In a field of 55 lady golfers, Amarjeet won the Silver A Division (HCP 0-14) with a net 73 which included four birdies and an eagle.

Silver A Division (HCP 0-14)
Amarjeet Radia – Net 73 (+1) countback
Yulia Golubeva – Net 73 (+1)
Annabel Ayres – Net 74 (+1)

Silver B Division (HCP 15-23)
Alison Cowley – Net 72 (Par)
Haide Wright – Net 74 (+2)
Avani Shah – Net 75 (+3)

Bronze Division (HCP 23+)
Dong Jin Jim – Net 68 (-4)

Stableford Winner
Hyun Jyung Bae – 34 points

Best Gross
Anne-Gely Bouigue – 80 (+8)

On Course Competitions
Nearest The Pin – Hole 2 – Naima Maya
Nearest The Pin – Hole 12 – Nonita Chand

Image: Emirates Golf Club

The post Amarjeet Radia secures December Ladies Medalford over the Faldo appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Registration is now open for the Rolex Series event which will be held from 18th to 21st January at Emirates Golf Club. Defending champion and World No.2 Rory McIlroy, who will be searching for his historic fourth Dallah Trophy, has already confirmed his participation, with more big names to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Previous editions have been hugely successful, and organisers are encouraging people to be part of the world-class team and play a key role in delivering another incredible weekend of competition both on and off the course. Each volunteer will be required to commit for at least two days, with the team needed prior to and during the tournament from Monday 15th January to Sunday 21st January 2024.

Whether or not you’re an avid golf fan, volunteers aged 16 and over can look forward to gaining invaluable experience while getting an unrivalled insight into what it takes to run an event of this nature. Organisers are also accepting applications from those who are aged between 12 to 15 but must be accompanied by a guardian.

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director  The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “The success of every Dubai Desert Classic edition that we have staged would not be possible without the support of our fantastic team of volunteers who are truly our unsung heroes.

“To give up their time and energy no matter how many days they volunteer is something we really appreciate, and we encourage people from all over the world to get involved in what will be a historic 35th edition of the tournament.

“From walking marshals, who will walk alongside the elite players and be responsible for crowd control at each hole to assisting TV crew, there are various roles to choose from where people can make a huge difference and we look forward to receiving a raft of applications in the coming weeks.”

Free general admission and hospitality tickets are still available, and organisers have a wide array of family-entertainment lined up on all four days. 

Fans are encouraged to use the Metro service to travel to and from the tournament, with Al Khail station located directly outside the club’s main entrance.

To register as a volunteer, click here ahead of 31 December 2023 deadline.

Main image: Supplied

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Hosted by Hero Dubai Desert Classic in collaboration with Emirates Golf Federation, registration is now open for the 2024 tournament which will take place on 13th and 14th January at Emirates Golf Club.

Following a historic inaugural edition in 2023, which saw champion Joe Jones take victory after the Briton’s two-stroke triumph, organisers are looking forward to welcoming golf’s brightest young stars at the start of the new year.

The youth tournament, open to players aged 18 and under, will take place just a few days before golf’s top stars take to the greens for the 35th edition of the historic Hero Dubai Desert Classic from 18th to 21st January.

As part of the 36-hole tournament, golf’s next generation will each play one round on the famed Faldo and Majlis courses, giving amateurs an opportunity to experience what it is like to be a professional at an elite tournament with access to the courses, driving range, locker rooms and lounges.

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “The game of golf is growing at a rapid pace across the globe, and it’s no different in the Middle East region with a large number of young players taking to the courses every week.

“As organisers of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, we are committed to nurturing young talent and developing the sport’s stars of tomorrow regularly and the 2024 Junior Dubai Desert Classic reaffirms this. Not only can juniors look forward to a unique opportunity of playing in world-class facilities in a professional-like tournament setting at the Emirates Golf Club but playing against the best young talents in the region will help their game to the next level.”

Following the tournament, organisers have confirmed the winning player of the tournament will enjoy a range of exclusive prizes, including invites to the Faldo Series Grand Final 2024 and the Shubhankar Sharma Junior Invitational Final 2024 alongside several experiences across the weekend of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Registration closes on 15th December at midday. Players must be aged 18 or under on 13th January 2024 and hold a valid handicap of 14.4 or below.

To register or for more information, click here.

Main image: Supplied

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The strategic collaboration will see Nakheel play a key role in the 35^th edition, set to take place from 18^th to 21^st January 2024, and reaffirms its ongoing efforts to support premium sporting events, offering holistic lifestyle experiences to Dubai’s visitors and residents.

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Nakheel as the Official Partner for the 2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Over the years, Nakheel has established itself as a prominent global figure in master development with its impressive portfolio of projects and very much like the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, they are synonymous in Dubai’s landscape today. Their expertise will help elevate the visitors’ experience in what promises to be a historic 35^th edition of the tournament.”

Omar Khoory, Chief Projects Officer, Nakheel said: “The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is one of the most popular sporting events in the Middle East region and our partnership that sees Nakheel as the Official Partner reflects our vision by promoting health and fitness and enhancing the quality of life. People are at the forefront of everything that we do, and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic gives us an opportunity to connect with the local community and international visitors, and create lasting memories.”

Dubai-based Nakheel boasts an iconic portfolio of projects including master communities and residential, retail, hospitality and leisure developments that are central to realising Dubai’s vision. Nakheel’s waterfront projects, including Palm Jumeirah, have added more than 300 kilometres to Dubai’s original, 70km coastline, and has paved the way for the development of hundreds of waterfront homes, resorts, hotels and attractions.

The collaboration comes with weeks to go until World No.2 and three-time champion Rory McIlroy takes to the Majlis Course as he bids to win the Hero Dubai Desert Classic title for a historic fourth time.

The Northern Irishman will be joined by a strong field with organisers set to announce more players in the coming weeks.

Free general admission and hospitality tickets are still available while there will be a wide array of family entertainment lined up on all four days. To secure your tickets or for more information, please visit dubaidesertclassic.com.

Organisers are also encouraging fans to use the Metro service to travel to and from the tournament, with Al Khail station located directly outside the club’s main entrance.

Main image: Supplied

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Sixty one ladies took part in the stableford event, which was held over the Faldo Course for the opening round and the Majlis Course for the following round.

Minkyeong opened up the tournament with a round of 37 points, which was led at the time by Najla Bartette. On round two, which was played over the Majlis, Minkyeong shot an impressive 40 points for a 77 point tournament total to claim the title.

Over the two rounds Minkyeong made 16 birdies and two eagles and her highlight being her four birdies over five holes on the front nine of the Majlis.

Second spot went to Nonita Chand after her brace of 37 points for a 74 point total. A score which in fact went to count back as Nonita pipped Chantelle De Villers to second spot due to her better second round.

Emirates Golf Club Lady Captain, Fiona Berry, kindly provided the winning prizes for the 2023 Heritage Trophy and commented on the day, “I have been a part of Emirates Golf Club from the start and the Heritage means a lot to me.”

Image: Emirates Golf Club

The post Minkyeong Kim masters both the Faldo and Majlis for the Ladies Heritage Trophy appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Join in the fun and take in the action as some of the world’s best golfers once again take to the Majlis Course, with three-time champion McIlroy headlining a stellar field at the $9 million Rolex Series tournament, marking its 35th anniversary.

Last year, the Northern Irishman successfully defended his title, ensuring a third consecutive victory. Fans can anticipate a similar level of excitement this time around.

Rory McIlroy has won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic three times and is the defending champion. Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Alongside the free general admission tickets, now is the time to take advantage of the early-bird hospitality packages, which are on sale now.

Packages range from AED 1,710 for Thursday per person to AED 2,430 for Friday to Sunday, with season tickets at AED 8,000 for all four days of the event. Regular hospitality packages will be AED 1,900 for Thursday and AED 2,700 for Friday to Sunday and season tickets at AED 9,000.

Not only will fans be able to watch the world-class golf action, there will be family-friendly entertainment at the tournament village, plenty of F&B options , and post-action entertainment each day.

Keeping things green, organisers of the first Geo-certified Golf event in the Middle East are encouraging fans to use the Metro service to travel to and from the tournament, with Al Khail station located directly outside the club’s main entrance.

Fans can register for limited free general admission tickets for the Rolex Series event at www.dubaidesertclassic.com or by downloading the new Dubai Desert Classic app available on Google Play or Apple Store.

AT A GLANCE
COST
Limited free general admission tickets now available
Early bird hospitality packages from AED 1,710 to AED 2,430. Season tickets at AED 8,000 for all four days
LOCATION
Emirates Golf Course, Dubai
TIMINGS
7am to 11pm daily
MORE INFORMATION
www.dubaidesertclassic.com

Main mage: Hero Dubai Desert Classic

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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.

It was announced on Tuesday that the Hero Dubai Desert Classic — the flagship event in the Middle East for the DP World Tour — has become the first golf event in the region and the DPWT Rolex Series to achieve GEO Certified Tournament status.

The announcement demonstrates the event’s leadership among sustainable golf events. The distinction is awarded by the international non-profit GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf and is based on the strength of commitment, breadth and depth of action, and range of tangible measured impacts across a broad sustainability agenda.

Obtaining GEO Certified status has become a notable achievement showcased by many of the world’s most renowned golf venues and events.

Motivate Media Group is patron of the event and its Golf Digest Middle East team, which manages the onsite annual Desert Classic Daily News publications, have been and continue to be printed on sustainably sourced paper, to aid the environmental push.

Commenting on the award, Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic said: “We are delighted that the Dubai Desert Classic is the first golf event in the Middle East to achieve this important distinction and milestone. It speaks to our strong dedication to tackling priority environmental and social issues, as we strive to deliver meaningful net positive impacts through the event. With the wide reach that the tournament has, we hope this achievement will help to raise awareness and inspire other events, businesses, and individuals across the region and beyond.”

A number of initiatives at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic have helped it reach the new status. DP World Tour

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, added: “With 2023 being the Year of Sustainability in the UAE, and as the country prepares to host COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, the Dubai Desert Classic’s certification is a laudable achievement and a meaningful step towards achieving the wider, national net-zero objectives. We congratulate them on their inspiring commitment to resource efficiency and climate action. This accomplishment sets an exceptional example of sustainable best practice within such high-profile global mass events, further reinforcing the city’s position as an international events hub in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033 launched by our visionary leadership to further consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the top three global cities.”

The criteria for the certification of tournaments spans a range of priority sustainability themes and action areas; supported by detailed best practices; which are in turn weighted and scored. A minimum number of points are required to achieve certification. These are verified by an accredited, third party and expert verifier, who visits during event week to observe practices, projects, and other activations on site. A verifier report is then submitted to the GEO Certification team. If the criteria are met, certification is then awarded accompanied by key Continual Improvement Points.

Andrew Lynch, Head of Sustainability for the European Tour group said: “It is wonderful to see events across the DP World Tour schedule leaning into sustainability in this way. Making it integral to the way they are planned, staged, and promoted. It aligns fully with our own Green Drive strategy and leadership actions we are taking across our own operations and our owned and staged events. We encourage all of our valued tournament promoters to join the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in making their tournaments a true showcase for sustainability.”

The Desert Classic has been a staple of golf in the Middle East for nearly a quarter-century. Supplied

Highlights from the Hero Dubai Desert Classic included:

• Wide use of solar power with the Media Centre and 80 per cent of the fan area between 11th and 15th holes powered by solar
• Free water refill points have helped divert 80,000 single-use plastic bottles from Landfill since 2022
• 100 per cent biofuel used in temporary generators throughout the event helping accelerate towards Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050, with up to 92 per cent less carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel generators
• Spectators actively encouraged through campaigns and discount codes to use public transport or car share as more sustainable transport options
• Park and Plant — for those who did travel by car, there was a charge of AED 50 for parking on site and the event planted three trees for each car
• Digital ticketing and programme reduced paper waste
• Extensive recycling and composting initiatives to reduce waste to landfill
• Along with actions to reduce carbon emissions, credibly offsetting unavoidable emissions via the Rolex Series portfolio with the Gold Standard, supporting the Central Mozambique safe water programme, alongside local Mangrove ecosystem restoration project
• PVC and vinyl from event infrastructure re-used or turned into laptop bags and other products
• 2,000 native Ghaf tree seeds planted across Emirates Golf Club
• Support for Heroes of Hope, introducing people of determination to golf via organised clinics with the Academy at Emirates Golf Club.
• Renewable energy event partner Aggreko won ‘best sustainability initiative’ award for its involvement in Dubai Desert Classic 2022 and 2023 at Middle East Event Awards June 2023.

The post Hero Dubai Desert Classic gains GEO Certified status — first in Middle East and on Rolex Series to achieve landmark appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Women’s Golf Month is here once again and June has seen the annual drive toward equal opportunities in the sport both on and off the course.

As the occasion was celebrated across the UAE, a historic moment was marked earlier this month as the R&A confirmed that the UAE has become the first country in the world to have every club signed up to the Women in Golf Charter, which leads the R&A’s drive to increase the number of women and girls participating in golf and to encourage more opportunities for women to work within the golf industry.

The signing of the R&A’s Women In Golf Charter at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Supplied

At an event to mark the signing, General Abdulla Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation said: “The Emirates Golf Federation is proud that the UAE is the first country in the world to have all its golf clubs signed up to the Women in Golf Charter. Today’s celebration of women in golf is a great example of the different initiatives that the R&A can bring to the UAE and the region. With this being Women’s Golf Month it is a perfect time to celebrate having all affiliated UAE golf clubs signing the charter and collaborating to encourage women’s golf participation at every level including professionally.”

To mark Women’s Golf Month, Golf Digest Middle East spoke to some of the most influential women in the sport in the UAE to tell us about their experiences and the changes they have seen during their time here:

Bindu Mohandas, Office Manager, Emirates Golf Federation
My primary role at the EGF is handling EGF memberships and player handicaps as well as supporting the team in event management.
Over the past three decades I have been here, I have seen a steady growth in the number of women taking up the game in the UAE. The level of competitive golf has also intensified in amateur levels, thanks to the Order of Merit Ladies Opens and Inter-Club Challenges to name just two. We have quite a few WAGR ranked golfers as well in the country, while the UAE national ladies team is getting better and better.
The increase in female teaching pros at a number of the clubs across the UAE has helped in attracting Emirati girls and women to the game.
During my time, I have been fortunate to meet some of the top professional golfers up close while I worked with Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai Ladies Masters operations teams. It has been an exciting learning experience and it is also delightful to watch homegrown prodigies making their mark in regional and international golf scenes.
The best change I have witnessed is the introduction of short-game formats, par-3 events and ladies’ open days across the clubs. An increase in initiatives such as weekday competitions, discounted membership fees could attract even more females to the game and more ladies’ golf societies would be helpful too.
Golf is the simply best outdoor family sport — there is fun, mental and physical activity and I don’t think there is another sport that is more sustainable. Golf takes you closer nature than any other sport.

Sandy Meyer. Arabian Ranches

Sandy Meyer, PGA Professional, Arabian Ranches Golf Club
I’ve lived and worked as a golf professional in Dubai for 33 Years and have watched the women’s game grow considerably since I have been in Dubai.
What was once viewed as a sport for the older generation, we have seen many more young girls starting to learn the game through our junior programmes, as well as seeing more interest from ladies taking up the game at a much younger age.
There has also been a huge growth in the game for women through modernisation, which has helped golf become more attractive to the fairer sex. The old stigma seems to have fallen away to a game which incorporates not just the physical enjoyment of sport, but also includes a strong social dynamic as well as attractive fashion trends.
One of my most memorable moments in life was when I caddied on the European Ladies Tour in the 1980s, this was an incredible experience and gave me the opportunity to rub shoulders with some amazing players like Dame Laura Davies.
What is important to know is that golf can be learnt at any age. It’s also important to understand that learning golf is challenging but at the same time rewarding in so many ways.

Nishanthi Balasuriya​, Golf Operations Administrator, Emirates Golf Club
I have been in the UAE for the last 27 years, joining EGC in June 1996. So much has changed since then with the rapid development of Dubai and increased number of golf courses around the city.
The game has gained immense popularity among women and UAE nationals. At the beginning it was few Western ladies playing the game, but now you could see it is becoming popular across all nationalities. Through the young girls taking up the game, you can see the huge prospect for golf in Dubai. It is so good  to see young Emirati girls taking up the game and I would not have dreamt that 25 years ago.
With the real estate boom in Dubai, main luxury apartments are being built around the golf courses, increasing popularity further, allowing women at home to take up the game more easily. Golf has become a passion for some of the ladies and they make the clubs the place where they meet friends and spent some quality time.
When I look back at all these years where it started and how far it has come, it feels so amazing and this will never stop.

Olivia Jackson. Matt Smith/Motivate Media Group

Olivia Jackson, LPGA Golf Professional, Emirates Golf Club
I’m currently the LPGA teaching professional at EGC, and have been based in Dubai since January 2020.
Covid definitely helped the game of golf in the UAE. Pushing more people outdoors with social distancing.  Since moving here I’ve really seen an increase in the number of women taking the sport up, this includes junior girls and young women too.
For me when I was growing up watching golf, Annika Sorentstam, and Lorena Ochoa dominate the women’s game and made it very exciting and made it more athletic. I love to watch the Solheim Cup — the tension and competitiveness between the USA and Europe always makes for the best viewing. When I saw Suzann Petersen make the winning putt in her final Solheim Cup was emotional and fantastic to watch.
I think the continued monetary increase for the main tours and the entry level tours will see more women get into golf and make the game more competitive. It’s nowhere near the men’s in terms of prize money and we need to see that gap closer together if we want to see growth in the women’s game. More money focused on the lower tours to help develop aspiring professionals would really help.
I’d also like to see more funding put behind the junior game to encourage young girls that golf isn’t just a short-term recreational game but a sport for life that can take you down many different avenues and meet people from all walks of life!

Pansy Gonsalvez. Dubai Golf

Pansy Gonsalvez​, Head of International Sales, Dubai Golf
Having started my career in travel and tourism, I moved to Dubai Golf 18 years ago, and was recently promoted to Head of International Sales.
My focus is to increase awareness and promote the UAE as a golf destination. This has resulted in a close relationship with all the golf clubs here in the UAE, tourism boards, local and international partners, hotels in the region. I represent Dubai Golf and Viya Golf at various international golf exhibitions and travel roadshows. Over the years this has built strong and long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholders in the industry.
Unlike when I started in the industry, golf has evolved to become more inclusive to all. The number of women players and members in the UAE has grown substantially over the years, and golf clubs have taken the initiative by organising ladies tournaments, hiring women golf pros and offering group lessons with a social element to promote the sport to even more women.
Only last week, the UAE became the first country to sign up all its golf clubs to the R&A’s Women in Golf Charter. This is in support of R&A’s drive to increase the number of women and girls playing golf, and to encourage more opportunities for women to work within the industry.
The first time I ever played the game was at the Academy Course at Dubai Creek Golf Club, even before I started working with Dubai Golf, and I had a birdie on a rather challenging hole. That motivated me to stick with and enjoy the game, and also helped with the subsequent decision to move in to the industry shortly after.
Other memorable moments included playing DP World European Tour and Omega Dubai Ladies Masters Pro-Ams with some of the world’s best professional players — who play at a level that I, as an amateur, found intimidating.
While golf is only about 35 years old in the region, women have made great strides to catch up with their male counterparts, both on the course, and behind the scenes. The UAE has actively created opportunities and has fostered a supportive environment for women in sports.
Golf has become an escape from the grind of everyday life, it is a chance to re-invigorate oneself — just as much as a day at the spa. Golf is not just a sport, but also a social activity, with the opportunity to meet new people.  It offers a support system to get you to any level you want based on your time, inclination and ability.
Golf is social and an exercise that can be played you can play anywhere in the world and for us women, interestingly golf fashion (apparel) is become fun.

The post Celebrating Women’s Golf Month in the UAE — with the women who have seen the ladies’ game grow over the decades appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Al Andalus take debut win at JGE Community Cup
The Jumeirah Golf Estates Community Cup also took place, with 96 competitors in the pairs better-ball shotgun event. Al Andalus scored 183 Stableford points to take the crown ahead of Whispering Pines and Lime Tree Valley who took third. In the pairs better-ball category, Al Andalus couple – Jane and Gerhard Vorster — were the winners.

The EGF Order of Merit winners

EGF Order of Merit Championship winners decided
The Emirates Golf Federation held the Order of Merit Championship at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club over the weekend, with Rami Samawi and Intissar Rich winning the Men’s and Ladies’ Divisions respectively. Aayan Dadabhoy claimed the Junior Division. The EGF Order of Merit Championship was a three-day event for the men and ladies, which awarded World Amateur Golf Ranking points, while the juniors competed over two days.

Ladies take the bragging rights at EGC Captains Matchplay Challenge
Some 36 pairings took part in the Emirates Golf Club annual Captains Matchplay Challenge, with Marivi Arias Lady Captains Team overcoming Campbell Steedman’s Captains Team by four points

Freeman dominates at SGSC
Sharjah also held its season-ending Dimos Monthly Stableford on Sunday. Connor Freeman stole the show with 49 points, including five net birdies and a staggering six net eagles. Winner of Division A was Ramli Sulaiman, while Division B was won by Shoab Khan

Luthra is the Gents champ
EGC’s Gents Tournament of Champions took place with 18 golfers competing on the Majlis in a strokeplay event. The winner was Kabir Luthra with a net 67, ahead of Sekhar Reddy (71).

The post The Gulf Club: All the latest golf news around the UAE appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.