By Kent Gray
What do Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, Tommy Fleetwood and Miguel Ángel Jiménez all have in common?

Omega Dubai Desert Classic wins would be a close guess with Woods (2006 and 2008) a two-time winner of the famed Dallah trophy, followed by Spaniards Jiménez (2010) and Garcia (2017). Fleetwood is, of course, the odd man out but does boast a pair of Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship titles.

But the answer is a little more obscure as it comes from the 11th Golf Digest Middle East Classic last month where the three winners at Emirates Golf Club were asked who their dream Pro-Am partner would be after claiming golfing dates with the stars as their respective prizes.

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WATCH NOW: 11th Golf Digest Middle East Classic Review 

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Stephen Scott was unequivocal after capturing division A (0-10 handicaps) on the Majlis and a start in January’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Pro-Am with 37 points.

Al Ain’s Tom Buchanan, The Els Club’s Franco Botha, division A champion Stephen Scott and Yas Links boss Howie Roberts.

“Definitely Tiger Woods, the best player ever and he was my golfing idol growing up,” said the Arabian Ranches and Dubai Hills marketing manager who finished three Stableford points clear of Raymond Lucas. “It’s great seeing him competing again. Can you pair me up
with him?”

We’re not sure Tiger is lined up for Abu Dhabi, Stephen, but will surely ask if he does make a shock appearance. Maybe the former world No. 1 will make another appearance at the 30th anniversary edition of the Desert Classic where Shawn Welgemoed (pictured below, left) will tee it up in the proceeding Pro-Am after winning division B (11-24 handicaps) of the GD Classic with 36 points, two clear of Kiwi Rick McIntyre.

The Jiggers Golf Society 13-handicapper didn’t specifically request Tiger but we’re picking Welgemoed wouldn’t gripe, even if one of his first choice partners was available.

“I think any of the top 10 or Ryder Cup stars like Tommy Fleetwood or Sergio Garcia would be a natural choice, but I would love to walk the fairways and puff a cigar alongside a charismatic character like Miguel Ángel Jiménez.”

Yana Jamieson, winner of the women’s Golf Digest Middle East Classic, again proudly presented by King’s College Hospital London and AutoRoute, will tee it up in next May’s Omega Dubai Moonlight (formerly Ladies) Classic. But it didn’t stop her also dreaming of a tee time with Woods.

Yana Jamieson with Golf Digest Middle East publisher David Burke.

“Tiger because of his remarkable talents and the incredible comeback from injury and he seems to be a much more engaging person to chat with,” Jamieson said. “If Tiger is busy, I would invite Sergio to practice my Spanish and talk about the Ryder Cup.”

Jamieson is no stranger to Pro-Ams, having played at Dubai’s Ladies European Tour stop the last seven years, including in 2016 when she and Josie Tracey qualified after winning the Emirates G.C. Ladies Doubles Matchplay Championship.

“Last year we had a really enjoyable round with LPGA professional Emma Cabrera Bello,” Jamieson recalled before reflecting on her efforts in the Golf Digest ME Classic.

“The challenge was to focus on the game amidst the continuous chat with good company [she played alongside James Williams, the Emirates G.C. pro’s son and new MENA Tour GM Robbie Williams and Golf Digest Middle East publisher David Burke] and pitch the ball close to the hole.

“Recent lessons on the short game with our [Emirates G.C.] head pro Stephen Deane have proven to be a saviour. Thanks, Stephen again… now I need a putting lesson! Absolutely delighted to win this special prize, so will start practising!”

Welgemoed has teed it up in a Pro-Am previously but the Desert Classic start will be at another level, regardless of which European Tour star he is partnered with.

“We were paired with club and teaching pros in the 2007 Peugeot International Pro-Am in Paris but it doesn’t come close to be able to tee it up in the Desert Classic,” said Welgemoed who overcame scoring blobs on the 17th and 18th at the Majlis to play his final four holes in even par, including a brilliant birdie on his final hole when he knocked an 8 iron to seven feet on the par-4 3rd and rolled in the putt for a four-pointer.

“An invite to play in the Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am with the world’s best players is unreal, something most amateurs can only dream of.”

Scott, who also won the longest drive with what was, coincidently, his very first shot of the Golf Digest Middle East Classic, is in for a unique experience in Abu Dhabi.

“It’s fantastic. I have never played in a Pro-Am and it is something I had always wanted to do. Never in a million years did I expect to win division A and end up in the Pro-Am.”

This story first appeared in the November 2018 issue of Golf Digest Middle East. 

The post VIDEO: Pro-Am dreams come true at 11th Golf Digest Middle East Classic appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
The countdown is on to the 11th edition of the Golf Digest Middle East Classic presented in association with King’s College Hospital London and AutoRoute, the culmination of our three tournament autumn series.

It’s not to late to enter the grand final at Emirates Golf Club next Tuesday where the winners of division A (0-10 handicaps), division B (11-24) and ladies competitions will earn Pro-Am starts at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and remodelled Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic respectively.

ENTER the 2018 Golf Digest Middle East Classic TODAY!

To get you in the mood for the October 16 decider, here’s s highlights reel from the second qualifying tournament at the Els Club, Dubai last week where Kevin Riley, Hisham Shammas and Stephanie Kemper all qualified for the 11th GDME Classic.

At AED 555, the entry fee for the GDME Classic is a sharp price for a round on the Majlis, rated No.1 in the most recent Golf Digest Middle East Top 10 courses ranking, in its own right. The bonus is a post Classic gala dinner and your chance to win once-in-a-lifetime European Tour and Ladies European Tour Pro-Am spots as well as other goodies from our sponsors.

RELATED: 100th edition cover star waltzes away with the 10th anniversary edition of the Golf Digest Middle East Classic

Check out the fun (and best action pictures) had at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Els Club, Dubai qualifiers and enter the 11th Golf Digest Middle East Classic today. 

The post VIDEO: Golf Digest Middle East Classic qualifier at The Els Club, Dubai appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
For most amateur golfers a spot in a Pro-Am is but a dream, especially in a prelude as prestigious as those held on the eve of the European Tour’s annual Desert Swing events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and before the Dubai Ladies Classic.

But the dream of teeing it up with a superstar the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jon Rahm or Shanshan Feng is real for UAE amateurs with the launch of the 2018 Golf Digest Middle East Amateur Golf Series presented by King’s College Hospital London and AutoRoute.

ENTER THE 2018 GOLF DIGEST MIDDLE EAST SERIES ONLINE TODAY!  

The three tournament series, culminating in the 11th Golf Digest Middle East Classic, opens in Abu Dhabi next month.

The winners of Thursday qualifying tournaments at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on September 27 and The Els Club, Dubai on October 4 will automatically qualify for the 11th Golf Digest Middle East Classic to be hosted by Emirates Golf Club on Tuesday, October 16 (all three are 1pm shotguns and Stableford events).

Saadiyat Beach G.C. hosts the first qualifier on September 27.

At the final on the fabled Majlis, the winners will walk away with Pro-Am spots to the Omega Desert Classic Pro-Am spot (Div A men, 0-10 handicap), Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (Div B men, 11-24 max) and the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic (women).

Entry to Saadiyat Beach and The Els is AED 445 and includes entry fee, green fee and prize-giving buffet.

The Els Club hosts the second qualifier on October 4.

Those unsuccessful in reaching the GDME Classic on golfing merit can still play in the Majlis decider on October 16 although spots – at AED 555 per player including gala dinner – are limited, with preference given to those who have played in one or both of the qualifying events.

RELATED: 100th edition cover star wins 10th Golf Digest Middle East Classic

The entry fees are top value as higher winter green fees kick in around the UAE, not to mention the once-in-a-lifetime Pro-Am prizes on offer. There are also some great prizes for the minor placings at all three venues, with goodies from support sponsors Callaway and ECCO shoes, as well as season passes to the two European Tour Desert Swing events and the Dubai Rugby 7s.

David Cannon The series culminates at the 11th Golf Digest Middle East Classic on October 16 where the Pro-Am spots will be won.

Players must be able to prove an official club or Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) handicap to enter.

ENTER TODAY HERE 

The post 11th Golf Digest Middle East Series offers Desert Swing, Ladies Classic Pro-Am prizes appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Fast-forward nine years and approximately another 99 missed deadlines and we are set to do it all again in celebration of our 100th issue.  The best bit is that you, Dear Reader, are invited to join the fun.

The inaugural tournament has grown into the 2017 Golf Digest Middle East Series which this year takes us to the home of the European Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and Omega Dubai Desert Classic, as well as the host venue of the European Challenge Tour’s penultimate Ras Al Khaimah Golf Challenge.

We’ve negotiated great green fees and sorted the prizes so all that is left is for you to do is to enter online and ensure your mates are in on the fun too.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER ONLINE 

You can play one, two or all three events – there’s a prize for the overall order of merit champion – and we’re looking after players of all abilities with two divisions for the men (0-10 and 11-24 max).

The Western Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa are offering a special double room rate of AED 500 for players considering staying at the on-site luxury hotel the night before or after the tournament. For information, please ask to be sent info in the “Any special requests” section of the online entry form.

Spaces are limited at all three events, especially at The Majlis where all our awesome sponsors – including Official Lease Partner Autoroute –  will be joining the fun. So get the crew sorted and get your entries in TODAY!

We look forward to seeing you on the tee!

The post Golf Digest Middle East Amateur Series: Places in Al Hamra tournament Saturday still available! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Fast-forward nine years and approximately another 99 missed deadlines and we are set to do it all again in celebration of our 100th issue.  The best bit is that you, Dear Reader, are invited to join the fun.

The inaugural tournament has grown into the 2017 Golf Digest Middle East Series which this year takes us to the home of the European Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and Omega Dubai Desert Classic, as well as the host venue of the European Challenge Tour’s penultimate Ras Al Khaimah Golf Challenge.

We’ve negotiated great green fees and sorted the prizes so all that is left is for you to do is to enter online and ensure your mates are in on the fun too.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER ONLINE 

You can play one, two or all three events – there’s a prize for the overall order of merit champion – and we’re looking after players of all abilities with two divisions for the men (0-10 and 11-24 max).

The Western Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa are offering a special double room rate of AED 500 for players considering staying at the on-site luxury hotel the night before or after the tournament. For information, please ask to be sent info in the “Any special requests” section of the online entry form.

Spaces are limited at all three events, especially at The Majlis where all our awesome sponsors – including Official Lease Partner Autoroute –  will be joining the fun. So get the crew sorted and get your entries in TODAY!

We look forward to seeing you on the tee!

The post Golf Digest Middle East Amateur Series: Places in Abu Dhabi tournament Thursday still available! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.