With golf being one of the most popular sports in the UAE and an increasing number of women taking up the game, I was intrigued. So, adorning a Pringle jumper and Gatsby hat at a jaunty angle I headed to the Abu Dhabi Golf Equestrian Club for my introduction to the sport. A mere 10 minutes from the city centre, it is perfectly located for those with too little time on their hands. It also has over 120 female club members – ideally suited to a lone beginner like myself.
Having called to book my first lesson, I arrive slightly wary as to what I will find. I had always considered golf to be more of a man’s game and so, naturally, I’m worried whether I will actually be cut out for the sport. I don’t have too much time to dwell, however, as Steve Johns, the club’s head golf professional, approaches with a large smile and friendly introduction. He discusses the use of women’s iron clubs and chooses the correct one for my height – the golf club lends these free of charge to anyone who is learning. Then he leads the way onto the driving range where I am shown how to hold the club, stand, swing and hit some balls.
Feeling awkward holding the club for the first time, Steve explains that the grip with interlocking fingers is the strongest (it’s the one that Tiger Woods uses, apparently, and what’s good enough for the record-breaking pro is good enough for me). So, with knees bent, arms in position and my eyes glued to the ball, I swing. Needless to say, my puny shots don’t go anywhere near the 50m sign, following every random flight plan other than the one intended.
With timely mercy, Steve leads me to the swing studio where I am filmed for ‘swing analysis’. Using the club’s ‘Gasp’ system (a somewhat patronising acronym that translates as Golf Analysis System for Professionals), I am shown where I might be going wrong. A video of Tiger Woods in slow motion is shown alongside my own film footage; a potentially embarrassing comparison, though – in truth – Mr Woods and I aren’t too dissimilar (OK, maybe I’m getting a little ahead of myself here). Keen to get back on the driving range with my newfound abilities, we head outside and, sure enough, I manage the perfect shot fairly quickly. Not only does the ball go in a straight line, it flies past the 100m post. The difficulty is in keeping my newfound high standard consistent, but I’m told I may live to see the day when I can play a course without holding everyone up. Steve advises that I borrow a club and try to become Tiger-esque in my spare time.
Not too much of a sweaty mess, I have been lucky that the weather is slightly cooler than usual – but it’s worth knowing that there are 30 undercover practice bays currently under construction and the driving range will become a double-tiered, 36-bay structure – the first of its kind in the UAE. On top of that, the nine greens are being redesigned, and members can look forward to a majestic fleet of 25 golf carts incorporating GPS to help navigate the course from October – they don’t do things by halves in the UAE.
The expert classes given by PGA-qualified instructors at the club cover everything a golfer will ever need to know. As a bonus, groups of three to six ladies can take part in the ladies playing mornings from Sunday to Thursday (jaunty-angled Gatsby hat not mandatory – although I think it should be). The sessions include one hour of coaching and an all-important coffee and croissant afterwards. If you prefer a round in the cooler evening temperatures, there is the opportunity to unwind with a drink at the bar after a particularly competitive round – or perhaps even an unsuccessful one – that is, of course, until you find the Tiger within you.
Individual golf lessons cost Dhs120 per half hour. Couples lessons Dhs180 per 45 minutes. Five sessions of group coaching for up to six people cost Dhs400 each for one-hour classes. Ladies playing mornings Dhs70 for the driving range, Dhs80 for golf course lessons. The classes are suitable for any level or experience, from complete beginners to advanced golfers. The Abu Dhabi Golf Equestrian Club is open daily 6am-10.30pm. 02 445 9600. www.adec-web.com
