Need inspiration to keep grinding away at your game on the range this summer? May we suggest a quick scroll through the official Race to Dubai standings.
Why? Well it’s nearly time for the 7th edition of the Luckiest Ball on Earth series where the eventual champion earns a spot in the Rolex-sponsored Pro Am ahead of the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE) from November 16-19.
Only the top-60 players earn a start in the European Tour’s $8 million season-ending event on Earth at JGE, ensuring the winner of the UAE amateur competition a play date with a recognised star on November 14. Perhaps even Spanish star Jon Rahm who is set to play the DP World Tour Championship for the first time after winning last week’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
The 2017 series will see 22 qualifying events held at 21 golf clubs with the winner of each qualifying for the Luckiest Ball on Earth grand final at JGE on October 22. Two members of the UAE National team will be granted special invites to the final leaving 24 players chasing the “Luckiest Ball”.
Here’s the schedule:
2017 Luckiest Ball on Earth Qualifying Events – Venues and Dates:
VENUE EMIRATE DATE
Dubai Creek Golf Club & Yacht Club Dubai Sept 2
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Abu Dhabi Sept 8
Abu Dhabi Golf Club Abu Dhabi Sept 8
Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club Sharjah Sept 8
Al Ghazal Golf Club Abu Dhabi Sept 15
Jumeirah Golf Estates Dubai Sept 15
Al Dhafra Golf Club Abu Dhabi Sept 15
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Abu Dhabi Sept 22
The Track Meydan Dubai Sept 23
Tower Links Golf Club Ras Al Khaimah Sept 23
Emirates Golf Club – Ladies Dubai Sept 25
Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Dubai Sept 28
Emirates Golf Club – Men Dubai Sept 29
Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club Sharjah Sept 29
The Address Montgomerie Dubai Dubai Oct 6
Al Hamra Golf Club Ras Al Khaimah Oct 6
Al Zorah Golf Club Ajman Oct 6
Arabian Ranches Golf Club Dubai Oct 6
Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & GC Al Ain Oct 6
Trump International Dubai Oct 6
Yas Links Abu Dhabi Oct 6
The Els Club Dubai Oct 7
Grand Final
Jumeirah Golf Estates Dubai Oct 22
Arabian Ranches Golf Club member Kevin Barrett (Northern Ireland) captured the inaugural Luckiest Ball on Earth competition in 2011. His reward was a tee-time with Ryder Cupper Edoardo Molinari.
Blanca Rivollier enjoyed a dream day at last year’s Rolex-sponsored DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am alongside Welshman Bradley Dredge
Italian Ornella Parigi (Saadiyat Beach GC) became the first female winner in 2012 and lined up with Australia’s Marcus Fraser. In 2013, former Dubai Creek Lady Captain Maureen Platt earned a place alongside Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen while in 2014 Dipesh Makwana came out on top against almost 1000 hopefuls to be teamed up with Race to Dubai runner-up Danny Willett. In 2015, Jairaj Gorsia (Meydan Golf) drew England’s James Morrison. Last year’s winner was another Saadiyat Beach Golf Club member, Blanca Rivollier, who played with Bradley Dredge (pictured).
You must be at least 18 and hold an official cub handicap recognised by the EGF (maximum 28 for men and 36 for ladies) to be eligible.
