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Dave Bailey has recently been appointed captain of Awali Golf Club and is looking forward to leading the club through what promises to be one of the busiest seasons in its history.
The general manager of Mohammed Jalal Contracting and Kontra, two divisions of the Mohammed Jalal & Sons group of companies, has lived in Bahrain just over 18 years, however, he only took up the noble game of golf nine years ago.
Having, at an earlier age, played numerous other sports involving balls of different shapes and sizes – including soccer, rugby union, cricket, squash and tennis – he thought it time to try his hand at the more gentle pursuit of golf.
Having been blessed with reasonable hand-eye co-ordination Dave assumed that it would be a simple matter of picking up a golf club and, with the assistance of a couple of lessons from a teaching professional, he would be out on the course returning scores that the mighty Tiger Woods himself would not be ashamed of.
“Things did not start exactly as well as I had hoped,” admitted Dave. “My first two lessons with Awali’s professional at that time, David Park, were spent trying to decide whether I should be playing right or left-handed!
“By way of explanation, I am naturally right-handed and play racquet sports right-handed, however, I have always batted left-handed when playing cricket. Following the second lesson Parky decided that my unwieldy thrashing about with the right-handed club was even worse than my efforts with the left, so it was declared I was to be a left-handed golfer.
“Over the course of the last nine years I have managed to control the thrashing about sufficiently to earn a playing handicap of 13 which is something of a result considering the inauspicious beginning. Suffice to say the golfing bug had well and truly bitten.”
Dave’s wife Nicky, having spent four or five years as a ‘golfing widow’, decided the only way she would get to see him at the weekends was to give this golf lark a try so she too embarked on a series of lessons and eventually obtained her handicap.
Not long after being awarded it, Nicky managed to achieve every golfer’s dream of a hole-in-one, an achievement which to date, has eluded husband Dave. No longer a golfing widow, Nicky also serves on the committee and organises the club’s social events.
Looking forward to the new season which starts with the traditional Captain’s drive-in and Captain’s versus President’s team competition on September 23, Dave said he considered some of the highlights were likely to be the 48th and 49th Bahrain Opens and the 24th Bahrain Ladies Open.
Also on the calander is a visit to Al Ghazal Golf Club in Abu Dhabi to attempt to retain the Falcon Trophy and the friendly local rivalry of the regular matches between the Royal Golf Club and the Bahrain Golf Club.
“The season will be really busy, however, I am fortunate to have the support of an extremely enthusiastic committee who I am certain will ensure things run smoothly,” he said.
“The club is also fortunate to have the backing of a host of generous sponsors, some of whom have been associated with the club for many years. Their continued support allows the club to maintain a full fixture list with weekly competitions throughout the season.
“Plans for the new season have advanced well and I am confident that 2011-2012 will be another highly successful season for AGC.”
The 48th Bahrain Open Golf Championship which was postponed from earlier in the year will be staged on October 21 and 22. The two-day event is open to players with handicaps of 9 or less and entries must be received not later than October 12.
A BD35 fee includes a practice round, entry into the 36-hole tournament, a competition shirt and meal tickets on each of the competition days. Those interested in competing can contact AGC direct for any further information by emailing secretary@awaligolfclub.com
Lady golfers are advised that the 24th Bahrain Ladies Open will take place on December 2 and 3. All female golfers with a current handicap are cordially invited to participate so ladies, please ensure you mark the dates in your diaries and where appropriate, advise your better halves that their caddying services will be required for the weekend!
Any company or organisation interested in discussing sponsorship opportunities at Awali Golf Club are invited to contact the club secretary by emailing secretary@awaligolfclub.com
