Caddies get Classic backing from HSBC

The support of the $2.4 million tournament means that each of the 120 caddies will again wear the HSBC brand when the four-day event gets underway on February 2 at the Emirates Golf Club's Majlis Course.

Sponsored by Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL), the Middle East's richest PGA European Tour event boasts three of the world's top four players as well as leading lights from the European Tour's Order of Merit and Ryder Cup stars.

Jerry Palfenier, Head of Marketing for HSBC Bank Middle East Limited said: 'HSBC is once again proud to be associated with the Dubai Desert Classic, the region's premier sporting event that reflects the success and international character of Dubai.

'As our sponsorship of the World Matchplay at Wentworth, the HSBC Women's Matchplay in New Jersey and the HSBC Champions Tournament in Shanghai demonstrate, we have a strong commitment to golf and to the achievement of excellence. We are pleased to be the official caddie bib sponsor at this year's Classic.'

On the local golfing scene, HSBC was the lead sponsor of the 2004 UAE Senior's Open and the GCC Golf Championship, held in the UAE. In addition it has also sponsored the Sheikh Rashid Trophy.

'HSBC have always been solid supporters of both professional and amateur golf in the UAE so we are delighted to maintain our ongoing relationship with them,' said Mohamed Buamim, vice chairman of Golf in DUBAI (GiD), organisers and promoters of the Dubai Desert Classic.

Besides DUBAL as the main sponsor of the Desert Classic, CNN International, Emaar, Dubai Waterfront by 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.