Worldwide MIDDLE EAST’S NUMBER ONE GOLF MAGAZINE. EST. 1999 ISBN 978-9948-15-427-3 Official Media Partner to the European Tour in the Middle East Official magazine of the EGF & the Arab Golf Federation WIN A custom fit Scotty Cameron A custom fit Scott t t t ty y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y Cameron To enter go to wwgolf.net GOLF STYLE From the latest in cars, watches and fashion, to celebrities on the course Trump Dubai GET SET FOR BIG THINGS AS THE TRUMP FACTOR MAKES ITS MARK ON THE REGION’S GOLFING MAP PLUS HAVE TOUR IRONS BECOME FRIEND OR FOE TO AMATEURS? ARABIAN GOLF NEWS FROM THE MIDDLE EAST’S LEADING CLUBS RUGBY LEGEND STEVE THOMPSON TALKS GOLF ! in EXCLUSIVE JUNE 2014, ISSUE 160 MI D D LE EA S S T T T T T ’ ’ ’ ’ S S N U M M B B B E E E R R R R R O O O O N N N N E E E E G G O O L L F F M A A G G A A A Z Z Z Z I I I I N N N N E E E . E S T . 1 1 1 1 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 Offi Offi ficia cial cial c Me Med M ia Partner to th o the e European an ean an Tou To r in r the Middle East East PLUS H HA A V VE E T T OU U UR R R I I R R O ONS S S S B B E E C C O OME E F F R RI E E N ND D D O OR R F F O OE E T O O AM MA A T T E E UR RS ? ? ? R U G B Y LE G END S S S S S T T T T E V E E E TH O MP SO O O O O N N N N TALK S G O O O L L L L F F ! UE JUNE 2014, ISSU UE 160 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
The Middle East's number 1 consumer Golf magazine. This month features an exclusive interview with Donald Trump. WWG speaks exclusively to South African golfer George Coetzee about golf and Crystal Palace! Also we go round with ex England rugby player, Steve Thompson. Includes golf reviews and news from the region as well as a car review on the Volvo and much more.
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
WorldwideM I D D L E E A S T ’ S N U M B E R O N E G O L F M AG A Z I N E . E S T. 1 9 9 9
ISBN 978-9948-15-427-3
Official Media Partner to the European Tour in the Middle East
Official magazine of the EGF & the Arab
Golf Federation
WIN A custom fit Scotty
Cameron
A custom fit Scotttttty y y yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Cameron
To enter go to
wwgolf.net
GOLFSTYLEFrom the latest in cars, watches and fashion, to celebrities on the course
TrumpDubaiGET SET FOR BIG THINGS AS THE TRUMP FACTOR MAKES ITS MARK ON THE REGION’S GOLFING MAP
PLUSHAVE TOUR IRONS
BECOME FRIEND OR FOE TO
AMATEURS?
ARABIAN GOLF
NEWS FROM THE MIDDLE
EAST’S LEADING
CLUBS
RUGBY LEGEND STEVE THOMPSON TALKS GOLF!
in
EXCLUSIVE
JUNE 2014, ISSUE 160
M I D D L E E A SS TTTTT ’’’’ SS N U MM BBB EEE RRRRR OOOO NNNN EEEE GG OO LL FF M AAGG AAA ZZZZ IIII NNNN EEE . E S T. 1111 99999 99 9
OffiOffificiacialcialc MeMedM ia Partner to tho theeEuropeananeanan TouTo r inr the Middle EastEast
Donald Trump The US business tycoon lands in Dubai to check on his latest development the Trump International Golf Club.
34 George Coetzee The latest South African to win on The European Tour talks about his breakthrough at the Joburg Open, life on Tour and a lifelong affection for Liverpool FC.
68 European Challenge Tour Grand Final 2014 James Shippey, General Manager at Al Badia Golf Club, talks about the second edition of the Challenge Tour’s Grand Final and how the Club plans to build on the success of last year’s event.
70 National Bank of Oman Golf Classic
background and the challenge of organising Oman’s flagship professional golf tournament.
72 Azerbaijan the Land of Fire The venue for the Challenge Tour’s latest addition aims to
FEATURES
96 Steve ThompsonEngland’s most-capped hooker talks about how he’s adapted to life after rugby and how he’s feeling at home on the greens in Dubai.
98 Driving RangeAn in depth look at the McLaren MP4-12C and the Volvo XC60.
102 Tee TimesA watch is more than just a timepiece, it’s a statement.
104 The Look La Martina delivers its premium collection for Summer 2014.
14 The StarterNews on a bit of this, a bit of that, and a bit of the other!
18 Tour NewsReview of recent European Tour and US PGA Tour events.
39 Worldwide Golf ColumnistsHowell, Norman and Player shoot the breeze.
48 Wayne’s WorldWayne Johnson talks to Finland’s Mikko Ilonen about how the European Tour Performance Institute has helped his game.
75 Arabian GolfRecent reports of events around the region’s golf clubs.
REGULARS
STYLE
54 How to hit Tour Standard Bunker Shots By Mathew Parker, Senior Teaching Professional, PGA, European Tour Performance Institute at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
56 Preparation is key By Jonathan Craddock, PGA Professional, Emirates Golf Club.
INSTRUCTION
Over 100 destinations worldwide
Iron Man ChallengeWorldwide Golf’s Equipment Editor Craig Vance puts the latest tour proven irons through their paces.
DONALD TRUMP IS ONE OF THE MOST CHARISMATIC ENTREPRENEURS OF OUR TIME. LAST MONTH HE FLEW INTO DUBAI TO PROMOTE THE TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB AT AKOYA BY DAMAC AND MENTIONED THE RYDER CUP. NOW ALL THE GOLF WORLD IS TALKING ABOUT IT.HERE HE TALKS TO WSP PUBLISHER MIKE GALLEMORE...
TOP TRUMP
WorldwideGolf - June 2014 | 29 28 | WorldwideGolf - June 2014
CALL it the Trump Factor, the Trump Affect, call it
what you like but whatever words you choose to
describe one of the most charismatic entrepreneurs
of our time, he’s got it.
When he talks, people listen. Some hang on his every
word. Yet behind all the hype, ballyhoo and razzamatazz
his personality is such that you are compelled to sit up and
take notice. Donald Trump has made a career out of positive
thinking and turning bold visions into reality, so when he says
Dubai, and the Trump International Golf Club, have a great
chance of hosting the Ryder Cup, you have to think he just
might have the ‘kahunas’ to make it happen.
Maybe his enthusiasm sometimes overtakes the reality. He
believes in his own dreams and his belief often makes those
dreams come true. He’s the eternal optimist with a single-
minded conviction to deliver the goods. His track record
proves his point.
As a showman he has few peers. We live in a world of
talentless, would-be celebrities, who seldom contribute
anything anywhere. Donald Trump has that rare gift to hold
an audience in the palm of his hand and charm them into
believing in his conviction that his dreams will come true.
He’s the real deal. He does his homework. He has the
innate ability to know when it’s the right time to strike. He
very nearly made an impact on Dubai six or seven years ago.
But like many business leaders, he saw the signs of a recession
looming and drew his horns in. He had the experience and
savvy to foresee that this wasn’t just something that would
hit the USA, he was aware that the economic tsunami would
submerge the entire world, some countries more than others.
He also knew that when the time was right he would
come back to Dubai. He believed in the entrepreneurial
success, vision and spirit of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum and was primed and ready, waiting in
the wings to make his move when the opportunity arrived.
In DAMAC Properties Trump appears to have found the
perfect partner with the 42 million square foot AKOYA by
DAMAC development already earning high praise around
the globe – it was recently named ‘Best Golf Development in
the World’ at the International Property Awards.
When the larger-than-life American arrived in Dubai with
daughter Ivanka last month and declared that, with the
help of DAMAC and the world’s most sought-after course
designer, Gil Hanse, he would deliver the Middle East’s most
outstanding golf course, it was lofty claim, even by Trump’s
standards, given the wealth of world-class championship
tracks already in the region.
But if anyone can back up such a claim it’s Donald Trump.
He may be a man who divides opinion, but whether you
believe in him or not, Donald Trump will be good for Dubai
and Dubai will be good for Donald Trump. And as far as The
Ryder Cup is concerned….watch this space.
DONALD TRUMP <<
Iron Man Challenge
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design for the perfect blend of
feel, workability and stability.
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RRP: 3,995AED
TOUR IRONS by Craig Vance Brought to you by
WorldwideGolf - June 2014 | 59 58 | WorldwideGolf - June 2014
Worldwide Golf specifies that post-press changes may occur to any information given in this publication and takes no responsibility for goods or services advertised.
June 2009 SSN 1- 46805671Approval UAE National Media Council: Ref.816 30/5/2007Trade Licence No. 1/104375/15280
Published in Dubai by:Prografix, PO Box 24677,Dubai, UAE (Tel) +9714 340 3785
Printed by:Raidy, Dubai
Ryder Cup Dubai 2022?
The Ryder Cup Trophy was last in Dubai during the Rolex press conference at the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates
in November last year, held by George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour and Paul McGinley, the 2014 Ryder Cup Captain.
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THE DIFFERENCEBETWEEN A GOLF BALL AND THE #1 BALL IN GOLF.
“Pro V1 and Pro V1x fit all of my members, young or old, regardless of swing speed.”
– Andrew ShuckPGA Professional
“I need the Pro V1 just as much as a Tour player, because I’m trying to improve my game.”
– Denise P.Pro V1, Amateur
“When fitting students, we don’t focus on how fast they swing. We focus on lowering scores. That’s why Pro V1 or Pro V1x fits every player.”
– Jim FitzgeraldPGA Professional
“The Pro V1 performs off the tee great. It goes long, it goes exactly where I aim it, and it works perfectly.”
– Stephen L.Pro V1, Amateur
“I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t play the same ball as a Tour player. I’m looking for the same benefits. Distance off the tee and control around the greens.”
– David M.Pro V1x, Amateur
“The Pro V1 is so advanced that it gives golfers at any level everything they need.”
– Adam Scott
“I’ve played Pro V1 or Pro V1x through my junior amateur days, and now as a pro. Because I trust Titleist.”
– Jordan Spieth
“The Pro V1x gives me a perfect combination of distance and short game control.”
LONG JAMIE SILVERWelshman Jamie Donaldson is enjoying himself on the US PGA Tour this year. The 38-year-old smashed the longest drive of the tournament – 348 yards down the imposing 18th fairway.
2014 17th hole stats:Rd1 – 12 balls in the water. Ave. score 3.021Rd2 – 12 balls in the water. Ave. score 3.063Rd3 – 1 ball in the water (Angel Cabrera, sorry Angel!). Ave. score 2.854Rd4 – 3 balls in the water. Ave score 2.915
pin position and length saw the hole ease up on the weekend and only 4 KING OF SPEEDGary Woodland clocked the biggest clubhead speed during The Players – a whopping 123.70mph
Splashes at 17
Miller says Island Hole is ‘too easy’
TWO-time Major winner and television
commentator and pundit, Johnny Miller,
has come out and said that the infamous
17th hole at The Players Championship
is ‘too easy’ for the pros, adding that he
would lengthen the hole on certain days if
there was no wind forecast. “I would like to
see the guys at least hit an 8-iron, maybe
even a 7-iron,” he said. “I just think it would
make it a more exciting hole than throwing
up a 9-iron or a wedge up there.”
Let's have a look at the stats to see if Miller has a point…
Obviously, the 17th has the potential to not only wreck a round but also wreck the chances of landing one of the biggest prizes in golf. Here's a rundown of how many wet balls the 17th has gobbled up since 2003.
KAYMER JOINS ELITE BUNCHMartin Kaymer joined Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Adam Scott as winners of a Major, a WGC title and The Players.
RORY McIlroy ended a tough week on a high by winning The European Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship at
Wentworth, moving to second in The Race to Dubai and therefore qualifying for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, in the process.
McIlroy’s last European Tour win was in 2012 at the DP World Tour Championship when he won both the tournament and The Race to Dubai. His last international
tournament win was in December 2013, at the Emirates Australian Open.
The week began with the news that the Northern Irishman had called off his wedding to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki and the two-time Major champion had admitted that playing at Wentworth would be “very difficult”.
But he put his troubles behind him with a spectacular display, closing with a swashbuckling 66, coming home in just 32 blows on the back nine, for a 14-under-par winning total of 274, one stroke clear of Ireland’s Shane Lowry.
“I feel relieved,” said McIlroy. “It’s been 18 months since I won on The European Tour and to win the Tour’s flagship event at Wentworth – I couldn’t ask for any more.
“I knew coming in here that I was playing well. I struggled a little on Friday but played great over the weekend and in the final round I was helped by a couple of mistakes from the guys in front of me. My caddie J.P. set me a target of 15-under – I didn’t quite get there but luckily 14-under was good enough.
“The support I got all week was
McILROY BOUNCES BACK FROM LOVE
SPLIT AT WENTWORTH
Course of two halvesRory McIlroy ripped apart the back nine at Wentworth, playing them in 14-under for the week which turned out to be his winning total. He was steady on the opening nine but had to recover from making the turn in 38 (+3) on day two.
18 | WorldwideGolf - June 2014
BMW PGA Championship
incredible and it really helped me, so it was great to be able to get the win in front of such good fans.”
The DP World Tour Championship, taking place at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai from 20-23 November will feature the top 60 players in The Race to Dubai and, historically, a prize-money total of €500,000 has been enough to book a spot in The European Tour’s grand final.
McIlroy’s Wentworth winner’s cheque of €791,660 takes his season’s earnings to €1,295,825 and moves him into second place in The Race to Dubai, guaranteeing his place in the DP World Tour Championship field.
Shane Lowry, who started the week 165th in The Race to Dubai after a difficult
Tiur sitatur, simincte lacessin eos adi quae quam. Simus id moluptatur? To optatib usantor eptatem aut.
Eagle-eyedMcIlroy made light work of the par-5 12th on the West Course with an eagle in rounds 1 and 2 and easy bird-ies during both rounds over the weekend. He also found the par-5 4th to his liking with birdies throughout the week and then an eagle on Sunday.
start to the season, turned in an excellent display, firing a blistering opening round of 8-under 64 and signing off the final round with a long, snaking putt for a birdie at the last and a closing 68 to secure the runner-up spot.
Lowry’s second-place prize money of €527,770 sees him surge up The Race to Dubai into 15th place on €560,749 ensuring that he’ll also be teeing it up at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November.
“I’ve had so many bad days this year, I’ve been struggling such a lot, that I just said to myself, ‘just go out there and enjoy it and see what happens’” said Lowry.
“With the putt on the last I was just trying to two-putt it as I knew I couldn’t win the tournament at that point. It was a great way to finish and get second place on my own. I’m really looking forward to the next few events now.”
Race to Dubai leader and former Dubai resident Thomas Björn, who has already booked his place in the DP World Tour Championship field, looked to be in firm control of the tournament.
The Dane set a new course record with a 62 in the opening round and went on a breath-taking run of birdies down the home stretch in the third round for a back nine of 30 to sign for a 67 and take a five-stroke lead into the final round.
But the wheels came off in spectacular fashion on the final day as Björn struggled to a 3-over 75, which saw him drop into a share of third place with England’s Luke Donald on 12-under-par 276.
Donald’s third-place prize money of €297,350 takes his season’s total to €472,727 and puts him within touching distance of a place in the season-ending showcase in Dubai. Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher and England’s Simon Dyson shared fifth place on 9-under-par 279.
Shane Lowry celebrates his mammoth birdie putt that sealed second place.
Thomas Björn has a tough final round.
WorldwideGolf - June 2014 | 19
One week after moving to World No.1 without hitting
a golf ball, Adam Scott lived up to the billing with a
superb victory at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at
Colonial. Scott downed fellow Major Champion Jason
Dufner on the third hole of sudden-death to win his
11th PGA Tour event and complete the ‘Texas Slam’ of
winning all four Tour events in the Lone Star State.
"It was a challenge,” said Scott of Colonial’s tree-
lined course. “It tested my patience a little bit and
demanded a lot out of my game. I came into the
week trying to find my rhythm on the golf course
and it tested my game for where it needs to be.”
Scott increased his lead on the World Ranking
ahead of new No.2 Henrik Stenson who replaced
Tiger Woods while Rory McIlroy’s win at Wentworth
saw him move up from 10th to sixth place.
Meanwhile McIlroy’s win moved him up to second
place on The Race to Dubai while second placed
Irishman Shane Lowry was the big mover after
Wentworth as he jolted up from 165th to 15th. Other
big movers came from the Open de Espana a week
earlier where joint runner-up Thomas Pieters shot up
to 63rd from 134th and Richard Green moved from
150th to 71st.
EUROPEAN TOUR RACE TO DUBAI RANKING AS AT MAY 26, 2014
Pos. Player Nat. Eve. €
1 Thomas BJÖRN DEN 11 1,470,194
2 Rory McILROY NIR 6 1,295,825
3 Jamie DONALDSON WAL 9 1,233,996
4 Louis OOSTHUIZEN RSA 6 1,034,766
5 Miguel A. JIMÉNEZ ESP 11 956,312
6 Sergio GARCIA ESP 8 931,935
7 Victor DUBUISSON FRA 6 875,353
8 Stephen GALLACHER SCO 9 838,993
9 Jonas BLIXT SWE 4 773,831
10 Henrik STENSON SWE 9 710,129
11 Charl SCHWARTZEL RSA 9 701,428
12 Lee WESTWOOD ENG 5 667,832
13 Joost LUITEN NED 10 640,195
14 George COETZEE RSA 11 602,001
15 Shane LOWRY IRL 10 560,749
16 Branden GRACE RSA 10 547,445
17 Pablo LARRAZÁBAL ESP 10 547,375
18 Alexander LEVY FRA 14 528,370
19 Thomas AIKEN RSA 11 513,309
20 Tommy FLEETWOOD ENG 11 498,600
21 Richard STERNE RSA 8 476,384
22 Ernie ELS RSA 7 473,935
23 Francesco MOLINARI ITA 9 469,235
24 Thongchai JAIDEE THA 10 458,634
25 Luke DONALD ENG 7 442,802
26 Mikko ILONEN FIN 10 432,577
27 Alejandro CAÑIZARES ESP 12 418,728
28 Justin ROSE ENG 5 410,562
29 Simon DYSON ENG 15 406,744
30 Andy SULLIVAN ENG 15 405,254
31 Ross FISHER ENG 12 396,132
32 Rafa CABRERA-BELLO ESP 10 377,997
33 Morten Ørum MADSEN DEN 15 373,968
34 Darren FICHARDT RSA 14 360,661
35 Dawie VAN DER WALT RSA 13 349,434
36 Romain WATTEL FRA 12 342,684
37 Graeme McDOWELL NIR 4 322,262
38 Michael HOEY NIR 14 307,798
39 Emiliano GRILLO ARG 10 306,350
40 Brendon DE JONGE ZIM 4 288,160
41 Hennie OTTO RSA 11 286,996
42 Matteo MANASSERO ITA 10 277,155
43 Ian POULTER ENG 5 276,164
44 Alvaro QUIROS ESP 8 273,249
45 Martin KAYMER GER 7 272,313
46 Bernd WIESBERGER AUT 10 266,702
47 Gonzalo F.CASTAÑO ESP 7 260,979
48 Chris WOOD ENG 11 259,103
49 Felipe AGUILAR CHI 6 252,798
50 Seve BENSON ENG 13 243,889
Standings
20 | WorldwideGolf - June 2014
2014 RYDER CUP RANKINGS
Qualification Criteria for The 2014 European Ryder Cup TeamThe players in Bold currently occupy the nine automatic qualifying places (after the BMW PGA Championship):
Qualification for The 2014 European Ryder Cup Team will be selected employing the following criteria: (a) The leading four Members on The Ryder Cup European Points List (1) on Sunday August 31st 2014. In the event of a tie between Members (i.e. a number of Members having accumulated an equal number of points), placings will be decided by the Member with the higher ranking on the 2014 Race to Dubai on Sunday 31st August 2014.
(b) The leading five Members, not otherwise qualified under paragraph (a) above, on The Ryder Cup World Points List (2) on Sunday 31st August 2014. In the event of a tie between Members (i.e. a number of Members having accumulated an equal number of points), placings will be decided by the Member with the higher ranking on the Official World Golf Ranking as published on Monday August 25th 2014.
(c) The Captain, Paul McGinley, will choose (at his own discretion) the remaining three Members following the conclusion of the Race to Dubai Tournament scheduled to conclude on August 31st 2014.
(1) The Ryder Cup European Points List will comprise points (1 point = 1 Euro) earned by a Member from all Race to Dubai Tournaments in which he participates between August 26th 2013 and August 31st 2014. (Money earned by a Member from the 2013 Race to Dubai Bonus Pool or Race to Dubai bonus points earned during the 2013 Final series do not count towards this points list).
(2) The Ryder Cup World Points List will comprise Official World Golf Ranking Points won by a Member1 from each tournament in which he participates between August 26th 2013 and August 24th 2014, and thereafte only from the Race to Dubai Tournament scheduled to conclude on August 31st 2014. Official World Golf Ranking Points are allocated to all officially sanctioned tournaments (on any Federated Tour) by the Official World Golf Ranking and are allocated according to the Event Rating of the tournament.
The lady in charge of the Marshals at the DP World Tour Championship might not live in
the UAE any more, but her passion for the job gets stronger and stronger as the tournament
goes from strength to strength. JENNI HOSKINS gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to
organise the vast number of volunteers who officiate at the climax of The Race to Dubai.
“I LOVE my role as Chief Marshal at the DP
World Tour Championship. I have a great,
loyal and committed team behind me who
support me from beginning to end and I
try hard to ensure that they get maximum
satisfaction out of their contribution
to the success of the tournament.
“Seeing all the volunteers buzzing with
excitement at the very end of the week gives
me the biggest thrill of all – it's an amazing
feeling to hear them chatter, taking away
such happy memories having given so
much of themselves to a highly successful
event in a sport they feel passionate about.
“At the moment, I am keeping an eye on
The Race to Dubai to keep in touch with
who is playing well and is likely to be part
of the 60 who will be entertaining us with
their skills this year - and then wondering
and speculating who is going to be
holding the trophies on the final day.
“I have been living back in England for
almost six years now but my husband
is working in Abu Dhabi so my return
is two-fold – but is fitted around the
DP World Tour Championship!
"I love being back in England so much. I
do like the cooler weather and I adore
snow but the extremely wet winter we had
did not suit me at all, so after Christmas
I was back in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for
The European Tour’s Desert Swing and
some much appreciated warmth.
“Each year, the DP World Tour
Championship brings a different excitement
and last year was wonderful as Henrik
Stenson finished in such superb style – a
climax that will be remembered for many
years to come. Henrik was a true gentleman
when he joined us for the traditional
Champion photo. His warmth towards the
volunteers was a delight for me and I know
they felt his appreciation for them, too.
“The talk among our volunteers during
the tournament is very infectious. They
feel appreciated and the word spreads
between those who return every year
to those new ones who want to come
and be part of the action. This is why the
event gets better and better each year.
“I am about to begin the process of getting
back in touch with all the volunteers I know
and who are returning this year and I hope
to hear from new volunteers who will bring
just as much energy and enthusiasm – if
you’re interested please get in touch!”
If you want to play a part at one of the world’s biggest golfing occasions, at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, from November 20-23, contact Jenni by email at: [email protected]
DONALD TRUMP IS ONE OF THE MOST CHARISMATIC ENTREPRENEURS OF OUR TIME. LAST MONTH HE FLEW INTO DUBAI TO PROMOTE THE TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB AT AKOYA BY DAMAC AND MENTIONED THE RYDER CUP. NOW ALL THE GOLF WORLD IS TALKING ABOUT IT.HERE HE TALKS TO WSP PUBLISHER MIKE GALLEMORE...
TOP TRUMP
WorldwideGolf - June 2014 | 29
CALL it the Trump Factor, the Trump Affect, call it
what you like but whatever words you choose to
describe one of the most charismatic entrepreneurs
of our time, he’s got it.
When he talks, people listen. Some hang on his every
word. Yet behind all the hype, ballyhoo and razzamatazz
his personality is such that you are compelled to sit up and
take notice. Donald Trump has made a career out of positive
thinking and turning bold visions into reality, so when he says
Dubai, and the Trump International Golf Club, have a great
chance of hosting the Ryder Cup, you have to think he just
might have the ‘kahunas’ to make it happen.
Maybe his enthusiasm sometimes overtakes the reality. He
believes in his own dreams and his belief often makes those
dreams come true. He’s the eternal optimist with a single-
minded conviction to deliver the goods. His track record
proves his point.
As a showman he has few peers. We live in a world of
talentless, would-be celebrities, who seldom contribute
anything anywhere. Donald Trump has that rare gift to hold
an audience in the palm of his hand and charm them into
believing in his conviction that his dreams will come true.
He’s the real deal. He does his homework. He has the
innate ability to know when it’s the right time to strike. He
very nearly made an impact on Dubai six or seven years ago.
But like many business leaders, he saw the signs of a recession
looming and drew his horns in. He had the experience and
savvy to foresee that this wasn’t just something that would
hit the USA, he was aware that the economic tsunami would
submerge the entire world, some countries more than others.
He also knew that when the time was right he would
come back to Dubai. He believed in the entrepreneurial
success, vision and spirit of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum and was primed and ready, waiting in
the wings to make his move when the opportunity arrived.
In DAMAC Properties Trump appears to have found the
perfect partner with the 42 million square foot AKOYA by
DAMAC development already earning high praise around
the globe – it was recently named ‘Best Golf Development in
the World’ at the International Property Awards.
When the larger-than-life American arrived in Dubai with
daughter Ivanka last month and declared that, with the
help of DAMAC and the world’s most sought-after course
designer, Gil Hanse, he would deliver the Middle East’s most
outstanding golf course, it was lofty claim, even by Trump’s
standards, given the wealth of world-class championship
tracks already in the region.
But if anyone can back up such a claim it’s Donald Trump.
He may be a man who divides opinion, but whether you
believe in him or not, Donald Trump will be good for Dubai
and Dubai will be good for Donald Trump. And as far as The
Ryder Cup is concerned….watch this space.
DONALD TRUMP <<
2022RYDER CUP?
30 | WorldwideGolf -June 2014
WWG: DO YOU HAVE YOUR SIGHTS SET ON A PARTICULAR TOURNAMENT?DONALD TRUMP: SANDY JONES (Chief Executive of the British PGA) HAS A LOT TO SAY ABOUT WHERE THE RYDER CUP IS HELD AND I ACTUALLY JUST SAID ‘WE HAVE TO CALL SANDY BECAUSE THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE VENUE FOR THE EUROPEAN TOUR TO BRING THE RYDER CUP’. I’M NOT SAYING WE’RE GOING TO GET THE RYDER CUP BUT I THINK WE WOULD HAVE A GREAT CHANCE. SANDY RESPECTS ME AND I RESPECT SANDY AND WE LIKE EACH OTHER. I THINK WE HAVE A GOOD CHANCE TO GET THE RYDER CUP COMING HERE AND CERTAINLY THE COURSE IS DESIGNED FOR THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF GOLF. IT’S AS GOOD AS IT GETS IN TERMS OF SHOT-MAKING AND SHOT VALUE IN PARTICULAR AND I THINK WE’LL HAVE A GOOD CHANCE OF GETTING THE RYDER CUP. BECAUSE THEY WILL BE BRINGING IT TO THIS REGION AT SOME POINT, IN MY OPINION, IN THE NOT-TOO-DISTANT FUTURE, AND WE WILL HAVE THE BEST COURSE BY FAR. SO I THINK WE HAVE A GOOD CHANCE.
Pictures:Helen Shippey,Sherif Karas.
WWG: What came first your love of
the game or the business of golf?
DONALD TRUMP: I love building
beautiful things and I’ve built some of
the great buildings of the world; New
York has many of them. The architectural
critic on the New York Times, Herbert
Muschamp, always used to treat me so
well and give me such great reviews.
I was always very conscious of
architecture. I love playing golf, I enjoy golf.
I’ve been a good golfer over the years and
I’ve won a lot of club championships.
I love the beauty of golf, I don’t think in
terms of the business of it. I do the best job
with it and the finances and the money
comes but I don’t really do it for that.
There’s a beauty to building these great
golf courses. There’s a great beauty. I don’t
think of the numbers. I build the best
and then the numbers work out great.
Golf is not my main business by
any means, it’s just a relatively small
part of my overall business, but I really
enjoy it. I think, more than anything
else, I love the beauty of golf, there’s
something very beautiful about it.
WWG: What is it about Dubai that made
you want to build a course here?
WWG: How did the business
relationship between you and
DAMAC Properties come about?
DONALD TRUMP: Through reputation
we knew each other. DAMAC wanted to
do something and they knew I wanted
to do something here so we somehow
just got together. We determined that
although you can just do an average
course – and it’s much less expensive – we
wanted this to be a world-class venue
and course – and that’s what we did.
I can tell you that Hussain Sajwani,
Executive Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, DAMAC, moved buildings because
when Gil Hanse got involved we had a large
area laid out but Gil liked certain areas.
In fact, on the 18th hole, he said, ‘could
you move the buildings back a couple of
hundred yards’ – and they did! It showed
that the priority is building a great course
– it would have been tougher otherwise.
I have tremendous respect for DAMAC
and, hopefully, they have great respect for
us and when we formed this partnership
it just worked out to everybody’s benefit.
Hopefully, the biggest beneficiary will
be Dubai - I think they’re going to be
very proud of the end product.
Our Trump International Golf Course
at Akoya by DAMAC is very, very special.
We’ve done many special projects around
the world. In Dubai we’re setting a standard
in the Middle East that’s never been set
before and that’s going to be very exciting.
WWG: You already own highly esteemed,
established courses such as Doonbeg
in Ireland and now Turnberry in
Scotland as well as your courses in
America – is this a different challenge,
creating something from scratch
that can match those courses?
DONALD TRUMP: A recent statement was
made by one of the great photographers
of golf. He said that I have the greatest
collection of golf courses ever assembled
by one person. That's a great compliment.
We’ve got Turnberry, which is an Open
Championship venue and we just got
the PGA Championship at Bedminster
in New York, which is the youngest
course ever to get a Major – and we’ll
have the US Women’s Open at the same
venue. We’ll also have the Senior PGA
Championship at our course in Washington.
I have great courses. I don’t want courses
that aren’t great. If they can’t be the best
I’m not interested. I think this course will fit
that mould so it’s sort of interesting. I just
left Turnberry, which is very old and has
tremendous history having hosted many
great championships. I was very lucky to
get it and this development in Dubai is
very new but I think at the end it’s going
to be equally great. We’ll make sure it is.
WorldwideGolf - June 2014 | 31
Donald Trump pictured with Hussain Sajwani, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DAMAC, on the 11th tee at the Trump International Course at Akoya by DAMAC.
“HUSSAIN SAJWANI, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DAMAC SAID TO ME ‘DONALD, I WOULD LIKE TO GET THE GREATEST GOLF ARCHITECT IN THE WORLD, WE’RE GOING TO BUILD A COURSE THAT’S NOT GOING TO BE JUST THE BEST IN THIS AREA, DUBAI AND THE MIDDLE EAST, WE WANT ONE OF THE GREAT COURSES OF THE WORLD."
DONALD TRUMP <<
TOP: Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice President, DAMAC, introduces Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump and Hussain Sajwani, to the assembled media.RIGHT: Donald Trump nails a long drive off the 11th tee during the Press Conference at Akoya by DAMAC.
I’D LIKE TO CONGRATULATE YOU, BECAUSE I’VE READ YOUR WORLDWIDE GOLF MAGAZINE MANY TIMES AND IT’S TERRIFIC, IT’S REALLY GOOD QUALITY. THERE’S SO LITTLE QUALITY AROUND AND YOU DO QUALITY LIKE I DO QUALITY - WE KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. SO I WANT TO CONGRATULATE YOU AND THANK YOU.
DONALD TRUMP <<
ABOVE: Ivanka Tump, Hussain Sajwani, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DAMAC, and Donald Trump look over the model masterplan of the Trump International Golf Club complex.
BELOW: Mike Gallemore, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Worldwide Sporting Publications/Worldwide Golf, talks exclusively to Donald Trump about golf, Dubai and the Trump international GC.
34 | WorldwideGolf - June 2014
WITH A MAIDEN EUROPEAN TOUR WIN FINALLY UNDER HIS BELT, DUBAI-BASED GEORGE COETZEE SPOKE EXCLUSIVELY TO WORLDWIDE GOLF ABOUT WHAT’S CHANGED IN HIS GAME, WHY HE LIKES PLAYING GOLF IN THE MIDDLE EAST, LIFE IN DUBAI AND FOLLOWING LIVERPOOL FC
COETZEE LOVING DESERT LIFE
TWO years ago GAC, a Dubai based logistics
company, signed up George Coetzee as
their brand ambassador, a partnership
that he says is flourishing and helped him
become the latest South African winner on The
European Tour, at this year’s Joburg Open.
“It’s turning out to be more of a family thing
than a corporate deal,” he says. “The added bonus
is that they sponsor Crystal Palace and I like my
football. I follow Liverpool and I got a chance to
watch them at Palace recently but sadly we drew
3-3 which ended our chances of winning the title.”
But how did the 27-year-old come to support
Liverpool having grown up in Pretoria? “I remember
growing up watching a game of football with my sister
and she asked me which team I thought would win –
and I said it would be the team in red,” recalls Coetzee. “I
didn’t know it at the time, but the team was Liverpool.
I remember watching one player with a plaster across
his nose and I didn’t really know what that was all
about. A few years later I realised that the player was
Robbie Fowler. Liverpool gradually became my team.
“In 2005 I was competing at Royal Birkdale in the
British Amateur and it just so happened that Liverpool
were playing Milan in the Champions League Final
in Istanbul. Birkdale is in Southport but only about
20 miles north of Liverpool. I was surrounded
by Liverpool fans and so I ordered a beer – even
though I knew I shouldn’t because it was during
tournament week. We were 3-0 down at half time
and so I put my beer down and said, ‘I’ll never drink
again if we win, just please let us win’. We ended up
sneaking the most amazing win that anyone can
remember. It was a great night, one I’ll never forget.“
Success for Liverpool in 2005 didn’t come easily
and it certainly wasn’t easy for Coetzee as he made
his initial steps on The European Tour in 2010.
He earned his European Tour card after going
through Qualifying School in 2009 but a disappointing
first season, which included just two top-10 finishes,
forced him to return to Q-School to get his card back.
“I had more of a John Daly approach in my first
couple of years on Tour,” Coetzee says. “I realised
I wasn’t going to keep my card and knew I had
to change somehow and keep my belief up.”
He returned to the Tour in 2011 and began climbing
up the leaderboard at events, losing in a play-off to
finish second at the Johnnie Walker Championship at
Gleneagles and recording three third-place finishes,
along with eight top-10 finishes overall. He ended
the season ranked 26th in The Race to Dubai.
The next year he reached the top 50 of the Official
World Golf Ranking for the first time in his career
and also finished 21st in The Race to Dubai.
But despite the steady improvements, things still
weren’t feeling quite right for the likeable 27-year-old.
“At the end of last year I realised my form was kind of
too up and down,” he says. “I never felt like I was in total
GEORGE COETZEE <<
WorldwideGolf - June 2014 | 35
This summer, escape the heat and enjoy the atmospheric experience of playing golf any night of the week on the
To book your round call 04 380 1234, email [email protected] or visit www.dubaigolf.com
TOP: George Coetzee and Gary Player walk together during a practice round prior to the start of the 2013 Masters Tournament at Augusta .
Above: Mpho Franklyn Parks Tau, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, presents George Coetzee with the trophy after winning the Joburg Open in February this year for his maiden title on The European Tour.
victory at Harbor Shores, Michigan, was his first title
on the US Champions Tour. It was also his first win
in an official event in the United States.
I’ve said many times in this column that the
gap between the players on the regular Tours and
the Senior Tours is almost non-existent. It proved
my point when Miguel Angel Jimenez won the
Spanish Open on The European Tour last month
and both he and Bernhard Langer finished in the
top 10 in the Masters in April.
Put yourself in a bubbleMonty made an interesting quote after winning
the US Senior PGA Championship, that he had
“learned today to concentrate on me, and possibly
I haven’t in the past.” You’ve got to put yourself in
a bubble and shut out everything else going on
around you if you want to win the game’s biggest
tournaments. Monty, aged 51, shot a final round
6-under 65 for a four-stroke victory over 64-year-old
Tom Watson. Tom also closed with a 65. Jay Haas
and Bernhard Langer tied for third at 7 under. Haas
had a 67, and Langer shot 70.
Monty acknowledged that he’d had a few
close calls in Major championships over the
years and said, “it’s great to finally win, never
mind a Champions Tour event but a Senior PGA
Championship event.”
Monty also made his name as a Ryder Cup
player and victorious Captain at Celtic Manor in
2010 and Watson will captain the US Ryder Cup
Team at Gleneagles in September, and it was a
two-horse race between the two down the home
stretch until Tom missed a four-foot birdie putt
at the short par-5 15th hole which ended his
challenge.
I HAD the pleasure of returning to Saadiyat Beach
Golf Club last month. I always love going back
to Saadiyat Beach. I regard it as one of the best
designs I have done anywhere in the world. The
course is in excellent condition and I’d love to see it
host the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority have done a
wonderful job in promoting and publicising the
emirate as a top-class golfing destination and I
think that Saadiyat Beach has got that WOW factor
that would appeal to international golfers.
Golf at Saadiyat Beach, along with Yas Links, Abu
Dhabi Golf Club and Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, are
at near capacity in terms of annual rounds and this
is just further evidence that their golf tourism and
growth of the game initiatives are working. The
opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is now in sight
and the museum will be an extremely exciting
addition to the region. Gary Player Design also
attended the HSBC Golf Business Forum at Abu
Dhabi which was once again an outstanding event,
discussing the future of golf. Congratulations to
IMG/HSBC and Troon for hosting such a successful
conference.
Golf has got a wonderful future in the UAE in
particular and in the Middle East in general. There
are some fantastic courses, including Saadiyat
Beach, and having heard the exciting news of
the Trump International Golf Club, Dubai, project
among a number of new golf developments in the
area, it shows that golf is very much on the move
again in the region.
Donald Trump is a great promoter of golf around
the world and I’m sure the Trump International will
be a welcome addition to the golf scene in the
UAE.
MONTY FINALLY BAGS A MAJOR
<< WORLDWIDE GOLF COLUMNIST
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Advance bookings required for green fees and hotel and golf packages.
Above: Colin Baxter, Managing Director, Hydroturf,
speaks to the assembled Superintendants and Golf
Club Managers at the 2014 Hydroturf Seminar.
SAVING UP TO $500,000 ON WATER WITH THE NEW TORO TECHNOLOGY
46 | WorldwideGolf - June 2014
Q: What is the relationship between Toro
and Hydroturf and what role do both
companies play in the golf industry in and
around the Middle East?
Andreas Feichtinger: Hydroturf is Toro’s
exclusive distributor in the Middle East. We
have a very strong, long-term relationship be
it through supplying irrigation or machinery
supply support.
Ken Lovelady: Hydroturf have offices
throughout the Middle East and we stretch to
Egypt through Jordan and right on through
to Pakistan, so it’s a comprehensive market
we look after. I see Toro and Hydroturf as
partners as we work together. We basically
look after the golf market. There are more
than 50 courses in the Middle East and we’ve
been involved in every single one of them,
whether it’s through irrigation, machinery,
pump stations or electric vehicles, in some
form Hydroturf has been involved.
Q: Hydroturf and Toro are getting involved
in projects further afield, away from the
Middle East golfing hub of the UAE – is this
a trend for the future?
KL: Yes, absolutely. We’ve just delivered a big
installation at the Ayla project in Jordan – the
first golf course in Jordan and designed by
Greg Norman. Our goal is to expand in the
market within our territory.
AF: For us, it makes sense to have one large
distributor looking after a good number
of countries, rather than many distributors
across many countries – it’s easier to
maintain our relationship and it’s one of the
strengths of our partnership.
Q: Maintaining golf courses in the Middle
East is expensive because of the amount
of water used on a daily basis. What can
be done to help golf courses cut back on
the costs spent on keeping their grounds
well watered and well maintained?
KL: The biggest cost, of course, is water. If
they can decrease their water requirements
and not waste it – for example by not
spraying bunkers or lakes – then they can cut
their budgets, perhaps up to $500,000 per
year, depending on how much they currently
spend. This is an enormous amount of money.
I think some people will be amazed by the
new Toro technology that can help courses
save water and therefore save money.
Marco Cappelli: It goes beyond just water
though – electricity and fertilizer costs also
add up. It’s not just about saving water.
Often if you use less water you can provide a
better playing surface. So you can have the
best of two worlds – save money and water.
Q: Water conservation has been thrust
into the limelight ahead of this year’s
US Open at Pinehurst where, for the
first time in a long time, there will be no
maintained rough. By removing roughly
40 acres of grass, Pinehurst cut its water
usage on the No. 2 course almost in half.
Is this something that golf courses in the
Middle East should consider?
KL: In the Middle East courses tend to
overseed in winter because the grass goes
dormant and then they over-irrigate in the
summer for it to grow again. But for them
to do what they’ve done at Pinehurst is not
applicable to the courses over here. They
don’t have those problems with extreme
weather conditions at Pinehurst. So in short
the answer is, no.
MC: It’s up to the golf course as to which
areas they wish to irrigate. At the same time
we think you can water the same areas
without compromising the quality. It depends
on the golf course – every one is different.
Q: Tower Links Golf Club was built in 2003
with a special type of grass that survives
the use of water with a high salt content
– meaning the need for expensive clean
water is reduced. Is this something that
new projects in the Middle East should
think about at the development stage?
CB: When Tower Links was built it was the first
course of its kind over here and there were a
lot of doubters, yet here we are 11 years later
and it is still flourishing with 20,000 ppm in
the summer. It’s something that should be
considered around the region with regard to
sustainability.
AF: It should be noted that we are working on
adapting our sprinklers for salty water, so we
Above Colin Baxter Managing Director Hydroturf
Attendees of the Hydroturf Seminar get ready to tackle
the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
WorldwideGolf - June 2014 | 47
have ones that will not corrode during use.
Q: Other sports played on grass have
started utilizing artificial turf – Wembley
Stadium’s pitch uses a hybrid of real grass
and synthetic grass. Could completely
artificial surfaces be implemented at golf
courses, such as the tee-boxes or cart
paths, to cut down on the cost of watering
and maintenance?
KL: Definitely. In Egypt we’ve been involved
in a 9-hole project that utilizes astroturf.
At the moment the technology isn’t
completely there to make it practical to build
a golf course out of astroturf, but there are
companies trying to develop it to be spongy
enough or to ‘give’ enough for the clubhead
on impact and decrease the shock in your
wrists. The thing with astroturf is that it still
needs watering to get rid of dust etc, but on
the flipside it doesn’t need mowing.
MC: You always risk looking like a fool when
you try to predict technology! Everything
adapts and changes and moves forward
but it’s too soon to say if artificial grass will
ever replace real grass when it comes to golf
courses. Still, this is a fascinating industry to
be involved it.
Q: How fast does technology involving water efficiency and
desalinization move? Are there things Toro and Hydroturf can offer
golf courses in the region now, that you couldn’t 4 or 5 years ago?
Andreas Feichtinger: It moves very quickly and it has accelerated a
lot in the last 4 to 5 years. For example, we can offer new sensors to
measure humidity, temperature and salinity of soil. New software allows
us to analyze irrigation matters deeper than we’ve ever been able to
before. This is important to get the water exactly where you want it,
when you want it and not waste any.
The simplicity in the new technology is the key. If it’s not simple to use
then the greenkeepers won’t use it and that’s one of our strengths – our
technology is simple and very easy to understand.
kle
es.
WAYNE'S WORLD MIKKO ILONEN
48 | WorldwideGolf - June 20
FINN-TASTIC
Wayne Johnson, Director of Instruction at the European Tour Performance Institute, Jumeirah Golf Estates, talks to Finland’s most successful golfer, Mikko Ilonen.The Scandinavian became the first player from Finland to win a European Tour title when he claimed the Indonesia Open in 2007 and he made it a year to remember when he added the Scandinavian Masters later that season. He had to wait six years for his next win but it came at the same tournament when he beat Jonas Blixt by three shots in Sweden last year. The cool Finn started this season in fine form as he came agonisingly close to claiming the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters before being edged out by Sergio Garcia at the third hole of a play-off at Doha Golf Club. After finishing tied 38th in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth he is currently 26th in The Race to Dubai with €432,577 in prize money.
WAYNE'S WORLD
WorldwideGolf - June 2014 | 49
MIKKOILONEN
Born: December 18, 1979Height: 187 cmWeight: 83 kg
Residence: Lahti, FinlandCoach: Timo Rauhala
Physical trainer: Pierre JohanssonHobbies: Billiards,
Mikko Ilonen: They have simply great facilities here to
work on my game and Dubai is easy to get to and it has
a really good climate to practice in.
WJ: Which parts of the facility have you used and
which are your favourites?
MI: I’ve utilised all the areas at the ETPI and practised on
both the Fire and Earth courses. The practice range and
short game area is my favourite part.
WJ: How much help is a facility like this, in a location
like Dubai, for international Tour players?
MI: It’s crucial, especially for me who does not
have facilities like this at home. Plus we have four
tournaments in this region which make it a great
stopover location to practice with easy air links.
WJ: You’ve been coming to Dubai for many years –
how has the game changed in the region since you
first played the Desert Classic in 2001?
MI: Obviously it’s grown a lot, more new courses, a
lot more players than before and what I like most is
meeting more local UAE junior golfers.
WJ: You’ve enjoyed some good results on Middle
East golf courses – what do you like about the
courses here, and how do they suit your game?
MI: I like the fact that they are not just target golf-style
courses. In calm conditions any course plays easier, but
here the wind factor always makes it challenging and it
requires good imagination and shot-making to score
well.
Prince Daniel, Duke of Vastergotland, the husband of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, presents Mikko with the 2013 Nordea Scandinavian Masters trophy at Bro Hof Slott Golf Club.
WAYNE'SWORLD
WorldwideGolf - June 2014 | 51
WJ: You were so close to victory in the
Commercial Bank Qatar Masters this year – talk
about that play-off with Sergio, we thought they
were going to have to finish on Monday as there
was just nothing to separate you both.
MI: I fought hard to make the play-off. I made
a silly three-putt on 13 but bounced back with
several closing birdies to make the play-off. It was
disappointing to lose but looking back to Qatar
to have got going so well with my game so early
in the season is great. It was also good to make
ranking points early on and build towards my
target. I was really comfortable playing there!
WJ: Last season was a great one for you, with
your first win in a few years – how is your game
feeling now and what have you been working
on?
MI: My game feels fine. I don’t see any reason
why I can’t do well in the next few events and
have a good season.
WJ: You played in the DP World Tour
Championship for the first time last year – what
was that experience like and how important is it
for you to try to qualify again this year?
MI: It’s the goal for the whole season – the DP
World Tour Championship is where you want to
end up playing. I would like to make top 20 in
The Race to Dubai not just top 60. It would be
the perfect way to end the season – playing on a
great course with great facilities all round and a
great field. This is where you need to be!
Ilonen shakes hands with his caddie after losing on the third play-off hole to Sergio Garcia at this year's Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Mikko Ilonen plays his tee shot at the par 3, seventh
hole watched by his playing partner Tiger Woods during the third round of the 2014 Omega Dubai Desert Classic
Todays touring professionals are renowned for their ability to get the ball up and down from seems to be anywhere. Sometimes they almost prefer to be in the sand and just off the green. The key to gaining that all important confidence in the bunker is to be able to get out consistently. To do this you need to be able to control 2 things:
1 Where the club hits the sand. 2 How fast the club is moving.
MATHEW PARKER SENIOR TEACHING PROFESSIONAL PGA EUROPEAN TOUR PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE
TOUR STANDARD BUNKER SHOTS
To control where the club hits the sand, you need to build the following key set up points. The lower body must remain still during a bunker shot, to get the lower body in the right position follow these steps:
1 Set your feet apart so that the middle of your stance is where you want the club to hit the sand. (roughly 3 inches behind the ball)
2 Turn your front foot about 45 degree toward the target.3 Push your Knee forward to point over your toes.4 Dig your feet in.
54 | WorldwideGolf - June 2014
BY- Bryan Smyth, Golf Professional at Emirates Golf Club
Once you have this in place the key swing thought is to rotate. Working on the idea that the speed at which you turn controls the speed of the club head, try hitting some shots with the same amount of backswing but vary the speed of the turn in the downswing.
Practice this set up and swing thought and you should be looking forward to the next time you need to make a sandy par.
One final point to take note of is the line from my chin to my belt buckle.. notice how that is pointing at the middle of my feet. This helps to also control how deep the club goes into the sand.
Summer Packages with The Academyat Emirates Golf Club
INSTRUCTIONJONATHAN CRADDOCK PGA PROFESSIONAL EMIRATES GOLF CLUB
PREPARATION IS KEYWITH THE PRE-SHOT THREE-PHASE APPROACH…
I often hear stories where players have rushed a shot and said afterwards, “I knew that was going to happen.” Developing a pre-shot routine will give you the opportunity to execute the perfect shot, time after time. The best way to prepare is by using the three-phase approach.
PHASE 1: Pre-shot planning
This phase is prior to your actual pre-shot routine. Time here will be spent gathering data for the shot: lie, distance, external influences, wind etc. It is important here to use your time wisely. Some information may be gathered before actually reaching your ball. For example, as you are walking towards a green, the slopes may be easier to spot.
PHASE 2: Pre-shot routine
A pre-shot routine is a consistent and systematic procedure that is executed prior to hitting a golf shot and is instrumental in the focus and relaxation process. Jim Flick’s book “On Golf” has an excellent description of pre-shot routine and demonstrates that “Every Shot Must Have A Purpose.”
I IMAGINE when playing on the course that there is a
white line in between myself and the ball. I have placed
a white alignment stick on the ground. Standing behind the
stick is the time to think about your technique. Once stepping
over the white line it is time to simply execute the shot.
1
TIME If you take a look at all top golfers and time their
movements, especially Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in
their prime the time would be pretty much identical. Annika
Sörenstam is another great player who had a pre-shot routine
that lasted exactly 24 seconds every time.
VISUALISATION It isn’t about just seeing, it is more of a
feeling with your eyes. Sam Snead said that he would paint
a picture in the sky of the shot he planned to hit. Jack Nicklaus
would clearly see the shot shape, trajectory and even how the ball
would react when landing before he made his swing. His putting
often took a little too much time as he would repeat his practice
stroke until he was convinced he would hole it. He was seeing the
ball go in the hole but also feeling the movement he would need
to replicate to achieve his goal.
3
TRIGGER is the moment you place yourself in a state of extreme
concentration where all thoughts are going into firstly creating the
imagery, secondly feeling the movements required and thirdly executing the
desired shot. Many professionals do this in differing ways. My trigger to start
my pre-shot routine is to fasten my glove. If the glove is open, I am open to
chatting and taking in the surroundings. Once the glove is fastened that’s my
cue to grip it and rip it.
4
SEQUENCING THE ABOVE EVENTS Behind the line we would begin
with the trigger, followed by the imagery, seeing and feeling the shot,
completed by the execution. I like to think of the preparation coming from an
adult mind and the shot coming from a playful child not thinking about the
consequences. In a nutshell, you want to be doing as little thinking as possible
when it comes time to your swing.
5
PHASE 3: Post-Shot Routine
I can count the number ofplayers who use a post-shot routine on one hand. My post-shot routine is to hold my finish and watch the ball come to rest. Following this I unfasten my glove and continue to take in the surroundings.The last thing on your mind should be the golf shot played or the golf shots to come. Just stay inthe present.
Ever wondered why there are so many different styles?
There are only a few names in the golf manufacturing business that carry more weight than Scotty Cameron. So, when he announced the launch of two new ranges of putters, the golf industry took note. At the 2014 PGA Show, Cameron unveiled his latest Scotty Cameron editions, the Select and GoLo models.His ”Select” range began in 2008 and has been upgraded each season since then and for 2014 he has upgraded the looks and colour of the Select putters, and added a couple of new models.
SCOTTYCAMERON
A CUSTOM FIT SCOTTY CAMERON PUTTERWINTo enter go to: http: //www.wwgolf.net
Scotty Cameron: “My team and I are focused on
one simple goal, designing and producing the
finest putters in the world. The new Select and
GoLo families, in addition to our high-MOI Futura
X models, take us to the next level of performance
and pure putting confidence.
“Every day, we strive to learn more about how
the ball, the putter and the golfer work together,
and how we can improve that connection. We’re
continually experimenting with new designs, new
materials and technologies.
“After using one of our putters, golfers sometimes
tell me, ‘I don’t know why I like it, I just like it.’ That’s
WWG: With Al Badia hosting the Challenge Tour Grand Final and Jumeirah Golf Estates staging The European Tour’s season-ending climax, November is an exciting month for Dubai and for The Tour. James Shippey: When we first started our discussions with the European Challenge Tour we were looking at exploring different options and finding out what was available tournament-wise and most met with our key objectives.
We wanted a high stature event but at a level that was a little bit more true to the real life golfer in Dubai, who could relate to golf professionals beginning their careers. It was a big step for us as a club to dip our toe in the water to see how we liked hosting a tournament without committing to a fully-fledged European Tour event. The Challenge Tour Grand Final had a high enough stature that brought a high amount of media value and it was just a great fit for us.
We have an excellent reputation for being a great facility but there are other clubs in Dubai that have a higher profile because they’ve staged a main Tour event. We wanted to position Al Badia Golf Club in the marketplace of being a great golf club capable of holding a world-class event.
We’ve obviously gained a lot of media recognition since we held the tournament. The feedback from the players was amazing. We’ve made some slight modifications to the golf course for the second staging this year, namely new tees on holes 11 and 17, but it was good to hear from the players that we already have a world-class product that the players appreciate and enjoy competing over.
WWG: When The European Tour is considering venues for other events, because of what you did last year, Al Badia should automatically be in the frame. JS: Our team at Al Badia is high quality. They’re
all very passionate people, who all want to deliver the best results for our owners, provide a great member experience for our members, giving visitors a great day’s golf and provide some of the region’s finest food and beverage. All in all, we strive to exceed all expectations in everything we do.
We didn’t have long to prepare for the 2013 tournament and it showed what we could deliver in such a short space of time. Obviously, for the 2014 staging, we’ve had -12months to prepare and we’ll definitely deliver something
that will impress a lot of people.
WWG: Do you think the fact that you have a facility that very few other clubs in Dubai have got, gives Al Badia an advantage? JS: Dubai Festival City is a great location. We have three amazing hotels – the InterContinental Hotel and the Crowne Plaza and InterContinental Residence Suites, which are serviced apartments managed by the InterContinental.
It’s a fantastic destination. We have some beautiful real estate around the property and it really is the finished article. We have beautiful landscaping which gives you a great visual experience
when you’re arriving at the golf club. Yes, you’re in Dubai, yet you’re in the middle of the desert.
It’s a very tranquil place, out of the hustle and bustle of Dubai city, in a quiet, peaceful, relaxing environment. Water plays an important part with water features coming into play on 12 holes. We’re well established now and the wildlife we have on the golf course is amazing – a wide array of birds and all the waterways have nice aquatic life in them as well. It’s an oasis in the middle of the city.
WWG: It’s good that a lot of the players who played here last year have gone on to make a name for themselves on The European Tour and it’s good to follow their progress.
JS: It’s good to see them playing well on The European Tour. Among the players who qualified here at Al Badia last year, the Challenge Tour Grand Final winner, Shiv Kapur, is performing well and Marco Crespi has already won an event on The Tour. As a club it’s gratifying to see people who have graduated through the Challenge Tour playing well.
When you look at the stars on the world scene now, the likes of Kaymer, Poulter and Rose just to name a few – they’ve all earned their place through the Challenge Tour and that will continue. It’s a great breeding ground for future players on the world stage.
WWG: Having done such a good job last year creating such an outstanding event, how do you improve on that this year and the following year?JS: From the golf course side we’ve made a couple of alterations just to make it a little bit more of a challenge for the players. We’re aiming to raise the profile to make the event more of a family affair. We’ve been coming up with some nice initiatives to bring the golfers down to watch the golf but also the families as well.
Maybe the golf isn’t their primary reason for coming to Al Badia but just to enjoy a nice day out with the family. One of the things we’ve managed to arrange is that this year’s event will finish on a Saturday. With Friday and Saturday as the tournament’s final two days, which is our weekend in Dubai, it will give families the opportunity to spend the weekend here and see the tournament finish on a weekend rather than on a workday.
WWG: The impressive thing about last year’s event was that everything you did was top quality. It was a fitting Grand Final for the Challenge Tour.JS: That comes down to the team we have here – dedicated professionals who strive to achieve excellence in everything they do.
Having world famous players here at Al Badia was an inspiration to see how far we could push as a team to excel and even Shiv Kapur in his speech mentioned how great the food was.
James Shippey (right), Manager of Al Badia Golf Club, talks to Worldwide Golf about the second edition
of the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final from Wednesday, November 5 to Saturday,
November 8 and says that the success of last year’s tournament will be a hard act to follow.
Follow That!
2013 winner, India’s Shiv Kapur.
WorldwideGolf - June 2014 | 6
We’re certainly much more than just a golf club – we’re a great food and beverage destination with a team that can deliver some great products.
It was a fairly simple thing for us to manage because everybody knew what they were doing, and they just did it with a lot of passion and with a smile on their face. We have a very friendly team here and it shows.
WWG: One thing that struck me was that Al Badia is a sponsor’s paradise. You’ve got all the amenities in place, the quality of the location itself, the staff, the food – everything. JS: With having such high quality facilities at the club, sponsors know that they’re guaranteed an experience that is totally unique. One of our key benefits at Al Badia is our corporate hospitality area, which, during the tournament is outside on the lawn overlooking the golf course. We’re blessed with great weather in November so it’s an
ideal location to sit back, relax and watch the golf.Certainly for some of our sponsors, such as the Al Futtaim Automotive Group, it’s a great opportunity for them to become involved and have one-to-one interaction with the future stars of the game.
It’s all about building relationships in the early stages that could flourish for 10-15 years, creating long-term brand ambassadors.
We always wanted to become involved in tournament golf and we’re really fortunate to get such a high-profile event. We’re fully committed to delivering on our three year agreement. Whether we continue to host the European Challenge Tour or perhaps move to a European Tour event remains to be seen. But the opportunity is there and the appetite is there to be involved with the big events. The feedback we got from the Tour, the players, and the general public, was music to our ears.
R&A LEVEL TWO RULES SCHOOL COMES TO THE UAEALL the Golf Federations and Associations in the region, plus golf professionals, club officials and individuals are invited to join the R&A’s Level Two Rules School when it comes to Al Badia Golf Club later this year.In what will be a significant event for golf in the region, the two-and-a-half-day school, run by the R&A, will be attended by Christopher Hilton, Chairman of the R&A Rules of Golf Committee, Shona McRae, R&A Assistant Director – Rules, and Kevin Barker, R&A Assistant Director – Rules.This Level Two school is more than the Level One Introduction Rules School and is potentially followed by Level Three – the Tournament Administrators and Referees School, which is a three-day school which includes sessions on course set-up, pace of play, suspension of play and Temporary Immovable Obstructions (TIOs). This Level Three School is held annually at St Andrews in Scotland and is by invitation only.
Date: Monday 3rd – Wednesday 5th November, 2014.
Venue: Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental, Dubai.
About the clubIT MAY be the country’s first golf course, but
The National Azerbaijan Golf Club has been
created to the most exacting standards and
represents an audacious and ambitious
foray into the sport for an emerging golfing
nation. Positioned within 75 hectares of
idyllic Azerbaijani topography, the undulating
fairways of this par 72 golf course, stretching
over 7,000 yards, creates a lasting impression
on the eye.
Imaginatively, and despite its championship
credentials, landing zones, approaches
and greens remain accessible, leading to a
‘look hard, play easy’ feel which maximizes
enjoyment amongst all players.
The Presidential opening last September was
a ground-breaking achievement for this proud
nation, which demonstrated their desire to
create a golfing destination for international
visitors.
The National Azerbaijan Golf Club is a semi-
private facility with an element of daily fee play,
allowing players of all levels the opportunity
to learn and play the game. The combination
of the pristine golf course conditioning,
personalised service levels, amenities and
attention to detail has made this facility one
which Azerbaijan can be very proud of.
Jon Hunt and the International Design
Group, were the architectural experts behind
the project from golf course and landscape
design, to creating a clubhouse which is
boutique in style, yet accommodating to every
player’s needs and wants. The warmth and
hospitality of the region lies at the heart of this
Scandinavian Arctic-style clubhouse, and with
a terrace overlooking the 18th hole it gives a
tranquil and beautiful setting for memorable
dining as well as an unforgettable Shisha
experience.
The resort boasts a luxury 5-star hotel,
managed by world-renowned hotelier Rixos,
featuring 200 bedrooms, luxury villas, an
amusement park, spa centre, and its notable
restaurants, the Challette Steakhouse with
its mountain views and Le Coquet restaurant
beside the lake.
The facility is managed by Troon Golf, the
leader in upscale golf course management,
development and marketing, who
strengthened its international portfolio in 2012
by adding The National Azerbaijan Golf Club
Land of FireLeading the way for the
FOR a country’s first and only golf course to step onto golf’s world stage to host a professional golf event is a courageous move, particularly considering that few people know where that country actually is. Yet The National Azerbaijan Golf Club in Quba, situated by the Caspian Sea, South of Russia, bravely aims to put the nation firmly on the world golf map in hosting the €300,000 Azerbaijan Open Challenge.
to its extensive worldwide list of managed
properties.
The National Azerbaijan Golf Club will lead
the way in harnessing golf’s spirit of tradition
and innovation in delivering world-class
coaching. The Academy by Troon Golf will
be utilising cutting-edge technology and
techniques, delivered by expert PGA-qualified
instructors to develop players of all levels.
The Academy boasts an immaculate
practice facility that is second to none. The
comprehensive facility has been created
to allow for the practice of all areas of the
long game, via the driving range, while the
extensive short game area, will allow golfers to
develop their skills in golf’s other areas.
In conjunction with the Azerbaijan Golf
Federation the golf club’s major incentive is to
develop junior golf both locally and nationally
throughout Azerbaijan.
The facility is located in Quba, which lies between the coast of the Caspian Sea and the majestic Caucasus Mountains, a 90 minute drive from the capital city Baku, gives lovers of the game an accessible option to a world-class golf resort. Quba, famous for its beautifully crafted handmade carpets, apple orchards and
local cuisine, combined with an International Ski Resort only a short journey through the beautiful mountains, make this a must visit for any tourist.
for the prestigious trophy and it was Al Mazrui who
came out on top by just one-point from Ahmed
Skaik.
Al Mazrui, a six handicapper, produced 16 points
on the front nine, including six straight pars from
the opening hole, but the key to his victory was a
fabulous gross birdie on the 429-yard closing hole
which gave him four points.
Although Skaik was denied the main prize he did
take home the junior trophy while Khalid Yousuf
shot a gross 77 to collect the overall gross prize.
Commenting on the UAE Nationals Cup, Salah
Tahlak, Senior Vice President - Corporate
Communications of Dubai Duty Free said: “This
year marks the 20th edition of the Dubai Duty Free
UAE Nationals Cup and the tournament has grown
more and more popular among UAE National
golfers since its launch in 1995. Our thanks to all
our participants and to my team at Dubai Duty
Free and to the Emirates Golf Club for their efforts
in ensuring a great day was had by all.”
FARIS AL MAZRUI TRIUMPHS IN DDF UAE NATIONALS CUP
Dubai Duty Free officials headed by Executive Vice Chairman, Colm McLoughlin; Vice President for Corporate Communications, Salah Tahlak and Sinead El Sibai, Vice
President for Marketing, along with Emirates Golf Federation Board member, Rashid Al Jarwan pictured presenting the trophy to Faris Al Mazrui.
DYBALL AND BREEN WIN THE LADIES NATIONS CUPTHE Celtic team of Christine
Dyball and Margaret Breen scored
a stunning betterball tally of 50
Stableford points to take home
the Ladies Nations Cup last month.
A total of 24 teams representing
countries from all over the world
set out in a quest for glory and
the winners’ scorecard consisted
of four net eagles and seven net
birdies as they beat the German
team of Sabine Choudry and
Sabine Kielmann while third place
went to the Japan team of Lady
Vice Captain Mitsuko Emmerson
and her playing partner Yasuyuki
Fujitani after they lost out to
Germany on a countback.
Margaret Breen collects the prize from Lady Captain
Barbara Head.
SHEWAKRAMANI AND SINDHU CLINCH THE HANKOOK GREENSOMES SURESH Shewakramani and Ashok Sindhu triumphed in
the Hankook Greensomes Championship recently with a
winning tally of 12-under par over 36 holes.
The duo found themselves in the last group for the
final round on the Majlis course following an opening 64
(8-under par) over the Faldo course and they were joined
by Yvette and Neil Heywood who were two strokes back.
With three holes to go at least four teams had the
chance to win but it was Shewakramani and Sindhu
who finished strongly with a gross birdie for a net eagle
on the par four 17th followed by a net birdie on the
final hole. They combined superbly in the Greensomes
format to post rounds of 64 and 68 for a 132.
Emirates GC members Karam Sehmi and Ninu Smith
represented their home club admirably with rounds of
67 and 67 for a 134 total for second place while Gaurav
Verma and Shreyans Khemka shot up the leaderboard
into third place thanks to a superb second round 63.
CHRIS DYBALL TRIUMPHS IN LADY CAPTAINS DAYBARBARA Head started her Lady Captain’s Day with the opening
tee shot and great fun was had by all across the modified
Majlis course. Various alternative versions of the holes were put
together, including a Nearest the Pin with a throw on hole 7 and
‘green keepers revenge’ with tractors in the middle of the fairway
on hole 10.
Taking the top honours in the popular event was Chris Dyball
as she put together a superb tally of 42 points, one clear of
Veronica Elias and Janet Curtis who needed a countback to
separate them. Second place was eventually handed to Curtis
On the outside, the new i25TM adjustable driver says performance and control. Inside, the multi-material driver has the horsepower to match. A CG positioned low and back reduces spin and delivers an extremely high MOI for forgiveness while stabilizing launch conditions to give you the distance you demand. To get the perfect
to help keep you in the fairway. Of course, there’s a lot more to it, so test drive one at your PING Fitting Specialist or visit ping.com.
SIEGEL AND O’SULLIVAN CROWNED PEUGEOT CLUB CHAMPIONSTWO days of glorious weather and perfect greens
greeted a full field of over 100 players in the
Peugeot Club Championship and coming out on
top were Emily Siegel and Mark O’Sullivan.
Siegel retained her Ladies Champion title
thanks to her two-day tally of 172 while
O’Sullivan clinched the Men’s title with a superb
total of 149.
In the Net prizes Debbie Gibbs came out on
top in the Ladies Division with a 139 total while
the Men’s net winner was Billy Gibb with a 137.
The overall Division ‘A’ winner was Aaron
Schemeck who had two great Rounds of 66
and 71 for a 137 total while in Division ‘B’ Vijay
Ganju took the spoils with the same score after
consistent rounds of 68 and 69.
PROMISING FUTURE FOR BEACH ROTANA JUNIOR LEAGUE PLAYERSTHE Beach Rotana Junior League series came to a climax last month when more than 100 youngsters teed it
up to try and get their hands on some silverware.
In addition to prizes on the day, the Order of Merit awards were handed out and taking the 3-hole
prize was five year old Viraj Bulla with a tally of 113.5 points – a superb achievement as he was
competing against some players who were twice his age. The 8-hole Order of Merit prize went to Lara
El Chaib as she won the final event to come from second place to leapfrog clear of Charles Imbert with
a 122 point tally.
The 18-hole Order of Merit winners were Jake Wilshire in the Gross section and Antel El Chaib in the Net.
Taking the spoils in the 3-hole tournament in the final event were Seung Woo Wang in the Boys
section and Jessica Kelly in the Girls with 14 points each, while the Boys winner in the 8-hole
tournament was Mohammed Al Hajeri with 27 points.
ABU DHABI CITY GOLF CLUBCONTACT:Tel : +971 2 445 9600
Fax : +971 2 443 225
www.adcitygolf.com adcitygolf@adcitygolf
SUPERB SCORES IN FINAL AJYAL GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP PAR-3
ABU Dhabi City Golf Club hosted the grand final
of the 2013-2014 AJYAL Golf Championship Par-3
League recently and members of the Al Heloo family
stole the show.
The league is open to all Emirati junior golfers
under the patronage of the Shiekh Diab Bin Saif
Al Nahyan and taking the top honours in the Boys
‘A’ Division was Obaid Al Heloo with a gross 37,
one clear of Mohammed Al Hajeri with Khalid Al
Mutawa third on 40.
Reema Al Heloo made it a day to remember for
her family by dominating the Girls Division with
a superb gross score of 32, a full 13 shots clear
of Alyazya Al Shehhi. Reema also collected the
Nearest the Pin prize on hole 9.
Division ‘B’ was played over six holes and Alia Al
Emadi took the spoils with a gross 32, four points
clear of Khalifa Abdulla with Adlii Dallal third on 37.
Rhian Lobo, General Manager of Abu Dhabi City
Golf Club, said: “We were very honoured to be
part of such a great event and to accommodate
the grand final of the 2013-2014 AJYAL Golf
Championship Par-3 League.”
UAE National Team Coach Jason Froggatt said:
“The EGF would like to sincerely thank the children
To find out more contact us at [email protected] for businesses or individuals based in the SEPA region only.
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STEVE THOMPSON MBE was a fearless front row rugby player for England
and the British and Irish Lions. A member of England’s all-conquering
2003 World Cup-winning side, he is his national team’s most capped
hooker. He’s lived in Dubai for the past three years where he now runs a
successful interior design business and being based in the emirate has allowed
him to reignite his long-held passion for the game of golf. Steve suffered two
serious setbacks with neck injuries during his rugby career, which ended
his playing days and greatly hampered his ability to play golf. He’s had to
effectively re-learn the game from scratch and helping him do that has been
Justin Parsons, Director of Instruction at his home club, The Els Club, where we
caught up with Steve.
Steve and Justin on the range at The Els Club.
98 | WorldwideGolf - June 2014
THE DRIVING
RANGEMcLAREN HAVE BEEN NAMING THEIR F1 CARS BY NUMBERS FOR DECADES.
SO WHY CHANGE A WINNING FORMULA WHEN BUILDING THEIR PROUCTION CARS?
The McLaren MP4-12C was the first in a current line of supercars from the Formula One heavyweight that has taken the retail fight to their race rivals, Ferrari.The McLaren MP4-12C sees the British company slipstreaming the Italians on the road – with a view to overtaking with a new range of spectacularly quick and supremely capable supercars.
McLaren have been here before, of course. In 1993 the McLaren F1 was unveiled to the
world with a three-seater cockpit layout that placed the driver in the centre of the car, a chassis made from the lightweight material the company pioneered in motorsport, carbonfibre, and a V12 engine from BMW.
The McLaren F1 would go on to lay claim the title of the world’s fastest production car for almost a decade, though only 100 were ever built and many of those were for privateer racers. As with the original F1, the MP4 12C plays on McLaren’s grand prix pedigree.
Its shape was honed in the same wind tunnel used to fine-tune the aerodynamics of its F1 cars whose construction centres around a carbonfibre monocoque cell. There’s even technology based on systems banned from Grand Prix racing because it was so effective.
You even have to climb over a high and wide sill to enter the MP4-12C, through lifting a scissor door that opens not by a door handle but by running your fingers along the underside of a protruding door edge.