Celebrities set to spice up Omega Dubai Desert Classic challenge match
A stunning array of leading lights from the world of sports and entertainment promises to spice up the proceedings when the Omega Dubai Desert Classic’s ‘Celebrity Challenge Match’ gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club on Tuesday, February 7.
Bollywood star R. Madhavan, celebrated cricketers Sir Ian Botham and Waqar Younis, ace jockey Frankie Dettori and top stand-up comedian Jim Davidson are the major celebrities who will test their golfing skills against some of the world’s leading players in a fun-filled foursomes format at the par-3 course at 6pm.
Image: Madhavan
Madhavan, who has featured in many successful and acclaimed films in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada, will be paired with ace Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh while Sir Ian will team up with world number three Lee Westwood.
Other pairings for the new-look match are: Fred Couples and Dettori, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Younis, Thomas Bjorn and Davidson and Mark O’Meara and Hassan Al Musharrekh.
“The presence of these superstars will sure enliven the proceedings and provide first-class entertainment to fans before the main event,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi.
The celebrity match is just one part of many attractions golf in DUBAI has lined up to ensure fans enjoy the proceedings.
A giant TV screen has been installed in the ‘public village’ for them to catch up live action. Different food and beverage outlets, fun games for children and star golf clinics will further add to the carnival-like atmosphere at the village. Various distributors of golf equipment will also display their wares at the exhibition hall in the village.
“Once again we have a great star cast for the event with three of the world’s four top-ranked players – Rory McIlroy, Westwood and Martin Kaymer – joining victorious US Presidents Cup Fred Couples and PGA Tour veteran John Daly in the 138-player field,” he said.
Last year Alvaro Quiros proved his credentials as desert specialist, having previously won in Qatar in 2009, when he recovered from a triple bogey seven on the front nine with a hole-in-one at the 11th to go with another eagle on the front nine, alongside four birdies and a bogey to win by one from Denmark’s Anders Hansen.
This event was also the scene of McIlroy’s first European Tour win in 2009, and the inaugural event was won by 1999 European Ryder Cup Captain Mark James after a play-off victory over Australia’s Peter O’Malley in 1989.
‘golf in DUBAi’ is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Gulf News Emirates NBD, Mercedes-Benz, Jumeirah 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.
