Harrington, Garcia confirm participation in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Two of the world's top golfers, triple Major winner Padraig Harrington and the in-form Sergio Garcia who is the world's current number three, have confirmed their participation in the $2 million Abu Dhabi Golf Championship to be held between January 15 and 18.

With the 2008 champion Martyn Kaymer having confirmed he will defend his maiden Tour victory, a star-studded field is expected for the fourth edition of the event. which also kicks off the 'Gulf Swing' as it will be followed by the Qatar Open and the Dubai Desert Classic.

Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which organises the event, said in a statement that the event will strengthen the emirate's credentials as a tourism destination of distinction.

"This championship is central to our long-term golf tourism strategy, which is being empowered with the creation of new championship facilities on Saadiyat Island. We hope in January to be able to familiarise the 2009 contenders with these highly distinctive new courses, which could ignite powerful word-of-mouth promotion among golf's elite," he said.

The Gulf's only 'ocean' course, designed by Gary Player on Saadiyat Beach, is expected to be ready by next September and a second championship course, by Robert Trent Jones II in Saadiyat Islands' Wetlands District, is part of Abu Dhabi's long-term golf tourism strategy.

Milestone

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Faisal Al Shaikh from Major Events Division, ADTA, said 2009 will be a milestone year as it starts with the Abu Dhabi Golf Champions and ends with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Formula 1 event.

"Last year's championship reached 140 million TV viewers and this year it will be covered live on high definition TV, reaching a bigger global audience in many of ADTA's key global markets," Al Shaikh said.

Tournament director Peter German said the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship was the only event on the Tour that provides free accommodation and Emirates Palace hotel had bowled over the golfing stars. "This event has earned the respect of the players and the fourth edition will see improved facilities to all," German said.

"While the course itself will be fine-tuned with a few changes, there are other facilities that will be improved. A new and larger practicing green along with a new chipping green and a new putting green will add to the players' needs," German said.

"Spectators will also have a better viewing area in a new purpose-built tent, new inter-active facilities and an improved and larger parking area," the official said.

The four-day championship will be preceded by the Al-Masaood Pro-Am on January 14.