The inaugural edition of the MENA Golf Tour received a major boost with OMEGA joining the new initiative by the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation
The inaugural edition of the MENA Golf Tour received a major boost with OMEGA joining the new initiative by the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation in its celebrated role as the Official Timekeeper.
The luxury watchmaker from Switzerland has long supported the growth of golf as global game, and their association with the forthcoming MENA Golf Tour reinforces its commitment to the development of the game in the region.
“The MENA Golf Tour will create new opportunities for players to showcase their skills on a global stage and will also provide a fantastic platform for us to develop our brand in this important market since golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the Middle East, where the number of golfers and courses is increasing rapidly,” said OMEGA president Stephen Urquhart.
With golfing superstars like Greg Norman, Sergio Garcia and Michelle Wie as brand ambassadors, OMEGA’s association with golf is not simply restricted to major tournaments in the world, including the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic and the OMEGA Ladies Masters and most recently, the PGA of America’s high-profile events. OMEGA’s association with world-class sport goes far beyond the golf course.
The first company to be entrusted with the official timekeeping of all disciplines at the Los Angeles Games in 1932, OMEGA has since become synonymous with the Games. The London 2012 Olympic Games will mark the 25th time the brand has acted as the Official Timekeeper — an enduring partnership representing a unique tribute to the precision and long-term reliability of the company’s products.
Mr. Urquhart added: “We would like to acknowledge the tournament organisers for all their hard work in ensuring the smooth running of the Tour and, last but not least, the players from all over the world who have signed up the tour events, aiming to break through onto the bigger stage. We wish them the very best.”
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour, was equally delighted about the new partnership with OMEGA. “It is pleasing to see a well-recognised and quality brand such as OMEGA offering their support to the Tour which has the potential to put the region’s golf on a trajectory for growth.
“OMEGA’s contribution in promoting golf is well acclaimed worldwide and we are proud to have them on board as the Official Timekeeper. The partnership will grow with time as we plan to expand the base of the Tour in coming years by travelling to other countries in the region.”
The MENA Golf Tour, boasting a combined prize fund of $225,000, is open to both professionals and amateurs from any part of the world.
The first event will be held at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club from September 25 to 28 while the second and third event will be played from October 2 to 5 and October 9 to 12 at the Tower Links Golf in Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai’s Al Badia Golf Club respectively before the tour reaches its climax with the ‘Tour Championship’ to be held at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf from October 16 to 19.
The top three professionals and the leading amateur from the Order of Merit will receive special invitations to compete in the 2012 OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic and, possibly, other European Tour events in the region.
Interested players may visit the tour website – http://www.menagolftour.com – for more details and registration.
OMEGA … Commitment to the development of the game in the region.
