Countdown to Dubai World Golf Championship

With less than 200 days to go until the eagerly-anticipated Dubai World Championship tees off on 19th November, Leisurecorp and sporting legend Greg Norman today announced that tickets to one of the hottest events on golf’s calendar will be free to all. The move ensures that golf fans and those new to the game alike will now be able to see the climax to the inaugural Race to Dubai take place on what has been called ‘the world’s most anticipated golf course development’, for free. For those who want to experience the Dubai World Championship in luxury, two outstanding hospitality packages have also been announced. Greg Norman, designer of the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, where the Dubai World Championship will take place this November, visited the course this week to oversee some of the finishing touches to the course, ahead of the tournament. Norman commented: “The Dubai World Championship promises to be a new highlight on the golf and sporting calendars. The course is looking spectacular and I am thrilled that when we open the doors on November 19th, everyone will be able to enjoy the tournament for free. This course deserves a special tournament and what could be more special than having 60 of the world’s top players battle it out in front of a huge crowd”. Fans are encouraged to register early for the free tickets at www.dubaiworldchampionship.com, the tournament’s website which was launched today. The website also provides details and sales information on the two hospitality packages that have been announced – both offering five-star facilities overlooking the 18th green, and one offering the unique experience of being amongst the first to play the Earth course, following the Championship. Abdul Wahid Al Ulama, Vice Chairman, Leisurecorp, said: "When we conceived the Dubai World Championship with our partners at The European Tour, we established a set of founding principles which would ensure that we created new experiences for a number of audiences – the players, sponsors, media and, of course, spectators. “In line with the shared vision of The European Tour and Leisurecorp, the move to offer free entry for all is a gesture in the tournament’s first year to encourage all golf fans from both the region and overseas to descend on Jumeirah Golf Estates in November and watch what promises to be a thrilling crescendo to the inaugural Race to Dubai. Hopefully, it will also encourage those new to the game to come to the Championship and experience what this great sport has to offer. Whether you are a pro golfer or a novice, seeing the world’s top 60 players battle it out at the magnificent Earth course is something not to be missed.” The Hospitality Pavilion overlooking the 18th green of the Earth course, places spectators at the heart of the action. With gourmet catering in a dedicated dining and lounge area, an open-air balcony and a wide range of other benefits, The Hospitality Pavilion is ideal for client entertaining and networking opportunities with Dubai’s business leaders, or simply enjoying the golf in style. The Ultimate Golf Package includes two day’s hospitality admission and the opportunity to play on the Earth course, in Championship conditions, in the week following the tournament. Abdul Wahid Al Ulama added: “The hospitality options we are offering include a range of benefits, not least some of the best seats in the house, overlooking the 18th green. The Ultimate Golf Package will tempt those ‘golf fanatics’ who are looking for a unique experience – walking in the footsteps of the legends that they have just been watching battle it out for the Championship. It is a rare treat to have the opportunity to be amongst the first to play on a course designed by Greg Norman and inaugurated by the likes of Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood and Rory McIllroy. This is a ‘must-do’ for any keen golfer”.