Dubai World Championship News

50 days and counting as Golfing heavyweights are lining up for the Dubai World Championship

With just 50 days to go until the first ball is struck at the final event on the 2011 European Tour calendar on December 8 in the UAE, the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World is set for yet another star-studded occasion featuring many of the biggest names in world golf.

While there are still chances for some players to cement a playing place in the final top 60 line-up at the Earth course, Jumeirah Golf Estates from December 8-11, a quick glance at the current Race to Dubai standings shows that many of the game’s biggest names are already Dubai-bound for the $15 million showdown.

Among them, the world’s top three ranked players – World Number One Luke Donald, inaugural Dubai World Championship winner Lee Westwood and 2011 US Open Champion Rory McIlroy – as well as three other European big guns currently residing in the top twenty of the Official World Golf Rankings.

Germany’s World Number Six Martin Kaymer, winner of The Race to Dubai less than twelve months ago, is another ready to tackle the Greg Norman-designed Earth course, while current Masters Champion Charl Schwartzel (World Number 13) and 2011 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell (World Number 15) will tee it up at the eagerly awaited finale to the season.

And with no halfway cut in the tournament, an estimated 60,000 spectators are expected to take advantage of the complimentary tickets to see four days of guaranteed action from their favourite stars.

“When you consider the calibre of players who have already secured their place in the Dubai World Championship and add in other golfing stars such as Open Champion Darren Clarke and our defending champion Robert Karlsson, that is a sensational line up,” said Colin Smith, European Tour Director – International Business Development Middle East and Asia.

“There is no doubt it is a date all of the players look forward to but they know if they don’t make it into the end of season top 60 then they face having to watch it on TV like the rest of the world.”

One player who is relishing playing in the lucrative Dubai World Championship presented by DP World after his impressive victory in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is Michael Hoey of Northern Ireland who has propelled him into the top 15 of The Race to Dubai.

His win by two shots at St Andrews – and the €588,148 first prize – launched him from 83rd to 15th, not only guaranteeing exemption to the Dubai World Championship but also giving him a good chance of earning a share of the US$7.5million end of season Bonus Pool.

Dubai World Championship

“It’s just amazing what winning a big tournament can do for you,” said Hoey. “Winning the Dunhill Links will open a lot of doors for me and getting into huge tournaments like the Dubai World Championship is one of the biggest benefits. I’m ecstatic.

“Trying to get into the Dubai World Championship was one of my goals before winning in St Andrews but I don’t have to worry about any of that now. I can’t wait to get to Dubai – it will be a great way to end the season.”
In addition to a feast of world-class golf on the fairways and greens, spectators will be treated to a sporting and social experience that has helped cement the Dubai World Championship’s place at number three in the Top Ten Biggest International Golf Tournaments as named by acclaimed all-sports USA website, Bleacher Report.

“Being ranked number three behind only The Open Championship and the BMW PGA Championship was a massive boost for the Dubai World Championship,” added Smith.

“To be considered in the top three after just two events is a wonderful tribute to all those involved and a credit to the industry in the emirate and underlines just how far the Middle East – and in particular Dubai – has developed since HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum had the vision to create an all-grass championship golf course out of the desert less than 25 years ago.”

Complimentary tickets for the 2011 Dubai World Championship presented by DP World and held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, are available from www.DubaiWorldChampionship.com

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