Peter Cowen, a renowned coach of some of the world's top golfers, is set to arrive in Dubai for the DP World Tour Play-Offs and to inspect his newly established academy.

Hello from my chilly, wet driving range in Rotherham! Does time seem to speed up as we age? Winter has descended upon Yorkshire, making it an ideal time for a trip to the UAE. I'll be in Dubai in a couple of days, ready to hit the range at Emirates Golf Club immediately. I'm eager to explore my brand-new Golf Academy. Although I've heard positive feedback, I've been cautioned not to lean against the walls—the paint might still be drying! It's been a long journey, but I'm confident it will be worth the anticipation. This facility will be a source of pride for Dubai, Emirates Golf Club, and myself. It will enhance the Academy's facilities and offerings, as well as the entire EGC brand—thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort.

Congratulations to Padraig Harrington on his third victory of the season on the PGA Champions Tour—the Simmons Bank Championship in Arkansas. This marks his 41st career win. Harrington has a chance to lead the Order of Merit. With only the Charles Schwab Cup remaining in Phoenix next week, he stands in fourth place, close to Ernie Els, with Steven Alker and Stephen Ames in between. At 53, Padraig remains one of the hardest workers in the game and is likely still playing some of the best golf of his career—his caddie, Ronan Flood, agrees.

It's unfortunate that Victor Perez (Fr) won't defend his 'Unmissable' title at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links. He has focused on the PGA Tour this season and is currently ranked 142nd in the Race to Dubai. I feel uneasy about his inability to defend in Abu Dhabi, but I understand the rules and qualifications. As many have learned, it's easy to overcommit to too many tournaments and find yourself torn between the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Victor played last week in the ZOZO Championship in Japan, finishing tied 33rd at seven under par. He currently ranks 79th in the FedEx Fall Rankings and 75th in the OWGR.

I'll be working with Joaquin Niemann and Dubai resident Guido Migliozzi over the next two weeks. Migliozzi is in ninth place among ten spots available to secure his 2025 PGA Tour Card. It's all about small margins that can significantly impact lives. We wish Guido the best in the final two events of the season—he's undoubtedly talented and has much potential still to be realized.

LIV Golf's Niemann, at just 25, has immense potential and is one of my top picks to watch in the DP World Tour playoffs in the UAE. However, due to conflicts between PIF and LIV Golf, the PGA Tour, and the DP World Tour, he's essentially playing with one arm behind his back. Is he really 138th in the OWGR? I checked his records—he's been as high as 15th! I believe Niemann has the potential to be a Top 10 player in the world.

If you're attending the golf events, enjoy your time—it will be two fantastic weeks of golf here in the UAE. See you soon.

Peter Cowen, 73, is one of golf's most successful coaches, with numerous professional wins and academies at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Emirates Golf Club, and his headquarters in Rotherham, Yorkshire.

Source link:   https://www.khaleejtimes.com