Abu Dhabi: Spectator numbers for the third annual, $2 million Abu Dhabi Golf Championship - the European PGA Tour curtain raiser - have broken previous records with attendance figures upwards of 25,000 for the four-day event.
Despite adverse weather conditions in the build up to the event, spectators have flocked to watch a star studded field featuring over a third of the world's top 25 names, as they compete for top honours and the chance to take home the coveted Falcon Trophy.
With defending champion Paul Casey, Australia's Adam Scott (8), Ireland's Padraig Harrington (9), Swedish No 1 Henrik Stenson (16), and the English trio of Luke Donald (18), Ian Poulter (22) and Lee Westwood (23) generating much of the pre-Championship hype, the sensational form of young German Martin Kaymer - who has emerged as one the European Tour's hottest talents this weekend - has only added to the spectator appeal.
Bright star
As well as 23-year old prodigy Kaymer - 2007's European PGA Tour Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year - another bright young star, Rory McIlroy, the 18-year-old Northern Irishman, who shot to global fame with a stellar opening round of 68 in last summer's Open Championship at Carnoustie, has also wowed the Abu Dhabi galleries.
"The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship continues to go from strength-to-strength, a fact clearly reflected by the number of spectators attending this flagship event. With an elite field of the world's best and most promising stars battling it out on the stunning National course, as well as diverse visitor experiences off the course, we were expecting 2008 to break new records," said Peter German, Executive Tournament Director, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, which is organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).
This year's Spectator Village is a treasure trove of family activities, with competitions and games galore. The UAE's national carrier, Etihad, are offering a pair of return tickets to Beijing as part of a putting challenge, while Aldar has something for motorsport fans with a full size F1 simulator, which has proved to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
