World's two largest Junior Golf Programs support GolfEx Dubai

The theme of GolfEx Dubai 2008 is, 'Future Golf -harnessing young talent today, for success in the future.' The goal of the event is to hold the biggest global gathering of junior development pioneers and organisations and in so doing, introduce businesses, outside of golf to a powerful channel in which to reach children from all over the world and to contribute to the future growth of the game.

GolfEx Dubai 2008 is building on the success of the event over the last two years by having some of the most influential figures within the game in attendance. These speakers will use the opportunity to discuss how certain initiatives can be used to create opportunities for young golfers throughout the world. Confirmed speakers include Joe Louis Barrow, Jnr CEO of the First Tee Program, part of the World Golf Hall of Fame, and Mike Round, CEO of the Golf Foundation in the UK.

Joe Louis Barrow, Jnr CEO of the First Tee Program says:

'As The First Tee celebrates its 10th Anniversary I am very pleased with the opportunity to be part of the 3rd GolfEx conference scheduled for Dubai on January-27-28 - particularly as its theme will provide an international focus on Junior Golf. The future of golf is indelibly linked to having more and more young people reached worldwide and given the opportunity to play. The GolfEx initiative and focus can, and will, give our crusade further impetus.'

Mike Round, CEO, Golf Foundation says:

'As GolfEx enters its third year I was absolutely delighted to learn that the focus will be on Junior Golf. As Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation, I welcome the opportunity to participate in a global debate that rightly will focus on how best we can encourage and give maximum opportunity to young people to take up and make golf the game of their lives. Dubai - as an emerging golf nation and region - is the perfect setting for GolfEx and I look forward to discussing a variety of issues with all those who have an interest in the future of the game and who understand the importance of junior development work.'

Following several recent initiatives and major golfing announcements, such as the Dubai World Championship, Dubai provides the ultimate location for hosting an event focusing on the future of golf and the golfing industry. GolfEx Dubai 2008 will be held at The Montgomerie, Dubai's state of the art conference facility and tented Exhibition Village overlooking Dubai Marina.

Neil Hamp-Adams, Managing Partner of Driving Force, says:

'Following the recent Dubai World Championship announcement confirming Dubai's position as a global leader in the golfing industry, it seems only fitting that GolfEx should start at the beginning in 2008 with an in-depth look into Junior Golf. As well as finding out more about what is being done to introduce the game to youngsters world-wide, the task we have set ourselves is to showcase these efforts to the corporate world and in so doing provide them with an insight into the minds and attitudes of golf's future customers.'

GolfEx Dubai 2007 attracted 523 participants over the two day conference, interacting with industry leaders such as IMG, ISM, The European Tour, The Asian Tour, The Sunshine Tour, Gary Player Design, Troon, European Tour Productions, TPL and Great White Shark Enterprises amongst others. GolfEx Dubai 2008 once again aims to attract top industry leaders and an increased number of participants.

GolfEx Dubai 2008 will take place on 27th & 28th January 2008 at The Montgomerie Dubai.

For additional information, please contact:

Ben Thomas / Rhiannon Evans at Four Communications
Telephone: +971 369 3727 / +971 362 5131

About GolfEx

GolfEx Dubai is a two-day conference-exhibition bringing together the most influential figures and leaders throughout the golfing world. GolfEx 2008 is the third event of its kind with the focus being on harnessing young talent today for success in the future. GolfEx Dubai 2008 will be held on the 27th & 28th January at The Montgomerie Dubai.