Dubai: Tom Watson will provide the first glimpse of his immense talent in this part of the world when the eight-time major winner teams up with European No 1 Lee Westwood in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic Challenge Match that gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club's on Tuesday.
Sponsored by Jumeirah Golf Estates, the made-for-fans fun match features six high-profile players contesting for honours in the $2.5 million (Dh9.2 million) European Tour event, promoted and organised by Golf in DUBAi.
The six players are divided into three teams, each comprising two players. They will follow the greensomes format where both players in a team play their tee shots and then select the best-positioned ball. Thereafter, they hit alternate shots with the same ball until the hole is completed.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy and Mark O'Meara form the second team while Henrik Stenson and Miguel Angel Jimenez will play in the third team.
Test of skills
The match, starting at 6pm at Emirates Golf Club's par-3 course, offers fans a rare opportunity to watch their favourite stars up close and personal as they deliver a "clinic'' in iron and wedge play.
The Emirates Golf Club's par-27 course, measuring 1,239 yards from blue tees, has been designed to test the skills of all. The longest hole on the course is the 194-yard third hole while the shortest hole (the fourth) measures 96 yards.
"In a slight break from our tradition of holding the Challenge Match in the afternoon every year, this time we will have a 6pm start, followed by a dinner reception. I am sure the Challenge Match under lights will add to the festive atmosphere," Mohammad Juma Bu Amim, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Golf in DUBAi.
