UAE's local pros to vie with the world's best in pro-am



Golfers from the 17 clubs in Emirates Golf Federation will compete for a spot in the pro-am tournament at the £10 million (Dh56.7m) Dubai World Championship.

Each club will hold a tournament to select their representative in a final competition on November 15, that will determine who gets to play alongside some of the world's best golfers in the pro-am ahead of the main event starting December 8.

Also qualifying for the final competition at the Earth Course will be the top three scorers in the national championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

"The response from the clubs has been incredibly supportive and we are delighted to have them all on board," Colin Smith, the European Tour director, said.

The pro-am will feature stars such as Luke Donald, the world No 1, Robert Karlsson, the 2010 winner, and 2011 major winners Charl Schwartzel (Masters), Rory McIlroy (US Open) and Darren Clarke (British Open).

It will be held on December 6, two days before the Race to Dubai concludes with the final event of the European Tour.

One other golfer will qualify for a chance at the pro-am: whoever finds a special "lucky ball" in the stacks of balls placed on the driving range before each club event. That golfer will be included in the field on November 15.

Tentative schedule of 2017/18 Ashes series

1st Test November 23-27, The Gabba, Brisbane

2nd Test December 2-6, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

3rd Test Dcember 14-18, Waca, Perth

4th Test December 26-30, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

5th Test January 4-8, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

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