A topic that inspired me to write my column this week all came about by a recent shopping trip to Mall of the Emirates. It wasn’t in the search of new technology or at least not in the equipment sense of the word, but it was more in search of what was going to make me cut a dash, out on the fairways of St Andrews. You got it – fashion!

I have to admit that over the years of being involved in the golf retail business while managing the golf operation at Nad Al Sheba, I have detached myself from wearing club logoed clothing out on the course.

There are a number of interesting debates that have been doing the rounds among golf industry peers over the past couple of years, perhaps none more pertinent than "how green is golf" and "the effects of technology on mature, traditional golf courses".

Both I have to say, are extremely relevant issues that will no doubt rise in profile as more blogs are written on them and more cyberspace is taken up on industry websites to debate them.

Aside from these issues, but perhaps one that is linked in a roundabout way, is the technological enhancements made in golf course simulation and golf course modelling.

One of the most frustrating and busiest times of the year for golf course superintendents is at the beginning of summer. It’s a time when essential maintenance programmes kick in as the cool period ends and the temperatures soar.

It certainly isn’t a time that members or management look forward to, as it invariably brings with it negative comments and disillusioned golfers as they see their pristine courses literally ripped apart – not a sight for the faint-hearted!

In order to truly appreciate this necessary process, I encourage all golfers to educate themselves a little on the subject, rather than moan their way through it.