logo
From Dubai golfer Andy Andrews returns home to lead Sri Lanka's golfing future

From Dubai golfer Andy Andrews returns home to lead Sri Lanka's golfing future

Khaleej Times27-05-2025

In a story that comes full circle, former Dubai-based professional golfer Andy Andrews has been appointed Director of Golf at the prestigious Royal Colombo Golf Club.
For those who knew Andy during his years at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, this appointment feels less like a surprise and more like a natural next step in a life defined by excellence, dedication, and vision.
Andy's journey from the UAE to Colombo is marked by over two decades of relentless pursuit of growth—first as a golfer, then as a coach, and now as a leader set to shape the future of Sri Lankan golf.
For those who teed off with Andy in the early mornings at Dubai Creek, his powerful drives and disciplined approach to the game were unmistakable.
A +3 handicap when he turned pro in 2011, Andy had already made waves as a three-time UAE Order of Merit Junior Champion and the 2003 Emirates Junior Champion.
He was a fierce competitor, known as much for his athleticism as for his sportsmanship—traits that set the foundation for a career on the MENA Tour, Asian Development Tour, Thai Tour, and the PGTI.
'Dubai shaped who I became as a player and a person,' Andy says. 'It gave me access to top-tier coaching, competition, and a vibrant community that pushed me to raise my standards every single day.'
A Global Journey with Sri Lankan Roots
Though Andy's career saw him travel across continents—from IMG Academy in Florida to college golf in Texas—his heart never left Sri Lanka. Now, as the newly appointed Director of Golf at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, Andy returns not only with accolades but with a vision to elevate the game.
Founded in 1879, Royal Colombo is more than just Sri Lanka's oldest golf club—it's a national institution. And Andy sees it as fertile ground for transformation.
'Our club has an incredible legacy,' he says. 'My mission is to blend that heritage with a high-performance, modern approach to player development and golf operations.'
More Than a Golfer
Beyond the green, Andy is also a pioneering figure in Sri Lankan fitness. As co-founder of CrossFit Ceylon and a certified high-performance coach, he has inspired a generation to pursue elite athleticism across multiple disciplines. His own athletic achievements—national recognition in three sports and podium finishes in weightlifting—speak to a philosophy built on discipline.
'CrossFit changed the way I trained for golf,' Andy explains. 'It gave me strength, explosiveness, and mental toughness. Now, I bring that same holistic approach to my coaching and leadership.'
The Vision Ahead
In his new role, Andy is introducing structured, data-driven programs for members, aimed at enhancing not just performance but also participation and community engagement. His leadership style—steeped in integrity and fueled by experience—is already being felt on the fairways of Colombo.
'I want RCGC to be a place where junior golfers dream big, where pros fine-tune their edge, and where members at every level feel inspired,' he says. 'It's about creating a legacy, not just managing a club.'
A Nod to Dubai
For those who played alongside Andy during his Dubai years, his appointment to a highly prestigious position in Colombo is a source of pride and nostalgia. Many will remember his towering drives, his quiet focus, and his unshakable love for the game. Today, they would also recognize a leader—one who carries the values forged in Dubai into every decision he makes in Sri Lanka.
In Andy Andrews, Sri Lanka gains more than just a Director of Golf—it gains a visionary athlete returning home to redefine what's possible.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE flight suspension updates; 4-day work week in Dubai; Public holiday dates announced; New Saudi dining rules, Piers Morgan interview – 10 things you missed this week
UAE flight suspension updates; 4-day work week in Dubai; Public holiday dates announced; New Saudi dining rules, Piers Morgan interview – 10 things you missed this week

Arabian Business

time35 minutes ago

  • Arabian Business

UAE flight suspension updates; 4-day work week in Dubai; Public holiday dates announced; New Saudi dining rules, Piers Morgan interview – 10 things you missed this week

From escalating regional tensions disrupting UAE airline routes to flexible work weeks reshaping the Dubai summer, this week has brought a mix of major developments across the Gulf. Dubai's real estate market continues its record-breaking momentum, while Abu Dhabi quietly asserts itself as a rising investment magnet. Saudi Arabia has unveiled new food transparency rules, the UAE confirmed the Hijri New Year public holiday, and outspoken broadcaster Piers Morgan gave a headline-shifting interview on Gaza, Israel and Trump. Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE airline flight suspensions: flydubai, Etihad, Air Arabia and Emirates travel update UAE airlines continue to report suspensions and cancellations of flights as conflict between Israel and Iran impacts airspace and travel. UAE carriers Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates have all announced suspended flights and airports have issued travel advisories amid closed air space and disrupted travel routes in the region. Flights from the UAE carriers to destinations, including Iran, Israel, Russia, Jordan and Iraq have been suspended. See the latest travel news here and check with airlines and updates for live updates. Dubai announces 4-day week and flexible hours for some workers The Dubai Government has announced new working hour rules for employees. Flexible operating hours and a four-day week will be available to some employees throughout the summer as part of an initiative to enhance work-life balance. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced the implementation of the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative across all Dubai Government entities, following the success of its pilot phase in 2024. UAE announces Hijri New Year holiday for public and private sector The UAE has announced a private sector holiday to mark the Hijri New Year. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that Friday, June 27 will be an official paid holiday for private sector companies in the UAE on the occasion of the new Hijri year 1447 AH. It means a 3-day weekend for many, with an extended break from June 27 to 29. It follows an earlier announcement by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) to designate the same day as a holiday for public sector workers. The FAHR issued a circular to all ministries and federal entities, stating that the Hijri New Year holiday for the year 1447 AH will fall on Friday, June 27, 2025. Saudi Arabia announces major new food and dining rules Saudi Arabia is set to introduce major new food rules and guidelines for restaurant and café menus from July 1. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced the imminent implementation of new technical regulations for food. These regulations are designed to enhance food transparency and provide consumers with comprehensive information when dining out, empowering them to make informed nutritional decisions. SFDA noted that starting July 1, 2025, food establishments will be mandated to display detailed nutritional information on their menus. This includes placing a 'saltshaker' label next to meals high in sodium as a clear guide, disclosing the caffeine content of beverages, and indicating the estimated time required to burn off the calories from a meal. The great wealth migration: How Dubai became the world's top millionaire magnet In recent times, Dubai has seen sharp growth in the number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) relocating to the country. The UAE has solidified its position as the top destination for millionaires, with an increasing inflow of wealthy individuals — more than any other country in the world. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Louis Harding, CEO of Betterhomes Dubai, said: 'Wealth is moving where it's treated best. Dubai's appeal to HNWIs lies in a rare combination: zero income tax, political stability, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic location within an 8-hour flight to two-thirds of the world's population. It's not just about escaping taxes — it's about building a secure, global life. The city now offers what few others can: capital preservation, mobility, and clarity in an uncertain world.' According to a recent report by Betterhomes, the UAE emerged as the 14th largest wealth market globally, housing 130,500 dollar millionaires, indicating a 98 per cent surge in the last decade. Piers Morgan on Gaza, Israel and Trump: 'Unacceptable' war must end as global opinion shifts It wasn't a soundbite or a headline that signalled Piers Morgan's evolving stance on Gaza. It was a shift in tone – a colder assessment, a sharper demand for accountability, and a firmer insistence on facts. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Morgan, never one to back away from controversy, appeared less concerned with provocation, and more concerned with principle. For a man long associated with Western media orthodoxy, Morgan's recent commentary on Israel's military campaign has marked a significant pivot. Though he never explicitly said 'I changed my mind,' the message was clear throughout – the facts have changed, and so has he. 'What they're doing now is unjustified, unacceptable, probably illegal – and it needs to stop,' he says of the Israeli military campaign. This statement represents a marked departure for a media figure whose initial reaction to Hamas' October attack reflected the narrative of Israel's 'right to defend itself.' That shift, from supportive understanding to public criticism, mirrors a broader transformation taking place across Western capitals, newsrooms, and public opinion. UAE offers Corporate Tax fine waiver — but deadline looms The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is urging corporate taxpayers across the UAE to register for corporate tax and file returns within the legal deadline to avoid administrative penalties, under a limited-time waiver introduced by Cabinet Decision. The waiver applies to both taxable entities and exempt persons required to register, provided they submit their corporate tax registration and file their first tax return or annual declaration within seven months from the end of their first tax period. The FTA clarified that the exemption from late registration fines only applies to the first tax period, regardless of whether the due date falls before or after the decision came into effect. Dubai real estate: Sales of homes worth more than $2.7m increase tenfold in 4 years; top millionaire neighbourhoods revealed Dubai's prime residential property market has entered its fourth consecutive year of growth, with Savills Middle East reporting sustained increases in both value and volume across the city's most exclusive neighbourhoods. According to the newly released Savills Dubai Prime Residential 2025 report, the number of AED10m+ ($2.7m+) home sales rose from 469 in 2020 to a record-breaking 4,670 in 2024 — a tenfold increase. In Q1 2025 alone, more than 1,300 such properties changed hands, up 31 per cent year-on-year. Dubai real estate: Metro Blue Line to turn infrastructure into wealth generator, says fäm Properties CEO Construction has begun on Dubai's Metro Blue Line expansion, with a property expert predicting the infrastructure project will transform the emirate's urban economy and turn connectivity into real estate currency. Firas Al Msaadi, CEO of fäm Properties, said the Blue Line will have implications for Dubai's real estate market as the city advances its position as a global, liveable, and investable destination. Construction began last week with the laying of the foundation stone for the first station at Dubai Creek Harbour. Abu Dhabi is driving 'significant opportunity' amid UAE real estate surge, experts say While the UAE's real estate spotlight has long been focused on Dubai, Abu Dhabi has been crafting a quieter, yet no less powerful, growth story. In a series of exclusive interviews, leading real estate experts revealed how the capital's property market is becoming a magnet for both domestic and international investors—driven by smart planning, long-term vision, and a wave of infrastructure and lifestyle upgrades. 'Abu Dhabi has surpassed Oslo to become the city with the highest concentration of sovereign wealth,' Ali Ishaq, Head of Residential Agency in Abu Dhabi told Arabian Business.

Two Dubai Restaurants Make it to World's 50 Best Restaurants
Two Dubai Restaurants Make it to World's 50 Best Restaurants

UAE Moments

time4 hours ago

  • UAE Moments

Two Dubai Restaurants Make it to World's 50 Best Restaurants

Two Dubai-based restaurants made it to the 2025 World's 50 Best Restaurants, and they are Tresind Studio and Orfali Bros. The annual list was revealed in Turin, Italy. Tresind Studio ranked 27th in the list, while Orfali Bros ranked 37th. Both restaurants had made it to the list last year, with Tresind ranking 13th and Orfali ranking 64th. Both restaurants are the only restaurants from the Middle East to make it to the list this year. This ranking follows Tresind Studio earning its third Michelin star in May this year. Tresind is an Indian-fusion restaurant run by head chef Himanshu Saini, which is located on the Palm Jumeirah.

US Airlines Cut Gulf Routes Amid Regional Tensions
US Airlines Cut Gulf Routes Amid Regional Tensions

UAE Moments

time4 hours ago

  • UAE Moments

US Airlines Cut Gulf Routes Amid Regional Tensions

American Airlines and United Airlines have suspended their Gulf routes due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The move marks the first time major U.S. carriers have paused services to key transit hubs like Doha and Dubai, raising concerns among travelers and industry insiders. American Airlines Suspends Philadelphia–Doha Route American Airlines has suspended its daily flight from Philadelphia to Doha, Qatar. The last flight departed from Doha early Thursday, and service is paused until at least June 22. The decision follows a security advisory from the U.S. Embassy in Qatar, which urged American citizens to remain vigilant, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and keep a low profile. In a statement, American Airlines said: 'We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation further as needed.' United Airlines Halts Newark–Dubai Service United Airlines also announced it has paused its daily Newark–Dubai flights. The airline stated it would resume the service only 'when it's safe.' This follows earlier suspensions of Tel Aviv routes by both United and Delta, after Israel launched airstrikes against Iran earlier this month. Major Hubs Affected for the First Time This is the first time the aviation disruption caused by the Israel–Iran conflict has affected regional transit giants like Dubai and Doha. These hubs are vital for long-haul flights connecting the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Air France-KLM and Air Canada have also canceled multiple flights to Gulf destinations this week, including Dubai and Riyadh, signaling a wider trend of caution among global carriers. Airspace Disruptions Continue Airspace closures reached a peak on Friday. Israel halted all overflights, and Iran temporarily shut down operations at Tehran's main airport. Other countries in the region, like Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon, have been alternating between opening and closing their airspace as tensions evolve. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar reported temporary restrictions on access to Al Udeid Air Base, a key U.S. and allied military facility in the region. What This Means for Travelers If you're traveling to or through the Middle East in the coming weeks, be sure to double-check your flight status and monitor embassy advisories. Airlines are expected to resume services only when the regional situation stabilizes.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store