Gulf News

Boulden happy with changes in ladies golf

Playing with amateurs who could become sponsors can only be a good thing, she says

- BY ASHLEY HAMMOND Senior Reporter

Changing both Ladies European Tour golf events in the UAE to Pro Ams will help a ‘struggling’ sport, according to Welsh profession­al female golfer Amy Boulden.

Both the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic and the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open in Abu Dhabi have switched from their usual season-ending slots in November and December — skipping 2018 — to instead re-emerge from January 10-12 in Abu Dhabi and May 1-3 in Dubai.

Two events

The two events will also become three-round Pro Ams with Abu Dhabi being played the week before the men’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championsh­ip at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, and Dubai turning into a day-night tournament called the Moonlight Classic, played over the floodlit Faldo Course instead of the usual Majlis Course, at Emirates Golf Club.

There had been allowing amateurs fears that into these ■ tournament­s would decrease the prestige of profession­al events, but LET player Boulden welcomed the move. “The Ladies European Tour has been struggling so we need any event we can get,” she said on the sidelines of the recent David Leadbetter Academy launch at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa. “The UAE is probably a good place to have Pro Am formats because there’s so much money over here.

“For us, to get the chance to play with amateurs and business people, and for them to have the chance to watch us up close, may make them want to put some money into the event.

“Playing with amateurs who could possibly become sponsors can only be a good thing. The Scottish Open was a success. To try and get more sponsors would be a good idea.”

 ?? Virendra Saklani/Gulf News Archives ?? Almanaara, who won the Listed Garhoud Sprint in 2016, looks to be the one to beat in the race that has attracted a strong field of ten runners.
Virendra Saklani/Gulf News Archives Almanaara, who won the Listed Garhoud Sprint in 2016, looks to be the one to beat in the race that has attracted a strong field of ten runners.
 ?? Courtesy: Organiser ?? Amy Boulden
Courtesy: Organiser Amy Boulden

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