THE Duke of Edinburgh Cup 2007 qualifying round is expected to raise nearly a quarter of a million dirhams for charity at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa on December 6.

The event is being held un

“It took us just 16 (phone) calls to rope in 14 clients as supporters of the event," beamed Mark Bettsworth, General Manager, Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa.

"This prompt and encouraging response is a testimony of the enthusiasm of the people in this part of the world to be associated with golf and charity. We are extremely happy about the immense support we are receiving,” he said.

This renowned charity golf tournament raises significant funds for good causes each year and is held under the patronage of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

The tournament, which will be the third qualifying event to be held in Dubai, has already raised over Dh220,000 through sponsorship, surpassing the amount raised on the previous two occasions – Dh210,000 and Dh195,000.

An auction, which will be held during the gala dinner event, will further boost the funds. Shaikh Ahmed himself has offered two tickets to Glasgow and two to Maldives while golf in Dubai has donated a wedge signed by Tiger Woods for the auction.

"With many attractive prizes up for grabs, we firmly believe the auction will be a great success," Bettsworth added.

The Duke of Edinburgh Cup is an annual international series of qualifying golf events of over 20 nations including United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Japan, South Africa, Portugal and United Arab Emirates.

"The Dubai qualifier will follow the individual stableford format and the winners of men's and ladies divisions will travel to The Wentworth Club in England to participate in the World Finals in October next year," said James Williams, director of golf at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa.

"The two qualifiers will also be invited to a Club Day at the Royal Household Course in the grounds of Windsor Castle," he said.

"Raising funds is the main goal of the tournament, yet the four-player teams at the qualifying round will be going all out for a wide range of prizes at stake," he added.
Sponsors of the tournament have been liberal in