| The magnificent resort is just one of many spectacular venues showcasing in the ‘properties and destinations’ zone at the ExCel Centre show from April 21-24. And unlike those left in Fulke’s wake yesterday, there will be no catching up for Doha’s rivals as the zone put up the ‘full’ signs earlier this week.
The London Golf Show’s managing director, Ross Broadstock, said: “We are all interested in the event because Doha GC will be part of the show. It all adds to the spice of the event for us as spectators.
“And it shows the quality of exhibitor we have attracted to the inaugural show. To sell out the destinations zone six weeks in advance of the show is impressive. When you see the exhibitor list it’s even more impressive.”
Doha will be exhibiting alongside St Andrews Old Course Hotel, Celtic Manor – home to the 2010 Ryder Cup - Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Bintan Lagoon Resort, Brocket Hall, The Leaderboard Group of courses, Monte da Quinta, Palazzo Arzaga, Praia D’el Rey, St Andrews Bay Golf Resort & Spa and many more exclusive destinations.
However, visitors to the show will be able to see a lot more than some of the world’s most spectacular golfing venues. They can take advantage of great show prices on top brand golf equipment, meet with the pros, get advice and see and buy the latest in golf fashion – all in the centre of London.
In addition, there will be fantastic prizes - including a car and a five-star holiday - up for grabs in various interactive competitions and events, ranging from a hole-in-one competition on a floating green in Victoria Dock, to a putting competition on the indoor arena.
And it is already pulling in the star names with DJ Spoony, BBC radio’s voice of golf Tony Adamson, Sir Trevor Brooking and dozens more from stage and screen all putting in an appearance.
Tickets to the event cost £10 in advance, or £15 on the door; under-16s £5 in advance or £7.50 on the door and are available from Ticketmaster, online at: www.ticketmaster.co.uk
or by calling freephone 08701 451205.
For more information on the London Golf Show, visit www.londongolfshow.com
DOHA GOLF CLUB
Nothing reflects the natural beauty and diverse landscape of Qatar more than Doha Golf Club. Designed by Peter Harradine and unveiled in 1997, the 7312-yard 18-hole Championship Course and floodlit 9-hole Academy Course provide a variety of challenges that will appeal to both the novice golfer and the seasoned professional. 8 strategically positioned lakes, 65 giant cacti, numerous imposing limestone rock formations and an abundance of lush and lengthy green fairways present a startling contrast to the desert that lies beyond. Doha Golf Club is home to the annual European PGA Tour Qatar Masters, with Doha's Championship Course proving to be one of the longest par 72 courses on the tour.
THE CLUBHOUSE
The architecture of the Arabian-style clubhouse, with its marble interiors, outdoor terraces and restaurants, is based on that of a typical Qatari house. It features handmade gypsum, traditional artifacts, and solid teak doors imported especially from Thailand and hand-engraved in Doha. Beautifully crafted marble, internal waterfalls, and a central fountain creates up a cool and welcoming atmosphere.
THE RESTAURANTS
Doha Golf Club also offers inviting restaurants that are open to the general public. The clubhouse's second floor houses the Oasis Lounge, where members and their golfing guests can relax after their game and enjoy a snack or light meal in a friendly and comfortable ambience, overlooking the stunning views of the 18-hole Championship Course.
Spikes Lounge is a fusion between bar and club in a modern and exclusive intérieur surrounding. Located on the ground floor of the Doha Golf Club clubhouse, overlooking the magnificent vista of the 9th and 18th greens. Spikes Lounge is a fun, upbeat place to grab a bite to eat or socialize with friends in a relaxing atmosphere.
CONFERENCE AND CATERING
State-of-the-art conference rooms are available for meetings and seminars, and Doha Golf Club’s team remains on hand to ensure a pleasant and memorable day is achieved. From a small meeting of 5 people, to a gala dinner on-course and under the stars for 5000 people, anything is possible…. Doha Golf Club has been host to events such as the World Trade Organisation dinner and the Extraordinary FIFA World Congress Gala Dinner, both of which exceeded 1000 people.
CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE
Ever since 1998, the Club has hosted the prestigious Qatar Masters tournament, now held annually in March as part of the European PGA tours schedule. Each year many of the world's top golfers compete on the Club's unique and challenging Championship Course measuring 7,312 yards from the tournament tees and designed by Peter Harradine, one of the world's leading golf course architects. Each of the 18 holes varies dramatically in character, of which the 9th (540m) and the 18th (570m) are true giants. Of the par 4-holes, the 2nd, 5th, 6th, 14th and 15th are all outstanding tests, between 360 and 400 metres long. The course is not only a real pleasure for long-hitters, as hazards such as natural rock formations, sand bunkers and water are all plentiful.
Lush green fairways, greens and water hazards now dominate an area, which, 9 years ago, was a baron desert landscape. To complete the transformation from desert to golf course, 1300 palm trees, 10,000 trees and 5,000 shrubs were planted together with 65 cacti specially imported from the Arizona desert. Eight artificial lakes ensure that the 150 hectares of manicured fairways and superb greens are maintained to a standard that has won unanimous praise from both PGA European Tour players and officials. Doha Golf Club hosts a number of local, regional, and international tournaments. It also welcomes companies planning to sponsor or organize corporate events. Corporate entertainment is Doha Golf Club’s specialty, and the Club can organize the whole day's golfing itinerary.
ACADEMY COURSE
For golfers who find the challenge of the 18-hole Championship Course a little too demanding, the Club offers a 9- hole floodlit Academy Course, ideal for the novice and less-experienced golfers. With a length of 2,844 yards, this course offers spectacular views of the West Bay Lagoons and is maintained to the same high standard as the championship course. It’s lighting enables golfers to manage a round after work and play until midnight.
GOLF ACADEMY
The Club's Golf Academy is a state-of-the-art teaching and practice facility featuring superb custom-built chipping, putting, and bunker practice areas. The Academy brings together a multinational team of dedicated PGA teaching professionals with a wealth of golfing knowledge and experience from some of the world's most exclusive golf clubs. The Academy offers professional coaching at all levels through individual group, junior packages, and golfing programs. Playing lessons are also available. The Academy aims to help golfers by using professional knowledge, hi-tech equipment, good communication skills, and the simplest and most effective teaching methods, making it easy to learn the game. All of the Club's tuition programs offer the unique opportunity to use the V1 Video Swing Analyzer, the latest in hi-tech computer and video equipment.
QATAR MASTERS 2005 – now co-sanctioned by the European PGA Tour AND the Asian PGA Tour
The Qatar Masters has been a regular feature on the European International tour schedule since the inaugural event in March 1998. This event has proven to be very popular with the players, the majority of whom look forward to escaping a long winter season in the northern hemisphere.
Doha Golf Club has welcomed many great champions in the past seven years with the event serving as a stepping-stone for some of the future stars, notably Paul Lawrie in 1999 and Adam Scott in 2002. Since winning in Qatar, both players have gone on to win many major events on the world stage.
Past winners include:
1998 Andrew Coltart, Scotland
1999 Paul Lawrie, Scotland
2000 Rolf Muntz, Netherlands
2001 Tony Johnstone, Zimbabwe
2002 Adam Scott, Australia
2003 Darren Fichardt, South Africa
2004 Joakim Haeggman, Sweden
2005 Ernie Els, South Africa
The staging of the 2005 Qatar Masters, from March 10-13 will, for the first time, be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour. This move will allow Qatar to welcome more Asian nationals to the event, with the field of 150 players comprising of 44 taken from Asian Tour rankings. While remaining an integral part of the European Tour, the Qatar Masters will now also be included in the 2005 Asian Tour International schedule.
For more information on Doha Golf Club, please visit www.dohagolfclub.com
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