The $20 million "Race to Dubai" golf season hs launched. The race starts at a waterlogged course at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, China. CNN's Justin Armsden reports in the video below that the players are mindful of the global economic woes. Times Online says Race to Dubai has drawn a lot of players to the European Tour.
That's Tiger Woods in the photograph discussing plans for his Dubai golf community called Tiger Woods Dubai with project director Abdulla Al Gurg. The site will include a 7,800 yard, par 72 championship-quality golf course called Al Ruwaya. The course - designed by Tiger himself - is said to include dramatic elevations, stunning water features and a challenging overall design. Dubai is already the stage for planned marvels such as a skyscraper with revolving floors and the world's tallest building.
Abdulla Al Gurg, Project Director, The Tiger Woods Dubai, says, "The Tiger Woods Dubai has become one of the most highly anticipated developments in the region. The project will stand testimony to our hard work and superior quality standards. Tiger Woods' name brings enormous value to the project and we are proud to share with him some of the key developments that have taken place since he reviewed the project during his last visit."
The press statement says Tiger himself has overseen all facets of the golf course.
Tiger Woods has overseen all facets of the golf course's design and development, contributing enormously to its distinct features. Through a choice of six tees and the careful use of topography, length, width, wind direction, hazard placement and contouring, Woods has created a unique series of holes that will test the mental toughness of a professional as much as their physical stamina, while rewarding only calculated risk taking.
Tiger Woods said: "I am proud of my partnership with Tatweer, which has excelled in developing The Tiger Woods Dubai project and bringing it to this advanced stage. With its remarkable commitment, Tatweer has demonstrated its capability to implement the project according to the scheduled timeframe.
"The master plan reflects the phenomenal dimension this project has taken since it was first conceived, and will serve to enhance its overall stature as one of the world's most ambitious developments. The design of Al Ruwaya will reflect what I truly love about golf and I hope, will prove to be a challenging and strategic course for players of all levels."
The press release also includes details about the places, mansions and luxury hotels that will be part of Tiger Woods Dubai.
Luxury residences at The Tiger Woods Dubai will include 22 palaces, 75 mansions, and 100 signature villas. All residences will be situated on large land areas: palaces (100,000 sq. ft), mansions (50,000 sq. ft), large villas (30,000 sq. ft) and will include cutting-edge home technology and exquisite landscaped gardens. While master guidelines have been carefully chosen to ensure that the entire community enjoys amenities of the highest standards of quality and consistency.
The 360,000 sq. feet luxury boutique hotel will include 90 suites and 14 bungalows in sizes varying from 1,600-9,500 sq. feet. The hotel will target top-tier clientele and boasts a 10,000 sq. feet swimming pool, as well as one of Dubai's most exquisite spas. The interiors of the hotel will be designed by renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab and reflect his personalized style that is defined by a fusion of simplicity, luxury and modernism.
In addition The Tiger Woods Dubai will also feature a Guy Savoy restaurant and an upscale retail area for residents, members, and guests.
It's sounds fabulous and it is sure to become a luxury destination. You can see a map of the Al-Ruwaya (which means "serenity") here on the official website.
