2013 and 2014

Editor: Jacqui Barry
[email protected]
4
RUARY 201
EB
ISSUE 38 F
2013 and 2014
Mark James
1989
Eamonn Darcy
1990
Seve Ballesteros
1992
Wayne Westner
1993
Jose Coceres
2000
Thomas Bjorn
2001
Robert-Jan
Derksen
2003
Mark O’Meara
2004
Ernie Els
1994, 2002 and
2005
Tiger Woods
2006 and 2008
Fred Couples
1995
Colin
Montgomerie
1996
Richard Green
1997
Jose Maria
Olazabal
1998
David Howell
1999
Henrik Stenson
2007
Rory McIlroy
2009
Miguel Ángel
Jiménez
2010
Alvaro Quiros
2011
Rafael
Cabrera-Bello
2012
2
W
Editorial
hat a wonderful
few weeks of
exciting golf we
have had in the
region with the European
Tour Desert Swing events
in Abu Dhabi, Doha and
Dubai. Spanish golfer Pablo
Larrazábal won his fourth
professional tournament
in the 2014 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf
Championship. Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson each
finished one stroke behind Larrazábal, tied for second
place. Pablo’s world ranking at the start of the week was
103. His win moved him inside the world’s top 55..
Emirates Golf Club Senior Management
Christopher May
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
Andrew Whitelaw
General Manager
[email protected]
Next was the Doha Masters with Sergio Garcia emerging
the winner in an exciting three-hole play-off between him
and Mikko Ilonen.
Finally our own Omega Dubai Desert Classic took centre
stage with its 25th Anniversary tournament which
included a special event prior to the tournament, the
Champions’ Challenge which was a one-day competition
played by all previous Desert Classic winners (the late
Seve Ballesteros was represented by his son, Javier).
There were big crowds around to watch this one-off
event which resulted in Henrik Stenson and Rafael
Cabrera Bello on -6 sharing first prize.
Craig Haldane
Andy Meech
Director - Golf Course
Maintenance
[email protected]
Head of Sport and Leisure
[email protected]
Barney Coleman
Adele Cowgill
Ganesh Mangathil
Keith Wilkes
Chef Max Grenard
Culinary Director
[email protected]
Congratulations to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic
winner, Stephen Gallacher who finished the tournament
on -16 and became the first player to successfully defend
this title. It was a fantastic event and such a great line-up
of world-ranked players. Well done to the organisers giD
for a great 25th anniversary event!
Craig Haldane, Luke, Peter and their entire crew of
greenkeepers did a superb job of getting the course
ready for the Desert Classic. It looked stunning and I
was told by Mike Stewart, Tournament Director of the
European Tour, that so many players had commented to
him on how fantastic the course had played and looked
so congratulations to you all!
It was good to see so many past members around
during the Classic, Mick Brett, Barbara and Ronnie
Fotheringham, Mike and Francie Gerbich, Joan and Rai
Legnar, Nancy Wingate, Margaret McBride, Phil and
Penny Mulligan, Gerry and Therese Feerick, Cameron
Bellman, Lyn and Jay Hodgins, Jenni Hoskins, Bob and
Angela Connor and Chef Francois Porte. I’m sure there
were many more who I didn’t meet so apologies to those
whose names are not listed.
Head of Sales and Marketing
Director of Golf
[email protected]
[email protected]
In House Publishing Manager
Retail Manager
[email protected] [email protected]
Martin Drugan
Food and Beverage
Manager
[email protected]
Saeed Ahamed
Financial Controller
[email protected]
Well, now that our own two professional events are over
(the Ladies Masters and the Desert Classic) the chalets
will soon be dismantled to prepare the way for a full
calendar of members’ events in the coming months,
including some of the season’s highlights, the Kohlman
Cup, Indian Invitational and the Men’s and Ladies’
Amateur Opens.
These events do not just happen but are down to a lot
of hard work by senior management, junior staff and by
some key members of the Club. Moshe Kohli assists with
the set-up and he also sponsors the Kohlman Cup while
Jasjeev Kandhari is very much involved in organising
the Indian Invitational; in addition, many of the Indian
community donate prizes for the raffle, proceeds of
which go to the Junior staff at the Club.
Enjoy the tournaments and social events coming up
and make the most of playing the Majlis at its very best,
straight after the Desert Classic.
Jacqui Barry
Andrew Matthews
PGA, Membership
Services Manager
Stephen Deane
Head Academy Professional
[email protected]
EGC Key Telephone Numbers
Main Switchboard
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Resident Engineer
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W
Well done also to Stephen Deane
who caddied for Fred Couples,
carrying his clubs for each of
the six rounds he played – it just
shows the adaptability of our
Professionals !!
Starting most sports early in
life, with proper coaching and
encouragement, certainly ingrains
the skills necessary to thoroughly
enjoy whatever the sport may
be, and golf is no exception. I
did not realise however, how
comprehensive our Club’s efforts
are in this respect. The Junior
programme currently has 284
registered students, from the age
of seventeen right down to just
four years of age! It encompasses
a structured approach whereby
participants progress through six
levels, and each is recognisable by
the cap awarded for achievement
of that level. The entry level is
white, and caps thereafter progress
through yellow, blue, purple, black,
until finally a red cap is awarded.
Every junior golfer is graded weekly
on both technical and physical
aspects of their game, and to
progress to the next level they have
to pass set standards. The coaching
term runs for a period of eight
weeks, with sixty-minute tuition
sessions weekly; four terms are run
during each season.
There are currently seven elite
juniors in the programme and
they receive five hours of intensive
training during each week of the
term. This includes early morning
one-hour sessions on Tuesdays and
Wednesdays when the focus is on
performance practice and specific
golfing skills exercises. They then
have playing sessions on Thursday
evenings and a one-hour technical
session on Fridays. As you can
imagine this requires real discipline
and dedication, long hours for our
coaching staff, and presumably a
taxi service by parents. I wonder
how many of us non-juniors are as
dedicated? It would be wonderful
in a few years’ time to watch some
of these present juniors competing
in the Dubai Desert Classic as
professionals.
The manner in which members of
golf clubs follow rules is important,
not only in respect of ‘The Rules
of Golf’ themselves, but also in
the observance of conventions
and precedents established within
any given club. From November
to April at EGC there are five Club
Matchplay Championships staged
for members. When possible it is
good etiquette to let members
through if they are playing a Club
Matchplay, particularly if
they are playing Singles
or Mixed Foursomes (with
only two balls in play). The
marshals will inform you
when Matchplay fixtures
are on the course. Members
playing Matchplay fixtures
do not have the right to
demand a play-through if
the course is very busy…
but it is good etiquette and
courtesy to call them through
if possible. My own experience
recently was that the Lady
Captain and I had been ushered
through five or six groups during
our Mixed Matchplay game, then
became trapped behind a fourball that refused the requests of
the marshal on duty, and indeed
the poor marshal suffered a verbal
tongue-lashing from one of the
players. Perhaps frustration at
his own game got the better of
the chap involved; however, there
is no excuse for shouting at any
member of staff. It occurs to me
that perhaps some members are
unaware of the etiquette in these
circumstances but in the interests
of harmony, I would ask that we
all strive to help create wider
awareness of such matters. If fellow
countrymen of yours are not au-fait
with such conventions, please help
to spread the word as we will all
undoubtedly benefit from such
help in the end.
Message
hat a great event !!
The Omega Dubai
Desert Classic proved
to be a splendid
return visit for Stephen Gallacher
who became the first winner to
retain the title. Stephen seems to
like the back nine on the Majlis for,
following his stunning nine under
par on Saturday for the inward
nine, he managed to recover from
a poor start on the final day to
record four birdies on the back
nine, and retain his title. Well done
Stephen, and a warm welcome to
membership of our Club.
3
Happy golfing!!
Dick Purchase
Club Captain 2013 – 2014
MEN’S COMPETITION RESULTS
MEN’S
MEDAL
Friday 3rd January 2014
A DIVISION (HCP. 0-10)
Best Gross
Rayhan Thomas
Winner
Alan Main
Gross.72
Net. 70
Runner Up
Dalip Tripathi
Net. 70
Third David Waite
Net. 72
B DIVISION (HCP. 11-20)
Winner
Tej Chhabra
Net. 69
Runner Up
Nawaf Fawaz
Net. 70
Third
Kish Bandopadhyay
Net. 70
C DIVISION (HCP.21-28)
Winner
Suvansh Arora
We’re Now
On Instagram!
Net. 71
Alan Main receiving his prize
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following us on Instagram. Like our pictures, post comments and tag us
into posts when you’re at the Club! You can find us on Instagram with the
username emiratesgc.
in’s
Lady Capta
Message
4
2
014 has certainly brought
us a change in the
weather and while many
say that this is the perfect
time of the year in Dubai for golf,
I’m not so sure! Being rained on
twice during the first Medal of
the year on 6th January was a
bit of a shock for me. Despite
being from Scotland, it was 1980
when I left there for the tropical
climes of the Bahamas and I
have to admit that I am a ‘warm
weather golfer’! It is hard now
to recall those months that we
were out there in 40 degrees
plus when it is now registering 15
degrees some mornings!
The ladies’ section played host
to Al Ain, Arabian Ranches and
Abu Dhabi ladies on 8th January
in an Inter-Club match and I am
happy to report that EGC were
the winners on that day. Thanks
go to all the ladies who played
and congratulations to Annette
Stewart, Mitsuko Emmerson and
Maria Petre who swept the top
three prizes, bringing in valuable
points for EGC.
Our Waltz competition on 13th
January really mixed up our
ladies and I have had some very
positive feedback regarding this
event from both ends of the
handicap scale who found it fun
to play with others from different
divisions. Cathrine Clark, Thea
Hendrickx and Fiona Nicholas
took the team prize with Mimi
Hosking taking the individual
prize. Well played everyone.
A 2-Man Betterball on the
Faldo was our last outing on
20th January; there were some
amazing scores with the top
prize being taken by Maura
Duggan and Mags Breen with a
fantastic 47 Points.
While every year is exciting,
there is no doubt that the 25th
Omega Dubai Desert Classic
was destined to be even more
so from the outset with extra
events such as the Champions’
Challenge and Champions’ 25th
Anniversary dinner kicking off
the week. The tournament itself
was gripping and after three
days of some outstanding golf,
the final day was nerve-wracking
with the title up for grabs. The
top of the board chopped and
changed during that final day
to the oohs and aahs of the
crowds on the course and in
the Clubhouse. So many big
names in golf out there gave so
much fun and pleasure to their
fans. Congratulations must go
to Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher
the first back-to-back winner. I
am sure it is a tournament that
will be talked about for years to
come and deservedly so.
I’m sure that after all the
excitement of the Desert Classic
you will all be looking forward
to getting out and playing
some inspired golf. I know that
some ladies have played at
Dubai Creek over the closure
and I played the Earth course
at Jumeirah Golf Estates for the
first time. It was an amazing
experience and I was very
pleased with my bogey on the
difficult 18th hole. February is
a busy month with a Medal, a
fun competition and the Camel
Trophy so I look forward to
seeing you all at these events.
Barbara Head
Lady Captain 2013 - 2014
LADIES’ COMPETITION RESULTS
Monthly
Monday 6th January 2014
Medal
Sponsored by
SILVER “A” DIVISION (HCP. 0 – 14)
Winner
Viv Caley
NET 72
Runner Up
Cathrine Clark
NET 72
Overall Best Gross
Viv Caley
GROSS 80
SILVER “B” DIVISION (HCP. 15 –23)
Winner
Han Soon Shin
NET 72
Runner Up
Maura Duggan
NET 74
BRONZE DIVISION (HCP. 24 –42)
Winner
Maggie Neil
Ladies
l - r: Barbara Head, Maura Duggan, Maggie Neil,
Viv Caley, Cathrine Clarke
NET 69
Waltz
Monday 13th January 2014
TEAM EVENTS
Winners
Cathrine Clark, Thea Hendrickx
Fiona Nicholas
Runners-Up
Mimi Hosking, Maggie Niel
Elizabeth Pudner
81
Winner
Mimi Hosking
39
Runner Up
Cathrine Clark
38
82
INDIVIDUAL
l - r: Cathrine Clarke, The Hendrickx, Barbara Head, Fiona Nicholas
5
Monday 20th January 2014
Betterball
Winners
Maura Duggan
Margaret Breen
Runners-Up
Annette Stewart
Ivy Bailey
Third
Elise Hanson
Margaret Bain
Club News
Pairs
47
45
44
Winners
Runners-Up
MIXED COMPETITION RESULTS
New Year’s Day
Wednesday 1st January 2014
Scramble
Winners
Mitsuko Emmerson, Alec Emmerson
Mr Fujitani, Yoshiko Fujitani
Runners-Up
Eric Koeman, Margaret Neil
Daniel Yanchus, Mark Yanchus
Third
Kish Bandopadhyay, Rekha Bandopadhyay, Amresh Sangani,
Tanya Sangani
60.3
60.8
60.9
NEAREST THE PINS
EGC Head Professional Stephen Deane and Club Captain Captain
Dick Purchase giving the prize to winners Kish Bandopadhyay,
Rekha Bandopadhyay, Amresh Sangani and Tanya Sangani
HOLE # 12 (LADIES) Soumaya Salem
HOLE # 8 (GENTS) Matthew Baxter
Asia V Rest Of The World
NEAREST THE PIN
LADIES
HOLE # 2
Mitsuko Emmerson
HOLE # 12
Jenny Ayres
GENTS
HOLE # 8
Anand Lakhiani
HOLE # 17
Gary Black
ASIA11
REST OF THE WORLD
6
Friday 10th January 2014
Member’s P
rofile
6
Where are you from?
Ed: I was born and raised in
Scotland, the youngest of a family
of five and attended school there.
Margaret: I was born and brought up in
the West of Scotland close to the bonnie
banks of Loch Lomond.
When did you take up golf and what
other sports were you involved in?
Ed: My interest in sport as a kid was
always strong and took up lots of my
spare time. The sports included football,
tennis, badminton, and later rugby and
golf. I played for the school golf team with
modest success.
Margaret: I was a keen hockey player and
continued to play for many years after
finishing school.
When we married we moved around
and ended up living in Fife which offers
many lovely golf courses. In these early
days my involvement in golf was walking
round the fairways with our Old English
Sheepdog, whilst Ed participated in the
game; how stress free golf appeared to
be!
However, like many others, I came to see
the challenge of sand, the excellent layout
and the effect of sun and wind on nearly
every shot. However what impressed me
most was the enthusiasm of the golfing
membership and staff.
No matter, when holiday time came, we
all scurried back to our own countries and
overindulged in a feast of grass courses,
never mind the rain!
It was therefore with great anticipation
and the realisation of a dream, that many
of us came to hear of a grass course being
built in Dubai.
Margaret: I played badminton and tennis
at Dubai Country Club when we first
moved to Dubai and I decided to try my
hand at golf. Learning to play on a sand
course required different techniques to
playing on grass but nevertheless it was
very enjoyable and sociable.
Which field of work were you in?
Ed: After completing secondary school,
I studied architecture at Glasgow
School of Art for seven years and
qualified, so unfortunately golf had to
take a back seat for most of that time.
However I picked up a job with Holford
Associates Architects in Glasgow.
The entire interview was focused on my
sporting history. At the end my seven
handicap swung the deal despite no
mention of salary expectation! As the
years progressed I went on to work in
Edinburgh, Bathgate and back to Glasgow
rejoining Holfords again.
In 1982 I was offered a position with a
Dubai based Architectural practice, Don
Manners Associates. I came out to see
the place and was sufficiently impressed
to return in January 1983 with my wife
Margaret, son Ross and daughter Kirsty
…for two years!! Thus began our life in
Dubai.
Margaret: I met my husband Ed whilst
we were both working for the same local
authority; he was a trainee architect and I
was a social worker.
Where did you play golf before EGC
opened?
Ed: My first experience of golf here was
a game with John Fulcher on the sand
course at The Country Club. It was a shock
to the system as my previous game to that
had been at Gleneagles.
When did you decide to join EGC?
Ed: I had a viewing round and immediately
put my name on the list for membership.
Who could not be impressed with
the layout, the challenge and the very
appropriate landscaping. The clubhouse
was the jewel in the crown. We
immediately took family membership
with my wife Margaret, and son Ross both
eager golfers.
Margaret: The opportunity to play on a
grass course created much excitement
within the golfing community and we had
no hesitation about joining Emirates Golf
Club. There was a very diverse group
of members but we seemed to gel and
very soon strong golfing friendships were
formed.
How has life at EGC been for you?
Ed: Well, Margaret became the first Lady
Captain at the Club for the first two years
and we saw Ross progress from the Junior
Development Programme to College golf
in USA, and then on to professional golf.
I was proposed as Men’s Captain for the
season 1990 to 1991 when I particularly
enjoyed the Captain/Pro Challenge with
ry, Paul Thornberry,
Four Captains, Tom Bar
Ed Bains and Mike Tracey
James Williams the Head Pro at that time,
not to mention the 18 holes I played with
the late Seve Ballesteros. (Our daughter
Kirsty, overwhelmed by an outpouring of
golf, golf, golf decided to go her own way
in sport and who could blame her?)
So it is apparent that Emirates Golf Club
has played a major role in my own and
my family’s past and is decidedly a major
factor in us still being here after 30 years.
It has been an important part of our life in
Dubai, and a top quality resource for our
sport, social and dining experiences.Had
it not been inaugurated in 1998, I doubt
many of us would have remained in Dubai.
Margaret: It was an honour and a privilege
to be invited to become the first Lady
Captain of the Club and when I accepted
I had no idea of the challenges
that I would face. Of the 95
interested lady members, only 26
had recognised handicaps and
the majority were total beginners.
Initially the focus had to be on
introducing them to rules and
etiquette and pointing them in the
direction of the eager young Pros
who were very happy to teach
the fundamentals of the game. I
am delighted to say many of them
have gone on to become very
accomplished players. Our Head
Pro, James Williams, was my life
line at that time, as we set up the
Standard Scratch of the course
and established a programme of
weekly competitions and rules discussions
and helped the new players establish
their handicaps. I agreed to carry on
for a second term of office and it was
during this time that a proper Ladies’ Golf
Committee was established which was to
form the foundation of the Ladies’ section.
It has been very satisfying to watch
Emirates Golf Club evolve and develop
over the years to become a world class
golfing facility. Friends have come and
gone but the memories will last forever. My
participation in the game is less than it was
as I now have other interests.
We are lucky that both our children
chose to return to Dubai after studying
overseas and are now happily married and
living here. We enjoy watching our two
grandchildren grow up (and there’s a third
on the way!) and develop and already our
four year old grandson Calum is showing
an interest in the game. The extended
family continues to have close ties with
the Club and still consider it a home away
from home. If we hadn’t joined Emirates
Golf Club 26 years ago it is unlikely that we
would still be in Dubai to tell the tale, so a
big thank you for being part of our lives!
7
Scores
Pontus Fredriksson & Inaan Budiraj
Michael Harradine & Karouche Achtari
Ewan Cameron & Ross Hopwood
Rohit Gupta & Ed Hesson
W 2-1
L 2-1
L 3-2
L 4-2
Yet this is the reality for Emirates Golf Club Scratch Team,
balancing the disappointment of brutal losses with the bigger
picture ahead. However,before the team could really shift focus
back to each other, they spent the rest of that match day in a
NAME
1st match HOME Sharjah Golf
16th Nov Sat 1pm - 1.30pm
2nd Match AWAY Jumeirah Golf
Estates 29th
W2&1
3rd match AWAY DCGYC 30th
November Sat 1pm shotgun
Pontus Fredriksson
EGC
W4&2
Kouroche Achtari
EGC
W4&2
Rohit Gupta
EGC
W2&1
2 Up
L5&4
Ed Hesson
EGC
W2&1
2 Up
L5&4
Michael Harradine
EGC
W4&3
Ross Hopwood
EGC
W4&3
Johnny Aldridge
EGC
W3&2
L3&2
Paul Byrne
EGC
W3&2
L7&5
Charlie Stricklin
EGC
1 Down
W2&1
L7&5
Ewan Cameron
EGC
1 Down
Tim Evans
EGC
Inaan Budhiraja
EGC
L4&3
1 Down
Humayun Shahryar
EGC
L4&3
1 Down
state of disbelief, still stunned by the wild games they
lost. The division winner could be determined when the
EGC team meets on the Faldo for their 5th match vs
DCGYC on 21st March at 1.00 - 1.30 which will be their
second epic match against DCGYC who won last time
at the Creek. We’ve got to refocus and it’s going to
definitely test all of the men in this squad to bounce back
for a good game.
Club News
S
igh…..some days, in life as well as in golf, nothing goes
quite your way. From the worst Premier League signings
(Andy Carroll – Liverpool, £35m), to the Babe Ruth
trade (Boston Red Sox traded pitcher/outfielder George
Herman Ruth to the New York Yankees for cash), to Emirates Golf
Club loss to Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club – the match was a bit
disappointing for everyone.
We need to be a 100 percent ready for DCGYC as they drew their
match with Jumeirah Golf Estates which they probably felt that
they should have won, like we felt we should have beaten Sharjah
Golf & Shooting Club. Both teams are definitely going to be ready
and hungry for this win. Below are the league standings.
If you would, please come out and support our players for their
next match!
4th match AWAY Sharjah Golf 18th
January 7.40am - 8.10am
Played
Won
W2&1
5th Match
6th Match
7th Match
3
3
Draw
L2&1
2
1
1
L4&2
4
2
2
L4&2
4
2
2
L2&1
2
1
1
L3&2
2
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
3
1
2
1
2
L3&2
2
1
L3&2
W2&1
3
1
1
2
2
Emirates Golf Club
32
Lost
2
14
0
Points
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-1
-2
-1
-1
-2
18
Saturday 18th January 2014
Ricky Dominguez & Mike Robson
Emirates Golf Club
3-1
Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club
2+1
07.40
07.50
Tim Collins & Jon Gould
e Achtari
KourochAchtari
e &&Karouche
Harradinne
Michael Harradi
Michael
2+1
Inaan Budiraj
Budhiraja
Fredriksson
son && Inaan
Pontus
Fredriks
Pontus
Paul Nightingale & Mick Conneely
3+2
08.00
Hopwood
RossHopwood
Cameron & Ross
EwanCameron
Ewan
Roy Holmes & Jon Houlston
4+2
08.10
Hesson
EdHesson
& Ed
Gupta &
RohitGupta
Rohit
Starbucks Coffee at
Spike Bar
Spike Bar is proud to serve Starbucks
Coffee. Stop by for a cup or order
to-go!
With the tournament now finished, I would like to thank my entire
staff for their hard work and dedication not only through the week
of the event, but particularly throughout the year when taking on
some challenging projects and improvements.
Both courses are in good shape as we head into a busy quarter
when we intend to keep conditions as good as possible for as long
as possible!
Craig Haldane
Director - Golf Course Maintenance
With a delicious range of Starbucks
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for choice!
Tantalise your taste buds with one of
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served daily from 9am to 11am and
4pm to 7pm.
8
Junior Link
s
Spotlight on
M
y name is Ananya Sharma and
I am 16 years old studying in
Year 11 at Dubai International
Academy.
The game of golf has majorly changed me as a
person over the past five years and I can really
feel the transformation from a shy and timid
person to risk-taking, assertive and confident
girl. As Arnold Palmer said, “Success in this game
depends less on strength of body than strength of
mind and character.”
I first started playing golf at the age of 11 with my
father as a fun sport enjoying the outdoors and
my major joy was to see the ball fly long with my
driver. All I wanted to do was just hit balls all over
the place and drive the buggy around but as I
kept improving, I started getting more involved in
the game and enjoyed watching golf tournaments
on TV and really loved the live action during the
prestigious Dubai Desert Classic. Seeing teenager
Rory win the Dubai Desert Classic changed my
whole attitude to the game and the better I got at
playing the more I loved the game and everything
associated with it.
I understood the undermining principles and
values associated with this beautiful game,
of mutual respect, integrity and the spirit of
effort and recovery. I started entering junior
tournaments and started to win and that’s when
I realised that maybe golf could be taken to an
even further level. This is when I began taking
lessons with Stephen Deane at Emirates Golf
Club who saw some talent and hope in me and
changed my stunted and flawed swing into a
golfer’s swing, bringing my handicap down and
giving me a lot more consistency and confidence
on the course.
I also enjoying marshalling especially at my
favourite tournament and my home course and
I was really sad to miss the action during the
weekend of the 25th anniversary this year due to
my school overseas trip. Hopefully, I will be able
to continue to increase my practice sessions, take
more lessons and enter more tournaments to
bring my handicap down even lower and improve
my game taking it to a whole new level. I know I
have to balance this with my high school studies
as well. Such tough choices…but I am loving it.
Stephen Deane says...
Ananya is a great student and a pleasure to teach. So far we have worked on
improving her basic fundamentals and short game. She possesses fantastic
natural speed and hits the ball a long way. She certainly has the talent to go
a long way in the game and I look forward to seeing her improve.
Baxter Starts the New Year with a Bang at Emirates Golf Club,
Event 4 of the Dubai Golf Par 3 Junior Series
D
ubai Golf hosted the fourth event
of this season’s Dubai Golf Par
3 Series recently. The event was
played over EGC’s nine hole
Academy Course and was made up of a
strong field of 58 budding future stars.
The event was the fourth of an eight
tournament series and is part of an initiative
by the Dubai Golf Academy Professionals to
encourage junior golfers to move from the
driving range to the golf course. Between
the two Dubai Golf Academies at Emirates
Golf Club and Dubai Creek and Yacht Club,
over 500 juniors participate in regular
weekly lessons as part of the Dubai Golf
Junior Development Programme sponsored
by Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts and Wild
Wadi Waterpark.
Juniors from four levels of the Dubai Golf
Junior programme (black, purple, blue and
yellow) competed against one another and
each level was highly contested. Winners
received vouchers for Wild Wadi Waterpark.
Each score was awarded some valuable
Order of Merit points which will be added
together for all the events throughout the
year.
The weather and course conditions were
perfect with a beautiful setting as the sun
set over the Emirates par 3 golf course
which saw parents and competitors witness
some fine golf. Starting the year with a
bang Matthew Baxter posted a solid round
of 1 over par picking up the black level win
and adding 100 points to his Order of Merit
account.
The winners on the day were;
Black 1st Matthew Baxter 2nd Fardeen Meeran Purple 1st Jay Mullane 2nd Hoshi Yadav Blue 1st David Polo 2nd Aarnav Nath Yellow 1st Jaime Garcia-Villalon 2nd Olivia Thomas 28
29
33
34
47
47
49
53
The organiser, Golf Professional Jonathan
Craddock, commented, “It was the perfect
evening, I was privileged to witness some
cracking shots, to see the passion of the
kids to do well but more importantly to
see them having fun. The camaraderie
between the competitors was particularly
moving with many of the experienced
players helping the newcomers. I would
like to thank the parents as I saw many
caddies on the course earning their pennies.
With every tournament we can see an
improvement in skill, etiquette and rules
from all the children. I would like to also
thank Nicky Lawrenson for her help with
the organisation and running of the event,
Jumeirah and Wild
Wadi for
sponsoring
the series
and the
final thank
you to the
catering staff
for the fine
buffet which
received lots
of positive
feedback.
With
event four
successfully
completed I
look forward
to the remaining four events with the next
to be held at the Creek Golf Club on 12th
February ”
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Starting the new yea
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Equestrian Club,
Saadiyat Beach
Golf Club, Dubai
Creek Golf and
Yacht Club and
Emirates Golf
Club. All teams
represented their
academies to a
high standard
showing their
skills with some
outstanding shots.
Throughout the
day the players
nearest the pin prize with a shot that would have
rivalled Tiger himself.
On behalf of all the Academy Professionals I
would like to thank and congratulate all juniors
for taking part and we
look forward to
many more fine
representations in the
future.
PGA Professional
Jonathan Craddock
Perfect for the younger
golfer, Junior Membership
es
is now available at Emirat
for
le
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Ava
b.
Clu
f
Gol
juniors up to the age of
17 years, the membership
includes full access to our
championship courses and
l as
practice facilities, as wel
To
s.
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ben
er
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a host of
tact
find out more, please con
on
s
vice
Ser
hip
ers
Memb
+971 4 417 9999.
Executive Sous Chef
Dear Members,
My name is Jeffrey
Brothers, and I am
honoured to have
joined Emirates Golf
Club as Executive Sous
Chef this January. In
this role I oversee all
culinary operations of
the Club.
My journey to Emirates
Golf Club started in
Canada. I was born
in Newfoundland and
moved to the Middle
East from Victoria,
British Columbia just
over 2½ years ago. I attended culinary
school at Humber College in Toronto
receiving Honours in the Culinary
Management Programme. After working
several years in Toronto at high-end
restaurants, hotels
and as a private
chef, I moved to
Alberta to work in a
mountain resort in
the Canadian Rockies.
From the mountains
I ventured further
west to Victoria and
worked as Sous Chef
at the landmark
Fairmont Empress
hotel. With my desire
for international
experience, I landed
a job in Abu Dhabi as
Chef de Cuisine of the
Marco Pierre White
Steakhouse at the
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. There we were
lucky to win quite a few awards from
Time Out and What’s On magazines.
These included ‘Steakhouse of the Year’
twice, ‘Restaurant of the Year’ and ‘Best
Bar Food’. Next I had the opportunity
to join Emirates Palace Hotel as Chef de
Cuisine. One day (by chance and luck!)
I met Chef Max at a chef gathering/
conference, which has brought me to
Emirates Golf Club.
I live in Dubai with my wife Page and
our three cats (Tico, Fiji and Sheikha). I
have been golfing for over 26 years and
play off a 2 handicap. My other hobbies
are trying new restaurants, cooking
competitions, travelling and learning.
A few years ago I earned my Certified
Chef de Cuisine Designation and I
am nearly finished with my Certified
Master Chef Designation. Currently I am
completing courses to obtain a diploma
in Professional Golf Management.
I look forward to meeting all of you and
creating memorable experiences at
Emirates Golf Club.
The Majlis course
looking stunning
National children
enjoying the golf!
Ready for practice!
Driving range
Stephen Gallacher
in action
Tiger Woods and Fred Couples
Rory McIlroy
Javier Ballesteros
Jamie Donaldson and Robert
Rock with Harry Sheedy
The Gallacher family!
Great setting
Greenkeepers hard at work
Final day at the 18th hole
EGC staff with
Stephen Gallacher
Fred Couples
being interviewed
by CNN
Robert Rock
Tiger Woods and Mark O’Meara golf clinic
The marshals
Henrik Stenson
Captain and Senior staff with Stephen Gallacher
Gallac
histor
Omega
Deser
by Viren Verma
S
tephen Gallacher surviv
wobble on the front nin
the first player in the his
Omega Dubai Desert C
successfully defend his title at
Club on Sunday.
The 39-year-old Scot, two ahe
handed the initiative away wit
bogey start and then dropped
on the sixth and eighth to fall
pace.
Omega Dubai Desert Classic
CHAMPIONS’ CHALLENGE
by Viren Verma
E
uropean number one Henrik Stenson
of Sweden and Spain’s Rafael CabreraBello were declared joint winners of the
Champions’ Challenge Stenson and CabreraBello carded an identical six-under 66 each
to finish a good two strokes ahead of Rory McIlroy
of Northern Ireland and Alvaro Quiros of Spain in the
$600,000 showpiece event which was part of the
25th anniversary celebrations of the Omega Dubai
Desert Classic
The 18-hole stroke-play event saw all but one of the
past champions reunite on this special occasion.
The great Seve Ballesteroes, the winner of the 1992
Omega Dubai Desert Classic, was represented by his
son, Javier, who, playing as an amateur, returned a
two-over 74.
Stenson, the 2007 winner,
carded six birdies, three in
each half, in his flawless round
while Cabrera-Bello moved
atop the leaderboard with a
strong birdie-birdie finish, the
only blemish in his card being
a bogey on the fifth.
“It turned out to be a pretty
competitive affair,” said
Stenson, “When you feel
like you have a chance to
do something good, you get
going and I was trying to make
birdies,” said the Swede after
sharing the day’s honours with
Cabrera-Bello.
“I made Dubai my home for
close to ten years,” said the
Swede. “It’s a great place for
me, this, and it’s always good
fun to be back, and celebrating
the 25th anniversary this year is
also very special. “There are not
many tournaments going on for that many years
and we had a great roll of champions here so it’s
been a good event.”
Cabrera-Bello felt the front nine was a little up and
down. “I played very well,” said the 2012 winner of
the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. “Myself and the
other Spanish players all feel very comfortable
here,” said the two-time European Tour winner.
“We are all from Spain and obviously the weather
is very warm over there. We all enjoy playing in
short sleeves.
“Everyone likes this one, especially as Seve,
Ollie, Miguel and Alvaro and myself have won.
It’s a very good atmosphere and we all have
good stories going around here so it’s a positive
surrounding for us.
All the former winners of the Omega Dubai
Desert Classic were honoured with life-time
membership of Emirates Golf Club by Hesham
Al Qassim, CEO and Vice-Chairman of wasl.
www.dubaigolf.com
He needed to produce someth
to hold off the chasing pack. F
a seven-hole stretch from 11th
for Gallacher as he closed with
72 for a tournament total of 16
which was enough to win by o
Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo.
“I never do anything easy I’m a
Gallacher after receiving the w
from HH Shaikh Maktoum bin
bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Depu
Dubai. Shaikh Fahim bin Sulta
chairman
o
E
F
M
bushes and trees and stuff,” sa
now a three-time winner on th
Tour.
“I just kept saying to myself, ‘s
played the back nine well and
really running away with it at t
the Scot who fought back into
after a magical 63 in third roun
included seven birdies and an
back nine.
“To win it on the 25th annivers
event, it was a good field with
champions playing, makes it e
special.”
Hot favourite Rory McIlroy, wh
six straight pars to inherit the
tee shot to the seventh in the
the green. Although he rescue
a brilliant third shot from the d
former number one never rep
form which saw him shoot an
eventually carding a closing 74
behind Gallacher.
“It was just one of those days.
of loose drives, but I didn’t rea
ved an early
ne to become
story of the
Classic to
t Emirates Golf
ead at the start,
th a bogeyd further shots
two off the
thing special
Four birdies in
did the trick
h a level-par
6-under par,
one shot from
afraid,” said
winner’s trophy
Mohammed
uty Ruler of
an Al Qasimi,
of the
Emirates Golf
Federation, and
Mohammed
Juma
Buamaim, vice
chairman and
CEO of golf in
DUBAi, were
also present.
“I never really
played the
front nine
that well all
week. I don’t
know, it was a
carbon copy
of yesterday
(Saturday)
apart from
I holed a
couple of
putts for
par and got
a bit lucky
yesterday
but today
I was in
aid Gallacher,
he European
stay patient’. I
d no one was
the time,” said
o contention
nd which
n eagle on the
sary of the
h all the
even more
ho opened with
lead, but hit his
water short of
ed a bogey with
drop zone, the
produced the
n opening 63,
4 to finish four
. I hit a couple
ally get away
with them or stuff like that,” he said. “The golf
course just played a lot differently today. You
could see from the scores. It was tough out
there because the greens were a lot firmer to
get the ball close. And then the rare times I
did get the ball close, I didn’t make any putts.”
For much of the last round there were plenty
of errors from the final few groups, so it was
perhaps fitting that Grillo overtook Romain
Wattel as the clubhouse leader thanks to a
stroke of good fortune on the 18th.
Grillo completed a flawless 66 in amazing
fashion, the World Number 268 holing from
65 feet for an eagle after his approach had
clattered into the hospitality tents behind the
green and bounced back onto the putting
surface.
“Apart from the second shot to 18 everything
was quite good,” Grillo said. “The second shot
went a little bit further than I wanted and got
lucky, then I got lucky with the big putt.
“I am quite happy with how it went today, it
was a good round overall. I left some putts
out there but the one on the last gave me the
ones I missed.”
Meanwhile, world number one Tigers Woods
birdied the last three holes en route to a 71 to
finish in a tie for 41st on six under.
“Unfortunately I turned it around too late. I
drove it great today, I piped it all day,” said
Woods. “My iron game was not as sharp as I’d
like, and I didn’t make anything. I had seven
lip-outs. That’s quite a few lip-outs.
“I had a quick, easy fix to my grip the other
day and from then I drove it great. I still need
work out of this rye grass. A little different
technique, but it’s something to fix.”
The important facts around Stephen
Gallacher’s historic defence of his Omega
Dubai Desert Classic title:
- His 3rd European Tour victory in his 431st
European Tour event
- His first European Tour victory since the
2013 Omega Dubai Desert Classic
- This is the 27th event he has played in since
his last European Tour win
- First person to successfully defend the
Omega Dubai Desert Classic title
- Wins €303,268 first prize
- Becomes only the third person to win
this title on multiple occasions, the others
being Ernie Els (1994, 2002, 2005) and Tiger
Woods (2006, 2008)
- Fourth top five finish at this event - won last
year, runner-up in 2012 and fourth in 2000
- 4th time he has played in the Omega Dubai
Desert Classic, making 12 cuts
OTHER FACTS
- Gains a European Tour exemption until the
end of 2016
- Gains a place in the 2014 WGC Bridgestone Invitational, 2014 WGC - HSBC
Champions and 2015 Volvo Golf Champions.
13
Helen Boland,
Physiotherapist
Lower Back
Pain
Over the past
few months
of working at
EGC and Dubai
Creek, I have
noticed patterns emerging with
injuries among golfers, particularly
middle-aged golfers, with the most
recurrent problem being low back
pain.
There are many sources of low back
pain, owing to several structures in
your lower back i.e. joints, muscles,
ligaments, nerves and discs, which
can all bring their own problems. In
terms of golf, a common problem
I pick up through my screening
assessments is muscle imbalances
or ‘lower crossed syndrome’. This is
essentially a combination of weak
Bespoke
Wellness is
pleased to
announce the
arrival of a
new service at
Emirates Golf
Club.
Graham PoynorWoods, a UK
qualified Orthotics and Biomechanics
Specialist, has just joined the Bespoke
Wellness team and will be providing
assessment and provision of suitable
orthotic devices and treatment where
indicated. Biomechanical screening
(the checking of any imbalances that
may be affecting performance) will
also be offered. The linking of this
with orthotic and video analysis will
be used to achieve desired results.
Often this involves a team approach
with physiotherapy and strength and
conditioning.
SPECIFIC ORTHOTIC SERVICES
BEING OFFERED
Custom Foot Orthotics
These devices can be used to relieve
pain and discomfort associated
with conditions involving poor
biomechanics such as – Plantar
fasciitis and heel spurs (heel pain),
shin pain (shin splints), calf pain, knee,
hip, and lower back pain. The aim of
orthotics in these cases is to realign
the feet in relation to the legs and
upper body. This, in turn, reduces
forces that cause rotation, stress, and
traction on specific areas.
muscles (glutes and core
muscles) combined with
overactive or tight muscles
(hip flexors) that create a
predictable movement pattern
in the lower back that can lead
to injury.
Club News
cher creates
ry in 25th
a Dubai
rt Classic
With many of us leading a sedentary
lifestyle i.e. sitting for long periods,
this causes tightness in the hip
flexors, which can then lead to an
inhibition of your gluteal muscles,
which then causes alterations in
your spine posture. This is a very
dangerous combination of muscle
imbalances due to the excessive
stress that it places on the structures
of the lower back. The key is to
reverse this pattern, which will
dramatically reduce the likelihood
of injury to your lower back. This
can be done with a combination
of hands-on therapy and an
individualised exercise programme,
which would all form part of your
physiotherapy treatment.
Sports Footwear Advice
Very often athletes are not using the
correct type of shoe for their foot
type. This in itself can create problems
with running and other weight
bearing activities. Graham will be able
to give specific advice in this area.
Sports Bracing
Graham will be on hand to offer
advice on specific types of braces,
whether for wrist, knee, elbow etc.
Specialist Knee Bracing
Custom knee bracing will be available
for such conditions as ACL injuries
and OA (Osteoarthritis) where the
sports person requires support to
continue his chosen activity.
Paediatric Orthoses
Graham will be happy to advise
regarding flat feet in children, scoliosis,
etc.
Leg Length Imbalance
Many people have irregular leg
lengths whether due to structural or
functional reasons. If left untreated
this may well cause lower back pain
as well as other specific imbalances
in the body. Screenings are available
to determine the cause of such
problems.
Team Bespoke have great pleasure
welcoming back physiotherapist,
Wendy Smithson. Appointments
for Emirates Golf Club and Dubai
Creek golf & Yacht Club can be
made by calling Bespoke Wellness
on 055 372 4670
www.dubaigolf.com
14
Pros Tip
Top 4 tips before
play from The
Academy
Improve your golf
swing with motion
stability and flexibility
Swing by the Fit Lab with TPI Qualified
Academy Professional Jonathan Craddock
to tune your body and your game
Lunge and Rotate (Transverse plane)
Lunge forward to a comfortable range (initial
or mid) as your foot hits the ground drive your
arms over the lead leg. Keep looking forward
to improve flexibility in your spine and to help
stabilise you in the movement. Repeat the
exercise on the other side
Warm-up and stretch with our Fit Lab
dynamic stretches
Nutrition. Fuel the body and maintain
hydration. Snacks or fruit replenish
potassium and salted nuts
replace sodium, maintaining your
electrolyte balance.
Lunge and overhead reach (Sagittal plane)
Lock your fingers together to make a gun
shape. Lunge forward to a comfortable range
(initial or mid), as you start to move forward
drive your arms up and over your head,
reaching behind you. Ensure that you keep
your arms straight to help open the chest,
abdominals, and hips. Repeat the exercise on
the other side.
Varied practice. Golf has many facets.
People tend to spend too much
time practicing with the driver.
Practice should be divided 20%
long game, 40% short game and
40% putting. Keep a log of shots
you hit on the golf course to tailor
your practice accordingly.
Lunge and side reach (Frontal Plane)
Efficient practice. The average swing
takes only a couple of seconds,
yet many golfers hit balls for hours
with no clear intention. A practice
session of 50 balls might take 30
minutes. This results in only one
minute spent swinging the club. We
have to establish how many swings
are developing technique and
how many swings are hindering
technique. I suggest better results
would be achieved by spending
just 10 minutes daily, working
better technique with golf specific
drills that embed new feelings.
Lunge forward to a comfortable range (initial or
mid) as you move forward drive your left hand
up and over to your right side. Feel a stretch
along the left side of your abdominals and left
hip. Repeat the exercise on the other side.
When you have worked on all three planes
of motion separately, the next step is to put
them together into one three dimensional
movement. Start with an initial/mid range reach
and increase the range to maximum. This is to
improve your three dimensional flexibility.
Once you have mastered the movements and
increased your range of motion you can start to
perform these exercises with added weight.
Enjoy your golfing!
For help to improve your game contact the Academy at
[email protected]
www.dubaigolf.com
For more information, please contact +971 4 417 9850 or
email [email protected]
www.dubaigolf.com
Caddie Reminder
Please be reminded the Majlis course is WALKING ONLY until 14th February
2014. All caddies at Emirates Golf Club are members of staff. The demands of the
operation dictate that their day job comes first therefore it is not possible for us to
always organise and guarantee caddies.
Emirates Golf Club’s Caddie Master is our golf operations supervisor Ummer.
Requests for caddies can be made on the following numbers at the said times,
however please note we cannot always guarantee a caddie for your game but we
will try our best to meet your request. At least 24 hours notice is also required.
Ummer – 0506768148 (Please call Thursday – Monday, 8am-6pm)
Jega – 0505786800 – (Please call Tuesday and Wednesday 8am-4pm)
The member and member guest caddy fee is AED 100 plus tip.
www.dubaigolf.com
How well do you know your rules?
taken”. Remember interference in this instance occurs when
a ball lies in or touches the GUR or when the GUR interferes
with the players STANCE or area of intended swing.
If Ray didn’t re-drop the ball and played the stroke then he
would incur a 2 stroke penalty for playing from the wrong
place.
Club News
Ray’s ball lies in an area of ground under repair (e.g. a
spectator walkway marked with white paint). Ray elects to
take free relief and drops the ball in accordance with Rule
25-1b(i). The ball remains outside the ground under repair
area (GUR) but it rolls to a position where the player would
have to stand in the area to play his stroke (e.g. he would
be standing on the walkway). Must the player re-drop the
ball?
15
Note the same principle applies if a player is taking relief from
an immovable obstruction (e.g. a cart path as opposed to a
spectator walkway in the example above)
Yes. The ball has rolled and come to rest “in a position where
there is interference by the condition from which relief was
top picks from the tours
Javier Ballesteros represented his
father, the great Seve, in the Champions
Challenge which was held a couple of
days prior to the Omega Dubai Desert
Classic
Not only did Stephen Gallacher retain
his title in the Omega Dubai Desert
Classic but his third round produced
some amazing statistics
- Gallacher required only 28 strokes to
play the par 37 back nine
- he was 10 under par for the final ten
holes
- he shot 63 in the third round to lead
by two strokes from Rory McIlroy
- he had only one bogey on the
eighth hole, and still shot nine under
- he had only 25 putts in round three
“We remember him every day, but
moments like these are precious,
something we will remember for many
years. With so many big names in
the field, it will be fun to play in the
Champions Challenge,” said Javier, who
was just two years old when his father
won the 1992 Omega Dubai Desert
Classic.
Congratulations to our
2007 Dubai Desert
Classic Champion
Henrik Stenson on
winning the Best
Male Athlete and the
Jerringpriset Award
at the Swedish Sports
Awards last month!
In addition he was
joint winner of the
Champions Challenge
with Rafael CabreraBello.
“I was too young to remember
anything when my father won
in Dubai, but I do know he
liked being here and playing in
the tournament which
he held in high regard
because of its excellent
organisation and a
particularly pleasant
and relaxed
atmosphere.”
Kevin Stadler, the
33-year-old son of major
champion Craig Stadler,
won the Phoenix Open
on 2nd February for his
first PGA Tour victory.
Stadler won in his 239th
Tour start, earning a
spot in the Masters -- a
tournament his father
won in 1982. The Stadlers
are the ninth father-son
winners in Tour history
and will be the first to
play in the same Masters.
What's On In Febraury
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
SOCIAL CALENDAR
Golf Club
Punchline Comedy Club at Emirates
soon, inviting
all things Irish will kick off very
The biggest celebration of Ireland and
is no
emerald green merry cheer! There
an
the whole world to get involved with
ter.
laugh
of
lot
a
with
than
St Patrick’s Day
better or more apt way of enjoying
comedians to get
d’s
Irelan
of
best
the
of
p
line-u
So, how about an entirely Irish
n’
Club is proud to be starting the ‘gree
the party started? Punchline Comedy
Tour on 27th February at
East
le
Midd
its
off
ng
kicki
be
will
celebrations early and
is
audiences all over the world, Punchline
Emirates Golf Club. Having enthralled
the
on
be
will
eyes
all
and
edy
national com
renowned for hosting the best of inter
and ensuring a ‘pot
luck
Irish
of
best
the
ing
Wish
d!
talent of the Irish this time roun
edians:
edy Club welcomes professional com
of gold’ laughs, the Punchline Com
at 9pm.
off
kicks
edy
ew Stanley. The com
Chris Kent, Colm McDonnell, and Andr
Dubai Golf
and
food
grub
pub
ding
inclu
on
pers
Tickets are priced at AED 200 per
members avail a 20% discount.
ew
Andr
ley
Stan
Chris Kent
Colm
golf
Monday 10th
Ladies Medal
08.30, Majlis
Friday 14th
Mashreq Medal in association
with BMW & Harvey Nichols Dubai
08.00 & 13.00, Majlis
Monday 17th
Ladies Competition
08.30, Faldo
Open Round 1
Thursday 20th Emirates Amateur
o
Fald
00,
0-16.
06.3
Emirates Amateur Open Round 2
Friday 21st
06.30-16.00, Majlis
hy
Monday 24th Ladies Camel Trop
s
Majli
08.30,
Friday 28th
McD
onne
ll
Kohlman Nations Cup
13.00, Majlis
16
Dear
Members,
I
Fit Lab
hope you
are all
sticking
to those
New Year’s
Resolutions.
This is the
hardest
month trying to keep track of
all the goals that you have set
yourself. However, as always, the
Fit Lab team is on hand to help you stay on
the right track and get even better results
than ever before.
Fit Lab has added more classes to an
already very popular timetable and we will
continue to do our utmost to give you the
best fitness session that there is out there.
Come and check out our BOOTCAMP,
STRETCH & AB BLAST classes!
a fantastic job; any ladies interested are
more than welcome. Please contact the Fit
Lab sports desk for further information.
Exercise Tip of the month:
The Plank
The days of performing endless crunches
are officially over. Not only are these
exercises ineffective, but they can cause
damage to your spinal column. There is a
safer and more effective exercise you can
do to strengthen your core – the plank
exercise.
The plank is an isometric exercise that
helps build endurance in your entire core
– rectus abdominus, obliques, lower back
and stabilising muscles. It is a powerful but
simple exercise you can do at home.
Let’s discuss how the plank exercise is done
and why it’s so effective.
One thing that will help you perform this
exercise is if you pull your belly button
towards your spine. This will help you
engage the deep abdominal muscles that
help support your back.
If you’ve never performed a plank please
ask one of the Fit Lab Team for assistance;
you might be wondering how balancing on
your toes and elbows is supposed to work
your core? Good question! As you balance,
gravity will pull your midsection towards the
ground and your lower back will have the
tendency to sag. To prevent this, you need
to contract your abdominal muscles to keep
your body properly aligned.
You will notice your body starting to shake
after holding the plank position for a few
seconds. This indicates lack of strength and
stabilisation in your abdominal region.
TRX and Spinning are also back on the
agenda so there is plenty going to keep you
occupied for February.
As you continue practising the plank
exercise, you will notice drastic
improvement in your core strength and
coordination. You will be able to hold the
position for much longer before starting to
shake.
Get involved in our Fitness Challenge:
THE 30 DAY PLANK CHALLENGE! For
more information see Rob at the Fit Lab.
February also marks the return of Fit Lab’s
running club. For more information on
this please contact: Rob Whelan on
050 2771463.
As you can see, Fit Lab is doing its very
best to keep you on top of your fitness with
many activities going on that cater to all
standards and fitness levels. If you have any
requests for more activities or feel we are
missing something on the timetable please
feel free to contact one of the Fit Lab team.
The Fit Lab running series also commences
in February - the idea behind this is to do
a 3, 5 & 7km run around the golf course
and to link in with the running club where
Robert will be focusing on some speed
training to help improve your timings.
The Elite Tennis Academy is organising
plenty of tournaments and events for the
remainder of the year. There are already the
Ladies’ Social Mornings on Mondays and
Thursdays 8.00 – 10.00 when Monika, the
Elite Tennis Academy Professional, is doing
How to Perform the Plank Exercise:
Follow the directions below and use the
image as a reference to learn how to do a
proper plank exercise.
1. Lie face down on a mat,
2. Raise up onto your toes and rest on your
elbows.
3. Keep your back flat, keeping your body in
a straight line from head to heels.
4. Contract your abs to ensure your body
doesn’t drop.
5. Hold position for designated time.
I look forward to seeing you at the gym.
Healthy Regards
Andy Meech
Head of Sport & Leisure
Fitness Activity Schedule
February
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Studio
Studio
Studio
Studio
Studio
Studio
7.30 - 8.30
Artistic Yoga
7.30 - 8.30
Artistic Yoga
7.30 - 8.30
Artistic Yoga
7.30 - 8.30
Artistic Yoga
7.30 - 8.30
Artistic Yoga
8.30 - 9.30
TRX Suspension
Outdoor
(Advantage Sports)
8.45 - 9.45
Zumba Toning
(Tracy)
8.45 - 9.45
Pure Body Blast
(Elaine)
8.30 - 9.30
TRX Suspension
Outdoor
(Advantage Sports)
8.45 - 9.45
Zumba Toning (Tracy)
8.45 - 9.45
Pure 30/30
(Elaine)
8.45 - 9.45
Pilates Reformer
Intermediate /
Advanced (Amanda)
10.00 - 11.00
Bootcamp
( Robert )
10.00 - 11.00
Bootcamp
( Robert )
10.00 - 11.00
Pilates Mat
Intermediate /
Advanced (Amanda)
Studio
7.30 - 8.30
Artistic Yoga
8.00 - 8.30
Stretch Outdoor
(Robert)
8.45 - 9.45
Zumba (Tracy)
8.45 - 9.30
Pre Primary Ballet
(Lisa)
08.30 - 09.30
Grade 4 Ballet
(Lisa)
8.45 - 9.45
09.30 - 10.00
Pilates Reformer
Beginner Ballerina
Intermediate /
(Lisa)
Advanced (Amanda)
10.00 - 11.00
Bootcamp
( Robert )
10.00 - 11.00
Pilates Mat
Intermediate /
Advanced (Amanda)
12.00 - 13.00
Stretch
( Robert )
13.30 - 14.30
Private
Dance Lesson
(Lisa)
14.30 - 15.00
Grade 3 Tap
(Lisa)
15.15 - 16.00
Grade 3 Ballet
(Lisa)
SATURDAY
15.00 - 15.30
Ab Blast
(Robert)
9.30 - 10.45
Grade 1 Ballet
(Lisa)
10.30 - 11.45
Grade 2 Ballet
(Lisa)
10.45 - 11.15
Beginner Ballerina
(Lisa)
11.15 - 13.00
Grade 3 Ballet
(Lisa)
11.30 - 12.30
Primary Ballet
(Lisa)
13.00 - 14.00
Grade 4
Tap Dance
(Lisa)
12.30 - 13.45
Grade 2 Ballet
(Lisa)
15.00 - 15.30
Ab Blast
(Robert)
13.45 - 15.30
Grade 6 Ballet
(Lisa)
16.00 - 17.00
Modern Jazz
Dance
(Lisa)
VALENTINES SPA SPECIALS AT SENSASIA
17.00 - 18.00
Grade 4 Tap
(Lisa)
17.00 - 18.00
Spinning
(Robert)
18.30 - 19.00
Metafit
(Tracy)
18.00 - 19.00
Artistic Yoga
Available throughout February
17.00 - 18.00
Spinning
(Robert)
18.30 - 19.00
Metafit
(Tracy)
18.00 - 19.00
Artistic Yoga
Still feeling wiped from the festive season? Well, itʻs a good job itʼs nearly February!
18.00 - 19.00
Artistic Yoga
relaxation and romance at SensAsia Urban Spas.
Whether you are celebrating the wonder that is you this year, gifting a fabulous girlfriend or treating
the man in your life to some body maintenance (in which you must, of course, be involved) – SensAsia
has a pampering solution to suitably spoil the sassy and spa-savvy from top-to-toe.
19.00 - 20.00
TRX Suspension
Outdoor
(Advantage Sports)
19.00 - 20.00
TRX Suspension
Outdoor
(Advantage Sports)
19.00 - 20.00
Kettlebell Training
Intermediate to
Advanced
19.00 - 20.00
Artistic Yoga
19.00 - 20.00
Kettlebell Training
Intermediate to
Advanced
19.00 - 20.00
Artistic Yoga
19.00 - 20.00
Artistic Yoga
SINGLE LADIES WHO LUNCH AED 1,415
20.00 - 21.00
Artistic Yoga
Weight Loss
20.00 - 21.00
Artistic Yoga
Weight Loss
20.00 - 21.00
Artistic Yoga
Weight Loss
20.00 - 21.00
Artistic Yoga
Weight Loss
20.00 - 21.00
Artistic Yoga
Weight Loss
GET A ROOM!
120min / AED 1,245 for two
Emirates Golf Club and Palm Jumeirah locations
BEE MY HONEY
120 mins / AED 695 or AED 1,195 for two
A seriously softening honey-based body polish is applied to skin, followed by a warm milk, honey,
black sesame and almond oil wrap. Top it off with a 60-minute massage.
For bookings and enquiries, please contact Fit Lab on +971 4 417 9850 or
email [email protected]
Take the BFF and enjoy a BEE MY HONEY treatment each, plus lunch at Emirates Golf Clubʻs
Mediterranenean meets Middle Eastern restaurant, Mʻs. Includes a glass of grape per person.
De-stress your man (and cheekily treat yourself) with our HOT SALT & PEPPER SCRUB followed by
a tension-zapping sports massage, while you are seriously softened with the BEE MY HONEY body
polish, warm milk, honey, black sesame and almond oil wrap, followed by a 60-minute massage.
COUPLE UP – SPA & LUNCH
AED 1,435
Reconnect with the GET A ROOM package (above), followed by lunch at Emirates Golf Clubʻs
Mediterranenean meets Middle Eastern restaurant, Mʻs. Includes a glass of grape per person.
VALENTINES PAMPER HAMPER
Mid-Term Break Swimming
Programme 2014
16th – 20th February, Emirates Golf Club
We will be offering three options for the Mid-Term Break Swimming
Programme. Please be aware that a parent must always accompany their
child at the swimming pool at Emirates Golf Club.
Option 1: BEGINNER SWIMMERS/LEARN-TO-SWIM
Two times per week for a 30 minute group lesson in the afternoon
Lessons will run from 2pm - 5.30pm
AED 170 Non-member, AED 160 Member
Option 2: BEGINNER SWIMMERS/LEARN-TO-SWIM
Three times per week for a 30 minute group lesson in the afternoon
Lessons will run from 2pm - 5.30pm
AED 225 Non-member, AED 215 Member
Option 3: AQUATOTS – FROGS/TADPOLE CLASSES
Frog and Tadpole classes only will be offered during the afternoon, twice
a week on Monday and Wednesday
AED 160 Non-member, AED 150 Member
Please email Natasha or Kati to register your child and
for more details on grouping and timings.
[email protected]
[email protected]
AED 1,000
The ultimate gift for SensAsia spaaaah addicts. Our PAMPER HAMPER includes a spa voucher for one
BEE MY HONEY treatment (above) voucher plus two Elemis Frangipani products. Choose from Elemis
Frangipani Manoi Oil; Frangipani Body Scub and Frangipani Cream and Shower Gel Duo.
For bookings, please call 04 417 9820
19th Hole
SNIPPETS
Jeev Milkha Singh
with members
Chef Francois
at the Desert
Classic, visiting
from Thailand
Chris May and
Tiger Woods
Mike and Francie Gerbich, Rai
Legnar and Henrik Stenson
Membership Services Manager
Andrew Matthews with Snap
and with Boney M
First golfers of 2014 tee off at the
Majlis course
Boyd Edmonson with
Tiger Woods
Captain Dick Purchase and Drummond Welsh
took on the team of Membership Services
Manager, Andy Matthews and Head Academy
Professional, Stephen Deane in a friendly match
on the Majlis course last month. The match
finished all square thanks to a superb birdie on
the 18th by Andy Matthews
Captain and Vice-Captain having
a laugh together
Andrew Whitelaw’s
at the Tiger Woods/
Congratulations to past member
(and prominent junior at EGC in
the 90s) Sarah, daughter of Allan
and Hazel Kidd who gave birth to
her son Charlie last month.
Spray
the 8th
Omega
‘A collection of Captains’ - Tom Barry, Mike Gerbich, Mick
Joan Legnar, Dick Purchase, Jacqui Barry, Rai Legnar
Congratulations to Captain Dick Purchase who won the morning Pro Am in the wasl
Emirates Golf Club team with Colin Montgomerie, Pontus Frederiksson and Austin Carey
five year old son, Hamish
/Mark O’Meara clinic
Hole-in-One
Keith Prosser, 12th Faldo, January
10th 2014 (during the Asia v Rest
of the World match)
Stephen Deane caddied for
Fred Couples for all four days
of the Desert Classic as well as
for the Champions’ Challenge
Early morning at EGC
Congratulations
to Katy and
Johnny Aldridge
on the birth of
their daughter,
Charlotte on 12th
January 2014
Technician, Ronnie Santos out on
h fairway during preparations for the
a Dubai Desert Classic
Hole-in-One
Lalu Mahtani,
18th January 2014,
17th Faldo
Brett, Mike Tracey,
The Marketing team with Henrik Stenson!
Lady Captain, Barbara Head
sporting a new look.
Past member
(and prominent
junior at EGC in
the 90s), Simon
Nesbitt and
his wife Denny
became first time
parents to Freddie
James Nesbitt
who was born in
Sydney on 10th
January
Congratulations to
Natalie, daughter
of Butch and Judy
Kamps who gave
birth to her son Jake
last month
Make it a Valentine’s Day to remember in the multi award winning French fine
dining restaurant, Le Classique. We will take you on an enchanting journey to
discover a decadent six course set menu with French flair prepared by Chef
Sylvain. Choose to dine indoors or enjoy the idyllic al fresco setting on the terrace
for a memorable celebration.
Price
AED 790 per couple for six course set menu with a glass of bubbly on arrival
This Valentine’s Day, M’s offers an exquisite three course menu with a
special Valentine’s cocktail on arrival. Relax and enjoy every moment in this
stylish and inviting venue, either inside or on the terrace overlooking the
pool and the stunning Dubai Marina skyline.
Price
AED 450 per couple for three course choice menu with welcome cocktail
Treat your loved one to the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience on the award
winning Majlis Course under the stars. Indulge in our specially selected six course
gourmet feast served to you by your very own private butler which also includes
an unlimited flow of white and red grape.
Price
AED 1,900 per couple inclusive of private transfer to and from Emirates Golf Club,
six course menu, unlimited red/white grape and premium bubbly on arrival
For further details and bookings for Valentine’s Day, please contact
Emirates Golf Club on +971 4 417 9999 or email [email protected]
www.dubaigolf.com