Although the weather has been inclement we have been busy getting the shop ready for the new season. This is the time of year when stock filters in. Last week it was TaylorMade woods, which look really good in their stand, this week we had the delivery of the new range of FootJoy shoes, we ripped out the old stand and have put in a new, fresh display which I am sure will meet your approval.

We have a lot of the DNA in stock now, which after struggling to get stock because of the demand created last year is pleasing. Please come in and have a look, we have all the fitting tools to make sure you get a comfortable pair of shoes ahead of the new season.

Click here to find out more about the new TaylorMade woods

Click here to find out more about the FootJoy D.N.A. shoes

One thing I forgot to mention in last week's newsletter was that if you were unfortunate enough to get some vouchers for Xmas from another store (for instance I believe there may be another store on the A20) I will take them full cash value in the shop here at your club. Please don't be shy, bring them in exchange them for your favourite golf goods, and save some money too!

In between the rain drops, the ladies did get a chance to get out and play a medal on Tuesday. Liz Martinez-Gray shot a nett 75 to win with Janet Alldread in the runners-up spot with a nett 77.

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship see world numbers one and two, Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson, heading the list of entrants. McIlory, three times a runner-up in the event, is still searching for a win in the tournament that has traditionally kicked off his European Tour season.

McIlroy has started his season in Abu Dhabi for the past seven years. He was runner up in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in 2011, 2012 and 2014; in 2010 he came third. But if McIlroy is an expert performer around this layout, his record here cannot compare to that of Martin Kaymer.

Kaymer's debut tour win came at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, in 2008, and also won here in 2010 and 2011. Moreover, Kaymer holds the record for the championship's largest winning margin of eight strokes, as well as the combined score of 24 under par over four rounds, achieved in 2011. The low-scoring record he broke was one he had jointly held with two-time winner Paul Casey.

Also teeing it up for the 10th running of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship will be Ernie Els who has a trio of Dubai Desert Classic titles and has also won the Qatar Masters, and Ricky Fowler .The American is making his debut in the event. His two tour victories this far have been on the PGA Tour - and in both of them his good friend McIlroy was runner-up.

Player Watch:

Rory McIlroy - "Over the past few months I have been mentally strong and I feel very good about my game at the moment. Greatness in golf is winning Major championships but after playing in Abu Dhabi for so many years and having come so close in the past, I would love nothing more than to win at the event's ten year anniversary."

Martin Kaymer - "It's no secret that I love playing there," the German says. "The people behind it, and the crowds make for an incredible experience every year. I always feel comfortable in Abu Dhabi."

Ernie Els - "I've always felt at home playing in the Gulf. I won my first European Tour event in the UAE and since then have loved playing in the region. I'm just one Falcon Trophy short of winning every 'Desert Swing' title, something I hope to rectify this week at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship."

Key hole: 18th. This hole has new elevated tee further to the left which has shortened the hole by five yards and straightened the tee shot.

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