Final: The EGF Junior Summer Camp Ends As The Squad Looks To The Future

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(Fleesensee, Germany) – The 2015 Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Junior Summer Camp in Germany has come to a close after 17 days of hard work at Fleesensee Golf Resort. Fleesensee Golf Resort is a “European Tour Destination” with 5 courses varying in length and difficulty. The venue also has some of Europe’s best practice facilities where the squad was able to work on all aspects of their game.

The Junior Squad getting ready for practice in Fleesensee, Germany

The Junior Squad getting ready for practice in Fleesensee, Germany

During the 17 days the EGF coaches, Greg Holmes and David Condon noticed major improvements within the ranks. One particular skill that improved was the confidence gained by the players on how to manage themselves on the course. The aim was to give the less experienced players the opportunity to achieve valuable time on the course. The players also improve their etiquette, pace of play, and course management so that they will cope with tournament golf in the future.

During the camp all aspects of the game we covered and the EGF also launched new Performance Journal that aided the individuals in managing their games in detail. The team played 11 rounds of golf during their stay while mixing in a heavy practice and fitness schedule. The schedule also included golf specific Biomechanics Sessions and Tennis Sessions to improve mobility and coordination skills.

The training schedule included the following points:

  • Introduction to golf formats and rules.
  • How to warm up properly.
  • Putting and short game / Practice drills and performance measurement.
  • Statistics reviews.
  • Swing technique / Golf fitness.
  • Tournament preparation / Course strategy.

As the squad travels back to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the players will take a week off to prepare for the start of school. Starting in the second week of September these players will get back to playing rounds of golf every week while maintaining their weekly practice schedule. This will all be in preparation for the 2015 – Ladies, 18-Under, and 15-Under – Arab Golf Championship in Al Ain, UAE.

To find more information regarding the National Junior Squad visit the EGF Website at www.egfgolf.com or email the EGF at info@egfgolf.com.

You can also keep up to date with the EGF on social media. Like, Share, or Comment on the Federation Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

UAE National Junior Squad Departs for Summer Camp in Germany

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(Dubai, UAE) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Junior Golf Squad is set to travel to Fleesensee, Germany for a 17 day Summer Camp. With UAE schools still on summer break the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) is taking this time to travel and train with the Junior Squad to prepare for future events.

The UAE National Junior Squad prepares for departure at the Dubai International Airport

The UAE National Junior Squad prepares for departure at the Dubai International Airport

14 players will be training at the European Tour Destination, Golf & Country Club Fleesensse. This facility has four golf courses, one of Europe’s largest practice facilities, a “Golf Arena”, and a PGA Premium Golf School.

The Junior Squad will be working on technical skills in all aspects of the game to improve their tournament play. The team will discuss pre shot routines, course management, tournament preparation, fitness, and mental strengthening. The Junior and Ladies teams will be training for the Arab Golf Championship that will be taking place at Al Ain in the beginning of December.

Traveling with the squad is National Team Head Coach Greg Holmes, Performance Coach David Condon, and EGF Secretary General Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi. Al Shamsi had this to say in regards to the camp, “ this will give these juniors a good opportunity to train at one of the best facilities in Europe. This will also give the players time to train without distraction. This is important for our National Program as we look to make great strides in the near future”.

To find more information regarding the National Junior Squad visit the EGF Website at www.egfgolf.com or email the EGF at info@egfgolf.com.

You can also keep up to date with the Summer Camp on social media, as there will be daily posts of the squads’ time in Germany. Like, Share, or Comment on the Federation Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

Golf DXB Runs UAE National Summer Camp for the EGF NJDP

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(Dubai, UAE) – On July 1 – 3, 2015 Golf DXB hosted a three day summer camp for United Arab Emirate (UAE) Nationals at The Track – Meydan. Working with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), Golf DXB ran a beginning level summer golf camp for 16 Emirati boys and girls. This initiative was generated under the EGF in order to build and produce a successful National Junior Development Program (NJDP).

Golf DXB coaches Marcus and Tom working with children at the UAE National Summer Camp

Golf DXB coaches Marcus and Tom working with children at the UAE National Summer Camp

After the camp the EGF caught up with Golf DXB coaches and they had this to say about working with the kids. “It was a lot of fun working with these children. We got to experience their first time playing golf. It’s always pleasurable as coaches to see children happy and playing a game we care about so much.”

“We wanted the children to get a good understanding for what golf really is. We implemented a lot of physical activity to make sure the children worked on skills such as balance, awareness, speed, and coordination. All of these aspect will produce a good golf swing”, Golf DXB added.

As apart of the EGF the National Junior Development Program has a goal of identifying and developing young UAE National Golfers while building good character through the structure of the rules from the game of golf.

With working with Golf DXB the EGF is able to make the game of golf fun and interactive while trying to produce a future golfer. The long-term goal for these children will be to start taking lessons at their local golf club and then competing for a spot on the UAE National Golf Team.

To find more information regarding the National Junior Development Program (NJDP) visit the EGF Website at www.egfgolf.com or email the EGF at info@egfgolf.com.

You can also keep up to date with the EGF on social media. Like, Share, or Comment on the Federation Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

EGF Continues To Build the National Junior Development Program

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(Dubai, UAE) – On June 13, 2015 the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted a golf orientation for over 20 different Emeriti families at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. As apart of the EGF the National Junior Development Program (NJDP) has a goal of identifying and developing young UAE National Golfers while building good character through the structure of the rules from the game of golf.

Group photo of the families that participated in the EGF Golf Orientation at DCGYC

Group photo of the families that participated in the EGF Golf Orientation at DCGYC

The NJDP was in full swing as the EGF partnered with Golf DXB (Golf DXB has been renamed from Grass Roots Golf) to produce a fun and interactive day for new juniors golfers. Marcus Dunning and Tom Green from Golf DXB had this to say after the orientation. “We are very excited about working closely with the EGF. This will be a terrific venture as we work together to develop junior golf across the United Arab Emirates (UAE)”.

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20 different Emeriti families and 32 kids from the ages of 3 to 9 years old were in attendance for this amazing day. “Today was a great day for the EGF. We wanted to bring families and young kids together to show how much fun golf can be while making it active. It was good to see so much support from the families and we look to build on this on this day”, said EGF Secretary General, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi.

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With the golf season coming to an end the EGF will stay in contact with these families for possible summer camps and training sessions. Starting in October the EGF will be reaching out to more families and schools while continuing the process of identifying UAE National Golfers.

 

 

To find more information regarding the National Junior Development Program (NJDP) visit the EGF Website at www.egfgolf.com or email the EGF at info@egfgolf.com.

 

You can also keep up to date with the EGF on social media. Like, Share, or Comment on the Federation Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

EGF Presents NJDP to AMSI Schools

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On May 18-20, 2015 the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) traveled to three different AMSI schools to host presentations informing local families on the National Junior Development Program (NJDP). As part of the EGF the NJDP has a goal to identify and develop young United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Golfers while building good character through the structure of the rules from the game of golf.

Excited Students at the EGF National Junior Develop Program Presentations

Excited Students at the EGF National Junior Develop Program Presentations

With the help from Academia Management Solutions International (AMSI) the EGF was able to introduce the game of golf to over 40 different Emirati families. The EGF met with School Administrators and Physical Education Teachers from the International School of Arts & Science (ISAS), Al Mawakeb School – Al Garhoud and Al Mawakeb School – Al Barsha to explain and start the process of bringing golf into schools.

The EGF enlightened families on the benefits of golf for kids from the active lifestyle, to learning etiquette & integrity, and gaining personal reasonability, all in some of the internationally renowned, safe and well supervised courses.

By having the support from The Ministry of General Authority of Youth & Sport Welfare, the UAE Government, and the UAE Golf Clubs the opportunity that these National Golfers have is invaluable.

The Secretary General of the EGF, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, had this to say regarding the three-day presentations. “These visits were the first of many steps that the EGF is taking in order to build interest from National Golfers. This is a great way to get golf into schools across the UAE. It is a goal at the EGF to identify and develop UAE National Golfers. By reaching out to the UAE Schools is one way of achieving that goal. On behalf of the EGF we would like to thank AMSI schools for their time and effort for making these visits possible”.

Mr. Muhieddine Soubra, Principal at ISAS, stated: “Those national initiatives and drives places a share of the responsibility on us as school leaders and lead community players, and on our students and their families. We must all support such initiatives that inspire our young students to realize their full potential.”

With the golf season coming to an end the EGF will stay in communication with these families for possible summer camps. Starting in October the EGF will be reaching out to more schools while continuing the process of identifying UAE National Golfers.

The Jumeirah English Speaking School Wins 2014 – 2015 Dubai School League

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On March 9, 2015 the Dubai Schools League hosted the Grand Final for the 2014-2015 season, at Arabian Ranches Golf Club. This 18-hole event was a perfect test for the junior golfers of Dubai to show off their skills gained throughout the season. Funded by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) the Dubai Schools League is a model platform for junior golfers to learn and develop their golf game.

Winning Teams of the 2014-2015 Dubai Schools League

Winning Teams of the 2014-2015 Dubai Schools League

Sectary General of the Emirates Golf Federation, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi commented. “One of our roles at the Federation is to support initiatives that come from Junior Development Programs within the UAE. The Dubai Schools League has grown in the past few years, and we are very pleased to see the progress and impact of this league”.

The Dubai Schools League started in 2010 with only 8 players and two schools. Now the Dubai Schools League has over 60 different players representing 13 different schools.

With the help from Mark Needs, a teacher at American School of Dubai, and other essential volunteers, in the past 5 months National and Expat junior golfers have competed in four events. The first three events took place at The Track, Meydan Golf Club, with the fourth and Grand Final event played at Arabian Ranches.

For the 2014-2015 season Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) was crowned Championship. JESS had a Team Stableford score of 362 over the three, 9 –hole rounds and one 18-hole round. JESS won the first three matches of the season and placed fourth in the Grand Final.

Taking the second place prize for the 2014-2015 season, was Jumeirah College (JC) with a Team Stableford score of 341. After placing sixth in the first match JC bounced back with one, third and two, second place finishes in the last three matches.

Rounding out the top-3 and coming in third place was GEMS World Academy (GWA) with a Team Stableford score of, 336. GWA finished in second place for the first and last events. In the last event GWA finished one point behind the leading team JESS.

The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) put together a team of Emeriti Juniors who are training in the National Junior Development Program (NJPD). The EGF Team finished in fourth place with a Team Stableford total of 335 points, one point behind the third place team. After finishing in eighth place last season the EGF Team has taken a big step in Junior Golf Development.

The next step for the Dubai Schools League is to expand the league to include more schools and attempting to develop a Dubai vs Abu Dhabi match, or a culminating UAE Schools Championship event.

Most importantly, at the moment golf is not an “official” sport in schools. Golf has no part in athletics or physical educational programs in any Dubai schools. It is the desire of the Emirates Golf Federation and the Dubai School League representatives to create awareness and show the benefits of golf. Not only is golf a sport that promotes an active lifestyle but it also teaches honesty and integrity.

You can expect the Dubai Schools League to be back in action come November of 2015. This league is a great example of how much golf has grown within in the region. With the continued support of the UAE Schools, UAE Golf Clubs, and EGF Partners junior golf will continue to flourish in the UAE.

Oman, UAE Crowned GCC Under-15 Golf Champions

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On March 21, 2015 The Oman National Golf Team delivered a dominant performance in windy conditions to successfully defend their team gross title as hosts UAE called the shots in the net division in the GCC Under-15 Golf Championship that concluded at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on Saturday.

GCC - 15 & Under Golf Teams at the Closing Ceremony

GCC – 15 & Under Golf Teams at the Closing Ceremony

With top two scores counting towards the total, the Omani team, comprising Fahd Al Ketani, Rashad Al Harthy and Haytehm Al Zubair, rattled up an impressive score of gross 481 to rubber stamp their authority over the three-day championship.

With Eid Adel Moftah and Ali Mohammed Sulaiman making signification contributions, the Bahrain team finished runners-up with a gross total of 519, well ahead of third-placed Qatar (529) that consisted of Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi, Ahmed Mohammed Al Muttawah and Abdulrehman Al Dehaimi.

Held under the patronage of H.E. Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the championship, organised by the Emirates Golf Federation, attracted teams from all the six GCC states, creating a healthy competitive environment for the region’s emerging talent.

As expected, hosts UAE put up a brilliant performance in the net division, taking the honors with a net 430, thanks to Mahmood Skaik, Mohamed Al Hajeri and Khalil Kashwani, who all contributed to the score.

Oman’s Fahd Al Ketani added another feather to his cap when he walked away with the gold medal in the individual gross category with a total of 234 after rounds of 81, 74 and 79, ahead of Qatar’s Abdulrahman Nuaimi (237) and Bahrain’s Eid Adel Moftah (241) while Qatar Ahmed Mohammed Al Muttawah won the individual net division with a score of 208.

HE Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, presented the prizes. “We are committed to providing emerging players every possible opportunity to hone their competitive edge. We need to have a very strong base if we aim to keep pace with the growth of the game.

“Our Development Program not only identifies the top golfers, but also builds on individual skills and develop the areas that need guidance. As golf is growing at a rapid rate within the UAE, the opportunities for emerging Emirati players are limitless.

Organized by Emirates Golf Federation, under the patronage of H.E. Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the GCCUnder-15 Championship is supported by General Authority of Youth and Sport Welfare, golf in DUBAi, Ascorp Holding, Hyatt Regency, Rivoli, Esnaad, Middle East Fuji LLC, Commercial Bank of Dubai and Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.

Written by Golf in Dubai

‘Stars of Tomorrow’ Primed For GCC Under-15 Event in Dubai

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The region’s potential ‘stars of tomorrow’ will provide a snapshot of development of golf at the grassroots level when the second edition of the GCC Under-15 Golf Championship gets under way at Dubai Creek Golf Club from March 19 to 21.

Bubbling with enthusiasm, teams from all Gulf Cooperation Council states – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE – will hit the fairways, hoping to produce their own storybook finishes.

Members of the UAE team, along with their team manager Khalid Mubarak Al Shamshi, at the inaugural GCC Under-15 Championship presentation ceremony held at Ghala Golf Club in Muscat in 2014

Members of the UAE team, along with their team manager Khalid Mubarak Al Shamshi, at the inaugural GCC Under-15 Championship presentation ceremony held at Ghala Golf Club in Muscat in 2014

Local knowledge could come in handy for hosts UAE as they will be targeting a crack at the gross championship after winning the net title in the inaugural edition of the event held at Ghala Golf Club in Muscat in 2014, beating their neatest challengers Saudi Arabia.

Riding a consistent performance from Rashad Al Harthy, Fahad Al Kitani and Fahad Al Mahrouqi, Oman emerged victorious in the gross division last year with a tally of 348, well ahead of Kuwait (357) and Qatar (367).

Competition in the individual category, however, had produced a close affair with Saudi Arabia’s Saud Al Sherif taking the title with a creditable 168, just one ahead of Oman’s Fahad al Kitani.

The UAE team, comprising Mohammed Al Hajeri, Mahmood Skaik and Khalil Kashwani, is working hard under the watchful eyes of the National Team coach, Greg Holmes, to ensure they are on top of their game when the action gets under way later this month.

“This is a new tournament and we are looking forward to making a fresh start. Our goal is to help the players achieve their fullest potential within a successful team environment,” said Homes, adding: “All members of the team are pretty much familiar with the course at the Creek and we are confident that the team will put up a creditable performance.”

Commented Khalid Mubarak Al Shamshi, Secretary-general of the Emirates Golf Federation and team manager: “The tournament will be a good learning curve for the UAE team as the standard of Arab junior golf has gone up over the years and we expect a close contest.

“Events like this play a great role in cementing sporting links between Arab countries and there is always a good camaraderie as players compete in a healthy environment. On behalf of the federation, I would like to thank all the teams for their participation and hope to see some good contest out there,” he said.

“We firmly believe the way forward is to invest at the grassroots level. We can only build a strong foundation of golf if our youngsters are exposed to competitive environment at an early age. This under-15 tournament is the right platform for the emerging talent to get to their full potential,” he added.

Organised by Emirates Golf Federation, under the patronage of H.E. Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the GCC Under-15 Championship is supported by General Authority of Youth and Sport Welfare, Golf in Dubai, Ascorp Holding, Hyatt Regency, Rivoli, Esnaad, Middle East Fuji LLC, Commercial Bank of Dubai and Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.

Written by: Golf in Dubai
Published by: Emirates Golf Federation