Dubai: Golf in DUBAi’s plan to make the 25th edition of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic a truly memorable affair received an early boost with all sponsors reiterating their commitment to continue supporting the longest-running European Tour event in the region.
Since the inception of the tournament in 1989 when the European Tour visited the region for the first time, the profile of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic has grown dramatically and its significance goes well beyond attracting the world’s leading players from both sides of the Atlantic.
It can lay claim to being the catalyst that has made the Middle East a golfing paradise, not only for professional golfers, but also for the thousands of golfing tourists who visit the region to enjoy truly world-class standards on every level: from golf courses to hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities
The roll of honour includes seven different Major Champions, who between them have won 30 Major championships. They are: They are: Seve Ballesteros (1992); Ernie Els (1994, 02, 05); Fred Couples (1995); José Maria Olazábal (1998); Mark O’Meara (2004); Tiger Woods (2006, 08); and Rory McIlroy (2009).
“It’s a major milestone we can all be proud of. If coming together in 1989 was the beginning, keeping together and working together scripted the tournament’s success story we cherish,” said Mohammad Juma Bu Amim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, at a luncheon hosted by him to brief representatives of the sponsors about the special events being planned to mark the tournament’s silver jubilee celebrations.
“Looking back at all those years, I think we are blessed to have such a wonderful family of sponsors. Their support means a lot to us as we strive to deliver a world-class product without compromising on quality,” he added.
Headlining a series of special added attractions will be the presence of past champions, who will also feature in a Champions Event, a precursor to the main tournament on Tuesday on the tournament week. “We have invited all our former champions and we are quite confident that all will attend this landmark event.
“We will sorely miss Seve [Ballesteros], our champion in 1992, who passed away in 2011 after a protracted battle with cancer. We always had great respect for Seve’s ability, how he played the game, and the flair he brought to the sport,” he added.
“We will be announcing names of marquee players who have confirmed their participation. These are still early days, but I can assure there will be plenty to celebrate for everyone coming to the event.”
The 25th edition of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic will be held at Emirates Golf Club from January 31 to February 2014. The main event will be preceded by the official practice day (January 27), a challenge match (January 28) and the traditional pro-am (January 30).
Golf in DUBAi is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and DUBAL as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are CNN, Drydocks World & Maritime World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Mercedes-Benz and wasl, while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
