Leisurecorp
TypeInvestment company (Government-owned)
IndustrySports/Leisure Investments
Founded2006
Headquarters
Dubai
,
United Arab Emirates
Area served
Global
ProductsInvestment
ParentDubai World
Websitewww.leisurecorp.com

Leisurecorp, formerly Istithmar Leisure, is a subsidiary of Dubai World, established in 2006, that invests in sports and leisure facilities, with golf being a particular focus.[1]

Sites

Among the sites owned by Leisurecorp are PGA European Tour venues Pearl Valley Golf Estates in South Africa,[2][3] and Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. It bought the Turnberry Resort in Scotland in October 2008, which hosted the 2009 Open Championship,[1][4] and sold it to Donald Trump in April 2014.[5] Leisurecorp also has major shareholdings in Island Global Yachting, Troon Golf, GPS Industries, and Snowmass, Colorado.

History

In November 2007, Leisurecorp agreed a major partnership deal with the PGA European Tour.[6] The highlight of the deal saw the creation of the season ending Dubai World Championship, held annually on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.[7] The US$10 million prize fund makes it the world's richest golf tournament. In addition, the European Tour Order of Merit was rebranded as the Race to Dubai, with an additional US$10 million bonus fund, and the top 60 players qualifying for the season finale.

The PGA European Tour's International Headquarters were also moved to Jumeirah Golf Estates in 2009,[8] and from the 2010 season, the European Tour schedule will open and close at Leisurecorp venues, starting with the South African Open at Pearl Valley and finishing with the Dubai World Championship. There are also plans for the European Open, a regular tour event, to be moved and make Turnberry its permanent home,[9] although there are reports that this could affect the venues place on the Open Championship rota.[10]

Having developed this close relationship with the PGA European Tour, Leisurecorp hopes that in the future, it may be able to stage the Ryder Cup in Dubai.[11]

References

  1. 1 2 Walsh, Dominic (May 22, 2008). "Turnberry set for makeover after £55m sale". The Times. London. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  2. ↑ "Leisurecorp buys golf estate in South Africa". Gulf News. June 1, 2007. Archived from the original on July 8, 2012. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  3. ↑ "Dubai's Leisurecorp announces purchase of Pearl Valley Signature Golf Estate and Spa in South Africa". AME Info. June 3, 2007. Retrieved 2009-02-15.
  4. ↑ "Leisurecorp finalises Turnberry deal". AME Info. November 1, 2008. Retrieved 2009-02-15.
  5. ↑ "Donald Trump confirms Turnberry buy". BBC News. 2014-04-30. Retrieved 2020-04-29.
  6. ↑ "The European Tour Lands in Dubai". PGA European Tour. Nov 19, 2007. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  7. ↑ "Leisurecorp Unveils 'Most Challenging Mile' in Golf at Showpiece Course 'Earth'". Khaleej Times. Jan 28, 2009. Archived from the original on September 16, 2012. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  8. ↑ "The European Tour International Headquarters". PGA European Tour. Nov 19, 2007. Archived from the original on October 6, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  9. ↑ "European Open on course for Turnberry". The Scotsman. October 7, 2008. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  10. ↑ "Open threat to Turnberry owners". The Scotsman. November 4, 2008. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  11. ↑ Reason, Mark (Jan 29, 2009). "Ryder Cup Could be hosted in the Middle East". London: The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2009-02-17.



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