Abu Dhabi Bags Golf Tourism Award

Written by Graham Green on Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Abu Dhabi Bags Golf Tourism Award

Abu Dhabi's drive to attract a larger share of the international golf tourism segment has received a major boost in one of its key markets, with the emirate winning the prestigious 'Newcomer Destination of the Year' accolade at the Golf Journal Travel Awards.

The award, which saw Abu Dhabi score a record breaking 77,721 points from a judging panel made up of leading German tour operators and respected figures in the country's golf industry, saw the emirate fend off strong challenges from Mauritius, Costa Navarino in Greece, Bulgaria and Belek in Turkey.

"To have Germany's golf industry experts overwhelmingly recognise Abu Dhabi's diverse and dynamic product significantly strengthens our golf tourism credentials," said Dayne Lim, Product Development Director, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club - The Westin

Abu Dhabi's Golf Journal award follows recognition from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), which named the emirate 'Golf Destination of the Year, Africa & Gulf States 2012'.

"Abu Dhabi stood out from all the other competitors because of its all-round excellence and commitment in golf course conditioning and service. Something very special is developing in the emirate, especially with the introduction of new hotels at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, which have made it easier than ever to plan stay and play vacations in Abu Dhabi," said Stefan Engert, Editor, Golf Journal.

"We look forward to watching Abu Dhabi grow from one of the world's most intriguing golf destinations, to simply one of the best."

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Graham Green

Graham runs the Leaderboard Golf Centre - a very busy 37-bay Driving Range, Retail Store, Custom Fitting and Coaching improvement Centre.

He also runs the retail side for Reading Golf Club, where Leaderboard have a second shop.

His role consists of a multitude of responsibilities, from standard office work to face-to-face selling, custom fitting and team management. In his own words – "It's a very varied role and always full on, yet extremely challenging and exciting. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty, so and I'll do most jobs if required - that includes, being a green-keeper, repair man and general Jack of all trades."

Graham started his golf career at Reading Golf Club working with Andrew Wild, who was the head professional there at the time. When Paul and Jennifer Gibbons set up Leaderboard and purchased the driving range in December 1999, Graham jumped at the chance to work for them.

It was Paul Gibbons' enthusiasm for golf, along with his business acumen, which encouraged Graham and meant that he didn't hesitate when he was given the opportunity to work for Leaderboard. Graham believes it's a privilege and a pleasure to be working with such great people on the Leaderboard team.

Graham qualified from the PGA with Distinction in 2003, gaining a Titleist Scholarship. A couple of years later, when Andrew Wild moved across to run Sandford Springs Golf Club, Graham was promoted to General Manager at the Leaderboard Golf Centre.

He describes the favourite parts of his job role with great enthusiasm – "My biggest buzz is seeing amateur golfers of all abilities improving and enjoying the game more. Golf has been very good to me and being able to give back to the sport gives me great drive and determination."