Ahead of the inaugural Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Open at Saadiyat Beach and Golf Club, John McAuley talks to Melissa Reid about the rise of women’s golf in the Middle East, the lessons she’s learnt during her professional career, and the future of the Ladies European Tour.
Q: With Dubai, and Abu Dhabi and Doha now, what does it say for golf in the region that three major events on the LET take place here?
A: It is really promising. Hopefully in the future we will have a full Middle East swing like the Men’s European Tour where we play the events back-to-back. However, to have two new events in the Middle East in one year is good progress and I know all the girls on the LET are looking forward to playing.
Q: You’ve played the Gary Player Invitational on Saadiyat Island. What are your memories of that and what sort of test does this golf course throw at you?
A: It’s a great test and a ball striking course. Apart from Emirates Golf Club in Dubai I think it is the best course we play on Tour. It is a beautiful setting on the ocean and I am really looking forward to being back there.
Q: The tournament highlights the 2016/17 calendar for the Fatima bint Mubarak Academy, which promotes sports among Emirati women. How important is that, and what role can golf play in helping shape the current and next generation of Emirati women?
A: It is hugely important. I think the popularity of golf with Emirati women needs to increase and hopefully this event will allow us to help promote golf. If after this event one person wants to try golf it will have been a success. It is a great opportunity for local people to see what golf is about.
Q: You have been a professional for close to a decade, had significant success and seen so much in the game. What in your opinion is the best way to get girls involved in golf and why?
A: I think you have to keep it short and fun. Before anything else it needs to be enjoyable. Group learning also helps, golf can be intimidating as an individual sport but if a group of friends can learn together they will be more comfortable and more likely to want to play.
Q: Two genuine stars of the women’s game will be at the event: Annika Sorenstam, to provide coaching clinics, and Laura Davies, who is competing. Who did you look up to in the game when growing up and how did that help you become a star in your own right?
A: In the women’s game it was Laura who I looked up to. She was such a natural golfer who looked like she was having fun, seeing how far she could hit. I also took inspiration from other sports. I loved playing football so David Beckham was an inspiration to me.
Q: There are a lot of young stars of the game competing at the FBMLO, such as you, Carly Booth, Nanna Madsen, and Aditi Ashok. What does that say about the strength of the LET right now?
A: The players on the LET are very strong. Aditi is a great example, she could change golf in India, it’s great to see her competing on the LET and I am sure she will have a lot of success.
Q: What is the best thing a career in professional golf has given you, both on the course and away from the game?
A: Discipline and a good work ethic — learning that you only get what you put into the game. Cracks will show in your game if you are not 100 per cent focused. Also integrity and respect, great life lessons in growing up which stay with you on and off the course.
Q: You have been a regular to the UAE, particularly with participating in the Dubai Ladies Masters. What are you most looking forward to doing in Abu Dhabi away from the tournament and why?
A: I love Abu Dhabi, I always feel very welcome there. I have had boot-camp trips with my coach before so I know it well. The England women’s cricket team is also going to be out there at same time so it will be nice to see some of the girls I know.
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