Emaar-MGF PGTI winner to play in Dubai Desert Classic

Bangalore, Dec 19 (UNI) Apart from the title and the prize money, winner of the Emaar-MGF PGTI tournament will have an added incentive of sharing the field with Tiger Woods in the forthcoming Dubai Desert Classic to be held at the Emirates Golf Club from February 1 to 4.

On the eve of the Emaar-MGF PGTI tournament, Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman of golf in DUBAI, said, ''The invitation to the winner of the tournament which we have been promoting on behalf of our partner Emaar is in recognition to the giant strides made by the Indian golf.

''Why we are doing this is because we want to encourage Indian golfers to come to the UAE and experience world-class golfing facilities in the country. Emaar and golf in DUBAI strongly feel about the Indian economy, which has been recording a tremendous growth and is the fastest growing market for the game of golf,'' he said.

''People are beginning to realize that golf is a big sport in India as they have three golfers in the top 200 in the world with Jeev ending a dramatic year at number 37 -- an amazing leap of 339 places,'' he added.

Ajai Gupta, the tour commissioner of Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), felt the invitation would provide a massive boost to Indian golf.

''I don't think the players competing in the Emaar-MGF tournament could have asked for a better incentive. It's a dream invite for any player,'' he said.

UNI XC AY DS1612