Countdown starts to top Dubai golf event

Dubai: Defending Omega Dubai Ladies Masters champion Anja Monke will spearhead a top-class field at the first Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation Pro Am, presented by golf in DUBAi, at Emirates Golf Club's Faldo course from December 1 to 3.

The $100,000 (Dh367,330) event, which is restricted to Emirates Golf Club's members — both men and women, has generated an overwhelming response, amply reflecting the growing popularity of the game in Dubai.

Showcasing their svelte swing during the Pro Am, along with Germany's Monke, will be Samantha Head, Felicity Johnson and Sophie Walker (all England), Russian Maria Verchenova and France's Virginie Lagoutte-Clement to name a few.

Fine-tune

The three-day Pro Am will also provide the professionals featuring in the event an ideal opportunity to fine-tune their game ahead of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters spearheaded by American superstar Michelle Wie.

The Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation, set up by golf in DUBAi in 2006, is primarily aimed at identifying and nurturing a future generation of champions in the Arab world. The Pro Am is a part of the foundation's drive to try and create healthy playing opportunities.

Mohammad Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi — the promoters and organisers of the forthcoming Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, said: "The enthusiastic response to the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation Pro Am clearly shows the inaugural event is well received by both professionals and local golfers."