Event organisers hail capital as world-class golfing destination

Abu Dhabi: Unveiling the fifth edition of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) supported $2 million (Dh7.2m) four-day Abu Dhabi Golf Championship to be played here from January 21, organisers said the capital had emerged as a world-class golfing destination.

Faisal Al Shaikh, Head, Major Event's Division, ADTA, said that with three of the world's top ten stars having already confirmed and another two likely to do so soon, the championship was all set to follow the success of the preceding four editions.

"This fifth edition along with Abu Dhabi's latest golfing initiatives, which includes the Gary Player-designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Course - the Arabian Gulf's only ocean front course - and the Kyle Phillips-designed Yas Island course - set to be the emirate's first links course, will make the UAE capital a leading golf destination," Al Shaikh said.

"The coming months will be a watershed era for Abu Dhabi. We will host the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Fifa Club World Cup, the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge and the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. All the results of years of planning and hard work," the ADTA official added.

Greg Sproule, a tournament committee member and representing IMG Middle East, said: "The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship has made a huge impression on the European Tour. Being a Ryder Cup year the 2010 event here is bound to be more competitive."