Sport | Golf
Immelman to master Abu Dhabi
Trevor Immelman - the 2008 Masters champion, is the latest golf superstar confirmed for the $2 million (Dh7.3m) Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, running from January 15 to 18 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:35 December 4, 2008
- Immelman has been described by Player as the closest thing he’s ever seen to American legend Ben Hogan, widely acknowledged as golf's greatest ever ball striker.
- Image Credit: Getty Images
Abu Dhabi: Trevor Immelman - the 2008 Masters champion, is the latest golf superstar confirmed for the $2 million (Dh7.3m) Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, running from January 15 to 18 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Earlier this year, Immelman made history as he showcased his trademark sterling stroke-play to claim his maiden Major at the Augusta National.
Immelman beat pre-event favourite Tiger Woods by three strokes to become the first South African to don the event's iconic green jacket since the 1978 Augusta victory of Gary Player, the most successful international golfer of all time and the designer of the Arabian Gulf's only 'ocean' course on Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island.
The 28-year-old has been described by Player as the closest thing he's ever seen to American legend Ben Hogan, widely acknowledged as golf's greatest ever ball striker.
Triumph
Immelman's triumph was all the more remarkable as it came only four months after doctors discovered a lesion - approximately the size of a golf ball, on his diaphragm. Post-surgery, doctors diagnosed the lesion as a benign tumour. Nevertheless, Immelman's treatment and recovery caused him to miss the first eight weeks of the PGA Tour season - and left him only six weeks to prepare for Augusta.
"After my health problems at the start of this year, I'm really excited to be approaching the 2009 season in peak health," said the 2006 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year.
"Gary has told me so much about the city, the people, the amazing hospitality and a few tips for tackling the National Course - which everyone on Tour says is immaculate.
"It won't be easy because the field is very strong, but the Masters has taught me that when I'm playing well I can win anywhere," added Immelman, who won the 2003 WGC-World Cup for South Africa in partnership with 2007 Masters runner-up Rory Sabbatini.
With US PGA Championship and Open winner Padraig Harrington also teeing-off in the emirate this January, Immelman's participation guarantees Abu Dhabi galleries the chance to see up-close the winners of three of this year's four Majors, as well as current world number two, Spain's Sergio Garcia, Sweden's current world number eleven, Henrik Stenson and 2007 Abu Dhabi champion, England's Paul Casey.
"With the Emirates now home to a significant South African community we anticipate a strong turnout from this segment of the population as they follow the January fortunes of one of their home grown stars," said Ahmad Hussain, Deputy Director-General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.
International pedigrees
"We are focusing on bringing globally recognised players with international pedigrees and proven success to Abu Dhabi," he added.
The 2009 championship formally begins on Wednesday, January 14 with the Al Masaood Pro-Am and Awards Gala when sponsors and their guests will play and socialise with some of the world's best professionals.
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