Local View on UAE Golf with UAE Golf Pro Joanne Bates

Welcome to the “Local View” feature. A simple question and answer session with Golfers on the ground who play Golf in the UAE. This time we are pleased to feature Golf Pro Joanne Bates from Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai as the next Local Viewer. If you are interested in being the subject in Local View, please contact us.

Q. Name Joanne Bates
Q. Age 33
Q. Nationality British
Q. How long been playing Golf 20 years
Q. Handicap 0
Q. Occupation Golf Teaching Professional at Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai
Q. How long you lived in the UAE 10 months
Q. What area of the UAE do you live? Dubai Festival City

Q. How many times do you play golf a month?
A. Quite a few 9 holes, not many full 18’s

Q. How do you cope with the heat in summer when playing golf?
A. Preparation is the key, before play and during play, for example drinking lots of fluids including isotonic drinks. Water isn’t enough in the middle of the summer here so it is important that you drink glucose drinks for energy.

Q. Favourite Golf courses in the UAE (select 3 in any order)
A. Al Badia Golf Club,
Yas Links, Abu Dhabi
Earth Course, JGE.

Q. Which of the 4 Emirates have you played golf in?
A Just here and Abu Dhabi.

Q. Are you part of any golfing societies in the UAE?
A.NO

Q. What’s your lowest score on a UAE Course?
A.74 here at Al Badia

Q. Have you ever had golf lessons the UAE and was they good experience?
A. I haven’t personally had a golf lesson myself but I am given many to golfers of all abilities, it is great to see so many ladies wanting to play golf here in the UAE.

Q. Do you ever use a driving range or practice facilities in the UAE?
A. I always use the driving range at Al Badia Golf club as the facilities are fantastic and the staff are always very friendly and helpful.

Q. How do you find the service at Golf clubs in the UAE?
A. The service which I see my team giving on a day to day basis is first class. I am always very impressed with how professional they are and nothing is too much trouble.

Q. Are you a member of a golf course in the UAE, if not what would encourage you to become a member?
A. I am a teaching professional at Al Badia Golf Club. The benefits we offer our members is truly across the board, from access to our academy and golf course throughout the year with preferred rates for your guests, fantastic discounts across all InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, InterContinental Residence Suites as well as the golf club’s superb dining, preferential rates for hotel stays, access to our state of the art health club and pool facilities at the hotel, to the recognition and reward programs we have in place – member’s monthly medals, invitations to VIP events, and the like. Being a member of a golf club is like being a part of your own community – the networking opportunities, the social aspect of the iconic clubhouse, and the relaxed feeling of being in a second home.

Q. Do you visit any of the Golfing events in the UAE? If yes, which ones?
A. I have just been to the Race to Dubai which was fantastic,

Q. What would you do to improve the UAE Golf scene?
A. I am going to continue encouraging ladies to come to Al Badia Golf Club to learn to play golf and have fun at the same time.

Q. Who are your favorite golfers past or present and why?
A.Seve Ballesteros, such a true gentleman on and off the golf course.

Q. Favourite sport apart from golf?
A. Swimming, tennis watching my football team the mighty Spurs!!!!!

Q. What do you do to relax apart from golf?
A. Swimming, socializing and spending time with friends and family.

Q. Favourite other played Golf courses in the world?
A. Gary Player Course, Sun City, Wentworth, Uk, Royal Birkdale, UK

Q. If you could play golf anywhere in the world where would it be?
A. Augusta.

We would like to thank Joanne for her time. If you would like to be featured, please contact us.