Winners require mental strength

I can’t honestly believe that it’s that time of year again – where did the last 12 months go? Perhaps I subconsciously erased last year’s result from my bruised and selective memory bank – that seems the more likely scenario. If you haven’t a clue what I’m on about – it’s Dubai Golf Trophy time again.

The Dubai Golf Trophy is the season-ending finale in which the top 16 PGA Professionals take on the top 16 amateurs from the UAE Golf Association’s order of merit.

Following the recent UAE PGA Championship at Al Hamra, the final pro placings have been decided and the team is now gearing up to what will undoubtedly be another very close battle indeed. For the amateur readers that remember last year’s result (and let’s face it how could you forget), you would probably argue that the final score was far from "close".

Over the years the Dubai Golf Trophy has been a one-sided affair in favour of the professional team, as many of you would expect, however the last couple of years have seen a tremendous wealth of talent emerging from the junior ranks.

The JDP (Junior Development Programme) and the PGA Professionals themselves have had a lot to do with this, and I have to say it has been extremely gratifying to watch the hard work from all parties pay off.

Aside from the junior players, the more senior amateurs have also added a more levelheaded and experienced balance to the team with some exceptionally talented and consistent performers such as John Mills, Alex Charawani, Dino Varkey and Vikram Judge to name but a few.

The format of the two-day event is a mixture of foursomes, better-ball and individual matchplay. Matchplay golf is quite clearly a different beast to strokeplay tournament golf. The strategy of play changes from competing against a golf course and all its defences to playing against your opponent and his or her weaknesses.

The team that can control the mental challenges attributed to this form of game play will ultimately be victorious. Whichever way the coin may fall, the event being hosted at Emirates Golf Club this Saturday and Sunday will undoubtedly prove to be another master class of golf.

Having not paid quite as much attention to the individual performances of the amateurs as I might have done this season, I can say that the standard of the professional game throughout 2007-08 has been the highest yet.

The pros have the bit between their teeth and are up for the challenge – the question is, do they have enough determination and mental strength to beat the exuberant amateur team and win back the trophy?