KPMG Golf Business Forum in Dubai

The eighth KPMG Golf Business Forum in Dubai recently took place, attended by Ross and I. European Golf Design were one of the Sponsors and for the third year running the event took place at a European Golf Design course, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Previous venues being the Montgomerie Maxx Royale in Belek, Turkey and The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.

An impressive line up of speakers included Colin Montgomerie along with the Chief Executive of The European Tour, George O’Grady. Over 300 delegates from 45 countries took part making it one of the industry’s biggest networking events of the year. Debates and Q&A panels took place over the three days discussing new business opportunities and key issues affecting the world of golf.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO and Chairman of The Emirates Group and Chairman of Dubai World, was guest of honour on the opening day and a KPMG Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Dr David Chu, one of the driving forces behind the growth of the game in China.

Away from the conference there was time to meet up with delegates at a couple of social events, including golf at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. For both Ross and I it was our first trip to Dubai and it was fantastic to see one of our courses that Stan from European Golf Design worked on back in 2004. I was intrigued to see the floating tee on the 6th I’d heard so much about. Ross played the course and was relieved that instead of scorching hot temperatures Dubai received its first rain in 3 years during his round, me on the other had who taken a couple of hours off to see Dubai, not so happy!

Over the three days it was a great opportunity to meet up with a diverse group of people all working in the golf industry, as well as meeting old friends who I’ve worked with in the past. The delegate list was a Who’s Who of Golf and it was a great opportunity to see what others are doing and plans for the future of golf.