Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of Nakheel, agreed to serve on The Environmental Institute for Golf advisory council. He will join nine other members to comprise the 10-person advisory council headed by Greg Norman.
Nakheel, a property developers and the promoter of Dubai’s prominent real-estate projects, launched a division dedicated to the development of golf in Dubai. Nakheel Golf, with Norman, began the development and design of four golf courses in Dubai focused on environmentally sound principles and practices.
“I completely agree with Greg’s point that the environment and its relationship to golf is the most important issue facing the game’s global development today,” Sultan bin Sulayem said. “I too share the same passion for the game and wish to continue to drive environmental advocacy in the UAE. As the future of Dubai continues to develop at a rapid pace, I am confident that this group of esteemed council members will provide invaluable direction in meeting our environmental golfing requirements for the future.”
The purpose of the advisory council is to provide guidance to the institute’s board of trustees in the areas of outreach, fundraising and strategic planning. The members were selected to the advisory council to enhance The institute’s ability to cultivate relationships with current and potential donors, as well as communicate the importance of the work conducted by the institute.
Other members of the advisory council are: Tom Crow, founder of Cobra Golf and a retired trustee for The Institute; Dana Garmany, chairman and c.e.o. of Troon Golf; R.D. Hubbard, owner of Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, Calif.; Paul C. Kanavos, chairman and c.e.o. of Flag Luxury Properties; Vernon A. Kelly Jr., president of PGA Tour Golf Course Properties; Owen G. Larkin, president of the Vineyard Golf Club in Edgartown, Mass., Jamie Ortiz-Patiño, owner of Valderrama Golf Club in Sotogrande, Spain; H. Thomas Webb III, senior vice president of residential development for Crescent Resources; and Frank Weed, c.o.o. of Medallist Developments.
“It gives me great pleasure to invite Sultan bin Sulayem on board with us – as a representative of the United Arab Emirates, and also, for his personal commitment, amazing foresight and visionary approach to developing this sport in one of the world’s emerging markets,” said Norman, chairman of the advisory council and c.e.o. of Great White Shark Enterprises and an Institute trustee.
The goal was to have 10 advisory council members by the end of the year and increase that number to 30 by the end of 2006. The advisory council will hold its first meeting Nov. 16 at The Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Fla.