Equity Magazine March 2018

GOLF COURSE
THE
PROFESSIONAL
✹
THE
NOVICE
✹
Playing the course is a wonderful experience, but being
under the guidance and supervision of the resident
qualified PGA Professional, Stuart Fee makes it an
experience like no other. Choosing a golf instructor is not
as straightforward as one is led to believe. The process is
still as unique as your fingerprint, based upon who you
are, and what level you want to accomplish. It is an
individual’s responsibility to ensure there is a seamless fit
between ourselves and the golf instructor, on all levels,
regarding personality type, mutual goals, beliefs about the
game and how it should be played, as well as your
instructor’s ability to relate to your specific needs.
From the offset, Stuart explained that we are all
different body types and for that reason alone we will
swing and play golf in a different light. I’m a solid 14-16
handicap golfer, where at times I have played like Tiger
Woods and the very same week played as though a tiger
mauled my game. Stuart proceeded to let me hit balls
freely, without any swing aids, gadgets and the typical aids
you see many instructors on the range with. He
proceeded to simply reset my stance, grip and most
importantly had me quiet my legs down a bit – so that it
wasn’t too aggressive and forward upon swinging. The
result? I have been hitting the ball crisper, more solid and
achieving the distances on my clubs I did 15 years ago. All
this was achieved within a solid 45-minute lesson, while
correcting my flaws I didn’t even realised I possessed.
Before you set out and conquer this picturesque course,
make sure you stop and spend an afternoon with Stuart
Fee, it is a lesson, life changer for your game.
Having only played a round of mini-golf prior to my first lesson,
I wasn’t sure what I signed up for. Apparently, most individuals
that rock up to a golf course have played mini-golf – it’s
something Stuart is used to hearing pretty much on every
occasion. To describe myself when it comes to sport, I’m quite
ambitious and competitive and would say that my coordination
skills are rather decent – I played football as a teenager. So
starting something new, such as golf, seemed quite interesting
for a woman used to fast-paced games.
Stuart took me on a tour of the golf course to begin, allowing
the crisp breeze to touch my skin as I inhaled the aroma of
freshly watered grass. It was a beautiful sunny morning, with
Stuart describing the tees and purpose of the various colours
(red, white, blue, and black – at this course) where you literally
tee off from. We then drove over to the eighth hole, taking in
the stunning view, with the hotel as the backdrop. The
45-minute lesson began with a description of each club, after
which I posed in front of a mirror to practice the most
significant elements of the game – how to hold a club, and
body positioning (soft knee-bend, hands on the club – where
you can see at least two to three knuckles on your left hand).
After a few tries, it was off to the driving range. I did miss a few
shots, but expected that. The imperative takeaway from the
lesson is basically learning how to hold a club, while practicing
the stand and swing. Keen to get out on the course, I asked
Stuart how many lessons were required before I could play a
game. He suggested two classes per month, for three months,
combined with practice at the driving range in between.
Immediately, my notion of the game altered and now I can’t
wait to head back and practice before the next lesson.
NEED TO KNOW: The nine-hole green fees (per person) range from Dhs150 for those under 18 to Dhs225 for
non-residents (over the weekend and public holidays), and Dhs135 to Dhs200 from Sunday to Thursday. The option
to hire the cart, trolley and range balls are also available. A bucket of 50 range balls are available for Dhs40. 30-minute
lessons are available for Dhs195 for juniors and Dhs230 for adults. The course playing lesson (two-hours) is available
from Dhs750 for juniors and Dhs875 for adults. Contact the Golf Reception on +9714 814 5023/58.
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EQUITY