This week sees the European PGA tour head to the Arabian Peninsular for three Middle Eastern tournaments, with the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship this week, Qatar next week followed by the the largest of the three, The Dubai Desert Classic. The Middle East is now a permanent fixture on the tour, and whilst the prize money in this weeks Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is only £171,000 it has still attracted 7 of the worlds 21 leading players.

Although this tournament's prize money appears not to be sufficient to draw Tiger Woods, he will be in attendance in the Dubai Desert Classic where the prize money tops $1 million.

 

The Times reports " They are building a mosque here that will be 10 times the size of the Taj Mahal. You might be able to say that they are building a sizeable section of future European Tours too, because to be in this part of the world is to be given a glimpse of how the European Tour might operate for several weeks of the year". The quality of the courses and the high level of effort that has gone in to creating world class facilities and venues is indicative of the determination of the Sheikhs to draw the highest level of sporting competitions to the region and in golf at least, provide levels of competition to rival the US PGA tour. Not bad considering this event was first staged only last year.

 

George O'Grady, executive director of the European Tour is confident that a run of a few weeks in the Middle East will be a powerful attraction for professional golfers.

 

This weeks event sees five of Europe's winning Ryder cup team in competition, including last years winner of the tournament, Chris DiMarco. Since the initial staging of the tournament last year, the course has been lengthened by a further 150 yards, with longer rough, narrower fairways and new tees and bunkers added. This is sure to present a serious challenge to the golfers, with none of the par fives now reachable in 2 strokes.

 

With further championship courses being developed throughout the Arabian Peninsular, and fast improving facilities, the region is set to become a haven for golfers and professionals seeking to take advantage of the excellent weather and facilities, and will firmly place the region on the map as a year round golfing destination attracting more and more visitors from all over the world