Abu Dhabi: As the world’s best players prepare to descend on Abu Dhabi Golf Club this January, 450 volunteers are being recruited to support the 2016 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship – the European Tour Desert Swing opener.
With volunteer applications now open, tournament owners Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and title partner HSBC are receiving strong expressions of interest from all ages within the UAE and further afield.
“Would-be volunteers are enticed by the opportunity to get up close with golf’s elite including Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler,” explained Ahmad Al Qubaisi, ADSC’s Director of Marketing and Communication. “This really is a memorable experience for golf fans and engages them with a community which shares great enthusiasm and friendship.”
Volunteer roles vary from marshalling and stewarding, to walking scorers, operating the leaderboards and measuring the lengths of the players’ tee shots for international television and tournament statistics.
And in line with ADSC’s drive to open sporting opportunities to the Emirati community, a significant cut of the expected 450 volunteers will be chosen from Abu Dhabi schools.
Al Qubaisi added: “It’s important the tournament becomes a solid platform from which to introduce more local people to sport and the game of golf, whilst also providing an invaluable team-working environment which is a highly transferable skill that volunteers can take back to both school and working life.”
Martin Baldock, the Championship’s Chief Marshall said the volunteer opportunities are eagerly sought after with people travelling far and wide to participate. “Each year, we see people from all over the world taking time off work to travel and participate. In recent years there’s been a significantly higher number of Emirati volunteers who have loved the experience – a sure indicator of how the game is growing in popularity amongst the local community,” Martin explained.
Volunteer registration is open online via the Championship’s official website (www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com).
Organisers have lined up an all-star cast for the January 21-24 tournament, with world number one Jordan Spieth, world number three Rory McIlroy, world number five Henrik Stenson, world number six Rickie Fowler, and three-time Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer all vying for the coveted Falcon Trophy.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is owned and presented by ADSC. Tickets and tailored packages are available via the event’s official website www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com at Dh50 for a daily pass and Dh150 for a four-day pass. Guests staying at any Abu Dhabi hotel over the Championship period enter free.
