This Week In Golf: Feb 6 – 12

Long Drive World Series set for Dubai opener

Joe Miller won the 2016 World Long Drive Championship

Bringing together eight of the biggest hitters in the world, the brand new Long Drive World Series kicks of this March with a spectacular event scheduled under the night lights of Dubai.

Related: Qualify for the 2017 American Golf Long Drive Championship

Competitors, each a champion in their own right and led by current and two-time World Champion Joe Miller, will bring competition, drama and a heavy dose of theatre to this first event before the series stops off in the UK, Asia and the US.

Close House opens doors to country members

Close House, home to the 2017 British Masters, is inviting golfers to become part of the championship club this year with their new Country Membership offers.

Related: Close House Lee Westwood Colt Course Review

Starting at £60 per month, country membership is open to players living outside of a 40 mile radius of the club which is situated on the outskirts of Newcastle. It will give players access to the club and facilities, as well as exclusive benefits including guest green fees and reduced accommodation rates.

FJ retains Apparel Supplier of the Year at TGI Golf Awards

Glyn Evans, UK & Ireland Field Sales Manager – FJ, receives the award from Cameron Clark, PGA Professional at Moor Hall and TGI Golf Board Member

For the second straight year, FootJoy has won the Apparel Supplier of the Year award at the TGI Golf Partnership annual awards dinner. The awards are voted for by the group’s 470-plus partners across the UK&I through its extensive Supplier Survey.

Richard Fryer, Sales & Marketing Director for FootJoy, said: “2016-17 has been a hugely successful year for the brand, with a revolutionary new Performance Apparel range that’s been met with much praise from both our long-standing and newest stockists.”

Laura Davies equals course record to lead in Australia

England’s Laura Davies shot 65 (-8) in the opening round of the Oates Vic Open in Victoria, Australia to lead by two.

The 54-year-old’ 65 equals the course record at 13th Beach Golf Links. Davies’ compatriots Mel Reid and Holly Clyburn are each two strokes behind in a five-way tie for second.

Puma announces S/S 17 line for juniors

The new SS’17 Junior collection showcases the brand’s deepest and most stylish line ever for younger golfers.

The range includes new takes on classic designs, new patented technologies, an evolved offering for girls and even hi-top shoes made famous by Rickie Fowler.