The Race to Dubai a new season-long competition for the European Tour
The Race to Dubai is a US$10,000,000 season-long competition for the world’s leading golfers, which culminates in the world’s richest golf tournament, The Dubai World Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, UAE.
Players will be ranked according to their earnings from all events on The European Tour International Schedule, including all European Tour tournaments, the Major Championships and the World Golf Championships (WGC)s, ensuring the cream of world golf will qualify.
The number 1 to 60 players in The Race to Dubai at the conclusion of the previous tournament then compete in the season’s climax, the US$10,000,000 Dubai World Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Following this tournament, the season’s 15 top-ranked players by earnings share a Bonus Pool of US$10,000,000. The Number One player will receive US$2,000,000, the runner-up US$1,500,000 and the third-placed player US$1,000,000, with prizes down to the 15th player, who will earn US$250,000.
The winner of The Race to Dubai will receive a seven year European Tour Card exemption.
The Race to Dubai for the 2009 Dubai World Championship started in November 2008.
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said:
“The Race to Dubai will be a major boost for The European Tour. We feel the Bonus Pool will provide an extra incentive for the players and ignite interest for the fans throughout the season culminating in an exciting finale at The Dubai World Championship.
“With the combined prize funds of The Dubai World Championship and The Race to Dubai, we have the prospect of a player standing over a putt for US$3,666,660. All eyes will focus on Jumeirah Golf Estates at the end of the season.”
