Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi’s ocean-front Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will host an ‘outstanding’ field of golfers for the 2016 Gary Player Invitational on February 8 (Monday).
Eighteen professionals from 12 countries, including two of the world’s top 40 in Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger and England’s Andy Sullivan, will join tournament host and the nine-time major champion Player to compete in the Union of Golf and Giving to help raise funds for underprivileged children.
Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s (ADSC) General Secretary Aref Al Awani said: “A field of major champions, Ryder Cup captains, rising global stars and multiple European Tour winners, alongside golfing icon Gary Player, provides another unique moment in cementing Abu Dhabi’s position on the global golf stage. By adding top female professionals, as well as the UAE’s own Ahmad Al Musharrakh, this is one of the most unique fields ever assembled for a Pro-Am event in the UAE. This provides a powerful complement to our core vision of creating a healthier and sporting nation; something Gary Player believes in so passionately.”
The Gary Player Invitational UAE is part of the world-leading GPI charity golf event series, which has raised more than $60 million (Dhs220m) for charities worldwide. Organisers say the eco-conscious Saadiyat Beach course, which was designed by the Black Knight, will provide an enjoyable golf experience for all participants.
“I am excited to see such an interesting cross-section of professional golfers joining our cause in seeking to provide a brighter future for those less fortunate than ourselves,” said the former South African star player, now 80. “I can’t wait to be back at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club for what is sure to be a memorable event and the start of a very important UAE charity drive over the next five years. With the support of our wonderful host, ADSC, and the facility owner TDIC, we are able to deliver a world-class golf experience and, in doing so, create a powerful fund-raising platform.”
The full 2016 Gary Player Invitational field includes: from Austria Bernd Wiesberger; from England Andy Sullivan, David Howell and Melissa Reid; from South Africa, Trevor Immelman; from Ireland, Paul McGinley; from India, Jeev Milkha Singh — the first Indian pro to join the European Tour; from Sweden, Kristoffer Broberg, Rikard Karlberg and Camilla Lennarth; from Spain, the 2013 winner of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship Pablo Larrazábal and Emma Cabrera Bello; from Italy, Matteo Manassero; from France Romain Wattel and Gregory Havret; from Denmark, Lucas Bjerregaard; from Belgium, Nicolas Colsaerts; from Norway, Caroline Martens while the first Emirati to turn golfing professional, Ahmad Al Musharrakh, will represent the host country.
