As the DP World Tour Championship commenced at Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE), Paul Waring spearheaded a group of UAE-based golfers to showcase that residing and competing in this desert haven provides more than just opulence—it offers a unique advantage on the greens. With a substantial prize pool of $10 million at stake, Waring was accompanied by Adrian Meronk and Thorbjorn Olesen, who are capitalizing on their UAE experience to challenge some of the sport's elite, including Tyrrell Hatton and Rory McIlroy, who share the lead after Day One of the fifth and final Rolex Series event of the season.
Waring, a 39-year-old English journeyman, demonstrated that familiarity with his home course at Jumeirah Golf Estates can be pivotal, delivering a robust performance on Thursday. Following a strong showing last week at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, Waring sustained his momentum with a 68, trailing Hatton and McIlroy by just one stroke. Waring's deep knowledge of Jumeirah Golf Estates is proving to be invaluable.
“I know the course intimately, and being in Dubai allows me to train here year-round,” he shared with Khaleej Times after his round. “Residing and playing in the UAE unquestionably gives me an edge, particularly on a course like this.” Polish golfer Meronk, now a part of the LIV Golf Tour, is another UAE resident showcasing his prowess at the championship. Meronk scored a solid two-under-par 70, placing him in a tie for 11th position alongside Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen, another Dubai-based player.
Meronk’s steady performance on a challenging course like JGE underscores the advantages of living and training in the UAE. “Being based here in Dubai, I’ve fully utilized the world-class facilities at my disposal,” noted Meronk. “The consistent weather and the diversity of courses in the region ensure you’re always in top form, and I feel it’s provided me with an excellent platform to excel.” Other UAE-based golfers are also demonstrating that life in the Emirates can significantly enhance a player's game.
England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who operates the Tommy Fleetwood Academy at JGE, shot a 71, while fellow competitor Adrian Otaegui (Spain) also posted a 71. Both players have strong connections to the UAE, and with Fleetwood’s academy offering local talent the opportunity to learn from one of Europe’s premier pros, the benefits of playing in the UAE are clear. Scottish golfer Ewen Ferguson, a recent arrival in the region, played a balanced round with three birdies and three bogeys to finish level par.
For Meronk, Waring, and numerous other international golfers who have made the UAE their home, the region offers more than just a lifestyle. Whether it’s the opportunity to play and train on courses like Jumeirah Golf Estates, Emirates Golf Club, or the newer developments in Al Zorah and Saadiyat, the UAE has emerged as a global hub for professional golfers.
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