The organizers of the Dubai Desert Classic tournament assured that the competition will be held next spring despite, asserted there will be no delay or cancellation of the event, despite the security concerns in the Gulf due to the US-led war against Afghanistan.
The Associated Press (AP) quoted sources at the European tour as saying that the event, which is scheduled to take place on March 7-10 at the Emirates Golf Club, had been considered in doubt due to tensions associated with US military action in Afghanistan.
But Dubai organizers visited European tour headquarters and provided assurances for the tournament to stay on the 2002 calendar, the AP said.
Mohamed Juma Bu Amim, the club's general manager stressed that Dubai is not at war with anyone and so its planning is well underway.
Bu Amim told the agency that "the Gulf is operating as normal, the courses are busy. As far as we're concerned, it's business as usual."
According to the news source, Ken Schofield, the tour's executive director, welcomed the assurances, saying the tour's weekly news letter that "this is particularly comforting as we look at this tournament as the centerpiece of our early season schedule." – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
