Abu Dhabi: Former women’s golf world number two, Paula Creamer, is to attend the Desert Swing curtain-raiser — the 2016 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship between January 21-24 — as an HSBC ambassador.
The American Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) star, member of six Solheim Cup teams throughout her career, will spend her time in the capital with championship visitors of all ages and backgrounds, passing on the techniques which have helped her clinch 10 LPGA Tour titles and 97 top-10 finishes.
Creamer is no stranger to HSBC’s golf championships, having won the 2014 Women’s Championship in Singapore in spectacular fashion, making a 75-foot putt for eagle to win in a sudden-death playoff. According to organisers, it is that incredible range of skills which will be of benefit to the general public attending the marquee event at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
“I’m really excited to be heading to Abu Dhabi for the first time, and I’m sure it will be a great experience for me and the fans of the sport,” Creamer said ahead of next week’s event. “2016 is a landmark year for golf, especially with the Olympics on the horizon, so there are huge opportunities for fresh audiences and new players from all over the world.
“As I look forward to heading to the UAE capital for the first time, I can’t wait to play a role in helping to open up the world of golf because it really is anyone’s game.”
In addition to Creamer’s reputation as one of the world’s finest golfers of her generation, she is also committed to mentoring youth.
Since 2009, she has been a co-chair of the Young Ambassadors Council for The First Tee, a charitable effort with strong parallels to HSBC’s global commitment to developing the sport.
Giles Morgan, Global Head of Sponsorship and Events at HSBC, is delighted with Creamer’s forthcoming appearance.
“We’re committed to opening up the world of golf to new audiences and to help both the next generation of golfers as well as amateurs to reach the next level. As a truly global starting point to the new season, the tournament in Abu Dhabi is one of the most important events in the annual golf calendar, and we’re very pleased to see Paula making her first appearance as our guest to share with us the abundance of skills which have lifted her onto the world stage.”
He added: “She’s got such energy for the game. Paula is as determined as we are to make golf anyone’s game and will certainly add to the world-class experience and electric atmosphere for all who attend.”
Championship-goers will also be able to test their golfing skills against HSBC ambassador Tim Henman, the British tennis number one, while golfing legends are set to make surprise visits to Championship Village to wow fans throughout the weekend.
Meanwhile, Creamer will join Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers in what organisers are describing an all-new, mouth-watering line-up for the Championship Village.
Sellers, who is also making a debut appearance at the event, is set to bring his award-winning cuisine to the event with the launch of his ‘Golf Story’ menu.
The action on the course promises to be equally as tantalising with the 2016 edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship featuring a superstar line-up, including world number one Jordan Spieth making his Arabian debut, four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, American hotshot Rickie Fowler, world number five Henrik Stenson and three-time Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is owned and presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Tickets and tailored packages are available via the event’s official website www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com at Dhs50 for a daily pass and Dhs150 for a four-day pass.
Guests staying at any Abu Dhabi hotel over the Championship period enter free.
