Despite not being known as a traditional golfing venue, in recent times the Middle East has come to be in the spotlight of the sport because of the development of a number of world class golf courses. The Doha Golf Club is one such example. It hosts the Qatar Masters Tournament each year.

Though pristinely kept greens and lush fairways are not what one expects to find in the middle of the desert, the Doha Gold Club is a pleasant exception. This 72 par, eighteen-hole golf course is both technically challenging and aesthetically pleasing to the player. The flora that is found on the course reflects the environment surrounding it, with cacti and crafted rock formations located throughout to add beauty.

Designed by the famous golf course architect Peter Harradine, the course boasts of a floodlit nine-hole practice course, which means that busy executives can iron out the flaws of their swing after a busy day at work. The restaurant, clubhouse and the golf shop are well kept and the staff is helpful and courteous.

The Qatar Masters tournament that is held annually as a part of the European Golf Tour has drawn many famous players, such as the South African Ernie Els who took part in 2007. The tournament draws in many golfers each year, each of them competing for a handsome prize of 2.5 million US Dollars.

The Doha Golf Club has a large expatriate membership, since the sport is yet to catch on with the locals. For tourists here on holiday the Doha Golf Club offers you the chance to break away from the routine and play a challenging 18-hole course.

The course is located close to Doha accommodation in the city just a short drive away.

By: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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Of all the preconceptions that exist about the game of golf, it is players’ clothing that has perhaps inspired the most heated conversation.

Remarkably, however, no dress code is stipulated in the rules of the game, and any decision about what you can and can’t wear on a particular golf course rests with each individual golf club. However, it’s generally accepted that you should never wear jeans or sneakers, and that a shirt with a collar is always preferable to one without.

Thankfully, though, the days of pastel shades and dubious golf pants are long gone. Now some of the most stylish brands in fashion are moving into golf wear, creating clothes that are both fashionable and practical-so much so that there really is no excuse for being badly dressed on the golf course. But note that when playing in warm climates choose clothing in lightweight cotton to keep cool on the course. You should also wear a hat and apply sunscreen regularly for sun protection.

You’ll also need a waterproof jacket and pants for those days when the weather turns bad. They should be made so that you can still swing freely while wearing them. Golf gloves made from leather or synthetic fabrics can help to give you a better grip on your club. Baseball-style caps and sun visors are invaluable for keeping the sun out of your eyes when you’re playing.

Fast becoming a mainstay of golfwear, wristbands provide support and comfort for the wrists, helping with swing. In addition to shorts and pants, women have the option of wearing a skirt, which may have a split for ease of movement. The classic polo shirt is popular golfwear. Comfortable, loose, and easy to swing in, it is also stylish enough for any golf course

During an average round of golf you will walk over five miles (8km) so it’s imperative that you have the right footwear for the task ahead. A pair of good-quality golf shoes will make your rounds much more comfortable and provide you with a solid foundation, allowing you to swing the golf club without worrying about losing your balance.Like most golf equipment, the golf shoe has evolved. Players no longer wear the sharp metal spikes of old-instead, soft spikes or cleats have become widely fashionable.

Before you begin playing golf, it’s a good idea to assemble an outfit that you not only feel comfortable in, but which also complies with the club’s dress code. That means a pair of pants or skirt (no jeans), a collared shirt, and a pair of golf shoes with soft spikes. But if you’re still not sure what is acceptable on the golf course, call the club to check beforehand.

By: Mark Davison

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