With just over a month to go until the Barcelona Golf Invitational 2025, anticipation is at an all-time high. A key highlight of the programme is special guest pro golfer Ewen Ferguson, who will tee off alongside guests and challenge them to fun activities like The Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin.
Since turning professional in 2016, Glasgow-born Ferguson has been steadily making his mark in the world rankings, securing three DP World victories - the Qatar Masters and ISPS Handa World Invitational in 2022 and the BMW International Open in Munich in 2024.
Ahead of the event, BOAT caught up with Ferguson in Dubai to chat putting techniques, perfecting your grip and braving Scottish weather.
What's your best advice for amateurs looking to improve their game?
Make sure you have the basic fundamentals right. I think amateurs can sometimes watch too much golf on TV and over-analyse everything. But it’s about simple things, such as perfecting your grip. I'd start with getting that right because it's hard to swing the club right if your basic fundamentals aren’t on point at the start.
And what if they don't have time to practice regularly?
It’s tricky. Golf is not a game where you can play once, come back after a month and be good at it. I played with a guy here in Dubai yesterday - a lovely guy who hardly ever plays - and he's like, 'Why can’t I be better at this?' And I'm like, 'Because it's just a game that requires time and you just need to put a little bit more effort in'. Unfortunately, that's just the way it is; there's no secret recipe!
For guests coming to the event keen to brush up on their skills, how do they get their handicap down?
Focus on perfecting your putting and chipping. I don't think there's a better way to lower your handicap.
What's the one simple putting drill our guests can practice to instantly improve their short game?
Put seven tee pegs around the hole at varying distances from five to 10 feet. Start at any peg and try to sink the putt. If you miss one, go back one, unless you’re at the start when you have to go back to the beginning. You must make all seven putts in a row to complete the drill. I think this drill adds a little bit of intensity and pressure to your practice, and then on the course, it can feel a little bit easier.
What's the one common mistake you see amateur golfers make?
I would say a common mistake is turning it too hard. You need good technique and rhythm to get a good distance on your shot. When you turn it too hard, it actually does the opposite effect and holding the club really tight - strangling it - doesn't actually work as well as people think.
For those who struggle with consistency, what's the best way to develop a repeatable and reliable golf swing?
I wish I could say there was a secret to it but there’s not; you just have to practice a lot. I mean, I play every single day to try and master the art, so I would say the only way is to put some time in.
If someone only has time to practice one aspect of their game, what would it be?
For an amateur, I would say driving, because you can get a score from a decent drive. You can't really get one from a poor drive. So, yeah, I'd say driving, because it gives you a little bit of fun, as you still need to try and enjoy the game.
In your opinion, what golf clubs are the best brand?
Titleist golf clubs - probably the epitome of golf excellence and performance and a brand with a rich, classic heritage, plus they’re the best-looking clubs too.
Apart from Camiral Golf & Wellness - the location for the Barcelona Golf Invitational - which golf courses around the world do you love playing at?
The Emirates Golf Club in Dubai is probably my favourite because the way the course is set up is just stunning. You feel as if you're playing golf in the middle of a city and it's a really cool atmosphere with different shapes of holes and different lengths so it's really exciting to play and every hole is really memorable. After that, I'd probably choose Kingsbarns Golf Links in Scotland - it's another course where you play and really feel like you've had a good day at the end of it. And, of course, I loved playing there when I was growing up in Scotland.
And the weather there doesn’t put you off?!
No, the weather's just part and parcel of any game. When you’re a professional too you have to just get used to playing in all different weathers. If it's a bad day, it shouldn’t matter - you still have to go out there, earn your living and get the job done.
The second edition of the Barcelona Golf Invitational presented by BOAT and Voly Group will take place on 14-15 May 2025. The event brings together yacht owners, captains and yachting professionals for an unforgettable golf experience at Camiral Golf & Wellness - one of Spain’s most prestigious courses and a frontrunner to host the Ryder Cup in 2031.
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