In what is the busiest time of the golfing year in the Middle East, we preview the DP World Tour’s five-week swing of events which span across Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Bahrain and Qatar – spearheaded by the 35th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, and an exclusive interview with the current Champion Golfer of the Year, Brian Harman. We get to know more about the journey of UAE National Player, Joshua Grenville-Wood, and Amy Condon, the only female professional in Abu Dhabi who is growing the women’s game. A catch-up with eGolf Megastore, as they are expanding their stores in the region and Club Lab Golf shows us what goes into getting your clubs fitted and built.

All this and much, much more in the January 2024 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

The post Get the January 2024 edition of Golf Digest Middle East FREE here today! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

A winning gross score of two over par for the 36-hole tournament, rounds of 73 and 71 gave Lakdwala a three-stroke victory.

Runner-up in the overall net division was Dino Varkey after his rounds of 74 and 73, five over par. While rounding off the top three, with a six over tournament total, was Obediah Ayton.

Playing for the Championship Vase, in the net division, and taking first spot was William Page after carding rounds of 67 and 60, a six-under total.

A three-shot victory from second place Max Blackmore, and a further three-shots back in third was Gregory Mathieu.

Being played alongside the Men’s Championship were the Ladies. And once again in the gross division, Glory Xavier, claimed the championship for her fourth time, signing for a 14 over par tournament total with rounds of 79 and 77.

(Left) Lady Captain Shiba Wahid, (Middle) Glory Xavier (Four time winner), (Right) Men Captain Gene Cha – Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

Samara D’Silva secured the runner-up spot, with Beatrice Galeppini in third.

In the Ladies net division, Candice Wang emerged victorious with her rounds of 71 and 72, one over par total, three shots clear of Angela Meng.

Men’s Winners

Day One Best Net – Shankar Balasubramanian (-2) 68

Day One Best Gross – Bilbo Perrot (+2) 73

Day Two Best Net – David McDonald (-2) 68

Day Two Best Gross – Edoardo Galeppini (+4) 75

Ladies Results

Overall Net – Candice Wang (+2) 71, 72

Overall Gross – Glory Xavier (+14) 79,77

Championship Vase

Net – William Page (-6) 67, 69

Championship

Gross – Bayhaan Lakdwala (+2) 73, 71

After the prize giving, Golf Services Executive, Trisha Kumar said, “Once again a huge thank you to you all for making this event so special. Congratulations to all of our winners and we will see you all again soon!”

Images: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

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The Saudi Games are a national competition for various Saudi sports organised by the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, with 41 competitors from Canada, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Tunisia taking part.

Al-Mulla not only picked up the first placed prize at Riyadh Golf Club last week, but 1000,000 Saudi riyals in doing so.

A two-shot victory for the inaugural professional Saudi Arabian golfer who scored rounds of 70, 69 for a five under par, 139 36-hole tournament total.

In second spot with the Silver Medal was his countryman Saud Al-Sharif on three under par, who pocketed 300,000 Saudi riyals. As Faisal Salhab made it a clean sweep for Saudi Arabia in the Men’s Medal’s by collecting Bronze and 100,000 Saudi riyals.

All three Male Medal winners are competing in this week’s US$1 million Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund  at Riyadh Golf Club with amateurs Khalid Walid Attieh, Ali Alsakha and Prince Khalid Saud Al-Faisal also flying the flag for the Kingdom.

In the Ladies Division, Belgium’s Alexandra Van Oordt, a Saudi Arabian resident, won the gold medal via a play-off win over fellow Saudi Arabia resident Ghozlene Saki from Tunisia.

While collecting the Bronze Medal was again Saudi Arabia resident, Lujain Khalil from Canada.

Ladies Division Winners in 2023 Saudi Games – Golf Saudi

Images: Golf Saudi

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Khaled secured a one stroke victory after rounds of 73, 75, 75 for a tournament total of 223, over Qatar’s Saleh Ali Alkaabi and fellow Qatari Ali Al Shahrani just a further shot back, in the country’s national championship.

39 male and female competitors from across Arab and foreign countries including Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Oman, Switzerland, Qatar, the United Kingdom, the USA, Palestine, the United Arab Emirates, and Ireland took part in the championship that was hosted by the Jordan Golf Federation (JGF) under the expert guidance of their coaches from the JGF.

The Jordan Open stood out as one of the most significant sporting events of 2023 in the region – Ayla Golf Club

The Greg Norman designed course and the championship both played a pivotal role in Ayla’s mission to elevate Jordan’s golf scene to global professional standards as it aims to increase the popularity of golf within the country of Jordan among diverse demographics.

Sahl Dudin, the Managing Director of Ayla Oasis and Mr. Kareem Barghouthi, President of the Jordan Golf Federation are both actively combining to collaborat together to support the Jordan Golf Federation, the Jordan Olympic Committee and the Jordanian national golf teams.

The Jordan Open stood out as one of the most significant sporting events of 2023 in the region, setting the stage for the 2024 championship.

Tournament Results:
Men Gross:
Khalid Attieh (Saudi Arabia)
Saleh Al Kaabi (Qatar)
Ali Al Shahrani (Qatar)

Men Net:
Kevin Francis (UK)
Jean Nassar (Lebanon)
Saad Hijjawi (Jordan)

Ladies Division:
Yasmeen Thaher (Jordan)
Lujain Khalil (Saudi Arabia)
Lilian Mujahed (Jordan)

Junior Under 19:
Rami Samawi (Switzerland)
Ahmed Alwahaibi (Oman)
Abdulrahman Aldaher (Jordan)

Junior Under 14:
Mohammad Alrawashdeh (Jordan)
Daniel Thaher (Jordan)
Adam Saudi (Jordan)

Image: Jordan News Agency Petra

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Included in their haven for wildlife and sustainability, they have recently installed the use of tee markers as bird identifiers, with 18 birds selected from 173 spotted at the course over the last 10 years.

The signature 18^th hole has the Pheasant Tailed Jacana which has only been sighted in Muscat once in the past 30 years, and that was at Al Mouj Golf back in June 2017. The tee markers help engage golfers with the wonderful wildlife around the course.

Al Mouj Golf has a long-term commitment to driving sports tourism and to preserving nature and it is one of only 20 clubs worldwide to be certified by both Audubon International and Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) for environmental excellence.

Al Mouj Golf expands its International Certifications for Environmental Excellence

The club has five freshwater ponds which is a habitat for their 173 different bird species, and its partnership with Haya Water allows for the collection and composting of grass, plants and tree cuttings. In addition, treated wastewater is used for irrigation and the club retains and rejuvenates the natural Khor as part of its picturesque environment.

Al Mouj Golf has previously hosted professional tournaments with the European Challenge Tour’s National Bank of Oman Golf Classic from 2013 to 2014 and the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final from 2015 to 2017. They then upgraded to the NBO Oman Open on the DP World Tour in 2018 and the Oman Open in 2019 and 2020. Most recently they hosted the Asian Tour’s International Series in 2023.

Image: Supplied

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Over 100 competitors from 12 countries took part across five categories; Under 15 Girls, Ladies, Under 13 Boys, Under 15 Boys and Under 18 Boys.

Golfers from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia and the UAE all joined the hosts Saudi Arabia, in an event which marked a significant moment in the global golfing calendar as it furthermore showcased the expanding talent there is in golf across the Arab world.

Division Winners:

Under 13 Boys: Egypt – Abdelrahman Aldefrawy

Under 13 Boys Teams: Egypt – Adam Aboshabana, Abdelrahman Aldefrawy, Adib Shabana

Under 15 Girls: Morocco – Noha Ghadi

Under 15 Girls Teams: UAE – Sara Abubaker, Maya Gaudin, Aasiya Saleem

Under 15 Boys: Tunisia – Mehdi Ben Youssef

Under 15 Boys Teams: Tunisia – Mehdi Ben Youssef, Selim Haouala, Ghaith Rhimi

Under 18 Boys: Morocco – Kamil Bensouda

Under 18 Boys Teams: Morocco – Kamil Bensouda, Aberrahmane Fakori, Sinan Melhi

Ladies: Morocco – Sofia Essakali

Ladies Teams: Morocco – Sonia Bayahya, Malak Bouraeda, Sofia Essakali

Thanks must go to Riyadh Golf Club and the Saudi Golf Federation (SGF) for hosting this prestigious event under the umbrella of the Arab Golf Federation (AGF). It is the SGF’s commitment to promote golf in the region and it was clear to see that with the Pan Arab Championship, it has highlighted the emerging talent there is within golf from various Arab nations.

The achievements in each category reflects the high level of competition and the promising future of these Arab golfers.

Images: Golf Saudi

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Golf Digest Middle East have singled out three of the best that Ireland has to offer, in this once in a lifetime golf trip available for you, the eager golfer!

You might already be looking ahead to that European getaway with your golfing buddies to escape the toasty temperatures in the UAE, so how about a golf tour to Ireland in this failsafe unforgettable experience?

Having lived in Galway, on the west coast of Ireland, I can safely say it’s hard to find a bad golf course anywhere on the island or Ireland! The landscapes, world-famous hospitality and quality of golf planned into this trip is a perfect blend of exceptional golfing with wonderful off-the-course-experiences.

We have you covered with the help of dnata Travel.

After landing into Dublin Airport, yes – your flights are covered. You’ll be met by your VIP private transfer who will whisk you 15 minutes up the coast to The Portmarnock Resort, (your base for the three nights) a hidden gem often described as a high quality 4* hotel, with a 5* feel.

RELATED: Ireland is Treasure Island: Golf Digest Middle East visits the jewels of the Emerald Isle

The Jameson Links

Par 71
Tee blue 6,475 yards
Tee white 6,063 yards
Tee green 5,672 yards
Tee red 5,024 yards

Overlooking Dublin Bay and situated along the ‘Velvet Strand’, this is one of Ireland’s most stunning stretches of uninterrupted coastline. A perfect mix of old-world charm combined with modern facilities. This award-winning links course and spa is the perfect coastal retreat for you.

After you have checked in, there’s time for a quick freshen up before your tee time. And don’t worry you only have about 150 yards to walk to the first tee, as you will be playing the recently rebranded Jameson Golf Links on site at the Portmarnock Resort. Perfect!

This 18-hole championship links course has played host to numerous amateur and professional events including the 2008 and 2009 Ladies Irish Open and the 2021 Irish Challenge, won by now DP World Tour player Daan Huizing.

Overlooked by Irelands Eye, the 203-acre site is on the grounds of the old Jameson Estate of St. Marnocks, hence the new name.

This Bernhard Langer designed course has five new green complexes and four new tee areas which ensures a first-class test while also remaining fair and playable for all levels of golfer.

The Jameson Links makes full use of the dunes and natural terrain to provide a layout that will please even the most experienced of links specialists. With an abundance of elevated tees and greens, blind approaches and doglegs, not to mention the typical links Irish sea breeze, it will keep you thinking throughout the round.

You’re likely to be a touch jaded after the excitement of the opening day on the links, so your first evening is left open to your own devices, but who knows, you are only 15 minutes from Dublin City center, a trip into Temple Bar might be on the cards…

The K Club

Par 72
Tee blue 7,350 yards
Tee white 6,815 yards
Tee green 6,240 yards
Tee red 5,131 yards

Rise and shine it’s time for day two. Time for a quick traditional Irish fry-up for breakfast to set you up for the day and it’s an 8am departure for your next round.

Well, this course oozes in history and is ranked in the top three parkland golf courses in the whole of Ireland, remember there are over 400 in the country! This golfer’s haven is a must-play course that has previously hosted the top golfers in the world, any guesses? It’s The K Club Palmer North. 

After your 45-minute VIP transfer, you’ll arrive at the Arnold Palmer-designed treasure. Previously host to the 2006 Ryder Cup where Team Europe claimed an emotional victory over the USA. This stadium-style resort course, measures over 7,300 yards from the tips, and has many TV commentators describe it as the most difficult inland layout in the country as well as one of the best around Dublin.

You don’t have to look far for even more pedigree on the Palmer North, Rory McIlroy claimed the 2016 DP World Tour Shot of the Year here on the 18th hole on his way to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and it also has been venue to eleven European Opens which affirms the importance of the Palmer North to European Golf.

If you do decide to play from the tips, good luck! But don’t be fooled by its charm as challenges still do lurk as the mature trees and water features force players to bring out the very best in their game.

RELATED: Ireland is Treasure Island: Golf Digest Middle East visits the jewels of the Emerald Isle

Having survived the Palmer North, hopefully without too many lost balls, it’s time to jump back in your transfer and head back towards Dublin, but we aren’t going straight back to the hotel just quite yet. It’s time for a quick pitstop in the capital to try some of the culture that Ireland has to offer and experience the history, heart and soul of Ireland’s most iconic beer – Guinness.

At the Guinness Storehouse you’ll be able to savour the sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas of Guinness as this experience goes beyond the gates at the home of the world’s most popular stout. The tour finishes at the Gravity Bar which has breathtaking views over Dublin city where you will enjoy a pint and a photo opportunity.

After sampling your well-earned creamy Guinness, its back on the bus for the short journey up to the Portmarnock Resort where once again you have the evening to yourself, remember if you feel a bit peckish there’s three top dining outlets available at the resort.

County Louth Golf Club

Par 72
Tee blue 7,031 yards
Tee white 6,716 yards
Tee green 6,338 yards
Tee red 5,873 yards

Don’t worry, you’ve got yourself a slight lie in on Saturday morning, as your transfer doesn’t leave until 10:30am. This time you are heading north up Ireland’s east coast to Louth and County Louth Golf Club.

Founded in 1892, the course was redesigned in 1938 by architects, Tom Simpson and Molly Gourlay. Now boasting a par 72 course that measures 7,031 yards from the back tees, this championship links is known for providing one of the purest and fairest tests of links golf in the world.

Surrounded by sand dunes and an unforgettable coastline, along with undulating greens and fairways, professional golfer and former Ryder Cup Europe Captain Paul McGinley remarks on his favourite links course in Ireland, “It’s just a great test. All the holes run in different directions, so you have a different exam paper on each hole”.

Known also as ‘Baltray’ this course is of the highest ranked and previous host to the DP World Tour’s Irish Open in 2004 and 2009, on the latter occasion, the club was etched into Irish golfing history when it famously became the venue where 2019 Open Champion Shane Lowry won the Irish Open as an Amateur.

County Louth also holds the East of Ireland championship each year which is considered a “Major” on the elite Irish amateur golf scene.

Upon returning to the Portmarnock Resort the fun-filled weekend doesn’t stop there, we have one more treat for you lined up. The Jameson Experience.

The long association between the Jameson family and Portmarnock Resort began when John Jameson III, moved to St. Marnocks in 1847. Since then, the resort has taken precious care of the history and legacy of the famous family.

You’ll begin this unique experience with a guided tour of the original Jameson family home and grounds including the final resting place of members of the dynasty. Following this, you’ll head into the cosy Jameson Bar to enjoy a stunning three-course meal, curated by the head chef, surrounded by the artwork and historic articles of the Jameson Family.

Then to top off an unforgettable trip, you’ll finish your evening with a tasting of three of the Jameson family’s famous whiskeys.

When you depart from Dublin airport, make sure you have a seat overlooking the ‘Velvet Strand’ and the Portmarnock Resort as you’ll be dreaming of this memorable weekend all the way back to Dubai.

So next time you’re planning to tee off somewhere (that’s a bit more than) special, I think the island of Ireland should be at the top of your list… I just wish I was going!

Itinerary

Thursday, 16 May 2024
Arrive Dublin airport (12:15pm)
Transfer to hotel
Play Jameson Links (3pm)
Free evening

Friday, 17 May 2024
Depart hotel (8am)
Play The K Club, Palmer North (9:30am)
Guinness Storehouse (4pm)
Return transfer to hotel (5:30pm)
Free evening

Saturday, 18 May 2024
Depart hotel (10:30am)
Play Co. Louth (12:20pm)
Return transfer to hotel (6pm)
Jameson Experience at hotel (8pm)
(Dinner + Whiskey tasting)

Sunday, 19 May 2024
Check out and depart hotel (10:30am)
Depart Dublin airport (2:15pm)

Pricing

From AED11,735
3 nights per person
Double occupancy

From AED13,820
3 nights per person
Single occupancy

Note: Price is subject to the exact travel dates, numbers travelling and the final itinerary

WhatsApp 800 DNATA (800 36282) or email sports.leisure@dnata.com to find out more

Images: Supplied by courses

A Week In Ireland
DAY 1: The K Club
DAY 2: Lahinch Golf Club
DAY 3: Dromoland Castle
DAY 4: Mount Juliet Estate
DAY 5: Druids Heath

The post Ireland’s Ancient East Experience appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Bill could not have said it better and it’s no wonder that every year over 240,000 golfers from all over the world come to the island of Ireland for that very reason.

And yes, we have got your next trip planned down to a tee. This all-in golfing experience will see you not only play the world-class Jameson Golf Links (pictured), The K Club and County Louth Golf Club, but there’s even still time for some of the cultural and historical spots Ireland has to offer at the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Experience.

You’ll be staying at the Portmarnock Resort for the entirety of the stay, during this trip to the Emerald Isle which is without doubt a once in a lifetime experience.

Thanks to dnata Travel we can assure you that this four-day golfing extravaganza will be mighty craic! 

Main image: Jameson Golf Links

The post QUICKSHOT: Ireland’s Ultimate Golf Tour appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Rickie Folwer delves deep, with his coach Butch Harmon, into how he found his swing again. Have a big rundown of everything that happened at the DP World Tour Championship where Rory McIlroy and Nicolai Højgaard both came away with silverware. We have prepped the ultimate golfers trip to Ireland, which includes three of the best championship golf courses on the Emerald Isle. If you are looking at getting fitted for a new set of golf clubs, Club Lab Golf in JLT is the newest state-of-the-art facility in Dubai. LIV Golf is landing in Abu Dhabi with some big names lined up and we grab an exclusive ‘Quick 9’ with The Godfather of Dubai Duty Free, Colm McLoughlin.

All this and much, much more in the December 2023 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

The post Get the December 2023 edition of Golf Digest Middle East FREE here today! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The duo carded 11 net birdies and a net eagle, for a four stroke victory. Sherma played six strokes under her handicap on the day, which contributed significantly to pairs winning score.

Mitsuko Emmerson and Dilek Yildiz still had a respectable score of 63, nine under par, for second spot. A score which was matched by Anna-Retha Rafferty and Claudia Kilcullen who despite their impressive score had to settle on third place after losing out via countback.

On Course Competitions:
Nearest the Pin – Hole 8 – Lisa Lynch
Nearest the Pin – Hole 14 – Sarah Blomfield

Whilst concluding the prize-giving presentation, Adam Stastny, Assistant Golf Services Manager, commented, “Thank you everyone for taking part in today’s event and a huge congratulations to all our prize winners. A special thank you goes to our sponsor for today: Park Hyatt Dubai. As without their continued support hosting days like this would not be possible!”

Image: Jumeirah Golf Estates

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