The long hot summer is finally drawing to a close and that means the DHL Swing Against Cancer Golf Series is swinging back into action in a big way with the hotly anticipated return of the DSA Open at Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course on September 13.
Last year’s event, featuring Liverpool FC legend Gary McAllister, set the bar pretty high and anybody who was there will remember what a special occasion it was. But with a world-class headline sponsor in DSA Architects, as well as support from series sponsor DHL and a host of other premium sponsors including, Golf Superstore, WME, Prosperity, Crowngate, MMI, Movenpick, Technical Access Services, Integro Search and Afridi & Angell, the second edition is set to be even bigger and better. This year’s star attraction will be none other than former Man Utd, Leeds and England footballer Lee Sharpe, whose entertainment factor on the after-dinner speakers’ circuit is as renowned as his silky skills on the football pitch were.
Sharpie will be mingling with the golfers during the day – when he will also take part in a fun footgolf challenge – while guests at the evening event will be treated to a sportsmans’ dinner like no other where the former Red Devil will recount his days playing alongside the likes of Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, where he was one of the more frequent recipients of manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s infamous ‘hairdryer’ treatment. Around 86 golf places for the event and 100 dinner spaces for the event have already been sold at the time of going to press so the 2018 edition of the DSA Open already looks like being another day and night to remember. Worldwide Golf caught up with Steve Kelshaw, Managing Director of title sponsors DSA Architects, and a very accomplished golfer himself, to get his thoughts ahead of the big day.
Worldwide Golf: This is your second year supporting the DHL Swing Against Cancer Golf Series with the DSA Open. Last year’s event will hard to top, tell us what players and evening guests can expect?
Steve Kelshaw: You’re right, to top last year’s day would be some achievement. Firstly, we are back at a world class venue for sure, the course, hospitality and facilities at Emirates Golf Club are second to none in the region. We have a great guy supporting the event, in Lee Sharpe, playing with the guests and bringing his hilarious stories to the dinner. But all-in-all, we are looking to create the camaraderie and great spirit of giving that was so successful for us last year.
WWG: The guest of honour will be Lee Sharpe, and while not the club he’s most associated with, he did spend some time at a club close to your heart, didn’t he?
SK: Yes, although Lee’s from Dudley in the Midlands, he was very lucky that we adopted him in Yorkshire, the only way he got the papers signed was to play for the mighty whites, Leeds United!
WWG: How well do you know Sharpie and what will he bring to the table at the DSA Open?
SK: I’ve got to know Lee through golf, a sport that I know he loves to play. He is just one of the boys. He loves the banter, is extremely personable, always has a smile on his face and for sure will interact with the guys on the day to
make it special for all involved.
WWG: The series made a big splash last year and with Didi Hamman coming over for the DHL Open at JGE in May this year’s looks to be even bigger – how big do you think this series can grow?
SK: The current model that we use is one that I feel is tried, tested and successful. There should be potential to look at other regions within the Middle East – Oman and Saudi Arabia for sure. Both have great courses, stage European Tour events, so the golfing fraternity are out there and ready to participate.
WWG: Tell us about DSA Architects, what they do and why it’s important for them to be involved in initiatives such as the DHL Swing Against Cancer Golf Series?
SK: We take our corporate social responsibilities seriously at DSA. We need to give back as best we can. This day and charity is one that resonates with us and all the community here in Dubai, so to be a part of that is something that we are extremely proud of.
WWG: You’re something of a ‘Sport Billy’ yourself – we saw your skills at the footgolf challenge at last year’s DSA Open and you’re also not too shabby on the golf course – tell us about your own sporting background?
SK: Growing up next door to Elland Road gave me a passion for football at an early age. I was fortunate enough to be offered schoolboy forms for Leeds at the age of 15, but sadly when Mr Clough arrived at the club things didn’t quite work out for me. On the golfing front I managed to get my handicap down to single figures reasonably quickly and was fortunate enough to represent the Leeds Union over 100 times.
WWG: What do you play off now and are you confident you can give Sharpie a run for his money?
SK: Over here I play off 1 handicap, back home it may be more. I think Lee is like me now, not playing as much as you would like, and golf is certainly a game that you need to practice to maintain your level. But to answer your
question, I’d murder him!
WWG: There’s already something like 86 players already signed up for the DSA Open and 100 guests for dinner in the evening – what message would you give to anyone wishing to get involved either in the golf, the evening event, or both?
SK: Whether you’re a golfing or football fanatic, or just enjoy a good night out, there’s going to be something for everyone on what will be a fantastically enjoyable day, and all for a great cause. So, please get involved and support the day in any way possible. You won’t regret it!
To book your place in this fantastic event, please email [email protected].
Pricing:
EGF Members – AED 745
Non EGF Member – AED 795
EGC Members and Professionals – AED 395
(Packages inclusive of Golf, BBQ, 2 hours drinks + Celebrity Q&A)
Evening only: AED 350 or Table of 10 AED 3000 (Inclusive of BBQ, 2 hours drinks + Celebrity Q&A)
For more information head to www.swingagainstcancer.com
