Dubai Golf Archives - Golf Digest Middle East

Dubai Golf’s Chris May reflects on the evolution of the Dubai Desert Classic

Matt Smith — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 03:11:47 +0000

When it comes to witnessing the evolution of the Dubai Desert Classic over the past 35 years, few can have more first-hand experience than Dubai Golf Chief Executive Officer Chris May, who oversees the smooth running of events at Emirates Golf Club for this famous event which traditionally signals that the new DP World Tour season is truly up and running.

“I think I have lost count,” May chuckles when asked how many Desert Classics he has been a part of. “I was just trying to work out how many myself, because when I first came to the UAE, I was at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, and my first week of work was the Desert Classic when it was held there in 1999.

“That was such a great first experience to see just how big the tournament was even back then.

“It has obviously grown hugely since then and now we have the elevation to a Rolex Series event for the past two years and with our new sponsor, Hero, this year has again made a huge difference to the strength of the field, the prize money and the general feel around the whole tournament and the week.”

May has followed the evolution of the tournament since his early days.

“I have been at every Desert Classic since the nineties and the real years of growth were when Tiger Woods first came out to play in 2001 — the crowds were like I have never seen before and the event sold out for the first time.

“We were very lucky to see Tiger play here in his prime and also win here twice in 2006 and 2008, all while doing some amazing things on the golf course.

“There have been many, many other special occasions here such as Rory McIlroy’s first professional win in 2009 — it is all the more special when you look at what he has achieved now and now he returns to Emirates Golf Club as the world No. 1.

“I recall Rory even coming across here as a kid with some friends — he is a great example to the kids of today — and he was out at 6.30am on the par-3 course playing over and over, showing such dedication from an early age and he is a great example to many, many people and it is great to see him back here.”

As the competition has grown, it has become sewn into the fabric of Dubai’s community.

“The Classic is a great event in its own right as a tournament, but it has become so much more,” May explained. “It is a social event, a meeting point and a major occasion on the UAE calendar, not just for the local community but also for the global golfing world, which comes here each year — travelling thousands of miles from the US, from Asia, from Europe, from Australia just to play 18 holes in the Pro-Am, for example. That tells you it is special.

“It is a privilege to be involved in this event in any form. It is pretty special. We sometimes get spoilt in this part of the world with the number of golf and sporting events and opportunities, but when you hear from people who are experiencing it for the first time and they say: ‘Wow. What an event,’ with the condition of the course and the way they are looked after with the Arabian welcome and the hospitality is second to none.

“Along with the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links, we are very lucky to have three Rolex Series events here in the UAE, and I really enjoy seeing people experience it for the first time and see their reaction.”

With such experience and high-standards comes the challenge of improving that experience for visitors at the Dubai Desert Classic — from near and far — year on year, and May knows that you need to stay ahead of the game.

“We work across the board with [tournament organisers Falcon & Associates] and the DP World Tour year on year, looking to improve all the time and benchmarking ourselves against the best tournaments globally — and in other sports too, not just golf.

“With the Dubai Desert Classic in particular, since its elevation to the Rolex Series, we have seen vast improvements, not just from the player perspective, but also for the media, the stakeholders and, of course, the spectators.

“Our responsibility first is the golf course and making sure that is in the best possible condition. The team work really hard year-round to get the course to peak for this event, but also to have the world-class standards for the other 51 weeks of the year. Along with the weather and the accessibility to play the same courses as the best players in the world, that is what makes the UAE so popular year-round for visitors from around the world, and this week is the pinnacle of all the effort that goes in.”

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Emirates Golf Club hosts first Ladies Stableford of new season

Matt Smith — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:46:51 +0000

Deirdre Kemp with Emirates Golf Club Ladies Captain Marivi Arias in Dubai. EGC

By Matt Smith
Dubai’s Emirates Golf Club got the new season up and running with its first Ladies Stableford competition.

With 27 ladies competing, it was Deirdre Kemp who came out on top on the Faldo Course, with 39 points on her return to Emirates Golf Club.

Winner in the Silver Division (17 handicap and below) was Monica Palao with 36 points.

The Bronze Division (18 handicap and above) was won by Martha Wong with 37 points.

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Emirates Golf Club prevail in Dubai Golf Colleague Golf Championship

Matt Smith — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 12:27:32 +0000

Joe Way (EGC), Stephen Wilson (EGC), Mike Major (Creek) and Cian Hurley (EGC), with EGC team captain Neri Battung. Dubai Golf

By Matt Smith
Emirates Golf Club hosted the third and final fixture of the Dubai Golf Colleague Golf Championship this week as Dubai Golf colleagues from EGC, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, and TopGolf gathered to compete for the title and bragging rights.

After the first two clashes, EGC were leading of 831 points from JGE on 761 and Creek on 744.

Kevin Dike and Jayakumar Jaya won the pair’s event for EGC, and the Majlis boys also came out on top in the team event, where the best 10 scores from the 12 pairs counted to seal the title on 1,216 points. JGE settled for second on 1,125, with Creek third on 1,110.

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Viya Golf takes over management of Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Acres

Matt Smith — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:12:18 +0000

By GolfDigesME.com
Viya Golf, part of Wasl Hospitality & Leisure, has entered into a management deal with Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties to manage its golf operations (courses and clubhouses), leisure facilities, and all dining outlets at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club.

The new agreement, effective from September 1, will see Viya Golf look after all aspects of the golf operations; maintaining areas of existing excellence and delivering operational improvements to enhance all golf, leisure and dining experiences for members and visitors. This includes adding Aldar’s clubs to the Viya app, giving its members rewards and access to golf, leisure and dining experiences.

Viya Golf Chief Executive Officer, Christopher May, said: “We are proud to announce the addition of Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club to our golf portfolio. We are excited by our new relationship with Aldar. We will deploy our best-in-class golf services, dining, leisure and management expertise, alongside industry leading technologies, to not only deliver Abu Dhabi’s very best golf and leisure experiences but to grow the game of golf and help drive tourism in the Emirate.”

Klaus Assmann, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Hotels and Hospitality, added: “Our golf portfolio includes some of the world’s best courses and complements our diverse range of leisure and hospitality assets located at two of Abu Dhabi’s most desirable destinations, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. With Viya Golf, we hope to further expand the experience at our courses, attracting even more visitors from local communities, the wider region and overseas.”

Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a true links golf course, located on the western shores Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island with views of the Arabian Gulf and is home to the DP World Tour Rolex Series Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Viya is the region’s fastest-growing golf business, transforming and modernising the game across the Middle East through technology-led innovation. Alongside its sister business, Dubai Golf, Viya forms part of Wasl Hospitality & Leisure’s diverse, fast-growing golf and leisure portfolio. The group holds the regional license for the widely popular Topgolf entertainment venues, in addition to developing and operating its successful golf booking, lifestyle and membership app. Viya also recently launched the new golf holidays booking website, Viya Holidays, to help grow inbound tourism to the UAE.

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Home is where the heart is: Looking back at the dramatic Dubai Golf Trophy with captains and players

Matt Smith — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 10:10:11 +0000

Pros get their revenge on the amateurs at Dubai Creek and EGC as Dubai Golf Trophy delivers two days of drama

By Matt Smith
Every year, just as the heat rises to remind us all that another summer of sweat is on the way, the finest golfers in the UAE gather for one of the most popular events on the calendar — the Dubai Golf Trophy.

Now in its 23rd year, the event sees the top 16 amateurs in the UAE and the finest professionals battle it out for the bragging rights in this Ryder Cup-style event. And 2022 carried more weight than usual as the ‘Ams’ were going for an unprecedented seventh consecutive triumph over the ‘Pros’.

Fans hoping for another gripping encounter — this tournament has served up many classic clashes over the years — were not disappointed as Mike Major’s Pros finally stopped the rot to reclaim the coveted prize from their rivals after six long years.

Played over two days at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (Sunday) and Emirates Golf Club (Monday) in Dubai, the competition closely follows the format of the Ryder Cup, with Day 1 seeing eight foursomes and eight fourballs matches, before 16 individual clashes on Day 2.

Chris May, CEO of organisers Dubai Golf, was on hand to watch the spectacle unfold. “It is such a privilege to host this great event that is steeped in UAE golf history,” he told Golf Digest Middle East. “It raises the game and the standards of golf for the UAE. We are delighted to be involved in such an occasion.

“There used to be such a gap between the pros and the amateurs, but we have really seen that gap close up due to the competition and the quality of facilities and academies on offer in the UAE. In recent years we have seen a few kids come through like Josh Hill, Toby Bishop, Ahmad Skaik and Khalid Yousuf. You see this flurry of quality come through as they push each other. But they seem to be coming along more frequently after the likes of Rayhan Thomas, who has done very well and is now in the States. The others take inspiration from that, saying: ‘If he can do it, or she can do it, I can do it to.’

“The Dubai Golf Trophy really plays a key role in this as we get everyone together and they can really see how they compare, regardless of upbringing, race or even club. It is a really meaningful team format, and reflects how far the amateur game has come.”

While the pros held the advantage after the action at Dubai Creek — with the most slender of leads at 8.5-7.5 — they held their nerve when it looked like they might throw it all away.

Khalid Yousuf’s amateur team were so quick out of the blocks on Day 2 at EGC and had their noses in front when Yash Majmudar and Hugo Garcia thumped Michael Bolt and Steven Munro 6&4 and 4&3 respectively.

The other two early matches between Sujjan Singh and Max Burrow, and Jackson Bell and Craig Vance were halved, and the amateurs were scenting another victory.

But then came the blue wave of Pro scores as Graham Forbes thrashed Jay Mullane 4&2, Tom Buchanan denied Yousuf 2&1 and Thomas Ogilvie chalked up a 3&1 win over Ali Parlane.

History-making Olivia Jackson showed her mettle as the first ever female to play in the event as she saw out a see-saw battle against Sam Mullane to snatch a vital half-point.

“To see Olivia come through to become the first female to compete at this tournament is wonderful,” added May. “It is great for us all as she is our pro here at EGC, but she is such a great role model and inspiration for the next generation of boys and girls.

“She can definitely hold her own against the boys and I think she is going to play more competitively this summer in tournaments back in England, so she is only going to get better.”

Back out on the course, just when it was looking all rosy on the blue side for the Pros, the red army charged back as amateurs Toby Bishop (3&2) and David Guinee (2up) saw off Nathan Kernaghan and Jack Woods respectively.

Loius Gaughan (4&2 v Raghav Gulati) got the pros back on track, but wins for Tom Nesbitt (4&2 v Sam McLaren), and Jonathan Selvaraj (4&3 v Luke Plumb) meant that the two-day epic came down to the last game and the last green.

Barry Pavic held a one-hole advantage with three to play, which would have meant a 16-16 tie and the amateurs retaining the trophy as defending champions. But up stepped Purna Sharma for the professionals, winning on 16 before halving the last.

That triggered a wave of celebrations from the Pros, and the Ams graciously accepted defeat 16.5-15.5 in one of the closest ever Dubai Golf Trophy clashes. Amid a sea of buggies, Sharma was embraced by his teammates before going on to lift the trophy.

“That was the hardest two-putt in my life,” Sharma told Golf Digest Middle East just after coming off the final green. “I can’t believe I held my nerve there.”

It was quite the celebration to end a dramatic day. Major, the non-playing Pro captain reflected on a tumultuous weekend, having been on the receiving end for the past six years as a player.

“I guess we can take a hint. I don’t play and we finally win,” he joked, an ACL operation taking him out of this year’s playing capabilities. “But every player was tremendous today and every single one of them contributed points over the two days. For it to be so close shows you the quality on both sides of the ‘divide’. The Ams were brilliant but we managed to find that little bit more when needed … at long last. I must thank Dubai Golf for putting on such a great event, with both the Creek and the Majlis in impeccable conditions. It has been a long, long journey to get here this weekend and we are so glad to win.”

Losing captain Yousuf was gracious in defeat. “They were tremendous,” he said. “We thought we had a chance there at the end but they held on. It was a great two days but sadly we have to give up the trophy after six great years. We will regroup. There is a whole new batch of youngsters coming through and we will see who will make the grade. We are losing a few guys like Josh Hill, Toby Bishop, Yash and (non-playing UAE No.1 amateur) Ahmad Skaik. But as we have proved time and again, there are always more and more players coming through and, each year, the quality gets better and better. Congrats to the Pros, it has been a long time for them.”

So now, the rebuilding process starts all over again, with new faces emerging and older ones bidding farewell ahead of 2023. Will the Pros or the Ams prevail? The Pros’ Buchanan perhaps explains it best. “It has been a long time coming,” he said. “It is always nice to play here and it was great to put on quite a show. Who knows who will win next time around, but this is the best weekend in UAE golf, bar none.”

What they said

Olivia Jackson, Pros
“They will be hurting having lost. Last year I was around the team even though I was not playing. We did not want to go out after the defeat. We just wanted to go home and I think they will be feeling the same. But we will all be friends again tomorrow and they will regroup as it was such a close thing.”

Toby Bishop, Ams
“It was unfortunate to get the loss, but everyone tried their best. Obviously the pros got the win but it was a fun weekend and that was the main part.”

Tom Buchanan, Pros
“The team spirit was fantastic out there and every player contributed to our points, showing how we were pulling for each other. The crowd at the last and the buggies everywhere shows you just what this means. A fantastic day once again.”

Khalid Yousuf, Ams captain
“I have been part of this event for so long. It was nice to finally captain the team. We tried our best. We came up slightly short but it was nice that it came right down to the last match and the last shot. Shows you what it meant to everyone involved.”

Mike Major, Pros non-playing captain
“It was great until the final hour. That was a horrible time as I was not playing so I couldn’t do anything about what was going on. It has been six years to get here and it is much down to the guys who didn’t play today, pushing up the standards, that has helped us finally win.”

Yash Majmudar, Ams
“It was a great event, we were behind from the get-go yesterday, but each session was so close and a few things didn’t go our way — a few putts here and there. But I am really proud of how we performed.”

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Get your swing in shape with Summer Academy Packages at Peter Cowen Academy Dubai

Matt Smith — Mon, 30 May 2022 12:50:29 +0000

By Matt Smith
Dubai’s Peter Cowen Golf Academies are ready to help you get your game in shape during the summer months with their Summer Academy Packages available at all three venues — Jumeirah Golf Estates, Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

With PGA qualified professionals on hand to coach golfers of all ages and ability, packages are available for individual or group lessons.

Also included are a range of benefits, discounts and special offers, including driving range and practice facility use, access to golf courses, use of gymnasiums, plus cut-price dining and shopping.

The academies at all three clubs have packages to suit everyone from complete beginners to experienced golfers, where you can start your journey in the game with expert advice, or spend the summer honing your swing for the season ahead.

There are even added bonuses, such as the chance to play at Topgolf Dubai at Emirates Golf Club, access to cutting-edge technology to improve your swing, and professional club-fitting.

Prices and packages vary across Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Creek and Golf & Yacht Club, but with a variety of packages on offer, there is something to suit everyone. Prices start from AED 1,600 for members and AED 1,900 for guests, with up to 14 lessons available with your selected professional. Packages are for purchase from June 1 to August 31.

For more information on all the packages, click here

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Emirates Golf Federation expresses condolences for UAE President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Matt Smith — Sat, 14 May 2022 13:14:10 +0000

Late UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Al Nahyan

By Matt Smith
Emirates Golf Federation and chairman Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi have expressed their condolences following the passing of UAE President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Writing in Arabic, Al Qasimi wrote a social media post that was reposted by the EGF. It read: “May God have mercy on the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace.”

رحم الله المغفور له الشيخ خليفة بن زايد آل نهيان واسكنه فسيح جناته الذي رحل عن الدنيا مخلفًا وراءه تراثا كبيرا من قيم الترابط والمودة والانسانية الرائعة لوطنه وشعبه وأمته pic.twitter.com/roF1wnWwwM

— فاهم بن سلطان القاسمي Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi (@QQasimi) May 14, 2022

EGF Director General Akram Skaik, and Vice-Chairman General Abdullah Alhashmi also expressed their condolences.

Sheikh Khalifa, who was the second President of the UAE and the 16th Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, passed away on Friday. He was 73 years old. Sheikh Khalifa became President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi on November 3, 2004. He was the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father.

Motivate Media Group joins the nation in mourning the loss of a great leader.

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New direction: Dubai golfer Amelia McKee turns pro after graduation, Q-School in Florida up next

Matt Smith — Thu, 12 May 2022 06:53:48 +0000

Amelia McKee, bottom right, with her New Mexico State University teammates. Amelia McKee

By Matt Smith
One of Dubai’s own is setting out on a new career path as just-graduated Amelia McKee has taken the decision to turn pro, stating “it is time to try my hand at a professional career, and move into my ‘grown-up’ life.”

The American 22-year-old has said farewell to New Mexico State University after graduating at the weekend, closing a chapter on a golfing journey that took her halfway around the world and back again.

The Houston, Texas, native moved to Dubai as a 10-year-old as her father took a job in the oil industry. She quickly fell in love with the game of golf in the UAE, progressing through the ranks while contending with the male players as there was no young female golf scene to speak of back then.

Amelia caught the attention of Claude Harmon at the Els Club, Dubai and he helped guide her on her journey that led to a scholarship at NMSU.

Three years further on and next up is Q-School in Florida, with the aim being the Epson Tour and — ultimately — the LPGA Tour.

“Today I say goodbye to college golf,” Amelia wrote in a public social media post.

“There are so many things that I have to say, none of which fully capture what I am actually feeling. I am unbelievably grateful for the experience and time I have had here at NMSU. Thinking about where I started, how I got here, and the last three years of my life bring up so many emotions. I could never put into words how much it all means to me.

“To my teammates -— you girls have changed my life in ways that you will never understand. You gave me a family far away from mine. You gave me peace and happiness on my hardest days. You helped me rekindle my love for the game of golf. For those things, I will never be able to repay you. But know that I have loved every moment being here with you.

“You’re going to do amazing things, long after I’m gone. And long after college. You’re the best people I have ever known. I can’t wait to see where this crazy world takes you, I know it will be magic. I love you forever.”

A young Amelia McKee with Sergio Garcia

Amelia also took time out to show appreciation to her coaches.

“Thank you for taking a chance on me,” she wrote. “I’m so proud to have been apart of the programme you created. Over the past three years, you have exceeded any expectation that I had of college golf. Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you for believing in me, even when it was hard to do myself. Thank you for simply being there when I needed you. Y’all are the best thing that could have happened to me. The 2019 version of myself was so lost and confused, you gave me a purpose and direction when I needed it the most. I am forever grateful.”

She signed off: “New Mexico State University, I will love you until the end of time.”

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‘The best weekend in UAE golf’: Reflections on the Dubai Golf Trophy drama at Emirates Golf Club

Matt Smith — Tue, 10 May 2022 07:10:42 +0000

By Matt Smith

Emirates Golf Club witnessed one of the closest, most dramatic days in UAE golf history on Monday as the ‘Pros’ defeated the ‘Ams’ to reclaim the Dubai Golf Trophy.

The competition is one of the biggest events on the UAE golf calendar and this year it lived up to its reputation as history was made left, right and centre.

Now in its 23^rd year, the Dubai Golf Trophy pits the UAE’s top 16 professional players against the top 16 amateurs in the region. Each team consists of 12 automatic qualifiers from the season-long UAE PGA tournaments and qualifying Emirates Golf Federation events across the UAE. Both team captains then took their additional four ‘wildcard’ picks.

The event, which closely follows the Ryder Cup format, saw two teams of 16 battle it out in the team matches at Dubai Creek on Sunday and then 16 matchplay singles on the Majlis at Emirates Golf Club on Monday.

And it was an epic.

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Relive all the live action here

While the pros held the advantage after Day 1, with the most slender of leads at 8.5-7.5, they held their nerve when it looked like they might throw it all away and give the Ams the bragging rights and the Trophy.

Khalid Yousuf’s amateur team were so quick out of the blocks on Monday and had their noses in front when Yash Majmudar and Hugo Garcia thumped Michael Bolt and Steven Munro 6&4 and 4&3 respectively.

The other two early matches between Sujjan Singh and Max Burrow, and Jackson Bell and Craig Vance were halved, and the amateurs were scenting another victory.

But then came the blue wave of pro scores as Graham Forbes thrashed Jay Mullane 4&2, Tom Buchanan denied Yousuf 2&1 and Thomas Ogilvie chalked up a 3&1 win over Ali Parlane.

History-making Olivia Jackson showed her steel as the first ever female to play in the event as she saw out a see-saw battle against Sam Mullane to snatch a vital half-point.

While it looked all rosy on the blue side for the pros, the red army charged back as amateurs Toby Bishop (3&2) and David Guinee (2up) saw off Nathan Kernaghan and Jack Woods respectively.

Loius Gaughan (4&2 v Raghav Gulati) got the pros back on course, but wins for Tom Nesbitt (4&2 v Sam McLaren), and Jonathan Selvaraj (4&3 v Luke Plumb) meant that the two-day epic came down to the last game and the last green.

“That was the hardest two-putt in my life,” Sharma told Golf Digest Middle East just after coming off the final green. “I can’t believe I held my nerve there.”

Chris May, CEO of organisers Dubai Golf, was on hand to watch the spectacle unfold. “It is such a privilege to host this great event that is steeped in UAE golf history. It raises the game and the standards of golf for the UAE, not just for the professional arena but across the globe for every aspiring golfer. We are delighted to be involved in such an occasion.”

It was quite the celebration to end a dramatic day. Mike Major, the non-playing pro captain reflected on a tumultuous weekend, having been on the receiving end for the past six years as a player.

History-making Jackson added: “It is an honour to become the first female to play in this event as it gives us the recognition we deserve. But I really do not see the gender difference as these guys are all my colleagues and friends. I play with them every week and this just reflects how we should have more mixed events and prove we are all equals.”

Losing captain Yousuf was magnanimous, even if it was with a wry smile. “They were tremendous,” he said. “We thought we had a chance there at the end but they held on. It was a great two days but sadly we have to give up the trophy after six great years. We will regroup. There is a whole new batch of youngsters coming through and we will see who will make the grade. We are losing a few guys like Josh Hill, Toby Bishop, Yash and (non-playing UAE No.1 amateur) Ahmad Skaik. But as we have proved time and again, there are always more and more players coming through and, each year, the quality gets better and better. Congrats to the pros, it has been a long time for them.”

So now, the rebuilding begins once again before the 2023 showdown. Will the Pros or the Ams prevail? The Pros’ self-nominated spokesman Buchanan puts it best: “Who knows but this is the best weekend in UAE golf, bar none.”

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Dubai Golf Trophy: All to play for as pros hold slender advantage after Day 1 at Dubai Creek before EGC showdown on Monday

Matt Smith — Sun, 08 May 2022 14:42:46 +0000

By Matt Smith
The Dubai Golf Trophy has never been an easy crown to win, despite the Amateur team winning the past seven iterations. The battle often come down to the odd point here, missed putt there in the UAE’s famous annual Ryder Cup-style.

In 2022, once again it is living up to expectations.

Now in its 23^rd year, the Dubai Golf Trophy pits the UAE’s top 16 professional players against the top 16 amateurs in the region. Each team consists of 12 automatic qualifiers from the season-long UAE PGA tournaments and qualifying Emirates Golf Federation events across the UAE. Both team captains have an additional four ‘wildcard’ picks, and two ladies are selected to compete in the Dubai Golf Trophy Ladies Challenge Match to complete both sides.

The event is one of the highlights of the UAE golf calendar and closely follows the Ryder Cup format, where Europe’s finest take on the formidable talent of the United States. Just like the famous transatlantic clash, the Dubai Golf Trophy once again sees two teams of 16 battle it out in the team matches and then 16 matchplay singles.

The action began on Sunday at Dubai Creek with the morning foursomes and the pros held a slender lead by lunch, with opening pair Sujjan Singh and Michael Bolt getting the better of Toby Bishop and Jay Mullane to lead the charge on the way to a 4.5-3.5 advantage.

But it was all square when Hugo Garcia and Sam Mullane got the first point of the afternoon fourballs for the amateurs — defeating Olivia Jackson and Luke Plumb 3&2 — once again heaping the pressure back on the pros.

It was getting worse by the minute for the pro team as Liang Wei Lui and Jamie Rosalyn Camero were cantering to a 5&4 victory over Lea Poulliard and Ginger Delacretaz in the Ladies Challenge Match to get the amateurs’ noses in front.

Yash Majmudar and Raghav Gulati claimed a 1-up win over Thomas Ogilvie and Tom Buchanan, and amateur captain Khalid Yousuf alongside Max Burrow defeated Oscar Yeomans and Louis Gaughan 1-up to hand the amateurs a healthy advantage.

However, the rest of the scoreboard was blue to give the pros hope, with Jack Woods and Ryan Smith thumped Dan Byrne and Barry Pavic 4&2, Jackson Bell and Nathan Kernaghan dismissed Craig Vance and David Guinee 4&3, while Steven Munro and Graham Forbes overcame Jonathan Selvaraj and Ahmed Waheed 2&1.

So after a pendulum-swinging Day 1, the pros hold a 8.5-7.5 advantage. So, we now head over to Emirates Golf Club for Day 2 on Monday for the individual head-to-head clashes on the Majlis course with the tournament very much in the balance.

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