The new-look DP World Tour schedule for 2023-24 consolidated the UAE’s place at the top table of world golf, with five events slated across the emirates, including a season-ending double-header.

Following the traditional early-campaign events in Australia and South Africa before the Christmas break, the Tour rolls into the UAE in January for three back-to-back tournaments — including a new arrival in the form of the Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort (January 11-14), before heading to Emirates Golf Club and the 35th Hero Dubai Desert Classic (January 18-21). The Ras Al Khaimah Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club rounds out the triple-header (January 25-28).

Both the Dubai Invitational and RAK event offer prize money of $2.5 million, with the Rolex Series Desert Classic having $9 million up for grabs.

In another revamp to the calendar, Bahrain will be joining the DP World Tour. From February 1-4, the Royal Golf Club will host some of the world’s top players to the resort, south of Manama, with a purse of $2.5 million.

Thomas Pieters thrived at a stormy Yas Links in 2022 to claim the Abu Dhabi Championship. Getty Images

In one of the most significant changes, the Abu Dhabi Championship has been moved from its traditional January spot to form a season finale play-off along with the DP World Tour Championship.

Running in November, these two two final Rolex Series events of the season with have a pool of $19 million in prize money. The Abu Dhabi Championship will welcome the leading 70 players on the Race to Dubai Rankings to Yas Links, before the top 50 head back to Dubai for the showdown at Jumeirah Golf Estates, where the DP World Tour’s Number One player will be crowned.

At the conclusion of the DP World Tour’s 2024 season, the leading 10 players will share a $6 million bonus pool. The top 10 DP World Tour members on the final 2024 Race to Dubai Rankings (not otherwise exempt) will earn PGA TOUR cards for the 2025 season.

“Our 2024 season will see our members come together to compete across a global schedule, with greater opportunities and rewards than ever before,” said Keith Pelley, the DP World Tour’s chief executive. “The many new and original enhancements we have introduced will guarantee drama and excitement for our fans, our broadcasters and all our stakeholders across the entire season and means, more than ever, that every week counts on the DP World Tour.”

Here is the full 2023-24 DP World Tour schedule

Opening Swing
November 23-26 2023 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship (Royal Queensland GC, Brisbane, Australia)
November 23-26 ​​​​​​Joburg Open (Houghton GC, Johannesburg, South Africa)
November 30-December 3 ISPS Handa Australian Open (The Australian GC & The Lakes GC, Sydney, Australia)
November 30-December 3 Investec South African Open Championship (Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate, Lanseria, Johannesburg, South Africa)
December 7-10 Alfred Dunhill Championship (Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa)
December 14-17 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open (Heritage La Réserve GC, Heritage Bel Ombre, Mauritius)
International Swing
January 11-14 2024 Dubai Invitational (Dubai Creek Resort, Dubai, UAE)
January 18-21 Hero Dubai Desert Classic (Emirates GC, Dubai, UAE)
January 25-28 Ras Al Khaimah Championship (Al Hamra GC, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE)
February 1-4 Bahrain Championship (Royal GC, Kingdom of Bahrain)
February 22-25 Magical Kenya Open (Muthaiga GC, Nairobi, Kenya)
February 29-March 3 SDC Championship (TBC, South Africa)
March 7-10 Jonsson Workwear Open (TBC, South Africa)
Asian Swing
March 21-24 Singapore Classic (Laguna National Golf Resort Club, Singapore)
March 28-31 Asian Event TBA (TBC)
April 11-14 The Masters (Augusta National GC, Augusta, Georgia, USA)
April 18-21 Korea Championship (Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, Incheon, South Korea)
April 25-28 ISPS Handa Championship (Taiheiyo Club, Gotemba Course, Gotemba City, Japan)
May 2-5 Volvo China Open (Hidden Grace GC, Shenzhen, China)
May 16-19 PGA Championship (Valhalla GC, Louisville, Kentucky, USA)
European Swing
May 23-26 Soudal Open (Rinkven International GC, Antwerp, Belgium)
May 30-June 2 European Open (Green Eagle Golf Courses, Hamburg, Germany)
June 6-9 Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed (TBC, Sweden)
June 13-16 US Open (Pinehurst Resort & CC, Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA)
June 20-23 KLM Open (The International, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
June 27-30 Italian Open (TBC, Italy)
July 4-7 BMW International Open (Golfclub München Eichenried, Munich, Germany)
Closing Swing
July 11-14 Genesis Scottish Open (The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland)
July 11-14 Event TBA (TBC, USA)
July 18-21 The 152nd Open (Royal Troon GC, Ayrshire, Scotland)
July 18-21 Barracuda Championship (Tahoe Mt Club, Truckee, California, USA)
August 1-4 Olympic Men’s Golf Competition (Le Golf National, Paris, France)
August 15-18 D+D Real Czech Masters (Albatross Golf Resort, Prague, Czech Republic)
August 22-25 Danish Golf Championship (Lübker Golf Resort, Aarhus, Denmark)
The Back 9
August 29-September 1 Betfred British Masters (The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, England)
September 5-8 Omega European Masters (Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Crans Montana, Switzerland)
September 12-15 Horizon Irish Open (Royal County Down GC, Newcastle, Co Down, Northern Ireland)
September 19-22 BMW PGA Championship (Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England)
September 26-29 acciona Open de España presented by Madrid (Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, Madrid, Spain)
October 3-6 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (Old Course St Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns, Scotland)
October 10-13 Open de France (Le Golf National, Paris, France)
October 17-20 Andalucia Masters (Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, San Roque, Andalucia, Spain)
October 24-27 Event TBA (TBC)
DP World Tour Play-Offs
November 7-10 Abu Dhabi Championship (Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, UAE)
November 14-17 DP World Tour Championship (Jumeirah Golf Estates, Earth Course, Dubai, UAE)

The post New-look landscape across the UAE and beyond after DP World Tour calendar shake-up appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The new year is always a highly anticipated time for golf fans in the Middle East as it signals the busiest time on the calendar when the four-week DP World Tour UAE Swing comes to town. 

Such is the way of things these days, the players get little in the way of rest following the end of the preceding campaign, before the new season opens its doors (the 2023 campaign officially began on November 24, four days after the 2022 season-ending DP World Tour Championship).

There are actually six ‘2023’ events in South Africa, Australia and Mauritius before the bells ring on December 31, but the UAE Swing is the real sign to get the season rolling. 

The 2023 extravaganza is certainly not to be missed as some of the best players in the world grace the courses of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.

With the big names already in town for the Hero Cup, where the top 10 players from Great Britain & Ireland face off against Continental Europe’s finest on Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s National Course in a Ryder Cup warm-up, fans will be in for a treat across the UAE.

First up is the return to Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, and the first Rolex Series event of the year. 

Not only will there be $9 million on the table from January 19-22 on Yas Island at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, there will also be 5,000 Ryder Cup points up for grabs as those hoping to make Luke Donald’s team at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome come September look to make an early move into contention. 

Thomas Pieters’ final-round 72 and 10-under-par 278 was just enough to claim the trophy back in January, the Belgian just managing to hold off the surge from local hero Rafa Cabrera-Bello and India’s finest Shubhankar Sharma.

Viktor Hovland was two shots shy, but his time to shine was just around the corner 

“Winning a Rolex Series event is as good as it gets in Europe,” said Pieters as he cradled the Falcon Trophy in his arms. 

He will be looking for another strong start to the year, with Luke Donald certain to be taking notes.

Another one to watch will be the winner of the Abu Dhabi Amateur Championship, which takes place from December 13-15. Victory in that tournament books a ticket to Yas Links, and the victor will have a lot to live up to following Josh Hill’s break-out season in 2022, where he made the cut in both the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (58th) and then the Dubai Desert Classic (55th).

Following the celebrations on Sunday, the cream of European golf will make the short trip along Sheikh Zayed Road to the Emirates Golf Club for the Dubai Desert Classic, where another $9 million and 5,000 Ryder Cup points will be available.

Coming off one of his best-ever seasons without lifting a major in 2022, reinstalled world No. 1 Rory McIlroy will be chasing a hat-trick over the famous Majlis course from January 26-29.

The Northern Irishman triumphed in this event in 2009 and 2015, and blew a great chance for the triple crown last year, where he found the water on 18 to miss out on at least a playoff with Viktor Hovland and Richard Bland.

Left: Viktor Hovland was the eventual winner of 2022’s Dubai Desert Classic. Right: Nicolai Højgaard won the inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Championship. Photos by Getty Images

It was the Norwegian who took the glory and announce his arrival at golf’s top table with a thrilling playoff win over the English veteran Bland as dusk fell across EGC.

McIlroy himself, though, knows he has unfinished business in Dubai.

The 33-year-old said: “I always look forward to playing the Dubai Desert Classic, having won the tournament twice in my career, and the Majlis is a golf course that I love to play.

“Lifting the Dallah trophy for a third time is something I would love to achieve.”

Following the conclusion of the back-to-back Rolex Series events, the action rolls on up to Ras Al Khaimah, where the RAK Championship returns from February 2-5. Nicolai Højgaard took top spot at Al Hamra in 2022, and both he and his twin brother Rasmus will be back vying for those valuable Ryder Cup points this time around. 

So, strap in for four weeks of non-stop action right across the UAE.

The post Swing away: The new year signals the start of four weeks of top golfing entertainment in the UAE appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The tournament, which will feature on the schedule for a minimum of three years, will be the final of four jam-packed weeks in the region, following the recently announced Hero Cup at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and back-to-back Rolex Series events at Yas Links and Emirates Golf Club.

During the last edition in Ras Al Khaimah, Nicolai Højgaard sealed a second DP World Tour title, emerging from a roller-coaster final day with a four-stroke victory courtesy of an array of world-class recovery shots.

“This is another significant milestone for Ras Al Khaimah as we welcome the world’s best golfers over the next three years,” said Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “Following the success of the inaugural edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship on the DP World Tour earlier this year, we are excited to be welcoming back some of the biggest names in golf for a second edition.

“As one of the fastest growing destinations in the region we are proud to be able to showcase Ras Al Khaimah as a leading nature, adventure and sporting destination in the region. The Emirate boasts a strong track record of hosting large international sporting events, including 16 editions of the fastest half marathon in the world – Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon and the region’s first World Minifootball Cup in 2023. Supported by our backdrop of stunning landscapes and world-class tourism offering, we look forward to making next year’s Ras Al Khaimah Championship even bigger and better.”

Benoy Kurien, Group CEO of Al Hamra, owner of the host venue, Al Hamra Golf Club, added: “It was a privilege for Al Hamra Golf Club to host the very first DP World Tour event in the Emirate earlier this year, and we’re thrilled that some of the world’s finest golfers will return next year for the second edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship.

“Al Hamra Golf Club enjoys a long-term association with the European Tour group, having hosted the DP World Tour’s top players in the past. We are delighted to continue our partnership and look forward to working alongside our partners at RAKTDA to deliver yet another world-class tournament for local and international fans against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf and the Hajjar Mountains.”

Following a busy year which will feature a minimum of 39 tournaments in 26 countries, the DP World Tour will end the season at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, with the fifth and final Rolex Series event of the season giving players one last shot at claiming the iconic Harry Vardon Trophy.

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The post Ras Al Khaimah Championship returns to DP World Tour schedule appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

American flavour at EGC

George Clarke and Lyndon Smith

Emirates Golf Club hosted the Emirates US Open Championship with 76 golfers competing on the Faldo Course. The overall winners were George Clarke and Lyndon Smith with 46 points. Runner’s up were Anders Kron and Russell Yeomans with 44 points. In third place were Tauseef Khan and Shiba Wahid with 44 points.

EGF welcomes new faces

72 new National Team graduates at Emirates Golf Federation

Emirates Golf Federation was celebrating its latest National Team graduates, who passed their tests at Abu Dhabi Golf Club this week. There are 72 new additions who will now go on to the next part of their training on their journey in the world of golf.

Josh Hill in England squad

Josh Hill

Dubai’s Josh Hill has once again been chosen to represent England at the European Team Championships taking place at St Leon Rot Golf Club in Germany from July 5 to 9. The English boys team will be up against the finest youngsters from across the continent as 18 teams do battle for the Jean-Louis DuPont Trophy.  Trump International’s Hill is 50th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings and will join Josh Berry (Doncaster), Frank Kennedy (Trump Jupiter), Dylan Shaw-Radford (Huddersfield), Harley Smith (Rayleigh) and Tyler Weaver (Bury St Edmunds) on the England team.

Chiara dominates after injury

Chiara Noja. Annie Krcmarova/ACLC

Dubai-based 16-year-old Chiara Noja showed once again why she is one of the hottest prospects for the future of women’s golf as she bounced back from a rib injury that forced her to miss the Aramco Team Series — London to finish T2 in Belgium and stretch her lead in the Ladies European Tour Access Series Order of Merit. Australia’s Kristalle Blum recorded her first victory on the series at the Golf Vlaanderen LETAS Trophy, one ahead of Noja, local star Sophie Bert and France’s Yvie Chaucheprat and Momoka Kobori from New Zealand. With her runner-up finish, Germany’s Noja continues to dominate the LETAS Order of Merit standings with 1,171.25 points while New Zealand’s Kobori moves to the second spot with 813.75 points.

EGF goes green at Al Zorah

Emirates Golf Federation players take part in tree-planting programme at Al Zorah Golf Club. EGF

Emirates Golf Federation celebrated World Environment Day with EGF golfers at Al Zorah Golf Club, with the players planting mangrove trees following a tournament. The 18-hole golf course, Nicklaus-designed course in Ajman is surrounded by natural lakes and mangroves.

New look in Muscat

Muscat Resorts

Muscat Hills, the first all-grass 18-hole golf course in Oman, is to reopen next year as Muscat Resorts under the management of Troon Golf. Muscat Hills previously opened in 2009 and closed in 2020, and is set for a new lease of life under the ownership of Ominvest, the largest investment company in Oman.

Monthly treat for Vishal

Vishal Tikku

EGC also held the Dubai Golf Monthly where Vishal Tikku claimed top honours in B Division (11-20) with a net 68 (BB9). In Division A (0-10), the winner was that man Russell Yeomans with a net 68. In Division C (21-28), Suresh Shewakramani was victorious with a net 73.

Young UAE star wins in Scotland

Abu Dhabi-based Maya Palanza Gaudin. Emirates Golf Federation

The conveyor belt of young UAE-based talent continues to roll as Abu Dhabi’s Maya Palanza Gaudin took the title at the US Kids European Championship (Girls, 12-years-old Category) at The Glen Golf Club, North Berwick, outside Edinburgh, Scotland. Born in Ethiopia, the 12-year-old, who has lived in the UAE capital with her parents and younger sister for 10 years, plays off a 2.7 handicap and was the 2021 Ladies champion at Yas Links Golf Club, Abu Dhabi.

Pairs bear fruit at JGE

Paul McMahon and Drew Foxcroft

Jumeirah Golf Estates hosted their Pairs tournament over the Fire Course with 80 golfers competing in a pairs scramble format. Drew Foxcroft and Paul McMahon won on a card playoff with a net 63 (9-under). Runner-ups were Jack Wanliss and Gary Williams. Third place went to Steve Drake and Sheila McIlroy.

Arabian Ranches heats up

Division 2 winner Salman Karim

In a busy June month, Arabian Ranches also hosted the latest qualifying Round for the UAE Emirates NBD Race to Malaysia ahead of the Emirates Golf Federation-sanctioned national final at Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah on October 1. The next qualifier is at Al Zorah Golf Club in Ajman on September 18, before the final qualifier at Al Hamra Golf Club on September 25. At the final at Al Hamra, the winners of each of the five divisions will qualify to represent the UAE in the World Final in November in Malaysia.

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The post The Gulf Club: All the latest news from the UAE golf scene and beyond for June 2022 as Josh Hill makes England team and Chiara Noja thrives appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Matt Smith

Clash of the captains

Emirates Golf Club celebrated its annual Captains Matchplay Challenge which saw 32 pairings compete for the title, representing either Amarjeet Radia’s Lady Captains Team or Abdulfattah Sharaf’s Men’s Captains Team. It was the Lady Captains team who were victorious by four points, prevailing 10.5-7.5.

New-look in Ajman

The Al Zorah clubhouse design

There was some exciting news out of Ajman as construction work began at the clubhouse at Al Zorah Golf Club, with the aim of transforming it into the leading tourist and golfing destination in the northern Emirates. The clubhouse at the Troon-managed course will offer full leisure facilities, including a gym, golf shop, tennis courts and swimming pool, plus food and beverage outlets will offer visitors a choice to dine, socialise and relax within the club.

Dubai Ladies take centre stage

Sara Chadwick, Jacqueline de Vries and Sheila McIlroy won the Park Hyatt Dubai Ladies at Jumeirah Golf Estates

Jumeirah Golf Estates hosted The Park Hyatt Dubai Ladies in a three-player cha-cha-cha format over the Fire Course. The format is the best score on hole 1, best 2 scores on hole 2, best 3 scores on hole 3 back to best score on hole 4 and so on. Sheila McIlroy, Sara Chadwick, and Jacqueline de Vries came up with the goods to win with 79 points (7-under), ahead of Trudi McMullan, Rim Sun Lee, and Anna Abbott with 77 points.

Success at Yas Acres

Mousa Shana’ah triumphed at Yas Acres

Over at Yas Acres, Mousa Shana’ah overcame Ji Li, Paul Rezko and Jonathan Selvaraj to win the Gem International Amateur Golf Tour by a commanding seven strokes.

Hole-in-one at Hamra

Patrick Stevens

Patrick Stevens, the 2022 Al Hamra Golf Club Champion, had another reason to celebrate after hitting a hole-in-one on the Ras Al Khaimah Par 3 course.

Black on top at EGC

Emirates Golf Club Gents Tournament of Champions winner Gary Black

It was a busy time at Emirates Golf as the Gents Tournament of Champions also took place, with 30 golfers competing on the Majlis Course in a strokeplay format. Gary Black’s net 67 was good enough for top spot.

Fine on Faldo

Emirates Golf Club Ladies Mutt & Jeff champ Haide Wright

Not to be outdone, EGC held its Ladies Mutt & Jeff Competition , with 16 golfers battling it out on the Faldo Course in a Stableford format. Haide Wright took the honours with a better back six over Fiona Berry.

Peter Cowen Academies bring down curtain

Peter Cowen Academy Dubai Junior Medal Grand Final winners

The Peter Cowen Academy Dubai Junior Medal Grand Final took place at Jumeirah Golf Estates, with the last event of the season seeing 22 juniors from JGE, Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club compete. Winning the best net score was EGC’s Jameel Choudry, who just edged out Dubai Creek’s Audrey Wulff. Best Gross went to JGE’s Ties Wolters.

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The post The Gulf Club: Your round-up of action from golf clubs across the UAE in May appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Al Hamra Golf Club’s promotion from a former Challenge Tour site to fully-fledged main circuit venue was confirmed in October with the announcement of the Feb. 3-6 Ras Al Khaimah Championship presented by Phoenix Capital. 

Then, as late as Jan. 18, the DP World Tour announced another $2 million event, the Ras Al Khaimah Classic, would be played at Al Hamra from Feb. 10-13. It is an 11th hour replacement for the 25th Commercial Bank Qatar Masters which has reportedly been postponed until “later this spring” as a result of “ongoing restrictions associated with the global Covid-19 pandemic.”

Set to follow the week after the 33rd Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, the RAK Championship critically goes head-to-head with the now Asian Tour-sanctioned and $5 million Saudi International. While no marquee players had been announced at the time of press, the DP World Tour can’t hope to match Golf Saudi’s star pulling power but the RAK events are nonetheless important as the circuit continually pivots to ensure its membership playing opportunities.

Al Hamra previously hosted the European Challenge Tour over three consecutive years from 2016–2018. It was initially the venue for the RAK Golf Challenge in 2016 and 2017, before hosting the RAK Challenge Tour Grand Final as the final stop on the Road to Ras Al Khaimah in 2018.

The post Seeing Double: The Desert Swing has a new venue. Twice over. appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Special Correspondent
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE: Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard will team up for an exciting new televised exhibition event, the Hero Challenge, in Ras Al Khaimah today with the Danish twins hoping to make it another Højgaard double following Nicolai’s spectacular DP World Tour victory last week.

The Hero Challenge will feature 26 teams of two professionals per team playing over nine holes in a Texas Scramble best-ball format.

The event will be broadcast across the world and viewers will get a unique inside-the-ropes experience, with closer interaction between players and course commentators, and with certain players mic’d up throughout their round.

Nicolai Højgaard, the Ras Al Khaimah Championship presented by Phoenix Capital winner, said: “I always look forward to playing with Rasmus, now we get nine holes with a fun tournament so it will be a lot of fun and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I have full confidence in Rasmus, when we play together we trust each other 100%. Maybe it sounds a bit like we’re going to take it seriously, but we’re going to have fun for sure and try to do our best while we’re having fun. We’ll see what happens.”

The Højgaards, who last year became the first brothers to each win a tournament in back-to-back weeks, are one of the many teams featuring players from the same country, with Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello and his Spanish compatriot Alfredo Garcia-Heredia playing in the same group as the Danes.

“I’m very excited, it looks like he’s driving the ball pretty good so that should make my job a little easier!”, said Rasmus Højgaard.

“I think we’ll just go out and try to have fun. It’s going to be a relaxed little competition. We’re here for two weeks so it’s nice to have something a little different to do, to have a little nine hole competition is great and will just be a lot of fun.

“We’ve been talking about what we’re going to wear and maybe wearing the same outfit, it will be a little surprising I think!”

Marcus Armitage and Jordan Smith – a former winner in Ras Al Khaimah on the Challenge Tour, who finished runner-up to Højgaard last week – play in an all-English team while Scots Stephen Gallacher and Robert MacIntyre pair up hoping to claim the lion’s share of the $150,000 prize pot.

An all-Swedish group, meanwhile, will feature Marcus Kinhult pairing up with Alexander Björk and they will play alongside a team featuring Sebastian Soderberg and Joakim Lagergren.

Fans can access the Hero Challenge free of charge. No ticket or registration is needed.

The post Højgaard twins to team up for innovative Hero Challenge in Ras Al Khaimah   appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Special Correspondent
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE: David Law took control at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship presented by Phoenix Capital as the Scot carded an eight-under 64 to take a two-stroke advantage into the weekend at Al Hamra Golf Club.

The 30-year-old, whose sole win came almost exactly three years ago at the ISPS Handa Vic Open, had finished his first round with an eagle and he carried that momentum into the second day in the northernmost of the United Arab Emirates.

Law registered two more eagle threes and birdied the other two par fives at the coastal resort, with three further birdies earning him a 64 and a 14 under par total.

“I chipped in twice for two eagles so that was picking up four shots straight away which was great,” said Law. “I played good, yesterday was tricky, today as a little different. It was a different golf course today, but I rode my luck a little, chipping in twice, but I was happy.

“It’s been a while since the win. This is my fourth season on tour. I had a chance at St Andrews last year to win and I felt very comfortable again in that position. I feel like my golf has progressed nicely in the last three years and that’s the main aim, that’s all anyone’s trying to do – to keep improving.”

Law’s 64 moved him two shots clear of Nicolai Højgaard of Denmark, whose seven under 65 was enough to claim outright second spot heading into the weekend on 12 under.

“It was a good day, I played some nice golf, felt like I was driving it a bit better than I have for the last couple of weeks so I put myself in some good spots to hit it close to the pins,” said the youngster.

“After those last two weeks, I put in some good work. I felt like my thoughts and swing were a bit blocked up, I couldn’t free up so I’ve just been trying to free up a little bit, play golf with my skills and let my talent take over instead of trying to overthink things.”

Spain’s Adrian Otaegui, meanwhile, broke the course record at Al Hamra with a stunning 63 which left him four shots off the lead in third spot, on ten under.

“Yesterday I holed some good putts, today I holed some good ones as well,” said the Spaniard. “I think the difference today was that I felt a lot more comfortable with my driving.

“I tried to just keep it going, keep giving myself birdie chances. I was feeling confident with my putting, I was rolling the ball very well, so nothing really special in my mind. Just the basics, keep going and I think we did that very well.”

The post Law in charge at Ras Al Khaimah Championship presented by Phoenix Capital   appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Sometimes though, a special deal comes along that is worth a second look. Al Hamra Golf Club has just released such a deal, an exciting ‘Country Golf Club’ membership category that does not have a set window limited to the hottest period of the year.

Open to residents outside of Ras Al Khaimah, including players from overseas, the deal allows 12 rounds of golf at RAK’s premier layout, use of the club’s practice facility as well as discounts in the Bay Sports Bar. The category also affords an official Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) handicap, associated discounts with the UAE governing body, plus participants can play in official Al Hamra G.C. events including the monthly medal and open tournaments.

And once you’ve rattled off the 12 rounds, the new membership category will entitle Country Golf Club members unlimited rounds at Al Hamra’s normal member’s guest green fee rate. It’s not a deal to be sneezed at for just AED 4000 plus an AED 1000 joining fee. But wait, there’s more…

The first 25 members who avail the offer will get their AED 1000 joining fee back in either a complimentary Troon Executive Card – think the best possible rates across the Troon International network – or as credit in food and beverage at Al Hamra G.C.

And still there is more. Golf Digest Middle East readers can also earn one additional round –call it a baker’s dozen – by scanning the QR Code below to gain direct access to Al Hamra’s membership application forms. Quote GD2021 to take advantage of this special reader only offer.

For more information, visit alhamragolf.com

The post Al Hamra Golf Club entice Dubai golfers and RAK holidaymakers with new ‘Country Golf Club’ membership category appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

From 6pm on April 1, Al Hamra Golf Club will take advantage of its floodlighting to raise funds for the Ras Al Khaimah Club for People of Determination.

Emirates Golf Federation amateurs and UAE PGA professionals are invited to register for the 24-hour charity challenge with a complimentary shirt and gift pack part of the AED 1,000 registration fee. All entry fees, money raised at the post-golf bunch/charity auction and a proportion of F&B revenues generated on the day will be donated to the charity.

In addition to the 24-hour golf challenge, Al Hamra Golf Club will host a series of activities for all members of the community including introductory lessons and child friendly activations. A brunch, followed by a charity auction in the evening of Friday, April 2, is also planned where a range of “exciting items, packages and experiences provided by the event sponsors” will go under the hammer.

With an average time of four hours to complete a round, players are anticipated to complete at least six rounds holes during the 24-hour period.

“We are thrilled to be the first golf club to host this unique golfing challenge in the region,” said Christopher Hewett, Vice President – Hospitality and Leisure, Al Hamra Group.

“The 24-hour golf challenge underlines our continued commitment to bring unique experiences to the UAE golfing community. Moreover, by partnering with the Ras Al Khaimah Club for People of Determination, we hope to raise funds for the club and create a platform for them to meet, socialise and participate in sporting, cultural and social activities. With Al Hamra and its leisure properties being an integral part of Ras Al Khaimah’ ecosystem, we recognise our responsibility towards supporting various segments of the society, especially people of determination and are using sports as a key catalyst to improve the quality of their life.”

Her Excellency Sumaya Bin Hareb al-Suwaidi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Charitable Educational Foundation and General Director of Ras Al Khaimah Club for People of Determination,  expressed her appreciation for this initiative.

“We are working in partnership with Al Hamra Golf Club to achieve one common goal i.e., support the inclusion and empowerment of people of determination.

“This initiative is in line with the vision of the wise leadership to create an inclusive society that ensures empowerment and welfare of people of determination and their families. People of determination are a cornerstone of the community and an integral part of UAE’s human capital. We aim to strengthen our relationship with organisations such as Al Hamra to raise funds that will allow us to offer necessary physical, psychological, and intellectual care and attention to people of determination so that these young people are able to confidently integrate themselves in the society and able to engage in different work sectors, government and private.

“The club also offers activities and development programmes to help them succeed, excel, and match the skillset of other people in the society. We are responsible for creating an integrated environment that enables people of determination to improve their role in serving the country.

“Our club includes over 150 players with different impairments and disabilities and we organise various campaigns to enhance the lives of ‘people of determination’ in the areas of sports, culture, social and education. In Ras Al Khaimah, we are the only club who is dedicated to increasing awareness, promoting the participation and inclusion of ‘people of determination’ in the community.”

For more information, call Al Hamra Golf Club on +971 07 244 7474 or email golfdesk@alhamragolf.com.

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