Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The eagerly awaited Luckiest Ball on Earth series returns to golf clubs across the UAE this week, with amateurs across the country vying for a ‘money can’t buy’ opportunity to play alongside some of the game’s biggest names in the star-studded DP World Tour Championship, Dubai Pro-Am.
First launched in 2011, the Luckiest Ball on Earth competition has proven a sure-fire hit with the UAE’s amateur golf scene, giving them the chance to rub shoulders with the likes of Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa at the fifth and final Rolex Series event of the season at Jumeirah Golf Estates, which takes place between November 17-20.
Qualifying tournaments will be held at 19 golf clubs across the UAE from September 3 – October 22, with the leading players from each event booking their spot at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Fire course for the Grand Final on November 5.
The annual competition is open to all golfers who hold an Official Club Handicap recognised by the EGF (maximum 28 for men and juniors and 36 for ladies).
“We are thrilled to offer this ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to local golfers across the United Arab Emirates,” said Tom Phillips, the DP World Tour’s Head of Middle East.
“We encourage golfers of all ages to get involved in this unique initiative that gives amateurs the chance to rub shoulders with their golfing idols at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
“We would also like to send our thanks to the 19 clubs involved and the Emirates Golf Federation who sanction this wonderful local golf initiative.”
After being crowned the leading man, woman, and junior at last year’s Luckiest Ball on Earth Grand Final, UAE golfers, Emanuele Galeppini, Teffy Bercero and Rory McGettigan were paired with this year’s Horizon Irish Open champion Adrian Meronk at the DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am.
“I can’t put it into words, I really didn’t expect to win and it’s a truly wonderful opportunity to play with one of the best players in the world,” said a triumphant Bercero last year.
This year’s DP World Tour Championship will feature one of the most exclusive fields in world golf with the top 50 players on the DP World Tour Rankings taking part at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Morikawa did the Dubai double last year, triumphing at the season-ending tournament while also becoming the first American to lift the Harry Vardon Trophy – given to the leading player on the DP World Tour Rankings in partnership with Rolex.