Dubai: The excitement for this week's Desert Classic continues to build with the announcement that Emirates airline will sponsor rising South African golfer James Bongai Kamte at the region's most spectacular pro tournament.
The 25-year old from Queenstown, who scored a breakthrough victory last weekend with an explosive five-birdie back nine to win the Dimension Data Pro-Am, will join a star-cast spearheaded by Tiger Woods, and featuring other golfing greats such as Ernie Els and Henrik Stenson.
Since storming to stardom at the Telkom PGA Championship at Woodmead last year, James continues to raise eyebrows in golfing circles, having recently secured his second win on the Sunshine Tour.
"It has been my dream to compete against the world's best," said James. "I've been playing the Sunshine Tour and European Challenge Tour for four years and am ready to prove myself on the international circuit.
"With Emirates' backing I will have an opportunity to participate at the Classic and compete against Tiger for the first time. I am very excited and thank the airline for its support."
Great promise
Mike Simon, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, said: "Emirates is committed to supporting young talent, and to the development of golf in Dubai and across the world. James is a talented golfer who has shown great promise and we wish him the best for his debut at the Dubai Desert Classic."
