Dubai: The UAE resident and Swedish No. 1, Henrik Stenson, the runner-up in this year's inaugural Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, is "aiming to go one better" after committing to next year's tournament at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, January 18-21.
Carding a course record 62 on the third day of this year's Championship, Stenson went into the final day at 16 under with a one-shot lead over eventual winner Chris DiMarco.
However, with Stenson shooting a 69 on the final day, DiMarco's 67 secured the American a one-shot victory.
Thirty-year-old Stenson - currently world number 12 - finished sixth on the 2006 European Tour Order of Merit capping a sensational season of awesome big-hitting and consistent finishes by holing the winning putt in Europe's 18 1/2-9 1/2 Ryder Cup victory over the Americans.
Playing in his first Ryder Cup, Stenson's seven foot putt on the 17th, secured a 4&3 win for the Swede over American, Vaughan Taylor, sparking scenes of euphoria at Ireland's K Club as the Europeans celebrated a hat-trick of wins over the United States.
"The Ryder Cup victory was very important for me and it was actually my second place in Abu Dhabi at the start of the year which pretty much secured my place in the team, so I owe Abu Dhabi a great deal," Stenson said.
"I'll be aiming to go one better next year - the Abu Dhabi course is an excellent layout and I'm looking forward to seeing the improvements that have been put in place. One thing is for sure, the 2007 Championship will be just as tight and compelling as it was this year."
Touted as a future Major champion by his fellow professionals, potential winner Stenson's commitment validates the Championship's emergence as a major destination on the European Tour.
The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2007 has attracted a high profile sponsorship line up including: Etihad Airways and Aldar as Diamond Sponsors; Standard Chartered Bank as Platinum Sponsors; Nissan, Airbus, Rolls Royce, Omega and Xerox as Gold Sponsors, Gulf News as Official Newspaper and Middle East Golfer as Official Magazine.
