Abu Dhabi: Tom Buchanan, Dan Kirkwood and UAE national Ahmad Al Musharrekh have qualified for next year’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, to be held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club between January 18-21.
The trio had excelled with their respective rounds at the stunning Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and now earned a place to play alongside the headlining pack, including defending champion Tommy Fleetwood, world No.1 Dustin Johnson, four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson, American Ryder Cup star Matt Kuchar and two-time winner Paul Casey.
The opportunity to play with the ‘Best of the Best’ was announced by Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) at November’s Championship press conference, having previously been a part of the event’s qualification criteria in 2013.
Ahmad Al Musharrekh, winner of the Emirati qualification category, was thrilled to have the chance to represent the UAE in January. “I am really pleased with my performance on the course yesterday, all the hard work has paid off. It will be a huge honour once again to step out onto the course in my home country.”
Tom Buchanan, winner of the professional category, was equally excited. “This is amazing! Everything came together so well today. I hope to take my performance one step further once the Championship starts in January and continue my recent good run of form.”
Dan Kirkwood, winner of the amateur category, could hardly believe what he had achieved and whom he would be potentially playing with come January.
“Wow, what a day! Firstly, I feel I played a fantastic round today and now I will have the chance to play alongside the very best athletes the game has to offer. What are the chances?”
Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of ADSC said: “We are pleased to offer these three exclusive spots on the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA (Emirates Global Aluminium) tournament this year.”
