Another quick introduction

[Matt Osborne]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to introduce myself to the forum and hopefully contribute a bit to the discussions.  I've been reading the discussion boards here on and off for the last little while and thought I might get more involved.

I'm a Golf Course Architect and have been working in Dubai for the past 6 years, so hopefully I can help out with any questions you have regarding this region.   

I'm originally from Canada (Nova Scotia), was a landscape arch. in Toronto, then actually studied GCA in Edinburgh (when the MSc program was still running) and have been here in Dubai since graduating that program.

I also grew up playing a lot of golf in and around Halifax and also across PEI.     

I will actually be heading back to the Maritimes for a short vacation in late July and will be heading up to Cabot for a couple of days (and hopefully Highland Links as well).  It is my first trip to Cabot and I have not played Highland Links for over 10 years, so it will be interesting to see the changes there. 

So again, just a quick hello and I look forward to joining in on some of the discussions.

Cheers,
Matt.

[Ally Mcintosh]

Hi Matt,

Good to see you getting involved...

Ally

[Matt Osborne]

Brian,

I've been here for 6 years and its has its ups and downs, but overall I enjoy it here.  The summers are crazy hot, but the winters are fantastic. 

As I mentioned in another post, we've been involved in many of the courses over here so would not want to label any "favorites" over others but I can maybe add a few comments on the one we have not been involved in.

Yas Links usually tops the lists of best courses over here.  It's a tough course as the tall grasses are very thick and tough to play out of, but is a very good design, aesthetically and strategically.  As a proper links style course, its also completely different then any of the other courses over here (most are desert and/or parkland style) which a lot of golfers here like. 

As for the Earth course, a lot of people here prefer the Fire course, and I'd tend to agree, but the Earth has the prestige of hosting the Race to Dubai finale. 

I too like the Creek, its a fun course to play and the 17th is a great postcard hole.

I have not yet been to the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain, so can't really comment.

 

[PCCraig]

Welcome Matt!