First Look: Ras al Khaimah Championship

The Middle Eastern swing continues this week with the third in a series of five events in the region.

With it, we welcome a completely new tournament to the DP World Tour as we look forward to the inaugural Ras al Khaimah Championship at the Al Hamra Golf Club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With the postponement of the Qatar Masters next week, we’re in the odd position of playing two consecutive tournaments at the same course. The Ras al Khaimah Classic will follow next week at the Al Hamra Golf Club as well.

After back-to-back Rolex Series event, this regular DP World Tour event is competing with both the Saudi Invitational and Pebble Beach for attention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Event History

There is no event history to speak of as this is a brand spanking new tournament.

However, there were some Challenge Tour events held here between 2016 and 2018 (the DP World Tour’s equivalent to the Korn Ferry Tour).

At those events were some familiar DP World Tour names atop the leaderboard. Adri Arnaus won the Challenge Tour Grand Final here in 2018, although Arnaus is not playing this week. Romain Langasque who finished 4th is, along with Grant Forrest who finished 10th.

In 2017 Adrian Meronk, who finished T4 last week in Dubai, lost out in a playoff and in 2016 this week’s second favourite Jordan Smith won before eventually joining the full DP World Tour. Jordan has already made an albatross in practice this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jordan Smith (@jordansmithgolf)

The Golf Course

Designed by Peter Harradine, this 7,325 yard par 72 is a coastal course with exposed fairways in a desert environment. In spite of that, there are a number of water hazards sprouted around the course.

There are five different tee options on each hole and multiple pin positions for the DP World Tour to choose. Each one will be needed as we tee it up for back to back weeks at the Al Hamra Golf Club.

Cover Image Via Instagram