Looking back to the hot summer months in 2011, I remember looking forward to the main Golf events coming back to the UAE. Well that time has been and gone seemingly quickly, which brings me to that time where I add a few thoughts and look back on what has just happened.

There is no doubt that currently there is a major spotlight on Golf in the UAE and surrounding region. With the “Desert Swing” being as prominent as ever, that light has shone brightly once again in the last couple of months. In fact could it have been any brighter?

Go back to Luke Donald's amazing achievement at the Dubai World Championship back in December at the Earth Course, it was truly a pleasure to be there and witness the Englishman's achievement.
 Not forgetting Alvaro Quiros who won the actual event though completed a Dubai Double in the same year playing some awesome desert power Golf.
Personally, I am looking forward to the next couple of years at Jumeirah, it is a cracking event and a privilege to have been witness to the initial launch and inception, I hope they build on what they have done so far.

“The Desert Swing”
The Abu Dhabi Championship came along with a stellar field including Tiger. ADTA done a superb marketing job on this and the presented layout is getting better and better. The crowds are on the up and this event goes from strength to strength. Underdog Robert Rock came out on top, who was a surprise winner but definitely a worth one as he help out the lead on the last day.

Sandwiched in between the UAE events is the Qatar Masters, where a resurgent Paul Lawrie, who played well at the DWC brought his “A” Game to snatch a win in windswept Doha. This event is firmly on the calendar now and is attracting a good field of players. Think I should try and get to the next one in some format!!!

Last week the Omega Dubai Desert Classic closed the Desert Swing down. It was a mixed field this year, not all the players can play all 3 of the swing and they do pick and choose. But whatever you say, the established “Classic” yet again produced another great golfing spectacle that went down to the final hole. The little known spaniard Rafael Cabrera-Bello won on the final hole avoiding a 3 way play off which looked a certainty rounding off the Swing.

So we had 2 new names on the winners podium in both the UAE events in the shape of Robert Rock and Rafael Cabrera-Bello. I think it is good to see some new faces holding up the trophies and beating the so called worlds best, competition is healthy for any top class sport and hopefully it will only make everyone work harder!!!
It certainly has been a Golfing festival in the region and I cannot wait until next time, get yourself out here for at least one of the events if you can. If you are a golf nut, it's a must.

Another GCC Golf Event?
On another final note, there has also been some rumours of another European Tour event being sanctioned in the region. I do not think there is nothing solid yet or if it will be in the UAE, I wonder if Oman may come into the fold, they have a new course opening soon in the shape of The Wave which is managed by Dubai Golf coincidentally.

Until next time
Paul