By Matt Smith
The Luckiest Ball on Earth series returns to the UAE this week, with amateurs across the country vying for an opportunity to play alongside some of the game’s biggest names at the studded DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am.

First launched in 2011, the Luckiest Ball on Earth competition allows the UAE’s amateur golfers a chance to rub shoulders with the likes of Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa at the fifth and final Rolex Series event of the season at Jumeirah Golf Estates, which takes place between November 17-20.

Qualifying tournaments will be held at 19 golf clubs across the UAE from September 3 until October 22, with the leading players from each event booking their spot at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Fire course for the Grand Final on November 5.

The competition is open to all golfers who hold an Official Club Handicap recognised by the Emirates Golf Federation (maximum 28 for men and juniors and 36 for ladies).

“We are thrilled to offer this once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to local golfers across the United Arab Emirates,” said Tom Phillips, the DP World Tour’s Head of Middle East.

“We encourage golfers of all ages to get involved in this unique initiative that gives amateurs the chance to rub shoulders with their golfing idols at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

“We would also like to send our thanks to the 19 clubs involved and the Emirates Golf Federation who sanction this wonderful local golf initiative.”

After being crowned the leading man, woman, and junior at last year’s Luckiest Ball on Earth Grand Final, UAE golfers, Emanuele Galeppini, Teffy Bercero and Rory McGettigan were paired with this year’s Horizon Irish Open champion Adrian Meronk at the DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am.

This year’s DP World Tour Championship will feature one of the most exclusive fields in world golf with the top 50 players on the DP World Tour Rankings taking part at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Collin Morikawa did the Dubai double last year, triumphing at the season-ending tournament while also becoming the first American to lift the Harry Vardon Trophy — given to the leading player on the DP World Tour Rankings.

Golfers can contact their local club for more details on how to enter the Luckiest Ball on Earth series.

  • Here are the dates for each club
  • September 3: Arabian Ranches Golf Club
  • September 16: Al Dhanna Golf Club
  • September 18: Montgomerie Golf Club
  • September 18: Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club
  • September 24: Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
  • September 25: JA The Resort Golf Course
  • October 1: Yas Acres Golf and Country Club
  • October 1: Yas Links Golf Club
  • October 1/2: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
  • October 2: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
  • October 8: Trump International Golf Club, Dubai
  • October 9: The Els Club
  • October 9: Jumeirah Golf Estates
  • October 15: Tower Links Golf Club
  • October 15: Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club
  • October 15: Al Hamra Golf Club
  • October 16: Dubai Hills Golf Club
  • October 22: Abu Dhabi Golf Club
  • October 22: Emirates Golf Club

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