Latest news with #DubaiDesertClassic
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tyrell Hatton faces fine for US PGA outburst as Vegas leads the pack
Tyrrell Hatton's love-hate relationship with his professional domain continues. The Englishman will inevitably be fined after a foul-mouthed tirade during his second round of the US PGA Championship was picked up on live television coverage. Hatton was within a shot of the lead when reaching the tee at the 18th, his 9th. Hatton's drive found a water hazard. What happened next was rather typical for a player prone to tempestuous moments on golf courses. The 33-year-old bawled out 'piece of shit' before adding a c-word insult, apparently towards his driver. Hatton's mood hardly improved as he slumped to a triple-bogey seven. Advertisement Related: US PGA Championship 2025: golf updates from second round – live 'It wasn't my finest moment on the course,' said Hatton of his outburst. 'I was running hot in that moment. I'm pretty good sometimes at saying the wrong thing.' The strange thing is Hatton's refusal to moderate his behaviour. Perhaps he thinks he does not need to. Maybe last year's move to LIV Golf has loosened his inhibitions even further. Rebel tour, rebel antics. At the Dubai Desert Classic in January, Hatton plunged a club right through a tee marker. By Sunday, Hatton was holding the trophy. Hatton was widely condemned for ranting, raving and club snapping at another Dubai event last November. He needs to tone it down a couple of notches, if simply on the basis of example-setting. He remains a fantastic player; there is no need for the histrionics. Advertisement Shane Lowry summoned his inner Hatton as he whacked the turf in anger on the 8th. Lowry had found a horrible lie on the fairway. 'Fuck this place,' added the 2019 Open champion for good measure. What an intemperate scene. Mud balls, a theme in this US PGA, have troubled Hatton, albeit to a lesser extent than that drive. 'You do your job off the tee, you hit a good shot then all of a sudden you are missing a green by 10 yards with an eight iron because there is mud on the ball,' Hatton said. 'It is a bit harsh and so inconsistent, it's not like the ball always does the same thing. I don't like the fact it is a bit of a wild guess. 'I was surprised it wasn't pick-up-and-place with how wet it was here on Wednesday. But it is the same for everyone.' Hatton's 73 left him at one under, seven shy of Jhonattan Vegas. The Venezuelan added a 70 to Thursday's 64. To portray this as strange would be huge understatement; Vegas has reached the age of 40 without posting a major top 10. He surely cannot keep up his form around Quail Hollow … can he? Advertisement The first meaningful sign of Vegas nerves arrived at the last, where he slumped to a double bogey, after three birdies on the back nine. Vegas enjoyed an outrageous piece of fortune on the 17th, where his wayward tee shot rebounded from a bunker rake and on to the green. Otherwise, it was 20 yards wide. Matthieu Pavon carded a superb 65 to move to minus six. Matt Fitzpatrick's welcome return to form continued, his 68 enough to equal Pavon's total. The Yorkshireman has rediscovered his touch in a fiendishly tough environment. Scottie Scheffler is in close proximity, naturally. Si Woo Kim blasted into contention with a hole in one at the 6th. Max Homa's 64 means a five-under aggregate at halfway. Bryson DeChambeau lurks with intent. The reigning US Open champion's 68 moved him to three under. DeChambeau's position would be even better but for a messy bogey at the 9th, his final hole. 'It is a great test,' said DeChambeau of this Charlotte venue. 'It was a weird day. I felt like I was playing good, just didn't get anything out of it. I got some weird breaks out there. That's what this golf course does to you. I've just got to have my putting a little more on and keep playing the way I am. I easily could be seven or eight under right now or I could be even par. I think a 65, 64 is out there. I almost shot it today and I definitely saw it out there, I just didn't accomplish it.' Advertisement It would be a surprise if DeChambeau is not part of the round four equation. Quail Hollow typically rewards those with the Californian's driving power. This is a major that has still to burst into song. Dustin Johnson comfortably missed the cut after rounds of 78 and 76. Cameron Smith's strange slide towards golfing oblivion continued with a third major early exit in a row. Justin Rose, who pushed Rory McIlroy so close at the Masters only last month, was a surprise departure at plus nine. Justin Thomas, who won the US PGA here in 2019, and Ludvig Åberg also found themselves on Friday evening planes out of Charlotte.
The National
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
World-conquering Rory McIlroy's rise from Dubai and a connection with Jumeirah Hotels
In the time since Rory McIlroy completed the career grand slam by winning the Masters, paeans have been written, and his place in the sport's pantheon assured. Some golf has even been played, too. Such has been the comedown after Augusta, it was easy to miss the fact that Justin Thomas had returned to the PGA Tour winner's circle on Sunday. McIlroy himself skipped last week's RBC Heritage event, taking his private jet to see his parents in Northern Ireland instead. If he stopped to have a look round Holywood while he was there, he might have noticed everyone was reveling in his achievement. Images of his smiling face adorned shop windows, and, for £1.20 a pop, he could have bought biscuits from the bakery with his face on the icing. McIlroy's epic Masters win felt like a communal experience. Everyone felt like they had a part share in the emotions of a player who has sat on the edge of greatness for the past 11 years. Clearly, his hometown in Northern Ireland has first dibs on him. But in Dubai, it feels like we have watched him grow in front of us, too. McIlroy first played the Dubai Desert Classic as a 16-year-old amateur on a sponsor's invite in 2006. That was the first tournament he won as a professional three years later, by which point he was wearing the branding of his Dubai-based sponsors, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts. Of the 44 professional titles he has won, seven have come in Dubai – a record four Desert Classics, and three DP World Tour Championships. He has also lifted the Race to Dubai trophy six times at Jumeirah Golf Estates. No wonder he replied, back in November, to a question about whether he would accept UAE citizenship, stating: 'I have never been offered it but if I were to be offered, I probably would take it. 'I lived here for four years,' McIlroy said back then. 'I was a resident. I love this part of the world. I always have.' It is fair to say his one-time home has a deep affinity for him, too. 'I think there is a very, very strong connection between Rory McIlroy and Dubai,' said Chris May, the chief executive of Dubai Golf. 'We are really lucky in this part of the world to see a lot of him, but we really shouldn't take him for granted. 'He has now proven himself to be one of the greats. He enjoys his time here, and hopefully that will continue for many years to come.' May points out McIlroy's association with the city predates him coming to play in the Classic aged 16. 'He had arrived at the academy building with three friends,' May recalls of a time when he was working as the general manager at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. 'All they wanted to do was go and play the par-3, and they were waiting for it to open. They went round and round and round and round again, just practising their short game and having fun. 'He was always a really nice, polite kid as an amateur, and he is a great ambassador for the game of golf. "I think Dubai can be very proud he has achieved something that was historic by becoming the sixth person to win all four majors.' May must be the envy of the majority of golf fans in that he was there to witness McIlroy's Masters' success in the flesh. He was part of a group of golf administrators from Dubai who travelled to Augusta as part of the planning for the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship. That tournament, which will be played at Emirates Golf Club in October, carried with it a place at the 2026 Masters and Open Championship for the winner. The delegation from Dubai were able to mix business with what must be the ultimate pleasure for golf aficionados by watching McIlroy make history. May, for example, was 20 yards away from where he hit his approach for the ages on the 15th hole in the final round. 'You just never knew who was going to win,' May said. 'It must have been amazing to watch it all unfold on TV, but there are no screens at Augusta. "But the atmosphere of the crowds was something I don't think I'll ever experience again.' Completing the career slam has meant plenty of scope for reflection on McIlroy's achievements to date. Revisiting his first two major wins – the 2011 US Open and 2012 PGA Championship – what was striking when viewed from Dubai was the logo on his shirt and cap. Jumeirah had never sponsored a golfer before. Alaister Murray, the company's chief financial officer and a single-handicap golfer, had long been aware of a young whizzkid from near where he was from, back in Northern Ireland. When Murray arrived at the company in 2002, McIlroy was already a scratch golfer, despite being barely a teenager. He recommended him to Jumeirah, and they became his sponsor on the day he turned professional in 2007. 'It was Alaister who thought it might be a good idea to sponsor this up-and-coming young amateur,' Gerald Lawless, who was Jumeirah's chief executive at the time, said. 'Alaister said Jumeirah should look to sponsor him under the brand, and I said, 'You're the CFO, I'm only the CEO. Go ahead and talk to them, and see what happens'.' By the time they parted in 2013, and McIlroy became a Nike athlete instead, he had become the best player in the world and was halfway to a career grand slam. 'It is very special the relationship we had with him over the five-year period he was sponsored by Jumeirah,' Lawless said. 'As a fellow Irish person, I was always very pleased that Rory was doing so well. He went from amateur to world No 1 in the five years he was associated with Jumeirah. 'That is quite an achievement for him, and quite a joyful thing for the sponsor, as you could imagine. We were naturally very proud of him. 'He was a real gentleman, and we always enjoyed his company when he was with us. I was very nervous watching him play because it means so much to see him winning. 'What he has now achieved is thoroughly deserved, and we have always felt very privileged to have been involved with him and to have known him.' Murray, who is now back living in Northern Ireland, said: 'He is a remarkable young man. 'He is grounded still, a testament to his upbringing, with great parents and a wonderful broader family circle. 'I can't speak highly enough of Rory and his close family. He is now a true legend in the golf and broader sporting world. It was never in doubt.' McIlroy, who returns to playing when he partners Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic on Thursday, has always inflated the gallery sizes whenever he has played in Dubai. And May thinks they will be amplified further following what happened at the Masters. 'I don't think, since the height of Tiger Woods' career, we have seen anyone close to him but Rory,' May said. 'When Rory plays next in Dubai, the crowds are definitely going to be very large, and will feature as many non-golf fans as golf fans.'
The National
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
World conquering Rory McIlroy's rise from Dubai and a special connection with Jumeirah Hotels
In the time since Rory McIlroy completed the career grand slam by winning the Masters, paeans have been written, and his place in the sport's pantheon assured. Some golf has even been played, too. Such has been the comedown after Augusta, it was easy to miss the fact that Justin Thomas had returned to the PGA Tour winner's circle on Sunday. McIlroy himself skipped last week's RBC Heritage event, taking his private jet to see his parents in Northern Ireland instead. If he stopped to have a look round Holywood while he was there, he might have noticed everyone was reveling in his achievement. Images of his smiling face adorned shop windows, and, for £1.20 a pop, he could have bought biscuits from the bakery with his face on the icing. McIlroy's epic Masters win felt like a communal experience. Everyone felt like they had a part share in the emotions of a player who has sat on the edge of greatness for the past 11 years. Clearly, his hometown in Northern Ireland has first dibs on him. But in Dubai, it feels like we have watched him grow in front of us, too. McIlroy first played the Dubai Desert Classic as a 16-year-old amateur on a sponsor's invite in 2006. That was the first tournament he won as a professional three years later, by which point he was wearing the branding of his Dubai-based sponsors, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts. Of the 44 professional titles he has won, seven have come in Dubai – a record four Desert Classics, and three DP World Tour Championships. He has also lifted the Race to Dubai trophy six times at Jumeirah Golf Estates. No wonder he replied, back in November, to a question about whether he would accept UAE citizenship, stating: 'I have never been offered it but if I were to be offered, I probably would take it. 'I lived here for four years,' McIlroy said back then. 'I was a resident. I love this part of the world. I always have.' It is fair to say his one-time home has a deep affinity for him, too. 'I think there is a very, very strong connection between Rory McIlroy and Dubai,' said Chris May, the chief executive of Dubai Golf. 'We are really lucky in this part of the world to see a lot of him, but we really shouldn't take him for granted. 'He has now proven himself to be one of the greats. He enjoys his time here, and hopefully that will continue for many years to come.' May points out McIlroy's association with the city predates him coming to play in the Classic aged 16. 'He had arrived at the academy building with three friends,' May recalls of a time when he was working as the general manager at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. 'All they wanted to do was go and play the par-3, and they were waiting for it to open. They went round and round and round and round again, just practising their short game and having fun. 'He was always a really nice, polite kid as an amateur, and he is a great ambassador for the game of golf. "I think Dubai can be very proud he has achieved something that was historic by becoming the sixth person to win all four majors.' May must be the envy of the majority of golf fans in that he was there to witness McIlroy's Masters' success in the flesh. He was part of a group of golf administrators from Dubai who travelled to Augusta as part of the planning for the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship. That tournament, which will be played at Emirates Golf Club in October, carried with it a place at the 2026 Masters and Open Championship for the winner. The delegation from Dubai were able to mix business with what must be the ultimate pleasure for golf aficionados by watching McIlroy make history. May, for example, was 20 yards away from where he hit his approach for the ages on the 15th hole in the final round. 'You just never knew who was going to win,' May said. 'It must have been amazing to watch it all unfold on TV, but there are no screens at Augusta. "But the atmosphere of the crowds was something I don't think I'll ever experience again.' Completing the career slam has meant plenty of scope for reflection on McIlroy's achievements to date. Revisiting his first two major wins – the 2011 US Open and 2012 PGA Championship – what was striking when viewed from Dubai was the logo on his shirt and cap. Jumeirah had never sponsored a golfer before. Alaister Murray, the company's chief financial officer and a single-handicap golfer, had long been aware of a young whizzkid from near where he was from, back in Northern Ireland. When Murray arrived at the company in 2002, McIlroy was already a scratch golfer, despite being barely a teenager. He recommended him to Jumeirah, and they became his sponsor on the day he turned professional in 2007. 'It was Alaister who thought it might be a good idea to sponsor this up-and-coming young amateur,' Gerald Lawless, who was Jumeirah's chief executive at the time, said. 'Alaister said Jumeirah should look to sponsor him under the brand, and I said, 'You're the CFO, I'm only the CEO. Go ahead and talk to them, and see what happens'.' By the time they parted in 2013, and McIlroy became a Nike athlete instead, he had become the best player in the world and was halfway to a career grand slam. 'It is very special the relationship we had with him over the five-year period he was sponsored by Jumeirah,' Lawless said. 'As a fellow Irish person, I was always very pleased that Rory was doing so well. He went from amateur to world No 1 in the five years he was associated with Jumeirah. 'That is quite an achievement for him, and quite a joyful thing for the sponsor, as you could imagine. We were naturally very proud of him. 'He was a real gentleman, and we always enjoyed his company when he was with us. I was very nervous watching him play because it means so much to see him winning. 'What he has now achieved is thoroughly deserved, and we have always felt very privileged to have been involved with him and to have known him.' Murray, who is now back living in Northern Ireland, said: 'He is a remarkable young man. 'He is grounded still, a testament to his upbringing, with great parents and a wonderful broader family circle. 'I can't speak highly enough of Rory and his close family. He is now a true legend in the golf and broader sporting world. It was never in doubt.' McIlroy, who returns to playing when he partners Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic on Thursday, has always inflated the gallery sizes whenever he has played in Dubai. And May thinks they will be amplified further following what happened at the Masters. 'I don't think, since the height of Tiger Woods' career, we have seen anyone close to him but Rory,' May said. 'When Rory plays next in Dubai, the crowds are definitely going to be very large, and will feature as many non-golf fans as golf fans.'
Khaleej Times
05-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How the Dubai World Cup boosts UAE tourism numbers
The Dubai World Cup, one of the emirate's biggest events in the calendar, continues to be a boon to the city's luxury tourism. From hotels to restaurants, the city comes alive for the world's richest race day that attracts people from across the UAE and the globe. 'The Dubai World Cup has significantly enhanced Dubai's global profile and bolstered its tourism sector. In 2011, the event recorded an unprecedented attendance of over 81,000 spectators at Meydan Grandstand, underscoring its immense popularity,' said Abhishek Dadlani, founder of Lushescapes. 'By 2015, Frank Gabriel Jr, vice-president of racing for the Dubai Racing Club, noted that the Dubai World Cup had contributed to a 30 per cent increase in tourism to the emirate.' Dadlani said the Dubai World Cup provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the emirate and dive into the rich history of equestrianism, which has become such a strong component of Emirati heritage and culture. 'At Lushescapes, we've seen a growing demand for unique, immersive experiences around elite global events, with the Dubai World Cup being one of them. Travellers today seek more than just a destination; they want meticulously curated journeys that combine luxury, exclusivity, and cultural depth,' he said. Sports tourism now plays a crucial role in Dubai's economy, with marquee events like the Dubai World Cup, DP World Tour Championship, Dubai Desert Classic and the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships driving significant international interest. 'These events attract high-spending visitors who contribute directly to various sectors, from luxury hotels seeing increased bookings for premium suites to high-end retail benefiting from race-day fashion and exclusive shopping experiences,' said Dadlani, who said visitors are looking for high-end, luxury experiences. 'The transportation sector also experiences a surge, with greater demand for private chauffeur services, luxury car rentals, and even helicopter transfers. Dubai's ability to host world-class sporting events has solidified its position as a premier destination for luxury sports tourism, ensuring that every major event delivers economic value across multiple industries.' While horse racing has long been associated with elite circles, the Dubai World Cup has evolved to attract a broader audience. International performances by artistes like Seal, Jennifer Lopez, and Kylie Minogue have further broadened its reach, making it a cultural event that draws a diverse crowd, from luxury travellers to casual spectators. 'While it remains a highlight for high-net-worth individuals, corporate guests, and racing enthusiasts, its appeal has expanded through world-class entertainment, fine dining experiences, and exclusive hospitality offerings,' said Dadlani. Far beyond the race day itself, the event spurs a whole wealth of travel experiences from visitors to the emirate. Reflecting the importance for tour operators, Arabian Adventures has curated a bespoke, five-night package of VIP experiences to cater to visitors. The 'Premium Guest Experience' includes access to a private suite for the race day overlooking the Home Straight turn for amazing views, with visitors enjoying premium beverages and food, and a premium Chauffeur Drive to the Meydan Racecourse to arrive at the headline race in style. Other VIP experiences include an evening dinner with a trainer and jockey, private tours of the Parade Ring and Meydan Stables, a night of premium desert dining at The Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience by Arabian Adventures, and a helicopter tour of Dubai. 'The Dubai World Cup is one of the city's most sought-after and glamorous annual sporting events. Interest in the Dubai World Cup is growing annually from a diverse range of markets. This year, we can see ticket and package sales from the UK, Europe, and the Far East,' said Anabela Radosevic, manager, sales and services at Arabian Adventures. 'We work closely with specialised travel trade partners focused on horse racing, from whom we can see an increase in both individual and group travel. Visiting the Dubai World Cup provides a unique insight into the city's luxury travel and events offering.' The event, according to Matthew Vlemmiks, leisure manager at dnata Travel, is also becoming more global as the number of international visitors is fast catching up with the domestic market. 'For the Dubai World Cup this year, we are seeing demand for tickets from a variety of markets, with a current split of 46 per cent of sales from international customers and 54 per cent for the UAE-based clients,' Vlemmiks said. Emirates Airline has been a pivotal player in bringing fans and competitors from around the world to the event, which has flourished from its humble beginnings in the 1990s at Nad Al Sheba. 'Since its inception in 1996, the Dubai World Cup (DWC) has played an instrumental role in establishing Dubai as a prominent destination in the sporting and horseracing world. Today, it ranks among the top five horse races globally and is a highlight of Dubai's annual social calendar,' said Adnan Kazim, Emirates' deputy president and chief commercial officer. He said Emirates, which has been a sponsor of the event for almost three decades, has flown hundreds of thousands of racegoers in addition to owners, specialists and suppliers, and not least, the highly prized horses. 'Over the years, the event has attracted millions of racing fans from across the world, drawing them to Dubai to experience everything our city has to offer,' Kazim said. 'It has had a significant impact on Dubai, helping position the city as a prime destination for world-class events.'
Khaleej Times
03-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How the Dubai World Cup boosts the UAE tourism numbers
The Dubai World Cup, one of the emirate's biggest events in the calendar, continues to be a boon to the city's luxury tourism. From hotels to restaurants, the city comes alive for the world's richest race day that attracts people from across the UAE and the globe. 'The Dubai World Cup has significantly enhanced Dubai's global profile and bolstered its tourism sector. In 2011, the event recorded an unprecedented attendance of over 81,000 spectators at Meydan Grandstand, underscoring its immense popularity,' said Abhishek Dadlani, founder of Lushescapes. 'By 2015, Frank Gabriel Jr, vice-president of racing for the Dubai Racing Club, noted that the Dubai World Cup had contributed to a 30 per cent increase in tourism to the emirate.' Dadlani said the Dubai World Cup provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the emirate and dive into the rich history of equestrianism, which has become such a strong component of Emirati heritage and culture. 'At Lushescapes, we've seen a growing demand for unique, immersive experiences around elite global events, with the Dubai World Cup being one of them. Travellers today seek more than just a destination; they want meticulously curated journeys that combine luxury, exclusivity, and cultural depth,' he said. Sports tourism now plays a crucial role in Dubai's economy, with marquee events like the Dubai World Cup, DP World Tour Championship, Dubai Desert Classic and the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships driving significant international interest. 'These events attract high-spending visitors who contribute directly to various sectors, from luxury hotels seeing increased bookings for premium suites to high-end retail benefiting from race-day fashion and exclusive shopping experiences,' said Dadlani, who said visitors are looking for high-end, luxury experiences. 'The transportation sector also experiences a surge, with greater demand for private chauffeur services, luxury car rentals, and even helicopter transfers. Dubai's ability to host world-class sporting events has solidified its position as a premier destination for luxury sports tourism, ensuring that every major event delivers economic value across multiple industries.' While horse racing has long been associated with elite circles, the Dubai World Cup has evolved to attract a broader audience. International performances by artistes like Seal, Jennifer Lopez, and Kylie Minogue have further broadened its reach, making it a cultural event that draws a diverse crowd, from luxury travellers to casual spectators. 'While it remains a highlight for high-net-worth individuals, corporate guests, and racing enthusiasts, its appeal has expanded through world-class entertainment, fine dining experiences, and exclusive hospitality offerings,' said Dadlani. Far beyond the race day itself, the event spurs a whole wealth of travel experiences from visitors to the emirate. Reflecting the importance for tour operators, Arabian Adventures has curated a bespoke, five-night package of VIP experiences to cater to visitors. The 'Premium Guest Experience' includes access to a private suite for the race day overlooking the Home Straight turn for amazing views, with visitors enjoying premium beverages and food, and a premium Chauffeur Drive to the Meydan Racecourse to arrive at the headline race in style. Other VIP experiences include an evening dinner with a trainer and jockey, private tours of the Parade Ring and Meydan Stables, a night of premium desert dining at The Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience by Arabian Adventures, and a helicopter tour of Dubai. 'The Dubai World Cup is one of the city's most sought-after and glamorous annual sporting events. Interest in the Dubai World Cup is growing annually from a diverse range of markets. This year, we can see ticket and package sales from the UK, Europe, and the Far East,' said Anabela Radosevic, manager, sales and services at Arabian Adventures. 'We work closely with specialised travel trade partners focused on horse racing, from whom we can see an increase in both individual and group travel. Visiting the Dubai World Cup provides a unique insight into the city's luxury travel and events offering.' The event, according to Matthew Vlemmiks, leisure manager at dnata Travel, is also becoming more global as the number of international visitors is fast catching up with the domestic market. 'For the Dubai World Cup this year, we are seeing demand for tickets from a variety of markets, with a current split of 46 per cent of sales from international customers and 54 per cent for the UAE-based clients,' Vlemmiks said. Emirates Airline has been a pivotal player in bringing fans and competitors from around the world to the event, which has flourished from its humble beginnings in the 1990s at Nad Al Sheba. 'Since its inception in 1996, the Dubai World Cup (DWC) has played an instrumental role in establishing Dubai as a prominent destination in the sporting and horseracing world. Today, it ranks among the top five horse races globally and is a highlight of Dubai's annual social calendar,' said Adnan Kazim, Emirates' deputy president and chief commercial officer. He said Emirates, which has been a sponsor of the event for almost three decades, has flown hundreds of thousands of racegoers in addition to owners, specialists and suppliers, and not least, the highly prized horses. 'Over the years, the event has attracted millions of racing fans from across the world, drawing them to Dubai to experience everything our city has to offer,' Kazim said. 'It has had a significant impact on Dubai, helping position the city as a prime destination for world-class events.'
