Jumeirah Golf Estates to sponsor Jeev Milkha Singh

Under the exclusive deal, Singh will sport the Jumeirah Golf Estates branding on his headwear and clothing throughout the season, with an option for both parties to renew at the end of the year.

David Spencer, Chief Executive Officer, Golf for Leisurecorp, the owner of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said:

"Jeev is an exceptional golfer and has an incredible following in India. I watched him at this year's Dubai Desert Classic and immediately saw the opportunity for a great partnership.

"He's going to be Jumeirah Golf Estates' key player sponsorship for 2008 following in the footsteps of Ross Fisher, who we supported in 2007. It's great that we're looking East this year and we hope our sponsorship helps him fulfil the great potential he holds, with a strong year on the Tour.

"We've had so much interest in Jumeirah Golf Estates from Indian investors that I cannot see a better match for us."

The first Indian golfer to qualify for the European Tour, Singh has 14 victories to his name; was the first Indian to play in the Masters (finishing a creditable 37th); and was comfortably Asia's number one golfer in 2006. At this year's Dubai Desert Classic, he tied for 19th place at five under.

Singh said:

"Jumeirah Golf Estates is an absolutely stunning development. The vision and ambition is just outstanding - and every player on Tour is desperate to qualify for the first Dubai World Championship in November 2009.

"I'm really proud to be a partner to Jumeirah Golf Estates and I hope this is the start of a long and fruitful relationship."

Singh was bestowed the Padma Shri last year after his outstanding 2006 season, when the 36-year old won the Volvo China Open and the season-ending Volvo Masters on The European Tour, as well as the final two events of the 2006 Japan Golf Tour season, which in turn led to him becoming the first Indian golfer to play at the Masters Tournament in 2007, having qualified through the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking.

The Padma Shri is an award given by the Government of India to Indian citizens in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the Arts, Education, Industry, Literature, Science, Sports, Social Service and public life. As the only golfer to be awarded the Padma Shri, Singh holds a special place in the affections of every Indian player, be they professionals or amateur.

David Spencer said:

"Jumeirah Golf Estates aims to be one of the best developments in the world - and we're proud to be associated with the highest achievers in the sport. Jeev is easily India's best golfer and we're delighted that he has become part of our family."

One of the world's most ambitious and exciting residential golf developments, Jumeirah Golf Estates will have four courses, inspired by the natural elements of Fire, Earth, Wind and Water, and designed by the remarkable talents of some of the game's most famous names: Greg Norman, the 'Great White Shark'; former world number one Vijay Singh; European Ryder Cup hero Sergio Garcia; and "the father of modern course design", the legendary Pete Dye.

Work is well under way on the creation of Jumeirah Golf Estates. The Fire and Earth courses will be ready for play towards the end of 2008, while the Water course will open in 2009, followed by Wind. The first homeowners will move into their communities in the first quarter of 2009

Late last year, Jumeirah Golf Estates announced that from 2009 The European Tour will come to a thrilling climax at The Dubai World Championship, a $10m prize-fund tournament hosted at Jumeirah Golf Estates. To be held annually, the tournament will be open to the players numbered 1- 60 on The Race to Dubai - formally The European Tour Order of Merit - with players also being given the opportunity to compete for an additional $10m bonus fund.

From 2009, Dubai will become The European Tour's International Headquarters, with the organisation based at and operated from a purpose-built facility within Jumeirah Golf Estates.