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		<title>TopGolf Dubai breaks ground, gigantic Saudi trophy threatens to do likewise and we get into the Desert Swing of things. All (somehow) wrapped up in our guilty Sir Nick Faldo obsession</title>
		<link>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/the-desert-swing-sand-trap/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kent Gray]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2018 05:51:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Al Mouj Golf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emirates Golf Club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emirates Golf Federation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Faldo Junior Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[golf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greg Norman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ian Poulter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ian Woosnam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jack Bartlett]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[James Williams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rayhan Thomas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sir Nick Faldo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Sand Trap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toby Bishop]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=22476</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Your guide to the very best golf, on the course and across social media, in the Middle East.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/the-desert-swing-sand-trap/">TopGolf Dubai breaks ground, gigantic Saudi trophy threatens to do likewise and we get into the Desert Swing of things. All (somehow) wrapped up in our guilty Sir Nick Faldo obsession</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Your guide to the very best golf, on the course and across social media, in the Middle East</strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>By Kent Gray</strong></span><br />
Welcome to another edition of the Sand Trap where we really should be beavering away on resolutions for the New Year, not to mention myriad deadlines that give ‘silly season’ a whole new meaning. You know the drill &#8211; more golf, fewer three-putts and even less whinging about the work that pays for the “pleasure” of the inevitable three-stab blobs. That kind of thing.</p>
<p>We’re also itching to reveal the Dubai link to <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/an-emotional-louis-oosthuizen-wins-south-african-open-for-the-first-time/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Louis Oosthuizen’s emotional South African Open win</span></a>, share a very tall (trophy) tale of amateur success for a <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/dubai-hills-desert-classic-prelude-to-new-look-mena-tour-schedule-another-european-tour-opportunity-for-uae-pga-brethren/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">MENA Tour </span></a>star in Saudi Arabia, not to mention a heart-warming story of Open Championship ambition and some of best (read savage) tweets of the year.</p>
<p>But first, we have a guilty admission to make, wrapped up in a lingering obsession.</p>
<p><strong>ARISE SIR NICK</strong></p>
<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-18296" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180719-nick-faldo.jpg" alt="" width="780" height="520" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180719-nick-faldo.jpg 780w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180719-nick-faldo-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/180719-nick-faldo-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px" /></p>
<p>The Sand Trap’s boyhood hero worship, turned middle-aged man crush on Sir Nick Faldo will come as little surprise to regular visitors of this irregular <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/the-hack-augusta-national-and-the-ra-cant-ignore-saudis-leading-amateur-and-our-family-friendly-answer-to-dj-and-paulina-gretzky/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Middle East-themed array of social media/golfing goodness.</span></a> I mean, those wind-piercing long irons bounced into inaccessible pins to grind out pars and three Open Championship wins; the mastery of Augusta National that delivered a wardrobe of green jackets and a dagger to the heart of the Great White Shark (it’s a Kiwi-Aussie thing even though The Sand Trap secretly admires Greg Norman too); the thanking of the British tabloid press from the “Heart of my bottom…” Classic stuff.</p>
<p>Now the six-time major champion is a class act behind the microphone, merging the deep knowledge of his maddening craft with that trademark British humour to bring the predictable pitch and putt of the PGA Tour to life on the little screen. The Sand Trap might never flush a three-iron like Sir Nick, but we get how tough it is not to sound/read like a complete numpty as a media analyst. In fact, we reckon that Kiwi Frank Nobilo is the only ex-player who comes close to Sir Nick as a TV analyst, all parochialism aside.</p>
<p>We also get Faldo isn’t everyone’s cup of English Breakfast but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the beholder is typing this, so we’ll press on with our confession.</p>
<p>There’s no place for fairway fanboys in the media centre and you certainly don’t go asking stars for their autograph. But hey, given that the Sand Trap still owns several Faldo highlights tapes and Faldo-<a href="https://golfdigestme.com/david-leadbetter-wants-you-to-get-a-proper-grip-as-he-opens-his-first-middle-east-academy-in-dubai/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Leadbetter instruction</span></a> cassettes (with no way of playing them) from the early 80s, it has become a bucket-list mission to meet said hero and get his scribble on something for the home office wall.  The thing is, I’m 0-3 when it comes to chances to meet Sir Nick in a private setting (e.g. where no other hack will see the giddy fanboy behaviour) and it’s gnawing away at me. Is it truly meant to be?</p>
<p>There was a club manufacturers’ meet and greet during the 1997 Open at Royal Troon (won by Justin Leonard), an opportunity a young Kiwi living off a high street golf shop assistants wage in East London could ill afford. Then, last year, those blessed (they really aren’t very funny) silly season deadlines prevented a trip out to Al Ain where our man was hosting his Faldo Series Middle East final. Then last month at the Faldo Series European Final back at the same Abu Dhabi satellite course – agghh!!!!…</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22546" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG-20181210-WA0005.jpg" alt="" width="740" height="414" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG-20181210-WA0005.jpg 740w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG-20181210-WA0005-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /></p>
<p>One can’t grumble too loudly given the latest excuse was research for an upcoming stay and play feature at Oman Open venue Al Mouj Golf (above). To prove our press room impartiality, let it be known that the Sand Trap are unashamed fans of Norman designed courses, Al Mouj, <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/kingdom-come/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Ayla in Jordan</span></a>, Danang in Vietnam and Earth and Fire in Dubai among the Shark’s creations we’ve also savoured. Seriously, do yourself a favour if you haven’t played Al Mouj already and book a long weekend – the Shark’s contribution to Muscat golf is arguably the most under-rated ( <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/top-10-golf-courses-in-the-middle-east-2018/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">even at No.3 in our biennial top-10 course rankings</span></a>), and definitely the most under-visited gem, in the region.</p>
<p>But we digress. Back to Sir Nick who is to be applauded for what he’s giving back to the game with his global junior series, not only providing international competition and imparting priceless tips to the game’s elite young amateurs as captured by Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting &amp; Golf Club legend Tom Buchanan&#8230;</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Privileged to be able to watch and listen to <a href="https://twitter.com/NickFaldo006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickFaldo006</a> educating the future of golf tonight. A complete joy. I hope that these kids took it all in like a sponge. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GrowTheGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GrowTheGame</a> <a href="https://t.co/cEA8OpuY5s">pic.twitter.com/cEA8OpuY5s</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Tom Buchanan (@tompro66) <a href="https://twitter.com/tompro66/status/1067437848507252753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>&#8230;but also encouraging newcomers to consider the sport as this Emirates Golf Federation tweet shows :</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/NickFaldo006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickFaldo006</a> &amp; the <a href="https://twitter.com/FaldoSeries?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FaldoSeries</a> for putting on a special coaching clinic for the @MOEducationUAE Sultan Bin Zayed School at <a href="https://twitter.com/aesgc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aesgc</a>. <a href="https://t.co/TZuAgJl1lS">pic.twitter.com/TZuAgJl1lS</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Emirates Golf Fed. (@EGFuaegolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/EGFuaegolf/status/1067349994540281856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Hearty congrats to Dubai-based, Welsh junior international Toby Bishop for his victory in the U-16 division of the European final at Al Ain. Look out for our feature on the Jumeirah Golf Estates junior in the January ’19 issue of <em>Golf Digest Middle East</em> where he talks about his long-term goals.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22481" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Toby-Bishop-Al-Ain-U16-Champion-trophy.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="688" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Toby-Bishop-Al-Ain-U16-Champion-trophy.jpg 960w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Toby-Bishop-Al-Ain-U16-Champion-trophy-300x215.jpg 300w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Toby-Bishop-Al-Ain-U16-Champion-trophy-768x550.jpg 768w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Toby-Bishop-Al-Ain-U16-Champion-trophy-800x573.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<p><strong>SIR NICK CRITIQUES ‘THE FALDO’&#8230; LOVERS OF TIGHT DOGLEGS BEWARE<br />
</strong>Faldo was a busy man during his latest UAE stop-over, also calling in at Emirates Golf Club to review the club’s Faldo layout which will host the <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/sweeping-changes-including-new-course-and-pro-am-format-unveiled-for-dubais-let-event/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">new-look Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic </span></a>next May.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It was a pleasure to welcome back <a href="https://twitter.com/NickFaldo006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickFaldo006</a> to the Faldo Course yesterday! <a href="https://t.co/uR8QLVEFIG">pic.twitter.com/uR8QLVEFIG</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Emirates Golf Club (@EmiratesGC) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesGC/status/1066614390697467904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Faldo surveyed the floodlit layout with Emirates G.C.’s head agronomist Matt Perry and the Sand Trap has it on good authority they spent extra time musing the design merits of the 7<sup>th</sup> and 13<sup>th</sup> holes, both tricky par-4s where our admiration for Sir Nick has briefly wavered more than a few times in the past. We await any changes with anticipation – and with any half-new ball swapped out for an old-Dunga on those card-wreckers in the meantime.</p>
<p><strong>WEE WOOSIE DROPS BY<br />
</strong>Faldo wasn’t the only Masters winner/Ryder Cup hero of yesteryear to visit Emirates G.C. recently, nor the only big-name colleague of the Dubai club<strong>’</strong>s<a href="https://golfdigestme.com/james-williams-is-back-on-the-tools-at-emirates-g-c-delivering-lessons-and-legendary-tales-with-unbridled-joy/"><span style="color: #3366ff;"> popular teaching pro James Williams.</span></a></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Childhood friends and team mates Ian Woosnam and James Williams bumped into each other after their last meeting nearly 30 years ago!</p>
<p>Woosnam the Masters Champion and former World Number One golfer passed through Dubai en route to the European Seniors <a href="https://t.co/RrzE9QEmfM">pic.twitter.com/RrzE9QEmfM</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Emirates Golf Club (@EmiratesGC) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesGC/status/1069517192708976640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Wee Woosie was en-route to the Staysure Tour’s MCB Tour Championship in Mauritius where he placed T-13 to finish the European senior circuit season 29<sup>th</sup> overall with €68,014. Not bad retirement money for the Welshman who will turn 61 in March.</p>
<p><strong>CRICKETERS WHO GOLF, GOLF THE UAE<br />
</strong>Hollywood celebrities and stars of other sports are regularly spotted golfing in the UAE and recently the Sand Trap spied former New Zealand cricket captains Brendon McCullum, Dan Vettori and all-rounder Kyle Mills heading to the 10<sup>th</sup> tee at Trump Dubai with smiles on their dials.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesGC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmiratesGC</a> for hosting us this morning. If you are in Dubai, it’s a must do for golfers!! <a href="https://t.co/1La1IcAsM8">pic.twitter.com/1La1IcAsM8</a></p>
<p>&mdash; ben dunk (@bendunk51) <a href="https://twitter.com/bendunk51/status/1066618264070045696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Seems McCullum and Mills also teed it up on the Majlis a few days before big-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman McCullum got the shock of his life with what turned out to be a hoax tweet about the death of his brother Nathan, also a former Black Caps international.</p>
<p>https://twitter.com/Bazmccullum/status/1068854050106601472</p>
<p>We’ve long marvelled at the power with which Brendon smashes a cricket ball so wish the social media perpetrators/cowards all the best if they are unearthed. Anyway, enough of the fanboy stuff. Back to Faldo.</p>
<p><strong>DUBAI’S NEW TOPGOLF FACILITY BREAKS GROUND</strong></p>
<p>We’re strangely delighted to report that the driving range attached to Faldo’s aforementioned course at Emirates G.C. is now officially closed. Thankfully the decommissioning is for a very worthy cause as the<a href="https://golfdigestme.com/emirates-golf-club-open-middle-easts-first-topgolf-venue-2019/"><span style="color: #3366ff;"> Middle East’s first TopGolf facility takes shape.</span></a></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ground Breaking in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dubai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dubai</a>&#8230; <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/2705.png" alt="✅" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <a href="https://t.co/NjTfsQmPmV">pic.twitter.com/NjTfsQmPmV</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Topgolf (@Topgolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/Topgolf/status/1068905104793919488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Dubai Golf’s Abdulwahed Al Qasim and Troy Warfield, Top Golf’s head of international development, posed for pictures at the official ground-breaking ceremony recently. Construction on the 97-bay, three-tier building began last month with the venue due to open in the first quarter of 2020. This is later than originally anticipated but having played TopGolf in Tampa, The Sand Trap cannot wait for this perfect intro to golf/pals night out magnet to open. Here’s hoping they keep it reasonably priced to entice newcomers to the game and ample summer patronage from already-hooked amateurs.</p>
<p><strong>GETTING INTO THE DESERT SWING OF THINGS<br />
</strong>Talking of giddy anticipation, we cannot wait for the Desert Swing to begin in Abu Dhabi next month. Can Tommy Fleetwood pull off an Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship three-peat?  How long before Mr. Major, Brooks Koepka, is reminded he missed the cut the last time he played The National in 2014 (oops, sorry Brooks)? Will Dustin Johnson’s pre-tourney press conference garner a single, useful quote this year?</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/BKoepka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BKoepka</a> will kick off his 2019 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InAbuDhabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InAbuDhabi</a>! Can the Double 2018 Major Winner and <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pgatour</a> POTY beat the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BestOfTheBest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BestOfTheBest</a> to his first falcon? ?<br />–<br />Tickets here &#8211; <a href="https://t.co/rJA5PeJwel">https://t.co/rJA5PeJwel</a> …<br />–<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ADGolfChamps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ADGolfChamps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnyonesGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnyonesGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolexSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolexSeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/IxJ2NBg2hs">pic.twitter.com/IxJ2NBg2hs</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (@ADGolfChamps) <a href="https://twitter.com/ADGolfChamps/status/1064457677596700672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>All these mysteries and more will be answered before the golf sorcerer <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/dechambeau-set-to-bring-his-sorcery-back-to-dubai-for-30th-desert-classic/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Bryson DeChambeau</span></a> shows up to confound us all again on the Majlis the following week. The Mad Scientists’ Omega Dubai Desert Classic presser is guaranteed to do exactly what DJ’s won&#8217;t, and there will also be plenty of entertainment and interest on course from spectators and peers alike, the former from beyond the ropes and <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/bryson-dechambeau-tries-convincing-fellow-tour-pro-to-test-out-his-mad-scientist-methods-he-politely-declines/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">the latter at arms-length as this recent Kevin Na tale relates. </span></a></p>
<p><strong>ERNIE’S NEPHEW v DUBAI’S FAVOURITE SON<br />
</strong>How about Dubai Creek prodigy<a href="https://golfdigestme.com/text-exchange-after-thomas-king-hamad-trophy-triumph-gives-insight-into-the-teens-steely-focus-on-the-future/"><span style="color: #3366ff;"> Rayhan Thomas winning his second professional title</span></a> at the King Hamad Trophy aged just 19? It wasn’t that long ago that the MENA Tour trailblazer looked like this, as posted by the Indian Golf Federation’s defacto PR officer <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a style="color: #3366ff;" href="https://golfdigestme.com/the-hack-augusta-national-and-the-ra-cant-ignore-saudis-leading-amateur-and-our-family-friendly-answer-to-dj-and-paulina-gretzky/">Joy Chakravarty:</a></span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is a quiz and a blast from the past! Who is this young boy with <a href="https://twitter.com/JeevMilkhaSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeevMilkhaSingh</a>? The picture was clicked in 2010! <a href="https://t.co/wYocgVvEpw">pic.twitter.com/wYocgVvEpw</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJoyofGolf/status/1064411296496566273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>The Indian No.1s next big test will be the <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/thomas-to-take-on-ernie-els-nephew-in-spicy-amateur-showdown-at-30th-desert-classic/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Desert Classic where he’ll line up against Jovan Rebula</span></a> in the most anticipated amateur showdown at a Desert Swing event <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/the-11-most-unusual-things-about-bryson-dechambeau/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">since DeChambeau won low amateur honours</span></a> from Englishman Allan James in 2016.</p>
<p>Rebula has already played the Open at Carnoustie and will tee it up at the Masters at Augusta and the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach in 2019. If Thomas needed any further motivation, how about the fact the 21-year-old South African is the nephew of three-times Desert Classic winner Ernie Els? He even played with uncle Ernie at last week’s SA Open.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tricky, windy day for scoring <a href="https://twitter.com/RandparkGolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RandparkGolf</a> today @SAOpen_Golf <a href="https://twitter.com/Sunshine_Tour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sunshine_Tour</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/europeantour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuropeanTour</a>, but what a special experience playing with my nephew <a href="https://twitter.com/JovanRebula?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JovanRebula</a>. We’re all so proud of this fine young man. <a href="https://t.co/ishpgJ5IcZ">pic.twitter.com/ishpgJ5IcZ</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Ernie Els (@TheBig_Easy) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBig_Easy/status/1071403640945037312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><strong>GLORIOUS MAJLIS<br />
</strong>One thing for certain is that Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Emirates G.C. will put their collective best feet forward as golf tourism magnets, as Desert Classic tournament director David Spencer’s recent tweets lavishly illustrate.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The stunning &amp; all new hospitality lounges for the 2019 Omega Dubai Desert Classic are rapidly coming out of the ground ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesGC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmiratesGC</a>⁩ Our 30TH Edition of this tournament is going to be most memorable&#8230;January 24 to January 27&#8230;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadeForGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadeForGreatness</a> ⁦@OMEGAGolfDubai⁩ <a href="https://t.co/bIZt5Nlt3T">pic.twitter.com/bIZt5Nlt3T</a></p>
<p>&mdash; David Spencer (@golfspennie) <a href="https://twitter.com/golfspennie/status/1070384857971351553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another stunning Autumn  afternoon in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyDubai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyDubai</a> The 30TH EDITION of ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/OmegaDDC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OmegaDDC</a>⁩ is only 65 Days away at the truly magnificent ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesGC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmiratesGC</a>⁩ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadeForGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadeForGreatness</a> ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/GolfDigestME?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GolfDigestME</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/TheJoyofGolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheJoyofGolf</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/chrismaydxb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chrismaydxb</a>⁩ ⁦@OMEGAGolfDubai⁩ <a href="https://t.co/J1jwJnOH24">pic.twitter.com/J1jwJnOH24</a></p>
<p>&mdash; David Spencer (@golfspennie) <a href="https://twitter.com/golfspennie/status/1064921014193266688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>We’re actually 45 days from the Desert Classic now, and just 37 until the Wednesday start of the AD HSBC Championship which has been <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/abu-dhabi-hsbc-championship-elevated-to-rolex-series-status-with-purse-bolstered-to-7-million/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">brought forward a day to accommodate football’s Asia Cup</span> </a>across the UAE. Bring it on.</p>
<p>The hard work is already well underway at Emirates G.C. as Donal Mulvey, right-hand man to superintendent Matt Perry, recently tweeted:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Overseeding Majlis. Rough, tee, approach’s. Great job by the team, a lot of steps today. <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesGC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmiratesGC</a> <a href="https://t.co/2hCbn5yZq1">pic.twitter.com/2hCbn5yZq1</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Donal Mulvey (@dmulveygolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/dmulveygolf/status/1069928905245642754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><strong>THE ‘HOW AM I GOING TO PASS THIS OFF AS HAND-LUGGAGE TROPHY’ TROPHY</strong><br />
Least we forget Saudi Arabia will make its European Tour debut after Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The Saudi International might have been <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/report-tiger-woods-turns-down-largest-known-appearance-fee-for-euro-tours-saudi-arabia-event/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">shunned by Tiger Woods</span></a> for what is believed to be golf&#8217;s highest appearance fee but has fellow U.S. Ryder Cuppers Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed as headline acts and is set to generate much media interest, from golf and non-sports media alike.</p>
<p>Judging by the trophy reigning MENA Tour amateur order-of-merit champion Todd Clements just won in the kingdom at the 4th Saudi Open, we’re picking the trophy handed out to the inaugural champion come Feb. 3 might overshadow Abu Dhabi’s Falcon and Dubai’s fabled Dallah too, at least in size.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22588" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/47126113_2134778226739838_5045237957364023296_n.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="960" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/47126113_2134778226739838_5045237957364023296_n.jpg 540w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/47126113_2134778226739838_5045237957364023296_n-169x300.jpg 169w" sizes="(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /></p>
<p>We’re still waiting to hear if Clements managed to get the behemoth past customs and into the overhead lockers on his flight back to England.</p>
<p><strong>JP’S PARTING GIFT, VIA JO’BURG<br />
</strong>Continuing the theme of hugely popular winners, congrats to <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/an-emotional-louis-oosthuizen-wins-south-african-open-for-the-first-time/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Louis Oosthuizen on his runaway six stroke victory in the SA Open,</span></a> his eighth European Tour title but first in his homeland’s oldest event.</p>
<p>A closing 67 at Randpark G.C. in Johannesburg got the job done and Justin Parsons straight onto social media. The former Butch Harmon School of Golf, Dubai chief instructor <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/parsons-lured-to-prestigious-georgia-club-where-davis-love-iii-launched-his-world-golf-hall-of-fame-worthy-career/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">is off to the U.S.</span></a> and is rightly chuffed with his role in helping Oosthuizen end a three-year winless streak.</p>
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<p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BrKoHdll8c4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This one will mean a lot to him, has been coming for a while. Such a great player and beautiful swinger. Well done King Louis!! #seaislandgpc #golf #golfinstruction #golfswing #golfcoach #golfcoaching #titleist #teamtitleist #footjoy #vokey #scottycameron #georgia #usa</a></p>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" href="https://www.instagram.com/jparsonsgolf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Justin Parsons</a> (@jparsonsgolf) on <time style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" datetime="2018-12-09T12:09:09+00:00">Dec 9, 2018 at 4:09am PST</time></p>
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<p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p>
<p>JP was understandably a little emotional himself as he handed the reigns of the BHSG Dubai over to long-time deputy Jamie McConnell – coincidently Toby Bishop’s coach.</p>
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<p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqwr1auFSco/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A wonderful gift from the @bhsgdubai for my last day. Been a great run at the school and there will be great times ahead for Jamie and the team. #butchharmondubai #golfinstruction #juniorgolf #titleist</a></p>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" href="https://www.instagram.com/jparsonsgolf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Justin Parsons</a> (@jparsonsgolf) on <time style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" datetime="2018-11-29T10:21:23+00:00">Nov 29, 2018 at 2:21am PST</time></p>
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<p>With former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel (who qualified for July’s Open at Royal Portrush with a share of third place in Joburg), PGA Tour star in waiting for Peter Uihlein and Rayhan Thomas on his books, we wonder if a major championship victory is on the horizon for Parsons.</p>
<p><strong>OPEN ENDED DREAMS<br />
</strong>Oosthuizen captured the claret jug at St. Andrews in 2010, of course, the stuff of boyhood dreams.</p>
<p>Joshua Marshall was just three years old at the time and until his mum Laura posted a picture of the bedroom shrine he created to golf’s oldest major after attending the 147<sup>th</sup> Open at Carnoustie last summer, his love of the royal and ancient game was known only by friends and family.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">When your 11 year old is still buzzing from the <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheOpen</a> and wanted his room done to keep all his memories from Carnoustie. Lots of great signatures on that wall.  <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarnoustieOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CarnoustieOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheOpen18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheOpen18</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Golf?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Golf</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Memories?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Memories</a> <a href="https://t.co/COX3buyOXW">pic.twitter.com/COX3buyOXW</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Laura Marshall (@Lauralou_m) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lauralou_m/status/1069590496438362112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Now? Well, the 11-year-old from Dundee is a viral sensation after the R&amp;A and Carnoustie picked up on the story and ran with it.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Imagine coming home to find the Claret Jug in your bedroom ?? <a href="https://t.co/RLQSzGgyUL">pic.twitter.com/RLQSzGgyUL</a></p>
<p>&mdash; The Open (@TheOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOpen/status/1070327076715147266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Like so many others, we loved Joshua&#39;s room. But we reckoned there was something missing from his bedroom wall&#8230;so we were delighted to give him a signed copy of <a href="https://twitter.com/F_Molinari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@F_Molinari</a>&#39;s scorecards from <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheOpen</a>. </p>
<p>An incredible young man + a fantastic family <a href="https://twitter.com/Lauralou_m?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lauralou_m</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/andymarshall19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andymarshall19</a>? <a href="https://t.co/ZHv8iRmP9n">pic.twitter.com/ZHv8iRmP9n</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Carnoustie Golf Links (@carnoustiegolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/carnoustiegolf/status/1071336105369313280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Young Joshua is reportedly a 27-handicapper but with that sort of inspiration, don’t be surprised if the real claret jug returns to the Marshall household one day in the future. Well played the R&amp;A, well played.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WOW what a 24 hours!!! <br />Huge Thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/RandA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RandA</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheOpen</a> for this huge surprise for Joshua, The Claret Jug in his Bedroom &amp; the bag of open goodies  &#8211; Such a kind gesture, and one we are very grateful for. Thank you to everyone to you all kind responses too! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/yDjKcKyMCF">pic.twitter.com/yDjKcKyMCF</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Laura Marshall (@Lauralou_m) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lauralou_m/status/1070022136927019010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p><strong>KHALID YOUSUF AND THE GCC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP</strong></p>
<p>Want more amateur inspiration? How about this video piece starring UAE amateur representative Khalid Yousuf shared during the recent DP World Tour Championship.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">UAE national team captain, Khaled Yousuf, gives us an inspiring insight into the evolution of golf in the UAE in this short film about his journey with the <a href="https://twitter.com/EGFuaegolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EGFuaegolf</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GenerationGolf?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GenerationGolf</a> <a href="https://t.co/8rkmJzhWY0">pic.twitter.com/8rkmJzhWY0</a></p>
<p>&mdash; DP World Tour Championship (@dpwtc) <a href="https://twitter.com/dpwtc/status/1064520339294691328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Researching Yousuf’s Eisenhower Trophy record takes plenty of perseverance and a dash of detective work, as this piece we did on the <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/khalid-yousufs-eisenhower-trophy-longevity-is-impressive-once-it-becomes-clear/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Emirati before October’s world amateur teams championship </span></a>in Ireland unveils.</p>
<p>There are clearly no grey areas when it comes to his commitment to developing the local game, however. We wish Khalid and his UAE team-mates Ahmed Skaik (the defending individual champion), Saif Thabet and debutant Daood Jaffal the best of luck in the 22<sup>nd</sup> Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Championship starting at Ghala G.C. in Oman today. We’ll also be keeping close tabs on the other UAE teams – including the women’s team seeking a title three-peat &#8211; and the fortune of all six GCC countries at the event which runs from Dec. 10-13.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">POSSIBLE THREE-PEAT &amp; NEW FACES ILLUSTRATE THE 2018 GCC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP FOR UAE GOLF &#8211; <a href="https://twitter.com/golfinoman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@golfinoman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GhalaGolfClub?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GhalaGolfClub</a> &#8211; <a href="https://t.co/3okq1pd4yC">https://t.co/3okq1pd4yC</a> <a href="https://t.co/pa2hOES4za">pic.twitter.com/pa2hOES4za</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Emirates Golf Fed. (@EGFuaegolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/EGFuaegolf/status/1071678361611702272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><strong>11<sup>th</sup> SGSC AMATEUR CHAMPION A NAME TO WATCH<br />
</strong>A closing 69 saw youngster William Ang win the 11th Sharjah Golf &amp; Shooting Club Men’s Open at the weekend, his first Emirates Golf Federation OOM title. Ang mixed two bogeys with five birdies for his three-under finish to pip Nathan Fisher and SGSC team-mate by a shot in the 36-hole event while Trump Dubai +2-handicapper Steven Kelbrick was third, a shot further back.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">11th MEN’S OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP<br />7th &amp; 8th December 2018<br />Youngster Ang claims his First SGSC Men’s Open title ??<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/26f3.png" alt="⛳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />?</p>
<p>For More : &#8211; <a href="https://t.co/MMfzfwfyWU">https://t.co/MMfzfwfyWU</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/golf?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#golf</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sharjahgolf?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sharjahgolf</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/champion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#champion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mensopen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mensopen</a> <a href="https://t.co/WsIxrUXN0V">pic.twitter.com/WsIxrUXN0V</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Sharjah Golf &amp; SClub (@SharjahGolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/SharjahGolf/status/1071755848777678849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><strong>TWEETS OF THE WEEK</strong><br />
How about fan favourite Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnson with news of impending wedding bells?</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">She said YES!!!!!!! ???? <a href="https://t.co/oPYdYXkKNX">pic.twitter.com/oPYdYXkKNX</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Andrew &#39;Beef&#39; Johnston (@BeefGolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeefGolf/status/1071272977965215744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Or golf’s latest social media hit Jack Bartlett. The <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/bubba-watson-is-the-latest-victim-of-golfs-best-swing-impressionist/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">American impressionist has just given Bubba Watson the full treatment</span></a> but our favourites are DJ (hold the pose) and Lefty.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">People have said for years I should put some of my golf impressions on social media.. Feedback appreciated! <a href="https://twitter.com/BennyTaylor92?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BennyTaylor92</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mitchfarrer14?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mitchfarrer14</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EvansRyan9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EvansRyan9</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DJohnsonPGA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DJohnsonPGA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JBimpersonates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JBimpersonates</a> <a href="https://t.co/sfywiTOyNH">pic.twitter.com/sfywiTOyNH</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Jack Bartlett (@JackBartlett1) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackBartlett1/status/1060311249337094144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Remember when you watch this dandy Phil Mickelson swing that Bartlett is…right-handed.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Straight from the office to the match..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheMatch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheMatch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TigerVSPhil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TigerVSPhil</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JBimpersonates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JBimpersonates</a> <a href="https://t.co/0o87Dvn4xH">pic.twitter.com/0o87Dvn4xH</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Jack Bartlett (@JackBartlett1) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackBartlett1/status/1064534320856084481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Wow, the kid has talent. But frankly, the tweet/s of the week and possibly the year go to U.S. Ryder Cup nemesis Ian Poulter.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Can anyone spot the mistake in this photo&#8230; ? ? <a href="https://twitter.com/RyderCupEurope?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RyderCupEurope</a> <a href="https://t.co/jopZodybK2">pic.twitter.com/jopZodybK2</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) <a href="https://twitter.com/IanJamesPoulter/status/1071173572767477761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s ok folks I fixed the mistake. How does it look now ? ?????<a href="https://twitter.com/RyderCupEurope?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RyderCupEurope</a> <a href="https://t.co/2i3uFRxyEr">pic.twitter.com/2i3uFRxyEr</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) <a href="https://twitter.com/IanJamesPoulter/status/1071190882898956289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Savage, Poults, savage.</p>
<p>The Englishman’s epic tweets are a reminder to share your best pro impersonations, or your playing partner’s latest epic fail, using the usual GolfDigestme social media channels and let’s see if the Sand Trap can’t get a video or two to go viral too.</p>
<p><strong>NEW YEAR’S <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">RESOLUTIONS </span>RULES</strong></p>
<p>Finally, don’t forget to make learning golf’s revised rules, which come into play on Jan.1, a 2019 resolution. Here’s a handy guide from the R&amp;A and USGA to get you up to speed if you’re not already.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Refresher time. <a href="https://t.co/w2nY0pk4bk">pic.twitter.com/w2nY0pk4bk</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Golf Digest ME (@GolfDigestME) <a href="https://twitter.com/GolfDigestME/status/1072042493162676224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Or this <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/need-know-new-rules-golf/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">more detailed piece</span></a> from our colleagues at Golf Digest HQ in New York.</p>
<p>Anyway, we’re off. Fortunately we&#8217;ve got more than three minutes to search for a ball for Faldo to sign during his next visit to the UAE. Just don&#8217;t tell any of our colleagues&#8230;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/the-desert-swing-sand-trap/">TopGolf Dubai breaks ground, gigantic Saudi trophy threatens to do likewise and we get into the Desert Swing of things. All (somehow) wrapped up in our guilty Sir Nick Faldo obsession</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Phil Mickelson joins Twitter, Bryson DeChambeau (probably) joins the Ryder Cup, and a WAGs meme goes viral</title>
		<link>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/phil-mickelson-joins-twitter-bryson-dechambeau-probably-joins-the-ryder-cup-and-a-wags-meme-goes-viral/</link>
					<comments>https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/phil-mickelson-joins-twitter-bryson-dechambeau-probably-joins-the-ryder-cup-and-a-wags-meme-goes-viral/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Aug 2018 22:11:05 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alex Myers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brooks Koepka]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bryson DeChambeau]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dustin Johnson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[golf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[golf digest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jason Dufner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jenna Sims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Padraig Harrington]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paulina Gretzky]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phil Mickelson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Grind]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Sand Trap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tiger Woods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tyrrell Hatton]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://golfdigestme.com/?p=19609</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>For years, we waited for Phil Mickelson to join Twitter, hoping this King of Content would arm himself with another platform to share his antics. And when that day finally arrived, it was glorious. At least, initially. </p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/phil-mickelson-joins-twitter-bryson-dechambeau-probably-joins-the-ryder-cup-and-a-wags-meme-goes-viral/">Phil Mickelson joins Twitter, Bryson DeChambeau (probably) joins the Ryder Cup, and a WAGs meme goes viral</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>By Alex Myers</strong></span><br />
Welcome to another edition of The Grind, where the saying, “Be careful what you wish for,” has never rung more true. For years, we waited for Phil Mickelson to join Twitter, hoping this King of Content would arm himself with another platform to share his antics. And when that day finally arrived, it was glorious. At least, initially. Just look at this perfect first tweet!</p>
<p><a href="http://golfdigestme.com/11th-golf-digest-middle-east-series-again-offers-desert-swing-ladies-classic-pro-am-prizes/"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong><span style="color: #000000;">RELATED:</span> Enter the 2018 Golf Digest Middle East Amateur Series today! </strong></span></a></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I got this <a href="https://twitter.com/Twitter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Twitter</a> thing down <a href="https://t.co/gUx8XjNrez">pic.twitter.com/gUx8XjNrez</a></p>
<p>— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson/status/1032277295703056384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>But then it became painfully obvious that Mickelson’s motivation was to promote THE MATCH with Tiger Woods, who made the Thanksgiving weekend clash of golf legends official hours later. There was some awkward “banter” between the two, but even worse were some of Mickelson’s other ensuing tweets.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Good Morning .<a href="https://twitter.com/Twitter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Twitter</a> headed to the gym for a light workout before the opening round! Can&#8217;t wait to start <a href="https://t.co/HhG0USClTE">pic.twitter.com/HhG0USClTE</a></p>
<p>— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson/status/1032655041050497024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Up early to start round 2</p>
<p>— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson/status/1032909145186488320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My game, my hair, and my moves are phlowing into the weekend. PHEELING IT! <a href="https://t.co/n4wx1xr9VT">pic.twitter.com/n4wx1xr9VT</a></p>
<p>— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson/status/1033097639217119233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="p1">Oh boy. History could very well end up being defined by two eras: BPT (Before Phil tweeted) and APT. Let’s hope he doesn’t ruin the latter. In the meantime, here’s what else has us talking — and potentially, Phil tweeting.</p>
<p><a href="http://golfdigestme.com/the-hack-augusta-national-and-the-ra-cant-ignore-saudis-leading-amateur-and-our-family-friendly-answer-to-dj-and-paulina-gretzky/"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong><span style="color: #000000;">RELATED:</span> Welcome to the Sand Trap, our answer to the Grind</strong></span></a></p>
<p class="p1"><strong>WE’RE BUYING<br />
</strong>Bryson DeChambeau: It looks like the U.S. Ryder Cup team just got a little smarter. DeChambeau would have been hard for Jim Furyk to overlook with one of his captain’s picks, but the physics major is now a lock to make the squad after winning for a second time this season at the Northern Trust. DeChambeau joined Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson as the only players to win a U.S. Amateur, an NCAA individual title and three PGA Tour titles before turning 25. Decent company.</p>
<div id="attachment_19610" style="width: 1860px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19610" class="size-full wp-image-19610" src="http://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/GettyImages-1024183980-1.jpg" alt="" width="1850" height="1233" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/GettyImages-1024183980-1.jpg 1850w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/GettyImages-1024183980-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/GettyImages-1024183980-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/GettyImages-1024183980-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/GettyImages-1024183980-1-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1850px) 100vw, 1850px" /><p id="caption-attachment-19610" class="wp-caption-text">Keyur Khamar/PGA Tour</p></div>
<p class="p1">Perhaps more importantly, Bryson cleared a pretty big hurdle by picking up his first PGA Tour title without using a protractor. And he got to throw out the first pitch at Monday night’s Yankees game:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From the <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNTGolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheNTGolf</a> to the <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLB</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/b_dechambeau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@B_DeChambeau</a> threw out the the first pitch <a href="https://twitter.com/Yankees?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yankees</a> game tonight. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/26be.png" alt="⚾" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <a href="https://t.co/PD3vQi4grg">pic.twitter.com/PD3vQi4grg</a></p>
<p>— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1034227762368851970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="p1">Looks like Bryson found the proper vector to record a strike. Well done.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>Brooke Henderson:</strong> With all due respect to DeChambeau’s dominant victory in New Jersey, no one had a more popular win over the weekend — or maybe all of 2018 — than Henderson, who claimed her country’s biggest event at the Canadian Women’s Open. Check out the reception the young star drew:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An emotional and exciting day in history! Fans singing ‘Oh Canada’ after <a href="https://twitter.com/BrookeHenderson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrookeHenderson</a> captures her 7th LPGA victory at the <a href="https://twitter.com/cpwomensopen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cpwomensopen</a>! <a href="https://t.co/MPl2in3HqI">pic.twitter.com/MPl2in3HqI</a></p>
<p>— LPGA (@LPGA) <a href="https://twitter.com/LPGA/status/1033814247271288832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="p1">Remember Mike Weir struggling and never quite closing out the Canadian Open on the men’s side? This title means so much to natives of the Great White North that winning under all that pressure is probably more impressive than the major she won in 2016.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>THE MATCH:</strong> Phil and Tiger (But let’s be honest, mostly, Phil) have brilliantly teased this event for months before finally making it official. Is a $9 million match between two aging stars a total money grab? Yes. But is it still worth watching (At least, the first one)? Yes. It’s Tiger vs. Phil with a LOT of money on the line. And besides, it’s been a decade since the Skins Game went away. This fills that silly season void on Thanksgiving weekend.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>WE’RE SELLING<br />
</strong><strong>THE MATCH</strong> on Pay-per-view: I understand these guys were never going to actually risk that much of their own money, but it’s a shame this won’t be shown to the masses for free. Well, relatively free. My cable bill is a total joke. Here’s what Tiger had to say about it. “I think they can afford it and I think it will be done differently. You know, how many times have we all purchased fights, whether it’s MMA or it’s boxing, whatever it may be. We all purchase those fights.”</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s on <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PhilMickelson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TigerVSPhil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TigerVSPhil</a> <a href="https://t.co/PZivYPOEf5">pic.twitter.com/PZivYPOEf5</a></p>
<p>— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods/status/1032368603339743233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="p1">Actually, Tiger, I’ve only purchased one such fight, Mayweather-Pacquiao in 2015. Let’s just say I’m hoping for a little more bang for my buck if I plunk down the reported $25 price on THE MATCH.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>Tiger’s putting:</strong> If Woods is to win THE MATCH, he’ll have to putt better than he did at the Northern Trust. Woods ranked 79th out of 80 players to make the cut in strokes gained putting, and he made just nine birdies over four rounds. That’s how many birdies apiece I’m expecting from Tiger and Phil in THE MATCH, so if the mallet magic isn’t there, it’s time for the putter to go.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>Ryder Cup injuries:</strong> Just when Brandt Snedeker was drawing buzz as a potential Ryder Cup captain’s pick, he withdrew from the Northern Trust with back spasms. Although, in the media center, it was initially announced as a chest injury, something that has plagued Snedeker for more than a year. Let’s hope it’s just the back spasms, which weren’t severe enough to keep Sneds from driving himself away from Ridgewood Country Club in his courtesy BMW. Meanwhile, <a href="http://golfdigestme.com/rickie-fowler-pulls-out-of-second-straight-event-with-oblique-injury/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Rickie Fowler’s oblique injury</span></a> will keep him out at least one more event. I hope Team USA hired a great trainer.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>ON TAP</strong></p>
<p class="p1">The PGA Tour heads to TPC Boston for the Dell Technologies Championship, the second leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. This is that tournament that ends on a Monday (Labor Day), and it’s also where CBS hands off coverage to NBC for the remainder of the playoffs. To CBS, well. . .</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RhCM-8_2AxY" width="740" height="462" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p class="p1"><strong>Random tournament fact:</strong> TPC Boston is actually 37 miles outside of Boston. This would be exactly like Bethpage Black being called TPC NYC.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>RANDOM PROP BETS OF THE WEEK<br />
</strong>— Phil Mickelson will tweet stock tips: 1 MILLION-to-1 odds<br />
— Phil Mickelson will tweet 2nd-half over/under picks: Even odds<br />
— There will be more golf shots shown the next few weeks: LOCK</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>THIS WEEK IN DUSTIN JOHNSON-PAULINA GRETZKY PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION<br />
</strong>Paulina happened to be watching with her arms crossed as Dustin did a post-round interview with CBS’ Amanda Balionis, thus creating an instant viral WAGs moment:</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm9emwBhRlJ/?utm_source=ig_embed" data-instgrm-version="9">
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<p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm9emwBhRlJ/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&#8220;I&#8217;m not the jealous type&#8221;</a></p>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" href="https://www.instagram.com/foreplaypod/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Fore Play</a> (@foreplaypod) on <time style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" datetime="2018-08-26T23:30:20+00:00">Aug 26, 2018 at 4:30pm PDT</time></p>
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<p><script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p>
<p class="p1">But while funny, there’s obviously nothing here, people. And Balionis squashed any notion of potential beef between the two with this smiling photo of them together the following day:</p>
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<p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm9Vb_9Fthw/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our joint statement on a recent meme: Hi Haters ?</a></p>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" href="https://www.instagram.com/balionis/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Amanda Balionis</a> (@balionis) on <time style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" datetime="2018-08-26T22:10:13+00:00">Aug 26, 2018 at 3:10pm PDT</time></p>
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<p><script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p>
<p class="p1">At least, we think Paulina is smiling. . .</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>PHOTO OF THE WEEK<br />
</strong>Speaking of PGA Tour WAGS memes, how about Jena Sims running into someone wearing a T-shirt with that viral screenshot of her smiling at Tiger Woods following the PGA Championship?</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19611" src="http://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-jena-shirt.jpg" alt="" width="1850" height="2195" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-jena-shirt.jpg 1850w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-jena-shirt-253x300.jpg 253w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-jena-shirt-768x911.jpg 768w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-jena-shirt-863x1024.jpg 863w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-jena-shirt-800x949.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1850px) 100vw, 1850px" /></p>
<p class="p1">As we’ve seen with Jena’s interactions with Joe Buck after he infamously misidentified her, Brooks Koepka’s girlfriend has a great sense of humor. Also, where can I get one of those shirts?</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK<br />
</strong>Padraig Harrington tried to sneak a leak during the final round of the Czech Masters and was foiled by a nosy cameraman.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Padraig Harrington vs. The Camerman ???<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CzechMasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CzechMasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/typOyCghxF">pic.twitter.com/typOyCghxF</a></p>
<p>— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuropeanTour/status/1033504295625416705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="p1">Poor Paddy. That may have cost him the title. Although, the eventual winner, Andrea Pavan, caused a fun video as well when his diminutive caddie leapt into his arms in celebration:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/AndreaPavan89?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AndreaPavan89</a>!</p>
<p>Winner of the D+D Real Czech Masters ? <a href="https://t.co/7Il23t4wbh">pic.twitter.com/7Il23t4wbh</a></p>
<p>— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuropeanTour/status/1033732884463407104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="p1"><strong>VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK (WILDLIFE DIVISION)<br />
</strong>There was nothing sly about this fox that stole a golfer’s ball on a course in Massachusetts:</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5MZzRtKQsMc" width="740" height="462" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p class="p1"><strong>VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK (TRICK-SHOT DIVISION)</strong><br />
We’ve all seen Phil Mickelson’s close-range flop shots over people, but this dude took the trick to another level by only using one hand:</p>
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<p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm4SNillcia/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trust exercise #wow #CGBgolf #notit @golf_gods @anaismeyssonnier</a></p>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" href="https://www.instagram.com/coloradogolfblog/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Colorado Golf Blog &#8220;CGB&#8221;</a> (@coloradogolfblog) on <time style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" datetime="2018-08-24T23:06:27+00:00">Aug 24, 2018 at 4:06pm PDT</time></p>
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<p><script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p>
<p class="p1">Perhaps, this could be one of those side bets during THE MATCH?</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>QUOTE OF THE WEEK<br />
</strong>“Oh, it is.” — Phil Mickelson in response to a fan shouting “That’s gotta be better than Tiger’s” while his shot was in the air. This is peak Phil right here:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dialed. In.<a href="https://twitter.com/PhilMickelson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PhilMickelson</a> is feeling it early <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNTGolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheNTGolf</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QuickHits?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QuickHits</a> <a href="https://t.co/PsCZuXKY8B">pic.twitter.com/PsCZuXKY8B</a></p>
<p>— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1033402168328380416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="p1">And exactly the kind of shenanigans we’re hoping for during THE MATCH.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>THIS WEEK IN TOUR PROS ARE JUST LIKE US!<br />
</strong>A struggling Tyrrell Hatton went to a New Jersey Golf Galaxy after his Saturday round at Ridgewood and bought a putter.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well that’s the best $172 I’ve ever spent ???<br />
Was so nice to hole some putts again today, new putter worked it’s magic!<br />
-7 64 to finish the week ??<br />
Onto Boston! <a href="https://t.co/PrTNv74bsw">pic.twitter.com/PrTNv74bsw</a></p>
<p>— Tyrrell Hatton (@TyrrellHatton) <a href="https://twitter.com/TyrrellHatton/status/1033761065459507200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="p1">Hatton moved up 40 spots on the leader board on Sunday to T-20 and earned $101,160. Money well spent, indeed.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>THIS AND THAT<br />
</strong>Jason Dufner wound up being this week’s FedEx Cup Playoffs bubble boy in a good way by finishing No. 100 to extend his season. There were no Getty Images of Dufner from this week, but we’re guessing his reaction to this news looked something like this:</p>
<div id="attachment_19612" style="width: 1860px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19612" class="size-full wp-image-19612" src="http://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-jason-dufner.jpg" alt="" width="1850" height="1233" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-jason-dufner.jpg 1850w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-jason-dufner-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-jason-dufner-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-jason-dufner-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-jason-dufner-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1850px) 100vw, 1850px" /><p id="caption-attachment-19612" class="wp-caption-text">Kevin C. Cox</p></div>
<p class="p1">A recreational golfer was turned away from a golf course in England <a href="https://www.golfdigest.com/story/golfer-not-allowed-to-play-because-of-his-socks-seriously-this-really-happened">because of the color of his. . . socks</a>. And we wonder why golf gets a stuffy reputation sometimes. . . . A report informing Scotland it should stop advertising its golf came to light last week. We&#8217;re wondering if the same company would recommend Las Vegas not advertising its casinos any more. . . . And finally, the Golf Digest squad of Joel Beall, Christopher Powers, Stephen Hennessey, and myself won a media outing previewing the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black in dominating fashion:</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19613" src="http://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-bethpage-champs.jpg" alt="" width="1850" height="1388" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-bethpage-champs.jpg 1850w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-bethpage-champs-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-bethpage-champs-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-bethpage-champs-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-bethpage-champs-800x600.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1850px) 100vw, 1850px" /></p>
<p class="p1">Although, even playing a shamble, we barely broke par. That course is a beast. Still riding high from the victory, I wore this Hawaiian shirt to the office the following day and it set off the most heated style debate since Phil Mickelson showed up to the Masters looking like he was attending a shareholder’s meeting.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-19614" src="http://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-alex-phil.jpg" alt="" width="1850" height="1293" srcset="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-alex-phil.jpg 1850w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-alex-phil-300x210.jpg 300w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-alex-phil-768x537.jpg 768w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-alex-phil-1024x716.jpg 1024w, https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/180828-alex-phil-800x559.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1850px) 100vw, 1850px" /></p>
<p class="article-paragraph">As Phil and I now know, being a trendsetter is tough. Also, I blame all those Magnum P.I. commercials on CBS during golf.</p>
<p class="article-paragraph"><strong>RANDOM QUESTIONS TO PONDER<br />
</strong>What will be the winning score at Bethpage Black next year?<br />
What will be the wining score of THE MATCH?<br />
Should I reconsider this Hawaiian shirt?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com/phil-mickelson-joins-twitter-bryson-dechambeau-probably-joins-the-ryder-cup-and-a-wags-meme-goes-viral/">Phil Mickelson joins Twitter, Bryson DeChambeau (probably) joins the Ryder Cup, and a WAGs meme goes viral</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://mot-backup.golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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