Positive response on opening day

Tim Brooks

• Last Updated: November 19. 2009 8:07PM UAE / November 19. 2009 4:07PM GMT

Spectators watch the action on the first day at the Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. Randi Sokoloff / The National

DUBAI // Close to seven thousand spectators attended the first day of the Dubai World Championship, the season finale of the European Tour with a total of US$15million (Dh55m) prize money on offer for the world's top 58 golfers.

The four day event at the Greg Norman-designed Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates is the 51st tournament of the Tour that is spread across 27 destinations in the world. While the players were sharpening their skill set, the organisers have been racing to prepare the course in time for their arrival.

Signs of construction still greeted the visitors today but there were no logistical problems as local fans mingled with visitors from across the world. An intensive campaign to publicise the venue along with direct access provided from Emirates Road ensured that the traffic mayhem, that has been the bane of some events in the past, was avoided.

The course itself drew some admiring first impressions. Juergen Stolz, 43, an Abu Dhabi resident from Germany, said that the facilities were excellent and that fears that it would not be completed have proved unfounded.

“I am very impressed that the course is complete and ready to play. The European Tour would not have confirmed it as a venue unless they were certain it would be ready. The tournament confirms Dubai as a leading golfing destination.”

Free tickets for those who register online on the competition's website has ensured a whopping 70,000 registrations drawn from over 50 countries with some traveling from as far afield as Brazil and New Zealand.

The organisers expect a total attendance for the tournament to be closer to 40,000, an impressive start for the tournament as well as a big boost for tourism despite the recent financial downturn.

Gary Steadman, 47, on holiday from England, said that the course was sensational, in spite of the ongoing construction at the development. “There is a great buzz around the place. The facilities are world class. People accept that the development as a whole is still under construction. It is part of being in Dubai, a city that is growing all the time.”

With a five-year commitment to host the tournament, the owners Leisurecorp hope that the first staging will see people become familiar with the location and layout.

Graeme Beggs, 18, a student from the Dubai British School on a class excursion, said that the free entry encouraged people to attend.

“The fact that there is no entry fee means that people new to golf will be tempted to come along for the experience. It is a very good idea and will also help boost tourism. There is a lot of entertainment provided here and a fun atmosphere even if you don’t follow the golf.”

Leisurecorp also hope the surrounding villas will also draw admiring glances from golf enthusiasts and otherwise.

A spokesperson for the company said that it provided the ultimate advert. “The exposure the tournament provides, both locally and internationally, offers us the promotional platform we have been waiting for. It is the ideal showcase.”

With golf club membership opening yesterday, local residents with Dh32,000 to spare can look forward to playing over the year at a course which is trying to carve a niche in the sporting world.

tbrooks@thenational.ae