club life february 2014

[email protected]: Jacqui Barry

ISSUE 38 FEBRUARY 2014

Mark James1989

Colin Montgomerie

1996Richard Green

1997

Jose Maria Olazabal

1998David Howell

1999Eamonn Darcy

1990Seve Ballesteros

1992Fred Couples

1995

Jose Coceres2000

Thomas Bjorn2001

Henrik Stenson2007

Rory McIlroy2009

Miguel Ángel Jiménez

2010Alvaro Quiros

2011

Rafael Cabrera-Bello

2012Mark O’Meara

2004

Robert-Jan Derksen

2003

Wayne Westner1993

Ernie Els1994, 2002 and

2005

Tiger Woods2006 and 2008

2013 and 2014

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l What 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..

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.

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.

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

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Haridas PalliyalilResident Engineer

[email protected]

What 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.

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 four-ball 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.

Happy golfing!!

Dick PurchaseClub Captain 2013 – 2014

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MEN’S COMPETITION RESULTS

MEN’S MEDALA DIVISION (HCP. 0-10)Best Gross Rayhan Thomas Gross.72

Winner Alan Main 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 Net. 71

Friday 3rd January 2014

We’re Now On Instagram!

Catch up with the latest snapshots from around Emirates Golf Club by 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.

Alan Main receiving his prize

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2014 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 HeadLady Captain 2013 - 2014

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Monday 6th January 2014


LADIES’ COMPETITION RESULTS

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 NET 69

Sponsored byMonthly Medal

Ladies WaltzTEAM EVENTS

Winners Cathrine Clark, Thea Hendrickx

Fiona Nicholas 82

Runners-Up Mimi Hosking, Maggie Niel

Elizabeth Pudner 81

INDIVIDUAL

Winner Mimi Hosking 39

Runner Up Cathrine Clark 38

l - r: Barbara Head, Maura Duggan, Maggie Neil, Viv Caley, Cathrine Clarke

l - r: Cathrine Clarke, The Hendrickx, Barbara Head, Fiona Nicholas


Pairs Betterball

New Year’s Day Scramble

Asia V Rest Of The World

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Winners Maura Duggan

Margaret Breen 47

Runners-Up Annette Stewart

Ivy Bailey 45

Third Elise Hanson

Margaret Bain 44

Winners Mitsuko Emmerson, Alec Emmerson

Mr Fujitani, Yoshiko Fujitani 60.3

Runners-Up Eric Koeman, Margaret Neil

Daniel Yanchus, Mark Yanchus 60.8

Third Kish Bandopadhyay,

Rekha Bandopadhyay, Amresh Sangani,

Tanya Sangani 60.9

NEAREST THE PINS

HOLE # 12 (LADIES) Soumaya Salem

HOLE # 8 (GENTS) Matthew Baxter

NEAREST THE PINLADIES

HOLE # 2 Mitsuko Emmerson

HOLE # 12 Jenny Ayres

GENTSHOLE # 8 Anand Lakhiani

HOLE # 17 Gary Black

ASIA 11

REST OF THE WORLD 6

MIXED COMPETITION RESULTS

Wednesday 1st January 2014

Friday 10th January 2014

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

Winners Runners-Up

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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!

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.

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.

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 groupof 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 yearsand 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

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!

Four Captains, Tom Barry, Paul Thornberry,

Ed Bains and Mike Tracey

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Sigh…..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. ScoresPontus Fredriksson & Inaan Budiraj W 2-1Michael Harradine & Karouche Achtari L 2-1Ewan Cameron & Ross Hopwood L 3-2Rohit Gupta & Ed Hesson 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

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.

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!

NAME1st match HOME Sharjah Golf 16th Nov Sat 1pm - 1.30pm

2nd Match AWAY Jumeirah Golf Estates 29th

3rd match AWAY DCGYC 30th November Sat 1pm shotgun

4th match AWAY Sharjah Golf 18th January 7.40am - 8.10am 5th Match 6th Match 7th Match Played Won Draw Lost Points

Pontus Fredriksson EGC W 4 & 2 W 2 & 1 W 2 & 1 3 3 3Kouroche Achtari EGC W 4 & 2 L 2 & 1 2 1 1 0Rohit Gupta EGC W 2 & 1 2 Up L 5 & 4 L 4 & 2 4 2 2 0Ed Hesson EGC W 2 & 1 2 Up L 5 & 4 L 4 & 2 4 2 2 0Michael Harradine EGC W 4 & 3 L 2 & 1 2 1 1 0Ross Hopwood EGC W 4 & 3 L 3 & 2 2 1 1 0Johnny Aldridge EGC W 3 & 2 L 3 & 2 2 1 1 0Paul Byrne EGC W 3 & 2 L 7 & 5 2 1 1 0Charlie Stricklin EGC 1 Down W 2 & 1 L 7 & 5 3 1 2 -1Ewan Cameron EGC 1 Down L 3 & 2 2 2 -2Tim Evans EGC L 3 & 2 1 1 -1Inaan Budhiraja EGC L 4 & 3 1 Down W 2 & 1 3 1 2 -1Humayun Shahryar EGC L 4 & 3 1 Down 2 2 -2

Emirates Golf Club 32 14 0 18

Saturday 18th January 2014

Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club 3-1 Emirates Golf Club

Ricky Dominguez & Mike Robson 2+1 07.40 Michael Harradine & Karouche Achtari

Tim Collins & Jon Gould 07.50 2+1 Pontus Fredriksson & Inaan Budiraj

Paul Nightingale & Mick Conneely 3+2 08.00 Ewan Cameron & Ross Hopwood

Roy Holmes & Jon Houlston 4+2 08.10 Rohit Gupta & Ed Hesson

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

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Michael Harradine & Kouroche Achtari

Ewan Cameron & Ross Hopwood

Rohit Gupta & Ed Hesson

Pontus Fredriksson & Inaan Budhiraja

SPOTLIGHT ON

Dubai 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 28 2nd Fardeen Meeran 29Purple 1st Jay Mullane 33 2nd Hoshi Yadav 34Blue 1st David Polo 47 2nd Aarnav Nath 47 Yellow 1st Jaime Garcia-Villalon 49 2nd Olivia Thomas 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 ”

Baxter Starts the New Year with a Bang at Emirates Golf Club, Event 4 of the Dubai Golf Par 3 Junior Series

My 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.

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Baxter Starts the New Year with a Bang at Emirates Golf Club, Event 4 of the Dubai Golf Par 3 Junior Series

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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.

INTRODUCING… Jeffrey Brothers, Executive Sous Chef

On Saturday 4th January for the

second year running the Arabian Ranches Golf Club hosted the JTS Medical Junior Invitational. All local academies were invited to enter teams. On the day academies were represented from the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Butch Harmon School, Al Badia Golf Club, Al Ain Golf and 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

were respectful of their opponents whilst also revelling in the competitive team spirit of the day.

Starting the new year off with a bang The Emirates Academy juniors brought home a second place finish and represented our Club very honourably. Being a member of the Professional team I can

say I was proud to watch them compete. I saw some amazing shots and some greatcamaraderie between our juniors who missed out on first place by a mere four strokes. Our team was represented by Takumi Miyawaki, Mikhik Yadav, Hoshi Yadav, Sam Mullane, Jay Mullane and Tanishq Lalvani. Tanishq managed to also bag a 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

Emirates GC Academy Juniors proudly

represent the club with a second place finish

at the JTS Medical Invitational.

On Saturday 4th Janu-

ary for the second year

running the Arabian

Ranches golf club hosted

the JTS Medical Junior

Invitational. All local academies were invit-

ed to enter teams. On the day academies

were represented from the Sharjah golf and

shooting club, Arabian Ranches Golf Club,

Butch Harmon School, Al Badia Golf Club,

Al Ain Golf and Equestrian Club, Saa-

diyat Beach Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf

and Yacht Club and The Emirates Golf Club.

All teams represented their academies to a

high standard showing their skills with

some outstanding shots. Throughout the

day the players were respectful of their op-

ponents whilst also revelling in the compet-

itive team spirit of the day. Starting the new year off

with a bang The Emirates

Academy juniors brought

home a second place finish

and represented our club

very honourably.

Being a member of the

professional team I can say I was

proud to watch them compete. I saw

some amazing shots and some great

camaraderie between our juniors who

missed out on first place by a mere 4

strokes. Our team was represented by

Takumi Miyawaki, Mikhik Yadav, Hoshi

Yadav, Sam Mullane, Jay Mullane and

Tanishq Lalvani. Tanishq managed to

also bag a nearest to the pin prize with a

shot that would have rivalled Tiger him-

self.

On behalf of all the academy profession-

als I would like to thank and congratu-

late all juniors for taking part and we

look forwards to many more fine repre-

sentations in the future.







running the Arabian





















very honourably.













self.












running the Arabian





















very honourably.













self.







Emirates Golf Club Academy Juniors proudly represent the club with a second place finish at the JTS Medical Invitational.

Junior Membership

Perfect for the younger

golfer, Junior Membership

is now available at Emirates

Golf Club. Available for

juniors up to the age of

17 years, the membership

includes full access to our

championship courses and

practice facilities, as well as

a host of other benefits. To

find out more, please contact

Membership Services on

+971 4 417 9999.

Jamie Donaldson and Robert Rock with Harry Sheedy

The Majlis course looking stunning

National children enjoying the golf!

Ready for practice!

Driving range

Stephen Gallacher in action

Rory McIlroy

Javier Ballesteros

Tiger Woods and Fred Couples

Robert Rock

The marshals

Henrik Stenson

Tiger Woods and Mark O’Meara golf clinic

Fred Couples being interviewed by CNN

Captain and Senior staff with Stephen Gallacher

EGC staff with Stephen Gallacher

Greenkeepers hard at work

Final day at the 18th hole

The Gallacher family!

Great setting

www.dubaigolf.com

European number one Henrik Stenson of Sweden and Spain’s Rafael Cabrera-Bello were declared joint winners of the Champions’ Challenge Stenson and Cabrera-Bello 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 ClassicThe 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.

CHAMPIONS’ CHALLENGE

Gallacher creates history in 25th Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Omega Dubai Desert Classic

by Viren Verma

Stephen Gallacher survived an early wobble on the front nine to become the first player in the history of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic to

successfully defend his title at Emirates Golf Club on Sunday.

The 39-year-old Scot, two ahead at the start, handed the initiative away with a bogey-bogey start and then dropped further shots on the sixth and eighth to fall two off the pace.

He needed to produce something special to hold off the chasing pack. Four birdies in a seven-hole stretch from 11th did the trick for Gallacher as he closed with a level-par 72 for a tournament total of 16-under par, which was enough to win by one shot from Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo.

“I never do anything easy I’m afraid,” said Gallacher after receiving the winner’s trophy from HH Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Shaikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, chairman 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

bushes and trees and stuff,” said Gallacher, now a three-time winner on the European Tour.

“I just kept saying to myself, ‘stay patient’. I played the back nine well and no one was really running away with it at the time,” said the Scot who fought back into contention after a magical 63 in third round which included seven birdies and an eagle on the back nine.

“To win it on the 25th anniversary of the event, it was a good field with all the champions playing, makes it even more special.”

Hot favourite Rory McIlroy, who opened with six straight pars to inherit the lead, but hit his tee shot to the seventh in the water short of the green. Although he rescued a bogey with a brilliant third shot from the drop zone, the former number one never reproduced the form which saw him shoot an opening 63, eventually carding a closing 74 to finish four behind Gallacher.

“It was just one of those days. I hit a couple of loose drives, but I didn’t really get away

by Viren Verma

www.dubaigolf.com

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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

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.

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.

Gallacher creates history in 25th Omega Dubai Desert Classic

by Viren Verma

Stephen Gallacher survived an early wobble on the front nine to become the first player in the history of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic to

successfully defend his title at Emirates Golf Club on Sunday.

The 39-year-old Scot, two ahead at the start, handed the initiative away with a bogey-bogey start and then dropped further shots on the sixth and eighth to fall two off the pace.

He needed to produce something special to hold off the chasing pack. Four birdies in a seven-hole stretch from 11th did the trick for Gallacher as he closed with a level-par 72 for a tournament total of 16-under par, which was enough to win by one shot from Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo.

“I never do anything easy I’m afraid,” said Gallacher after receiving the winner’s trophy from HH Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Shaikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, chairman 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

bushes and trees and stuff,” said Gallacher, now a three-time winner on the European Tour.

“I just kept saying to myself, ‘stay patient’. I played the back nine well and no one was really running away with it at the time,” said the Scot who fought back into contention after a magical 63 in third round which included seven birdies and an eagle on the back nine.

“To win it on the 25th anniversary of the event, it was a good field with all the champions playing, makes it even more special.”

Hot favourite Rory McIlroy, who opened with six straight pars to inherit the lead, but hit his tee shot to the seventh in the water short of the green. Although he rescued a bogey with a brilliant third shot from the drop zone, the former number one never reproduced the form which saw him shoot an opening 63, eventually carding a closing 74 to finish four behind Gallacher.

“It was just one of those days. I hit a couple of loose drives, but I didn’t really 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.

Bespoke Wellness is pleased to announce the arrival of a new service at Emirates Golf Club.

Graham Poynor-Woods, 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.

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 BracingCustom 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

Top 4 tips before play from The Academy

For help to improve your game contact the Academy at [email protected]

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy your golfing!

Swing by the Fit Lab with TPI Qualified Academy Professional Jonathan Craddock to tune your body and your game

www.dubaigolf.com

14pr

os t

ip

Caddie ReminderPlease 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.

Improve your golf swing with motion stability and flexibility

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.

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

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.

Lunge and side reach (Frontal Plane)

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.

For more information, please contact +971 4 417 9850 or email [email protected]

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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?

Yes. The ball has rolled and come to rest “in a position where there is interference by the condition from which relief was

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. 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)

What's On In FebrauryDATES FOR YOUR DIARY

SOCIAL CALENDAR

Punchline Comedy Club at Emirates Golf ClubThe biggest celebration of Ireland and all things Irish will kick off very soon, inviting

the whole world to get involved with an emerald green merry cheer! There is no

better or more apt way of enjoying St Patrick’s Day than with a lot of laughter.

So, how about an entirely Irish line-up of the best of Ireland’s comedians to get

the party started? Punchline Comedy Club is proud to be starting the ‘green’

celebrations early and will be kicking off its Middle East Tour on 27th February at

Emirates Golf Club. Having enthralled audiences all over the world, Punchline is

renowned for hosting the best of international comedy and all eyes will be on the

talent of the Irish this time round! Wishing the best of Irish luck and ensuring a ‘pot

of gold’ laughs, the Punchline Comedy Club welcomes professional comedians:

Chris Kent, Colm McDonnell, and Andrew Stanley. The comedy kicks off at 9pm.

Tickets are priced at AED 200 per person including pub grub food and Dubai Golf

members avail a 20% discount.

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

Thursday 20th Emirates Amateur Open Round 1

06.30-16.00, Faldo

Friday 21st Emirates Amateur Open Round 2

06.30-16.00, Majlis

Monday 24th Ladies Camel Trophy

08.30, Majlis

Friday 28th Kohlman Nations Cup

13.00, Majlis

GOLF

Andrew StanleyChris Kent

Colm McDonnell

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

“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.

“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.”

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 Cabrera-Bello.

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

TOP PICKS FROM THE TOURS

How well do you know your rules?

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.

16 Dear Members,

I 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!

TRX and Spinning are also back on the agenda so there is plenty going to keep you occupied for February.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I look forward to seeing you at the gym.

Healthy Regards

Andy MeechHead of Sport & Leisure

Fitness Activity ScheduleFebruary

fit

lab

For bookings and enquiries, please contact Fit Lab on +971 4 417 9850 or email [email protected]

Fitness Activity ScheduleFebruary

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-SWIMTwo times per week for a 30 minute group lesson in the afternoon Lessons will run from 2pm - 5.30pmAED 170 Non-member, AED 160 Member

Option 2: BEGINNER SWIMMERS/LEARN-TO-SWIMThree times per week for a 30 minute group lesson in the afternoon Lessons will run from 2pm - 5.30pmAED 225 Non-member, AED 215 Member

Option 3: AQUATOTS – FROGS/TADPOLE CLASSESFrog and Tadpole classes only will be offered during the afternoon, twice a week on Monday and WednesdayAED 160 Non-member, AED 150 Member

Please email Natasha or Kati to register your child and for more details on grouping and [email protected]@aquatix.me

For bookings, please call 04 417 9820

Mid-Term Break Swimming Programme 2014

VALENTINES SPA SPECIALS AT SENSASIAAvailable throughout February

Still feeling wiped from the festive season? Well, itʻs a good job itʼs nearly February!

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.

BEE MY HONEY 120 mins / AED 695 or AED 1 ,195 for twoA 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.

SINGLE LADIES WHO LUNCH AED 1,415Take 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.

GET A ROOM! 120min / AED 1,245 for twoEmirates Golf Club and Palm Jumeirah locationsDe-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 1,435Reconnect 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 AED 1,000The 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.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

STUDIO STUDIO STUDIO STUDIO STUDIO STUDIO STUDIO

7.30 - 8.30Artistic Yoga






8.30 - 9.30TRX Suspension

Outdoor(Advantage Sports)



8.00 - 8.30 Stretch Outdoor

(Robert)

8.45 - 9.45Zumba Toning

(Tracy)

8.45 - 9.45 Pure Body Blast

(Elaine)

8.45 - 9.45Zumba Toning (Tracy)

8.45 - 9.45 Pure 30/30

(Elaine)

8.45 - 9.45Zumba (Tracy)

08.30 - 09.30Grade 4 Ballet

(Lisa)

8.45 - 9.30Pre Primary Ballet

(Lisa)

8.45 - 9.45Pilates ReformerIntermediate /

Advanced (Amanda)

8.45 - 9.45Pilates ReformerIntermediate /

Advanced (Amanda)

09.30 - 10.00 Beginner Ballerina

(Lisa)


(Lisa)

10.00 - 11.00 Bootcamp( Robert )


10.00 - 11.00Pilates Mat

Intermediate / Advanced (Amanda)


10.00 - 11.00 Pilates Mat

Intermediate / Advanced (Amanda)


(Lisa)

10.45 - 11.15 Beginner Ballerina

(Lisa)

12.00 - 13.00 Stretch

( Robert )


(Lisa)

11.30 - 12.30 Primary Ballet

(Lisa)

14.30 - 15.00Grade 3 Tap

(Lisa)

13.30 - 14.30 Private

Dance Lesson(Lisa)

13.00 - 14.00Grade 4

Tap Dance (Lisa)

12.30 - 13.45 Grade 2 Ballet

(Lisa)


(Lisa)

15.00 - 15.30Ab Blast(Robert)

15.00 - 15.30Ab Blast(Robert)

13.45 - 15.30 Grade 6 Ballet

(Lisa)

16.00 - 17.00 Modern Jazz

Dance (Lisa)

17.00 - 18.00 Spinning (Robert)

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

18.30 - 19.00 Metafit(Tracy)







19.00 - 20.00Kettlebell TrainingIntermediate to

Advanced


19.00 - 20.00Kettlebell TrainingIntermediate to

Advanced



20.00 - 21.00Artistic YogaWeight Loss





19th HoleSNIPPETS

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.

First golfers of 2014 tee off at the Majlis courseMembership Services Manager

Andrew Matthews with Snap and with Boney M

Spray Technician, Ronnie Santos out on the 8th fairway during preparations for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic

‘A collection of Captains’ - Tom Barry, Mike Gerbich, Mick Brett, Mike Tracey, Joan Legnar, Dick Purchase, Jacqui Barry, Rai Legnar

Boyd Edmonson with Tiger Woods

Chris May and Tiger Woods

Jeev Milkha Singh with members

Captain and Vice-Captain having a laugh together

Mike and Francie Gerbich, Rai Legnar and Henrik Stenson

Chef Francois at the Desert Classic, visiting from Thailand

Andrew Whitelaw’s five year old son, Hamish at the Tiger Woods/Mark O’Meara clinic

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

Stephen Deane caddied for Fred Couples for all four days of the Desert Classic as well as for the Champions’ Challenge

Spray Technician, Ronnie Santos out on the 8th fairway during preparations for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Hole-in-OneLalu Mahtani, 18th January 2014, 17th Faldo

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

‘A collection of Captains’ - Tom Barry, Mike Gerbich, Mick Brett, Mike Tracey, Joan Legnar, Dick Purchase, Jacqui Barry, Rai Legnar The Marketing team with Henrik Stenson!

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

Hole-in-One Keith Prosser, 12th Faldo, January 10th 2014 (during the Asia v Rest of the World match)

Early morning at EGCAndrew Whitelaw’s five year old son, Hamish at the Tiger Woods/Mark O’Meara clinic

Congratulations to Katy and Johnny Aldridge on the birth of their daughter, Charlotte on 12th January 2014

Lady Captain, Barbara Head sporting a new look.

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.

PriceAED 790 per couple for six course set menu with a glass of bubbly on arrival

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.

PriceAED 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

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.

PriceAED 450 per couple for three course choice menu with welcome cocktail

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

club life february 2014

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