After 32 years of shaping the face of UAE tournaments, Ganesh Mangathil gets an emotional send-off from world No. 2, who calls himself “very lucky” to present the farewell gift.
DUBAI: In a sport often defined by star players and major trophies, a poignant moment this week shifted the spotlight to a man who worked for decades behind the cameras. Ganesh Mangathil, the Indian expat who helped build the visual identity of UAE golf, received a surprise and emotional farewell from superstar Rory McIlroy as he retired after 32 years with Dubai Golf.
The touching scene, captured in a viral video by the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, shows the world No. 2 embracing a tearful Mangathil and personally handing him a silver dallah—a traditional Arabic coffee pot—as a long-service memento. “I was literally crying,” Mangathil told Khaleej Times. “Can you imagine one of the best players in the world waiting for you?”
A Friendship Spanning Eras
The bond between the four-time major champion and the tournament organizer dates back to McIlroy’s early teens. “I have known Rory since he was 14 or 15,” Mangathil said. In the video, McIlroy is heard saying he felt “very lucky” to present the award—a gesture that underscored the respect he holds for the veteran’s contributions.
The Man Who Framed the Fairways
Mangathil’s journey began unexpectedly in 1994, when a visit to Dubai led to a rapid job offer. Starting in finance, he soon pioneered the publishing and branding division, a role he held for 27 years. His team was the unseen force ensuring every sponsorship board, backdrop, and camera angle met broadcast perfection for flagship events like the Dubai Desert Classic.
“Putting up sponsorship boards on a golf course has a science,” he explained, noting the precise calculus of crowd visibility and brand exposure timed to the second. His dedication was legendary: he never took a sick day and often worked 5 a.m. to midnight, even cleaning mist-stained boards at dawn to maintain immaculate standards.
Memories of a Legacy
Beyond tournaments, Mangathil’s work extended to corporate events and tours across the GCC. Among his proudest moments was a golf cart tour with Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who later posed for a photo Mangathil cherishes.
Now retired, the man who made golf look flawless on screens worldwide has one simple wish: to finally watch the game as a fan. His dream is to attend the Augusta Masters and see Rory McIlroy play—without a single sponsorship board to worry about.
