Dubai: Jeev Milkha Singh wants up-and-coming Indian golfers to take the MENA Tour route into professionalism when starting out on their careers.
The recently announced Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation-backed, four-stage, all UAE-hosted Tour, which runs from September 25 to October 19, is open to both professionals and amateurs from any part of the world, and according to Singh: "Offers a great opportunity for the players to establish their credentials on the global stage."
"The prize money ($225,000) is good, as is the incentive of playing in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic which is a popular stop on the European Tour schedule," said Singh as entries for the inaugural tour fill up.
"Golf is the fastest growing sport in India today, and the talent in our country is fantastic. We need to continue to support this game for players who are aiming to make a mark on the international circuit," said Singh, himself a three-time winner on the European Tour and Padma Shree awardee for services to Indian sport.
Singh added: "If we had the opportunity to play in so many world-class tournaments during my early career, India would have had a Major champion by now. But I promise that day is not far away. Integrating and getting more exposure for players on different tours is essential to continue to develop these talents at this most competitive level."
The first event will be held at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club from September 25 to 28 while the second and third event will be played from October 2 to 5 and October 9 to 12 at the Tower Links Golf in Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai's Al Badia Golf Club respectively before the tour reaches its climax with the ‘Tour Championship' to be held at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf from October 16 to 19.
The top three professionals and the leading amateur from the Order of Merit will receive special invitations to compete in the 2012 Omega Dubai Desert Classic and, possibly, other European Tour events in the region.
Interested players may visit the tour website, http://www.menagolftour.com, for more details and registration.
