Nike Golf to build on Tiger factor at Dubai Desert Classic

Sponsored by Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) and organised and promoted by the Dubai Desert Classic Executive Committee, next year's Dubai Desert Classic will take place at the Emirates Golf Club's Majlis Course from March 6-9.

And with world number one Woods playing in Dubai for just the second time, the Nike Golf distributor for the Middle East is using the occasion to give a major push to its Nike Golf range - the clubs and apparel used by the world's most recognised sportsman.

By signing up to take a major presence at the traditional Dubai Desert Classic Golf Exhibition, Golf Shop Direct will also have the opportunity of marketing a wide range of Nike Golf, Axa Golf and Adidas Golf branded with the distinctive Dubai Desert Classic logo.

'Nike Golf products are used by a number of world-class golfers such as Michael Campbell of New Zealand, South Africa's Trevor Immelman, Swede Henrik Stenson and Dean Robertson of Scotland,' said Golf Shop Direct General Manager Stefan Duvenage. 'But there are none bigger than Tiger Woods who has become synonymous with the brand during his domination of the sport.'

Speaking after confirming the agreement to exhibit with Mohammed Yahya, Manager Corporate Affairs for tournament sponsors DUBAL and Executive Committee member, Duvenage added: 'While we'll be offering Dubai Desert Classic branded clothing from Axa Golf and Adidas Golf, we firmly expect the Nike Golf range to be the most popular purely because of Tiger. It's a three-year deal and our Dubai Desert Classic agreement is valid from December 17.'

The signing of Golf Shop Direct as one of the largest exhibitors comes quickly after the confirmation that defending champion and world number three Ernie Els will return to Dubai looking for his third Desert Classic title.

With more big names expected in the coming weeks, the associated exhibition is expected to be the biggest in the tournament's 14-year history as the UAE golf suppliers and clubs join together under one roof to provide customers with a vast range of products, clothing brands and services and a 'total golf atmosphere'.

Besides DUBAL as the main sponsor of the Dubai Desert Classic other sponsors include official carrier Emirates Airline, official caterer, hotel and challenge match sponsor Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, sponsors Emaar, co-sponsors Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, official courtesy car BMW, and official newspaper Gulf News.

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