It was an enjoyable week in Dubai for what was the final event of the 2010 season, the Dubai World Championship.
As well attending the event, I was also in Dubai to conduct a seminar with for the UAE pros at the Emirates Golf Club as well as to work with the Scottish Golf Union elite squad that was based in Dubai for a month of warm weather training.
First on the agenda, on the Sunday prior to the tournament, was the seminar for the coaching professional based in the UAE. The aim of the seminar was to give the pros an insight into our coaching philosophy as well as go through some case studies of the work we have conducted with players, to give them an insight into our coaching practice also. The response we got was very positive from the pros, who are all ex pats based in Dubai.
It was then onto the Earth Course at Jumierah Estates for the Dubai World Champs. The players in the field that I work with were Ross Fisher, Edoardo Molinari, David Horsey, Chris Wood, Joost Lutien, Darren Clarke, Thomas Bjorn, Henrik Stenson and Richie Ramsey.
In practice I caught up with all the guys to help them with their preparation. Some of players I hadn't seen for a while such as Henrik Stenson, who I last saw when he visited the studio back in September. I also followed the guys on the course too, which is always useful to ensure what they do on the practice putting green is reflected on the course. From the technical aspects through the pre shot routine.
Apart from Ross Fisher none of the guys featured that well, however by reaching the event itself it was an indication of a successful season.
On the Saturday and Sunday of the week I headed up to Al Badia Golf Club to work with the Scottish Golf Union at the request of the Head Coach Ian Rae, with whom I know from the work I do with Richie Ramsey, as he is Richie's full swing coach.
The elite team of 10 were based at Al Badia for off season training. Over the 2 days I spent one on one time with each player doing a thorough analysis using video and SAM puttlab to profile each player and then highlight individual areas to work on.
The boys were all very enthusiastic as well as being very committed and motivated. It was a really enjoyable 2 days and the team I felt really responded well to me being there. The facilities also at Al Badia are first class. If you get the chance to visit and play golf in Dubai I would recommend it. Not only is the climate superb but the golf course and facilities are world class.
Im already looking forward to going back for the Desert Classic in Feb 2011.
