The Palm in first tie-up with Dubai Desert Classic

The event, which is set to take place from March 6-9 on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, has attracted a strong field of high profile international players competing for the coveted championship trophy.

"The Palm is an exceptional venture in Dubai, and is clearly seen as a measure of Dubai's growing international stature and reputation for world-class innovation," said Tournament Manager Adrian Flaherty. "The project holds a pursuit for excellence - a vision identical to that of the Dubai Desert Classic which is now in its 14th year,"

Sponsored by Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL), the Desert Classic attracts thousands of tourists to Dubai annually to witness the world's best golfers compete head to head for a share of the £1.2 million prize money at the PGA European event. Similarly, it is envisaged that The Palm - once operational - will attract thousands of tourists to Dubai each year, to experience what is often referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'.

Saif Sultan Al Shamsi, Managing Director - Commercial, The Palm said: "Many of our current customers who have purchased property on The Palm have expressed a keen interest in golf. It is also envisaged that a large proportion of future tourists to The Palm will be eager golfing enthusiasts.

The Palm's location is within easy reach of many of Dubai's championship golf courses, hence providing the convenience of these world-class facilities, to both The Palm residents and tourists alike".

The Palm is also sponsoring the US$1 million Challenge Match Hole-in-One Competition at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa on March 4. This event sees six of the top players including world number one Tiger Woods, and world number two and defending Dubai Desert Classic champion Ernie Els compete in the traditional curtain raiser.

In addition to main sponsors DUBAL, other sponsors include official carrier and Hole-In-One sponsor Emirates airline; official caterer, hotel and challenge match sponsor Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa; co-sponsors and Pro Am sponsors Arabian Ranches by Emaar; co-sponsors The Palm; official courtesy car BMW, and official newspaper Gulf News.

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