As a busy chef and restaurant owner, Jason Atherton spends long hours producing elite-level cuisine for those lucky enough to secure a seat at one of his many fine-dining establishments, either here in Dubai or in the UK.
Downtime, for Atherton, is rare. But on the odd occasion it does arrive, he enjoys nothing more than perfecting his swing out on the golf course, a long-time passion which meant he was thrilled to join the likes of Irish rugby icon Johnny Sexton and Rudimental frontman Leon “Locksmith” Rolle as they played at the DP World Tour Championship Rolex Pro-Am earlier this week.
“I lived in Dubai from 2000 to 2005, and following certain events that took place in that period, my restaurant, from when I was with Gordon Ramsay, became pretty empty,” Atherton explains. “We had limited customers and Gordon joked that I should take up golf, so that’s exactly what I did – I went to Emirates Golf Club and booked in lessons for my 30th birthday.
“I joined Dubai Creek and, being a typical chef, I’d be down there every day practising, chipping, putting, and totally got the bug. I’ve loved it ever since.
“I’m a big fan of Rory McIlroy, and I’m particularly interested in the new gentleman, Ludvik Aberg, who just hits it a country mile. He’s only young so I’m excited to see his path to greatness.”
Having opened Row on 45, his latest Dubai restaurant, in September, Atherton admits the benefits of playing his favourite sport extend way beyond simply an improvement in personal performance.
“I watch it, I take lessons, I study the golfers and what they’re doing – I’m a bit of a nerd like that,” he says. “If there’s a new driver out, I want it, if I can get five extra yards then that’s me done!
“So yes, it’s a real social sport and you can just pop into the clubhouse afterwards and have a chat and a drink, so I really love it. You get to network and it’s great for that too, every time I play with a new set of people, I tell them I have restaurants here in Dubai and to please visit, so it’s a great way to also pick up new customers.”
The Pro-Am event took place at Jumeirah Golf Estates, the venue for this week’s DP World Tour Championship, and Atherton was delighted to test his abilities on the same course which will host many of the sport’s biggest names over the coming days.
“It’s amazing, right up there with the best courses in the world,” says Atherton. “It was an absolute pleasure to play there, particularly as it’s in such great condition ahead of the big boys arriving this week.
“I’ll be coming down on Saturday morning for a few hours to watch the guys. I want to see Rory McIlroy smash it down the first tee. I know he’s already won the Order of Merit, but it’d be nice to see him pick up the trophy as well.”
Atherton is only in Dubai for a short visit but it’s a place he knows extremely well having spent so much time here over the years.
Given his background, a fascination with the city’s culinary scene is no surprise, and he is looking forward to visiting one new venue, along with an old favourite.
“I’m going to try and go to Rascal’s while I’m here, everyone’s raving about it and I’ve not been yet so I’ll give that a go,” he says.
“I’ll probably go back to Tresind Studio as I love it so much, it really is one of the best restaurants in town, so I’ll get myself out and about. I went to Tomo last night and that was really good.”
For more information on how to visit and what to do at the DP World Tour Championship, Nov 16 to 19, visit dpwtc.com.
