RAK welcomes European golf stars

The European Challenge Tour tees off at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras al-Khaimah this Wednesday, finishing on Saturday, October 28th 2017.

The free-to-attend four-day tournament will play host to future stars of the game, while the wider Al Hamra Village community, just a one-hour drive from Dubai, will be buzzing with entertainment potential not just for golf lovers, but families as well with the opening of a giant Fan Village, which includes an Oktoberfest Garden.

Current champion Jordan Smith is unable to defend his title, having graduated to the European Tour ranks since his epic 2016 win at the inaugural RAK Golf Challenge. However, a 105-strong line-up of leading European Challenge Tour talents, mixed with local qualifiers and sponsors’ invites, are set to descend on Al Hamra Golf for the penultimate event of the season.

Andrew Matthews, Head of the Golf Club, said, "We have a very strong field ready to take on the Al Hamra course, but golfers must not be lulled into a false sense of security, this magnificent golf course is as brutal as it is beautiful. It will certainly provide a stiff test for even the most gifted players, guaranteeing what promises to be another thrilling competition for players and spectators alike."

This year’s Ras al-Khaimah Golf Challenge will be a grand family affair, with free admission to the giant Fan Village, with fun facilities including bouncy castles, arts and crafts, face painting and sand art, as well as food trucks and live music entertainment.

Benoy Kurien, General Manager, Al Hamra Real Estate, said, "We want to introduce golf into a multicultural environment, bringing it to the wider community and making the event one for all ages to enjoy, with an array of activities for the kids and plenty to keep the adults entertained too."

On the Friday night, once the last putt is holed, the action switches to Jebel Jais where there will be an open-air classical music concert, dubbed the UAE’s highest musical performance. Vivaldianno, City of Mirrors is a 3D spectacular light and music show featuring a live Czech orchestra performimg at 1,600 metres above sea-level. Tickets for the one-off performance start at AED300 and are available through Virgin Tickets and Platinum List.

There will also be the opportunity for spectators and visitors to spend time in the other restaurants at Al Hamra Village.

Kurien added, "This is all part of promoting golf and our fantastic golf course to members of the local community, but we would also like to welcome everybody into the Al Hamra Village where they can experience all of our facilities, such as our Sailing Club and other entertainment venues and restaurants."

The Fan Village will be open from 16:00 - 22:00 from Thursday to Saturday.