Living Golf

SHOW #70

Golf in the Middle East

February’s edition questions the long-term validity of professional golf in the Middle East and Dubai in particular, with a tough economic year ahead and oil money running dry. We also get unprecedented access with some of the world’s leading golfers, Adam Scott teams up with world famous coach Butch Harmon for his ‘Hot Shots’, and we profile the young English talent Ollie Fisher.

DUBAI – HAS THE OIL MONEY RUN OUT?

Over the last 12 months, it is increasingly noticeable that golf is continuing to expand and develop into new emerging markets and many have seen the Middle East as the 21st century 'home of golf'. An enormous amount of money has been invested into the game, most noticeably by Dubai, and most significantly through the sale of golf real estate. However, with the world in recession and with fears over Dubai’s much publicized debt, how sustainable is this notion? We speak with some of the leading figures in the game in both Doha and Dubai to gauge how this emirate state’s big gamble is playing out.

FANTASY FOURBALL

It’s not too often you get a chance to play golf with a professional, let alone three of the world’s best at a course that will host the climax of this year’s European season, but on the show this month, presenter Justin Armsden will experience just that. Teaming up with Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and Darren Clarke, as part of a world exclusive, Justin will play the four closing holes of the Earth Course, which was unveiled to the world in January, and will host November’s Dubai World Championship. Tune in to see how he fared and what they have to say about the year ahead.

NEWS / INTV NEW EURO RYDER CUP CAPTAIN

The latest golfing news from around the world including a sit down interview with the new European Ryder Cup captain.

SCOTT’S HOT SHOTS

Our touring professional Adam Scott teams up with us in Dubai for his latest selection of golfing tips.

OLLIE FISHER PKG

20-year-old Oliver Fisher has been regarded as a hot prospect in the golfing community ever since Nick Faldo nurtured him in his early teenage years. Now a professional on the European Tour, Fisher is considered to be one of Europe’s top hopes for the future and Justin Armsden caught up with him recently at his home just outside of London.