Nakheel Golf and Great White Shark enhance alliance

The renowned contest which has previously seen the likes of Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Tiger Woods, Lee Westwood, Jose Maria Olazabal, Ian Woosnam and Colin Montgomerie who play in support of local UAE charities, will mark the return of Greg Norman this year. The legendary golfer is also the lead golf course designer for Nakheel Golf.

Greg Norman has confirmed that he will provide his golf game as support for the annual Challenge Match, which is an integral part of The Dubai Desert Classic week.

Addressing the press conference, David Spencer, Director Golf Developments - Nakheel commented that the growth of the tournament was the best evidence that golf has become one of the leading sports in Dubai. "As leading golf developers for the region and in the world, we see the sponsorship of the Dubai Desert Classic and Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Challenge Match as a stepping stone to draw the attention of the world of golf to Dubai and what we have to offer. We are enormously honoured that Greg Norman will be playing at the Dubai Desert Classic and the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Challenge Match on behalf of Nakheel".

"Without exception, the Dubai Desert Classic is an incredible event and this event continues to drive Dubai's ever increasing position as a hub for golfing enthusiasts. The event sees the cream of professional golfers going head-to-head at the Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf Club, competing and testing their abilities on the par 72 course, and for many, this amounts to a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity and a wonderful golfing experience," he said.

Nakheel Golf has confirmed their sponsorship of the 2005 Hole-in-One at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Challenge Match. This annual 'hole-in-one' contest invariably adds to the electric atmosphere prior to the week long Dubai Desert Classic tournament, as players compete for this year's record prize money and honour associated with winning this marquee tournament. The players will have two chances to win the Hole-in-One Challenge.

The first opportunity to secure the prize money will be on the par-three second hole of the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, which carries a US$500,000 prize. If it is achieved on this hole US$50,000 will go to each player and US$200,000 will be equally divided between three nominated UAE charities. If none of the players hole in one at the second, they get another chance on the par-three, eighth hole where the prize doubles to US$ 1 Million. If it is achieved in this instance, US$100,000 dollars will go to each player and US$400,000 will be equally divided between the three nominated local, UAE charities.

Further, Nakheel Golf has also announced charity-linked sponsorships for the Challenge Match, with US$ 2,700 for each Birdie, US$ 4,000 for each Eagle, and US$ 5,400 for each Albatross at the match. Nakheel Golf will also sponsor US$ 1,300 for each shot under par achieved by each competing team, with all proceeds donated to the local UAE charities.

Spencer said, "Through this sponsorship of the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Challenge Match, Nakheel reinforces its commitment to the Gulf and the wider Arab community in general.

Nakheel takes it's social responsibilities seriously and is keen to see that the million dollar prize money for the Challenge Match is directed back into the community in which we all operate. In addition, today's announcements further highlight our strong commitment to the golfing world and our drive to ensure that Dubai becomes a premier destination for golf related tourism".

As for Nakheel Golf's ongoing partnership with Greg Norman, he added, "Norman has visited Dubai on several occasions and can be assured of a warm welcome when he returns to the region in March."

The 2005 Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Challenge Match has been scheduled for Tuesday, 1st March 2005, with the Dubai Desert Classic running from the 3rd to the 6th March 2005. Norman's tee-off times will be announced closer to the date of the events.