WORLDWIDE GOLF OCTOBER 2025

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VOICE OF THE TOUR

DP World Tour reveals record 2026 schedule

Our 2025 season might well have a couple of months to run but we never stand still here on the DP World Tour and it was therefore with great excitement and anticipation that we announced our 2026 global schedule a couple of weeks’ ago during the week of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Featuring a minimum of 42 Race to Dubai tournaments in 25 different countries, the schedule will once again comprise three distinct phases, beginning with five ‘Global Swings’ followed by the ‘Back 9’, with the season then culminating with the ‘DP World Tour Play-Offs’ here in the UAE in November. In addition, members will compete for a record total prize fund of $157.5 million (outside the Major Championships) on our Tour next season.

Once again, our region will play a hugely significant part in shaping the destiny of the 2026 Race to Dubai champion with six tournaments scheduled for our shores.

The first four come in a consecutive run in January and February and start with the return of the Dubai Invitational at the Dubai Creek Resort which will return to the schedule after alternating with the Team Cup during the current 2025 season. Last played in 2024, it produced a memorable tournament then with Dubai resident Tommy Fleetwood winning by a shot from recently crowned Grand Slam

champion Rory McIlroy and five-time DP World Tour champion Thriston Lawrence. We hope for similar excitement this time around.

Following that is the 37th staging of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club from January 22 to 25 and the Bahrain Championship, making its third appearance on our global schedule from January 29 to February 1. Rounding out this particular month-long spell will be an as yet unconfirmed Middle East event which will run from February 5 to 8 and which will also be the fourth event in our 2026 International Swing.

While the UAE will not play host to any specific events in our Back 9 later in the year, our Tour title partner DP World will have an impact as it sponsors one of the new events on the calendar this year which will return next year, namely the DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club in New Delhi from October 15-18. The two new events in 2026 are the Corales Puntacana Championship in the Dominican Republic from July 16 to19 and the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship in Barcelona from May 7 to 10.

The Corales Puntacana Championship on the PGA TOUR takes the place in our schedule of the Barracuda Championship and once again will see the DP World Tour given 50 playing spots for our members, as will be the case in the ISCO Championship in Kentucky a week earlier in July.

The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship – the first tournament on the European Swing – will be played at Real Club de Golf El Prat and its existence has come about following the agreement announced earlier this summer that the 2031 Ryder Cup will be played at Camiral in Catalunya, with Spain becoming the first continental European country to host the biennial contest twice. In addition, El Prat will host a DP World Tour event for the first time since the 2015 Open de España.

Finally, as always, the 2026 season will end here in the UAE with our two play-off events, the Abu Dhabi Championship from November 5 to 8 and the DP World Tour Championship from November 12 to 15, where next season’s Race to Dubai champion will be crowned.

Of course, we still have that excitement to come this year with six tournaments left to play after this week’s Ryder Cup in the United States. Last year’s champion Rory McIlroy is still out in front but in close pursuit are England’s Marco Penge following his victory in last month’s Danish Golf Championship and France’s Adrien Saddier following his back-toback top five finishes in both the Amgen Irish Open and the BMW PGA Championship. It is all to play for.

Tom Phillips

OCTOBER - 2025

14 COURSE FOCUS

Ryder Cup stars Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Viktor Hovland join home hero Shubhankar Sharma at Delhi Golf Club this October, bringing global star power to one of Asia’s most historic venues.

16 RYDER CUP HEROS

Against a fierce New York backdrop, Europe produced a masterclass in team spirit and clutch golf to retain the Ryder Cup, outmanoeuvring their rivals in one of the great modern battles..

22 THE PLAY-OFFS

The Race to Dubai is reaching boiling point as the season heads for its UAE finale, with seasoned stars, breakout winners and rising talents battling to secure their Play-Off places.

24 MCILROY THE DUBAI HERO

Rory’s back where it all began. The story behind his 20-year Dubai love affair as he chases a record fifth Dallah Trophy at the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

26 ABU DHABI HSBC CHAMPIONSHIP

Celebrating 20 years of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship — a tournament that’s delivered unforgettable drama, iconic champions and shock upsets, from DiMarco’s heart-warming triumph to Robert Rock’s famous victory over Tiger Woods.

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Discover the simple, no-fuss swing that makes Tyrrell Hatton one of golf’s most consistent stars — and why his old-school approach could be the secret modern players are missing.

36 INSTUCTION

SWING GEAR

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Struggling with your downswing? Discover why letting the club fall in front of your hands — not behind — could be the key to more consistent, powerful ball-striking.

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RYDER CUP STARS SET FOR DELHI

Showcase

RSE

Some of Europe’s biggest Ryder Cup names are heading to India this October, with Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Viktor Hovland confirmed to tee it up at Delhi Golf Club, alongside local favourite Shubhankar Sharma. Fresh from representing Europe at Bethpage, the quartet will bring star power and Ryder Cup buzz to one of Asia’s most historic golfing venues.

For McIlroy, the visit marks another chapter in his remarkable 2025 season, which saw him finally complete the career Grand

Slam at Augusta before leading Europe’s charge in New York. Fleetwood arrives off the back of his FedEx Cup triumph, while Lowry has enjoyed one of his most consistent campaigns in years, capped by sinking the putt that retained the Ryder Cup for Europe at Bethpage.

Hovland, meanwhile, remains one of the game’s most dynamic ball strikers — and a fan favourite wherever he goes. Add Sharma into the mix, buoyed by home support and strong Tour form, and the stage is set for a memorable week in India’s capital.

Historic Setting Meets World-Class Talent

Dating back to the 1920s and formally established in 1951, Delhi Golf Club blends championship golf with centuries-old history. The Lodhi Course is framed by Mughal ruins and ancient monuments, demanding accuracy over brute strength — a test perfectly suited to the strategic games of Europe’s Ryder Cup stars. The club has hosted the Hero Indian Open multiple times since 1964 and is home to over 300 species of trees and birds, including its famous peacocks. This October, though, the spotlight will be firmly on McIlroy his fellow European champions as they bring a taste of Ryder Cup class to India. For Sharma and the home fans, it’s a rare chance to see Europe’s elite up close on home soil.

RYDER CUP 2025

BETHPAGE BATTLE ENDS IN EUROPEAN TRIUMPH

The 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black had it all — noise, needle, drama and one almighty European celebration. The infamous Long Island course lived up to its beastly reputation, the New York crowds brought the chaos and Europe once again walked away with the Ryder Cup tucked safely under their arm.

From the opening tee shot to the final nervy putt, this was golf turned up to eleven. The U.S. mounted a late Sunday charge, but Shane Lowry’s six-footer on the 18th to secure the vital halfpoint sent the European bench wild. Bethpage will be remembered for its roars, its brutality and for Europe’s 13th win in the last 19 editions of this historic contest.

Fleetwood Magic, Rory’s Fire, Rahm’s Roar

Tommy Fleetwood was Europe’s heartbeat. With that trademark calm and controlled swing, he racked up a 4–1–0 record and walked off with the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award. Alongside Rory McIlroy, the pair were untouchable in foursomes, dismantling Collin Morikawa and Harris English like a well-oiled machine.

Rory, fresh from his career Grand Slam earlier this year, played like a man on a mission. His driver was on a string, his irons dialled in and the emotion flowed — every fist pump felt like it carried the whole team with him. Jon Rahm brought his usual fire alongside close friend Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose rolled back the years with some clutch putts that reminded everyone why he’s a Ryder Cup stalwart.

America Left Scratching Heads

On paper, the U.S. team looked stacked — world No.1 Scottie Scheffler, a stable of major winners and home advantage. But foursomes were their undoing. Europe simply out-strategised and outbonded them. The Americans certainly made things interesting on Sunday and almost pulled off the most unlikely of comebacks, but Russell Henley’s short miss on 18 left the door open and Lowry kicked it down.

Blueprint for the Future

Europe’s formula was simple: trust, team spirit, smart pairings and ice-cold execution. With McIlroy taking on a leadership mantle alongside Fleetwood and young talent waiting in the wings, the future looks bright.

Bethpage was boisterous, brutal and brilliant. And when the dust settled, it was Europe holding the cup aloft again.

not

Respect between captains.

Play-Off Picture Takes Shape on the DP World Tour

As the DP World Tour season heads for its dramatic conclusion in the UAE, the Race to Dubai Rankings are starting to settle. A mix of seasoned campaigners rediscovering their best, breakthrough winners enjoying career years, and emerging talents finding their feet have already booked their places in the Play-Offs. With the top 70 advancing to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the top 50 qualifying for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, the race is heating up.

Saddier’s Breakthrough Year

Adrien Saddier has been one of the revelations of 2025. The Frenchman finally broke through earlier this season, winning in Italy on his 200th career start. It was a landmark moment for a player who has spent much of his career balancing Qualifying School campaigns with spells on Tour.

Saddier has backed up that win with a run of consistent form, including six top-ten finishes, a strong showing at the Irish Open and a play-off battle with Alex Noren at Wentworth. He currently sits third in the Race to Dubai Rankings with 2,465.8 points, behind only Marco Penge (2,856.2) and Rory McIlroy (4,084.6). Heading into the Play-Offs, he’s firmly among the names to watch.

Joakim Lagergren’s climb back up the rankings has been one of the season’s most satisfying storylines. After losing his Tour card at the end of 2023, the Swede regrouped with two wins on the HotelPlanner Tour in 2024 and has steadily rebuilt his standing on the DP World Tour.

His runner-up finish to Rory McIlroy at the Amgen Irish Open confirmed that progress, locking in his place in the Play-Offs and pushing him up to 22nd in the Race to Dubai Rankings. With two second-place finishes and a Major debut under his belt this season, Lagergren has re-established himself as a dangerous player at the business end of the year.

New Faces Making Their Mark

Eugenio Chacarra and Elvis Smylie have added a welcome dose of new blood to the top end of the rankings.

Chacarra, currently 27th, claimed his maiden DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in just his ninth start, then backed it up with top-ten finishes at the Volvo China Open, Hainan Classic and Italian Open. It’s been a breakthrough campaign for the Spaniard, who secured second place in the Asian Swing and

has quickly adapted to life at this level.

Elvis Smylie, meanwhile, has pushed even higher. The Australian currently sits 14th in the Race to Dubai Rankingsafter opening the 2025 campaign with a memorable victory at the BMW Australian PGA Championship. A top-five at the ISPS HANDA Australian Open and a tie for sixth at the Danish Golf Championship have underlined his ability to contend on big stages. At just 23, he looks ready to play a major role in the Play-Offs.

Quiet Operators in Strong Positions

Behind the headline names, others have been quietly cementing their positions. Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, who topped the 2024 Road to Mallorca Rankings, has made a seamless transition to the main Tour. Two runner-up finishes and five further top tens have lifted him to 19th in the standings and he looks comfortable among the elite.

Thriston Lawrence has also turned his year around. After a slow start to 2025, the South African found his spark at the Omega European Masters, winning the Back 9 event to jump to 26th in the Race to Dubai. It means he’ll contest the Play-Offs for a fourth straight season — a testament to his ability to deliver when it matters most.

UAE Awaits the Season Climax

With the final stretch approaching, the Play-Off picture is starting to look particularly intriguing. The top 70 will gather for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship before the top 50 head to Jumeirah Golf Estates for the DP World Tour Championship,

where the season’s biggest prizes will be decided. It’s a line-up that promises a compelling finale and once again, the UAE will provide the perfect stage for the closing chapters of another fascinating Race to Dubai season.

Where birdies meet business

Monday mornings at Jumeirah Golf Estates are about to get a fresh twist. As the sun rises over the 18th green, the DP World Tour Breakfast Club will bring together golf enthusiasts and business professionals for a relaxed morning of conversation and connection in a setting that’s anything but ordinary.

Held in the Championship Chalet, the Breakfast Club offers guests the chance to ease into the week over coffee and a light breakfast, surrounded by one of the most iconic closing holes in world golf.

It’s designed as a space to strengthen existing relationships or spark new ones, with the added atmosphere of tournament week in Dubai.

The first event takes place on Monday 10 November, from 8:00am to 10:00am, with tickets priced at AED 200 per person. Spaces are limited.

MEETINGS WITH A VIEW

For smaller gatherings, the Championship Meeting Room provides a private, fully equipped space for up to ten guests. Featuring Rally Plus technology for seamless remote participation and a private dining area overlooking the fairway, it’s a unique alternative to the usual boardroom setting.

A HUB FOR BIGGER IDEAS

For larger events, the Championship Hub offers a semi-private area for up to 50 guests. Ideal for year-end updates or leadership off-sites, it combines a professional environment with the relaxed atmosphere of the DP World Tour’s season finale.

For bookings and enquiries, contact premium@etghq.com.

RORY MCILROY

20 CLASSIC

Years in Dubai

Rory Fever is set to sweep the UAE once again.

Fresh from his upcoming appearances in the DP World Tour Play-offs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Grand Slam champion has confirmed he will return to Emirates

Golf Club for the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

He’ll tee it up on the Majlis Course from January 22–25, chasing a record fifth Dallah Trophy. The milestone appearance will mark 20 years since he first played the ‘Major of the

2006

TEENAGE KICKS

A 16-year-old McIlroy makes his debut Desert Classic appearance as an amateur, walking the Majlis in competition for the very first time and only narrowly missing the cut.

2007 CUTTING THROUGH

At just 17 and still an amateur, Rory makes the cut at Emirates Golf Club – the first time he’d played the weekend in a professional event, offering an early glimpse of what was to come.

Middle East’ as a fresh-faced 16-yearold amateur.

That debut was the beginning of a love affair that has seen McIlroy become the most successful player in the tournament’s history – and Dubai golf’s most beloved adopted son.

2009

BREAKTHROUGH VICTORY

Still just 19, he claims his maiden professional title and first of many on the DP World Tour at the Desert Classic, edging Justin Rose to lift the Dallah Trophy.

AT THE DOUBLE

By now a global star, McIlroy secures his second Desert Classic crown with a commanding performance.

2023

REED RIVALRY

The week was lit up by drama before a ball was struck, when McIlroy ignored Patrick Reed on the range and the American cheekily flicked a LIV Golf tee in his direction. The tension carried into the tournament, but Rory had the last wordrolling in a birdie on the 18th to edge Reed and claim his third Desert Classic title.

THE COMEBACK

From ten behind at the halfway stage, McIlroy storms through the field to win a record fourth title – one of the greatest

2026

20 YEARS ON

Two decades after that teenage debut, Rory returns to Emirates Golf Club aiming for a fifth Dallah Trophy and another slice of history.

The

ENDURING ALLURE OF ABU DHABI

Returning for its 20th year and now in recently reskinned play off form, Worldwide Golf unpacks why the storied Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship holds more appeal than ever.

By Tom Norton

hough to many golf fans it has passed by in a green-filled blur, two decades ago, the world of golf was a markedly different place. And while the rise of new players, toppling of records and seemingly endless tweaks in equipment have always been relatively commonplace, in the

in the sands of the UAE capital has always been a bonafide crowd pleaser.

Though now occupying a very different date in the Tour calendar (more on that later), since its original inception as a January fixture, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship has historically provided the biggest names on the DP World Tour a platform to make a powerful statement of intent for the year ahead.

last twenty years we have seen greater debate, discourse and box-office storylines in our beloved sport arguably than ever before. The emergence of divisive new tours, changes in traditional playing formats, unprecedented scrutiny on technology (… the rollback argument, anyone?) and of course, the ascendancy of social media stars and what they mean for the spectating future of golf.

So, when looking back at the 20-year history of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, there is a compelling yet comforting familiarity to this now flagship event. A Middle Eastern icon that has conjured excitement and intrigue with every turn, battled out between the game’s great and the good. From Woods and Mickelson to McIlroy and Westwood (though it is only the latter of that auspicious group who has ever claimed said championship), the field that has swashbuckled

A LOOK AT TOURNAMENT’S PAST

In its inaugural event in 2006, the world saw American Chris DiMarco – then World No.11 – lift the prestigious Falcon Trophy in particularly heartwarming fashion, raising it aloft next his wife who had been caddying for him all week.

In the years that followed, the spoils would be battled out by future Ryder Cup cohorts Paul Casey and Martin Kaymer, jousting year after year and denying the rest of the field a look-in for half a decade. It was Kaymer, however, having won his second consecutive Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

in 2010, who would use the tournament as the catalyst for his own annus mirabilis; adding two more Tour wins and his very first Major, the PGA Championship, in an astonishing career season. The 2012 event cemented itself in tournament folklore as the relatively unknown (then ranked 121st in the world) Robert Rock would prove immovable on Sunday’s leaderboard, besting his intimidating final day playing partner Tiger Woods (and eventual runner up Rory McIlroy) and claiming the Falcon Trophy. It would prove the single greatest win of Rock’s career. In the years that followed we have been treated to the various victorious charges of Fleetwood and Fowler, Stal, Donaldson and Larrazábal…but none were more welcomed by the Abu Dhabi patrons than that of last month’s Ryder Cup hero, Shane Lowry. The ever-popular Irishman, incredibly then only 75th in the world ranking, lit up Abu Dhabi Golf Club on his opening round –carding a 62 and tying a course record first set by Henrik Stenson in the inaugural 2006 championship. Lowry would then give the gathered crowd a shootout for the ages on the Sunday, having seen his three-shot overnight lead turn into a four-stroke deficit, he rallied spectacularly on the back nine, with a birdie on the 18th proving enough to beat playing partner Richard Sterne by one shot. Lowry’s first victory in four years and one that would set him down a path culminating in a sensational home-soil win at The Open at Royal Portrush later that year.

And of course, ushering us into a new decade was Lee Westwood’s historic 2020 win, immortalising the then 46-year-old Englishman as one of only three golfers in DP World Tour history to win events over four separate decades.

However, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship stories that equally endure go beyond the winners’ circle. This is, after all, a sport where the dramatic or glorious are never confined solely to the Sunday afternoon. Who could forget the spectacular three holes-in-one witnessed across the same weekend, on the very same hole in 2012? Where the campedout masses on Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s par three 12th were treated to aces from both Sergio Garcia and José Manuel Lara on their opening round, before Graeme McDowell completed the unlikeliest of triples on the final day. And in the kind of ‘right place, right time’ story that could only happen in this game, 2013’s tournament saw Etihad pilot Brian Mullen volunteer as caddie for Jason Duffner when his on-the bag-regular, Kevin Baile, was unable to travel. Or perhaps it is the litany of players who’ve fallen foul of golf’s unforgiving rulebook here that sticks in fans collective memories. Whether it’s the 2009 gut-punching instance of Henrik Stenson missing a cut for mistakenly playing a ball that was

left out from the previous day’s Pro Am instead of his own, or Padraig Harrington’s eventual disqualification for illegally moving his ball on the green (a keen television viewer phoned officials after seeing Harrington’s hand knock the ball as he took his marker away) in 2011. And, of course, most of the golfing world will recall Tiger Woods making characteristic global headlines for an incorrect ‘free’ drop and subsequent two-stroke penalty on his second round in 2013 – leading to his first ever missed cut in a DP World Tour event.

A year later it was Rory McIlroy hit with a headscratching rule infraction that cost him two strokes and subsequently the title back in 2014.

As with all great tournaments, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is about moments. Moments of the sublime, and indeed, the ridiculous. The delight and the drama. The nail-biting and near breathless. Moments where mettle is tested and winners are moulded.

THE UPDATED FORMAT

In 2024, a wholesale and dramatic tournament change was made. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship was moved from its prior and longstanding January position to early November, where it would herald the start of the brand-new DP World Tour Play-Offs. Formerly the first event of the Rolex series since 2019, the tournament now represents a pivotal end-season point, kicking off a fortnight of UAE-based golf that will decide the DP World Tour Championship and Race to Dubai title. Taking place for the very first time last year, the gripping new format means the top 70 players available on the tour congregate in Abu Dhabi for the first of a twopronged play-off, with 50 golfers advancing to the DP World Tour Championship at Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates.

“The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship has long been one of the most prestigious and recognisable

events on the DP World Tour. For 18 consecutive years, it served as a popular early season stop, attracting some of the world’s top players and shining a spotlight on the UAE as a world-class golfing destination,” said Tom Phillips, Director of the Middle East at the DP World Tour. “The decision we took together with Abu Dhabi Sports Council to move from its traditional January slot to a new November date, alongside the DP World Tour Championship, was one we thought long and hard about. By aligning it, we created a season-ending fortnight of worldclass golf in the UAE – a compelling narrative that enhances fan engagement and the region’s global profile in a busy sporting landscape.”

In addition, three years ago saw another turning of the page as the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship was moved from its iconic home at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club to the now world-renowned Yas Links. A stunning yet formidable costal Links track that – for a Middle East course – offers players the kind of unique rural challenge they’d normally find 5000 miles away nestled along the seaside towns of the British Isles. But then, you would expect no less when one considers its creator, Kyle Phillips – the man who designed St Andrews’ own Kingsbarns course.

Unfolding on Yas Links undulating and unforgiving pastures, 2024’s opening iteration of what is now an end-of-season showpiece, did not disappoint. With

a final day chasing pack comprising of Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy and Rolex Series winner Tyrrell Hatton piling on the pressure – it was Englishman Paul Waring who held his nerve incredibly in the toughest of environs. Having only ever won once on the DP World Tour, six years prior, and recently relocated to the UAE, Waring shot his way to an exceptional 66 on the Sunday, including a crowd-erupting 40ft birdie putt on the 17th. So what can we expect this year? More of the same it seems.

With so much now at stake due to the revised play-off structure of the event, the Tour’s brightest stars will be champing at the bit to tee it up at Yas Links come November 6. First in line will be McIlroy, in hot pursuit of a staggering seventh (and fourth consecutive) Race to Dubai crown. “I love ending the season in the Middle East and I’m excited to return to Abu Dhabi again for the first of two big events later this year,” said the Grand Slam winner back in June. “I’ve got a good record at Yas Links so hopefully I can continue doing what I’m doing and give myself a chance of finishing the season

THE ABU DHABI HSBC CHAMPIONSHIP HAS LONG BEEN ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS AND RECOGNISABLE EVENTS ON THE DP WORLD TOUR. FOR 18 CONSECUTIVE YEARS, IT SERVED AS A POPULAR EARLY SEASON STOP, ATTRACTING SOME OF THE WORLD’S TOP PLAYERS AND SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON THE UAE AS A WORLD-CLASS GOLFING DESTINATION.”

TOM PHILLIPS

strongly.” Fans can also look forward to the familiar, ever-competitive face of Ryder Cup hero Hatton, who’ll be battling to compliment his regional triumph in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at the start of the year.

They’ll both also be joined by their USconquering Ryder Cup 2025 compatriots Matt Fitzpatrick and Robert MacIntyre, who’ve each enjoyed stellar seasons and recently confirmed their places for the November showdown. And, barring any big surprises – they’ll be kept in good company by fellow European teammates Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood and Alex Noren, all likely to be heading to the capital vying to add to their own respective successes this year.

The rest of the field promises to be an eminently exciting one, with spectators set to be treated

to the likes of Min Woo Lee, Adrian Meronk, Ryan Fox, Haotong Li and previous winner Victor Perez, fighting it out for the coveted silverware and those crucial Race to Dubai points. But, as we’ve seen so many times in the last two decades, the outcome is anyone’s guess. Some of the greatest to play the game have been vanquished by those outside the top 100.

We’ve seen the downright marvellous and the truly mad. It is what continues to make this tournament so utterly intriguing, no matter where it lies in the fixture list. And now with the ante upped considerably thanks to the fiercest of play-off formats and the riches that lie beyond, one thing is certain, this historic jewel in the Arabian golfing crown promises to dazzle brighter than ever.

SWING

Tyrrell Hatton

Tyrrell Hatton’s swing is a model of simplicity and precision. Developed early in his career and refined through consistency rather than constant tinkering, it’s a no-frills action that holds up under pressure. His ability to own his swing is a key reason behind his reputation as one of the Tour’s most reliable performers.

By Stephen Deane

SWING

Tyrrell is one of the most consistent players on the planet and you can certainly see why from his simple no fuss swing. I know his only coach was his father Jeff from an early age and they developed his current swing by the time he was 17 years old. Since then, they just monitor his pattern and ensure everything they worked on during those early years stays in place. This is such a refreshing approach and something I feel is potentially a lost art in modern golf. Greats such as Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead, Freddie Couples and in the modern game Scottie Scheffler also followed this approach. It allows the player to become completely emerged in playing the game and stands up under the most extreme pressure as the player owns they’re game.

1. Solid primary movement as the arms stay connected and the chest coils away from the ball. You’ll notice now he holds the ground with his knees solidly planted over the balls of his feet and limited hip coil early in his pattern.

2. His chest continues to coil as he maintains a strong lower half and good control over any unnecessary club face rotation as the club stays in front of his hands.

3. Tyrrell’s right arm starts to fold and his wrists softly set as the club works up on a perfect plane. Again his chest has continued to coil against a solid lower half with limited hip coil early in his pattern.

4. His hips start to gradually coil as the pressure works it way into his right foot as he starts to load his shoulders up

5. He reaches his full hip turn just before the top of his swing as his chest continues to coil. It looks like his hip coil is less than 45 degrees but his chest coil is more than 90 degrees. This pattern allows him to hold the ground exceptionally well but still create plenty of power.

6. At the top the club reaches a point slightly short of parallel due to his controlled hip coil. This position although slightly shorter than some of the worlds best players I believe is Tyrrells superpower as it gives him way more in terms of consistency and club control than he could ever gain with a slightly longer swing. You’ll also

Written by Stephen DeaneHead International Development Coach for Dubai Golf

Stephen is an ambassador for Dubai Golf and coaches at their wonderful array of facilities whilst in Dubai. Stephen also spends a proportion of his time developing Professionals, Amateurs and VIPs Internationally. He has a passion for education and sharing knowledge and ideas with his colleagues and students.

notice his hips have started to shift and coil left indicating he’s already started his transition into the downswing.

7. He continues to shift left and uncoil his solid lower half as his shoulders unload down. This downward action slightly shallows the club as he maintains the set in his wrists.

8. At this stage Tyrrell has unloaded his shoulders but maintained a good proportion of his chest coil and not opened up early like many amateurs tend to do. You’ll also notice he’s pushing up of the ground to create that powerful vertical force. You can see the pressure has moved into both toes and his heels start to lift.

9. Pre impact he holds that set in his right arm and wrists (lag) as his body continues to post up

into his toes. You can see his hip coil is now open and his shoulders relatively square. From here it’s easy to see how he can produce an extremely neutral controlled ball flight with limited side spin.

10. Full release of the club and full extension of his arms down the target line as he continues to push up of the ground. His head stays beautifully behind the ball guaranteeing a positive attack angle.

11. As he moves through the ball his left heel and foot lower into a stable balanced position for him to continue to coil around. You’ll also notice a slight early fold in his left elbow which allows him to keep the face square for longer through the ball.

Full balanced finish with his hips facing the target and his chest slightly left as he enjoys yet another solid controlled drive.

COMMON FAULTS PART 2 TOPPLE DRILL!

By Stephen Deane

TOPPLE DRILL!

Photography: Alex Leyno

Common faults Part 2: TOPPLE DRILL!

In this article I’d like to cover the importance of letting the club fall or topple in front of the hands during the downswing. (Picture 1)

HOW CAN WE MAKE THINGS EASIER?

First lets let the shoulders work up rather than in during the backswing. We describe this upward movement of the shoulders as loading (Picture 3) rather than an inward turning pattern (Picture 4).

Once the shoulders have loaded up within your natural range it’s easy to let them work down to initiate your downswing (transition). This downward movement of the shoulders naturally shallows the club without feeling you have to let the club head fall behind the hands.

I see many players trying to let the club fall behind the hands (shallow) or hold the club for as long as possible behind the hands (lag) as they initiate the downswing. (Picture 2)

From this position the club can easily get trapped behind and requires an extremely athletic move with the body and wrists to return squarely to the ball.

Once the shoulders have unloaded (Picture 5) you can let the club head topple out in front of the hands (Picture 6). From here you’ll be in a unrestricted delivery position where your lead side can open and stretch as the club head is transported comfortably to the back of the ball.

PRACTICE WITH INTENTION!

This ‘shoulders down and club head toppling out’ pattern will be merged when playing. When practicing you can work on them independently, the down first and the out in slow motion second. Once you feel comfortable merge them together, speed the pattern up and you start striking balls.

You’ll notice I’ve placed a small training aid with a red vertical on the shaft (Picture 7) This simple aid helps my students visualize the toppling out pattern we’ve discussed. It’s a torque applied to the club (positive alpha). If you want to learn more about the forces and torques there’s plenty of valuable information out there but be careful not to get to caught to much up in the science!! I trust this drill helps you understand the downswing pattern and provides some clarity on what the head is doing relative to both your body and hands.

THE BIG STICK VERDICT

Hits, Misses and

and Maybes

Remember back to the start of the year when the big brands told us their new drivers were going to change our golfing lives?

More distance, more forgiveness, straighter tee shots and fewer Pro V1s disappearing into the rough?

Well, it’s October now, and we’ve had a full season to see if the hype stacks up. Spoiler alert: some promises delivered, others… not so much.

That’s the thing about drivers — no other club has the same mix of hope, fear and outright pressure strapped to it. Pulling driver means you’re either striding down the fairway like Rory or rummaging through the bushes wondering why you didn’t just hit 3-wood. And when the likes of Titleist, PING, Callaway, and TaylorMade roll out their new toys, the entire golfing world pays attention.

This year’s crop has had almost ten months under the microscope. Tour wins, launch monitor numbers, retail feedback and the odd bit of Tour drama.

Titleist has racked up victories, PING has gone full stability mode, Callaway’s shiny new Elyte has earned its stripes, and TaylorMade’s Qi35… well, let’s just say its story is more complicated than the spec sheet.

TITLEIST

WINNING NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE

PING – G440 RAISES THE FORGIVENESS BAR AGAIN

G440 series has had a strong season, led by the G440 Max 10K, which set new MOI benchmarks. By late summer, it had become a favourite on Tour for players looking for forgiveness without sacrificing has also seen play in multiple winner’s bags, showing that low-spin performance can still come with trademark PING stability. Feedback has been positive on sound, too — an area

TAYLORMADE

QI35 AND THE SHADOW OF THE QI10

No 2025 driver has generated as much debate as TaylorMade’s Qi35. On paper, it’s everything a modern driver should be: dual weight tracks, carbon construction, and sleek shaping. Earlyseason testing confirmed it was fast, forgiving, and one of the most adjustable drivers on the market. Retail feedback has been generally positive, with many amateurs enjoying the ability to finetune ball flight.

The reality? The conformity issue was isolated and fixed quickly, but the damage was done in terms of reputation. Nearly a year on, the Qi35 still hasn’t displaced the Qi10 at the very top of the game, but that doesn’t mean it’s a poor driver. For the vast majority of golfers, it delivers plenty of speed, forgiveness, adjustability and arguably more userfriendly than its predecessor.

But the Tour story was messier. Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler both chose to stick with the 2024 Qi10, a decision that instantly raised questions about the Qi35’s Tour readiness. Add in headlines about a small batch of non-conforming heads early in the year, and suddenly the Qi35 was fighting perception as much as performance.

CONCLUSION

So, what have we learned from a year of booming drives and bruised egos? That no driver is perfect, but the best ones earn their keep going after the launch buzz fades. Titleist has proved, once again, that winning never goes out of fashion. PING has built a fortress of forgiveness in the G440. Callaway’s Elyte has shown it can step out of the shadows and hold its own. And TaylorMade? Well, the Qi35 is living proof that perception can sometimes overshadow performance.

At the end of the day, it’s still you and your driver on the tee, staring down 440 yards of possibility. The tech is smarter, the heads are hotter, and the promises are shinier—but the pressure remains the same. Will you walk off with driver in hand and fairway underfoot, or a polite cough and a reload from the bag? That is why we’ll always be suckers for the next big stick.

TRUSTED DRIVERS RULED AT BETHPAGE

Bethpage Black proved to be every bit the brute it promised – a relentless test where the driver, alongside the short stick, became the most valuable weapon in the bag. With the rough as gnarly, players leaned heavily on the big stick all week.

What made it even more fascinating was the gear inside those headcovers. At this level, nobody is chasing a quick bonus cheque – prize money and silverware far outweigh anything a

Player

Rory McIlroy

Robert MacIntyre

Tommy Fleetwood

Justin Rose

Rasmus Højgaard

Tyrrell Hatton

Shane Lowry

Ludvig Åberg

Viktor Hovland

Matt Fitzpatrick

Jon Rahm

Sepp Straka

Driver

TaylorMade Qi10

Titleist TSR2

TaylorMade Qi35

manufacturer can offer. So, it was no surprise to see many players sticking with trusted, previousgeneration drivers they were fully dialled in with.

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler were not alone by opting fpr previous generation models. Across both teams, the majority of players stayed loyal to familiar setups rather than switching to the latest releases. Out of the 24 Ryder Cup competitors, only eight put 2025 models in play – and that’s only if you politely

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond

PING G430 LST

Srixon ZXi LS

Titleist TSR2

PING G425 LST

Titleist GT3

Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond

Player

Scottie Scheffler

J.J. Spaun

Xander Schauffele

Russell Henley

Harris English

Bryson DeChambeau

Justin Thomas

Collin Morikawa

Ben Griffin

Cameron Young

Patrick Cantlay

Sam Burns

set aside Bryson DeChambeau’s Krank. Among the new sticks, Titleist’s GT series emerged as the clear frontrunner, dominating the 2025 contingent. Hardly a shock , as it has been racking up wins all year. But the real story at Bethpage was how important the players valued familiarity. Under that kind of pressure, nobody wanted to be staring down a 520-yard par four with a driver they didn’t completely trust.

Driver

TaylorMade Qi10

Titleist GT3

Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond

Titleist TSi3

PING G430 LST

Krank Formula Fire Pro

Titleist GT2

TaylorMade Qi10 LS

PING G430 Max 10K

Titleist GT2

Titleist GT2

Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond

SHOULD BE THE NEXT COURSE YOU PLAY WHY THE REVAMPED saaDiyat beaCh golf Club

How a bold Nicklaus–Player collaboration has transformed Abu Dhabi’s oceanfront gem.

Set on the edge of the Arabian Gulf, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has always been a striking destination, but its newly completed back-nine redesign now makes it an essential stop for any golfer visiting Abu Dhabi. Recently reopened to its full 18 holes after an ambitious redesign by Nicklaus Design in collaboration with Gary Player Design, the course combines sculpted dunes, coastal views and thoughtful shot-making to deliver a round that feels both authentically local and genuinely world-class.

The redesign supports a wider masterplan to position the surrounding shoreline as a premier residential and lifestyle destination. The once-famous drivable par-4 10th - nicknamed “Mousetrap”- has been sharpened with a new water feature and restored green-side pot bunkers that demand careful thinking on the tee. The 11th has been lengthened to bring a

desert-scale fairway bunker fully into play; the former 13th has been moved a dramatic 80 metres back, creating a sweeping approach that frames the Gulf as the hole’s cinematic backdrop. A new, compact 14th replaces the old 17th, an elevated short hole surrounded by sculpted dunes offering sweeping views of Saadiyat’s cultural district. These are more than cosmetic tweaks. The redesign has improved playability and pace, introduced fresh strategic choices at nearly every turn, and restored a sense of flow that lets the course breathe from the first tee to the 18th green. But Saadiyat’s appeal isn’t only its golf architecture. The club sits at the heart of an evolving island vision – a masterplan that pairs high-quality residential living, culture and leisure with sensitive conservation. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club remains the UAE’s first true

oceanfront course and its only Auduboncertified cooperative sanctuary, a protected home for more than 250 mountain gazelles and a wide variety of migratory birds. That environmental stewardship, seen in native grasses, beach-style waste areas and wildlife protection, gives every round an added sense of purpose and place.

What you’ll remember after a round at Saadiyat isn’t just one spectacular hole (there are many) but the way sea, sand and native landscape have been composed into a course that feels inevitable, as if it had always been meant to sit there, visible from culture-rich promenades and private terraces alike. Add to that the clubhouse hospitality, the PGA-led academy and the Hawksbill Restaurant, and a visit becomes a full-sensory island escape as much as it is a golfing day out.

Siddhi was born and brought up in India, she started golf at a young age of five. Having turned professional at the age of 18 she competed on different women’s tours around the world before training to be a qualified PGA Professional in South Africa.

Her 15 years of competitive experience with multiple wins brings a lot of practical skill and deep insight of the game.

She believes in enjoying yourself through the process of learning, her approach focuses on developing strong fundamental skills, strategic play, and fostering a love for the game in each player. She reckons that each swing is unique and is committed to help golfers of all levels reach their personal best, both on and off the course.

EXTRA QUESTIONS

1. What’s your favourite course in the UAE and why?

I’d have to say the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club especially right after the Hero Dubai Desert classic is held, might be a little biased, but no matter how many times I play it, I still enjoy the challenge every single round.

2. Who’s your golfing role model and why? When it comes to the golf swing, I really admire Nelly Korda.

I’m obsessed with the flow and ease of her swing—it’s so athletic, effortless, and consistent. It’s truly a dream swing for me.

3. Last time you laughed on a golf course? Honestly, I don’t practice as much as I used to, so whenever I go out and hit an unexpectedly terrible shot, I just laugh at myself in surprise. It keeps the game light.

4. Favourite golf movie?

It has to be Happy Gilmore 2. I loved the surprise of seeing so many cameos from the golfing world.

1. You started golf at the age of five in India and turned professional at just 18. What inspired you to pursue the game so seriously from such a young age?

I was introduced to golf by my father, whose passion for the game quickly became a family affair. My sister and I started playing together, with my mother supporting us, and it soon turned into more than just an after-school activity. Over time, I discovered my own love for the sport—the joy of being on the course, the sense of fulfillment, and the unity it

rewarding. It allowed me to enjoy the game beyond just performance and results. In fact, simply competing on different tours was a huge milestone in itself. I never imagined I had the “X-factor” to travel abroad, play fearlessly, and compete at that level. So yes—winning was important, but the experience of playing and traveling itself was equally significant.

3. What was the transition like from being a touring professional to becoming a qualified PGA Professional in South Africa?

It happened quite unexpectedly. During Covid, I moved to South Africa, partly because I wanted a change from India and also because I had a long-standing mentor, Paul McKenzie, who ran an academy there. Initially, I saw the PGA program as more of a “side hustle” while I continued playing, since my main goal was to compete on the Sunshine Tour.

Coaching wasn’t really on my radar until after I completed the PGA qualification. I was still playing tournaments in South Africa and India during that time. It was only once I applied for and secured a coaching role that I naturally transitioned into the teaching side

4. You emphasize enjoying the process of learning in golf. Why is this philosophy so important to you, and how does it influence your teaching style?

If you don’t enjoy the game, you won’t feel motivated to practice, improve, or compete. For me, enjoyment is more important than talent or even hard work, because it fuels the desire to get better. I encourage students to enjoy not just the victories, but of learning and the hard work behind improvement. Fulfillment comes from embracing the journey, not just the outcome. That belief strongly shapes

5. You often say that “each swing is unique.” How do you balance building strong fundamentals with allowing a golfer’s natural style to shine?

No two golfers have the same body type, athletic ability, or natural movement, so no two swings can ever look identical. As long as the fundamentals—grip, setup, and consistency—are in place, I believe golfers should be allowed to develop their own natural style.

Too often, the focus is only on swing mechanics. But at the end of the day, golf is about getting the ball in the hole.

If your fundamentals are solid and your swing works for you, that’s what matters most.

6. How do you approach coaching golfers of different levels - from complete beginners to experienced

For beginners, it’s essential to make the game enjoyable from the start. It shouldn’t be overly result-oriented. Group activities, fun games, and social engagement help spark interest, especially for younger players.

For more experienced golfers, it’s about consistency and finding personal fulfillment in practice. I often remind players that practice doesn’t make perfect—perfect practice makes perfect. My approach is always tailored, but the common goal is to help them enjoy the game while improving.

7. With your 15 years of competitive experience, what do you think are the most common challenges amateur golfers face, and how can they overcome them?

For amateurs aiming to transition into the professional circuit, the biggest challenge is often mental rather than physical. Technical skills are important, of course, but mental strength is what separates players.

By mental strength, I mean understanding yourself— playing to your strengths, managing pressure, and avoiding comparisons with others. Golf requires psychological resilience as much as technical ability. Working on the mental side, both on and off the course, can significantly elevate performance.

8. Women’s golf is growing rapidly worldwide. From your perspective, what needs to be done to encourage more women to take up the game in regions like India and the UAE?

The growth has been tremendous. When I began playing in eastern India, there were only two girls, including myself. Today, there are so many juniors and women participating, supported by their families and communities. The growth has been anywhere from 200–500%, which is remarkable. That said, the perception of golf as a “male-dominated sport” still exists. Continued awareness, visibility, and representation are key to shifting this perception. Women’s golf globally is already playing a major role in this, and I believe we’ll see even more progress in the coming years.

9. Golf is often said to teach lessons beyond the course. What values or life skills do you hope your students carry with them off the fairways?

Golf has shaped my personality in so many ways—it teaches patience, humility, and resilience. The game mirrors life: some days are excellent, others are disappointing, and you must adapt quickly. It also teaches self-awareness, discipline, and the importance of playing to your strengths. Over four hours on the course, you can see someone’s true character emerge. These lessons extend far beyond sport and help shape how you approach challenges in life.

10. Looking ahead, what are your personal goals –both as a coach and as someone passionate about growing the game globally?

As an Indian woman who has competed internationally and now coaches, I feel strongly about contributing to the growth of women’s golf worldwide. We need more female golfers sharing their journeys, building representation, and inspiring the next generation. On a personal level, while I am deeply passionate about coaching, I don’t want to lose my competitive edge. My goal for 2026 is to return to tournament play more actively. I believe that continuing to compete makes me a better coach because I truly understand what my students experience on the course.

SERIAL WINNER

Zane Scotland looks back on his record-breaking run and the MENA Golf Tour’s bright new era

By Rick Bevan

Zane Scotland’s trajectory in golf was never straightforward. He only picked up the game at 11, yet within five years he was standing on the range at Carnoustie next to Tiger Woods and Greg Norman for The Open Championship – the youngest player ever to qualify at just 16. His rise to the top of the golfing stratosphere looked to be written in the stars but fate dealt him the cruellest of blows when a serious car crash in 2003 left him with neck injuries and consigned him to months of enforced lay-offs.

He battled back to forge a career that took him onto the DP World Tour and, most memorably, into the history books of the MENA Golf Tour. With 10 titles to his name, the Dubai-resident remains the most decorated player in the Tour’s history.

“It was really nice to get that recognition,” says Scotland. “The Tour gave me a platform when I was coming back from injury. Playing courses in the UAE that were set up like Tour venues meant I could just focus on my golf.”

That early Open appearance, at such a young age, would’ve been enough to have most mere golfing mortals shaking in their shoes. But it didn’t feel like that for the up-and-coming prodigy. “I was on the range next to Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Darren Clarke – all the names I’d only watched on TV,” he says. “But at that age, I just took it in my stride. I thought, ‘this is

normal.’ It’s only now, looking back 25 years later, that I realise what a big deal it was.”

His amateur career blossomed from there, representing England and Great Britain & Ireland, and signing with IMG – earmarked for the same fast-track to the top that contemporaries like Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey and Graeme McDowell had enjoyed. Then came the crash. “I woke up one morning after a tournament and I couldn’t even lift my head off the pillow,” he recalls. “It felt like a knife in my neck. From that point I spent years in and out, playing a few events, breaking down again, taking more months off. You can’t get momentum at this level if you’re always injured.”

By 2006 he had finally found the treatment that allowed him to play pain-free again, and in 2007 he showed his class, posting top finishes on DP World Tour and even finding himself in the last group on Sunday at the Deutsche Bank Open. “That year was a purple patch,” he says. “I felt like I belonged. But then injuries kept coming – a fractured wrist, more back issues – and I could never get that consistency.”

By the time the inaugural MENA Golf Tour teed off in 2011, Scotland’s career was at a crossroads. “I’d qualified for The Open again in 2010, which gave me a bit of a lift,” he says. “But really, I didn’t have anywhere to play. Then I heard about this new tour starting up in the UAE with four events. It was perfect timing. It gave me a reason to keep going.”

He thrived in the new environment. Used to Tour-standard setups, Scotland found the UAE courses familiar, and with his pedigree he quickly became the benchmark. “Once I won two or three, I knew the formula. I had a season where I won five out of eight starts. Everything I did just seemed to fall the right way. Golf’s a game of small margins, and for six months every bounce seemed to go my way.”

On air with Dubai Eye’s Robbie Greenfield at the DP World Tour Championship

Aside from his own achievements, he saw what the Tour could mean for others. “The MENA Golf Tour isn’t just about scoring. It’s about teaching players what life on tour is actually like – organising travel, finding the right hotels, preparing properly, handling nerves, learning how to win. That experience is invaluable. You can’t get it on the range with a TrackMan.”

Now, more than a decade later, the Tour is being reborn with fresh investment and a new management team headed by Chairman and Commissioner Keith Waters, General Manager Richard Rayment and key investor Donna Benton. For Scotland, who has lived in Dubai for several years, it’s a development he welcomes wholeheartedly.

“This is big for golf in the region because it’s no longer just about the big international championships that come here once a year,” he says. “This is the region’s tour – a homegrown platform where local players can get those experiences week in, week out. And with guaranteed prize funds, better setups, and even things like players being paid within 48 hours, it’s raising the bar massively.”

He points out that for players at this level, small details can make or break careers. “On the PGA Tour or DP World Tour, waiting two weeks for your prize money isn’t a big deal. At this level, a thousand dollars might pay for your next three events. If you get paid in 48 hours, that’s huge. It keeps players in the game, it lets them plan properly. And Donna’s idea to guarantee that is a real gamechanger.”

The revamped Tour will stage

Qualifying School in Portugal in November, followed by two events before Christmas and then a condensed run of 10–12 tournaments through March.

“That’s really important as it helps players to plan,” Scotland explains. “You can map out your season, manage your finances, and actually focus on improving. At this level, that’s worth millions.”

He also sees the condensed season format as more fanfriendly. “It creates a proper season, like other sports. You can follow the story. That’s good for players, but also for fans, sponsors, and the media.”

And crucially, he believes it will become a genuine pathway. “If you think about other regions, they all have their own development tours. The MENA region never really had one. Now it does. If you’re a talented young player here, you don’t have to go to the US or Europe to try your luck straight away. You can play at home, learn the ropes, and build towards the HotelPlanner Tour or DP World Tour.”

Scotland is keen to stress that the MENA Golf Tour should be seen as a stepping stone, not an end point. “Not everyone’s going to be Rory McIlroy,” he says. “For 99 percent of players, the journey from amateur to pro takes four or five

“

THIS IS BIG FOR GOLF IN THE REGION BECAUSE IT’S NO LONGER JUST ABOUT THE BIG INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS THAT COME HERE ONCE A YEAR,”

years. This Tour gives them a place to play, to make mistakes, to learn. If they treat it as a two- or three-year education, they’ll come out of it ready for the next step.

“Your first time at Q-School, you might not be good enough. That doesn’t mean give up. You come back the next year stronger, knowing what to expect. The MENA Tour prepares you for that – the small details, the ups and downs, the grind. You need those lessons before you face the big leagues.”

While his full-time Tour days are behind him, Scotland hasn’t lost his competitive edge. Thanks to his lifetime membership of the MENA Tour, earned through his record-setting achievements, he plans to tee it up when the Tour resumes.

“I think I’ll play one of the early ones in Portugal,” he smiles. “It’s great to see the Tour back – and to still be a part of it.”

Even now, at 43, he’s still motivated to squeeze the most out of his game. “If I really go after it, I can still swing it at 120 miles an hour. That won’t last forever, so I might as well make the most of it while I can.”

For Scotland, the new MENA Golf Tour is more than just another chapter in his own career. It’s a chance to give the next generation of regional players the platform he once needed so badly. “When I came here, the Tour gave me the reason to keep going. Now it can do that for hundreds of others. That’s why this relaunch matters.”

59CLUB CROWNS

Photography: Provided

First-Ever Global Service Excellence Award Winners 59CLUB CROWNS

59club, the industry benchmark for customer service measurement, staged a landmark moment this summer with the launch of its inaugural Global Service Excellence Awards.

Hosted at The Belfry from August 25–27, the event drew 300 delegates from 120 venues across 22 countries, uniting the world’s topperforming golf, leisure, and hospitality operators for three days of golf, education, and celebration.

For more than a decade, 59club has built its reputation on independent mystery shopping, producing the industry’s most trusted measure of service, sales, and customer experience. The awards night reflected that heritage: every accolade was earned on the strength of realworld performance.

GLOBAL MANAGERS OF THE YEAR

The evening opened with the Manager of the Year Awards, recognising individuals whose leadership has set new standards for the industry:

 Steven Young – Golf Manager of the Year (Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada)

 Franco Botha – Operations Manager of the Year (Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai)

 Dyootiman Pal – Retail Manager of the Year (eGolf Megastore – Al Hamra GC, Ras Al Khaimah)

 Mike Bush – Superintendent of the Year (St Mellion Estate, England)

 Jade Henderson – Food & Beverage Manager of the Year (The Lakes GC, Australia)

SIGNATURE COLLECTION DEBUTS

A major announcement came with the launch of the Signature Collection – 25 clubs recognised as the best in the world for service across every touchpoint. Among those inducted were Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates,

Saadiyat Beach GC, Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Dubai Hills GC, alongside global heavyweights including Gleneagles, Costa Navarino, The Grove, and Finca Cortesin.

EMINENT COLLECTION EXPANDS

Reserved for clubs and leaders who have achieved excellence for five consecutive years, the Eminent Collection welcomed seven new inductees, including Emirates Golf Club’s Matt Perry and The Grove’s Joel Westwell. Gullane Golf Club (Scotland) and Hanbury Manor (England) joined the roll call of venues maintaining standards year after year.

Simon Wordsworth, 59club Founder & CEO, said:

“This gathering was about more than awards – it was about setting a global benchmark for customer service, celebrating those who lead the way, and inspiring the industry for years to come.”

A

A

A

Q&A WITH

KIEREN PRATT

• Official WHS handicap, recognized worldwide (applicable for EGF Direct members only) • Discounted green fees at UAE golf clubs • Play in events / competitions and receive awards • Third party and property damage golfer’s insurance

I THINK IT’S GOING TO BE A HUGE POSITIVE FOR THE REGION. BEFORE COVID IT WAS ALREADY A STRONG PATHWAY, AND NOW IT CAN BE THAT STEPPING STONE AGAIN.”

WWG: Kieren, how did you first get involved in running the Emirates PGA?

Pratt: When I joined the Federation a year and a half ago, part of my mandate was to help develop the Emirates PGA. That first year was a learning curve –figuring out how events were run and understanding the personalities involved. Now that I know the lay of the land, we’re looking at how to expand professional development and raise the profile of the PGA here. Honestly, the opportunities available to professionals in the UAE are fantastic compared to many established PGAs around the world.

WWG: The UAE golf scene has exploded in popularity. How is the Federation keeping pace?

Pratt: Golf rounds and memberships are increasing rapidly, but courses can’t always keep up with the demand. My role is to make sure there are still opportunities for young players, while also helping more Emiratis get into the game. Tourists and expats play a big role, but for long-term sustainability, we need to grow participation among UAE nationals.

WWG: How important is the leadership of General Abdullah Alhashmi?

Pratt: Huge. His positions with the APGC and as President of the EGF open up international

opportunities. That exposure benefits not only UAE nationals but also the talented resident players coming through. His relationships and connections are already making a big difference.

WWG: The Emirates PGA has a strong reputation. What does it mean to have players like Garrick Porteous and Sujan Singh competing regularly?

Pratt: It’s fantastic. Guys like Garrick Porteous, Stuart Smith, and Sujan Singh bring real tourlevel pedigree. It raises standards, adds to the competitiveness of events, and creates great drama for things like the Dubai Golf Trophy, where our amateurs take on the pros. With only about 170 professionals here, it’s a close-knit community – you can find yourself teeing it up alongside a past DP World Tour winner.

WWG: The MENA Golf Tour is relaunching. What’s your take?

Pratt: I think it’s going to be a huge positive for the region. Before COVID it was already a strong pathway, and now it can be that stepping stone again.

The MENA Golf Tour is a really good stepping stone for young talent – a chance to play well, make a cut, and potentially earn some money.

It bridges the gap between satellite tours in Europe

and the Challenge or DP World Tour, and it’s timed perfectly for players coming out of European seasons.

WWG: You’ve played plenty of golf in the region – which courses test you the most?

Pratt: Saadiyat Beach is brutal from the back tees. You can hit a 300-yard drive and still be pulling out a long iron into the green. In Dubai, The Els Club always gets me – the run-offs and firm greens punish even slightly offline shots.

WWG: Hardest single hole?

Pratt: No question – the 18th at Dubai Creek. It’s a brilliant finishing hole but miss your line off the tee and you’re staring at a five, six, or seven.

WWG: And your golfing inspirations?

Pratt: Old school, Adam Scott – he’s still going strong. New school, Min Woo Lee, for obvious Aussie reasons.

WWG: Finally, what excites you most about the future?

Pratt: The UAE has something unique in world golf. We’ve got top-class courses, international exposure, and a growing base of young players. If we can keep developing talent while attracting world-class professionals, the future is going to be incredibly exciting.

PRECISION MEETS PASSION AT THE TOMMY FLEETWOOD ACADEMY

he Tommy Fleetwood Academy had established itself as one of the region’s most advanced coaching hubs. Blending technology with traditional practice, it offers golfers a chance to analyse their game in detail while still enjoying the fundamentals of time on the range or the putting green.

Inside, swing studios use data capture and realtime feedback to break down every movement of the golf swing, giving players a clearer understanding of what works and what doesn’t. Putting is given equal attention, with augmented reality and visual feedback systems designed to sharpen feel and consistency on the greens.

Out on the practice grounds, the set-up is just as impressive. A dedicated short-game area, expansive putting surfaces and a high-quality range create an environment that mirrors what players experience on tour. Whether it’s a chip from the fringe or a bunker shot under pressure, the facilities allow golfers to test and refine every part of their game.

The coaching team is central to the Academy’s identity. Made up of PGA Professionals with a depth of experience, they work with everyone from complete beginners to competitive amateurs, tailoring sessions to the individual and offering structured programmes such as TFA 4 and TFA 8 for juniors and newcomers to the sport. More seasoned players can benefit from one-to-one lessons or full playing sessions out on the course.

“At its core, our job is to make golfers understand their own games better,” says Tim Backhouse, Head Academy Professional. “Technology gives us incredible detail, but it’s the combination of data with old-fashioned practice and good coaching that makes the real difference. That’s what we try to achieve here every day.”

What sets the Academy apart is the balance it strikes - providing all the precision that modern technology can offer without losing sight of golf’s traditional values of practice, patience and progression.

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Technology gives us incredible detail, but it’s the combination of data with old-fashioned practice and good coaching that makes the real difference. That’s what we try to achieve here every day.”

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