New Season, New Venues And New Excitement

Over the next few weeks I will be previewing the professional and amateur seasons, looking at major events, the top players to look out for and what’s new in tournament venues.

I will also be taking a snapshot look at the junior season, identifying the up-and-coming young talent and seeing what playing opportunities will be presented to them over the winter months.

The UAE PGA

I mentioned recently that plans were being drafted for the UAE PGA (now celebrating 10 years of operation) to commence a transformation; to follow a new vision with a new strategy to "make a real difference" in the local community. I am delighted to say that wheels are now in motion – just watch this space!

The UAE PGA now has more than 50 fully qualified PGA golf professionals with these numbers expected to double in the next three years. The PGA was first formed in 1901 back in the UK with a total of 59 golf professionals and 11 assistants. I guess you could say that the UAE PGA has a number of synergies with that era of the PGA – none more so than the goals of their founder members to unite PGA golf professionals throughout the country and as a collective help assist the development of the game.

Tour Opener

The UAE PGA season starts on September 25 at the Montgomerie, Dubai, followed by the second order of merit event on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club on October 3. As part of the new vision, we have been fortunate to have the support of a number of key UAE businesses (to be announced soon) that see great value in aligning their brand to the UAE PGA and assisting our association to develop UAE golf and in particular junior golf.

The big name to watch out for this season will most certainly be the exceptionally talented Simon Payne from Dubai Country Club, who last year ran away with the order of merit winning six events out of 14 along with a number of placed finishes. Other title challenges will no doubt come from Craig Martin (Golf Plus), Greg Holmes (Inspired) and top-placed rookie on the UAE PGA tour last year Nick Oakley (now with Emirates following the closure of Nad Al Sheba). There are strong rumours that Andrew Whitelaw will be making a strong push this season to take the title, so we will be watching his progress with keen interest.

There are a host of new events in the calendar and a number of new venues. Al Hamra Golf Club, The Dunes and Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club will each host the UAE PGA this season and will contribute greatly to the growth of the tour. It is an exciting time for the PGA and with the support of the UAE Golf Association and other influential bodies such as Golf in Dubai – the development of the game in general and the growth of junior golf are in extremely safe hands.