Matchplay Championship Set for Grand Final at The Els Club

The Matchplay Championship, one of Europe’s largest amateur golf tournaments, will crown new winners this week as competitors from across the UK and Ireland return to world-renowned Els Club in Sports City, Dubai for the second successive year, The 3-day Grand Final showdown begins tomorrow running from the 7^th – 9^th May.

After entering the tournament for just £25 at www.matchplaychampionship.co.uk a diverse array of golfers will stake their claim for the title after booking their place in the field by virtue of their success in the Matchplay qualifying rounds and Regional Final last month at European Tour venue, The Marriott Forest of Arden in England.

The final is filmed for a Sky Sports TV production later in the year and offers some of the UK’s most avid golfers the opportunity to shine in front of a TV audience usually reserved for the world’s best players.

“We’re excited at our return to The Els Club, which is in immaculate condition again this year,” commented John Woosey, Managing Director of The JRW Group, which organises the Matchplay Championship. “We’ve got a great bunch of competitors this year and they’re being treated to some of the finest hospitality anywhere in the world. We’ve partnered with the Marriott Group once again, who have provided stunning accommodation at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel. This is a world-class destination and we’re delighted to be here.”

With almost 6,000 competitors originally teeing it up in the event, the finalists can be proud of their efforts in getting this far. In total 40 players will tee up this week, enjoying 7 night’s luxurious accommodation at the Courtyard Marriott and 3 rounds of competitive golf at the prestigious Els Club, designed by golfing legend Ernie Els. Remarkably, last years’ Men Pairs runners-up Chris Scott-Douglas and Mike Ankers from the Midlands have returned to the final and head-up a stellar field of competitive amateurs. A new Men’s Singles event was introduced for the first time this year with the inaugural champion due to be crowned on Wednesday.

First launched in 2003, the tournament has grown to become the biggest amateur event in the UK & Ireland. For further details on the Matchplay Championship or to enter the 2012/13 championship, visit www.matchplaychampionship.co.uk. For up to date tournament news live from the event follow us on Twitter @MatchplayUK and Facebook www.facebook.com/match10.