We have a solid plan to keep the course in its peak for two weeks, says Al Hamra boss

Dubai: Paul Booth, the General Manager of Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah, has a lot on his plate. The stunning beautiful course on the coastline of UAE will host two back-to-back events on the DP World Tour, the first one from February 3-6 and then from February 10-13.

He took time out to speak to Gulf News about the preparations. Following are the excerpts:

GULF NEWS: How are preparations going for you as General Manager at Al Hamra Golf Club to host both the Ras Al Khaimah Championship, presented by Phoenix Capital, and the Ras Al Khaimah Classic the week after?

PAUL BOOTH: We must firstly thank all our partners, without their support these events would simply not take place, especially the presenting partner Phoenix Capital and the DP World Tour, as well as Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Marjan, along with Troon, all have been fantastic to work with. Then our team on property, all have worked exceptionally hard behind the scenes to make these events become a reality.

The course is looking fantastic, Dindy Macatlang, our Golf Course Superintendent and his team have done a wonderful job in preparing for not only one event but now back-to-back weeks in RAK. The ownership group, Al Hamra, have been very supportive of the events and with the support network of Troon at corporate level, alongside the team at the DP World Tour we now have the course in the best possible condition coming into the final countdown.

Are you experiencing any unique challenges with hosting back-to-back DP World Tour events?

As soon as the DP World Tour approached us, we had two immediate concerns. Firstly, our team of associates will have their work cut out with tournament preparation to exceed DP World Tour golf course standards, as well as the food and beverage operations. This will mean pretty much round-the-clock working hours for not only a week, but now two. As you will know through your own championship experience, the teams are running on adrenaline and the excitement comes to a climax on Sunday evening with the presentation and usual celebrations. But we will have to put that on hold and be ready to go again for week two.

The second obvious concern was the golf course. Keeping a golf course in peak tournament condition for 14 days will have stress impact on the playing surfaces but we are confident that we have a solid plan in place that will allow us to exceed all stakeholders’ expectations through the second week.

How is the golf course and set-up looking just a week or so out?

The course is really taking shape. The recent high winds have left some debris lying around, but nothing too bad. Signage and hoardings will be placed early next week once the weather calms down a little. The event won’t require huge grandstands, although the DP World Tour, their Staging Team and Championship Committee, including ourselves at Al Hamra Golf Club, have collectively enhanced the infra-structure facilities for VIPs and tournament sponsors on the 18th hole. In my time at the at the club, it is certainly the best condition that I have seen the course.

What can we expect to see at these two events for local golfers, as well as non-golfers for the two weeks?

We’re incredibly lucky to have several DP World Tour events in this region. It’s very important that we not only use them as an opportunity to enjoy watching the best golfers in the world, but to also ensure that we grow the game and interest. There will be a few different fun themed days during both events including: Nations Day, Ladies Day and a Family Day.

There will be prizes for best-dressed and fun activities for all. Each evening there will be live entertainment at the Bay, our Golf Club Bar and famous Terrace, with the clubhouse opening to all from 5.30pm. We have a range of tournament brunch packages as well, that includes clubhouse access to mix with the DP World Tour players.

Al Hamra Golf Club and RAK already has a strong golf destination offering, how will the two events at Al Hamra Golf Club and at RAK help this golf tourism initiative?

Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra and RAKTDA have done a fantastic job of putting RAK on the map as a golf tourist destination. Hopefully, these two DP World Tour events will elevate us to new levels. We are spoilt throughout the UAE with world class facilities and many tourists wish to visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and rightly so.

RAK offers something a little different to the other emirates with more of a focus on the outdoor activities and the Hajar mountains that surround Ras Al Khaimah. We also have some stunning hotels on the beachfront such as the Waldorf Astoria, the Ritz Carlton and the Hilton Group of hotels, as well as many new hotels opening up on nearby Marjan Island.