Abu Dhabi: Ahmad Al Musharrakh, the first Emirati golfer to turn professional, says he hopes to inspire thousands of youngsters from across the Emirates by becoming the first UAE national to make the cut at this month’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
The 25-year-old will tee off on January 21 against the world’s best players, including World No.1 Jordan Spieth, four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, three-time Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer, US superstar Rickie Fowler and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson.
Joining the golfing world’s elite of young talent in Abu Dhabi, Al Musharrakh is very keen to make an impact on the next generation of aspiring local talent.
“Each year I’m gaining more and more experience with my own game and playing against the world’s best golfers,” said Al Musharrakh. “I know that if I can make the cut for the first time, I can inspire junior players and then maybe we will see another young Emirati challenging for the Falcon Trophy in years to come.”
The confirmation in the event comes just weeks after HSBC and Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) launched the new ‘Champions of Tomorrow’ junior golf programme in the UAE capital. Phase two of the unique initiative will see more than 2,000 children attend and watch the Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club (ADGC), where they will hopefully catch a glimpse of their local hero, as he takes on the biggest global golfing stars.
This year will mark Al Musharrakh’s fifth attempt at cracking ADGC‘s National Course, having made his debut as a fresh-faced 19-year-old in the 2010 Championship. The young Emirati carded his best results to date on the 2014 MENA Golf Tour, before missing the cut in Abu Dhabi last year.
“I’m super excited about the future, not just for my own career, but for golf in the UAE too,” said Al Musharrakh. “The sport is growing in popularity here and as the first professional Emirati golfer I feel it’s my duty to support that. I’m looking forward to meeting some of the upcoming local talent at the Championship this year.”
Al Musharrakh turned professional in September 2012 as one of the most promising players on the regional circuit after an impressive amateur career which saw him win the 2012 GCC Championships, as well as individual and team gold medals in the 2011 Arab Games.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship runs from January 21-24. 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.
