Worldwide Golf

IN a slight break from tradition, the 2009 Dubai Ladies Masters champion will be crowned on a Saturday instead of a Sunday when the Ladies European Tour event gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club next month.
Announcing new dates of the tournament, ‘golf in DUBAI’ - the promoters and event - said the tournament kicks off on Wednesday, December 9 and the final round will be played on Saturday, December 12.

In line with the tradition, the tournament will be preceded by a pro-am on December 8 and a challenge match, featuring marquee players, on December 7.
“Since we have a Friday-Saturday weekend in the UAE, it makes sense to have a Saturday finish which would encourage more spectators to come to the venue, adding to the carnival-like atmosphere there,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of 'golf in DUBAi.
”We are grateful to the Ladies European Tour for giving their nod to the weekend finish which, I think, will greatly enhance the profile of the event in all areas, also adding more value to the hospitality packages.

“Since the inception of the Dubai Ladies Masters in 2006, the tournament, which also marks the end of the LET season, has created quite a buzz in the region. No doubt about that. I think there is another dimension to it - and that's somehow the players feel comfortable in Dubai.”

“Whether it’s our hospitality or whether that’s the way Dubai is, I don't know. The formula, somehow, is working and that’s great for Dubai. That’s great for golf in Dubai too.”

The presence of world-class players like Annika Sorenstam, who has since called it a day, Laura Davies, Karrie Webb, Natalia Gulbis, Gwladys Nocera, Sophie Gustafason and Catriona Matthews over the last three years has firmly established the Dubai Ladies Masters a most sought-after event on the Ladies European Tour.

This year again there will be no entry fee and the intention is to encourage and motivate more ladies to take to the sport.

Organisers have also called upon golfing enthusiasts to come forward and be part of the action when the season-ending Ladies European Tour event gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club

‘golf in DUBAI' – the promoters and organisers of the €500,000 tournament - estimates over 150 volunteers will be required to act as marshals, scorers, TV production assistants, scoreboard carriers and carry out other related positions as needed.

“The role of the volunteers will be crucial in continuing to showcase Dubai as the 'city of golf', as we strive to make the Dubai Ladies Masters the most successful tournament on the Ladies European Tour,” stated Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of 'golf in DUBAI.'

  All golf fans wishing to be part of Dubai's premier ladies event may visit the tournament website --- www.dubailadiesmasters.com or www.golfindubai.org  – for online registration. Preference will be given to those volunteers who can commit to two or more days.