A stunning payout of $2.5 million (Dh9.17m) for a hole-in-one will ratchet up the excitement levels to a new high when players tee it up at the 17th hole during the 25th edition of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club next week.
For the first time in the history of the longest-running European Tour event in the region, the hole-in-one incentive is offered to players on the drivable par-4 hole in addition to other attractive prizes for acing the 186-yard, par-3, 7th which carries an Omega watch and 190-yar par-3, 15th where a new Mercedes-Benz is at stake.
With an array of elite golfers, which includes the likes of world No1 Tiger Woods, European No1 Henrik Stenson and world No7 Rory McIlroy among other past champions joining the fray, there is a distinct possibility that someone will be laughing all the way to the bank.
Measuring 359 yards, the 17th hole is the second shortest par-4 on the Majlis course, after the 351- yard second hole.
The first player who aces the 17th either on Saturday or Sunday will receive the $2.5 million prize since the incentive is offered to only those players who make the halfway cut.
The hole will be shortened to about 325 yards in the final two rounds to add to the excitement.
