Dubai: Former manager and founding member of Emirates Golf Club, Rodney Bogg, released his long-awaited book The Desert Miracle to mark the 25th anniversary of the club at the course on Wednesday.
Sport | Golf
Book on Emirates Golf Club’s history released
Author credits course as a catalyst in Dubai’s growth as sports tourism hub
- By Ashley Hammond, Staff Reporter
- Published: 18:29 March 13, 2013
The book launch coincides with the ongoing silver jubilee celebrations that started with the anniversary of the club’s official opening on March 8, culminating in a members’ party this Monday.
Chronologically recording the history and growth of the Middle East’s first all-grass 18-hole facility, from its 1988 inception to the present day, using pictures, facts, statistics and anecdotal narrative, Bogg hails the course as a catalyst in Dubai’s development as a sports tourism hub.
Having hosted the Omega Dubai Desert Classic — the first European Tour event to held outside of Europe — since 1989, it has also staged the Omega Dubai Ladies’ Masters since 2006, boasting legendary champions such as Tiger Woods and Seve Ballesteros.
Bogg said: “The one thing that came over most in the writing of this book is just how much this club means to people and how big a part it’s played in so many people’s lives and the whole history of this fantastic city.
“I think this club was very much a stepping stone in the building of this city; it was certainly one of those events that sparked its growth.
“For those involved [in the project], it’s such a privilege to say they played a part in the development of a city, however small, it was still a fantastic experience and this book is a celebration of that fact,” he added.
Christopher May, CEO of Dubai Golf said: “Emirates Golf Club is rightfully seen as the home of golf in the region. Having been at the forefront of developing Dubai as a golfing destination, there’s no doubt it deserves a tribute such as this commemorative book.
“The Desert Miracle unfolds in detail how the club came about and then progressed into the iconic sporting venue and much-loved symbol of Dubai that it is today.”
In association with Motivate Publishing and supported by Al Wasl Asset Management Group, The Desert Miracle is now available at all leading bookstores throughout the GCC priced at Dh195.
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