Local View on UAE Golf with UAE Golfer Andrew Costelow

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 Local viewer Andrew Costelow. If you are interested in being the subject in Local View, please contact us.

Q. Name? A. Andrew Costelow
Q. Age? A. 36
Q. Nationality? A. Welsh
Q. How long been playing Golf? A. 7 Years
Q. Handicap? A. 12
Q. Occupation? A. Regional HSE Manager
Q. How long you lived in the UAE? A. 7 Years
Q. What area of the UAE do you live? A. Dubai

Q. How many times do you play golf a month?
A. At least 4 but more with the wife’s blessing!
Q. How do you cope with the heat in summer when playing golf?
A. Card high scores and blame the heat, one more convenient excuse!
Q. Favourite Golf courses in the UAE (select 3 in any order)
A. Earth Course, Abu Dhabi National and Al Dhafra Golf Links (good social scene!)
Q. Which of the 4 Emirates have you played golf in?
A. All of them…
Q. Are you part of any golfing societies in the UAE?
A. No

Q. What’s your lowest score on a UAE Course?
A. 81 (Montgomerie with 4 putts on the 18th!!!)
Q. Have you ever had golf lessons the UAE and was they good experience?
A. Yes, with Mark Ireland (Al Ghazal) and Wayne Johnson (JGE) both top notch!

Q. Do you ever use a driving range or practice facilities in the UAE?
A. Yes, early morning sometimes at JGE
Q. How do you find the service at Golf clubs in the UAE?
A. Exceptional compared to local clubs in Wales!
Q. Are you a member of a golf course in the UAE, if not what would encourage you to
become member?
A. Yes, Jumeirah Golf Estates

Q. Do you visit any of the Golfing events in the UAE? If yes, which ones?
A. Race to Dubai (World Championships), Mens and Ladies Desert Classics
Q. What would you do to improve the UAE Golf scene?
A. Start a clubs league for higher handicappers not just the scratch league.

Q. Who are your favorite golfers past or present and why?
A. Ian Woosnam, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Dai Dobbs (Welsh local legend) they all enjoy a Pint of lemonade afterward!
Q. Favourite sport apart from golf?
A. Rugby Union without a doubt.
Q. What do you do to relax apart from golf?
A. Follow my wife around shopping malls carrying a bag of cash!
Q. Favourite other played Golf courses in the world? (top 3)
A. Denarau Golf Resort Fiji, Laem Chabang (Valley Course) Thailand and Secret Harbour Western Australia.
Q. If you could play golf anywhere in the world where would it be?
A. Augusta National (same as most I guess!!)

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