The fairways at Emirates Golf Club were graced by some big names on Wednesday - and that was discounting the actual golfers taking part in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic this week.
Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy was joined for the pro-am by pop star Niall Horan - he of One Direction fame, plus American social media star Paige Spiranac, who made her her professional golfing debut at the 2015 Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.
Horan is a decent golfer, playing off a single figure handicap which has no doubt been aided by some tips from close friend McIlroy, who finished third in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship just a few days ago. Horan previously caddied for McIlroy at the Par-3 Contest at the Augusta National in 2015.
The singer posed for pictures with fans and was in good spirits under the Dubai sunshine.
Arrived in Dubai. Really excited for the week with @OMEGAGolfDubai with @modestgolfoffcial... Thanks to @omega, make sure you register for your tickets for the week and come join us at the clinic Friday! https://t.co/KGscTgONYD pic.twitter.com/pldp0CZstK
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) January 23, 2018
Spiranac meanwhile will be the official starter for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic tournament which starts on Thursday - the first woman to take on the role.
The 24-year-old has 1.2 million followers on Instagram and she spoke to The National about cyber-bullying and helping to grow interest in golf. The full story can be read here.
Daily tickets for the four days of competition are priced at Dh175. A season pass, which provides access all week, is available for Dh500. Those aged 16 and under will be allowed free entry to the course if an adult who is holding a valid ticket for the day accompanies them.
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Read more:
Omega Dubai Desert Classic: All you need to know ahead of the 2018 tournament
American golfer Paige Spiranac: 'I was more naive when I first spoke out against cyber-bullying'
Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2018: Groups and tee times (UAE) - Round 1
