IMG-managed Erbil Hills Golf Club will feature a world-class 18-hole championship course designed by internationally recognised golf course architects, Dye Designs.

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1. How do you reflect on your first few months at Erbil Hills Golf Club?

Erbil has been a great experience so far. It is a fantastic city with friendly people, a rich history, and a very vibrant, diverse, and multicultural atmosphere. It has therefore been easy to adapt to a new city and its culture. At the club, my focus has been on laying the foundation for a successful launch and ensuring all aspects of the operation are prepared to provide an exceptional golfing experience.

One of the key aspects of my role has been building a cohesive operations team that shares the club’s vision and values. I have also been working closely with IMG, architects, designers, and contractors, which has been crucial in ensuring that the club’s infrastructure, amenities, and services are aligned with the property owner’s intended vision and high standards. I have also been engaging with potential members and the local community during the pre-opening phase.

2. Erbil Hills is destined to become one of the region’s most exciting new golf destinations. How is the golf course construction process going?

We are progressing nicely; nine holes are completed and completely grown in, with all bunkers constructed with Capillary Flow. The second nine holes are constructed and shaped, with grassing commencing in July 2023, with a view to having nine holes open for play in Q4 2023, and 18 holes in Q4 2024

3. How do you think your previous international experience can help you with managing and developing Erbil Hills Golf Club?

I believe that cultural understanding helps a great deal. I am most fortunate to have been exposed to many diverse cultures, customs, and perspectives during my career, which in turn helps me respect and navigate cultural nuances, foster inclusivity, and effectively communicate with staff, members, and guests from various backgrounds.

I also understand that international experience builds adaptability and resilience, which brings with it the ability to overcome challenges with creativity, flexibility, and a solution-oriented approach.

RELATED: QUICKSHOT: Erbil Hills Golf Club

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4. How do you plan to take advantage of IMG’s international network to develop future Iraqi golf professionals?

The vision is for Erbil Hills to be a successful legacy project built on a long-term vision of collaboration and a commitment to the sustainable development of golf across all demographics of society, particularly women and children. It is therefore incumbent on the club and IMG to ensure that we do all that we can to grow the game of golf. This will be achieved through the infrastructure development of training facilities, which will provide a conducive environment for learning and improvement for all levels of players. Erbil Hills will feature two state-of-the-art IMG Performance Studios, as well as a 300-meter driving range, a 100-meter grass tee, chipping, and putting greens.

Through the IMG network, we will be hiring PGA-qualified golf coaches to provide ongoing expertise and guidance to help young golfers progress, as well as ensuring that we work with schools and youth organizations to incorporate golf into their physical education curriculums.

The post Erbil Hills interview with general manager Campbell Elliott appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

IMG will continue to provide extensive support across multiple areas such as agronomy, operations and marketing.

Russell Hannah, Vice President, IMG Golf Course Services, commented: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with Michlifen Golf & Country Club. We remain committed to ensuring that the golfing world is aware of this hidden gem set in the stunning Atlas Mountains and have no doubt that any golfer lucky enough to visit will be enthralled by every aspect of this special golfing experience.”

Michlifen Golf & Country Club is located in the mountain town of Ifrane, a 45-minute drive from the historic city of Fez. Ifrane is often referred to as ‘Little Switzerland’ due to its Alpine architecture, while the clubhouse includes three IMG performance studios with the very latest in custom fitting and teaching technology.

The Jack Nicklaus Signature course forms part of Michlifen, alongside a 71-room, five-star hotel.

The post IMG extends deal with Morocco’s Michlifen Golf & Country Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Matt Smith
The Asian Tour is continuing its quiet revolution with the appointment of David Rollo as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Rollo has worked very closely with the Asian Tour over the past decade in his various roles at IMG and begins his new position in May.

He joined IMG in Australia in 2000 and since 2016 has been based in Singapore as Vice President-Golf Events and Clients. He has also worked with the PGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia.

“David is an immensely experienced and well-respected industry executive who will bring a valuable skillset to the Asian Tour. I look forward to working alongside David where he will play a key role in the ongoing progression of the Asian Tour,” said Cho Minn Thant, CEO and Commissioner, Asian Tour.

“David is a familiar face around the Asian Tour as he has been working closely with the Tour for many years, so we see this as a very natural transition. His move comes at an important time when we are putting in place a strong team capable of looking after the interests of the Tour and its membership.”

Rollo’s key responsibilities will include optimising the Asian Tour’s operations as well as cultivating relationships with stakeholders, governments, federations, and promoters.

“This is a really exciting opportunity to bring over two decades of experience in the golf industry, most of it in this region, to the Asian Tour, during a time when it is undergoing incredible expansion,” said Rollo.

“The Asian Tour has always been very important to me, and I am looking forward to helping them achieve their goals and ambitions.”

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The post David Rollo appointed Asian Tour Chief Operating Officer appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Ryan Herrington
Michelle Wie withdrew from the LPGA’s Canadian Pacific Women’s Open on Sunday and announced through her management team, IMG, that she was undergoing surgery this afternoon to remove her appendix.

Wie was tied for 23rd, six strokes behind leaders Mo Martin and Nicole Broch Larsen after rounds of 71-68-70 at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club. A week earlier, she went 1-2-0 while playing for the victorious U.S. Solheim Cup team.

Thus far in 2017, Wie has had seven top-10 finishes in 17 starts and sits 30th on the Rolex Rankings. In July, she had to withdraw during the second round of the U.S. Women’s Open at Trump National Bedminster due to muscle spasms in her neck. In her next two starts, she finished tied for 19th at the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open and tied for third at the Ricoh Women’s British Open

Here is the statement Wie’s management group, IMG:

Michelle Wie has withdrawn from @cpwomensopen. The following statement was provided by her management team @IMGgolf pic.twitter.com/THTEPQMltE

— LPGA (@LPGA) August 27, 2017

The post Michelle Wie to have appendix surgery, WDs from CP Women’s Open appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

This is apparently the season for splits. In the wake of player-caddie Phil Mickelson and Jim (Bones) Mackay going separate ways, one of the most familiar player-agent partnerships in the game has come to an end. Lee Westwood has left Andrew (Chubby) Chandler’s International Sports Management company after being a client for 24 years. After former Open champion Darren Clarke, Westwood was ISM’s longest-serving client—and one of Chandler’s closest friends.

According to various sources, the 44-year-old Westwood—who is also currently going though a divorce from wife, Laurae—has signed with International Management Group. Guy Kinnings, IMG’s Global Head of Golf, is another long-time chum of the 10-time Ryder Cup player.

Reached by text, Westwood had no immediate comment to make on his departure from the close-knit Chandler group. Nor did ISM, who also recently lost former U.S. Amateur champion Matt Fitzpatrick.

So far in the 2017 season, Westwood has had four top-15 finishes in 11 European Tour starts and is ranked 57th in the world.

The post Lee Westwood leaves longtime agent Chubby Chandler for IMG appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.