Dubai Desert Classic joins Rolex role of honour

The Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL)-sponsored tournament is one of a minimum of 16 PGA European Tour events where Rolex has a major presence. Rolex is also a commercial partner with all four of the Majors in men's golf - the Masters, the US Open, The Open and the US PGA Championship - as well as The Ryder Cup.

The Rolex involvement in golf started in 1967 when Arnold Palmer was presented with a gold Oyster Perpetual, which he wears to this day. The list of Rolex testimonees now also includes Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Sam Torrance, Bernhard Langer, Retief Goosen, and Phil Mickelson among many others.

"The name of Rolex is synonymous with all the great golfing occasions so we are delighted to be part of that family," said tournament Vice Chairman Mohamed Buamim.

One of the stars confirmed for the US$2.2 million event is Thailand's biggest golfing name Thongchai Jaidee. And today the former paratrooper showed he will be a force to be reckoned with in Dubai by winning the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur.

Besides Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) as the main sponsor of the Dubai 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.