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Master Mickelson Sets Sights On Abu Dhabi |
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Reigning Green Jacket Holder to Make Mid East Debut in UAE CapitalReigning US Masters champion Phil Mickelson has confirmed he will make his Middle East debut at January’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. The news now means the championship, which, at US $2.7 million, offers the richest prize purse of the European Tour’s winter ‘Desert Swing’ series, has three of the world’s top four golfers signed up. England’s Lee Westwood, the new world number one, and defending champion, Martin Kaymer, the world number three, have already earmarked the emirate in their early-season schedules, while Paul Casey, a two-time Abu Dhabi winner and world number seven, will be back at Abu Dhabi’s National Course from January 20-23 chasing the coveted Falcon Trophy for a record third title. Yet it is Mickelson’s presence that will cause concern among the European ranks. One of the most celebrated and accomplished players of his generation; the left-handed Californian has led the rankings charge against Tiger Woods, the former world number one, in recent seasons. With a career total of 38 PGA Tour victories, including four Majors, Mickelson’s accurate hitting and smooth iron-play is well suited to the National Course and the 40-year-old, three-time Green Jacket winner will be a front-runner to become the first American to lift the Falcon Trophy since Chris DiMarco won the inaugural event in 2006. “The Arabian Gulf is now established as an important part of worldwide golf and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is a centrepiece of the sport in the region,” said Mickelson. “I understand the course and hospitality are among the best anywhere, so I’m really looking forward to my first trip out there.” With local galleries anticipating another tense shoot-out for the Abu Dhabi title in just over two months time, Mickelson revealed he is eager to use the event as a springboard to reignite his own pursuit of Westwood’s place at the head of the world rankings. “I know there is a lot of attention on the number one world ranking these days but, as I’ve said, if I focus on winning tournaments the ranking will take care of itself,” said the seven-time European Tour champion. “The last two winners in Abu Dhabi have done very well in the rankings and the strength of field here is obvious, so I’m looking forward to starting next season strongly at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.” With other leading players expected to join Mickelson, Westwood, Kaymer and Casey on the National Course entry list in coming weeks, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the championship organiser, believes the emirate’s rapidly developing credentials as a major international sports destination are delivering an increasingly impressive depth of championship field. “We have consistently targeted and attracted players of the highest calibre because we want our galleries to be exposed to the best the world has to offer,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, ADTA. “Players of Phil’s stature reserve their diaries for only the most prestigious tournaments, so his choice of Abu Dhabi for his regional debut is testament to the championship’s growing maturity. “This year sees our most impressive field yet to go alongside an exceptional prize fund. Golf fans attending the championship and those watching around the world will, once again, see a feast of the finest golf.” Last year, Mickelson won the WGC-HSBC Champions by one shot in Shanghai. In 2011, he hopes to mimic this success at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. “Phil has been a wonderful champion at the WGC-HSBC Champions but he’s also been a wonderful entertainer too,” said Giles Morgan, HSBC Group Head of Sponsorship. “He will bring to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, along with his great golf, an even better spectator experience. “He shows his appreciation to the fans, both out on the course but also around the clubhouse, where he is generous with his time and attention. He will play a significant role in assisting us help the UAE’s golf fans and sports fans in general enjoy their time at the tournament even more.” With designs on attracting the championship’s biggest ever spectator turnout, ADTA has promised a substantially expanded Championship Village with more ‘away from the course’ attractions, restaurants, cafes and competitions and fans able to find out more about the emirate’s expanding golf facilities. Abu Dhabi now boasts three world-class, championship-ready facilities – the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship takes the emirate’s name across the world to golfers who are able to book playing vacations through an increasing number of international and local tour operators who are packaging the sport in the emirate. 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. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is backed by a high-profile sponsorship line-up that also includes Etihad Airways, Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group, Emirates Palace hotel, Etisalat, TDIC, Airbus, Xerox, Rolex, CNN and Gulf News. More information can be found on the tournament’s new website abudhabihsbcgolfchampionship.com |
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