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Dubai Desert Classic marks UAE's rise as a global golf hub: EGC Club Captain Andrade
For those fortunate enough to call Emirates Golf Club home, the excitement is palpable - and for Joseph Andrade, the moment is nothing short of extraordinary
- PUBLISHED: Tue 21 Jan 2025, 4:26 PM
In the heart of Dubai, the Emirates Golf Club buzzes with anticipation on the eve of the $9 million Hero Dubai Desert Classic - a glittering centrepiece of Middle Eastern golf where legends of the game have etched their names into history.
For those fortunate enough to call Emirates Golf Club home, the excitement is palpable - and for reigning Club Captain Joseph Andrade, the moment is nothing short of extraordinary.
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Amidst the buzz and excitement, Joseph stands tall and proud, reflecting on what it means to lead this storied institution at such a monumental time.
For Joseph, the Desert Classic is more than just a tournament. It represents the pinnacle of golf in the UAE, a showcase of world-class talent that has consistently attracted golfing giants like Fred Couples, Colin Montgomerie, Ernie Els, Sever Ballesteros and Tiger Woods, during their prime.
“It's an absolute honour to witness the world's best players competing on our course, knowing the whole golfing world is watching Dubai and Emirates Golf Club," Joseph remarked.. "It's a privilege not just for me, but for every member of the club,"
Joseph's golfing journey in Dubai began in 1995 when he joined the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, at a time when the sport was still growing in the region. He later became a member of Emirates Golf Club, where he has remained ever since.
In 2011, he served as the captain of Dubai Creek, and last year, was appointed captain at Emirates Golf Club. Remarkably, only two individuals have had the honour of holding the captaincy at both clubs - Joseph and the late Colm McLoughlin.
Reflecting on his nearly three-decade-long journey, he marvelled at how far golf in Dubai has come.
“When I first picked up a golf club, I couldn't have imagined being part of something this big,” he said. “Watching the sport evolve here and seeing Emirates Golf Club become a global icon has been nothing short of extraordinary.
As Club Captain, Joseph feels a profound responsibility to uphold the club's legacy, where modern ideals harmoniously blend with traditional values embodied in its iconic Bedouin-style clubhouse. He is committed to ensuring that members continue to take pride in belonging to such a distinguished institution.
“Being Club Captain during the Desert Classic is the highlight of my golfing journey,” he said. “It's a time when we, as members, come together not just to celebrate the sport but to showcase the best of Dubai's hospitality and our collective passion for golf.
“The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is a celebration of Dubai's rise as a global golf destination.”
For Joseph, it's also a personal milestone, a chance to reflect on a lifetime spent watching and contributing to the growth of the sport he loves.
“I'm feel humbled,” he said. “It's a reminder of how far we've come as a club, as a city, and as a golfing community. “
Reflecting on his favourite Desert Classic moment, Joseph said: “When Ernie Els won his third Dubai Desert Classic 2005. He hit his second shot out of the woods on the 18th hole before making an amazing 18-foot eagle putt on the final hole for a one-shot victory.
“That was such a special moment and a brilliant display of golf that I will always remember.”
As the world's best golfers prepare to tee off on Thursday, Joseph's pride in his role and his club shines brightly, embodying the spirit of Dubai's thriving golfing community and the legacy that it hopes to leave.