Jumeirah Golf Estates sponsors 'young diamond' Ross Fisher for 2007 season

Fisher, playing in only his second season on the full European PGA Tour, took a half-way lead at the Dubai Desert Classic, of which Jumeirah Golf Estates is main partner.

David Spencer, chief executive of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said:

"Every year at the Desert Classic, we look for an up-and-coming golfer who we can support through the tournament. This year, we decided to take it a step further with Ross and extend our sponsorship for the full season.

"As well as direct financial support, our deal will also bring Ross back to Dubai four times during the year for practice periods. It's all part of the developing Dubai's relationship with the world's best golfers.

"We started talking to Ross earlier this week and it's fantastic to have seen him play so well. However the week ends, we know Ross will have had a memorable time in Dubai.

"Ross is already showing this week he is one of the young diamonds out there on the Tour. He's going to be a real talent in the future and I hope our relationship will develop as he does."

Ross Fisher said:

"I'm really grateful to Jumeirah Golf Estates for their vote of confidence in me, not just for this week but for the whole season ahead. Being able to come back to Dubai during the year will be a big help.

"Having seen the plans for the courses at Jumeirah Golf Estates, it is clear that Dubai is becoming one of the leading golf destinations in the world."

Fisher had his first season on the full European Tour in 2006, having come through the Challenge Tour in 2005. He started 2006 with a top five finish at the Volvo China Open and that, along with two other top five finishes, left him an impressive 66th on the Order of Merit for the season.

At the Dubai Desert Classic, Fisher started with 65s in each of the first two rounds to lead the field at 14 under.