Classic calls for golfing volunteers

Over 300 volunteers will be required to act as marshals, scorers, TV production assistants, score board carriers and other related positions. It's a role the event's vice chairman believes is crucial to the successful 17th staging of the Middle East's biggest pro golf tournament.

"Obviously we spend a great deal of time making sure the course is in perfect condition and that we have the best players available for the event itself," said Mohamed Buamim. "However, none of it would be possible without the assistance of the volunteers we call on every year and again we are looking to the UAE golfing community to play their part in what we hope will be the best Classic yet."

Sponsored by Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) and held over the Emirates Golf Club's famous Majlis Course, the Dubai Desert Classic will once again see the volunteers deployed in a variety of key positions under the expert guidance of highly-experienced chief marshal Janice Marler.

"Janice has been involved with the event since it began in 1989 and knows exactly what is required in the staging of a tournament of this size and stature," added Buamim.

Golf lovers with an interest in working in any capacity at the 2006 Dubai Desert Classic are advised to visit the tournament website at www.dubaidesertclassic.com and fill in the application form, although preference will be given to those volunteers who can commit to two days or more.

"We are always delighted to welcome back experienced marshals and volunteers, we are also able to will provide newcomers with the necessary training and course familiarisation to help ensure the smooth passage of play during all four days of the event and the Pro-Am on February 1," said Marler.

"The volunteers come from within the golfing community in the UAE and provide a solid foundation for a successful event. All our previous volunteers have said how enjoyable an experience it is and we aim to make 2006 just as memorable."

Besides 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.