Abu Dhabi: Record three-time Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship winner Martin Kaymer is eyeing yet more glory on the National Course ahead of the event’s 10-year anniversary this January 15-18.
The 29-year-old German won his first European Tour event here in 2008 and followed it up with back-to-back victories in 2010 and 2011, setting records for the largest winning margin (eight strokes) and score (24 under par). But the double-major winner still isn’t satisfied.
“Abu Dhabi has been very kind to me over the years and it’s no secret that I love playing there,” he said. “The tournament, the people behind it, and the crowds make for an incredible experience every year.
“I always feel comfortable in Abu Dhabi and after the success I’ve enjoyed it would mean a lot to win another Falcon trophy in its tenth year. Who knows, I might be lucky enough to break more records along the way.”
Kaymer comes into the $2.7 million (Dh9.9 million) event off the back of a great season, having followed up his Players Championship win in May with his second major, the US Open, a month later.
He was also instrumental in Europe’s recent Ryder Cup win, chipping in for an eagle on the 17th to beat Bubba Watson for one of four crucial points toward Europe’s third consecutive title.
Sultan Al Dhaheri, acting executive director of tourism for Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (ADTCA), which owns and organises the event, welcomed news of Kaymer’s return.
“Martin Kaymer has played a huge role in the Championship’s success and he is a unique part of our history,” he said. “His presence at the Championship always adds a great deal of interest and he has a huge following here. We thoroughly look forward to welcoming him back to Abu Dhabi for another shot at history and possibly even his fourth Falcon trophy against another tough field.”
HSBC global head of sponsorship and events, Giles Morgan, added that Kaymer would take pride of place in the field alongside World No 1 Rory McIlroy.
“We have enjoyed an incredible year of golf and witnessed a changing of the guard at the top of golf’s global leaderboard,” he said.
“Along with World No 1 Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer has undoubtedly been one of the stars of 2014 and with players of this calibre leading the way we can look forward to another thrilling Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
“HSBC’s ambition is to open up the world of golf and we are delighted to work with our partners at the ADTCA to bring world class golfers to serve up world class entertainment on a world class course. In the last ten years, the tournament has grown in stature and is now established as one of the highlights of the sporting calendar — an unmissable family event in the region.”
Tailored package details for the event now are available from www.golfinabudhabi.com. Packages include five nights’ accommodation in one, two rounds of golf, season passes to the event, as well as an array of tourism attractions. All those who book packages will enjoy a complimentary clinic with a world top 30 player.
