Abu Dhabi: A record number of volunteers are on board for this month's Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, as organisers anticipate the tournament's seventh edition will attract the largest attendance figures to date.
A 600-strong contingent of volunteers — representing five continents — have enrolled as marshalls, stewards, walking scoreboard holders and leaderboard operators to ensure the championship, which runs from January 26 to 29 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, progresses smoothly while the world's top golfers are in action.
"The response for volunteers this year has been absolutely fantastic, with more signing up than ever before," said Jean Iggo, chief marshall and volunteer co-ordinator. "Past volunteers have always thoroughly enjoyed their experience and this year's team is really enthusiastic to get started."
Major champions
With a 10 per cent rise in the total number of volunteers compared to last year's event, Iggo believes the championship's strongest-ever field has proved decisive in both necessitating and attracting record volunteer enrolment.
In addition to current world number one, Luke Donald, championship volunteers and thousands of spectators will also witness three reigning Major champions, Rory McIlroy, (US Open), Darren Clarke (British Open) and Charl Schwartzel (US Masters), Abu Dhabi debutant Tiger Woods and former world number one Lee Westwood.
They will attempt to wrestle the Falcon trophy from the vice-like clutches of three-time Abu Dhabi winner and defending champion Martin Kaymer.
"Without a doubt, the incredible player line-up has contributed to the increased interest," added Iggo, who was handed the inaugural ‘Spirit of the Championship' award last year after six consecutive tournaments in her dual roles.
