Dubai was the scene of yet another spectacular sporting challenge on Monday as five of the world’s top golfers took part in the DP World Tour Championship Atlantis Golf Challenge.

To celebrate the sport rolling into town ahead of the Dhs30million DP World Tour Championship, Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose, Martin Kaymer, David Howell and Lee Westwood took to the Royal Bridge Suite balcony of Atlantis, The Palm, in a bid to land a ball on a floating green pontoon, anchored off shore, in the Arabian Gulf.

With a 235-yard distance beyond the swimming pool and beach, and a 9m x 5m green, it was difficult, even for the pros. However, Englishman Westwood claimed victory with his effort which landed just four feet away from the flag. His prize was a five-night stay in the world famous ‘underwater suites’ at the hotel as well as dinner at the newly opened Chinese restaurant Yuan, and a dive in the Ambassador Lagoon.

Westwood said: “It was great fun. I like challenges like this at the start of a week and today’s one certainly focused the mind with such a small target in the lagoon. I was fortunate to get the right club – a seven iron – and I manage to catch it perfectly.

“Dubai is a special place for me. I’ve had a bit of success here and it’s great to be back for the DP World Tour Championship.”

The challenge attracted such interest that even Ian Poulter, who wasn’t taking part, wanted in, joining the referee on a barge to help decide the victor.

Stenson added: “I was delighted to welcome the guys into my humble home for the week! The shot itself was quite intimidating, especially getting straight out of bed onto my balcony to try to hit a six or seven iron to a tiny target. It was great fun, though.”

Now in its fifth consecutive year of partnership with Atlantis, The Palm, the DP World Tour Championship will take place from Thursday November 14 to Sunday November 17.