Ronan Keating tees off in the Dubai Invitational Pro-Am at Dubai Creek Resort. SUPPLIED

From sold-out concerts to world-class golf courses, Ronan Keating is proving that life after pop stardom can be just as thrilling. The Irish music icon and former Boyzone frontman recently traded his microphone for a golf club as he competed in the Dubai Invitational Pro-Am at Dubai Creek Resort, one of the city’s most scenic golf venues. Keating, who has sold more than 25 million records worldwide, is best known for global hits such as Life Is a Rollercoaster and When You Say Nothing at All. While music made him a household name, golf has long been his second passion. Now living in Dubai after relocating to the emirate a couple of years ago, Keating is a nine-handicap golfer and has been a familiar face on the Pro-Am circuit for more than three decades. He has also made multiple appearances at the prestigious Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. For Keating, the Dubai Invitational offered another chance to test his skills alongside elite professionals, including Race to Dubai leader Jayden Schaper. The South African golfer has been in top form, having secured back-to-back tournament victories in South Africa and Mauritius. “He’s a hell of a golfer,” Keating said of Schaper. “He’s so talented, hits the ball beautifully, and has a great head on his shoulders. You can tell he’s going to be something special.” Keating also shared how seamlessly golf fits into his Dubai lifestyle. “It’s great fun out there. The course is fantastic and the weather is beautiful in Dubai this time of year,” he said. “I dropped the kids to school this morning and then came down here for a round of golf.” Dubai’s reputation as a global golf destination has played a big role in Keating’s love for the city. Splitting his time between Dubai and Sydney, Australia, he says the variety and quality of courses in the UAE are hard to beat. “I love Emirates Golf Club, I love it here at the Creek, and there are so many great options like the Els Club and courses in Abu Dhabi,” he said. “If you’re into golf, there’s no better place to be.” The Dubai Invitational marks the opening event of the Race to Dubai International Swing. It runs alongside a three-day Pro-Am team competition, with Sunday reserved exclusively for professional players. The bi-annual event features 60 DP World Tour professionals and 60 amateur golfers. General admission tickets are free, giving fans the chance to watch world-class golf up close. For those seeking a premium experience, several ticket upgrades are available, including access to the Championship Chalet with five-star catering and prime views of the 18th green, as well as clubhouse hospitality options offering food, beverages, and live coverage. CAM/Expat Media
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