England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, considered by many as the next big thing in golf, will be the star attraction when the MENA Golf Tour moves to Al Badia Golf Club next week for the Shaikh Maktoum Dubai Open.
The 20-year-old Fitzpatrick, who decided to turn professional earlier this year at the Irish Open on the European Tour, was the top-ranked amateur in the world and shot to global fame when he became the first player since Bobby Jones in 1930 to win the low amateur medals for both the Open Championship and US Open.
At this year’s US Open in Pinehurst, he finished tied 48th, while he was tied 44th at last year’s Open Championship at Muirfield. He also played the 2014 Masters and came agonizingly close to making the cut, before missing by one shot.
Fitzpatrick also holds the distinction of being the first Englishman since 1911 to win the US Amateur – the USGA’s oldest trophy – at Brookline, Massachusetts, in 2013.
Fitzpatrick, who is also a ‘golf in DUBAi’ ambassador, was looking forward to his first competitive event in the Middle East.
“I am looking forward to competing on the MENA Golf Tour. It will be my first time on the tour, but I have heard a lot of good things about the tournaments and the city from my friends who are regulars there,” said the the Sheffield-born prodigy.
“I have a great respect for players on the MENA Golf Tour and their tremendous competitiveness. Being a ‘golf in DUBAi’ ambassador, a strong showing will be great. I’m practising really hard to make the most of this opportunity.
“For me, it’s about building on good rounds, until you get four in a row. Whatever the outcome, it will be an experience to savour.”
At the Shaikh Maktoum Dubai Open, which starts Monday, September 22, the Englishman will be up against an impressive international field, which includes the likes of defending champion Zane Scotland and Stephen Dodd, a three-time winner on the European Tour.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour, said: “Matt is one of the most exciting young talents in golf who has already achieved an extraordinary level of success during his short career.
“His stunning achievements as an amateur, in particular, show he has a very bright future. This is just the beginning of his professional career and I wish him the very best.”
