Golfers from the Ladies European Tour enjoyed an unforgettable Arabian experience ahead of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters as they went on a ‘Sundowner’ desert safari as a preview to the season-ending tournament.
LET rookies Maria Salinas of Peru and Virginia Espejo of Spain, Klara Spilkova from the Czech Republic and recent Access Series Order of Merit winner Mireia Prat left the hustle and bustle of the city behind as they took a thrilling journey through the sand dunes in 4×4 vehicles deep into the heart of the Dubai desert.
The tour, with Arabian Adventures, included a falconry show, camel riding and a feast under the stars in a traditional Bedouin-style camp. The players even had the opportunity to practice their bunker skills in possibly the world’s biggest sand trap.
Three of the players are competing in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters for the first time this week. Prat, in particular, feels that this is a reward for her excellent season on the 2013 LET Access Series. She said: “It’s my first time visiting the desert and it’s incredible to be here. I am really enjoying it.”
Salinas commented: “It’s even better than I expected. I’m really excited about the camel riding!”
Espejo particularly enjoyed the thrills and spills of the rollercoaster dune ride and added: “It’s completely different: a lot of sliding and it was a lot of fun.”
They are also expecting to have an enjoyable time on the Majlis course at the Emirates Golf Club this week, which is hosting the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters for the eighth consecutive year.
This prestigious tournament, held under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, brings together a stellar field of 108 competitors from 29 different countries and regions.
The 2013 season has been unforgettable on the Ladies European Tour with the highlight Europe’s first away victory in The Solheim Cup, where the team defeated the USA by a record 18-10 margin. The Omega Dubai Ladies Masters is the finale to the LET’s 2013 schedule which has seen the tour visit 23 different venues in 18 countries over five continents. Yet more drama and excitement will be produced this week as not only the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters champion is crowned, but also the leading rookie and players of the year.
