Aaron Rai from England extended his winning momentum by guiding Team BMW AGMC 1 to triumph in the Rolex Morning Pro-Am at the DP World Tour Championship on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The event, a prelude to the $10 million season finale, featured 20 teams of four players each, with one professional and three amateurs, competing in the “Par is your Friend” format.
Rai, who ranks ninth in the Race to Dubai Rankings, joined forces with amateurs Sandeep Singh, Randeep Singh, and Satnam Kaur, achieving a remarkable 33-under-par score and clinching victory through a back-nine countback.
This win builds on Rai’s recent success at the $9 million Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links Abu Dhabi.
Football icon Ruud Gullit played in the Emirates 3 team, led by professional Joost Luiten. The team secured a mid-field finish, with Gullit winning the Nearest the Pin honor on hole 6.
“Joost is fantastic, I’ve known him for ages, so it’s lovely to see him here,” said Gullit, who plays with a handicap of five.
“This is my first time playing in the Rolex Pro-Am here. I’ve visited many times to watch the final day, but playing is a completely different experience! Are there enough bunkers here? Wow! I performed well, really. Too many pars, but I managed a few birdies, so I’m pleased.”
The afternoon Rolex Pro-Am victory was claimed by professional Jacques Kruyswijk (RSA), alongside amateurs Soyung Park, Alex Kovacs, and Moksh Parwani. Kruyswijk is currently 32nd in the Race to Dubai Rankings.
The amateur players earned their spots through the UAE Pro-Am Challenge, backed by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF). Competitors participated in events at UAE golf clubs recently, culminating in a Grand Final on the Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Winners received Rolex Pro-Am team prizes for top male, female, and junior players.
Kruyswijk and his team delivered an astounding 37-under-par round to seize victory, again decided by a last nine-hole countback.
