Laura Davies set for sixth appearance in Omega Dubai Ladies Masters
Laura Davies, a ‘golf in Dubai’ ambassador, will be aiming to add the elusive Omega Dubai Ladies Masters trophy to her ever-growing list of triumphs when she makes her sixth appearance in the season-ending Ladies European Tour event to be under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the Emirates Golf Club from December 5 to 8 Widely regarded as England’s finest female golfer, Davies has already sounded an ominous warning to her rivals by winning the ISPS Handa Legends Tour Open Championship earlier this month for her 82nd title worldwide and the first on the Legends Tour, meant for LPGA Tour members, aged 45 and over.
Davies boasts three top-10s, including two runner-up finishes this season on the Ladies European Tour and will be determined to wrap up the year on a high and atone for missing the cut in 2011.
“If you look at my performance in Dubai, I think I have done well and look forward to improving on that record,” said Davies who has three top-four finishes to her credit, including a runner-up place to Annika Sorenstam on her debut in 2007.
“I’m hitting the ball really well. I just need to hole more putts which is paramount to winning. Hopefully, I will be able to do that and end the season strongly,” said Davies, who will be joined by defending champion Alexis Thompson, Michelle Wie and China’s Shanshan Feng among other top draws in a star-studded field.
“I love Dubai. I love the tournament. The (Majlis) course is one of my favourites, so playing there is really special for me,” said Davies, whose distinguished career is highlighted by topping the Ladies European Tour order of merit a record seven times, being the first non-American to head the LPGA rankings and a CBE.
“It feels great to be part of the ‘golf in DUBAi’ team who runs the tournament so professionally. They’re lovely people and look after us so well. It’s really an honour to be one of their ambassadors,” said Davies who also owns 20 LPGA victories and is closing in on points that would make her eligible for the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of ‘golf in DUBAi,’ commented: “Laura is special and, without question, one of the biggest draws in all of golf because of her dynamic style of play. The fact that she is still going strong despite being so many years on the tour shows she loves competing and loves mixing with the youngsters.
“We are fortunate to have such a phenomenal player as one of our ambassadors. Her presence, I am sure, will again ensure large attendance figures across the tournament. I wish her the very best.”
golf in DUBAi’ 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.
