The European Challenge Tour's season finale, Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final hosted by Al Badia Golf Club, will host the R&A Rules School in November.
The three day School will take place from Monday, November 3 – Wednesday, November 5, with a social function at Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental hosted by the R&A.
Khaled Mubarak, Secretary-General of Emirates Golf Federation, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome The R&A to the UAE and the region for this important Rules School.
"With the game of golf developing at such a pace in the UAE and this part of the world, it is important to both showcase our activities and facilities as well as take the R&A’s advice and use their expert knowledge and experience to help us grow golf.”
Hosted by the Emirates Golf Federation The R&A Rules School will be attended by Christopher Hilton, Chairman of The R&A Rules of Golf Committee and R&A Assistant Directors-Rules, Shona McRae and Kevin Barker.
Hilton commented: “It is with great pleasure that we are returning to Dubai in November and to a region that is such a growth area of the game of golf. The R&A Level 2 Rules School is tailored to provide instruction on the Rules of Golf, as well as meeting the demands of those looking for tournament specific guidance.
"We look forward to welcoming delegates from all over the Middle East and the North African region, who have an interest in the Rules, and also to working with the Emirates Golf Federation on this occasion.”
Alain de Soultrait, Director of the European Challenge Tour, said: “We are delighted that The R&A will be hosting a seminar on the Rules of Golf during the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final hosted by Al Badia Golf Club.
"Not only is our crucial season finale supported by The R&A, but the Challenge Tour also has an inextricable link with the ruling body, one of which we are very proud. Throughout the season, R&A referees travel to many of our events, providing their unquestionable knowledge of the Rules of Golf and forming strong relationships with our players and staff.
"Therefore, it is fitting and very encouraging that The R&A will host a Rules of Golf School in Dubai during our prestigious Grand Final. It is news which will provide another boost as we all work for one common goal – to continue the growth of the game in this rapidly-developing golfing region.”
Nick Tarratt, Director of The European Tour International Office Dubai added: “In the ten years since Dubai first hosted The R&A Rules School, Dubai, the UAE and the Middle East has blossomed as a golf tourism destination and a European Tour hub, with an ever-growing number of world-class tournaments, and spectacular golf clubs, bringing the best players in the world to the region.
"Due to the expansion of the game in the region it is a farseeing initiative for the Emirates Golf Federation to invite The R&A to again hold this important Rules School, which will attract delegates and interested parties from the region and North Africa to attend.
"To stage the event during the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final hosted by Al Badia Golf Club is an appropriate gesture, particularly with the DP World Tour Championship, the final leg of The Race to Dubai, taking place just a few days later.”
James Shippey, Club Manager Al Badia Golf Club, added: “We are delighted to be hosting The R&A Rules School at Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental. It will be another key activity that will complement our hosting of the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final during the same week.
"To have some of the key personnel from the UAE and regional golf industry in attendance will certainly add some value and interest to the Challenge Tour Grand Final. We are looking forward to a busy and exciting week.”
The course involves both classroom work and on-course practical demonstrations role play sessions which is part of the three level stages of the R&A Rules School: Level 1 - Introductory Rules School; Level 2 - Rules School and Level 3 - Tournament Administrators and Referees. It will finish with a certificated examination recognised throughout the R&A’s jurisdiction as reflective of the delegate’s understanding of the Rules.
All UAE PGA professionals and golf professionals from the region, golf club officials, management, and also individuals interested in the Rules of Golf are encouraged to participate from both the Emirates Golf Federation and through the Arab Golf Federation.
For further information and registration forms contact Bindu Mohandas: bindu.mohandas@egfgolf.com. Entry fee for UAE based delegates will be Dhs 200 per person and overseas delegates will be USD 100 per person. A minimum of 40 and a maximum of 90 delegates can be allowed. Delegates will be taken on a first come first served basis.
