e wouldn’t normally consider a smartphone product launch as significant golf-equipment news. But when you consider the impacts on golfers, it’s worth a look. Apple showcased its iPhone 7 three weeks ago, and though the product’s new features are usually the highlight of iPhone arrivals, it’s what’s absent that is making waves: the removal of the headphone jack. Observers of Apple say the company is banking on the expanding use of wireless technology, with the hopes of making the iPhone lighter and waterproof. Overall, the move is drawing mixed reviews, with critics citing a lack of user-friendliness with the decision. That is, except golfers, who should be welcoming the wireless revolution with open arms. And it’s not just the headphones-free attribute that should have the sport excited. Here are eight new iPhone features that are godsends to golfers.

1. Better Battery Life. Stuck in a six-hour round or worried music is draining too much energy? While still lacking compared to its Android rivals, the iPhone 7 does have improved battery life, giving you more juice when you’re on the course.

2. Dual-camera System. Capture your own swing or simply a serene moment on the course, the new iPhone offers more photography and video-recording options. The major additions are dual 12-megapixel lenses, able to snap SLR-quality photos and create special effects.

3. Siri Enhancements. Siri will go deeper with commands, searching within apps on your phone to find the answer to your question or request. The intricacy sounds impressive, especially if Siri can figure out why we keep losing our drives to the right.

4. Wireless. Above, we mentioned golfers should be excited for the wireless experience, and rightfully so. For walkers or those playing solo, many wear headphones during their round, only for the wires to hinder or obstruct their swings. Now the iPhone 7 connects from your back pocket to wireless earbuds, letting you hack freely.

5. Improved iMessage Visuals. This includes bigger fonts and more emojis, so when a friend asks how your round is going, you’ll have an arsenal of symbols to express that woeful 52 on the front nine.

6. Waterproof. Maybe you’re caught in a storm, spill your beer or that valiant effort from the pond’s edge went horribly wrong. One of the reasons the headphone jack went away is to allow for waterproof technology, one that’s a blessing for many golfers.

7. Storage. Many of us tape our swings; unfortunately, videos take a major bite out of a phone’s storage, making the saving process an endeavor. However, the iPhone 7 has 32GB instead of 16GB, and it looks like the next two tiers will be 128GB and 256GB, meaning you can now track your improvement without storage worries.

8. Go to any (shaft) length. One in four millennials carry less than $5 cash, according to the ICBA. And we’ve all had a partner who shows an empty wallet when its their time to pay a bet. The iPhone 7 has the solution: iMessage now facilitates payment transactions from Circle and Square Cash.

—Joel Beall/@JoelMBeall

The post The New iPhone’s Potential Impact on Golfers appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The region already hosts a series of men’s European Tour events known as the ‘Desert Swing’, and with December’s Omega Dubai Ladies Masters already established as the LET’s finale since 2006, the new tournament marks an exciting development for women’s golf in the Middle East.

Organised by the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA) and supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Ladies Open boasts a prize fund of $550,000 and an initial three-year partnership with the LET that will take it through 2018.

The stunning Gary Player designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will host the new Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open

“Hosting this new golf event is part of our commitment to encourage Emirati Women to participate in all aspects of sports through sport education, training and competition,” said Dr. Mai Al Jaber, Board Member, FBMA. “Alongside the world’s leading professionals playing a tournament, a full schedule of community engagement activities will make this one of the most unique golf events in the UAE calendar.”

A field of 126 professionals will compete over the stunning Gary Player-designed oceanfront course at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, as the best female golfers enter the home stretch in the race to claim the season-long Order of Merit title.

“We’ve been wanting to play a tournament in Abu Dhabi for some time,” said rising LET star Caroline Martens. “The golf course will be one of the best we play all season and I know my fellow professionals will love the experience offered to all visitors. We already take the advantage of visiting Abu Dhabi whenever we can for the perfect climate and training facilities, now to have a tournament title to play for as well is so exciting and I can’t wait for November.”

The post Saadiyat to host new Ladies European Tour event appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.