MasterCard continues classic golfing tournament

Under the company's agreement with the $2.2 million event, MasterCard maintains its position as a Classic sponsor and the Preferred Card of the tournament.

"We are delighted to maintain our association with one of the world's leading brands," said Mohamed Buamim, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Desert Classic. "In itself, the Dubai Desert Classic is one of the country's top brands so we see some excellent synergy between ourselves and MasterCard."

As well as playing a key sponsorship role, MasterCard's involvement with the Desert Classic also provides benefits for golfing cardholders.

"MasterCard is honoured to be the preferred card of the Dubai Desert Classic which brings great excitement to golfing fans across the Gulf," said Denzil Lawson, senior vice president and general manager, MasterCard International, Middle East and North Africa. "Our customers are passionate about golf so we are delighted our association with this prestigious tournament allows our cardholders to take advantage of preferential ticket rates."

"Dubai is fast-becoming a golfer's paradise and the sport is rapidly gaining popularity in this part of the world. The Desert Classic will undoubtedly see some inspiring displays of golf by the top professionals in the game," added Lawson.

In addition to the Dubai Desert Classic, MasterCard, a leading global payments solutions company, is an official sponsor of a global array of tournaments including the PGA Tour, PGA Champions Tour, the PGA of America, and the LPGA along with a global array of tournaments including the PGA Championship, the MasterCard Classic in Mexico City, Mexico; the MasterCard Masters in Melbourne, Australia; the Senior British Open Championship Presented By MasterCard in Northern Ireland; The MasterCard Championship in Hawaii and the Bay Hill Invitational Presented By MasterCard in Orlando.

MasterCard International is also particularly proud of its relationship with golf legends Tom Watson, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer, as well as newcomers Tim Clark of South Africa and Adam Scott of Australia.

Besides Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) as the main sponsor of the Desert Classic, CNN International, Arabian Ranches by Emaar, Nakheel, and Samsung as co-sponsors, other sponsors include: Emirates as official airline and Hole In One Sponsor; official caterer, hotel and challenge match sponsor Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa; Official Bank National Bank of Dubai; official courtesy car BMW; and event newspaper Gulf News.