With the Omega Dubai Desert Classic fast approaching, the sale of tickets has picked up pace ahead of the 26th edition of the European Tour event that gets under way at Emirates Golf Club from January 29 to February 1, 2015.

Featuring defending champion Stephen Gallacher, world number two Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood among other top-draws in a strong field, the tournament promises an absorbing fare at the Majlis course.

The tournament week begins with the Challenge Match, a nine-hole greensomes showpiece, which will see the marquee players deliver a master-class in wedge play at the Majlis course (back nine) of Emirates Golf Club on Tuesday, January 27.

The customary Wednesday Pro-Am will have a morning and afternoon draw, giving spectators a unique opportunity to see the top pros up close and personal in a relaxed atmosphere as they interact with their amateur playing partners.

‘Golf in DUBAi, the promoters and organisers at the event, are calling upon fans to buy tickets online by visiting the tournament web site www.dubaidesertclassic.com or www.golfindubai.org to avoid the usual last-minute rush.

Daily tickets for the four-day main competition, starting on January 29, are priced at Dh 175. A season pass, which provides access all week, including the Challenge Match and Pro Am day, is available for Dh 675.

Tickets to the Challenge Match and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic Pro-am on Wednesday, January 28, cost Dh 75 each.

Members of GOLF CITIZEN, the new golf reservation website launched by golf in DUBAi in 2011, have been offered a special 10 per cent discount on tickets. Golfers from around the world can register as a ‘GOLF CITIZEN’ for free and buy their tickets online.

All those aged 18 and under, will be allowed free entry to the course if they are accompanied by an adult who is holding a valid ticket for the day.

“With so many big names in the field, we expect a good turn out of fans on all tournament days,” said Mohamed Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAI.

“We have been fielding requests from a number of travel agencies, tour companies and golf fans around the world who want to visit Dubai and be part of the family atmosphere during the tournament,” he added.

A giant TV screen has been installed in the ‘Tournament Village’ for fans to keep up with the live action. Different food and beverage outlets, fun games for children and free golf clinics will further add to the carnival-like atmosphere at the village.

Various distributors of golf equipment and apparel will also display their wares at the exhibition halls, located near the village.

The Omega Dubai Desert Classic is backed by OMEGA as the title sponsor and Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC as sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Drydocks World & Maritime World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Jebel Ali Resorts and Hotels, Mercedes and wasl, while Dubai Duty Free, Neocasa Interiors and Motivate Publishing are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.