The Mercedes-Benz International Pro-Am makes its return to the Association’s schedule of tournaments, taking place from the 20th – 22nd January 2015 at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates.
Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, UAE
Web: www.aesgc.com
Located in the Oasis City of Al Ain, the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club offers more than a typical golf club which the UAE golfing residents can experience in other cities. The Golf Club at the AESGC is a social hub for everyone who likes to enjoy the atmosphere of a real Club.
In 2007 the AESGC opened giving the first grass golf course in the city with its 18 hole Championship Course offering a picturesque and challenging experience for all golfers and its floodlit back 9 allowing play long after the sun has set.
In addition to the Championship Course, a 9 hole par 3 Academy Course is also available and again like the back 9 on the Championship Course it is fully floodlit.
The Golf Clubhouse is home to the Palm Greens Restaurant, Palm Greens Sports Bar and also our fully stocked Golf Shop.
Address
Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club
P.O. Box 1671 Al Ain
United Arab Emirates
Web: www.aesgc.com
Email: info@aesgc.ae
Tel: +971 3 7684888
Fax: +971 3 7683331
Map
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz Cars is a grouping of the passenger car brands of Daimler AG, a range which includes some of the most valuable brands in the automotive industry. Have a closer look by visiting the other web sites below.
Abu Dhabi Sports Council
Web: www.adsc.ae
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) was created by Decree No. (16) of 2006 issued by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
ADSC’s role is to support and monitor sports clubs and sport institutions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and to supervise sporting events held in Abu Dhabi to make sure they comply with the international standards.
Vision
Use the culture of sport professionalism, as well as very well based systematic performance methods, to create sport-proactive environment that will help avail ample opportunities to develop sport and investment in Abu Dhabi.
Mission
To realise the integration between sports and the society in order to have a healthy and sportive community that will help achieve the plans, ambitions, and expectations of Abu Dhabi Government.
Eastern Motors LLC
Web: www.easternmotors.ae
Strategically located in Al Ain's flourishing business and industrial area, Eastern Motors is credited with the innovative concept for the region's first automotive mall.
With a complete range of passenger cars as well as commercial vehicles, Eastern Motors serves a highly diverse clientele, ranging from private and corporate clients to government and semi-government sectors. As the automotive arm of Al Fahim Group in Al Ain, Eastern Motors sustains an unbeatable level of excellent customer support and service.
Garry Houston - 2015 Mercedes-Benz International Pro-Am Winner
Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club
The Championship Golf Course offers a picturesque and challenging experience for all golfers. The professionally designed par 71 course measures 6858 yards from the black tees and 6281 from the blue tees.
For the less experienced golfer, other tee boxes are available offering a shorter layout while maintaining the many unique features and hazards of the course. Water hazards come into play on eleven holes with strategically placed bunkers and desert sand requiring careful shot placement throughout the course. GPS equipped power carts ensure accurate yardage measurement from all points on the course.
The back 9 is fully floodlit giving the opportunity to play golf long after the sun has set and also allows you to avoid the summer heat.
| Course Par | Total Length |
|---|---|
| 71 | 6,839m |
| Tee | Par | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 353 |
| 2 | 4 | 376 |
| 3 | 5 | 527 |
| 4 | 3 | 188 |
| 5 | 4 | 361 |
| 6 | 5 | 563 |
| 7 | 3 | 189 |
| 8 | 4 | 416 |
| 9 | 4 | 425 |
| Out | 36 | 3398 |
| 10 | 5 | 678 |
| 11 | 4 | 460 |
| 12 | 4 | 406 |
| 13 | 3 | 200 |
| 14 | 4 | 370 |
| 15 | 3 | 160 |
| 16 | 4 | 421 |
| 17 | 3 | 172 |
| 18 | 5 | 574 |
| IN | 35 | 3441 |
| Total | 71 | 6,839m |
Find the 2015 Mercedes-Benz International Pro-Am Competitor Information below or download the PDF here: Competitor Information.
9. Rulings and Doubt as to Procedure
10. Distance Measuring Devices
11. Bad Weather / Play foreshortened or Cancelled
1. Eligibility
Professionals
The “Mercedes-Benz International Pro-Am presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council” is open to all PGA Members and trainees as recognised by their respective National PGA. Any doubts as to eligibility will be decided by the Confederation of Professional Golf Board of Directors whose decision will be final.
2. Championship Itinerary
| Sunday 18th January | Arrivals & Cocktail Reception |
| Monday 19th January | Official Practice Day |
| Tuesday 20th January | Round 1 |
| Wednesday 21st January | Round 2 |
| Thursday 22nd January | Final Round & Award Ceremony Dinner |
| Friday 23rd January | Departures |
3. Registration
All Professionals are requested to register at the Championship Office. This must be done before 12.00hrs on Monday 19th January either in person at the Championship Office, by e-mail to jjhp@CPG.com, or by telephone using the Tournament Administration Telephone number: +44(0)7809 338919.
4. Conditions of Play
The event shall be played under The R&A Rules of Golf, the Tournament Regulations of the Confederation of Professional Golf, the 2014 Confederation of Professional Golf Conditions of Competition and the local rules for the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club as determined by the Confederation of Professional Golf Tournament Director.
A total of 34 teams (consisting of 1 Professional and 3 Amateurs) will compete over 54 holes stableford with the best two scores from the team of four to count on each hole.
Note: Each round will consist of 9 holes, players will play 2 rounds of 9 holes to make up 18 holes each day. Players will be allocated 2 tee times per day, the first tee time for their front 9 and a second tee time for their back 9 from their respective tee. The second tee time will be 3 hours after the first tee time and the rules of golf apply (Rule 6-3).
The handicap limit is 28 for men and 36 ladies with a ¾ allowance in the Pro-Am.
Amateurs are required to provide their exact handicap at the time of entry and will be asked to confirm their handicap at the registration desk of the event. Any amendments MUST be notified by 12.00hrs on Monday 19th January.
NOTE: All prizewinners will be required to provide current proof of handicap before their team is presented with their prizes.
The EGA slope system will apply to the tournament and each amateur will play from the applicable handicap.
NOTE: It is the amateur’s responsibility to ensure that the registration desk is made aware of their exact handicap and also the system that their handicap uses.
Any disputes regarding the interpretation of these Conditions of Competition will be settled by the Confederation of Professional Golf and in consultation with Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club and will be binding.
The Professional Prize Fund will be a total of €34,000 based on 34 Teams completing Pro-Am – Please note that all prize money will be subject to a Confederation of Professional Golf 5% Levy.
Prizes will be awarded to the leading five Pro-Am teams in the overall competition.
There will be daily Nearest the Pin prizes for amateurs only:
- Day 1 – Holes 7 and 17
- Day 2 – Holes 4 and 13
- Day 3 – Holes 7 and 15
5. Draws
The starting times for Round 1 and 2 of the Pro-Am tournament will be published on the noticeboards in the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club clubhouse (reception and Tournament Office) by 13.00hrs on Monday 19th January. Rounds 1 and 2 will be a two-tee start (1st and 10th).
The Round 3 starting times will be published on the noticeboards in the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club clubhouse following completion of Round 2. The order of play will be based on strict team score order. Round 3 will be a two-tee start (1st/10th).
6. Starting
All competitors are required to arrive at their starting tee 10 minutes prior to their start time. This is to allow the starter to provide pin positions, local rules and additional information to each player. This also ensures that all team members are present and able to start on time.
Professionals will play from the black tees, male amateurs will play from the blue tees, and lady amateurs will play from the red tees.
Important:
Missing team members including the PGA Professional may be subject to penalty if the team in question fails to meet the points highlighted in 20.1 of the PGA’s of Europe tournament Regulations.
7. Buggies
All competitors (Professional and Amateur) are permitted to ride in buggies for all rounds of the Pro-Am.
8. Recording of Scores
All scorecards must be returned to the recording area situated within the Tournament Office immediately following play.
9. Rulings and Doubt as to Procedure
There will be a Confederation of Professional Golf Rules Official available to deal with any rulings.
If, however, there is no Rules Official present the player may invoke Rule 3-3 (two ball rule). The player must nominate the ball with which he wants to score, should the rules permit, and report the facts to a Confederation of Professional Golf Official immediately at the conclusion of play. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
10. Distance Measuring Devices
As per Section B3 of the Confederation of Professional Golf Conditions of Competition, all competitors will be permitted to use distance-measuring devices provided they measure distance only. If a player has any doubt as to whether a device is conforming they should seek the advice of a Confederation of Professional Golf official.
11. Bad Weather / Play foreshortened or Cancelled
In the event of bad weather and an overall result not being possible, the overall result will be decided over completed rounds.
All players should make themselves aware of the Suspension of Play Policy, which can be found on the Confederation of Professional Golf Hard Card – Section B5. In all instances when there is a threat of lightning the player should put their own safety first and seek shelter as soon as possible.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances any decision shall be made by the Confederation of Professional Golf and, in consultation with Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting &Golf Club, be binding.
12. Official Functions
| Sunday 18th January | Cocktail Reception – Al Ain Rotana (Dress Code: Casual |
| Thursday 22nd January | Awards Ceremony Dinner – Al Ain Rotana (Dress Code: Smart Casual) |
13. Dress Regulations
Normal Golf clothing is to be worn at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club during the tournament or the equivalent after golf.
14. Officials and Contacts
| Tournament Director | Robert Moss |
| Tournament Administrator & Media | Jo-Jo Hamer-Philip |
| Tournament Referee | Andrew Snoddy |
| Tournament Administration Tel. | +44(0)7809 338919 |
| Tournament Administration Email | jjhp@CPG.com |
Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club Reception: +971 3 7026400