Dubai: Anna Rawson firmly believes the forthcoming Dubai Ladies Masters has the star value and status to provide the Ladies European Tour the visibility and excitement it needs to make women's golf more appealing to fans.
"There is nothing wrong with 'old-school' golf. It's cool - but we have to move with the times," said the Australian pin-up girl, ahead of the season-ending tournament, which gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club from December 11-16.
Promoted and organised by golf in DUBAI, the second edition of the tournament will see a stellar star-cast led by defending champion Annika Sorenstam and seasoned Laura Davies contesting for a share in the 500,000 euro prize fund.
"I love fashion, I like to dress well, but glamour isn't the only thing that I want to bring to women's golf. Me, personally, I would like to win lots of tournaments," said Rawson, who was named the Most Popular Woman on the Ladies European Tour by readers of golf newspaper GOLF Weekly.
"For me, I approach golf as a job, and conduct myself with a professional attitude at all times. Golf courses are spectacular offices and I remind myself of that every day."
She may not have done well in the inaugural Dubai Ladies Masters last year, but is looking forward to returning to the city "to join in all the fun.
"I played terribly last year [she missed the cut with rounds of 76 and 73] and certainly would like to do well there in December. I just love Dubai."
Mohammad Juma Bu Amim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAI, said: "We are delighted to have a multi-faceted player like Anna in the field. Her talent is more than plenty to merit attention, both from the media and fans and it will be a treat to watch her swinging the club."
