DUBAI, Jan 30 – Fun in the sun was the name of the game as the ''Magnificent 12,'' spearheaded by world number one Tiger Woods, entertained a strong crowd during the Challenge Match, sponsored by Jumeirah Golf Estates, at the par-3 course of the Emirates Golf Club on Tuesday.
Dubai-based Henrik Stenson, pairing with Notah Begay III, used his "local knowledge" to a great effect, winning the match at four under par 23, one shot ahead of the star pairing of Woods and Mark O''Meara while Ryder Cup heroes Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke finished third on one under par.
Henrik Stenson and Notah Begay III with Mohamed Juma Buamaim and Pete Dye after the presentation
The other pairings included Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia; Colin Montgomerie and David Howell and Thomas Bjorn and Ernie Els. The scores at the end of the day, hardly mattered as the very thinking of the tradition curtain-raiser to the Dubai Desert Classic was to provide a rare opportunity for fans to see the game’s biggest stars up close and personal.
And they relished every moment of it. The match involved six teams of two, split into three groups, who played in a ‘greensomes’ format on the par-27 course, measuring 1,239 from blue tees.
Once again, a significant part of the money raised during the match was presented to three different charities –- the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, Al Noor and the Dubai Centre for Special Needs. Each of the charity received Dh45,000.
Watched by a huge gallery, Tiger Woods plays a shot during the Challenge Match at Emirates Golf Club.
Jumeirah Golf Estates were excited to be associated with the Challenge Match. "There are Major winners and some of the hottest players on the tours today and what more you could have asked for," said David Spencer, chief executive of Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman of golf in DUBAI – the promoters and organizers of the Dubai Desert Classic – presented the prizes in the presence of Pete Dye, the 'Father of modern golf course architecture.'
He is also designing the newly-launched Wind course at the Jumeirah Golf Estates along with Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia.
‘golf in DUBAI’ is backed by Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the main partner and National Bank of Dubai, Emaar, Jumeirah Hotels, Emirates airline, BMW, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Gulf News, Omega and CNN as partners in its drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
