The power of advertising is incredible. I arrived into Dubai expecting to see a perfect and pristine city. To give you an idea of what I actually saw, I was told Dubai has 20% of the worlds' building cranes in use and you can actually see most of them from the fairways on the Majlis Course of the Emirates Golf Club.
I was picked up at the Dubai airport by my hosts for the week, Poul and Charlotte Woodall of Denmark. On the way to their house we passed many fabulous tall buildings but also a massive amount of construction on new buildings, highways and housing. Each site had a plethora of laborers from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. On one site I saw a row of 7 people carrying bricks by hand. It was over 40 degrees outside with about 80% humidity, not pleasant working conditions. I was told this summer there had been a day over 57 degrees. And the laborers are still outside working plus their pay is peanuts. We are very lucky in Australia.
But there are also many fantastic things about Dubai. The architects have had a field day here. The 7 star luxury hotel The Burge kind of looks like a sail and can be seen from all over the city. The skyline at night is incredibly beautiful. I of course had to visit the Mall of the Emirates which is HUGE and also has a ski slope inside it. Yes there is also snow in the desert. The Mall is built with the slope on the side so it looks like a runway for a space ship on a 45 degree angle. I want to say it is ridiculous but it is so cool.
I also felt very safe here. The crime rate is very low and I didn't feel any pressure of racism or religious prejudice which was quite surprising but also very pleasing.
Tuesday night involved a welcome party for all sponsors and players in the Dubai Ladies Masters. As the players arrived we were given an Abaya (dress) and Sheila (scarf pronounced Shey-la) which is the traditional attire for the local Muslim ladies. The food was to die for as it was mainly Arabic dishes involving hummus, tabouli, marinated and barbequed meats, tasty rice dishes, Arabic sweets, yum yum! We were also entertained by a belly dancer who encouraged audience participation. That was interesting.
Wednesday was Pro-Am day which I wasn't playing in meaning a free afternoon, hello Madinat Souk! This is the market by The Burge Hotel where you can buy anything from silks to ipod earphones. It was great to peruse the shops and stalls and bargain with the shop keepers just to walk away empty handed. We stopped by a coffee shop to watch locals relax by smoking the berry smelling tobacco in the shesha pipe. I saw many men in the dish dash (the male dress which is usually white) and the ghuttra (the male head scarf) and also women in the Hiqab (the veil that covers the face).
So Thursday finally came around and lucky me got last tee time. It was hot! I shot 74 (+2) and felt this was an ok score in 59th place. I had unfortunately leaked two drives to the right, one in the water on the 2nd and one into the trees on the 17th and both costing me bogeys. My putting was good in that I kept catching the lip on many birdie putts but they just wouldn't drop into the hole!
And then came Friday....I had 79. Arghh! It was a day of blah. I hit four drives into the trees where I had to chip out, I missed three putts under 6 feet and only had one birdie. It was so frustrating as I was trying to lift and it didn't happen.
PS Inside scoop - Michelle Wie didn't play this week, apparently she wanted a couple of million Euro in appearance money. I am still waiting for mine!
It is hard to be down about this week as I have learnt so much and loved every minute. I think the Arabic culture is fascinating and I would definitely love to come back and do a little exploring especially in Oman (a mountainous country with fabulous beaches on the Eastern border of the United Arab Emirates).
Now I am sitting in Dubai airport before flying to London for one night and then back to Melbourne. I am unsure of my direction over the next few months. I can say on paper my Rookie season on the Ladies European Tour looks very average but I have learnt so much about myself on and off the course. It has been a fantastic year of life experience. Thank you for sharing it with me.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Friday, October 13, 2006
Ireland - Ryder Cup tell all
Sitting in my plastic seat on the "flying bucket" airline to Dublin (also known as Ryan Air), I knew I was in for a week of free for all. I won't say too much as I wouldn't want to ruin the special experience for you but to give you a hint, they do like to cut costs on every corner. Unfortunately this includes staff as well. I hoped at least the break pads were decent!
The 2006 Ryder Cup was such an amazing tournament. I have never seen so many people on the golf course. A big hero of the week was Darren Clarke as he had just lost his wife to breast cancer. Everytime Clarke was announced to the 1st tee, the roar was so loud that you could hear it all over the course. As it was Europe's turn to hold the event, obviously the crowds were more than a little one-sided.
The weather for the tournament was mostly cold, rainy and hideous. Luckily I bought a few pairs of shorts which looked great in my suitcase all week, and I got to wear runners each day to the course meaning my feet were wet before I even made it to the mud lined fairways. Not my most clever packing decisions.
But besides the wardrobe malfunctions it was a fantastic week. The European side were brilliant to watch during the practice and competitive rounds. They were relaxed and having fun together, especially on practice days which involved plenty of banter between players and also fans.
We were allowed cameras during the practice rounds so I got some great footage, especially of Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia's behinds, mmm.... he he
Friday was the first day of competition and involved a liquid lunch of Moet and Chandon. It was very interesting to watch the afternoon play under the M&C influence. We pretty much just crawled to the grandstand by the 16th green where we "oh-no"ed when Monty hit it in the water or "wooh-hoo"ed when Paul Casey made eagle. Along with 16,000 other people!
Saturday was another day of foursomes, meaning hard work to follow groups when 45,000 other spectators are trying to do the same thing. Instead of battling we stood by the 9th green, 13th green and 16th green, watched all the groups go through and then headed straight to the PGA members marquee for an afternoon of schmoozing and viewing (the golf on the telly of course!).
Before retiring to the marquee we did manage a little star gazing and came across Michael Jordan watching Tiger Woods. That was so cool! I also heard George Bush Senior was out there but I think that he was probably in comfortable seats surrounded by men in black suits.
The singles matches were played on Sunday. This was a great day as there were now 12 matches to watch so we got to see a lot more golf. I watched Henrik Stenson and his bottom for about 7 holes before group hopping. I saw Monty hole his putt on the 18th from across the lake to be the first European win for the day. It was such a buzz! I saw a few more matches finish and then followed Lee Westood for his last 3 holes to see the final match for the 2006 Ryder Cup.
When it was all over the European team went nuts with Champagne and then threw their Captain Ian Woosnam into the lake. It was mayhem! We then snuck into the Clubhouse of the K Club to join the members for a few beverages and an Irish jig or two. When the Irish National Anthem was played I wasn't sure if the floor would hold up from all the River dancing.
Sunday night I watched the K Club ground staff get hammered in the local pub but retired early (1am) to bed. I was a little tired after harassing the locals all Saturday night added to the crowd surfing from Thursday to Sunday.
Monday morning was chaos in the Dublin International Airport. Unfortunately everyone was trying to fly out at the same time. After a couple of hours in line, we boarded our bucket and survived the ride home, albeit with a very bumpy landing!
The Ryder cup was an uplifting golf experience but next time around I might stick a little closer to the remote and the couch. I am currently in detox so next time you see me, please don't offer me a guiness!
The 2006 Ryder Cup was such an amazing tournament. I have never seen so many people on the golf course. A big hero of the week was Darren Clarke as he had just lost his wife to breast cancer. Everytime Clarke was announced to the 1st tee, the roar was so loud that you could hear it all over the course. As it was Europe's turn to hold the event, obviously the crowds were more than a little one-sided.
The weather for the tournament was mostly cold, rainy and hideous. Luckily I bought a few pairs of shorts which looked great in my suitcase all week, and I got to wear runners each day to the course meaning my feet were wet before I even made it to the mud lined fairways. Not my most clever packing decisions.
But besides the wardrobe malfunctions it was a fantastic week. The European side were brilliant to watch during the practice and competitive rounds. They were relaxed and having fun together, especially on practice days which involved plenty of banter between players and also fans.
We were allowed cameras during the practice rounds so I got some great footage, especially of Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia's behinds, mmm.... he he
Friday was the first day of competition and involved a liquid lunch of Moet and Chandon. It was very interesting to watch the afternoon play under the M&C influence. We pretty much just crawled to the grandstand by the 16th green where we "oh-no"ed when Monty hit it in the water or "wooh-hoo"ed when Paul Casey made eagle. Along with 16,000 other people!
Saturday was another day of foursomes, meaning hard work to follow groups when 45,000 other spectators are trying to do the same thing. Instead of battling we stood by the 9th green, 13th green and 16th green, watched all the groups go through and then headed straight to the PGA members marquee for an afternoon of schmoozing and viewing (the golf on the telly of course!).
Before retiring to the marquee we did manage a little star gazing and came across Michael Jordan watching Tiger Woods. That was so cool! I also heard George Bush Senior was out there but I think that he was probably in comfortable seats surrounded by men in black suits.
The singles matches were played on Sunday. This was a great day as there were now 12 matches to watch so we got to see a lot more golf. I watched Henrik Stenson and his bottom for about 7 holes before group hopping. I saw Monty hole his putt on the 18th from across the lake to be the first European win for the day. It was such a buzz! I saw a few more matches finish and then followed Lee Westood for his last 3 holes to see the final match for the 2006 Ryder Cup.
When it was all over the European team went nuts with Champagne and then threw their Captain Ian Woosnam into the lake. It was mayhem! We then snuck into the Clubhouse of the K Club to join the members for a few beverages and an Irish jig or two. When the Irish National Anthem was played I wasn't sure if the floor would hold up from all the River dancing.
Sunday night I watched the K Club ground staff get hammered in the local pub but retired early (1am) to bed. I was a little tired after harassing the locals all Saturday night added to the crowd surfing from Thursday to Sunday.
Monday morning was chaos in the Dublin International Airport. Unfortunately everyone was trying to fly out at the same time. After a couple of hours in line, we boarded our bucket and survived the ride home, albeit with a very bumpy landing!
The Ryder cup was an uplifting golf experience but next time around I might stick a little closer to the remote and the couch. I am currently in detox so next time you see me, please don't offer me a guiness!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Nykredit Masters
After using all modes of transport possible (planes, trains and automobiles) we finally arrived to the land of the Wind Turbines. They are everywhere! It took 10 hours of traveling time from the Helsinki Hilton to the Odense Eventvr Golf Klub in Odense (pronounced Oo-en-seh), Denmark. I really dislike traveling days. I am looking forward to my private jet. At 3pm I was finally standing on the 10th tee to walk the back 9 holes in preparation for my practice round on Tuesday. And then I was blown over by the 60 knot winds, lovely.
Monday was a hideously windy day in Denmark. Now I can see why the turbines are so popular. After walking the back 9 holes I dragged myself into the clubhouse and was greeted by my pals who had retired after 4 holes. Soft. They couldn't believe I had stuck it out. Maybe that's why the back 9 was so friendly to me this week and the front 9 hated my guts?
Danish is such a tough language to grasp. Even when I had a word written on paper in front of me and then heard it pronounced I still couldn't put two and two together.
The KLM Open unfortunately is not going to be such a memorable tournament for me. I started well on Thursday from the 10th tee with -3 to par after the first 9 holes. I then ventured onto the front 9 and finished +2 for the day with a 74. Not great but still sitting ok at 75th. On Friday I teed off from the 1st and proceeded to shot +7 for the front 9 holes. It wasn't so bad until a 3 putt on the 7th and 8th holes. I then hit a ball out of bounds by 1 foot from the 9th tee. My second tee shot decided to hug a tree so after chipping out sideways I finished the hole with a triple bogey 7.
I really got angry which is very unlike me. I told my caddy I wanted to hit something and he offered himself as a sacrifice to the golfing gods but was a little worried that I might break him! I then had even par on the back 9 to finish with a 79 for the day. That left my total at +9, 4 shots too many for the cut.
This was my worst performance for the last 3 months. I really played terrible on the front 9 both days. But I built a big bridge and got over it on Friday night. I will now spend the next two nights in Copenhagen with Julie Tvede. She is a Danish girl I traveled with last year on the Futures Tour. I am very excited to see the city as I hear it is beautiful.
Holty, my English caddy from last week in Finland, has generously offered to sponsor me for the English Open and the three weeks leading into the tournament. So I will be flying back to London on Tuesday, spending copious amounts of time on short game practice and preparing for the English Open. I will then fly to Australia the day after the tournament finishes. I am looking forward to coming home, it has been five months now. My puppy dog needs me!
By the way, if you ever get the chance to try Danish Black Bread give it a go with steamed potato on top. It is a very dark rye bread with nuts in it. It tastes fantastic!
Monday was a hideously windy day in Denmark. Now I can see why the turbines are so popular. After walking the back 9 holes I dragged myself into the clubhouse and was greeted by my pals who had retired after 4 holes. Soft. They couldn't believe I had stuck it out. Maybe that's why the back 9 was so friendly to me this week and the front 9 hated my guts?
Danish is such a tough language to grasp. Even when I had a word written on paper in front of me and then heard it pronounced I still couldn't put two and two together.
The KLM Open unfortunately is not going to be such a memorable tournament for me. I started well on Thursday from the 10th tee with -3 to par after the first 9 holes. I then ventured onto the front 9 and finished +2 for the day with a 74. Not great but still sitting ok at 75th. On Friday I teed off from the 1st and proceeded to shot +7 for the front 9 holes. It wasn't so bad until a 3 putt on the 7th and 8th holes. I then hit a ball out of bounds by 1 foot from the 9th tee. My second tee shot decided to hug a tree so after chipping out sideways I finished the hole with a triple bogey 7.
I really got angry which is very unlike me. I told my caddy I wanted to hit something and he offered himself as a sacrifice to the golfing gods but was a little worried that I might break him! I then had even par on the back 9 to finish with a 79 for the day. That left my total at +9, 4 shots too many for the cut.
This was my worst performance for the last 3 months. I really played terrible on the front 9 both days. But I built a big bridge and got over it on Friday night. I will now spend the next two nights in Copenhagen with Julie Tvede. She is a Danish girl I traveled with last year on the Futures Tour. I am very excited to see the city as I hear it is beautiful.
Holty, my English caddy from last week in Finland, has generously offered to sponsor me for the English Open and the three weeks leading into the tournament. So I will be flying back to London on Tuesday, spending copious amounts of time on short game practice and preparing for the English Open. I will then fly to Australia the day after the tournament finishes. I am looking forward to coming home, it has been five months now. My puppy dog needs me!
By the way, if you ever get the chance to try Danish Black Bread give it a go with steamed potato on top. It is a very dark rye bread with nuts in it. It tastes fantastic!
BBC Radio Kent Ladies' English Open
Brrrrr! England in October...need I say more? I arrived at the Chart Hills Golf Club in Kent on Monday morning with thermal underwear in hand (and later on bottom), to beat the rush and get out early for my first practice round for The BBC Radio Kent Ladies' English Open.
My first attempt at playing the front nine saw me stand in front of the first green for 10 minutes watching it flood. After putting the clubs away in the car and trying again with just wedge, putter and an umbrella that was so useless it was a joke, I made it to the second hole to encounter lightning. Bee line for the clubhouse! Why are Mondays so mean to me?
So I enjoyed a nice hot chocolate, melted my frozen fingers and then gave the back nine a go. I made it through to the 18th hole but finished without one dry piece of clothing. I looked very attractive walking back into the clubhouse like a drowned rat! Another successful Monday.
Monday night I was joined by Heidi McCulkin, Leah Hart and the "Mad Dane" (who was tournament leader until the third last hole on Sunday) in a 6 bedroom Cottage we had rented for the week. It was lovely although we kept getting lost going home through the country lanes. Only 20 minutes to the course but usually 80 minutes getting home, I blame Heidi, her application for traveling companion said part-time navigator!
Tuesday morning Heidi and I ventured back out to the course and managed 18 holes uninterrupted by weather. It's a miracle! We had a great practice round, hit lots of different shots, chips and putts and also had a competitive match. Heidi finished great to have 70, beating me by 2 shots and taking 5 pounds off me, darn it! Now we are even from Finland!
I played in the Pro-Am on the Wednesday and had 16 pars, 1 birdie and 1 bogey. Warming up on the range before the round I had hit it like a dog but went out there with a bad girl attitude. I didn't care how it looked as long as it went in the hole. It worked.
Unfortunately this philosophy didn't come good on Friday during the first tournament round. It was hideous and I mean hideous weather and I was also struggling to the keep the ball on the planet. My tee-time was afternnon and after 5 holes of play the horns blew and we trekked inside to wait out the torrential rain and gale force winds.
Two hours of warming by the fire and we were sent back out to the course where unfortunately my golf did not improve. At 6pm the horns blew again for bad light meaning we had to return at the crack of dawn Saturday to finish our first rounds.
I felt so badly for Russ, my caddy on Friday. He volunteered for the position after playing with me in the Pro-am. Russ got the worst of the conditions but put on a brave face and even told me he enjoyed it. I think he is a very sick man. Needs help.
Saturday morning I was joined by Stuart and Phil (the boys I stay with in London). Stu caddied for the remainder of the first round as well as rounds 2 and 3. We finished the last 4 holes Saturday morning to card a 78. Stu and I went straight to the range where we discovered that I had been setting up closed to my target. Once that was sorted it felt so much easier, I could just let it happen. I then shot 70, 70 (birdie, birdie finish on the last day) to finish +4 and tied 18th for the tournament. WOOH! Best result yet on the European Tour!
It feels so satisfying to have another notch on the belt (and a little more $$ in the bank!). I am now staying in London for two more weeks before heading to Dubai for my last tournament of the European season. I have heard Michelle Wie is also playing this tournament, ooh la la, I could have gossip! Stay tuned for the inside scoop....
PS Watch this space for "The Real" 2006 Ryder Cup tell all including liquid lunches, Irish dancing and also a shellacking of Team USA behinds. Ouch!
My first attempt at playing the front nine saw me stand in front of the first green for 10 minutes watching it flood. After putting the clubs away in the car and trying again with just wedge, putter and an umbrella that was so useless it was a joke, I made it to the second hole to encounter lightning. Bee line for the clubhouse! Why are Mondays so mean to me?
So I enjoyed a nice hot chocolate, melted my frozen fingers and then gave the back nine a go. I made it through to the 18th hole but finished without one dry piece of clothing. I looked very attractive walking back into the clubhouse like a drowned rat! Another successful Monday.
Monday night I was joined by Heidi McCulkin, Leah Hart and the "Mad Dane" (who was tournament leader until the third last hole on Sunday) in a 6 bedroom Cottage we had rented for the week. It was lovely although we kept getting lost going home through the country lanes. Only 20 minutes to the course but usually 80 minutes getting home, I blame Heidi, her application for traveling companion said part-time navigator!
Tuesday morning Heidi and I ventured back out to the course and managed 18 holes uninterrupted by weather. It's a miracle! We had a great practice round, hit lots of different shots, chips and putts and also had a competitive match. Heidi finished great to have 70, beating me by 2 shots and taking 5 pounds off me, darn it! Now we are even from Finland!
I played in the Pro-Am on the Wednesday and had 16 pars, 1 birdie and 1 bogey. Warming up on the range before the round I had hit it like a dog but went out there with a bad girl attitude. I didn't care how it looked as long as it went in the hole. It worked.
Unfortunately this philosophy didn't come good on Friday during the first tournament round. It was hideous and I mean hideous weather and I was also struggling to the keep the ball on the planet. My tee-time was afternnon and after 5 holes of play the horns blew and we trekked inside to wait out the torrential rain and gale force winds.
Two hours of warming by the fire and we were sent back out to the course where unfortunately my golf did not improve. At 6pm the horns blew again for bad light meaning we had to return at the crack of dawn Saturday to finish our first rounds.
I felt so badly for Russ, my caddy on Friday. He volunteered for the position after playing with me in the Pro-am. Russ got the worst of the conditions but put on a brave face and even told me he enjoyed it. I think he is a very sick man. Needs help.
Saturday morning I was joined by Stuart and Phil (the boys I stay with in London). Stu caddied for the remainder of the first round as well as rounds 2 and 3. We finished the last 4 holes Saturday morning to card a 78. Stu and I went straight to the range where we discovered that I had been setting up closed to my target. Once that was sorted it felt so much easier, I could just let it happen. I then shot 70, 70 (birdie, birdie finish on the last day) to finish +4 and tied 18th for the tournament. WOOH! Best result yet on the European Tour!
It feels so satisfying to have another notch on the belt (and a little more $$ in the bank!). I am now staying in London for two more weeks before heading to Dubai for my last tournament of the European season. I have heard Michelle Wie is also playing this tournament, ooh la la, I could have gossip! Stay tuned for the inside scoop....
PS Watch this space for "The Real" 2006 Ryder Cup tell all including liquid lunches, Irish dancing and also a shellacking of Team USA behinds. Ouch!
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