Dubai: The opening round of 12th Shaikh Rashid Trophy, sponsored by Jebel Ali Golf Resort, will tee off on Thursday with first ball hit at 7.30am on the sprawling Els Club course.
Despite a few late cancellations, the event still boasts a strong field of 78 amateur golfers all vying for the coveted trophy.
Organised by Emirates Golf Federation, the 54-hole WAGR qualifying tournament is open to amateur men with an 18 or less handicap. About 75 per cent of the field is made up of single digit handicap holders, which include an impressive number of junior golfers.
The second round will be hosted at Al Badia Golf Club on Friday with the first-round leaders out last. A cut will be applied after completion of round two, with top 30 and ties qualifying for the final round.
With the event being the fifth qualifier for this season’s EGF Men’s Order of Merit, UAE amateurs will put up a tough fight to grab maximum points, but the focal point will be the championship title.
In addition to championship trophies, net prizes will also be awarded for first and second rounds.
The Shaikh Rashid Trophy is sponsored by Jebel Ali Golf Resort and supported by Gulf News & Ernst and Young.
