The OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic 2017 Kicked Off @ Dubai Emirates Golf Club - LIVE From Dubai

OMEGA Ambassador Sergio Garcia Tees off the 2017 Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai to get the 28^th edition of the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic underway last Thursday. The OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, a part of the European Tour, is one the top professional golfing tournaments in the Middle East and in recent years has risen to become a widely recognised and reputed tournament on the world circuit.

OMEGA title-sponsors the tournament for the eighth time as part of its strong commitment to supporting golf in the region. Many of the world’s best golfers, including OMEGA brand ambassador Sergio Garcia set to tee off at this year’s OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club.

OMEGA’s title sponsorship of leading golf tournaments has been a part of the luxury brand's dedication to upholding the elegance and mastery of the game of golf, while also helping to encourage its global growth and appeal.

OMEGA also announced its ongoing support for the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic. For more than 25 years, the tournament has been a celebration of golfing excellence and OMEGA is proud to have served as title sponsor since 2010.

Rory McIlroy, who has twice won the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, in 2009 and 2015, called the tournament "A real highlight in the golfing year" and thanked OMEGA for its ongoing support, not just for the event, but for the global game. "Sometimes I think the people at OMEGA are as passionate about golf as I am. While I am completely thrilled that they've decided to continue sponsoring this event, it comes as no surprise. OMEGA is deeply committed to promoting the game, not just here but all around the world".

Expanding on the sentiments of his fellow OMEGA ambassador, Spanish golf legend Sergio Garcia said "It's great to be here with my friends from OMEGA, who have done so much for the game internationally. I love the challenge of playing on this course and I know with OMEGA's support, the event is in good hands".

Along with its ongoing support for this key event on the golfing calendar, OMEGA has forged positive connections in the region as a watchmaker. The importance of the brand's Middle East presence, particularly in the vibrant business hub of Dubai, was articulated by Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Vice Chairman & CEO of "golf in DUBAI” who said "This city attracts people from all over the world looking for a unique and luxurious experience, so naturally, OMEGA is a perfect fit. The fact that OMEGA has chosen to continue sponsoring this event is further proof of its commitment to the region".

OMEGA President and CEO, Mr Raynald Aeschlimann said: “The OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic is like no other event on the golfing calendar. It's easy to see why top ranking golfers from all over the world are drawn to this beautiful course and this vibrant city. We know this event will go from strength to strength".

Along with the championship trophy and cheque, the winner of the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic 2017 will be presented with a luxurious OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Master Co-Axial. The watch is an elegant timepiece that embodies a visionary design and sophisticated air. It features an 18K red gold case, brown leather strap, and 18K red gold hands and indexes that are coated with white Super-LumiNova, so the watch is readable in all lighting conditions. The movement powering the Aqua Terra – the OMEGA Master Co-Axial calibre 8501 boasts reliability and precision, as well as the ability to resist strong magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss. Other stunning features include a lacquered dial decorated with the Aqua Terra’s renowned teak concept pattern, and a date window positioned at 3 o’clock.

The hole-in-one watch

Any golfer, who, with incredible precision and just a bit of luck, scores the first hole-in-one on the 7^th hole at the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, will be rewarded with an OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Master Co-Axial. The stunning wristwatch features an 18K red gold and stainless steel case and a brown leather strap. Equipped with OMEGA’s exclusive Master Co-Axial calibre 8500, it is water resistant to 15 bar (150 metres/500 feet).