Dubai: The Omega Dubai Ladies Masters organisers, in keeping with their tradition, have announced that entry to the season-ending Ladies European Tour (LET) event will be free for all fans during the tournament week.
A classy star-cast, spearheaded by world number seven Michelle Wie and defending champion In Kyung Kim, will join a slew of LET superstars in the euro 500,000 tournament, promising to unfold an absorbing battle for the top prize at the Emirates Golf Club from December 8 to 11.
The tournament will again have a Saturday finish, but the dates for the Challenge Match and the pro-am have been changed due to the travel schedule of some of the leading players. The Challenge Match, featuring six marquee players, will now be played on Tuesday, December 7, starting at 6pm, while the pro-am, the traditional curtain-raiser to the event, will be held on Monday, December 6.
"We would like to encourage more and more golf fans to come to the Emirates Golf Club and cheer the professional lady golfers who would be showcasing their svelte swing," said Mohammad Juma Bu Amim, vice-chairman and CEO of ‘golf in DUBAI,' the promoters and organisers of the popular event.
"All the fans will have an easy access to the course, but entry to the clubhouse will be restricted to only pass holders," he said, adding: "The opening of the Nakheel Metro station just across the road would make it much easier for them to commute to the venue without any traffic hassles.
"We have made elaborate arrangements to ensure fans enjoy the proceedings on all four days of the tournament. A giant TV screen has been installed in the ‘public village' for them to catch up on the live action.
Carnival atmosphere
"Different food and beverage outlets, fun games for children and free golf clinics will further add to the carnival-like atmosphere at the village," Bu Amim said.
"Various distributors of golf equipment will also display their wares at the exhibition hall in the village. Cameras and video cassette recorders will not be allowed into the venue during the main tournament, but the fans will have an opportunity to take photos of their favourite stars during the pro-am and challenge matches."
‘golf in DUBAi' is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Gulf News and wasl, while Dubai Duty Free and Carpetland are the patrons.
