ID :
37080
Tue, 12/23/2008 - 12:54
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/37080
The shortlink copeid
Dubai emerges as top golf destination
Dubai's bid to place itself on the international golf tourism map has paid off as the emirate has won the title of the Golf Destination of the Year.
The large number of world-class golf courses that have recently come online helped Dubai achieve the prestigious award at this year's International Golf Travel Market that took place in Marbella, Spain.
Dubai received the Golf Destination of the Year award for the Africa, Indian Ocean and Gulf States region, surpassing strong contenders from major golf destinations including Egypt, Morocco and South Africa at a gala ceremony recently. Award organisers highlighted the excellent standard of service provided at the courses in Dubai.
Dubai is still relatively new to the golf scene with eight courses currently open – and more under construction, while other countries in the nominated region dwarf Dubai in sheer size, most notably South Africa with over 80 golf courses among its current portfolio. The Els Club, the Ernie Els-designed 18-hole links-style course located at Dubai Sports City was one of the clubs from Dubai to participate in the show.
Thomas Rubi, General Manager Hospitality, Leisure & Golf, Dubai Sports City, said: "The Els Club has played its part, together with partners, to promote Dubai as the world's premier golf destination. In addition, year-round temperate climate and luxury lifestyle options builds on the attraction of the UAE."
"We look to receive more golfers to take advantage of courses in the near future and continue to help build Dubai's position as one of the leading golf destinations in the world," added Rubi.
Apart from the golf courses the emirate has also been building sports academies and the Butch Harmon School of Golf is set to open soon in the Dubai Sports City.
Claude Harmon, one of the world's top golf coaches, has been brought into Dubai Sports City and will use it as his permanent base as he instructs golfers from PGA Tour professionals to beginners.
Jeff O'Brien, Academies Manager, Dubai Sports City, told Emirates Business: "Son of legendary golf coach Butch Harmon, Claude Harmon III – who coached the 2008 US Masters Champion, Trevor Immelman, among other tour pros including Darren Clarke and Adam Scott, is now permanently based in Dubai Sports City to oversee the Butch Harmon School of Golf.
"The Butch Harmon School of Golf, which is the first such facility outside the US, is set for completion by the end of 2008 and will offer a bespoke coaching structure for both professionals and amateurs who are looking to improve their games."
Claude Harmon, Director of Instruction, Butch Harmon School of Golf, said: "What is happening in Dubai is tremendously exciting for international golf. A decade ago, Las Vegas was a boutique golf destination, and it now attracts millions of golfers. Dubai seems to be developing along a similar path."
Dubai has been doing all it can to position itself as a golf tourism destination and this includes roping in celebrities to design world-class golf courses. Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Gary Player, Greg Norman, Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia, Pete Dye and Vijay Singh are some of the names that have given Dubai's golfing scene world headlines.
The large number of world-class golf courses that have recently come online helped Dubai achieve the prestigious award at this year's International Golf Travel Market that took place in Marbella, Spain.
Dubai received the Golf Destination of the Year award for the Africa, Indian Ocean and Gulf States region, surpassing strong contenders from major golf destinations including Egypt, Morocco and South Africa at a gala ceremony recently. Award organisers highlighted the excellent standard of service provided at the courses in Dubai.
Dubai is still relatively new to the golf scene with eight courses currently open – and more under construction, while other countries in the nominated region dwarf Dubai in sheer size, most notably South Africa with over 80 golf courses among its current portfolio. The Els Club, the Ernie Els-designed 18-hole links-style course located at Dubai Sports City was one of the clubs from Dubai to participate in the show.
Thomas Rubi, General Manager Hospitality, Leisure & Golf, Dubai Sports City, said: "The Els Club has played its part, together with partners, to promote Dubai as the world's premier golf destination. In addition, year-round temperate climate and luxury lifestyle options builds on the attraction of the UAE."
"We look to receive more golfers to take advantage of courses in the near future and continue to help build Dubai's position as one of the leading golf destinations in the world," added Rubi.
Apart from the golf courses the emirate has also been building sports academies and the Butch Harmon School of Golf is set to open soon in the Dubai Sports City.
Claude Harmon, one of the world's top golf coaches, has been brought into Dubai Sports City and will use it as his permanent base as he instructs golfers from PGA Tour professionals to beginners.
Jeff O'Brien, Academies Manager, Dubai Sports City, told Emirates Business: "Son of legendary golf coach Butch Harmon, Claude Harmon III – who coached the 2008 US Masters Champion, Trevor Immelman, among other tour pros including Darren Clarke and Adam Scott, is now permanently based in Dubai Sports City to oversee the Butch Harmon School of Golf.
"The Butch Harmon School of Golf, which is the first such facility outside the US, is set for completion by the end of 2008 and will offer a bespoke coaching structure for both professionals and amateurs who are looking to improve their games."
Claude Harmon, Director of Instruction, Butch Harmon School of Golf, said: "What is happening in Dubai is tremendously exciting for international golf. A decade ago, Las Vegas was a boutique golf destination, and it now attracts millions of golfers. Dubai seems to be developing along a similar path."
Dubai has been doing all it can to position itself as a golf tourism destination and this includes roping in celebrities to design world-class golf courses. Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Gary Player, Greg Norman, Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia, Pete Dye and Vijay Singh are some of the names that have given Dubai's golfing scene world headlines.
