Wednesday, 31st January 2007 at 10:04 pm

Business trip, maybe some golf

Planning a trip to Dubai to sort out some business? Why not follow the example of two of the world’s leading businessmen, and take in a couple of rounds while you’re there - after all, the courses aren’t too bad, and it makes for a welcome distraction. Just ask Tiger Woods and Ernie Els…

Tiger has spent the build-up to the Dubai Desert Classic (where, as with half the tournaments he plays, he’s the defending champion) signing a very lucrative deal to play in at least four of the next five Dubai Desert Classics, in between paying a visit to the site of his maiden signature golf course, set to open in 2009. Money runs freely in Dubai, and never more so than when Tiger’s in town; getting onto the course on Thursday will provide a welcome respite for the world number one.

Ernie’s also been taking in a little business. As well as running rule over his various interests in the Gulf, he’s been proudly admiring the presence of plenty of (extremely expensive) Ernie Els wine in local restaurants. At around US$100 a pop retail in the States, it’ll be going for considerably more in Dubai restaurants, certainly; and so like Tiger, a missed cut this week won’t have his bank manager reaching for the phone.

Not that that’s likely, however - and if the organisers get their dream finish, it’ll be a final day skirmish between two high profile businessmen come Sunday. For either man, a winner’s cheque would complete a fair week’s work (don’t forget appearance fees); here’s hoping the winner is celebrating with a glass of his own wine.