Abu Dhabi, Jan.18th,2006(WAM)--Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, one of the most prestigious international sporting events ever staged in Abu Dhabi, will kick off tomorrowThursday 19th, under the patronage of H.H General Sheikh Mohammed bin ZayedAl Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAEArmed Forces.
A glittering array of many of the world's best players line up for the run of the 4-day Golf Championship. The tournament is the first of a three-week swing in the Arabian Gulf, followed by the Qatar Masters and Dubai Desert Classic. In total, some 120 including four of the top five players from the current Official World Golf Ranking will exhibit their talents in the Abu Championship, where the contracted prize fund will be US$2 million. Leading the way in this tournament are the world's No. 2 Vijay Singh, Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia and Chris DiMarco together with the incomparable American John Daly, Danish Ryder Cup star Thomas Bjorn, Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez and young guns Paul Casey and Ian Poulter. "I have heard alot of good things about Abu Dhabi and the golf course and I have seen them today for myself. The golf course here is incredible. I expect to play and win", said Singh, who has not played in the Gulf since 1993. Singh told a press conference here today that he looked forward to a great game as the tournament involves a number of talented players. World's No. 10 Chris DiMarco also told reporters that he was excited about the tournament."I haven't traveled outside the US that often but I have really been looking forward to coming to Abu Dhabi. With so many good players, we are going to have a great tournament." The event will position Abu Dhabi firmly in the global and golfing and tourism mapas it will be telecast live to 300 million viewers in 60 countries.
"The championship will significantly contribute to Abu Dhabi's ranking as a leading global sporting, leisure and business destination. ", said Mubarak Al Mauhairy, DirectorGeneral of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority ADTA. ADTA has made arrangements to host golfers at the 7-star Emirates Palace Hotel, one of the world's most luxurious hotels. Emirates Palace is an international landmark boasting 302 superior rooms and 92 magnificent suites each combining the ultimate inluxury with 21st century technology. Mr. Ahmed Hussein, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority's Product Development Director, commented, "We are very proud that Abu Dhabi will host this spectacular event. Not only will the world see our top class facilities, but some of the world's best players will experience our renowned hospitality. The Emirates Palace is the jewel of Abu Dhabi and an architectural wonder that best showcases the beauty of Arabian culture. ""This is the first time that the European Tour players will receive such treatment and we are very grateful to the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority for opening the doors of one of the world's most stunning hotels to us", said George O'Grady, Executive Director of the European Tour. He added:"We are very impressed by the hospitality Abu Dhabi has extended so far and we hope that their stay in the Emirates Palace will be an unforgettable highlight on the tour."
