Countdown begins for DP World Tour Championship

Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi hits ceremonial tee shot at Jumeirah Golf Estates

The one-month countdown to the 2016 DP World Tour Championship, Dubai was officially marked on Monday when Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, hit a ceremonial tee shot from the first tee of the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The top 60 players on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai rankings will gather at Jumeriah Golf Estates to contest the $8 million season-ending grand finale from November 17 to 20.

Sheikh Fahim fired a straight drive of 190 yards, watched on by a group of dignitaries and media, to officially signal the run in to this year’s tournament.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, Director of Commercial Department ­ UAE, DP World said: “As an enabler of world trade, a global tournament such as the DP World Tour Championship shows how our business and Dubai can work hand in hand to project both our brand and the emirate as a leading business, tourism and financial‎ centre.

“Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and it is recognised all around the world, so the event definitely puts the emirate on the world stage. Golf is an important sport and we want Dubai to be a destination for all kinds of sports and activities as well as a key centre for trade. What is good for Dubai is good for DP World.”

Yousuf Kazim, CEO, Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: “The DP World Tour Championship has been very significant to Jumierah Golf Estates. Since the first tournament in 2009 it has brought a lot of advantages to Dubai. Golf tourism is very prominent in this region – lots of visitors come to Dubai to watch the tournament and last year we recorded the highest attendance which was 65,000 spectators.

“Jumeirah Golf Estates, by hosting this championship, has become the destination of choice for many golf players and fans around the world. Even in the USA, everybody knows about Jumeirah Golf Estates and this has really added to the equity of the brand, both for us and for Dubai.”

Nick Tarratt, Director, European Tour – Dubai, added: “It’s exciting to have the eighth DP World Tour Championship here at Jumeirah Golf Estates in one month’s time to showcase the top players on the European Tour. The Race to Dubai has 47 events in 27 destinations and they visit here for the culmination of a great series around the world. Our mantra is ‘play where the pros play’ so it’s hard to find a better place to come for a golfing holiday. It really is the place to be.”

Spectators can register for free entry tickets for the 2016 DP World Tour Championship at dpworldtourchampionship.com