev Milkha Singh, Darren Clarke, Simon Dyson, Johan Edfors, Charl Schwartzel and Richard Green. In total, 48 Professionals and 48 amateurs will combine in a betterball strokeplay competition in teams of two – one Pro and one amateur – with the Pros playing for a charity prize fund of AED500,000.
Al Naboodah Director of Golf, James Bowring, commented: “It’s great that we’ve got so many leading players competing who are right on the top of their game. The sponsors and the spectators are going to be treated to a wonderful day of world-class golf played in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s going to be a special day for them to be able to play a part in enjoying this unique tournament.”
For more information on The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25, please visit: www.alnaboodahinvitational.com
- UAE hosting 29th Arab Championship 02/03/2009
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AL Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah will host the 29th Arab Golf Championship this week as 16 Arab countries battle for honours around the first Links course in the region.
Host nation the UAE will be spearheaded by Khalid Yousuf who recently competed in the Dubai Desert Classic and he will be joined by the Musharrekh brothers Ahmed and Abdullah and the experienced Ismail Sharif.
Last year in Australia a Yousuf-led UAE team finished at the top of the pile of all the Arabian teams contesting in the Eisenhower Trophy and the team are confident ahead of this year’s Arab Championship.
“We have the talent to win the championship,” said Sharif, a seven-time UAE National Champion. “All we need is to stay focussed on the job in hand. It won’t be easy since the competition is going to be very tough, but we have to keep faith in our abilities.”
Secratery General of the Emirates Golf Federation Adel Zarouni said: “We are delighted to host the Arab Golf Championship and he hope all the players will relish the experience of playing on the challenging layout of the par-72 Championship Golf Course at Al Hamra.
This Championship will showcase to the Arab world the giant strides that have been made in the UAE with our golfing infrastructures of international standards. We will try and ensure all the players and their delegations have a comfortable stay in the UAE and they return home with good memories of the Championship.”
Lebanon took home the title last year as they completed a wire-to-wire victory at Dirab Golf Course in Riyadh last year.
Teams lining up will be:
Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia and the UAE.
- Neale retains EGF Order of Merit crown 26/05/2009
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JOEL Neale retained the Emirates Golf Federation’s Order of Merit title after the talented youngster posted a strong finish in the BMW Men’s Open held at The Montgomerie Dubai.
Neale, who plays off a plus one handicap, carded solid rounds of 73 and 70 to finish tied second on a gross total of 143, just one shot behind the winner Pontes Fredriksson in the seventh and the final round of the Gulf News-sponsored Order of Merit.
With this creditable second-place finish the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club star took his points tally to 122.25 which was good enough to beat his nearest challenger Matthew Turner of Emirates Golf Club by 5.25 points. Khalid Yousuf, who led the Order of Merit after the penultimate round – the NBAD Men’s Open – had to settle for third place on 113 points.
Khalid had a good chance of winning the prestigious Order of Merit, but couldn’t feature in the final event because of the GCC Championship in Kuwait where he played a key role in guiding the UAE team to a fantastic second-place finish.
In his absence it was left to Neale and Turner to battle it out for the championship title. With just three points separating the two going into the final round, both produced some solid golf in the final round to provide a fitting climax to the Order of Merit race.
Neale held on to his slender lead, finishing just one point ahead of Turner, who settled for tied fourth on a gross144. , In the end, it was a strange coincidence that Neale, Turner and Yousuf finished the Order of Merit race in the same order as they did last year.
The Musharrekh brothers – Ahmed and Abdulla – were in with a chance to sneak into the top ten, but had to skip the final event as they joined Khalid Yousuf in the UAE team for the GCC Championship.
Saeed Albudoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, thanked the players, the sponsors and the clubs for making the Order of Merit a great success. “All the seven events produced some good scores and that gives an indication of the rising standards of the game in the UAE,” he said. “There is no dearth of talent in the country and it showed in the performance of the players during the season. We, at the Emirates Golf Federation, are committed to creating more playing opportunities for golfers, both national and expatriates, to hone their skills.
“We are also working on new initiatives to make the Order of Merit events even more appealing to the players."
Neale is pictured with Saeed Al Budoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation.
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