- Jutanugarn sisters join compatriot Atthaya Thitikul the current Order of Merit leader, victorious Solheim Cup skipper Catriona Matthew and Dame Laura Davies at UAE’s only Ladies European Tour event
- Emirates Golf Club set to welcome golf fans and leisure seekers for a festival atmosphere of sport, food trucks and music
Dubai, UAE: Superstar Thai sisters Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn will line up alongside compatriot Atthaya Thitikul, Europe’s victorious Solheim Cup skipper Catriona Matthew and English legend Dame Laura Davies in a star-studded field competing under the floodlights at the 15th Dubai Moonlight Classic presented by EGA – the only night tournament in world golf.
Former world number one Ariya, and elder sibling Moriya, currently 23rd and 34th, respectively, in The Rolex Rankings will take to the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club from October 27-29 alongside world No. 28 Thitikul, a two-time LET 2021 winner, Scottish star Matthew – a six-time LET career winner – and Davies, a four-time Major champion.
After Covid-19 safety precautions ensured the 2020 Dubai Moonlight Classic was played behind closed doors in a bio-secure bubble, the 2021 tournament returns with fans at the centre of action on- and off-course on the Thursday and Friday. In addition to free entry for all, a collaboration with Truckers UAE is set to provide spectators with a variety of culinary delights from the city’s vibrant local F&B scene, while golf taster sessions run by the Peter Cowen Academy will be available for all age groups and abilities, providing family fun under the floodlights.
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, said: “The Dubai Moonlight Classic presented by EGA is one of the most highly anticipated, inclusive events on Dubai’s social and sporting schedule. We look forward to welcoming fans on Thursday and Friday to a celebration of world-class sport, food, and entertainment set against the stunning Dubai Marina backdrop.
Golfing legend Davies, a seven-time LET Order of Merit winner and 20-time LPGA event champion, said: “It is always a pleasure to return to Dubai; the players love to come here and tackle the Faldo. The weather and conditions are perfect for golf, and the atmosphere is always excellent. Playing under floodlights is something unique and it gives the event an attractive dimension for new fans.”
Matthew, the first European captain to mastermind back-to-back Solheim Cup wins after orchestrating a thrilling 15-13 triumph at the Inverness Club in Ohio last month, said: “Dubai has always been a favourite destination for women’s golf and the city is a long-term supporter of the Ladies European Tour. Once again the strong field and the tournament will inspire more interest in the game with female audience – it would be great to see more young Arab girls playing the sport.”
The collaboration with Truckers UAE will bring eight of the UAE’s leading homegrown food trucks to Emirates Golf Club, including urban Mexican street food at La Patrona, fusion Maki rolls and Dim sum at Moshi, and Arabia-inspired street food at Shawarma Station.
About the Dubai Moonlight Classic present by EGA:
The Dubai Moonlight Classic presented by EGA will return to the spotlight on 27-29 October with some of the world’s best golfers returning to compete under the floodlights. With a slightly revamped format instore, the 15th edition will see a collaboration with Truckers UAE, providing spectators with a variety of culinary delights, showcasing the vibrant local F&B scene.
The event will be open to the public on the 28th and 29th October after 5pm. Attendance is free and there is no pre-registration required.
Previously the tournament has been won by some of the world’s leading female golfers including former 2020 Champion, Minjee Lee, four-time champion Shanshan Feng, two-time winner Annika Sorenstam and Alexis Thompson.
Tournament partners:
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the founding partner of the Dubai Moonlight Classic, is the world’s largest ‘premium aluminium’ producer and the biggest industrial company in the UAE outside oil and gas. EGA’s long term support for the tournament demonstrates their corporate commitment to the socio-economic development of the UAE as well as to promoting the country internationally.
Other partners include BMW, Emirates NBD, JA Resorts & Hotels, CNN, wasl,
Event Patrons include Arena, ARN, Motivate Media Group and The National
About the LET:
The LET inspires women and girls to pursue their passion and realise their potential through the game of golf. Our strong, energetic, proud and confident players are driven to compete at the highest level and lead by example. A diverse and multicultural membership of 325 professional golfers representing 38 countries, we are a global tour with roots in Europe. We aim to entertain and excite, but also to enhance health and quality of life, as a responsible, committed and respectful partner.
- Passionate – we are driven by a passion to perform to our full potential and get better every day. It’s not just about the money or the glory, but a true love for the game.
- Committed – we are fiercely committed to continuous improvement and recognise the grit that it takes to achieve long-term goals.
- Inspiring – our players are inspiring role models to follow and encourage others to pursue their own dreams.
The 2020 LET season is the 42nd series of golf tournaments since the professional tour was founded in 1978 and marks the first edition of the Race to Costa Del Sol. The LET Access Series is the official development tour of the LET, formed to give players an opportunity to compete and progress onto the LET and achieve their dreams in professional golf.
