An impressive roster of sports icons gathered at Jumeirah Golf Estates for the DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am, marking the tournament’s first-ever open invitation for spectators to enjoy the popular kickoff event ahead of the season’s final week.
The occasion drew luminaries from Formula One, football, tennis, and padel, featuring four-time Formula One world champion Alain Prost, Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit, and former World No. 5 tennis star Henri Leconte among the noteworthy participants playing alongside DP World Tour professionals.
Prost, a familiar face on the greens in recent years, teamed up with DP World Tour pro Laurie Canter and expressed his excitement about returning to the Earth course.
“I played a lot of golf 30 years ago before taking a long break,” Prost shared. “I’ve rekindled my passion for the game over the past few years since DP World first invited me to the Pro-Am in 2022. I enjoy it immensely. Although I played poorly my first time here, I’ve improved significantly. Golf here is always enjoyable, with a fantastic atmosphere and ambiance.”
Gullit, the former AC Milan and Chelsea star who led the Netherlands to victory at UEFA Euro 1988, played alongside DP World Tour professional Joost Luiten and savored his inaugural Pro-Am experience at the venue.
“Joost is fantastic; I’ve known him for a long time, so it’s great to see him here,” said Gullit, who has a handicap of five.
“It’s my first time participating in the Pro-Am here. I’ve often watched the final day but playing is an entirely different experience! Are there enough bunkers? Wow!
“I played well, really well. Too many pars, but I managed a couple of birdies, so I’m satisfied with that.”
The Pro-Am lineup also included former World No. 1 padel player Paquito Navarro, who will compete in the Dubai Premier Padel later this week. Through a partnership with Dubai Premier Padel, attendees at the DP World Tour Championship can enjoy free padel lessons and activities during all four tournament days.
Navarro was joined by cricket star Liam Livingstone, Dubai-based World No. 35 tennis player Alexei Popyrin, and Premier League veteran James Milner, all bringing their competitive spirit to the pristine fairways of the Earth course.
