Stars come out at night for Dubai par-3 event

FROM THE EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE
Eight-time major winner and World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Watson will lead a star parade at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic Match that formally kicks off the tournament week at the Emirates Golf Club on Tuesday, February 2.
The 60-year-old, who is making his first visit to Dubai, will be joined by European No 1 Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Mark O’Meara, Henrik Stenson and Miguel Angel Jiménez in the traditional ‘made-for-fans’ event, played at the floodlit par-3 course, starting at 6pm.
Sponsored by Jumeirah Golf Estates, the match offers the fans a rare opportunity to watch their favourite stars up close and personal as they deliver a ''clinic'' in wedge play.
The six players will be split into three teams, each comprising two stars, in a greensomes format. Both players play their drives and then select the best-positioned ball. Thereafter, they hit alternate shots with the same ball until the hole is completed.
The Emirates Golf Club’s par-27 course, measuring 1,239yd from the blue tees, has been designed such a way that it tests the skills of all. The longest hole on the course is the 194yd third hole, while the shortest hole, the fourth, measures 96yd.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of 'golf in DUBAi' — the promoters and organisers of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, said: “In a slight break from our tradition of holding the Challenge Match in the afternoon every year, this time we will have a 6pm start, followed by a dinner reception. I am sure the Challenge Match under lights will add to the festive atmosphere.
‘We would like to encourage more and more golf fans to come to the Emirates Golf Club and cheer the superstars who would be competing in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, starting on February 4.
"We have made elaborate arrangements to ensure that fans enjoy the proceedings on all four days of the tournament. A giant TV screen will be installed in the 'public village' for them to catch up the live action. Different food and beverage outlets and free golf clinics will be the added attractions at the village.
"I would like to thank Jumeirah Golf Estates for sponsoring the Challenge Match, an opening event which has always been a quite a hit with the fans.”
Meanwhile, the organisers of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic have decided to allow all youngsters, aged 18 and below, free entry to the Emirates Golf Club during the week, provided they are accompanied by an adult holding the ticket for the day.