Golf society supports war against brain tumour

Dubai: The Friendly Overseas Golf Society (FOGS), Dubai presented a Dh100,000 cheque to the Seve Ballesteros Foundation, a non-profit organisation that primarily focuses its efforts on funding research projects on brain tumours.

The cheque was presented to Jose Maria Olazabal — a former Ryder Cup team-mate of the late Seve Ballesteros — by Jim Martin of the FOGS at a ceremony held during the Dubai Desert Classic. Ballesteros, one of Spain's internationally acclaimed sportsmen, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2008 and a year later he established the foundation in partnership with Cancer Research UK to help others in his position.

The winner of 91 titles worldwide, including five majors and the 1992 Omega Dubai Desert Classic, Ballesteros waged a two-year fight before succumbing to the disease in May 2011.

Financial resources

The foundation also aims to bring the world of golf to young people and to support the professional development of talented young players who have no financial resources.

The FOGS, set up in the late '90s by a number of like-minded individuals who used to play at Nad Al Sheba Golf Club, is well known for making contributions to various charities, including the European Tour International Relief Golf Fund for the Tsunami Aid Appeal.

This year they have selected the Seve Ballesteros Foundation. "In our small way, we would like to contribute our bit to this noble cause and, hopefully, it will help raise public awareness about research projects that could help eradicate the disease," Martin said.

"Over the years, we have hosted a number of FOGS invitational tournaments as well as other fund-raising events. The focus of these events has been to receive donations and funds, not only through the green fees, but also by auctions of gifts donated by kind individuals and companies, sponsorship and side competitions," he added.