Europe’s historic moment... in China!

Today, November 6, 2008 will go down in golfing history as the landmark day when Dubai turned the world of professional golf upside down, shook it around and laid out a route map for the other major tours to follow.

Today is perhaps the most significant day in the history of the European Tour, and it is certainly on a par with others such as the decision in 1979 to allow European players to be included in the Ryder Cup for the first time or the decision in 1975 to appoint Ken Scholfield as the Executive Director – great decisions that have shaped the tour into what it is today.

Dubai has been renowned for its creativity and vision when it comes to putting itself in the spotlight. Every football, cricket, rugby, sailing fan, you name it – now knows that Emirates airline is the official airline of Dubai.

There is no question that when it comes to branding and marketing its brand – Dubai is at the top of the tree.

The Race to Dubai is just another fabulous initiative and is the brainchild of ex-Troon Golf veteran – David Spencer. In just a short few years, through hard work, creativity and determination he has catapulted himself into one of the most important figureheads of the golf industry on the planet – a truly marvellous achievement.

For me, what makes David’s achievement even more special is that he really does believe and care for the future of the game, Dubai and making a difference – that’s easy to see.

So, what does it mean for Dubai in real terms? Outside of the commercial realities of the arrangement between Jumeirah Golf Estates and the Tour, the exposure placed on Dubai and the golf, leisure and tourism industry will be immense.

The European Tour next year has lined up 53 tournaments across 27 countries all being televised and all promoting the Race to Dubai.

This deal will give the tourism industry a much-needed boost, especially in such uncertain economic times. For the golf industry it can only be positive.

Each and every golf facility will benefit from the increased levels of tourism. Airlines, hotels, shopping malls, restaurants will all benefit indirectly and ultimately the Dubai residents will see the benefit from the continued growth and health of the Dubai economy.

I for one will be watching the HSBC Champions Event taking place in Shesan, China this weekend. Seven of the top eight players in the world are present and had Tiger been fit, he would have no doubt been in attendance. Rising stars Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas will be present as will the majority of the European Ryder Cup Team, but they will all have to go some way to beat Phil Mickleson who is extra excited having learned to write his name in Chinese this week!

It’s a fabulous way to launch the Race to Dubai and no doubt the season will throw up some remarkable golf at some remarkable venues – perhaps none more than the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. It is rumoured to be the jewel in the European Tour’s crown – I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!