Tony Jacklin and Bernard Gallacher, two of Europe’s best known Ryder Cup captains, will be forced to tax their brilliant golfing mind once again when Titans Cup, the first-of-its-kind Ryder Cup format tournament is played between two of UAE’s powerhouse golf brands, Dubai Golf and Troon Golf.
The two-leg tournament, hosted by end-to-end property investment company IP Global, will tee off on March 2, with Jacklin leading Troon Golf and Gallacher captaining Dubai Golf.
Each team will also feature a ladies’ Vice-Captain and will be made up of Emirates Golf Federation Board Members, golf professionals, current and past club captains, as well as VIP guests.
The first leg of the two-part series will be hosted by Troon Golf’s Els Club on March 2, with the final stage scheduled to be held at Emirates Golf Club later from October 25-27.
Jacklin, a two-time major champion (1969 Open Championship and the 1970 US Open), is one of the most successful captains in the history of Ryder Cup, having won twice and tied once in four times he led Europe between 1983 and 1989.
The Englishman, who represented Great Britain, Great Britain & Ireland, and Europe in seven Ryder Cups, said: “The concept of the Titans Cup is the perfect precursor to the Ryder Cup event later this year. I am extremely excited to be a part of such a tournament and already looking forward to getting back onto the Dubai fairways.”
Gallacher led Europe in three editions from 1991, winning finally at Oak Hill in 1995 after losing two close battles at Kiawah and Belfry. The 1995 win was the start of the great European run in the tournament, after which they have won seven of nine editions.
On leading Dubai Golf in Titans Cup, Gallacher said: “Dubai is the perfect location for a tournament like this to be based. Two premier golfing brands, Troon Golf and Dubai Golf, going head to head is a mouth-watering prospect and will make for great viewing.”
Commenting on the event, David Miles, Senior Regional Marketing Manager, EMEA, IP Global said: “IP Global has been a strong supporter of UAE golf for nearly a decade and this year we have decided to create something completely unique by pinning the two powerhouses of UAE golf against each other in a friendly – but competitive – rivalry.
“We are tremendously excited to host the inaugural tournament. In addition, having Tony Jacklin and Bernard Gallacher, two of the best golf talents from their respective eras on board, will certainly make it an enjoyable experience in terms of watching, and playing.”
Mark Chapleski, Managing Director, Troon Golf, added: “We are delighted to be hosting the inaugural Titans Cup at The Els Club. I wish both teams the best of luck in this unique tournament and hope to see the Titans Cup become a landmark event on the UAE golfing calendar.”
As many as 50 players will be named in each team, and they will play Pairs Betterball Matchplay, with the winning pairs earning a point for their team.
The team with the most points after both the legs will be declared the winner.
