Abu Dhabi: Martin Kaymer, a three-time champion, is hungry for more success in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship next month. The big-hitting German revealed that he is ready to make extra space for another ‘Falcon’ in his prized trophy cabinet as he readies to contest the January event.
“It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s National Course, which is almost like a second home for me,” said the 28-year-old, who secured titles in 2008, 2010 and 2011 to see him become the championship’s most successful player in its eight-year history.
“I’ve experienced some of the greatest and most memorable wins of my career there. I find the atmosphere to be an extremely calming environment, it just feels very natural for me.
“It was an honour to be presented with the specially commissioned Falcon trophy after my big third win. It stands proudly in my cabinet at home in Dusseldorf, but there’s always space for one more!,” added Kaymer. In recognition of his epic third title, Kaymer got to keep the 5.3kg Falcon trophy — a £25,000 piece (Dh150,426) of silverware specially commissioned from renowned British silversmith Edward Asprey.
After a wire-to-wire victory in 2008, marking his first European Tour title at the tender age of 24, Kaymer found the Falcon in his triumphant clutches again in 2010, with a tense one-shot win over fellow Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter.
The upcoming showpiece will mark three years since the imposing 6’2” Major-winner made history in the UAE capital with his glorious 2011 hat-trick. The former world number one charged into Abu Dhabi’s record books, carding the still-unbeaten record Championship combined score of 24 under par over four rounds. His stunning performance also established a new Championship record for the largest winning margin of eight strokes.
“There’s a combination of factors contributing to my love for Abu Dhabi,” said Kaymer. “There’s the amazing welcome and hospitality the players receive, and I also feel extremely comfortable on the tee and can read the greens well.”
Dusseldorf-born Kaymer is looking to recapture his record-smashing form on Abu Dhabi’s notoriously tricky National Course and improve on his sixth-place finish in 2013, after surprisingly missing the cut in 2012.
Kaymer will join a star-studded field for the Championship, including world number four and five-time Major winner Phil Mickelson, world number five and US Open title-holder Justin Rose, world number six Rory McIlroy, former world number one Luke Donald, Abu Dhabi’s record-breaking ambassador Matteo Manassero, and reigning Champion Jamie Donaldson.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship 2014 is organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and runs from January 16-19 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Tickets and packages are available via the event’s official website — www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com — and Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.ae), and are priced at Dh50 for a daily pass and Dh150 for a four-day pass. Guests staying at any Abu Dhabi hotel over the Championship period enter free.