In this issue

The piano theme tune, the (hopefully) blooming Azaleas, epic escapes from the pine-straw, Rae’s Creek, mythical Butler Cabin and hopeless happy “patrons” everywhere. Yes it’s April. Glorious April. Welcome to our Masters preview edition, headlined by a candid and sometimes catty 14-page “Who can win, who can’t and why” preview, a fascinating inside the ropes (and locker room) take on the first major of the year. Or, in other words, players dish on their peers and Augusta National in piece sure to enhance your viewing pleasure. Tap into former champ Phil Mickelson’s new driver secrets, green jacket hopeful Justin Thomas’ “Post a Number” insights and tips from Nicklaus, Harmon and Tiger’s coach Chris Como. Locally we get inside the head of inaugural Sharjah Senior Golf Masters’ champion Chris Williams and talk to the local hero of the inaugural Long Drive World Series. There’s also a great chipping tip from PGA teaching pro Cennydd Mills at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and on-going coverage of the 2017 Golf Digest Hot List with this month’s focus on game improvement and players irons.

Life - Next Up For Niall

Horan gets our arnie award and helps guide the game’s talent.

3 mins

We Have Lift Off

The Long Drive World Series made an immediate impact as a 500-strong crowd cheered Tim Burke to victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

6 mins

Battle Of The Continents

The ink is barely dry on the 2016-17 result and the first qualifiers for the 6th edition of the NMT Battle of the Continents still six months away.

2 mins

Get The Most Out Of Your Driver

DURING THE OFFSEASON I had to address some things to drive the ball better— poor footwork, swing inefficiencies, relying too much on my hands to square the face at impact. I went to work with my instructor Andrew Getson to shore things up. I fixed my swing plane, my footwork is better, and I’m using a new driver properly weighted for those changes. It’s taken some getting used to, but the results are encouraging. I feel great with the driver and look forward to seeing what I can do with it at the Masters and the other big tournaments coming up. Here, Andrew is going to go over some of the changes I’ve made and explain how they can help you get the most out of the longest club in your bag. — WITH RON KASPRISKE

2 mins

Read all stories from Golf Digest Middle East

Golf Digest Middle East Magazine Description:

Golf Digest Middle East is the leading golf publication in the region and the biggest golf magazine brand globally. Featuring a blend of local and international content, Golf Digest Middle East is essential reading for the passionate golfer - combining expert tuition from the world's leading tour professionals with the latest in equipment, news and travel.