TRADEAPPOINTMENTSNEWS 19% rise in Abu Dahbi golf bookings One in every four rounds of golf in Abu Dhabi is now played by an
international traveller, according to figures revealed today, turning the UAE into the world’s fourth fastest-growing golf destination. New data released by the International Association of Golf Tour
Operators (IAGTO) shows the UAE has achieved a rise from ninth to fourth in its annual list of the world’s emerging golfing hotspots, following continued investment into attracting overseas visitors such as the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi)-backed Golf in Abu Dhabi (GIAD) Initiative. Overseas rounds for Q1 on Abu Dhabi’s three championship-ready
courses increased 19% on the first three months of 2013 to total 10,948 with increasing demand from Germany, the UK, South Korea, China and India. The total number of rounds played in the UAE capital in Q1 this year inched up 4% to 43,046. “The figures show that overseas golfers now account for a quarter of all
rounds played at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, director, TCA Abu Dhabi’s Events Bureau which operates the GIAD initiative. Details of Abu Dhabi’s upward golf swing came at the inaugural HSBC
Golf Business Forum, the B2B golf conference for Europe, the Middle East and Asia, which saw more than 200 industry professional convene at the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. The ‘GIAD,’ programme, which was launched in 2011, is a one-stop
booking shop for golfers to book packages to Abu Dhabi. In addition, a growing number of worldwide tour operators are now featuring Abu Dhabi’s golf proposition in their marketing campaigns and brochures. “We are on an upward trajectory with golf,” added Al Shaikh. “We now
Callaway appoints new Scottish area sales rep and fitting technician
technician. Taking up his role in West Scotland, covering from
C
Glasgow to Dumfries, the former teaching and playing professional joins Callaway from the Turnberry resort where he recently managed the venue’s Performance Lab. As part of Callaway’s commitment to PGA
Professionals, Euan will combine sales of their latest hardware including the new Big Bertha and Big Bertha Alpha Drivers with regular club-fitting services provided to more than 60 of the company’s valued retail partners. Martin Wild, regional sales manager for Callaway
Europe, said: “Scotland is an important marketplace for us, especially in a Ryder Cup year, when the prestigious event returns to the Home of Golf. “Euan’s skillset will prove valuable in this
consumer and pro-facing role. His experience at a five star resort combined with his club fitting knowledge and passion for the game will ensure our retail partners in Scotland continue to enjoy the customer service they are accustomed to.”
www.callawaygolf.co.uk 32 SGBGOLF
allaway has appointed experienced club- fitting professional, Euan Cameron, as the company’s new area sales rep and fitting
have over 400 operators worldwide selling our golf packages to our emirate and are highly encouraged by the recent naming of Abu Dhabi by the UK’s prestigious Golf Today magazine as ‘the runaway destination of choice’.
www.golfinabudhabi.com
Pickard appointed by De Vere D
e Vere Hotels & Resorts has announced that Keith Pickard has been promoted to the role of
group Director of Golf following eight and a half years of service. Pickard will now oversee the complete
De Vere Golf offering across seven of the premium golf resorts within the De Vere Hotels & Resorts and Village Urban Re- sorts portfolio. Pickard has been a mem- ber of the team at De Vere Golf since joining the company in 2005 as Director of Golf at Oulton Hall, Leeds. On his appointment as Group Director
of Golf, Pickard commented: “It is an hon- our and a privilege to have been given such an esteemed position within the De Vere Group. I have worked for the brand across a number of leading resorts for eight and a half years, and I have been given some incredible opportunities. That experience will be invaluable as I take on a national role and I'm really looking forward to working with the team to develop our resort offerings and guest experiences. “There have been a number of signifi- cant investments to our resorts in recent
years and we are excited about more and more golfers having a chance to experi- ence De Vere Golf.”
www.devere.co.uk
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