The Emirates Golf Club

(DUBAI – Thursday 25th May 2006) - The Ladies European Tour will add another feather to its cap when the first Dubai Ladies Masters gets under way at the Majlis course of the Emirates Golf Club from October 26 to 29 this year.

The Masters takes on added significance as being the first full Ladies European Tour (LET) event ever to be played in the Middle East. Dubai will be the latest and the 21st stop on the LET, which kicked off this year with the Women’s World Cup of Golf at Sun City, Johannesburg, in January.

Promoted and organised by ‘golf in DUBAI’, the LET event will feature an elite field of 120 golfers besides some of the world’s top players who will receive the sponsors’ invitations.

The Dubai Ladies Masters boasts a 500,000 euro prize-fund, making it the joint fourth richest event on the Tour after the Evian Masters (2.1 million euros), the Weetabix Women’s British Open (1.5 million euros) and the Women’s World Cup of Golf (929,544 euros).

Mohamed Ali Alabbar, flanked by Alexandra Armas, Mohamed Buamaim, vice-chairman of golf in DUBAI, Rog Bogg, managing director of Dubai Golf, and Adrian Flaherty, the tournament manager, addressing the press at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.

With the addition of the 72-hole Dubai Ladies Masters, the Ladies European Tour’s total prize fund exceeds 10 million euros for the first time its 28-year history, amply reflecting on the growth of international women’s golf.

“We are thrilled to announce the Dubai Ladies Masters, which is a first for ladies’ golf,” said Alexandra Armas, executive director of the LET.

“It is hugely exciting for the Tour to have a tournament at such a renowned venue and in a brand new territory. This is a unique and fantastic opportunity for the growth of women’s golf, both in the Middle East and throughout the world.

“This new event provides further evidence of the sport’s increasing global popularity and we are tremendously excited to be visiting such a prestigious golfing destination for the first time in the Tour’s history. With a great venue, a fantastic climate and a significant prize fund, I am absolutely positive that this tournament will attract a first class field.”

Alexandra Armas with Mohamed Ali Alabbar, chairman of golf in DUBAI, the organizers and promoters of the Dubai Ladies Masters

Mohamed Ali Alabbar, chairman of ‘golf in DUBAI’ – also the promoters and organisers of the Dubai Desert Classic – added: “We are indeed delighted to be playing host to the first Dubai Ladies Masters which, I am sure, will prove to be a catalyst in encouraging and motivating more ladies to take to the game of golf.”

“The event, which will see a galaxy of superstars vying for honours, will further enhance our country’s profile as one of the top sought-after destinations by the world’s leading golfers.

“It’s not just the world's top professionals who regularly head to the lush fairways and greens of the emirate as year-round sunshine, superb five-star hospitality, luxurious accommodation and the golden sands of the Arabian Gulf add to this collection of world-class golf courses to make Dubai the 21st century destination of choice for many discerning golfers.

“We are looking forward to welcoming LET players at the Emirates Golf Club, recently voted as the best in the Middle East by the Business Traveller magazine for the fourth time in a row,” he added.

“At the club, also named among the top 100 outside the United States by the Golf Digest magazine, the traditions of Arabia are not restricted to the design of the clubhouse. The oldest tradition of all – Arabian hospitality -- is the foundation upon which the successful development and reputation of Emirates Golf Club has been built. For members and visitors alike, a welcome unmatched anywhere in the world, is guaranteed.

“We feel the Dubai Ladies Masters will open a new chapter in the nascent history of women’s golf in the UAE.”

Emirates Golf Club fact file

Opened: 1988
Designer: Karl Litten
Yardage: 7185
Par: 72
SSS: 74
Course Record Holder: Ernie Els 61
Fairways: Bermuda 419
Greens: Tifeagle
Dubai Desert Classic: 1989-90, 1992-98, 2001-06