Omega Dubai Desert Classic lines up tribute
Plan to celebrate vision behind pioneering course during silver jubilee next year
Dubai: Organisers of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic are planning a tribute to the man responsible for the event’s creation when it turns 25 next year.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, first came up with the idea of building a golf course in the desert, which led to the birth of the ‘Classic’ in 1989. Since then the tournament, now the longest-running European Tour event in Asia and the Middle East and North Africa region, has conjured up some of golf’s most celebrated moments at the iconic Emirates Golf Club.
It has also helped shape the careers of many golfers, including World No 2 Rory McIlroy, who recorded his first professional win in Dubai in 2009.
“A jewel in the desert,” as George O’Grady, the chief executive of the European Tour, calls it, the 25th edition of the tournament will be held at Emirates Golf Club from January 27 to February 2, 2014.
Headlining possibly the best Omega Dubai Desert Classic field ever will be past champions, along with a host of the European Tour’s elite golfers at the $2.5 million (Dh9.18 million) event, promoted and organised by golf in DUBAi.
Invitations have been extended to all former champions and a number of special events are being planned to mark the landmark occasion. Included in the field will be 2013 champion, Stephen Gallacher, who will seek to become the first player to successfully defend his title.
“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, we owe a debt of gratitude to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for developing world-class sporting facilities. Many sports have benefited immensely from Dubai’s vision, creativity and expertise and golf is one of them,” said Mohammad Juma Bu Amaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi.
“The city’s meteoric emergence is amply reflected in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, which has played a key role in the phenomenal growth of golf in the region,” he added.
