Golf Digest Middle East caught up with The R&A’s Phil Anderton and Neal Graham to discuss the vision of the game in the region

The R&A’s ambition is to inspire future generations to say: ‘I love golf’

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer

How has the role of The R&A changed and expanded in recent times?
The R&A governs the sport of golf worldwide alongside the USGA who have responsibility in the US and Mexico. We have responsibilities for governing the Rules of Golf, staging The Open and AIG Women’s Open as well as elite amateur championships and developing the sport.

The R&A has changed significantly over the last few years and we continue to evolve as an organisation. We have modernised The Rules of Golf and made them more inclusive through the introduction of Rule 25 which allows players with specific disabilities to play fairly with players who have no disabilities, the same disability or a different type of disability.

We introduced a unified global handicap system for the first time, we have enhance The Open and the AIG Women’s Open and crucially we implemented a modern and proactive business models which has given us financial stability meaning we can double our investment into the sport to £200 million over a 10-year period.

We are now three years into a new five-year strategy where we are focused on achieving our vision for the sport which is that golf is open to all people. We continue to be leaders for the sport encouraging it to modernise, change and adapt to a rapidly changing world. Golf has a golden opportunity post-pandemic where more than ever people want to enjoy healthy, social and fulfilling leisure pursuits. Now is our time to act to ensure more people are playing more golf well into the future.

Over the next five years we are placing particular emphasis on women and girls golf, sustainable golf practices, the promotion of golf and it’s health benefits as well as alternate formats of the game and modernised facilities. Our real ambition is to inspire current and future generations to say ‘I love playing golf’.

The R&A looks to encourage even more women to play golf and work in the industry

I have seen the number of golfers rise significantly, especially in recent years. How is The R&A helping grow the game?
Our recent participation figures show that golf continues to thrive post-pandemic. In 2022 there were an additional ten million golfers playing the sport worldwide, excluding the US and Mexico, since 2016, which is an increase of 34 per cent. There are now 39.6 million on-course adult golfers, across 9 and 18 holes, with the top-five golfing nations, outside of the US and Mexico, being Japan, Canada, Korea, England and Germany.

What is really exciting is that women now make up almost a quarter of adult registered golfers, demonstrating the positive impact of initiatives focused on promoting greater diversity and inclusivity in golf. I was delighted to note that recently the UAE became the first country in the world to have all its golf clubs sign The R&A Women in Golf Charter. I will be keen to see the impact this has on the growth of women’s golf in the country.

The participation growth has been aided by the important work of golf bodies like The R&A and Emirates Golf Federation do to drive participation initiatives and increase awareness of the benefits of the sport. There remains significant interest in golf and while we recognise that there are economic challenges due to cost of living pressures, it is important for everyone involved to do their best to keep existing golfers in the sport as well as continuing to drive new participants.

Golf it! is designed to be family friendly and encourage new golfers into the sport

As I have mentioned golf has a golden opportunity and it is important that we capitalise on that. Already we have launched initiatives that take The R&A down new avenues including the opening of Golf It! The R&A’s new community-based golf and entertainment facility in Scotland. It’s a new concept which is set to make golf more accessible and inclusive for golfers and non-golfers alike. It was launched in August and has already seen huge success with over two million balls hit on the range in the first three months of operation. We see Golf It! as a blueprint for how a modern golf facility should be and hope that  more Golf It! style facilities will be created further afield.

The R&A’s Golf is Good campaign features international football star Gareth Bale

Golf and health has also been a significant focus of The R&A through ‘Golf is Good’, a new global project that we piloted in Wales last summer in partnership with Wales Golf. Featuring R&A global ambassador Gareth Bale, it used recent scientific research to promote the health and well-being benefits of playing the sport through cutting-edge animation. It is now being rolled out globally through other national associations and golfing bodies. The campaign in Wales produced positive results with 65 per cent of current golfers who had seen golf and health advertising playing more golf than usual in 2022, compared to 48% of current golfers who had not seen the advertising. Furthermore, 73 per cent of current on-course golfers were likely to play more golf because of the campaign.

Global superstar Niall Horan, a new initiative by The R&A, and Modest Golf to boost participation

Another significant project that we launched this summer, with the support of R&A global ambassador and music star Niall Horan, was Golf.Golf which encourages people to learn to play golf at a diverse range of golf facilities across Scotland. The initiative has been developed using extensive research into how to attract new people to the sport and is targeted specifically at those who already had or have an active interest in sporting activity but not necessarily in golf. The Golf.Golf digital platform provides an easy-to-use searchable list of all participating venues. Prospective players – from beginners to those who want to pick up the sport again – can use the platform to find their local venue and book sessions directly.

And the key objectives to help sustain and expand this growth through The R&A?
Our number one objective over the next five years is to increase the number of people playing all formats of the golf and get them playing more often. It is this objective which has driven projects like ‘Golf is Good’, Golf.Golf and Golf It!

These projects are all driven by extensive market research. We then take this research and create programmes which have been piloted in particular markets. We can then review and modify where necessary but more importantly we can take those programmes and work with other national golf associations to launch them in other countries. I think this is the real value The R&A can bring to golf internationally. We have the resources to undertake the research, to make sure programmes are evidence-based and then help golf associations with the local knowledge to deliver these programmes in their own countries.

And specifically in the Middle East region — how are you reaching more budding golfers?
The Middle East has become synonymous with elite level professional golf and even amateur golf with the recent staging of the World Amateur Team Championships. It is also a favourite golf holiday destination for many people. However, compared to many regions around the world, golf in the Middle East is still in the early stages of its participation development. But this also presents one of the greatest opportunities for growth worldwide and we are starting to see some very positive participation trends. Our recent global participation report shows that 9 & 18 hole golfer numbers in 2022 have risen by 62 per cent compared to 2020, by 100 per cent compared to 2016 and by 223 per cent compared to 2012. So I think we should acknowledge the successful efforts of the national golf associations in the Middle East to grow participation.

To help golf in the Middle East to continue to grow and to assist the national golf associations to take advantage of the current opportunity, The R&A has appointed Neal Graham as Regional Development Manager. He supports The R&A’s development strategy to engage and lead more effectively by working with national golf associations and other key stakeholders to drive the development of the sport within the Middle East. He provides organisations with support and advice in relation to grassroots initiatives, coaching, on and off-course facilities, pathways and high performance development, and staging professional and amateur championships.

Now almost a year into having a dedicated staff member in the Middle East, The R&A has seen the UAE become the first country to have all golf clubs sign the Women in Golf Charter, the introduction of a pilot of The R&A’s Unleash Your Drive in Schools programme and shortly we are about to host The R&A Middle East Golf Leadership Forum during the DP World Tour Championship.

Neal Graham. Ahmed Abdelwahab / Motivate Media Group

Neal Graham, Middle East and India Regional Development Manager

What is the active role The R&A takes to provide assistance in the region?
As Phil mentioned, The R&A works closely with the national golf associations and key stakeholders to support their development plans.  Since I commenced this role, my focus has been on engaging with the national golf associations in the Middle East,  listening and understanding the golfing landscape in their regions. Working together we have then identified key areas The R&A can support to develop programmes that make golf more appealing, accessible and inclusive.

In the UAE, working alongside the Emirates Golf Federation we identified the opportunity to create a pathway to introduce more children to golf. So, we are particularly excited to launch The R&A Unleash Your Drive in Schools programme in collaboration with the Golf Foundation, which is a six week beginner golf programme for students that can be delivered by teachers thanks to training from PGA professionals, easy to use resources and equipment which includes plastic golf clubs and soft foam golf balls. At the end of the six week programme students will have learnt the basics of golf as well as nine mental toughness skills which are integrated into the programme to positively impact their wellbeing. Those who wish to develop their golf skills further can join the Emirates Golf Federation junior programmes or those at local golf clubs.

Recently, we conducted workshops at Yas Links Abu Dhabi and the Tommy Fleetwood Academy at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai. We had attendees from the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan and Lebanon, so we will start to see The R&A’s Unleash Your Drive in Schools Programme rolled out in the coming months.

Following on from the success of the schools programme, we are also aiming to launch the Golf Sixes League in Abu Dhabi to provide children with another opportunity in their golfing journey. Golf Sixes League is a proven junior golf concept which The R&A collaborates on across the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa.

Tell us more about the upcoming R&A Middle East Golf Leadership Forum
The R&A Middle East Golf Leadership Forum will take place during the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai on Thursday November 16.

The purpose of the forum is to gather both industry and non-industry stakeholders from the Middle East region to network and collaborate on three key topics; golf and health, sustainability in golf and inclusion in golf.

Each session to being moderated by a leading figure and will feature panellists who can share with the audience their personal insights and experiences. We are delighted to be joined by Dr Andrew Murray, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of the European Tour Group, Chris Gray, Head of Sustainable Agronomy – Asia-Pacific for The R&A and Tony Bennet, Head of Disability and Inclusion – IGF, President of EDGA and PGA Master Professional.

We hope to motivate and inspire the golf industry, to share best practices amongst colleagues but also to look at how golf can learn from other successful sports.

All 22 golf clubs in the United Arab Emirates have signed The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter. It becomes the first nation to achieve the feat

The R&A has a strong focus on women and girls golf, how are you bringing that to the Middle East?
The R&A is committed to increasing the number of women and girls both playing golf and working in the industry. In 2018 The R&A Women in Golf Charter was launched to inspire an industry-wide commitment to developing a more inclusive culture within golf. Since then over 1,300 organisations in 75 countries have signed the Charter. Something that all golfers within the UAE should be very proud of, is that earlier this year the UAE became the first country to have all golf clubs sign the Charter. Each club has set out its commitment to developing women’s golf at their facility and long term I believe we will start to see the number of women golfers in the UAE increase because of this initiative.

The UAE also now has five women from the industry participating in The R&A Women in Golf Leadership Programme which is aimed at supporting the development and progression of women who have the potential to become future leaders.

Nada Mir of Qatar (L) and Vanessa Richani of Lebanon (Ri) became the first players from their countries to compete in the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship

At an elite amateur level, we have also seen golfers from the Middle East start to emerge. This year The R&A staged the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific in Singapore with 85 players from 22 countries in the field. For the first time this year there was a competitor from Lebanon and Qatar in the Championship which has helped to inspire more women and girls in those countries to take up the sport. 

And Greenkeeping training is also in the pipeline?
The R&A has partnered with the Asian Golf Industry Federation and the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute to provide a Certificate in Greenkeeping programme available to greenkeepers across the UAE.  This programme is crafted for golf course staff who may not have formal education related to the knowledge and skills required to operate safely and efficiently as a greenkeeper on a golf course. The blended workplace learning will allow the students to apply the technical skills and processes learned to a variety of turf situations under the supervision of a qualified workplace supervisor throughout the one year duration of the course. The introductory course will kick start the programme at the The Montgomerie Golf Club from Monday 27th November to Friday 1st December.

Off course facilities are inspiring more people onto the golf course

There are many off-course facilities too, popping up. How does this help beginners get into the game?
The R&A’s research has shown across the globe that over a third of on course golfers were inspired to play on course golf by playing alternative formats of the sport.

The rise in popularity of off course facilities such as indoor simulator golf, adventure golf, mini golf, and driving range golf with tracker technology has a number of benefits to aid beginners getting into the sport.  Firstly, they attract a much larger non-golf audience who traditionally would have not engaged in golf.  The variety of the facilities and experiences on offer can assist in engagement being maintained.  The facilities are friendly focused and are able to attract all demographics.  We are fortunate that many of the off course facilities in the UAE offer professional instruction on site to assist golfers develop their game further and make the transition to the course should they wish to.

Off-course and on-course facilities working together on initiatives when able will help improve engagement for golfers and as a result increase the awareness of the sport and breakdown traditional perceptions.

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Emirates Golf Club

Pirvu and Ayres win EGC Ladies UAE Race to Obidos International Pairs Qualifier

Emirates Golf Club Ladies’ Section hosted the latest UAE International Pairs Qualifier over the Majlis Course, with 60 ladies competing. The duo of Anca Pirvu and Annabel Ayres took top spot with 45 stableford points. They had a combined total of 11 net birdies. Runners-up were Josie Tracey and Wonjeong Lee on 43, ahead of Sonal Gandhi and Avani Shahon 41.
The top three Pairs at each qualifier progress to the UAE National Finals at Abu Dhabi Golf Club which will be held over the National Course next March.
The winning pair then goes on to represent the UAE at the World Final of the International Pairs — Race to Obidos event next November at Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort and Bom Sucsso Resort in Portugal.

Jumeirah Golf Estates

Tommy Fleetwood adds flavour to Jumeirah Golf Estates event
Ryder Cup hero Tommy Fleetwood joined the Jumeirah Golf Estates members for the latest edition of the Thursday Curry Club on the Fire Course.
The Englishman and Dubai resident and Club Manager Stephen Hubner could only make sixth spot in the standings as Tom Stephenson and Tom Purdy triumphed over Louis Thorne and Seth Hopkinson.

Aviv Clinics brought to you by DP World OG Classic Golf Day returns
Following the success of last year’s event, the Aviv Clinics brought to you by DP World OG Classic Golf Day returns on October 28 to Trump International Golf Club, Dubai. Tickets are selling fast for this year’s event and cost AED 650 for which you will get access to the driving range and practice facilities from noon ahead of the 1.30pm shotgun-start, 18-hole pairs shambles event.

Supplied

US secure Eisenhower Trophy in Abu Dhabi
The US surged to their 16th Eisenhower Trophy win, and their first since 2014, on Saturday in the 33rd World Amateur Team Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. David Ford, the No. 5 ranked amateur in the world, posted an eight-under 64, while 2023 US Amateur champion Nick Dunlap contributed a four-under 68. “I just feel so happy for these guys,” said US captain Mark Newell. “This is a great championship filled with lots of good players and they really earned their victory with great play all four rounds and especially today.”

SGSC

Samiuddin takes Sharjah Monthly Stableford
The Orient Travel monthly medal kicked off the new season in style on Saturday at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club. Samiuddin Siddique topped the leaderboard at the end of the day’s play with a very impressive three-under 69. Past SGSC Club Captain Rory Thomson was runner-up on two-under.
Also taking place at SGSC was the summer-ending Air Arabia Matchplay awards. Sami Butt was the 2023 singles champion, ahead of George Liu. The net singles crown went to Aamir Inam.

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Saadiyat Beach Club

A knock-out blow from Ali and Wood
Sara Ali and Andrew Wood scored 41 Stableford points to win the Saadiyat Beach Qualifier of Season 2 of the 2023-2024 UAE International Pairs. With 24 duos in the field, Pekka Eltata and Kevin Moore were second, ahead of Paul Kay and Sheldon Ritchie. The top three pairs qualify for the UAE Grand Final with the top pair from the UAE Grand Final winning an all-expenses trip to Portugal for the International Pairs World Final.

Pretty good at JGE
Jumeirah Golf Estates held its ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’ pairs scramble tournament this past weekend over the Earth Course, with Teresa Sheepwash and Philippa Stumbles claiming top spot with and eight-over net 104. They held off Mitsuko Emmerson and Sunny Raymond, who had to settle for second spot.

Arabian Ranches

A Breeze at Arabian Ranches
The Betterball Stableford event at Arabian Ranches concluded with Mike Robson and Nicola Breeze taking a one-point win (44) over Andre Grove and Laira Taylor. Subhojit and Marta Biswas were third.

Jumeirah Golf Estates

Winning Curry in a hurry
The latest edition of the Thursday Curry Club at Jumeirah Golf Estates saw Tom Purdy and David Bainbridge crowned champions in a two-ball scramble over the back nine on the Fire Course. Hash Kapadia and Tara Hession took second spot on debut. Third went to JGE’s own Membership Services Executive Kian Higgins alongside Lee Johnston.

Emirates PGA

Gaughan himself at Creek
Louis Gaughan took the Emirates PGA event at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. A six-under 65 was good enough for a two-shot victory for the Abu Dhabi resident. Hassine Wallani was second on four-under.

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The show’s hosts, who describe themselves as “tragically obsessed with the game at every level”, will welcome a new guest on the podcast each week, for insights into the behind-the-scenes stories that we don’t see on TV.

Robbie Greenfield and Zane Scotland. Supplied

Serendipitously, The First Tee launched last week with an interview with New Zealand star Ryan Fox, who would then go to land the biggest victory of his career just days later at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. “Clearly we are a good luck charm, and we hope Ryan is generous enough to spread the word that if you come on the show, you are guaranteed a trophy,” commented Scotland, tongue placed firmly in cheek.

“As a former tour player himself and now a highly respected instructor, Zane brings a lot of professional credibility to this partnership,” says Greenfield. “I bring unbridled enthusiasm for the game and as I hope my long and so far unsuccessful battle against the chipping yips demonstrates, some amateur perspective!”

The podcast is a collaboration between the DP World Tour and Dubai Eye 103.8’s Off Script Extra Time show, that will see the station ramp up its golfing coverage as we approach November’s season-ending finale at the DP World Tour Championship.

Fans of golf can find the show on Apple and Spotify, with regular episodes running all the way through until next year’s revamped Desert Swing.

This week’s second episode, which was released on Tuesday, features a comprehensive Ryder Cup preview with Claude Harmon III and interview with Italian three-time tour winner Guido Migliozzi. Future guests include Tommy Fleetwood and G4D world ranked No.1 Kipp Popert — the first disabled golfer to qualify for the British Amateur.

Episode 2 is available here:

or click this link for Apple

Claude Harmon III. Andrew Redington/Getty Images

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Arabian Ranches

Lakhani takes the title
Neil Lakhani took the glory at the recent DP World Tour Championship’s Luckiest Ball on Earth Qualifier at Arabian Ranches Golf Club, with 45 Stableford points.

Jumeirah Golf Estates

Finnigan and McNamara claim Curry Club yet again
Serial winners James Finnigan and Alan McNamara claimed another Thursday Curry Club crown at Jumeirah Golf Estates with a six-under net 30 over nine holes of the Fire Course. Faysal Ayoubi and Charles Faulkner were second on a countback from Alex Leigh and George Murray.

Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club

Shallicker tops the lot in Al Ain
David Shallicker won the September Monthly Medal at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club with a five-under net 65 in Division B. Stuart Bell was second, with Peter Abbott third. Min Oh Seo took Division A.

Jumeirah Golf Estates

McMullan and Sheepwash scramble clear
Trudi McMullan and Teresa Sheepwash claimed the latest  Ladies two-ball scramble at Jumeirah Golf Estates with a net 63 nine-under. In second place was Sue Stevens and Jane Vorster with a net 69.

Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

Abdul Moiz Khan welcomed as Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club captain
Abdul Moiz Khan has been welcomed in as the new Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club captain. The occasion was marked with the annual Captain’s Season Opener competition on Sunday, with vice-captain Shaheen Butt taking the plaudidits with 39 Stableford points.
Shaheen’s son Sami Butt took home the spoils in the gross division with 37 points while Aamir Inam claimed Division A and Simon Yoon took Division B.

Main image: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

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Worth and Holt take UAE International Pairs crown at Al Zorah
Graeme Worth and Darwin Holt came out on top in the second qualifier of the 2023 UAE International Pairs Qualifying Series organised and presented by Icon Sports at Al Zorah Golf Club in Ajman at the weekend. The pair won the better-ball stableford event with 45 points on countback from Deepak Nicholas and Pankaj Gautam, and claimed spots in the Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest event next month at The Els Club, Dubai, where the Best Gross and Division A winners will then go on to play in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am.
There are 12 qualifying events remaining International Pairs Qualifying Series, held at the leading golf clubs around the UAE during the 2023-2024 season.
The top three pairs at each qualifier progress to the UAE National Finals at Abu Dhabi Golf Club held over the National Course next March. The winning pair at the Finals goes on to represent the UAE at the World Final in November 2024 at Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort and Bom Sucsso Resort in Portugal.

A Downham double at JGE
Jumeirah Golf Estates hosted the monthly Jumeirah Pairs on its Fire Course. Lady Captain Evelyn Downham and partner Carl Downham claimed the pairs greensomes showdown, where each player tees off and the best shot is selected, from that point the pair plays alternate shots until the hole is completed.
The winning score was a net 67 by Evelyn and Carl, ahead of Simon Brind and Andrew Parsons (69). Cavit Yiliz and Umar Farooq (70) were third.

Jayasinghe tops Oman Amateur Series
Ruwan Jayasinghe became the first winner of the Oman Amateur Series, thanks to a three-round 225 at Ghala Golf Club, two ahead of local pair Badar Al Amri and Ahmed Al Wahaibi. American Tim Lang took the Net Division crown on seven-under.

Malshers top the lot in Al Ain
Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club continued their early season action with the After Summer Open, and Henry and Emma Malsher took top honours in the better-ball strokeplay format. The husband-and-wife team’s five-under net 65 was good enough for a comfortable three-stroke victory. Johan Potgieter and Johan Schoonraad were second, ahead of Carel Nolte and Konstantin Varga.

Scrambling for a Curry crown
The latest installment of the Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Thursday Curry Club saw 36 golfers take to the Earth Course for a pairs nine-hole scramble, with Alex Whayman and David Bainbridge winning with a score of net 30, edging out JGE membership services executive Kian Higgins and Paul McGee on countback.

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Marta masters The Ladies
Jumeirah Golf Estates are up and rolling into the new golf season, and the latest edition of The Ladies took place over the Earth course earlier this week. The 18-hole individual stableford event was claimed by Marta Balaguer with 33 points, thanks to five net birdies and a scorching back-nine run. Joo Yun Lee (30 points) had to settle for second place, but a countback meant she finished ahead of Sylvie Martin.

Jumeirah Golf Estates

Sethi cools the Fire Course
Jumeirah Golf Estates held the September OMA Emirates Medalford, with a strong field of 91 lining up on the Fire Course. It was Vidur Sethi who to the September bragging rights with his net 66 meaning a two-shot win. The Gents Division A was won by Francisco Zini with a net 68 ahead of Alan McNamara on countback. The Gents Division B winner was Ravi Khanna with a net 69. Roma Khanna claimed the Ladies Division.

Al Ain Equestrian Golf and Shooting Club

Al Ain Par 3 Series returns
Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club welcomed the new season with the return of the nine-hole Al Ain Par 3 Series as Virginia Macedo topped the Ladies Division on Net 23, one ahead of Hannah Rudling and Nina Dordevic. The Mens champ was Jaco Oostheuizen (25), as Jackson Rapsey had to settle for second spot.

Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club

Thomson wins in Sharjah
Former Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club captain Rory Thomson claimed his home clubs Monthly Stableford with 38 points, one ahead of George Liu. Sami Butt took the best Gross score on 34.

Tower Links

Andy Nisbet RAKs up the points
There was also a Monthly Stableford at Ras Al Khaimah’s Tower Links, with Andy Nisbet prevailing on 36 points, racking up five more than second-placed Craig Mainey in second spot, after he scored 31 Stableford points over the desert and parkland layout.

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Backhouse and Hodgkins claim the Curry Club crown
The Thursday Curry Club at Jumeirah Golf Estates continues to heat up as a record 48 players took part in the latest edition, with Tim Backhouse and Adam Hodgkins taking the plaudits with a a net 29 (seven-under).
Taking place over the front nine on the Fire course in the Pairs Scramble format. Backhouse and Hodgkins had five gross birdies to secure the victory.
In second place was JGE’s own Adam Stastny and Mark Castell on 30. T pair of David Warham and Richard Green were third on 31.

Montgomerie Golf Club

Landmark at Montgomerie
Nick Dulley, Lee Jackson, Daniel Brocklebank and Andy Whittle conjured up a round to tell the grandkids about at the  Montgomerie Golf Club Monthly Scramble. The quartet joined the 59 Club with a gross 13-under par, and obviously, claimed top spot ahead of Paul Love, Brian Stewart, Ciaran Coakley and Richie Keating

Trump Dubai

Rayan  and Aoife Trump the field
The EGF-sanctioned Trump Dubai Summer Open finally took place over the weekend with Rayan Ahmed taking the Men’s title and Aoife Kelly winning the Women’s crown. Golf Digest Middle East Stay & Play 2023 champ Craig Vance and Ahmed Naim finished tied second in the men’s event, with Jamie Roslyn Camero just missing out to Kelly in the Women’s competition.

Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

In the driving seat
A field of more than 30 golfers took part in the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club BMW Open Social. The pair of Jumadi Bin Husani and Zein Ismail took top prize in the four-ball better-ball format.

Dubai Hills

Family affair at Dubai Hills
Lee I’Ons claimed the Mens Division Round 3 of the MMI Summer Series Stableford at Dubai Hills, while his wife Tanya made it a double celebration by taking home the Ladies Division.

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The UAE has, for decades now, been the driving force behind the growth of golf in the region, but with elevated International Series events arriving on the Asian Tour in places such as Oman and Qatar, Bahrain joining the DP World Tour schedule, the Ladies European Tour and Golf Saudi innovating the game on the Aramco Team Series, and the explosion in popularity of the sport in Saudi Arabia, it is safe to say golf has never been more popular in the Middle East.

Even with all the ‘growing the game’ in the region, the numbers involved may be surprising.

Source: R&A. Includes par-3 courses

The R&A recently released the latest figures for global golf participation, with the key stat that 10 million more adult golfers are playing the sport worldwide since 2016.

According to new research undertaken by the governing body, there are now 39.6 million on-course golfers (nine and 18 hole) in R&A affiliated markets.

The research figures indicate that the growth trend began before the onset of Covid-19 and continued during the pandemic — up 34 per cent from 29.6 million on-course golfers in 2016. The sport has since continued to increase in popularity post-pandemic, up 15 per cent from 34.5 million on-course players in 2020.

Closer to home, the growth in the Middle East has been exponential, growing from 13,000 golfers in 2012 to 42,000 in 2022.

Source: R&A

Since 2012, nine and 18-hole golf participation numbers have risen by 62 per cent compared to 2020, including 16,000 registered — the Middle East leads the world on this metric.

Overall, golf in the region is still in the early stages of golf participation development, especially in the massive market of Saudi Arabia, where Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation are making massive inroads into inspiring golfers of all ages and levels through its Mass Participation Mission, introducing, educating and entertaining both the young and old through an array of programmes.

The Middle East — and UAE in particular — continues to host multiple elite events and is growing in popularity as a golf tourism destination.

Source: R&A

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, said, “Golf’s popularity has surged in recent years, which is reflected in a notable increase in the number of people playing the sport in both traditional on-course and alternative formats.

“It is significant that 10 million more golfers are playing on the course since 2016, but it is also important that millions of others are engaged in golf through many other alternative formats, such as driving ranges, which are so vital to the growth of the sport.

“It also underlines why effective and impactful participation programmes are important for encouraging more people into the sport and retaining them in greater numbers. We are working closely with our affiliated national federations and stakeholders within golf to sustain this momentum. We thank them for their efforts as we aim to ensure that golf is thriving for years to come.”

The R&A is continuing its commitment to invest £200 million over ten years in developing golf, including sustained work to encourage participation by promoting the health benefits of the sport through a global campaign.

Definitions
1. REGISTERED GOLFERS: These are the number of golfers who are affiliated to a federation (they may be members of golf clubs or affiliated to the federation in another way: eg, through a direct subscription).
2. UNREGISTERED 9 AND 18 HOLE GOLFERS: Golfers who have played on a full length nine or 18 hole golf course at least once in the last year, but are not registered with their national association.

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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.