Pro-Am to open course

The Saadiyat Beach Classic, a celebrity Pro-Am, will formally open the Gary Player-designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in January - just three days after play closes at the fifth annual Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. With Player hosting the inaugural Classic, 18 teams, captained by either a professional, past or present, or a celebrity golf enthusiast, will line up for a shotgun start on a course widely expected to be unveiled as the 2011 venue for Abu Dhabi's sole European Tour event.

"[Abu Dhabi] is really making the world sit up and take notice and I am particularly proud of this golf course," said Player. With the Saadiyat Beach Classic falling on the same week as the Qatar Masters - the middle leg of the three-event Gulf Swing series - tournament organisers confirmed big name players yet to commit to the Doha showpiece, but who are playing in Abu Dhabi, may be approached. Elsewhere, two UAE golfers have the chance to win a place in the 2010 Augusta Masters as the inaugural Asian Amateur Championship tees off today at Mission Hills Golf Club, China.

Abdullah and Ahmed Al Musharrekh, both members of Dubai Creek Golf Club, are two of 120 amateur players from across the globe taking part who are looking to follow in the footsteps of Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods as amateur competitors in the 'Green Jacket' major. The golfers will also receive entry into the final qualifying round of the British Open. @Email:[e-mail]