Entries are now open for the Shaikh Rashid Trophy the flagship event of the Emirates Golf Federation
Entries are now open for the Shaikh Rashid Trophy, the flagship event of the Emirates Golf Federation to be held here from November 17 to 19.
Sponsored by Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, the premier event will see leading amateurs from the UAE and overseas battle it out for honours at three different courses in Dubai.
The first round will be held at the Arabian Ranches Golf Club on Thursday, November 17, the second at The Els Club on November 18 while Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa will host the finale on Saturday, November 19.
The tournament which has grown in popularity and stature over the years is a 54-hole men’s Gross strokeplay event. The cut will be made after 36 holes with top 30 and ties making it to the final round.
Open to amateur golfers holding a valid handicap of 18 or below, the event has its own added incentives as it’s a qualifier for the World Amateur Ranking Order of Merit and a part of the EGF Order of Merit.
Restricted to a field of 100, the tournament will be played from the Championship Tees and if it is oversubscribed, which is likely the case, golfers holding the lowest handicaps will get into the main draw.
“The Shaikh Rashid Trophy has always been close to our heart, and we look forward to receiving an enthusiastic response from top amateur golfers. We already have a lot of queries from overseas as well,” said Saeed Albudoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation.
“We expect a full house. The Shaikh Rashid Trophy also showcases Dubai’s portfolio of modern courses. All three courses are great and will provide a fair test to golfers,” said Albudoor who also lauded Gulf News, Ernst & Young and Byrne for their invaluable support to the tournament.
Ross Bain, now a regular on the Asian Tour, has the unique distinction of winning the event three times (2000, 2001 and 2004) while Peter Downie, the former director of golf at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, posted back-to-back victories in 1998 and 1999. Other winners of the Shaikh Trophy included Adrian Flaherty (2002), Gerard Bent (2003), Simon Dunn (2005) and Simon Payne (2006) and Michael Harradine (2010).
