Sweet 16th. In a game mired in a monotonous march of stroke-play events and declining participation, TPC Scottsdale’s 16th hole is golf’s home run derby and slam dunk contest all rolled into a singularly raucous package.

Most players admit they wouldn’t want a steady diet of party holes like Scottsdale’s 16th each week, but as a one-off it is largely embraced.

“It’s probably my favorite par 3 on Tour,” Rickie Fowler said. “You walk in, it’s a full stadium, and a lot of times come Friday, Saturday, you’re almost playing it a little bit shorter just because when you get in there you get pumped up a bit and the ball seems to go a little bit further.”

Golf’s version of the WWE may not be worth replicating, but for one week a year it’s worth every cheer and jeer.

Arron Oberholser. The last time AO hit a shot that counted on the PGA Tour George W. Bush was in the White House and Tiger Woods was still firmly planted atop golf’s hierarchy.

Following endless hours of rehabilitation and multiple hand and hip surgeries one of the circuit’s most affable players returned to the fold this week for the Waste Management Phoenix Open. It is his first Tour start since the 2009 Frys.com Open.

The Scottsdale resident turned 37 on Thursday and was serenaded by the boisterous masses on the 16th tee, missed the green with his tee shot, was soundly booed and signed for an opening 72.

“Tough crowd indeed,” Oberholser tweeted. “But so much fun. (No.) 16 is the coolest hole in pro golf.”

Made Cut-Did Not Finish (MDF)

Blame it on Rio. Reason No. 987 why golf may have been better off without a seat at the Olympic table: the selection of an architectural team to design and build the host course for the 2016 Games has been pushed back until March.

The eight finalists for the design bid expected the announcement to be made Friday but the selection committee, which is of unknown size and makeup, is delaying the news until the International Olympic Committee is in Brazil next month.

This move further delays what has been an exceedingly drawn-out process, even by golf standards, and will limit the amount of time the winning bid will have to build an appropriate venue. This may come as a surprise to the IOC, but designing golf courses is a tad more complicated than simply growing grass.

Pro Bono work. Give Phil Mickelson credit for wanting to upgrade Torrey Pines’ North course and serious style points for offering his architectural services free of charge, but Lefty set off alarms with his vision of a nip/tucked North last week.

“Kind of a rough canyon look, if you will, where I’m going to make the hard holes harder, but I’m going to make the easier holes easier,” said San Diego native Mickelson.

We’ve heard this before, back in 2001 when Rees Jones dutifully reworked the South course into shape for the 2008 U.S. Open. The retooled South delivered one of the most exciting championships in modern history by creating a demanding layout that quickly fell out of favor with the locals, including Mickelson who has become one of the most outspoken critics of Jones.

Lefty’s heart and handiwork are in the right place; we just hope he doesn’t inadvertently spoil one of the most soulful walks in all of golf.

Missed Cut

Blunder Down Under. These are the facts. Annie Choi, Corie Hou and Inhong Lim teed off Thursday at the Australian Ladies Masters with what can only be described as a loose understanding of the local rules, signed for rounds of 70, 81 and 80, respectively, and were rounded up in what must be the first triple disqualification in the history of the game.

The threesome was disqualified after playing one hole of their second round for misinterpreting a local ruling on Day 1 that allowed preferred lies on fairways but not in the rough.

Accidents and misunderstandings happen – see Johnson, Dustin, 2010 PGA Championship – but this seems a tad extreme.

Tweet of the week: @StewartCink “I’m not injured, except for [a] slightly bruised ego.” The former British Open champion sent fans and media types scurrying for information after signing for an opening-round 83 in Scottsdale. You have to love that kind of honesty in 140 characters or less.

European Tour. It is the enablers, not the enabled, that have missed the mark when it comes to John Daly.

After Daly played his own version of wash, rinse, repeat late last year at the Australian Open he should have become persona non grata anywhere players are paid to play the game.

Instead officials at this week’s Qatar Masters, with what must have been tacit approval by the European Tour, decided ticket sales and exposure were more important than upholding principles and extended an invitation to Daly.

On Thursday Daly said he was “shocked” he played so well on Day 1 in Qatar. Not as shocked as Cut Line is that there seems to be no statute of limitations on second chances when it comes to “Long John.”
[Read more]

HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Heir Apparent and President of the QOC, launched the official decree that will include the participation of every government and non-government institution. It will take place the second Tuesday of February each year as a public sports day.

Sheikh Saoud bin Abdelrahman Al-Thani, QOC General Secretary, said, “There has been a huge response from public and private bodies to organise events for the public to take part in right across Qatar.

“Every Government ministry will be involved as well as many non-government organisations and their employees.

“We are organising a wide range of events including public marathons and walkathons, and every sports club in Qatar will open their doors to the public from 7am until 8pm for free so people can try a range of sports for the first time.

“This important initiative will help to further embed sporting values into the nation’s culture and inspire local people to participate in sports activities.”

The ceo of Doha 2020, Noora Al Mannai, noted, “Qatar is one of the very few countries in the world to dedicate a specific day as a public holiday for the practice and promotion of sport.

“This important initiative reflects the national vision to bring communities together through sport and encourage them to live more physically active lives.”

Qatar will be hosting several international high profile events this month namely the Qatar Total Open Women’s Tennis Championships (a WTA Premier Event), the Qatar Sailing Open Championships, the 16th International Junior Table-tennis Championships, the 2012 Qatar Fencing Grand Prix and the Qatar Masters (part of the European PGA Tour).

Doha is in the 2020 bid race to host the summer Games running against Baku, Istanbul, Madrid, Rome, and Tokyo. The final decision will be voted on September 7, 2013 at the IOC session to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.[Read More]

Now in its 11th year, the event will welcome more than 200 international cyclists to Qatar for some fine racing, with huge crowds expected to line the race route.

The nine-day Tour around the tiny Gulf state of Qatar will see the best male and female cyclists compete for the coveted titles.

In the men’s event, distinguished names such as world champion, Briton Mark Cavendish, Norway’s former world champion Thor Hushovd, defending champion Australian Mark Renshaw and Belgian racer Tom Boonen, winner of several Tour of Qatar races, will all be aiming high for the top prize. Mark Cavendish will return to Doha to compete in the event for the fifth time with Swiss Olympic champion Fabian Cancellara also aiming for the winner’s jacket.

In the women’s race, Kirsten Wild and defending champion Ellen Van Dijk, from Holland, will return to Qatar bidding for top honours.

The women’s tour will run until February 3rd, while the men will compete for the title from February 5th–10th.

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said the airline was proud to be associated with one of the world’s leading cycling events in line with the country’s strong tradition to support leading sporting tournaments and events.

“For the past 11 years, this prestigious event has brought some of the world’s best male and female cyclists to our capital city of Doha for some fine racing over almost two weeks.

“We look forward to bringing our 5-star service to the athletes arriving in our city and we wish them all the best as the competition gets underway this week,” he concluded.

Qatar Airways is considered as offering the World’s Leading Airline Business Class by the prestigious World Travel Awards. [Read More]

The show’s capacity to draw such a large turnout was partly due to its nature of being an ultimate haven for motor buffs in Qatar, but also because of the stunning outdoor activities that featured FMX and freestyle motor biking to car drifting.

Hundreds had already amassed by the time the first drift car produced a screech on the specially-built outdoor asphalt track, an approximately 7,000 square meters surface that will undoubtedly be bruised beyond recognition by the time the 2012 Qatar Motor Show concludes on Saturday. The spectator’s area, boasting a capacity of 1,500 – an increase of a thousand over last year, quickly swelled with enthusiastic audience as more onlookers watched from the general viewing area.

The earsplitting sound of rubber melting on track sent the crowd into a pumped up state of bliss as they relived scenes straight out of Fast and Furious or Gone in 60 Seconds, thanks to three lean but sturdy freestyle motor-cross (FMXs), one lascivious freestyle motorbike and two scorching drift cars.

“It was amazing and full of adventure. It is the first time ever in my life that I saw a live dual drifting on a track. The 2012 Qatar Motor Show brought us a lot of things never before seen in Qatar from the Ferrari Demo on the Corniche to FMX stunts. I am already looking forward to the 2013 Qatar Motor Show,” said visitor Bilal Shafiq, a Doha-born expatriate of 31 years.

The outdoor activities also involve winners of the social media campaign that the organizers of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show ran in the lead up to the event on Twitter and Facebook.

“It’s exciting to see events like this in Doha! I’ve never seen drift racing before and I found it absolutely thrilling! And it shows that Qatar is able to compete on an international level,” said Megan O’Connor, a Qatar resident for six years.

Visitors also had the chance to test drive their favorite vehicles in an adjacent test-drive area.

Inside the exhibition hall, the motor show continued to serve as a crystal ball for all things cars, as visitors took the opportunity to closely look at the vehicles on display, inquire about their specifications, and engage in general chatter on motoring.

“I’m excited to be here. The place has a great vibe,” said first-time visitor, Maria, a Qatar resident for four years.

Beginning on January 23 (Monday), the six day event features latest car models, concept cars, super cars and futuristic cars from the most innovative style centers and car designs and serves as a launching pad for a number of never-before-previewed in the region vehicles that would be seen as series models on the roads soon.

Organized by Qatar Tourism Authority, in partnership with Q.media Events and GL Events, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is also hosting classic cars, motor bikes, and car service providers. The event runs from 4pm to 10pm today, while admissions on the weekend are from 1pm to 10pm.

The main sponsor of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is Qatar Holding LLC. The Diamond Sponsor is Qatar Shell, and the Official Hotel Partner is the W Doha Hotel & Residences. Alfardan Automobiles is offering BMW VIP transportation for the 2012 Qatar Motor Show being the official VIP transporter.
[Read More]

Qatar’s events industry has been under the spotlight since the country won the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup last year. Securing such a significant international event has led to a huge investment in tourism infrastructure. Qatar’s MICE industry has been developing over the last few years with the addition of conference centres such as the newly opened Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) which adds some 40,000 sqm of exhibition space and a range of conference, meeting and banqueting spaces to the city’s inventory. QNCC will be one of the key exhibitors showcasing their facilities at the Qatar Pavilion at GIBTM.

“Qatar is one of the most vibrant economies in the world and is fast becoming a business destination of choice and just two weeks ago Qatar scooped the award for the World’s Leading Business Travel Destination at the World Travel Awards. Built to be one of the most sophisticated convention and exhibition centres in the world, QNCC recently opened on 4 December 2011,” said Trevor McCartney, Director of Business development, QNCC.

As Qatar realises its vision of moving from a carbon based economy to one of the most dynamic knowledge-based economies in the world, QNCC is facilitating this transition by targeting knowledge-based conferences and exhibitions.

“The Centre also acts as a catalyst for economic impact for the country. We are proud to support the growth of the Qatari MICE industry and by taking part in GIBTM we aim to educate regional and international meeting planners on the world-class events spaces that Qatar has to offer, in addition to the rich cultural heritage and warm welcome,” added McCartney.

In addition to QNCC the Qatar Pavilion at GIBTM will host a range of exhibitors including Qatar Airways, Doha Marriot Hotel, Moevenpick Towers and Suites Doha, Swiss-Belhotel Doha, Qatar International Tours, Qatar International Adventures, Retaj Hotels & Hospitality, W Doha Hotel & Residence, QMDI – Qatar MICE Development Institute and Renaissance Hotels.

“Qatar is flourishing in the MICE realm – it is savvy, has so many authentic options for an incentive group coupled with state of the art facilities for conferences. The new Convention Centre is a cut above the rest, combining luxury and ergonomics and the sheer size is just staggering. The footprints we are making on the world stage are now just the beginning, I hope the MICE societies are ready to be dazzled,” states Shane Jameson – Director of Sales & Marketing, Moevenpick Tower & Suties Doha.

Qatar will invest $20-25 billion in tourism infrastructure by 2022 and the MICE industry is a key element in Qatar’s plans for diversification, expansion and development. The government has allocated $11 billion on a new international airport and a $5.5 billion on a deepwater seaport.

Named Airline of the Year 2011 by global industry audit Skytrax and Best Airline for International Travel by Business Traveller USA, Qatar Airways will fly to over 120 destinations worldwide by 2013. Qatar is perfectly positioned within aircraft reach from almost anywhere in the world to host any international event with more than three billion people living within five hours flying time of our capital city, Doha. The country has an excellent reputation for hosting world-class events, and will soon become one of the top MICE destinations. Qatar Airways is currently supporting the meetings industry through Qatar Airways Holidays, the airline’s tour operating arm, by offering a variety of short holiday breaks that have been especially packaged and priced for congress and exhibition participants.

“Excellent flight connections together with spacious exhibition and conference venues equipped with state-of-the-art technology to luxurious accommodations and specialised freight forwarders, all make Qatar an ideal location for regional and international business meetings and events”, said Lois Hall, REED Travel Exhibitions Manager GIBTM. “For the first time GIBTM will showcase a dedicated Qatar pavilion where visitors and hosted buyers alike can have an insight on the country’s recent developments”, she explained.

GIBTM is the largest gathering of meetings industry professionals in the Middle East, attended by over 2750 industry professionals from all over the region, and is a driving force behind the industry offering five star business, networking and educational opportunities.

Held under the patronage of Chairman, HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, GIBTM 2012’s distinguished industry partners include Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, ADNEC, Etihad and The Vision. Meetme, published by NPI, is a global media partner and publisher of the Official Show Daily publication.

More information on the event, exhibitors, hosted buyers’ required qualifications, partners, networking and educational opportunities is available on www.gibtm.com.
[Read More]

Qatar’s standout calendar event returns for the second time in what promises to be a grandstand celebration of automotive industry when 2012 Qatar Motor Show gets underway today (January 23, Monday) at the Doha Exhibitions Centre (DEC).
Featuring vehicles that enthrall, summit sessions that engage, and outdoor activities that excite, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is set to captivate the imagination of all who harbor a kink for machines-on-wheels as it serves as a platform for a range of new reveals, agreements, trade deals, and announcements until January 28 (Saturday), when it concludes.

Kicking off the 2012 Qatar Motor Show will be the 2nd Middle East Automotive Summit under the title ‘The New Age of Mobility’ , with a host of speeches and presentations from motor industry leaders as well as environmental and energy experts on the strategic production of cars and its effect on transportation in the Middle East. Keynote speeches will be delivered by significant names in the industry in Qatar and internationally including Qatar Shell, VW Group and Qatar AG. An open-to-all event, the Summit will be held at Katara, adjacent to DEC.

Leading the official opening ceremony of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show will be HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani. Local and international press as well as VIP and trade professionals will be preview the new cars and designs for the first two days. The exhibition will admit general public starting Wednesday (January 25).

The 2012 Qatar Motor Show culminates months of campaigning in the run up to its start and included a number of exciting local, regional and international activities.

Over the weekend, Qatar Shell in partnership with the Qatar Motor Show organized an unprecedented street demonstration of Scuderia Ferrari Formula One in front of thousands of spectators and VIPs along the Doha Corniche, as driver Marc Gené entertained the crowds with his driving skills and outstanding performance.

Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, said: “The 2012 Qatar Motor Show is a not-to-be-missed event for any car enthusiast, adventure seeker, tech expert, industry representative or family member, whether young or old. The bigger and expanded 2012 edition will reinforce its identity as an event that taps into the most evolved segments of the business in a region that represents one of the most important international markets for sports and luxury vehicles.”

Organized by Qatar Tourism Authority, in partnership with Q.media Events and GL Events, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show will host classic cars, motor bikes, concept cars, super cars and prototypes including models by Italian designers. Outside the DEC, a newly expanded and redesigned outdoor arena will be the site for thrilling drifting demonstrations, FMX and stunt bike shows. Visitors will have the opportunity to try the latest car and SUV models in the test-drive areas.

The Main Sponsor of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is Qatar Holding LLC. The Diamond Sponsor is Qatar Shell, and the Official Hotel Partner is the W Doha Hotel & Residences. Alfardan Automobiles is the Official VIP Transportation Partner for the 2012 Qatar Motor Show.[Read More]