R&A impressed with Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final
Martin Yates, who is a member of the R&A’s Golf Development Committee, gave the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final hosted by Al Badia Golf Club his seal of approval when he flew into Dubai for the event’s Pro-Am on Wednesday.
“I think it’s a great event, and great publicity for both Dubai and the European Challenge Tour hosting it here just before The European Tour season ends with the DP World Tour Championship and the Ladies European Tour ends with the Dubai Ladies Masters,” said Yates. “The course looks fantastic and it’s also lovely that it’s played somewhere nice and warm rather than in the cold of the UK, where I’ve come from!” “ We (the Royal&Ancient Golf Development Committee) support the development of the game around the world, including supporting the European Challenge Tour. “We provide some financial support every year, which we’ve been doing for around 15 years.
Because the European Challenge Tour is celebrating its 25th anniversary year, it was felt that it was appropriate for a committee member to come out here and wave the flag if you like, so that’s what I’m doing! I’m delighted to be here and looking forward to watching the next four days unfold and seeing what transpires. “There are 15 cards for The European Tour at stake for these players so I think this event makes for a really exciting climax to the Challenge Tour season.” The first round of the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final hosted by Al Badia Golf Club begins on Thursday (October 31) with the first group of three players teeing off on the first at 9.00am and the final group will tee off at 11.45am while Friday’s second round will feature the same tee times.
Entry for spectators is free of charge while complementary F&B vouchers can be obtained in the latest issues of Worldwide Golf and Middle East Golfer. Free Golf Lessons will also be available, while visitors are invited to take part in the Al Badia Golf Club Nearest the Pin Golf Challenge. Spectators can register in person at designated areas on the four tournament days to be entered into a draw for a chance to win one of 55 prizes totalling over Dhs100,000 including full golf membership of Al Badia Golf Club, a fantastic range of TaylorMade equipment, golf academy packages, performance lab sessions and lavish dining experiences. Golfers, non-golfers and families all are welcome for what will be a fantastic week of golf and fun. There will be Children’s play areas and a crèche on Friday and Saturday from 10 .0am – 6.0pm, for ages 4 and above.
