The European Challenge Tour tees off at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah this Wednesday (October 25), finishing on Saturday, October 28.

The free-to-attend four-day tournament will play host to future stars of the game, while the wider Al Hamra Village community, just a one-hour drive from Dubai, will be buzzing with excitement, not just for golf lovers, but families as well with the opening of a giant Fan Village – which includes an Oktoberfest Garden.

Current champion Jordan Smith is unable to defend his title, having graduated to the European Tour ranks since his epic 2016 win at the inaugural RAK Golf Challenge. However, a 105-strong line-up of leading European Challenge Tour talents, mixed with local qualifiers and sponsors’ invites, are set to descend upon Al Hamra Golf for the penultimate event of the season.

Andrew Matthews, head of the Golf Club, said: “We have a very strong field ready to take on the Al Hamra course. But golfers must not be lulled into a false sense of security, this magnificent golf course is as brutal as it is beautiful. It will certainly provide a stiff test for even the most gifted players, guaranteeing what promises to be another thrilling competition for players and spectators alike.”

This year’s Ras Al Khaimah Golf Challenge will be a truly family affair, with free admission to a giant Fan Village, including bouncy castles, arts and crafts, face painting and sand art, as well as food trucks and live music entertainment. There will also be an Oktoberfest Garden where the chefs from Al Hamra’s Bay Sports Bar will be grilling German sausages and other delicacies on the BBQ, while three separate beverage stands will keep everyone well lubricated.

Benoy Kurien, general manager, Al Hamra Real Estate, said: “We want to introduce golf into a multicultural environment, bringing it to the wider community and making the event one for all ages to enjoy, with an array of activities for the kids and plenty to keep the adults entertained too.”

On the Friday night, once the last putt is holed, the action switches to Jebel Jais where there will be an open-air classical music concert, dubbed the UAE’s highest musical performance. Vivaldianno, City of Mirrors is a 3D spectacular light and music show featuring a live Czech orchestra at 1,600 metres. Tickets for the one-off performance start at Dh300 ($81.6) and are available through Virgin Tickets and Platinum List.
 
There will also be the opportunity for spectators and visitors to spend time in the other restaurants at Al Hamra Village: Ladies Night is on Thursday in the Bay Sports Bar, while there is a Fish & Chips night in Marina Muse, followed by a Boardwalk Brunch in Marina Muse on Friday.

Kurien added: “This is all part of promoting golf and our fantastic golf course to members of the local community, but we would also like to welcome everybody into the Al Hamra Village where they can experience all of our facilities, such as our Sailing Club and other entertainment venues and restaurants.”

The Fan Village will open from 4pm-10pm from Thursday through to Saturday. - TradeArabia News Service