2013 Matchplay Championship hits the heights

The Matchplay Championship, the largest amateur tournament in the UK, has grown substantially in recent years – underlined by a recent announcement that will see next year’s tournament taken to even greater heights.

The world’s tallest dedicated hotel, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is the new host for the Matchplay Championship Grand Final in 2013, ensuring that forty amateur finalists will revel in the luxurious life of a Tour Professional.

Players will be whisked off to the Emirate to compete on the world-renowned championship course at The Els Club for an event that will be televised on Sky Sports, after beating stiff competition in local qualifiers and a Regional Final at European Tour venue, Marriott Forest of Arden.

With a choice of ten restaurants, four lounges and entertainment venues, plus a world class spa and health club, guests will enjoy the sheer luxury, scale and grandeur of the world’s tallest hotel just months after its official opening in 2012.

Commenting on the new partnership was JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai’s General Manager, Rupprecht Queitsch: “We are proud to become a partner of this internationally-recognised tournament that has become a highlight on the amateur golfing calendar and we look forward to ensuring that the 2013 Matchplay Championship is another feather in Dubai’s cap as a leading host of high-profile sports events.”

With thousands of players competing from all over the UK each year, the Matchplay Championship is one of Europe’s largest amateur golf tournaments.

Participation in this marquee amateur event is open to men and women with handicaps less than 28 and 36 respectively, who compete in Men’s singles, Men’s Pairs and Mixed Pairs, where knockout stages are followed by a better-ball stableford format in the Regional and Grand Finals.

This year’s closing date (30th June) is fast-approaching and with the 2013 Matchplay Championship set to be bigger and better than ever before, people are being urged to enter now to avoid the disappointment of missing out on the experience of a lifetime.

“We’re excited. Dubai is a fantastic host venue and has been for the past two years. We’re delighted to be returning next year just months after the hotel’s official grand opening,” commented John Woosey, Managing Director, Matchplay Championship. “Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the tournament and there’s no better place to celebrate than Dubai. The hospitality, quality of course and atmosphere of the Emirate is completely unrivalled.”