The imminent Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship offers much more than just a world-class sporting showdown. Abu Dhabi Week left its clubs at home to find out what’s on offer for fans at the national course
The bunkers have been raked, the fairways mowed and divots replaced. The Arabian sun has been set to optimum warming temperature for the backs of spectators, as it glistens on the water hazards of the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. It can only mean one thing – the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
Spreading its wings for a ninth year, the prominent falcon-shaped clubhouse will be casting a welcome cooling shadow over competitors as they approach the final hole. The world’s greatest golfers have graced the greens of this course many times before, but it’s the abundance of off-course entertainment at this four-day event that should have people even more excited.
Event-goers may not know the difference between a sand wedge and pitching wedge, an eagle and a birdie, but thanks to the organisers of this year’s event, there will be no feeling of being left in the rough, as a plethora of fun-filled family events has been designed to cater for all.
“We give fans the chance to go beyond being a mere spectator,” explains HSBC global head of Sponsorship and Events Giles Morgan. “They have the chance to live the event and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s picking up a golf club, a tennis racquet or even a cricket bat – it’s all part of a great family day out.”
Even as the top-flight golfers are teeing up their opening drives on Thursday 16th January, excited kids and parents will also be lining up their first activities, with the inaugural ‘Mini Falcons’ Day Out ready to take flight, as mums and kids enter for free to experience the all-day entertainment.
With the HSBC Interactive Zone also available, youngsters can enjoy games and face painting, with the chance of winning some great prizes for best golf-inspired outfits.
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racer Ian Walker will also be on hand to delight event-goers, as the sensational skipper will be appearing to entertain crowds with a comprehensive presentation about the upcoming round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race.
Patrons of all ages and abilities will also be able to test their sports skills in the ever-popular HSBC World of Sport.
With rugby, cricket and tennis events, there will be something for everyone. British tennis star Tim Henman and Australian rugby legend George Gregan will also be on hand giving some free sporting tips, so keep an autograph book handy!
“The Championship Village last year was a place that had families making a day out at the village, and not even seeing any golf. There is just so much on offer here it’s incredible,” explained Chris Card, group general manager of Troon Golf Abu Dhabi.
“We started planning this year’s event literally the Monday after the 2013 tournament finished. We questioned everything on how we can enhance the experience for everyone. We couldn’t be more excited about this HSBC Championship and there is no doubt that the 2014 championship will be bigger and better than last year,” said Card.
Day two, Friday the 17th, will see the return of the popular ‘Ladies Day’ as female guests swap their golf bags for clutch bags in order to win not only the glamorous title of best-dressed woman, but also an all-inclusive holiday to Bangkok courtesy of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island and Etihad Airways. So if there was ever a time to dress to impress…
The Championship Village will be a hotspot for all things sporting, but there will also be lots of casual dining options to help recharge patrons for another round of fun.
The team from Meat & Livestock Australia will also be on hand for the Webber BBQ master classes just to really get those taste buds salivating.
New sponsor Oakley will also set up camp, offering visitors the chance to design their own personalised sunglasses all while enjoying a spectacular performance from the World Famous Trick Shot Boys.
An abundance of events and experiences has taken 12 months to put together and the team behind this year’s tournament couldn’t be more eager to start and get the event up and running.
“To have an event like this at Abu Dhabi Golf Club there is a real sense of pride for all the team. Every member who has been involved in the planning and execution of the event has done so excellently. We are already thinking about 2015!” added Card.
The 400-plus volunteers throughout the four-day sports fest will be on hand to help you where possible. Whether it’s in the village or around the course, the team will be there to help. And if you’d like to volunteer visit: www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com for more details.
Jack Dignum
Don’t miss out!
Thursday 16th
Play commences 6.45am
12.30pm Meat & Livestock Australia, Webber BBQ Master class – Championship Village
2.30pm World Famous Golf Trick Shot Boys show -
Practice Range
Throughout the day -
‘Mini Falcons’ Day Out
Friday 17th
Ladies Day – dress to impress for a huge prize giveaway
9am Ladies Clinic with
Catriona Mathew –
Yas Links Golf Club
3pm Ryder Cup Q&A with Paul McGinley and Colin Montgomerie in the Championship Village
Saturday 18th
All day – A Splash of Red – wear red to enter for free!
Autograph session with Rory McIlroy (time to be confirmed)
Throughout the day -
Oakley Design Your Own Sunglasses sessions
Signed Manchester City football shirt prize – TCA Abu Dhabi Heritage Pavilion
Sunday 19th
Throughout the day -
Surprise signing sessions
11.30am – Visit from HSBC Ambassadors in the HSBC World of Sport
Throughout the day -
HSBC World of Sport
Presentation Ceremony at 5pm
Swede dreams of a big win
Emirate enthusiast and World No. 3 Henrik Stenson sat down with Abu Dhabi Week ahead of the Championship.
Welcome back to the capital Henrik! You’ve had recent success in Dubai; can you tell us more about this and also a little about your 2013 season?
To win the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and to play so well in the process was a fantastic way to end my season and something that I will never forget. I made my home in Dubai for ten years so to lift the trophy and the Race to Dubai crown in front of all of my family and friends was something I will never forget and will be an incredibly hard moment to top.
So with your year ending on a high, how to do plan to continue this in 2014?
After the season I had in 2013 it will obviously be hard for me to continue to play at the same level but I will do my best to stay focused and to keep swinging it the way I have been. A big goal for me is to make the Ryder Cup team. Hopefully I can pick up a few points here in Abu Dhabi and be part of Team Europe.
We see on your website many of your photos when winning a trophy are with your family. Clearly they are very important to you and your career.
I love it when my children are able to attend golf tournaments and they do so as much as their schedules will allow. It is always nice having them there supporting me with my wife, Emma, and even sweeter when we have a trophy to share at the end of the week.
Take us back to 2006. You’re representing Europe in the Ryder Cup and your next shot, if it goes in, wins the competition. What was going through your mind before and after you sank that winning putt?
If I was being completely honest, I didn’t know that the putt was to win the Ryder Cup and at the time I was just delighted to win my match. When I found out the importance of it, I was even more delighted to find out that the team won; that’s all that matters in the end.
You lived in Dubai for quite some time. What is it about the UAE that you love so much?
There is so much that I love about the UAE and I have made so many friends over the years of living there. I always have a great experiences playing in the Gulf and have been lucky enough to win three of the four European Tour titles out here so hopefully I can channel that positive energy towards the place and play some great golf at this year’s Championship.
You’ve played in every HSBC Championship in Abu Dhabi since its inaugural event in 2006, and twice you have taken second place. Is this your year to lift the iconic falcon trophy?
I came very close to winning in 2006 and 2008 and I will be the first to admit that there is a Falcon-sized gap in my trophy cabinet but I am trying not to put too much pressure on myself and I am simply trying to play as well as I possibly can.
