Par for the Course: Sand golf still has a future

This weekend sees the 28th Dubai Men's Open played at the Dubai Country Club, Al Awir and possibly the last time it may be played over 18 holes of pure sand and browns.

Such is the vast tradition, history and ambiance of Dubai's oldest tournament that if the idea of grassing the only sand course in Dubai materialises it will in my opinion take away an asset to the ever growing golfing market.

There are not many destinations in the world that can offer you Championship, links, resort, floodlight, desert style and of course sand golf, all within thirty minutes of each other. But as the competition hots up between all clubs for the International and local business unfortunately the sand course lays at the bottom of the list more out of little knowledge about what and how interesting sand golf can be.

The lush green courses Dubai has built over the last fifteen year's have taken the reputation of Dubai as a golfing destination to a whole new level but at the same time offering visitors and residents a variety of choice.

Sand golf is unique and something all golfers should experience at least once either here in Dubai or in other parts of the world were there are many sand courses e.g Australia, Africa, America and India. So the next time you have visitors or indeed you have never experienced sand golf before, don't miss an opportunity to play the game in an environment you may never have the opportunity again and before the grass is laid on what is arguably the finest sand course in the middle east.

This weekend, what a delight it was to watch the Presidents Cup between the USA and the International team played under the true gentlemen's spirit which the Ryder Cup has lost in many ways.

Since 1989 the Ryder Cup has turned into a 'football match' style with the crowd and captain's jeering and firing up their teams to such an extent that it goes beyond what the matches were designed for back in the early years.

Yes, the President's Cup is only in its fifth edition, but I see this event taking over from the Ryder Cup in terms of quality of play and sportsmanship. The top 17 out of 20 from the world rankings were on show and the level of golf on all four days showed that this was probably the finest level of team golf that anyone has seen since their inception.

Finally, a few weeks ago I praised Simon Dunn for his form over the summer months and I would like to congratulate Emirates Golf Club's Touring professional Ross Bain on a recent top ten finish at the China open.

Ross who has had a difficult season and recently started working with Wayne Johnson at The Montgomery, has shown a great deal of improvement making his last four cuts and now hopes to make enough money to avoid going to the Qualifying school in January.