Dubai: Rising star Chelsea Pezzola will be showing off her precocious golf skills as she makes her maiden appearance in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters at Emirates Golf Club from December 7-10.
With tens of thousands of followers on Instagram, the 24-year-old Florida native aims to broaden the appeal of women’s golf among youngsters by bringing her huge social media fan base along for the ride.
“I want to help other women get into the game and that’s one of my major goals,” said the professional golfer, whose regal bearing and silky smooth swing has made her the latest poster girl of women’s golf.
“Golf is a game everyone should play because it teaches so many life lessons and gives you a chance to enjoy nature, travel and meet incredible people,” said Pezzola, who is looking forward to her first visit to Dubai.
“I am thrilled to participate in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters and explore the beautiful city I have heard so much about,” said Pezzola, who plies her trade on the LPGA’s Symetra Tour, Cactus Pro Tour and the Suncoast Ladies Tour.
“Golf is one of my greatest passions so I am excited to compete against so many talented athletes from across the globe while inspiring others to chase their dreams,” added Pezzola.
Introduced to golf by her step-father when she was just five, Pezzola’s natural talent lead her to the IMG Golf Academy and Missing Link Golf Academy in Florida where she honed her skill. Her talent was quickly recognised when she won the Most Valuable Player in 2006 in the regional golfing championships at age 14.
She represented the University of Michigan women’s team for four years before graduating with honours in 2014 and turning professional soon after receiving her degree in Business of Sport.
The atmosphere will be buzzing with anticipation when Pezzola joins another internet celebrity Paige Spirinac, Cheyenne Woods and other top stars from the Ladies European Tour at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.
Her participation will also provide a snapshot of a player whose objectives are to inspire creativity and innovation in the sport industry — allowing individuals to build relationships necessary to achieve their professional aspirations.
Mohammad Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, said: “It’s nice to see young, talented and media-savvy golfers bring new energy to the sport. There is definitely a buzz when they step on the course. In today’s digital-centric world, they have a role to play if we are to encourage youngsters to take the sport for healthy active lifestyles. I wish Chelsea the very best and hope she has an enjoyable stay in Dubai.”
The Omega Dubai Ladies Masters is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC as sponsor. The co-sponsors are CNN, Drydocks World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, JA Resorts and Hotels, Mercedes-Benz and wasl, while Dubai Duty Free, Neocasa Interiors and Motivate Publishing are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
