Abu Dhabi Golf Club is set to host the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship for the tenth year running – and this year will be the most challenging contest yet
One-off concerts, exhibitions and Broadway shows pass through Abu Dhabi in a flash. But the soaring falcon of Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s clubhouse has laid firm foundations as the host venue of the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. This year, from 15th to 18th January, the event celebrates its tenth anniversary.
Over the past decade, some of the world’s leading golfers have descended on the capital, and each year sees first-timers drawn to the course and returning professionals.
The players
Four-time major winner and world number one Rory McIlroy is eager to claim the falcon trophy, as is world number six, the English golfer Justin Rose.
World number two Henrik Stenson also has his eyes on the prize. The Swedish player has competed in the capital tournament since day one and considers it a great way to start the season.
German pro Martin Kaymer returns to claim what could be his fourth falcon trophy. Kaymer is in fine form after a major win at the 2014 US Open and will no doubt be up to the challenge of another victory in Abu Dhabi.
America’s Rickie Fowler returns in 2015, no doubt wearing orange again – the colour of his college, Oklahoma State University. The world number ten has yet to win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship but fans can expect a fine performance as he fights for his first title in the capital.
Reigning champion Pablo Larrazábal, Welsh pro Jamie Donaldson, former falcon champ Chris DiMarco, English star Robert Rock – described by leading coaches as a ‘classic’ for his near-perfect swing – and the Italian player Matteo Manassero, will also hit the green.
At 17 years old, Manassero became the youngest champion of a European Tour in 2010. The player has yet to nab the falcon trophy but is a firm favourite in the capital.
He says, “It’s great to be back here, as it feels like home for me. The course changes are going to be challenging for all the players, which is going to make the competition fierce.
“I’m planning on making this tournament a special one.”
Now 21, the Italian is the golf ambassador for the Emirates, helping to promote the sport among junior golfers.
“Being the ambassador is a great privilege for me,” he says. “I’m always so welcome and to represent golf from the UAE is something I am proud of.”
Completing the line-up is one of the sport’s most popular personalities, Ernie Els, who is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame – a museum in Florida, USA. Ernie recently confirmed his participation in the 10th anniversary showcase. This will be the second Abu Dhabi tournament for the South African player, who’s more affectionately known as ‘the big easy’ because of his 6ft 3in stature and smooth swing.
Having already won the 2005 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and three Omega Dubai Desert Classic titles, Ernie is keen to win the 2015 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. The victory would earn him the ‘desert swing’ title – the name given to the three tournaments that are part of the Middle East’s leg of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) European Tour.
Recent winners of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
2014 Pablo Larrazábal
2013 Jamie Donaldson
2012 Robert Rock
2011 Martin Kaymer
2010 Martin Kaymer
To find out how the world’s best golfers rank, visit www.officialworldgolfranking.com, which is updated weekly.
New challenges
The national course has come a fair way since its construction in 2000, with recent changes to holes two, four, 12 and 16 to test the pros.
Andrew Whittaker, the man responsible for maintaining the course at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, worked with the original course designer Peter Harradine on the changes.
Whittaker says, “Every year we bring something new to the course. For the 10th anniversary championship, we needed something special. The enhancements make it harder for the players, while adding to the drama for spectators.”
The greens have changed in shape and size, bringing them closer to water hazards, which increases the level of difficulty for the players. Hole 16 has undergone the most significant change with the two left-hand bunkers replaced by four pot bunkers – small, round bunkers with steep sides. The fairway – the closely mown area of a course – was also moved further right, closer to the water.
Peter German, the championship’s tournament director, explains, “The course has matured into one of the PGA Tour’s best destinations. With every change, we’ve asked ourselves two questions: Does it make it challenging for the players? And – critically – does it increase the drama for the tens of thousands of fans who come here each year? The results speak for themselves.”
Championship Village
The championship is not just for golf enthusiasts; it’s for everyone. There will be plenty to do off-course at the Championship Village, which will be open from 15th to 18th January. There will be a host of refreshment options, entertainment and sport activities.
The championship is a celebration of sport, so tennis, rugby and cricket will all feature in the village – you may even bump into HSBC ambassador and English tennis legend Tim Henman, Scottish rugby star Gavin Hastings and former Irish rugby pro Brian O’Driscoll. Guests can try out each sport for free in interactive events such as target practice with rugby balls and golf pitch-and-putt. Prior booking not necessary.
Golf trick shot artist and PGA instructor Jeremy Dale will dazzle crowds with his performance, while free barbeque master classes from Weber Grills and True Aussie Lamb will have you cooking up a storm.
Q&A sessions from European Ryder Cup team members and a selection of Major winners will be in the hot seat to answer your questions and sign autographs.
The popular Ladies Day returns on 16th January, which sees the ten best-dressed ladies win prizes. This year’s ultimate winner can take home flights from Etihad Airways to San Francisco, California in the US including accommodation at The St. Regis San Francisco.
The Championship Village is open throughout the tournament from 6.45am until 6pm.
In the hot seat
We sit down with reigning Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship winner Pablo Larrazábal ahead of the 2015 competition.
How does it feel to be defending your title in such a momentous year?
I am excited to arrive in Abu Dhabi as defending champion. It was the biggest win of my career and I have been working hard over the winter to make sure I am ready to defend my title.
There have been several changes to the course. How do you think it will change the competition?
I’m looking forward to seeing what the changes are and how they affect my strategy. Hopefully the changes will be improvements and the course will still have that familiar feeling.
In your opinion, how has the game changed in the UAE?
There are many players who have been coming here far longer than me, but I know that every year the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship ges bigger and that’s why I am so proud to have won the title.
There seems to be a following from youngsters across the world. Is the audience of the game changing?
I think it is healthy to have a young fan base and it’s good for the future of golf. Players such as McIlroy and Fowler play a big part in engaging young fans. I hope that I can continue to inspire upcoming players too.
What can people expect from the championship weekend?
It is very exciting; in Abu Dhabi you have everything to make a great event for the players and spectators – beautiful weather, a great course, a stunning clubhouse. There is an interactive spectator village too, so the whole family can have a great day out.
By the weekend, the cut has been made and the fight for the title is on. On Saturday, everyone is looking to make a move up the leader board to give them the best possible chance on Sunday. It is a title we all want to win and this year, as it is the tenth anniversary, it would be even more special.
How do you rate your chances for a back-to-back win?
It is a big task but Kaymer has managed it in the past and we saw Stenson make his first successful title defence in Dubai in November 2014 so I know it can be done. I’m ready to give it my best shot.
I can’t wait to stand on that first tee and be announced as the reigning champion.
Jack Dignum
