Explainer: All you need to know about Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic

John McAuley provides the details on the upcoming day-night golf tournament

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USA's Cheyenne Woods during the first round
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Next week marks the introduction of a new addition to the UAE’s golf calendar, with the inaugural Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic. Here are the details.

Event:

Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic, May 1-3, Emirates Golf Club.

What is it:

Formerly known as the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, the new-look tournament has been switched from December to May, when it will create history by becoming the world’s first professional day-night golf tournament. The 54-hole, Pro-Am event will be played both during the day and under the new LED floodlights on the Faldo course. Part of the Ladies European Tour, it boasts the 56 leading players on the circuit, set to battle for a portion of the US$285,000 (Dh1.05 million) purse.

Who's playing:

American star Cheyenne Woods, Tiger Woods’ niece, was confirmed on Tuesday for the event. She is no stranger to the UAE having twice contested the Ladies Masters (tied-20th in 2014, tied-10th in 2016), and the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open in Abu Dhabi.

Woods will be joined by current LET money leader Marianne Skarpnord, former money lists winners Beth Allen and Becky Brewerton, and 2017 Solheim Cup teammates Florentyna Parker and Emily Kristine Pedersen.

Caroline Hedwall is the highest-ranked player in the field, at world No 133. Leona Maguire, the former world amateur No 1, will compete alongside her twin, Lisa. Popular Scot Carly Booth is also part of the field.

Past champions:

The tournament’s previous incarnation was won by many leading ladies, including two-time winner Annika Sorenstam, and four-time champion Shanshan Feng. Sorenstam won the first two events (2006/07), while Chinese former world No 1 Feng dominated from 2012-2016, missing out on the Dallah Trophy during that spell only in 2013.

American Lexi Thompson remains its youngest winner after her success in 2011. Compatriot Angel Yin, who captured the last Ladies Classic title in 2017, will not defend her crown.

Ticket info:

Entry is free for all three rounds. For more information, visit the tournament website www.omegadubaimoonlightclassic.com