George O’Grady praises United Arab Emirates for playing role in promotion of golf – Golf news
Chief Executive of the European Tour, George O’Grady congratulated United Arab Emirates for its efforts to promote golf in the region and making it part of one of the biggest tours of the world.
The Chief was on a visit to the Dubai to attend the KPMG Business Forum 2011 at the Park Hyatt Hotel. He attended a press conference in which he discussed various topics that included the One Asia Tour and the desert swings.
Discussing the desert swings, O’Grady said, “The desert swing, which includes tournaments in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai and Qatar puts the sporting spotlight firmly on the region at the start of the year and the season then builds to dramatic climax with
the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World.”
He also highlighted the journey of the European Tour when it first came to Dubai for Dubai Desert Classic in 1989. The tour started with a small purse and now it offers one of the highest winner’s prize money.
He also mentioned the process of the Race to Dubai when it started in 2009 with the collaboration of the government of Dubai and the Tour. He revealed that it contributed revenue of $2.6 billion in the economy and reached 15.7 billion homes via television.
The collaboration remained strong throughout the period and despite being struck by the global recession, the two partners remained vaulted to their ultimate goal, which was to promote golf in the region.
He also highlighted the benefits to the players because of the venture. He said that they not only gained experience by playing in the desert, but they also contributed in all possible ways.
Legends like Colin Montgomerie, Ernie Els, Greg Norman and Thomas Bjorn designed the courses in UAE, while golfers like Rory McIlroy, Noh Seung-yul, Paul Casey and Matteo Manassero joined hands with various brands as their ambassadors and promoted the region
with their efforts.
In the end, O’Grady expressed full support for the MENA Golf Tour, which would help in promoting the game amongst the locals and thanked the royals of UAE for their continued efforts in expansion of the tour.
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