Iconic sporting names ready to clash in Icons Cup at Dubai Creek

Joy Chakravarty 03:49 22/04/2015
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Popular choice: Captains Darren Clarke (l) and Fred Couples.

    Two of the most admired professional golfers from both sides of the Atlantic – Fred Couples of the US and Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke – will lead a host of sporting celebrities when the inaugural Icons Cup is played at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club from today.

    The tournament, featuring some of the legendary names from a multitude of sports including football, baseball, rugby, American football, cricket and basketball, will be played in a Ryder Cup-style format between an American side led by Couples and a Rest of the World team headed by Clarke.

    A ‘pro-am’ today – even though there are just two professional golfers involved – kicks off the event. Tomorrow, morning foursomes will be followed by 12 singles matches, and on Friday, April 24, there will be 12 singles matches again.

    Both Couples and Clarke are major champions, with Clarke winning the Masters in 1992 and Clarke triumphing at the 2011 Open Championship.

    Couples is also the captain of the American Presidents Cup team, while Clarke will lead defending champions Europe in the Ryder Cup next year.

    Among the celebrities confirmed for Clarke’s team are football heroes Luis Figo, Robbie Fowler, Andriy Shevchenko, Dwight Yorke, Paul Ince, Kenny Dalglish, George Gregan, Brian O’Driscoll, Mike Tindall from rugby union and cricket legends Shane Warne, Brian Lara and Kapil Dev.

    Clarke, who was seen giving tips to various members of his team at Dubai Creek yesterday, said: “It will be really interesting to see how these great sportsmen react to the unique pressures of team golf.

    Collectively they’ve won scores of trophies, titles, medals and the like, but pushing them to find their top form on the course will be a fun challenge.”

    Couples’ American team will include boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya, NHL superstars Grant Fuhr, Brett Hull and Mike Modano, basketball star Ray Allen, surfing legend Kelly Slater; Tom Glavine and Ken Griffey Jr (baseball), Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson and Greg Maddux (American football)

    “I have participated in some truly remarkable sporting events in the past. While those experiences have been tremendous, the Icons Cup will be something new for me,” said Couples.

    The par-71 Dubai Creek course, with its unique mix of easy and tough holes, is sure to add to the drama.

    Fans can watch the action free of charge at Dubai Creek, but they will have to register on www.iconscup.com. Those registering can also reserve places for up to four additional guests.

    More details of the tournament will be revealed in a press conference scheduled today. The tournament is conceived, owned and produced by Worldwide Sports & Entertainment, Ltd. (WWSEL).

    Recommended