The prestigious golf event opened its doors to spectators for the first time as Formula One, football and tennis legends teamed up with tour professionals in a thrilling curtain-raiser.
DUBAI – Jumeirah Golf Estates hosted an impressive gathering of sporting royalty on Tuesday as legends from Formula One, football, and tennis graced the fairways for the DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am.
In a historic first for the tournament, fans were welcomed to watch the popular pre-tournament event, which featured four-time Formula One world champion Alain Prost, Dutch football great Ruud Gullit, and former tennis star Henri Leconte competing alongside DP World Tour professionals.
Prost, paired with English golfer Laurie Canter, expressed his enjoyment at returning to the Earth course. “I’ve got back into the game in the last few years since being invited by DP World to play in the Pro-Am for the first time in 2022,” said Prost. “Golf is always nice here – a great atmosphere and ambience.”
Gullit, playing off a five handicap alongside compatriot Joost Luiten, made his Pro-Am debut at the venue. “I’ve been here a lot of times watching the final day, but now to play it, it’s a totally different thing!” exclaimed the Euro 1988 winner. “I played well, I really did. Too many pars, but I made a couple of birdies, so I’m happy with that.”
The diverse sporting lineup also included former padel world number one Paquito Navarro, English cricketer Liam Livingstone, and Premier League footballer James Milner, bringing cross-sport excitement to the season-ending tournament’s opening festivities.
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