1 million dollars up for grabs in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic Challenge Match
US dollar one million will be up for grabs when the Omega Dubai Desert Classic Challenge Match gets under way at Jebel Ali Golf Resort on Tuesday, January 29 at 3pm.
The match will see some of the marquee players competing in the longest-running European Tour event in the region join famed American singer Alice Cooper in a nine-hole competition, billed as a fun-filled affair that offers fans the chance to watch their favourite players in a relaxed and informal atmosphere on the fairways and greens of the resort course.
Shock-rock icon Cooper, who plays off scratch handicap, will be paired with fellow American and two-time major winner Mark O’Meara while former world number one Lee Westwood will team-up with Rafael Cabrera-Bello during the greensomes match.
The teams of Henrik Stenson and Thomas Bjorn, representing Scandinavia, and Jeev Milkha Singh and Michael Harradine, a leading Dubai-based amateur, complete the line-up of players who will have one eye of the million dollar prize when they play the par-3 holes.
The first player, who achieves the hole-in-one feat on the 160-yard, second, will receive $500,000 and, likewise, $500,000 will be presented to the first player who aces the 177-yard, eighth. If the prize money goes abegging on the second hole, it will be doubled to $ 1 million on the eighth hole.
Unlike other hole-in-one prizes, the money won will be split among all eight players and the designated charity. Entry to the Challenge Match is free, but fans are invited make a donation for a number of children’s charities.
The Challenge Match will be preceded by a VIP lunch where all the eight players will be introduced. Those who are interested in enjoying lunch with the golfing greats can call the Golf Office at +971 4 814 5046/49/22 or email golf.teetimes@jaresorts.com for reservation.
“We would like to encourage as many fans as possible to come to Jebel Al Golf Resort and cheer our stars. With Alice Cooper in the field, I am sure there will be no lack of excitement,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of ‘golf in DUBAi.
“Jebel Golf Resort played host to the Dubai Desert Classic Challenge Match from 1998 to 2006, and they are old hands at putting together an entertaining event of this nature. The added attraction, of course, will be the $ 1 million hole-in-one prize.
“Holes in one may be rare because of the luck element involved, but skill definitely increases the probability. With an array of elite golfers in the field no one can rule out the distinct possibility of the prize being won,” he added.
golf in DUBAi’ – the promoters and organizers of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic — is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and DUBAL as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Drydocks World & Maritime World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Mercedes-Benz and wasl while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
Alice Cooper and Mark O’Meara on their arrival at Dubai International Airport on Sunday night
