The stunning new Dubai Open trophy has been unveiled ahead of the start of the inaugural Asian Tour event to be staged on the Els Course in Dubai.
Course designer Ernie Els will be in the field and in what is an historic occasion for the champion South African and four-time Major winner as it is the first time a major Tour tournament will be staged on the course.
Symbolising Arab heritage, a custom-designed DUBAi Open Trophy, the gold-sculpted camel will be presented to the champion of Dubai’s newest professional golf tournament.
“This trophy carries huge significance,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of the tournament promoters and organizers, golf in DUBAi, after the ceremony which was attended by Khalid Zarouni, president of the Dubai Sports City, and Jeev Milkha Singh, Asian Tour member and golf in DUBAi ambassador.
Double Asian Tour No. 1 Jeev Milkha Singh will be hoping to get his hands on the stunning ‘Golden Camel’ trophy at the close of the inaugural Dubai Open. Joining the Jeev is Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of the tournament promoters and organizers, golf in DUBAi, along with Khalid Zarouni, president of the Dubai Sports City, and Jeev Milkha Singh, Asian Tour member and golf in DUBAi ambassador.
“Dubai Sports City was a desert not so long ago. This project started 10 years ago and what you see around here is the story of how Dubai has progressed.
“The DUBAi Open will, hopefully, be another success for Dubai Sports City along with cricket, football, golf and many other different sports. We also thank our friends from the Asian Tour for allowing us the opportunity to host one of their tournaments in Dubai.
“Much of our gratitude needs to go to Jeev (Milkha Singh) for introducing the idea of an Asian Tour in Dubai because as Asia is an important and close ally in this part of the world. The tournament itself will of course be good for golf fans in the UAE,” he said.
Khalid Zarouni spoke of the pride felt by Dubai Sports City as hosts the event, at The Els Club. “We have always supported golf initiatives in Dubai. WE have long had the ambition to play a major event here and we look forward to a successful week.”
A two-time winner of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit title, Singh thanked golf in DUBAi and Dubai Sports City for supporting the DUBAi Open and making it happen.
“I had the idea and Mohamed was good enough to take that on board and make it happen,” said Singh, who celebrated his 44th birthday on Monday.
“I have been part of the golf in DUBAi family for a long time and this is another great opportunity for me to be here. I’ve heard fantastic things about the course at The Els Club and I am sure we will have a good week. I hope the players will enjoy this fantastic place.
“As far I am concerned, I am here to enjoy the atmosphere, the game and the week.”
