Stars at the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic donated the first balls to DP World’s novel year-long collection.

SPONSORED CONTENT: At the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, DP World launched a campaign to support grassroots golf globally, transforming a 20-foot shipping container to collect used balls during the 2022 DP World Tour season and give them a second life.

With the help of its global network and end-to-end logistics, DP World will collect and transport golf balls from key locations on the Tour and re-distribute them to grassroots organisations.

DP World will deploy real-time tracking technology to the container, allowing golf fans to follow its journey between tournaments and contribute by donating their balls when the DP World Tour is in town.

To mark the occasion, Callaway Staff Professionals, including 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain, Thomas Bjørn, Marc Warren and Kiradech Aphibarnrat were challenged to chip the very first golf balls into the container at Emirates Golf Club.

Travelling through DP World’s global logistics infrastructure and network, the container will visit six DP World Tour events, including the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in September and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 17-20. 

Fans will be invited to donate used and unwanted golf balls, which will be redistributed to organisations that are championing golf from the grassroots up, to help grow the game globally.

The campaign also shines a light on how increasing popularity of the game and pandemic-induced supply chain challenges have impacted the sport industry, a challenge that DP World is uniquely positioned to solve.

Covid-19 has led to a surge in popularity for golf across the Middle East, putting pressure on supply chains struggling to keep up with demand. In the Middle East alone, trade in golf apparel is expected to surpass $45m by 2026, but a fall in production levels, driven by supply shortages, is significantly impacting imports.

Daniel van Otterdijk, Chief Communications Officer DP World

“Global supply chain disruptions triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to impact the import of sports and leisure equipment into the Middle East, including golf equipment,” said Daniel van Otterdijk, Chief Communications Officer DP World. 

“With our passion to support golf’s global ecosystem, combined with our world-leading logistics and supply chain solutions, DP World is perfectly positioned to alleviate this pressure and meet the rising popularity of golf.”  

Last year, DP World entered into a long-term title partnership to elevate the Tour in every way, grow the game of golf globally, and drive positive community impact. 

Through this partnership, DP World continues to play a central role in the golfing ecosystem, leveraging its global network and world-leading logistics and supply chain solutions to make the sport more accessible.

Guy Kinnings, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of the DP World Tour said: “Our partnership with DP World has gone from strength to strength over the past 11 years, with DP World becoming the new title partner of the European Tour group’s main Tour from this season. 

“We are delighted to see our partner use the might of its global logistics infrastructure to support the growing demand and popularity of the game of golf worldwide, and we also thank DP World Tour official partner Callaway for supporting this important initiative.”

Ian Poulter and Bernd Wiesberger also made the most of DP World’s unique facilities, taking part in a contest filmed at the company’s Jebel Ali port in Dubai, wrapping up a fantastic weekend for golf, both on and off the course.