UAE TEAM LOOKING TO IMPRESS ON HOME SOIL AT NOMURA CUP

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(Dubai, UAE) – The top amateur golfers in the United Arab Emirates are ready to test their mettle on the worldwide stage as the Nomura Cup comes to the Middle East for the first time in its 52-year history from October 22- 25.

UAE Team (L-R - Khalid Yousuf, Ahmed Skaik, Coach Greg Holmes and Rashid Hamood)

UAE Team (L-R – Khalid Yousuf, Ahmed Skaik, Coach Greg Holmes and Rashid Hamood)

 The prestigious tournament, taking place at Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, provides the opportunity for the UAE team to compete against 26 other amateur teams from countries like: Australia, China, India and Japan which is a fresh and exciting challenge compared to playing close rivals in the Middle East region.

The UAE are taking the Nomura Cup extremely seriously. Coach Greg Holmes decided to travel to Terre Blanch in France with his team members: Khalid Yousuf, Rashid Hamood, Abdulla Al Qubaisi and youngster Ahmed Skaik to visit the European Tour Performance Institute (ETPI), in preparation for the tournament.

The team benefitted from Jean-Jacques Rivet’s biomechanics guidance and advice and Holmes said: “The players were measured physically and any errors that they needed to work on they could do so. They’ve benefited a lot from the trip.”

The UAE team understand the competitiveness of the tournament but they have a point to prove on home turf this year. One member of the team is new to the tournament after successfully making the step-up from the UAE Junior Golf Team.

Ahmed Skaik hopes to make an impact for the senior side in an event where they haven’t experienced much success in previous years. “I hope we show up in this tournament and perform well, we’ve put a lot of preparation in and we’re really looking forward to it,” said the talented Emirati.

The youngster played an invaluable role when the UAE Junior side won the prestigious GCC Championship for the second year in succession at Almouj Golf, The Wave, Muscat, Oman in 2014.

He is now cherishing the opportunity to compete against countries from all over the Asia Pacific region in the Nomura Cup.

“We’re used to playing against the Arab nations,” said Skaik, “but it’s good to play against players from Australia, Japan, China and Korea. They have top players and it’s good to compete and learn from them.”

UAE fans should be buoyant with the form of the team. Khalid Yousuf, the focal point of the UAE side, has had a splendid season. He lifted the President’s Cup for the second time in three years at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club after overcoming Nomura Cup teammate Rashid Hamood. Yousuf has played in the Dubai Desert Classic twice, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and the Clariden Leu Singapore Masters in previous years to gain valuable experience in playing on the big stage.

The UAE go into the event with huge aspirations and confidence. It will be intriguing to see if their performance is as impressive as their preparation deserves.

 The 27 teams competing in the 2015 Nomura Cup:

Australia, Bahrain, China, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Tapei, UAE, Indonesia and Iran.

NOMURA CUP SET TO MAKE MIDDLE EAST DEBUT

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DUBAI, UAE: One of the world’s most prestigious amateur team events is coming to the Middle East for the first time when Yas Links in Abu Dhabi hosts the Nomura Cup from October 22-25 in what promises to be a thrilling showcase for golf in the UAE.

The 2013 UAE National Team

The 2013 UAE National Team

Some 22 countries have already entered the hotly anticipated tournament, with the field expected to expand to approximately 30 teams in the coming weeks, which would represent a record for the long-established event. The Arab nations have shown great support for the four-day stroke-play tournament and thNOMURA CUP Logo Verticale UAE will be joined by Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia at the stunning Kyle Phillips designed course in October.

Adel Zarouni, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation said: “As we get ever closer to the Nomura Cup teeing off at Yas Links, it is very gratifying for us at the Emirates Golf Federation to see that the number of countries which have confirmed the entries of their teams has risen to 22 and is still, hopefully, rising.

“It is also encouraging that all the golf-playing Arab nations have committed to compete in the tournament, significantly Oman and Jordan, along with Bahrain, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and, of course, the UAE.

“The widening interest in the Nomura Cup demonstrates the rapidly rising growth of golf throughout Asia and among the Arab states. I am sure Nomura Cup is going to be a groundPrint-breaking event that will not only create greater involvement in amateur golf across Asia and, in fact, globally, it will also provide the opportunity for the UAE to showcase the emirates as a true worldwide golfing destination.

“I’m certain that the friendly yet determined competition of the Nomura Cup will also show that the UAE not only plays the perfect host to some of the greatest professional tournaments in world golf, that it is able to also stage international amateur events and spotlight the importance of effective and well run junior golf programs.”

The Nomura Cup began life in 1963 as tri-nation tournament in the Philippines when the host nation took on Japan and China. Today, there are 39 member countries affiliated to the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, supported by the R&A. The biennial tournament has been dominated by Australia, who have won the Cup ten times and Japan, who are seven times winners.

The Aussies successfully defended their title at the 2013 Nomura Cup at Santiburi Country Club in Thailand, and they will be fielding another strong team in Abu Dhabi in October, along with Japan, China and Korea.

The 27th Nomura Cup will be hosted in Abu Dhabi by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) under the guidance of EGF Chairman, H.E. Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, and under the patronage of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. His Highness has had a strong influence in developing golf within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and bringing prestigious events to the country.

In hosting the 2015 Nomura Cup the EGF has taken another giant step in bringing this prestigious international amateur team event to the UAE, and in the process promoting golf in the region to countries throughout the Asia-Pacific.

Teams currently entered for the 2015 Nomura Cup

1 Australia
2 Bahrain
3 China
4 Chinese Taipei
5 Guam
6 Hong Kong
7 India
8 Japan
9 Jordan
10 Korea
11 Lao
12 Lebanon
13 Malaysia
14 Mongolia
15 New Zealand
16 Oman
17 Pakistan
18 Qatar
19 Saudi Arabia
20 Singapore
21 Thailand
22 UAE

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.

UAE National Team Players Receive Biomechanics Training at JGE ETPI

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(Dubai, UAE) – On June 10, 2015 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Golf Team received a private Biomechanics Training session from the top instructors on the European Tour at the Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE) – European Tour Performance Institute (ETPI). In partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) the JGE-ETPI invited two UAE National Team players and the UAE National Team coaching staff to participate in this cutting-edge training session.

EGF Players & ETPI Staff After Biomechanics Training Session

EGF Players & ETPI Staff After Biomechanics Training Session

Jean-Jacques (JJ) Rivet, Head of Biomechanics & Sports Performance, and Rob Hillman, Director of European Tour Physio Unit, gave Rashid Hamood and Khalid Yousuf, of the UAE National Team a three-hour Biomechanics Training session. “It was great for our players to correlate what was happening from their physical assessment and see how that played out with the data from the force plates. They now can start to work on their physical fitness to improve on the data that came from the analysis. Ultimately, this will improve all factors of their ball flight. We look forward to continuing working with ETPI at JGE”, said UAE National Team Performance Coach, David Condon.

DSC_0017JJ Rivet had this to say after the training session, “Biomechanics Training has helped top coaches and players explore new direction in golf swing enhancement which is injury free. The biggest tip that these players can take away from today is, understanding that everybody is able to optimize at their max efficiency. Each player’s physiological quality to repeat a swing that could create their own and specific trajectory will in turn create a more consistent golfer”

Biomechanics Training takes into account the body type and personal ability of each golfer, this system analyses posture, mobility, balance, and intensity of each movement to adept and optimize the game.

“It was great working with the ETPI coaches today. Their knowledge gave me good insight into the mechanics of my swing. This also gave me good direction in areas that need improvement, said UAE National Team player Rashid Hamood.

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Tim Backhouse, Teaching Professional at JGE-ETPI, had this to say after the training session. “It was a pleasure to work alongside JJ and Rob on Rashid and Khalid’s golf game. We look to continue and strengthen the relationship between the ETPI and the EGF. As a team we looked to develop movements that they were capable of, with their possible physical limitations and also ‘habits’ that the player has developed over years of playing. We were able to do this by using video analysis, launch monitors, and force plates to try and maximize their ball flights and ultimately hopefully improve their scores.

With the temperatures and heat increasing the UAE National Team will be training indoors throughout the summer months. The partnership between the EGF, ETPI, and JGE will be very beneficial for the UAE National Team.

To find more information on JJ Rivet and Biomechanics Training please visit these websites.  http://www.etpi.com/#!biomechanics/c1kx5 & http://www.en.biomecaswing.com/

To find more information on the JGE-ETPI please visit this website. http://jumeirahgolfestatesclub.com/etpi/

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 Ladies Golf Team Wins Silver At The 2015 GCC Golf Championship In Kuwait; Al Qubaisi

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On April 22nd – 25th 2015 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Golf Teams traveled to Kuwait to compete in the 2015 GCC Golf Championships. The UAE had three different teams competing in three different divisions. The UAE National Ladies Team won the Silver Medal in the Team Gross Division and Abdullah Al Qubaisi placed third in the Individual Gross Category.

Top: Ladies Team – Left to Right: Dr Rabab Al Haj, Tara Al Marzooqi, Reema Al Heloo Bottom: Abdulla Al Qubaisi

Top: Ladies Team – Left to Right: Dr Rabab Al Haj, Tara Al Marzooqi, Reema Al Heloo Bottom: Abdulla Al Qubaisi

Leading the way for the Ladies Team was Dr. Rabab Al Haj. Al Haj shot rounds of 87-91-93 for a Gross Total of 271. The score of 271 gave Dr. Rabab the Third Place position in the Individual Gross Category. Following the lead of Dr. Rabab and coming in Fourth Place in the Individual Gross Category was Reema Al Heloo. Al Heloo put together rounds of 94-102-101 for a Gross Total of 297. Rounding off the Ladies Team was Tara Al Marzooqi. Al Marzooqi had rounds of 105-96-104 for a Gross Total of 305. The Ladies Team won the Silver Medal in the Ladies Team Gross Division with a three round total 562.

Greg Holmes, the National Team Coach, had this to say about the Ladies performance after the event. “It was a great honor to take the UAE Ladies Team to their first GCC Golf Championship. They performed very well and having two young girls on the team bodes well for the future of women’s golf in the UAE. The EGF has a large number of girls within the National Junior Development Program (NJDP) and ultimately we will be focusing on gaining international success in future events”

Playing on the 18 & Under Team, Abdalla Al Qubasis placed third in the Individual Gross Category. Al Qubasis had rounds of 75-73-82 for a Gross Total of 230. Also playing on the 18 & Under Team was Mohamed Al Hajeri. Al Hajeri had rounds of 86-88-92 for a Gross Total of 266. The third member of the 18 & Under Team was Mohammad Saeed Abdullah. Abdullah had rounds of 112-103-114 for a Gross Total of 329.

The last team that was represented at the event was the UAE Senior Team. The Senior Team came in Fifth Place in the overall Team Gross standings. Rashid Hamood led the way for the Senior Team after shooting rounds of 78-73-85-80 for a Gross Total of 316. Abdulla Al Musharakh shot rounds of 90-77-85-78 for a Gross Total of 330. Hassan Al Musharakh had rounds of 91-83-88-88 for a Gross Total of 350.

“Overall this was a good trip for the UAE Teams. We didn’t have our best players on both the Senior and 18 & Under Teams but it gave other players a great deal of experience. It was an honor to see the Ladies Team compete so well. The EGF is excited to see what the future holds for this team”, commented the UAE Team Manager Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi.

Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Chairman, H.E. Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi accompanied the teams, along with EGF Vice Chairman Adel Zarouni, EGF Secretary General / UAE Team Manager Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, UAE National Team Coach Greg Holmes, and UAE National Team Performance Coach David Condon.

As summer is around the corner and the weather is starting to heat up, the UAE National Teams will take a few months off from international competition. The teams will participate in a Summer Camp and players will keep in shape by playing in UAE Golf Club events while continuing weekly training schedules.

Be sure to follow the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) on social media, for National Team updates and news.

UAE National Golf Teams Ready For 2015 GCC Golf Championship In Kuwait; 18 & Under Team Looks To Defend Gross Title

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Golf Teams will be traveling to Kuwait to compete in the 2015 GCC Golf Championships. The UAE will have three different teams competing in three different divisions. The event will take place on April 22nd – 25th at the Sahara Kuwait Golf Club.

2015 GCC Golf Championship UAE National Team Members

2015 GCC Golf Championship UAE National Team Members

Representing the Senior Team will be Abdalla Al Musharakh, Rashid Hamood, Hassan Al Musharakh, and Ismail Sharif. With top players not able to travel for this event due to military commitments, this team will be challenged by the fellow GCC squads. With the amount of experience these players have look for this team to be atop of the leaderboard.

Playing on the 18 & Under Team will be Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Mohamed Al Hajeri, and Mohammed Saeed Abdulla. The UAE 18 & Under Team will be defending their Gold in the gross category after a strong performance at the 2014 GCC Golf Championships in Saudi Arabia. With cousins Ahmed Skaik and Mahmood Skaik unable to travel for the event, this young team has some big shoes to fill.

Finally, representing the Ladies Team will be Dr. Rabab Al Haj, Tara Al Marzooqi, and Reema Al Heloo. With ladies golf continuing to grow within the region it is a positive sight seeing the UAE presenting a full team in this division. Al Heloo will be playing in her first international event and at the age of 12 this will be a great learning experience for and the rest of the team.

Be sure to follow the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) on social media, as there will be daily updates and photos from the event.