McDowell backs Trumps call for Ryder Cup in Dubai

Joy Chakravarty 21:50 18/06/2014
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  • Calling Dubai the “spiritual headquarters of the European Tour”, 2010 US Open champion and one of the most influential figures in European golf, Graeme McDowell has supported what seemed like an outrageous plan of real estate tycoon Donald Trump in bringing the Ryder Cup to the emirates.

    The Ryder Cup star and world No22 McDowell, who is known as much for winning the 2010 edition for Europe at Celtic Manor by winning the all-important point against Hunter Mahan as he is for his exploits at Pebble Beach during the US Open, was glowing in his praise for Dubai.

    When asked during a pre-tournament conference at the Irish Open yesterday if he could foresee the biennial tournament between the USA and Europe taking place in Dubai, McDowell said: “When you say a Ryder Cup in Dubai, it sounds a little kind of crazy, but you know, when you look at what Dubai and the Middle East means to The European Tour, it would be a pretty amazing Ryder Cup venue, let’s be honest.

    “I don’t think the Americans would have a problem with it. They have got some amazing golf courses in Dubai and it would be a hell of a showcase for world golf.

    “Like I say, it is a crazy thought, but there’s no doubt Dubai is kind of the spiritual headquarters of the European Tour.

    “So I wouldn’t have a problem with the argument that it could be a potential Ryder Cup venue. That would be a fun place to have a Ryder Cup.”

    Trump, who is part of the Trump International golf course taking shape in Akoya by Damac in Dubailand area, had said last month during a visit to the golf course that he saw no reason why the Ryder Cup could not be held in Dubai, even though it is outside the geographical boundary of Europe.

    The UAE is host to three high-profile European Tour events, including the season-ending DP World Tour Championship apart from the much-admired Dubai Desert Classic and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at the beginning of the season. Dubai is also the host of European Challenge Tour’s season finale.

    The 2018 host venue has been finalized – Paris, France – and the earliest Dubai can host a Ryder Cup is 2022.

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