Tom Philips, head of the Middle East for the DP World Tour, oversees the 15th Edition of the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Estates. Ruel Pableo for The National
Tom Philips, head of the Middle East for the DP World Tour, oversees the 15th Edition of the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Estates. Ruel Pableo for The National
Tom Philips, head of the Middle East for the DP World Tour, oversees the 15th Edition of the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Estates. Ruel Pableo for The National
When Tom Phillips saw how his father's advertising job landed him invitations to sporting events, he was hooked.
Now, the Briton rubs shoulders with some of the planet's best golfers as the head of the Middle East for the DP World Tour.
That includes the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Dubai's Jumeirah Golf Estates on Saturday and Sunday.
Despite what some people think, golf is a physically demanding sport
Tom Phillips, Head of Middle East for DP World Tour
“It's one of – if not the – biggest week of our year,” says the 50-year-old, of the event that sees the likes of Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm compete on the Earth Course.
“It's broadcast in 170 countries to more than 600 million households. The number of people attending last year was 68,000, a record over the four days.
“We've increased capacity this year and sold out again, so the signs are that we're going to beat that record again.”
Love for the game
Mr Phillips' love affair with golf began when he first swung a club at age 10. However, he admits he wasn't bound for a career in the sport.
“I wasn't brilliant at it then, and I'm not particularly brilliant now,” he says.
“I enjoy playing with friends, colleagues and clients. My son, currently at university in Shanghai, is a keen golfer.
The 15th edition of the DP World Tour Championship is taking place at Jumeirah Golf Estates until November 19. Photo: Ruel Pableo / The National
“But that's the extent of it – I'm not in this job for my golfing ability,” he says, adding that his handicap is 14.
“I can go without disgracing myself, but I won't be playing the DP World Tour anytime soon.”
The game has coloured Mr Phillips' career since childhood.
After going into sports PR from university, his roles have included spells as chief executive of the Hong Kong Golf Association and director of business development for China's Mission Hills.
But it was 15 years in London and Hong Kong as chief executive of the Faldo series, the worldwide tour for elite-level junior and amateur golfers, which first introduced him to some of the stars chasing a $10m prize purse.
“I’ve been fortunate to know some players a long time,” he says.
“Running the Faldo Series – Nick Faldo's golf development programme – the likes of Rory and thousands of others would come through.”
Mr Phillips has spent the last week meeting new clients, existing and potential sponsors, and government officials ahead of the tournament. Ruel Pableo / The National
“The nice thing is being around players I have seen develop from promising young kids to some of the world’s best.”
A few of those live in Dubai and have been on-course practising ahead of most arriving for the tournament on Monday.
For Mr Phillips, who lives in Palm Jumeirah, the week before teeing off on Thursday has included meeting new clients, existing and potential sponsors, and government officials.
He took on the job in 2019, assuming responsibility for developing the Tour across the Middle East.
Mr Phillips' career has always involved the marketing and promotion side of sports.
“We have other tournaments in the region, on the DP World Tour and the Challenge Tour – eight in total during 2024,” he says.
“The Tour headquarters is in Wentworth, UK, but this has always been an important region. For me, the brief was to continue that development.
“We have a team of more than 20; half on the staging and operation side, the other working with partners, marketing, promotions. My job is to lead that team.”
Accessible to all
Mr Phillips describes golf as “really good exercise … five hours in beautiful surroundings”, and is keen to spotlight its evolution beyond an “elitist” reputation.
“Despite what some people think, it’s a physically demanding sport,” he says.
“The biggest change over 20 years is how athletic players have become … not just fitness, how they approach all aspects, including the mental side of the game.
“It also gets underestimated how accessible golf is to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
“We have events at our tournaments where golfers of determination compete; we have a world ranking and winners will be playing during this DP World Tour Championship.
Mr Phillips says the Earth Lounge on the 16th hole this year has solar panels and hydrogen generators, so we run that hospitality unit emissions-free. Photo: Ruel Pableo / The National
“It’s become such a popular event, and not just on the course,” he says.
“You get non-golfers, families, and some base themselves in the tournament village with the kid zones, live music, magic shows, trick shot shows, and might not watch any golf.”
There was even a marriage proposal in a hospitality chalet one year.
The Championship fixture – and golf generally – is also doing good work promoting sustainability, Mr Phillips claims.
“The Earth Lounge on the 16th hole this year has solar panels and hydrogen generators, so we run that hospitality unit emissions-free.
“Cars ferrying people to hospitality are electric. We have free refillable water stations around … last year we saved more than 50,000 plastic bottles; it’s going to be somewhere near 80,000 this year.”
Big business
One aspect Mr Phillips isn’t surprised about is the prize money in the game.
“Golf is really big business and these guys are the main attraction,” he says.
“It’s a lot of money, but that’s what they’ve generated through the business of golf. It comes down to supply and demand.”
Mr Phillips admits that it sometimes comes with pressure.
“Every time we deliver the tournament, we want to provide a fantastic experience for the viewers and Dubai.
“This is Dubai going around the world.”
About 3,500 people are expected to be on-site on Saturday and Sunday including contractors, agencies, sponsors, caterers, media, referees, and players.
Despite the hard work that goes into organising the event, Mr Phillips says he would rather work behind the scenes than perform with the professionals on the course.
“I wouldn't want that pressure, performing in front of 600 million people. I'd much rather take my job,” he adds.
“They've got a tournament to win and our job is to provide the platform on which to perform their best ability.”
DP World Tour Championships 2023: Day 2 – in pictures
Jon Rahm of Spain hits a tee shot during the second round of the DP World Tour Championship. EPA
Jon Rahm of Spain in action during the second round of the DP World Tour Championship. EPA
Thriston Lawrence of South Africa tees off during the second round of the DP World Tour Championship. EPA
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland tees off during the second round of the DP World Tour Championship. EPA
Nicolai Hojgaard of Denmark acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green. Getty Images
England's Tommy Fleetwood follows his ball on the 16th hole during the round two of the DP World Tour Championship. AP
Tyrrell Hatton of England reacts after his third shot on the 18th hole. Getty Images
Jens Dantorp of Sweden plays his second shot on the first hole during Day Two of the DP World Tour Championship. Getty Images
An employee of the golf course tries to push rain water off a fairway during the round two. AP
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his second shot on the 3rd hole during the round two of the DP World Tour Championship. AP
Emirates offer flights to Buenos Aires from Dubai, via Rio De Janeiro from around Dh6,300. emirates.com
Seeing the games
Tangol sell experiences across South America and generally have good access to tickets for most of the big teams in Buenos Aires: Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente. Prices from Dh550 and include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the city. tangol.com
Staying there
Tangol will pick up tourists from any hotel in Buenos Aires, but after the intensity of the game, the Faena makes for tranquil, upmarket accommodation. Doubles from Dh1,110. faena.com
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
The 12
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
The 12 breakaway clubs
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
Submit their request
What are the regulations?
Fly it within visual line of sight
Never over populated areas
Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
Should have a live feed of the drone flight
Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior Ministry of Defence General Intelligence Directorate Air Force Intelligence Agency Political Security Directorate Syrian National Security Bureau Military Intelligence Directorate Army Supply Bureau General Organisation of Radio and TV Al Watan newspaper Cham Press TV Sama TV
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
The study of 13 essential drugs showed costs in the United States were about 300 per cent higher than the global average, followed by Germany at 126 per cent and 122 per cent in the UAE.
Thailand, Kenya and Malaysia were rated as nations with the lowest costs, about 90 per cent cheaper.
In the case of insulin, diabetic patients in the US paid five and a half times the global average, while in the UAE the costs are about 50 per cent higher than the median price of branded and generic drugs.
Some of the costliest drugs worldwide include Lipitor for high cholesterol.
The study’s price index placed the US at an exorbitant 2,170 per cent higher for Lipitor than the average global price and the UAE at the eighth spot globally with costs 252 per cent higher.
High blood pressure medication Zestril was also more than 2,680 per cent higher in the US and the UAE price was 187 per cent higher than the global price.
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
TICKETS
Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
Grade 9 = above an A*
Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
Grade 7 = grade A
Grade 6 = just above a grade B
Grade 5 = between grades B and C
Grade 4 = grade C
Grade 3 = between grades D and E
Grade 2 = between grades E and F
Grade 1 = between grades F and G
THURSDAY FIXTURES
4.15pm: Italy v Spain (Group A)
5.30pm: Egypt v Mexico (Group B)
6.45pm: UAE v Japan (Group A)
8pm: Iran v Russia (Group B)
Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.
Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?
Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in
Hamilton’s 2017
Australia - 2nd; China - 1st; Bahrain - 2nd; Russia - 4th; Spain - 1st; Monaco - 7th; Canada - 1st; Azerbaijan - 5th; Austria - 4th; Britain - 1st; Hungary - 4th; Belgium - 1st; Italy - 1st; Singapore - 1st; Malaysia - 2nd; Japan - 1st; United States - 1st; Mexico - 9th
