Garcia reigns as Wind takes Control

Leisurecorp, the Dubai World company developing Jumeirah Golf Estates, has two reasons to celebrate today after Wind course designers Sergio Garcia claimed victory in the very first event of The Race to Dubai, and Pete Dye, the father of modern golf course design, was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Following a rain-interrupted weekend of golf, Sergio Garcia beat Englishman Oliver Wilson in a play-off to win the HSBC Champions in Shanghai, the first tournament in the season-long Race to Dubai, the $10 million competition that will climax at the Dubai World Championship held at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November 2009. Today also sees fellow Wind course designer Pete Dye inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. This evening, Pete Dye will be among six new individuals to be inducted into the Hall and recognised for their contributions to the game of golf. Following tonight’s induction, the Class of 2008 will bring the World Golf Hall of Fame membership to 126. David Spencer, CEO-Golf for Leisurecorp, said:“Today is a great day for Leisurecorp. We’ve spent a year preparing for the first event in The Race to Dubai and Shanghai has not disappointed. Sergio is an extraordinary talent and this victory takes him into second place in the world rankings – in anyone’s books an ideal start to The Race to Dubai. “And the icing on the cake is tonight’s ultimate recognition of fellow Wind course designer, Pete Dye. He’s not just the best-known golf course architect alive today but also regarded as one of the most imaginative course designers in the world. It is hugely deserved for Pete to be awarded this highly prestigious position in the Hall of Fame. Without doubt, Pete Dye is a true golf legend.” From November 2009, Jumeirah Golf Estates will host the richest tournament in world golf, the US$10 million Dubai World Championship. Wind is one of four courses at Jumeirah Golf Estates. In a unique collaboration, Dye is working with Sergio Garcia – also working on his first Middle East project – and Greg Norman on the design of the course. Wind will carry all of the signature elements of Pete Dye courses – undulating fairways, pot bunkers, heavy rough and tight, protected greens. It will be Dubai’s first true links-style course and aims to provide a demanding test for golfers of all standards.