Greg Norman "Earth" course to host Dubai World Championship

The Greg Norman-designed Earth course is to host next year’s inaugural Dubai World Championship, the world’s richest golf tournament with a prize fund of $10 million.

Earth is one of four courses being developed at Jumeirah Golf Estates and one of two layouts being designed at the complex by former world number one Norman.

“As a golf course architect it is rewarding and challenging to know this course (Earth) will be hosting the Dubai World Championship,” said the twice former British Open champion in a statement on Monday.

“I’m proud to be part of such a significant event. “

Australian Norman, who is now based in Florida, said the final four holes of Earth would provide a spectacular finish.

“The entire course has a great balance but the finish will really stand out,” he said. “The last four holes will measure exactly a mile, 1,760 yards.

“I expect it will be considered one of the most challenging and exciting miles of golf. The ‘final four’ will comprise a short par-four, a long par-four, a great par-three and a medium to long par-five so a lot of things can happen on the home stretch.”

The inaugural Dubai World Championship, to be held in November 2009, will climax the new Race to Dubai, a season-long competition replacing the European Tour’s order of merit.