Abu Dhabi: Four-time major winner Ernie Els is heading back to the UAE capital for his second shot at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship from January 15 to 18.
The popular South African, who has won in the past at the Qatar Masters (2005) and three times at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic (1994, 2002, 2005) says he’s ready to complete the European Tour’s 2015 ‘Gulf Swing’ with victory on the National Course at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
“I’ve always felt at home playing in the Gulf,” said the World Golf Hall of Fame member. “I won my first European Tour event in the UAE way back in 1994 and since then have loved playing in the region and enjoyed some success in the big tournaments.
“I’m just one Falcon Trophy short of winning every ‘Desert Swing’ title — and I hope to rectify that next month in Abu Dhabi. That would be a great achievement, and is an ambition of mine, particularly given it’s the Championship’s 10th anniversary.”
One of only six golfers to win both the US Open and The Open Championship twice in his career, Els joins four of the world’s top 10 — Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose and Rickie Fowler — for the Abu Dhabi Championship’s landmark event, where a prize fund of $2.7 million (Dh9.9 million) is up for grabs.
The 6ft 4in ‘Big Easy’ could only finish joint 39th in his first attempt at HSBC Championship glory in 2013, carding an overall score of two under par in a year that saw Welshman Jamie Donaldson clinch the Falcon Trophy.
“Ernie is one of the legends of modern golf and his instantly familiar style has graced the game for many years. With some exciting new names at the top of golf’s global leaderboard, it will be fascinating to see who emerges on top in what promises to be a thrilling battle to kick-start the new season,” HSBC’s Global Head of Sponsorship & Events, Giles Morgan, said.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is presented by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi). Tickets and packages are available via www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com at Dh50 per day and Dh150 for a four-day pass. Guests staying at any Abu Dhabi hotel over the Championship period enter free and all those who book packages will enjoy a complimentary clinic with a world top 30 player.
