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A SELECT party of the world's top golf journalists have visited Bahrain for a low-down on the facilities of the Royal Golf Club and to capture the essence of the kingdom for their readers.
Among them was British freelance writer Rob Smith representing Golf Monthly, the world's oldest monthly golf magazine established in 1911 by double Open Champion, Harold Hilton.
Smith, 53, a golfing enthusiast for 30 years, has played more than 640 courses in over 30 countries and will be presenting a glowing report of his experience. "I think that Monty's revised layout is already a first-class golf course and the club also has all the other facilities that you could want," he said.
"There is great variety on the course, no two holes are the same - and there is a fantastic sting in the tail with the water that comes bang into play on the closing four holes.
"It is in great condition, and although it IS difficult, it is also enormous fun. I particularly like the fact that it is pretty much a true desert course - one where the desert really does come into play. The welcome and help from all the staff was also top-notch and I am really looking forward to coming back."
This week European Tour experts were in discussion with the Royal Golf Club team to ensure the course is ready to welcome the stars of the game in January. Many course refinements have taken place already since the European Tour first inspected the course and overseeding is in progress, as reported in last week's GulfWeekly.
"I think that the Pros will love it for a number of reasons," said Smith. "The course is great fun to play as well as a serious test (you have to position your tee shot correctly for the best route into the greens) - the hospitality is great - the competition is a new and unique format which will give them something fresh to enjoy - and the weather will be ideal.
"The amateurs will love the course just as much, and will be thrilled by the possibility of playing alongside the top professionals. The millions who get to watch it on TV will also be very interested to see this new and different destination."
So what does Bahrain have to do to ensure the new and subsequent events are a success, in his opinion?
"Sort the traffic!" suggested Smith. "More seriously, I think the key will be to make sure that everyone working on or off the course is as efficient and as hospitable as possible ... and smile.
"I think the proximity and profile of the Grand Prix is a real bonus. I was very interested to look round the sand course at Bahrain Golf Club and would like to give it a go some time but to be a serious golf destination, the country could do with two more top-notch courses. Oh, and petrol is a great price!"
Call for volunteers
IMG will require up to 300 volunteers each day of the tournament so the Royal Golf Club will need members and golf enthusiasts to be involved in marshalling, scoring and driving players from the official hotel - the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa - to the course. A list is currently being compiled of people willing to volunteer for a minimum of two days over the tournament week. Interested GulfWeekly readers should email info@theroyalgolfclub.com for more details.
