Golf fans in the UAE and around the world may have seen English golfer Ross McGowan, representing Al Hamra Golf Club, on the entry lists for the European Tour. We followed this one up to find the back story to this partnership.
Paul Booth, General Manager of Al Hamra Golf Club, managed by Troon Golf, said: “We are old friends with Ross along with his management company, Hype Sports Management. Ross was previously attached to Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, when he won in South Africa when he was fully decked out in Saadiyat Beach Golf Club clothing. Ross is a great ambassador for the club and he is always welcome at Al Hamra.
“We are also proud of the recent announcement that Al Hamra will host the Ras Al Khaimah Championship in February as part of the Desert Swing and enhanced Middle East Swing. These are exciting times for Al Hamra Golf Club and Ras Al Khaimah.”
McGowan, 38, commented on his Al Hamra Golf Club attachment. “I spend a lot of time at Al Hamra in Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE,” he said. “I split my time between the UAE and England these days. I have previously been a long-term resident in the UAE and I love the winter climate and golf facilities in the UAE and especially Al Hamra Golf Club. I always get well looked after by Paul and his team.
“I have had one of my best career memories in the UAE in 2009 when I was runner-up to Lee Westwood when he won the double in the inaugural season ending tournament on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, the DP World Tour Championship on Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
“ am getting married next month and hopefully we can spend time at Al Hamra as Mr and Mrs McGowan.”
McGowan finished 12th in the 2009 Race to Dubai and played last week on the European Tour in the Andalucía Masters at Valderrama. His career, to date, has been highlighted by Tour victories in the 2009 Madrid Masters and the 2020 Italian Open. Ross has also won twice on the MENA Tour — the 2012 Abu Dhabi Golf Citizen Open and the 2015 Royal Golf Dar es Salaam Open. He has a highest world ranking of 63.
