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
Shawn Welgemoed freely admits his golf year started off pretty lousy. The opening to 2019 is guaranteed to be a whole lot better regardless of how he’s swinging it.

The Jiggers Golf Society 13-handicapper will tee it up in January’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am after winning division B (11-24 handicaps) of the 11th Golf Digest Middle East Classic at Emirates Golf Club.

Welgemoed signed for 36 stableford points to edge Kiwi Rick McIntyre by two for the dream return to the Majlis course at Emirates G.C. for the 30th anniversary edition of the European Tour event.

“So chuffed with that round and the prize. My golf has been so awful earlier this year but thankfully seems to be clicking at the right time,” Welgemoed said.

It certainly has. Welgemoed qualified for the Golf Digest Classic, again proudly presented by King’s College Hospital London and AutoRoute, by winning the first of two qualifying events in Abu Dhabi.

RELATED: Welgemoed wins first Golf Digest Middle East Classic qualifier at Saadiyat Beach G.C.

“Winning the B division and 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,” Welgemoed said after a  brilliant finish to his round when he birdied his final hole, the par 3 4th, for four stableford points.

“I have played one previous Pro-Am before in 2007 and played with Alexander Balicki. We were paired with club and teaching pros in the Peugeot International Pro-Am in Paris but it doesn’t come close to be able to tee it up in the Desert Classic.“

Yana Jamieson (pictured below), meanwhile, will play in the rejigged Omega Dubai Moonlight (formerly Ladies) Classic after winning the ladies competition with 31 stableford points on Tuesday.

Stephen Scott captured division A (0-10 handicaps) and a start in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Pro-Am with 37 points, three clear of Raymond Lucas. Scott also won a pair of season passes to the Desert Classic courtesy of winning the longest drive on the Majlis’ par-5 3rd hole – impressively his first of the day in the shotgun format.

“I was surprised that my drive lasted the full day as it was my first hole and there were some very good players in the field and I was sure that one of them would win it,” Scott said.

Shahin Khodjasteh won the nearest the pin prize – also a pair of Desert Classic season passes – with a very tidy tee shot on the Majlis’ 15th hole.

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

The post Welgemoed qualifies for Desert Classic after Classic comeback 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.

Motivate photographer Masam Ali was on hand at The Els to capture all the best action which we share below. You can also read about all the winners and join them in the 11th Golf Digest Middle East Classic at Emirates Golf Club next Tuesday via our simple online entry portal.

ENTER the 11th Golf Digest Middle East Classic TODAY! 

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Hannah Mannion shows a deft touch out of the sand. She also displayed plenty of pep with the driver at The Els, winning the longest drive prize. Mannion collected a pair of season passes to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic for her efforts.

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Kevin Riley won division A (0-10 handicaps) at the second leg of the Golf Digest Middle East Amateur Golf Series presented by King’s College Hospital London and AutoRoute with 39 Stableford points.

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Dave Morais unleashes another fairway splitter.

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No holding back from Caroline Rosenstock.

RELATED: Check out our photo essay from the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club qualifier

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Graham Bull watches the progress of a drive.

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Yves Buchard about to pull the trigger (above) and letting it rip (below).

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Nick Pomeroy shows his touch and holds the finish (below).

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Grinners are winners: (from left) Scott-Gregory, Mall Clarke, Malcom Cooper and Ray Hewit.

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Mall Clarke escapes the soft stuff.

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Ray Hewit wishing his chip shot had settled sooner.

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Check out series sponsor AutoRoute for all your lease needs.

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Max Cashmore goes underground.

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Stuart Cameron, Max Cashmore, Yves Buchard and Nick-Pomeroy.

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Jeremy-Llwellyn sends one.

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Terrance Marques….BOOM!

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Ladies champion Stephanie Kemper (left) with Caroline Rosenstock and Hannah Mannion.

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Craig Gittus strikes a pose.

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Paul Emmerson eyes it down…

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See you all at Emirates Golf Club for the 11th Golf Digest Middle East Classic.

ENTER HERE! 

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

By Kent Gray
He graced our 100th edition cover and starred again at the tournament to mark the milestone.

World amateur No.26 Rayhan Thomas fired as easy a 68 as you are likely to see on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club to unsurprisingly waltz away with the best gross crystal at the 10th Golf Digest Middle East Classic in association with King’s College Hospital London.

Related: Check out all the action from the Majlis in our photo gallery

The 17-year-old Indian No.1s round was highlighted by four birdies and driver, 8 iron, eight foot putt for eagle on the par 5 13th and could have been lower but for a couple of uncooperative putts from close range.

Here’s a sweet swing from the MENA Tour history-marker on the par 3 4th at the Majlis which presented in magnificent condition as ever:

A sweet swing from @RayhanThomas on the par 3 4th @EmiratesGC. The @WAGRank #26 shot 68 to win the 9th @GolfDigestME Classic in a canter. ? pic.twitter.com/tCJ1ZQjUz6

— Golf Digest ME (@GolfDigestME) October 18, 2017

Afterwards the Junior Presidents Cup representative was presented with a memento of his two Golf Digest covers from October 2016 and this month when he replicated our very launch issue cover from Nov. 2008 featuring singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake.

Thomas now has the prestigious Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in his sights. The winner at Royal Wellington GC in New Zealand’s capital city from Oct. 26-29 earns invites to next year’s U.S Masters at Augusta National and the Open Championship at Carnoustie in Scotland.

Meanwhile, Miguel Quintana won division A (0-10 handicap) title with 38 stable ford points, but only on a better back nine count back from Casper Schonfeldt. Paul Dillon won division B (11-24 handicaps) with 37 points to edge Kyle Taggart by a point.

Both Quintana and Dillon won a pair of shoes from sponsor ECCO while the runners-up scored season passes to January’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

On course prizes went to Yves Buchard and Schonfeldt for nearest the pin on the 7th and 15th holes respectively. Schonfeldt drove away with a weekend Mercedes experience courtesy of the series’ official lease partner Autoroute.

The Els Club’s Karl Whitehead won nearest the pin on 2 on the par 4 17th while Julek Szczawinski collected a pair of season passes to the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens thanks to the straightest drive on the  par 5 3rd.

The post Cover star wins 10th Golf Digest Middle East Classic appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.