Dubai: This year’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, which starts on Thursday, has been given an extra sporting dimension this year thanks to the presence of former British tennis ace Tim Henman and ex-Australia rugby union captain George Gregan.
The pair will be holding masterclasses in their sports at the ‘HSBC World of Sport’ located at the heart of the championship village, where a host of family-friendly activities and fan-drive events, such as golf simulators and sports coaching nets, will take place.
All HSBC customers get free entry to the event, which finishes on Sunday, for themselves and a guest.
Former British tennis No 1 Henman, a keen and talented golfer with a handicap of +1, said: “I was looking forward to playing in the pro-am on Wednesday and then myself and George Gregan have got daily coaching clinics for the public in the HSBC World of Sport at midday and again at 4pm each of the four days.”
Of his own passion for golf Henman, who retired from tennis in 2007, added: “My favourite player is [US Masters champion] Adam Scott. I play whenever I can to be honest. I’ve always enjoyed golf and obviously I’m used to individual sports. Abu Dhabi is a fantastic sporting destination with world-class tennis, golf, motor racing and, of course, the weather is a lot better than London, especially if you want to play golf. I think Rory McIlroy will win. This is the third year I’ve done it and it’s a fantastic event for the family.”
