Special Features
Omega Dubai Ladies Masters
The Dubai Ladies Masters, now renamed as the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, has showcased players of calibre and reputation of Annika Sorenstam, Laura Davies, Karrie Webb, Gwaldys Nocera and Natalia Gulbis, making it the most popular ladies golf event of Dubai’s sporting calendar since its inception in 2006.Sorenstam, arguably the greatest woman player of all time, has left her indelible imprints, winning the first two editions of the event which also marks the end of the Ladies European Tour season. The 2008 edition of the tournament, promoted and organized by ’golf in DUBAi,’ was billed as the Annika Sorenstam Farewell Party, though it was Germany’s Anja Monke, who produced some solid golf to win the title by a clear three shots.
The ’Super Swede’, who dominated women’s golf with her trademark Scandinavian stoicism, bringing passion, inspiration and electricity to the game in a glorious career spanning over 15 years, had her moments to complete a hat-trick of titles in Dubai when she led by one stroke at half-way stage, but a three-over-par 75 on the penultimate day forced her to settle for a tie in the seventh place.
The result notwithstanding, it was the Annika Sorenstam week in Dubai, and it will be remembered for her inspiring presence and the dignified way she walked into the sunset — fittingly with a birdie putt.
"Dubai Salutes Annika Sorenstam, " a huge banner greeted the former world number one as she walked up the 18th hole after hitting her approach shot to about six feet from the pin. After acknowledging cheers from the packed galleries, Sorenstam calmly holed the birdie putt before raising her putter in the air and hugging her caddie of nine years, Terry McNamara. There were a few tears, but Sorenstam kept her composure.
There were tears of joy for Monke after she closed with a back-to-back 68 for a 13-under-par score of 275 to add the Dubai Ladies Masters title to her victory in the French Open last year. "It feels really good to win the Annika farewell tournament. I am sorry for her, but I played well and have every reason to celebrate the victory," said a wet Monke, after being splashed with water by her colleagues and accepting the first prize cheque for euro 75,000 from Shaikh Fahim Al Qasimi, president of the Emirates Golf Federation.
The tournament offers a great experience for spectators, sponsors and out-of-town guests wanting to see the best players in the world up close and personal. Dubai’s continued passion for golf is unquestioned, and we, at golf in DUBAi,’ welcome the backing of the golfing community as well as our loyal sponsors for what has already been established and for what we aim to achieve in the future.
The spectator experience at the tournament is priority number 1 for us. Come enjoy the great amenities on offer including food & beverage outlets, a putting competition, and a giant screen television that will allow you to stay fully up-to-date on all the golf action out on the course. A 3000 square foot merchandise shop offers licensed merchandise and other gifting memorabilia.
Email: info@golfindubai.org
