Tuesday
Apr222008
"The most challenging and exciting mile in golf"
Greg Norman said:“As a golf course architect, it is both rewarding and challenging to know that this course will be hosting the Dubai World Championship.
“I’ve been fortunate to have a number of PGA Tour events played on courses I have designed. Of course, Jumeirah Golf Estates will be showcased on a global basis and as the golf course designer, I’m proud to be a part of such a significant event.
“From my perspective I think that both the Earth and the Fire courses will be equally playable and I’m pleased with the progress that has been made on them.”
Norman was returning to Dubai for his ninth site visit and spent his time fine-tuning the course design for the Championship. The final four holes of the Earth course will, he said, offer a spectacular finish:
“Of course, I think the entire course has a great balance, but the finish will really stand out. The last four holes will measure exactly a mile, 1760 yards. I expect it will be considered one of the most challenging and exciting miles of golf, in terms of risk and reward."
Meanwhile, let's get to the important stuff:
“There were some significant changes on 7 and on 9 but everything else has been more subtle, getting the greens ready for the speed that we need them and so on. And we’ve had to allow for the infrastructure of a major tournament. That means laying cabling and getting prepared for the full hospitality suites, designing the right driving range facility, creating ease of access for parking and everything like that.”
And with the release came this totally unstaged photo in need of a caption, don't you think:
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Reader Comments (22)
Earth course?
Fire course?
What happened to the Wind course?
Does this mean that Earth, Wind and Fire will be doing the entertainment for opening day ceremonies for the Dubai World Championship?
And what is it with Norman and this "last mile" thing? He made pretty much the same comment when he opened his course at Lansdowne in Northern Virginia.
Desmond actually had a course going on in Dubai, I may even have the plans for it. (I'll have to check)
It was to be called Dubai Hills and it was another crown in the jewel of Muirhead concept courses.....I'm almost 100% certain it was a tough course too. Most of Desmond's courses have a certain tough edge to them. (No joking)
2. "Now where are my lackys".
3. "Fuel up the Gulfstream, I'm out of here".
"I have an ingrown toenail, so they're letting me out on the fariways today in the handicap vehicle."
Tommy Naccarato? Bill V? What happened to your pseudonyms?
What else is new
You two are missed over on that stale, 'other' site.
Sorry for the mistaken ident, mate. In retrospect the note above showed too much class. Many apo-polly-loggies.
I miss traditional golf.com, that's what I miss. I have Tommy's number do I have yours? It's always easy to find my comments.
Respectfully,
forever Bond, James Bond.