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Matthew Perry, Golf Course Superintendent at Emirates Golf Club, has returned from what he describes as the highlight of his 27-year career: working inside the ropes at the world-famous Augusta National Golf Club during the 2025 Masters.
Reflecting on the experience, Perry said stepping onto Augusta for the first time was unforgettable.
“It was a surreal moment. You think you know the course from watching on TV, but until you’re standing there, walking it, seeing the undulations, and understanding the design, you can’t truly appreciate how incredible it is.
“The scale and beauty of the property are amazing; it’s an event everyone should experience at least once in their life. Every day walking that course felt like a privilege — it’s not only a career highlight but a personal one.”
Rory McIlroy 2025 Masters – Stephen Denton
With Augusta’s strict no-phone policy, Perry relied on creating “mental snapshots” throughout the week to capture the atmosphere. He described it as unforgettable, with a one-of-a-kind aura surrounding the event.
During tournament week, Perry joined the morning fairway care teams, rotating between the front and back nine and performing final checks before play began. He was also assigned to the third green during competition, discreetly clearing debris between groups.
“We were the first and last people on course, making sure everything was immaculate. The attention to detail was phenomenal — every blade of grass, every step we took, mattered.”
Evenings were spent divoting fairways, including legendary areas like Amen Corner, which Perry described as a personal highlight.
“There are 160 people dedicated solely to turf maintenance — greens, fairways, bunkers — plus another 90 focused on landscaping around the property.
“They overseed all playing surfaces with ryegrass, excluding the greens, which is different to what we do in Dubai. The commitment to daily conditioning was incredible.”
Each morning began with team briefings, and the no-phone policy created opportunities for meaningful interaction among agronomy staff and long-standing volunteers, many of whom have been returning for over 20 years.
“I had some great conversations about Dubai. A lot of people had seen the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on TV and were really complimentary about the course.
“The chance to speak with superintendents from around the world and exchange insights was a real highlight. It reaffirmed that what we’re doing is, in many ways, aligned with global best practices.”
Perry noted he’s taken away valuable lessons in operational efficiency and attention to detail, which he looks forward to applying at Emirates Golf Club. One moment stood out above all others:
“I was near the 15th green when Rory McIlroy eagled it on Saturday. The roar from the patrons was deafening. I’ve been at a lot of tournaments, but I’ve never heard anything like that.
“Almost every patron wanted him to win, and seeing him complete the Grand Slam was incredible — a major career moment for Rory, fully deserved and widely celebrated.”
Rory McIlroy with the 2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic Dallah Trophy – Getty Images
Looking ahead, Emirates Golf Club is preparing to host the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in partnership with The R&A and Augusta National, and will welcome McIlroy back for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in 2026.
“Being at Augusta was reassuring — it showed me that Dubai is already doing many things right, but there’s always more to learn.
“Early preparation is key, and that’s our focus heading into the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. We know the standard required and will begin major preparations from August, with course transition and maintenance taking place throughout the summer as we get ready to welcome the amateurs to the Majlis.”
Despite being a golfer himself, Perry said the true fulfilment of the experience came not from playing Augusta, but from contributing to its condition.
“Whilst playing Augusta would be a dream for many, turf has always been my passion. Contributing to its condition was a career-defining experience that felt even more meaningful.
“It truly felt like a childhood dream fulfilled — bringing together my personal love for turf with the opportunity to grow professionally on the biggest stage.”
He concluded by expressing his gratitude:
“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Brent Seyer, Senior Director of Agronomy, and the entire Augusta team for the opportunity and for being so welcoming throughout the week.
“I’m proud to have represented Emirates Golf Club at such a prestigious event and to return with a renewed sense of passion for the game and for golf course management.”
Main Image: Emirates Golf Club
