Abu Dhabi: With an eye towards making their 10th anniversary a special affair, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship has made some significant course chances to the test the world’s best golfers from Thursday.
The greens, to start with, have been extended by 30 per cent and that brings the water into play unlike the previous years where more emphasis was given to tightening fairways, adding bunkers and toughening the rough. On holes 2, 4, 12 and 16, there will be noticeable difference to the shape and size of the respective greens to bring them closer to the water perils.
“On hole two, the greens go towards the right hand side towards the water. We have reshaped the right hand bunker. It will obviously test the golfers and now they have to be more cautious about the water. A slightest of mistake can prove costly,” championship’s tournament director Peter German told Gulf News.
As per German, the fourth hole has under gone a major visual change. “The green has probably doubled in size and again the right hand trap has been totally reshaped to give pin positions much closer to the water and thus adding that intimidation factor.”
On the 12th, the water wasn’t taken right around the green which most would like to do but instead they have now brought the green back towards the water. “Bringing the greens back to the water was the only way we could have got the water into effect. It has also given us two or three pin positions where anything short will be in the lake,” felt German, who felt that the 16th hole would be a major test as they have changed the whole part of the big bunker on landing.
“We changed that to four smaller bunkers and we have changed the angle of the fairway so the water is more of the threat on the right hand side. It will make it more challenging as that hole also plays into the wind.”
There is also a new tee on the 18th par-5 closing hole. It is five metres higher than in previous years and has been positioned to the left of the present tee. The angle creates a straighter tee shot and brings the bunkers into play on either side of the fairway and the water down the right is a major worry.
“Though we have tried to make it more challenging, I must say that the greens are more firm than all these years. It hasn’t rained this year and the greens are in best condition and that is something that the golfers would like,” says German, who went on to reveal that the changes are not just restricted to on-course enhancements.
“The ever-popular Championship Village will be packed with attractions and competitions. Additional space will allow more seating and more shade for the spectators, allowing fans and families to enjoy all that is on offer.”
There will be plenty of eateries and lot of entertainment available for family and children. There will be question-answer sessions for fans with some top golfers while there will be surprise appearances and activities by other sporting legends, including the likes of Tim Henman.
The fans can also test their skills at a huge number of sports, from tennis to rugby to cricket.
