Al Ghazal Club all set for world meet

The Al Ghazal Golf Club is all set for the second Abu Dhabi World Sand Golf Championship due to tee off tomorrow.

The championship is organised by Abu Dhabi Duty Free in a partnership with ADNOC - the main sponsor of the event.

With an eye on a regular date in the international golfing calendar, this pro-am tournament once again brings top international players to the sands of Abu Dhabi.

The event will showcase some of the world's most prominent golfers including Colin Montgomerie, Paul McGinley and Miguel Angel Jimenez.

Mohammad Mounib, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Duty Free, said, "We are pleased with the enormous interest we have received in response to the championship and I hope that the spectators will enjoy this prestigious event and the wonderful facilities on offer at the Al Ghazal Golf Club. We are proud to host and organise this event as part of our mission to promote sports in the UAE."

The par 71, 6600 yard course will be a challenging experience for all concerned, and they are sure to be tested by the famous 'browns' characterised by their uniquely true and fast roll.

McGinley, who participated in last year's event, is already excited about taking part in this innovative tournament.

"It was the first time that I played Sand Golf, and it was an interesting and exciting experience. I very much look forward to what should be another superb event," commented McGinley.

Monty said, "I am delighted to be visiting Abu Dhabi for the first time. I have played on sand greens in Nigeria a few years back so hopefully this will help. Overall, I'm really looking forward to the challenge of this year's event.".

Jimenez is excited about the event for slightly different reasons, saying, "It's going to be fun to play in this year's Abu Dhabi World Sand Golf Championship on March 7. "I believe that the browns at Al Ghazal are fast and true. As I have never played Sand Golf before, I am looking forward to the challenge.

"I also believe that one of the partners, Abu Dhabi Duty Free, has one of the best cigar shops in Asia, which is great news for me!"

The Abu Dhabi World Sand Golf Championship captured the imagination of the golfing fraternity worldwide in 2004 with the event receiving media coverage in 26 countries worldwide from Germany to China and Australia to Pakistan.

The event was broadcast on Eurosport and Sky Sports UK as well as Abu Dhabi National TV. Highlights were also syndicated to over 34 countries worldwide, and the organisers are confident that this year's event will be equally well received and are promising a few surprises too.