Golf extravaganza in capital

Abu Dhabi: The strongest-ever field at the fourth edition of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority-backed $2 million (Dh7.34 million) Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, starting here on Thursday, will battle it out on the National Course over the next four days to lay their hands on the Falcon Trophy.

Defending champion Martin Kaymer of Germany, world number two Sergio Garcia, triple Major winner Padraig Harrington, South African and the Masters-winning Trevor Immelman, 2007 champion Paul Casey and Henrik Stenson, one of the most consistent performers here, lead a strong field as the first leg of the 'Desert Swing' begins here today.

Apart from record crowds expected to fill the larger spectator village that has been part of the enhanced facilities this year, a global audience of more than 140 million is expected to watch the riveting action, made more exciting with the introduction of The Race to Dubai.

All eyes will be on Harrington after he defended his Open title at Royal Birkdale and then claimed his second Major triumph in three weeks at the US PGA Championship to become the first European to win the Open and the US PGA Championships in the same year.

Harrington tees off at 7.50am. Grouped with the Irish star is Kaymer, out to make it back-to-back triumphs here.

Harrington said, "I really want to win it and I'm here to win - it's high up on the list. I like the National Course and it would be lovely to start off my year with a win."

Meanwhile, Kaymer was confidence personified ahead of the 120-player championship, Stenson stayed focused on adding an Abu Dhabi win to his earlier victories in Doha and Dubai.

Another strong contender is Garcia, who is back after missing the 2008 event. He has started off the year in fine fashion, winning the HSBC Champions to lead in The Race to Dubai.

"It looks like it's going to be windy and it will be tougher, but we are looking forward to getting in to a good rhythm and get some good emotions," said the charismatic Spaniard.

The 120 strong-field has five Major winners and 89 European Tour champions, who between them have recorded 266 European Tour victories.

"This championship is a solid demonstration of Abu Dhabi's commitment to golf," said Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.