By Kent Gray
The Emirates Golf Federation’s (EGF) lofty, long-term goal is to produce an Emirati player capable of performing at golf’s highest level. The game’s regional governing body has clearly convinced DP World of its commendable vision.

The Dubai-headquartered, global ports operator has just renewed its partnership with the EGF, ensuring investment in grassroots programmes and talent development will continue into a fourth year.

Check out the video announcing the sponsorship extension which sees DP World’s global partnership with the European Tour channelled into a number of EGF programs:

European Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter, who recently inked a deal with DP World that will see him help the game development push, hailed the announcement.

Wanted to share some of the great work currently being done by DP World to grow golf in the UAE….This is something I am really proud to be a part of and I can’t wait to get over there in November to support some of the young golfers! #DPWTC @DPWorldUAE @EuropeanTour pic.twitter.com/5khs36FyCO

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) August 5, 2019

DP World’s support has seen more than 6,000 students from 22 schools have been exposed to “golf tasters” at eight clubs across five emirates as part of an EGF-Ministry of Education (MoE) initiative. More than 300 aspiring players have been provided with ongoing training and coaching.

“One of the main objectives of our golf platform is to encourage people from all over the country to get involved in the game,” said Daniel Van Otterdijk, DP World’s SVP Group Communications.

“We want to continue to inspire people, through both the DP World Tour Championship and these grassroots initiatives, to become more mindful of their own health and wellness. I’ve seen first hand how much impact our partnership with the EGF has. It is fantastic to watch children of all ages, abilities and genders out there playing and enjoying a sport that means so much to DP World.”

EGF Operations Manager Robert Fiala thanked DP World for its support which helps the governing body fund a development pathway including in-school golf tasters, weekly training lessons at golf clubs, a foundation squad with competition experience and a national squad which has sent players to events such as the Youth Olympics, Asian Games, World Amateur Team Championships as well as the Pan Arab and GCC Golf Championships.

“The EGF has not only introduced young players to the game, but it has enabled them to grow as people, learn important life skills and develop discipline and values. We are immensely proud of our programs and our people and we know that none of this would be possible without the support we get from DP World and our other strategic partners.”

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