Dubai: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai's leading residential golf development and the host venue for the Dubai World Championship from 2009, today announced a six-figure sponsorship deal for Jeev Milkha Singh, India's leading professional golfer.
Under the exclusive deal, Jeev will sport the Jumeirah Golf Estates branding on his headwear and clothing throughout the season, with an option for both parties to renew at the end of the year.
David Spencer, chief executive officer, Golf for Leisurecorp, the owner of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: "Jeev is an exceptional golfer and has an incredible following in India. I watched him at this year's Dubai Desert Classic and immediately saw the opportunity for a great partnership.
"He's going to be Jumeirah Golf Estates' key player sponsorship for 2008, following in the footsteps of Ross Fisher, who we supported in 2007. It's great that we're looking East this year and we hope our sponsorship helps him fulfil the great potential he holds, with a strong year on the Tour.
'Better match'
"We've had so much interest in Jumeirah Golf Estates from Indian investors that I cannot see a better match for us."
The first Indian golfer to qualify for the European Tour, Jeev has 14 victories to his name. He was the first Indian to play in the Masters (finishing a creditable 37th) and was comfortably Asia's No 1 golfer in 2006. At this year's Dubai Desert Classic, he tied for 19th place at five under.
Commenting on the new sponsorship deal, Jeev said: "Jumeirah Golf Estates is an absolutely stunning development. The vision and ambition is just outstanding - and every player on the Tour is desperate to qualify for the first Dubai World Championship in November 2009.
"I'm really proud to be a partner of Jumeirah Golf Estates and I hope this is the start of a long and fruitful relationship."
Rare honour
Jeev was bestowed the Padma Shri award last year by the Indian government after his outstanding 2006 season, when the 36-year old won the Volvo China Open and the season-ending Volvo Masters on The European Tour, as well as the final two events of the 2006 Japan Golf Tour season, which in turn led to him becoming the first Indian golfer to play at the Masters Tournament in 2007, having qualified through the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking.
As the only golfer to be awarded the Padma Shri, Jeev holds a special place in the affections of every Indian player, be they professionals or amateur.
From 2009, Dubai will become The European Tour's International Headquarters, with the organisation based at and operated from a purpose-built facility within Jumeirah Golf Estates.
