Jordan Smith is relishing his return to Al Hamra Golf Club for the Ras Al Khaimah Championship from January 25-28, with the host venue holding a special place in his heart after a dramatic victory at the 2016 Ras Al Khaimah Golf Challenge.
The Englishman’s electrifying late surge on the back nine secured a second European Challenge Tour victory of the year, which helped him on his way to topping the season-long rankings and earning DP World Tour playing privileges for 2017.
“That victory feels like an age ago now,” said Smith, who birdied four of the final six holes during that memorable triumph.
“It was the second to last event on the schedule that season and the win gave me a real boost up the Challenge Tour Rankings, which led to me finishing the season as No.1.
“I remember it being a relaxed week and I played great over four rounds.”
Since that triumph, Smith’s career has been on an upward trajectory, winning two DP World Tour titles at the 2017 Porsche European Open and 2022 Portugal Masters and retaining his DP World Tour card each year by finishing no lower than 70th on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex.
As well as his triumph at Al Hamra Golf Club in 2016, Smith also boasts a runner up finish at the coastal venue after challenging Nicolai Højgaard for the title at the inaugural edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship in 2022.
With his impressive outings at those two events, Smith knows better than most what is required to be successful at the Peter Harradine-designed track.
“The course isn’t overly tricky, but I think a lot of people enjoy going there,” he said.
“Because you’ve got to hit driver off the tee quite often, I think it tests the guys who can drive it well. Pretty much every par-4 and par-5 you’ll be using the driver, so if you’re slightly longer than average and can hit it straight you can take advantage of the course, which I feel like I’ve done the last few times I’ve played there. Hopefully more of the same next week.”
Away from catching the likes of Smith, Padraig Harrington and Rasmus Højgaard in action, the tournament boasts a number of fun-filled activities in the Championship Village that make it the perfect family day out.
Singing princesses, a long putt challenge, face painting and balloon artist will keep the little ones entertained, while parents can enjoy some of the delicious F&B on offer and live music after every round from some of the UAE’s favourite artists.
Fans can enjoy free general admission to the Ras Al Khaimah Championship and can register for tickets here.
Spectators can also upgrade their experience with tickets available for the Championship Chalet, which overlooks the 18th green, from AED 900, or the Clubhouse Terrace, from AED 160.
