With the highly anticipated Ras Al Khaimah Championship just one week away, Al Hamra Golf Club is set for a week of electrifying sporting action while the fun-filled activities in the Championship Village are set to keep the whole family entertained when the third edition of the tournament gets underway from January 25-28.
This year’s field includes some of the greatest names to play the game in the form of three-time Major Champion Padraig Harrington and 2018 Ryder Cup winning Captain Thomas Bjørn, who have each won 15 DP World Tour titles over careers spanning three decades.
The duo will come up against a host of rising stars on the DP World Tour, with the likes of Yannik Paul, Jordan Smith, Alex Fitzpatrick, Tom McKibbin and Rasmus Højgaard, whose twin brother, Nicolai, won the inaugural edition in 2022, all bidding to etch their name onto the trophy.
“I like playing Al Hamra Golf Club, I’ve got some good memories from there,” said Højgaard, who finished in a share of sixth last season.
“Nicolai’s name is already on the trophy and I kind of want to add my name to it too. That would be a pretty cool thing, to be able to share a trophy together!”
Other confirmed stars include former Hero Dubai Desert Classic champions Stephen Gallacher and Rafa Cabrera Bello, 2014 Abu Dhabi Championship winner Pablo Larrazábal, all 20 Challenge Tour graduates and Japanese ace Keita Nakajima, who spent a record 87 weeks as No.1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and won the 2021 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Dubai Creek Resort before turning professional.
"We are thrilled to host the Ras Al Khaimah Championship once again,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
“This tournament not only highlights the exceptional talent in the world of golf but also underscores our commitment to promoting sports tourism. We're excited to offer players, visitors and residents an unforgettable experience, further cementing Ras Al Khaimah's reputation as a hub for major international sporting events."
Christopher Hewett, Senior Vice President of Hospitality at Al Hamra, added: "The Ras Al Khaimah Championship continues to stand out on the UAE's annual sports calendar. We are thrilled to welcome golf enthusiasts to Al Hamra Golf Club for an exciting competition and its accompanying festivities. Hosting such a prestigious global event not only showcases the accessibility of the sport but also underscores Al Hamra's legacy of providing unparalleled experiences in the Northern Emirates. We look forward to supporting spectators and visitors throughout the week-long occasion, confident that the club will uphold its world-class reputation.”
Before the action gets underway on January 25, tournament week will officially begin on January 22 when ten of the world’s leading golfers with a disability take on the Peter Harradine-designed track for the inaugural G4D (Golf for the Disabled) Tour @ Ras Al Khaimah Championship.
The event will be the G4D Tour’s first ever Net competition and will welcome an entire new field of players, with Kevin Delaney, Robin Rambo Singh, Philipp Ritzinger, Riccardo Bianciardi, Kevin Cassidy, Angelo Colussi, Iglin Grobbelaar, Kenji Motoki, Luisa Ceola and Michelle Lau set for their first starts.
Lau, who will be the first player to compete with autism spectrum disorder, is looking forward to her maiden outing and has praised the Tour for ensuring that female golfers with a disability are guaranteed two spots at each event across the season.
“I’m not saying I’m a role model in anyway, but if I can give someone else hope who is like me by either being autistic or is a female golfer but is a little bit worried about playing in a male dominated sport, that can only be a good thing,” said Lau.
“The innovation and the thinking that has gone into the format of the revamped G4D Tour has to be commended.”
Away from the thrilling action on the course, the tournament’s Championship Village boasts several kids activities, including singing princesses, a long putt challenge, face painting and balloon artist, while a plethora of delicious F&B from the UAE’s favourite food trucks will keep families well fed.
What’s more, following the conclusion of play each day, fans will be treated to live music by some of the best artists in the UAE, with Andy Hurley, The Joe Show, Junior Brown and Greg Pearson, who has supported the likes of George Ezra and Bastille, all set to perform on the clubhouse terrace after each round.
Fans can enjoy free general admission to the Ras Al Khaimah Championship and can register for tickets here. Spectators can also upgrade their experience with tickets available for the Championship Chalet, which overlooks the 18th green, from AED 900 or Clubhouse Terrace, from AED 160.
Those that are looking to make a night of it can take advantage of the recently launched Golf Getaway package, which includes a one-night stay at the Waldorf Astoria, Al Hamra Residence or Al Hamra Village in Ras Al Khaimah and a ticket to watch the golfing action in style from the luxurious surrounds of the Championship Chalet.
Prices start from just AED 1,095 per person and can be purchased by contacting the sales team on premium@europeantourgroup.com. Price based on a standard room with double occupancy on Thursday 25th January.
