European Tour extends Race to Dubai campaign, raises end-of-season bonus

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The Race to Dubai has been extended through to the 2017 season, European Tour officials have announced.

Over the next three seasons, the Race to Dubai again will conclude with the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, which will carry with it an increased bonus pool of $5 million. In addition, at least one staging of the championship will be on the complex's Fire Course between 2014 and 2016 instead of on the Earth Course.

As a further symbol of the partnership between the European Tour and Jumeirah Golf Estates, the tour will establish an International Office within the new clubhouse, which will be operational by the staging of the 2014 tournament, as well as acquire a property within on the grounds of the residential communities.

''I've said many times that this is the perfect venue to finish our year. The climate is excellent, the facilities here are superb, and the welcome from everyone here in Dubai is simply outstanding,'' European Tour Chief Executive George O'Grady said of Jumeirah. ''They have rewarded us with an incredible growth of courses alongside the facilities they provide for all our players. The future of the Race to Dubai is exceptionally positive.''

''We are delighted to be extending the agreement for the European Tour's Race to Dubai and hosting the season's final event in Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates,'' said Jumeirah General Manager Yousuf Kazim. ''This partnership with the European Tour includes the hosting of the DP World Tour Championship as well as Jumeirah Golf Estates being part of the European Tour Properties family, including the recently opened European Tour Performance Institute (ETPI).

''We look forward to staging the championship on the Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates and showcasing it to the world of golf at least once in the three-year extension,'' he added. ''This long-term commitment mirrors the sustainable growth of Dubai and we are all very excited with this mutually beneficial partnership and where it is taking us.''

Every winner of the the Race to Dubai, which replaced the European Tour Order of Merit in 2009, also has become world No. 1 at some point as well. Those players are Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy.