November is a busy time for world-class sport in the UAE. But while there’s the T10 in Abu Dhabi before the F1 kicks off later this month, top sporting action is happening in Dubai, too.
The 11th edition of the DP World Tour Championship takes place this weekend (Thursday November 21 to Sunday November 24) at Jumeirah Golf Estates, and golf fans will be eagerly awaiting the competition. It was won last year by British golfer Danny Willett.
The championship is also the season-ender for the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, the top 50 golfers of which will battle it out for US$8m (Dhs29.3m). The Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates – designed by two-time Open Champion Greg Norman – will be playing host to 50 of the world’s top golfers, and last year was won by Francesco Molinari.
The Race to Dubai, covers 47 tournaments across 31 countries – as we write, standing in the lead of the race following last weekend’s Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa is Bernd Wiesberger. In second is Tommy Fleetwood, third is Jon Rahm, fourth Shane Lowry and fifth is Matthew Fitzpatrick.
But who will win this year, and why should you go to Jumeirah Golf Estates? We caught up with top golfer Ian Poulter, a two-time runner up of the famous event, ahead of the tournament.
“I’ve been playing golf in the UAE for about 20 years and the landscape has changed hugely. It’s grown as a sport and is a far more inclusive game now,” says Poulter, who is an ambassador for DP World and is tasked with shaping the future of the sport.
“There’s more global interest with kids in golf now – there are more short courses, more forward tee positions for younger players. In the UAE and around the world there are more and more juniors getting involved.”
And this could increase more when Top Golf – an entertainment venue due to open at Emirates Golf Club next year that combines golf, a sports bar and party venue.
“That should be really exciting,” adds Poulter. “I often take my kids to the ones in the States – even for people who don’t play there’s a wider social aspect and a fun atmosphere.”
More than 65,000 spectators are expected over the tournament – and if you haven’t visited before Poulter says a trip to the DP World Tour Championship should be on your list, whether you love sport or not.
“It’s one of the best tournaments in the world, we love coming out to Dubai as players,” he says. “It’s very well supported by spectators too, and it’s a fantastic course. From a fan’s perspective there’s loads to do and the hospitality is great. Plus nothing beats the atmosphere of a live sports event.
“Who should you watch out for? Rory [McIlory] is in great form, Matt [Fitzpatrick], too. There are a number of great chances. It’s the best 50 players in Europe so it’s going to be exciting.”
And while Poulter’s here you may well see him shooting down a slide or too at Aquaventure. “I’m coming with my family, so as well as practising I’ll be spending some quality family time – visiting some waterparks and checking out some of the amazing restaurants that are in Dubai.”
Yousuf Kazim, Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Chief Executive Officer adds, “This tournament is great for Dubai in general as it really puts the emirate’s footprint on the world map.”
Why not check it out?
Nov 21-24. Jumeirah Golf Estates, www.europeantour.com, www.dubaigolf.com.
