Tickets for the new-look Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship go on sale this week, as organisers tee-off their commitment to ensure the US$2.7 million PGA European Tour-backed event’s sixth showing is its most highly-anticipated to date, both on and off the course.
With three of the world’s top golfers already signed up and many more leading World Ranking entries expected before January, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the championship organiser, is confident the 2011 event – which has the largest prize purse of all Gulf Swing events - will smash previous attendance records.
“The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship has evolved in to a firm favourite among players in the game’s upper ranks; we will be unveiling the participation of several of golf’s biggest names in coming months which will be a major draw for local and international guests,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, ADTA.
“A tournament is only as strong as its field and, alongside our returning stars, local galleries can expect to see emerging players make their Middle East debuts in Abu Dhabi. The action, as always, will be compelling.”
To further boost crowd numbers, Al Sheikh revealed that the tournament’s sixth instalment at Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s National Course would feature a significantly enhanced Championship Village offering.
“The championship has grown each year and is now a major highlight on the international golfing scene. With the addition of HSBC as title sponsor, we are determined to continue enhancing all aspects of the event. We are fully committed to making the 2011 edition a season highlight, both for players and spectators.”
An early coup for organisers and fans alike, two players vying to become the world’s number one have already announced their involvement in the UAE capital showdown, which runs from 20-23rd January.
England’s Lee Westwood and Germany’s Martin Kaymer, a two-time Abu Dhabi winner, both have their eyes on
Tiger Woods’ long-held position as world number one. The title-chasing pair will be joined by England’s Paul Casey - another double National Course winner - in the race to lift the coveted Falcon Trophy and steal a march in the early-season hunt for rankings points.
Meanwhile, ADTA has issued a rallying call to UAE sports fans to get inside the championship’s ropes and experience the competition as volunteers.
With a variety of roles to be filled, from marshals and walking scorers, to scoreboard carriers and leader-board operators, volunteers can sign-up to enjoy unparalleled championship access, including the chance to shadow some of the world’s best players.
Jean Iggo, the championship’s chief marshal and herself a volunteer, says being part of the event is a great way to meet people and soak up the tournament.
“Volunteering gives you a chance to watch the world’s best golfers and be part of a major international sporting event. Many volunteers have been with us since the inaugural championship in 2006. They make friends through the scheme and then introduce their own friends to the programme; the rewards simply outweigh the work,” said Iggo.
In addition to receiving full training, participants enjoy a volunteer evening to network and learn more about the championship. Registering as a volunteer can be done easily by logging on to: www.abudhabihsbcgolfchampionship.com/volunteers.asp. The minimum age for volunteers is 16.
This year’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship will provide a wealth of world-class entertainment in what is regarded as one of the most spectator-friendly competitions on the PGA European Tour. From the expanded Championship Village, to events and facilities specially targeted to families, ADTA is committed to leveraging Abu Dhabi’s evolving status as a world-class golfing destination.
“We will introduce a number of new elements for this year’s championship which will engage, excite and entertain long after the final shot is played. We are designing the off-course action to complement that taking place on the National so fans can fully expect four, great days of golfing action,” added Al Sheikh.
Tickets for the Championship are AED 125 for a daily pass and AED 400 for a four-day pass. Preferential rates of AED 100 and AED 300, respectively, apply to UGA members. Children under-18 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Car parking is free during the Championship.
Tickets are available via the event’s official website: www.abudhabihsbcgolfchampionship.com, as well as online at www.timeouttickets.com and www.itptickets.com. Phone booking can be made through the ITP toll-free hotline 800 4669, or for international clients, +971 4 210 8943.
