The golf community in Dubai along with the DP World Tour will honour the memory this week of 17-year-old Emanuele Galeppini, who died on New Year’s day morning from the Crans Montana nightclub blaze.
Originally from Genoa, Galeppini had made Dubai his home in recent years with his family, where he developed as a golfer.
Well known within the UAE’s junior and amateur golf scene, he was in Switzerland with friends when the fire broke out in the early hours of January 1 at the Le Constellation bar.
The DP World Tour released a statement advising all players, caddies, officials and staff present at this week’s Dubai Invitational will wear black ribbons in honour of the super talented young Italian, while there will also be a minute’s silence on-course at the Dubai Creek Golf Club early tomorrow afternoon (Thursday).
WONDERFUL BUT VERY SAD GESTURE …
With @DPWorldTour announcing all players will wear a black ribbon while there will also be a mintues silence during 1st round #DubaiInvitational @DubaiCreekGolf
in memory of young Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini who lost his life in Crans… pic.twitter.com/kc2FHjGMOD— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) January 14, 2026
“The loss of Emanuele and all those who died has left a profound mark on the golfing community and beyond. Our thoughts are with their families, friends, and everyone affected by this tragedy.
“As a mark of respect, black ribbons will be available for players, caddies, and staff to wear throughout the tournament, and a minute’s silence will be observed during the first round on Thursday at 13:30, with the timing agreed in consultation with the Galeppini family.”
Rory McIlroy will be one not only to be really proud but also sad to be honouring Emanuele after a wonderful photograph of both Rory and Emanuele emerged soon after news of the tragedy.
Galeppini was widely regarded as a promising young talent, competing regularly across the Middle East and Europe.
One of his most recent victories came at the 2025 Omega Dubai Creek Amateur Open last April. He had also recently featured in the King Hamad Trophy at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain and the UAE Cup in Al Ain.
The Italian Golf Federation issued a statement following the news, saying, “The Italian Golf Federation mourns the passing of Emanuele Galeppini, a young athlete who carried passion and authentic values with him.
“At this time of great sorrow, our thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him. Emanuele, you will forever remain in our hearts.”
As well, Crans Montana will now forever hold a special in the hearts of all those involved working on the DP World Tour, and particularly for this journalist, as I have travelled many times to the Omega European Masters, and the unbelievable tragedy thus adds another layer of sadness for those within the sport.
