Yas Links Golf Club News

Charity at the heart of the Abu Dhabi Invitational at Yas Links Golf Club

The Abu Dhabi Invitational will make its much anticipated return to the Middle East golfing calendar at the world renowned Yas Links on Sunday January 25th and as well as attracting a star-studded field that includes Ryder Cup stars Victor Dubuisson, Thomas Bjorn and Stephen Gallacher; and legends like Sandy Lyle, a significant aspect of the tournament is the money it raises for good causes. At the centre of the charitable efforts of the event is the Official Charity, the Rashid Centre for Disabled, a local organisation that provides quality education and therapy services to children with Special Needs. The Rashid Centre will receive significant funds from the tournament in the spirit of the event’s fabulous charitable legacy in the UAE.

GEMS Education are also playing their part in the overall experience of the Abu Dhabi Invitational, providing caddies, scoring officials, ball finders and marshals. Jay Varkey, Group Executive Director, commented: “The Abu Dhabi Invitational is a great, unique event. There is nothing else like it in golf. I’ve been fortunate to play in the Invitational a number of times, including at Yas Links in 2012.

“Last year we invited Rory McIlroy to GEMS to talk to around 50 students and give a clinic. The youngsters were captivated. It’s good when they can identify with their heroes and learn the benefits, sportsmanship, fair play, values and etiquette of playing golf.

“We are involving parents and pupils in the Invitational in a variety of positions and from my experience of the event I know they will have a great couple of days at the Pro-Am and the Am-Am. The atmosphere of the event is relaxed, friendly and informal and it’s certainly the ideal way for them to enjoy themselves, while learning more about the game. The Pros will be doing clinics on the driving range at Yas Links for the children and their parents and it will be fun and educational for all involved.” We’re grateful to the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abdullah Al Naboodah and Mohammed  Farooq for making this event happen and allowing us to be part of it.

In addition a quarter of the US$500,000 prize fund, will be awarded to the chosen charity of the winner, 2nd, 3rd and 4th places in the individual professional competition via the charitable foundation of the European Tour Players Foundation.

There is also the hotly contested charity auction, which is always well supported by the Professionals and the generous philanthropic amateur players who have travelledfrom across the globe to play in the event. The funds raised from the auction will benefit the Rashid Centre for Disabled and will be used to support deserving causes across The European Tour’s International Schedule via The European Tour Players’ Foundation.

The tournament, which began in 2007 and was last held in 2012, has raised some US$1.2 million, donated to charities based in the UAE and around the world. This year the target is to raise a total of US$500,000.

Tournament Director James Bowring said:  “The Abu Dhabi Invitational provides an unforgettable opportunity for a select few amateur golfers to compete alongside European Tour stars in an event that exceeds other Pro-Am experiences around the world.

“It’s also a great day out for a limited number of spectators and sponsors’ guests as they are treated to a unique ‘inside the ropes’ experience, yet more important is the role the event plays in raising money for charityand we’re delighted to welcome the Rashid Centre for Disabled, which last year celebrated its 20th anniversary, as this year’s Official Charity.”

European Tour Charity Executive David Park added: “It’s wonderful for both The European Tour’s Members and the Tour Players Foundation to be a part of such a prestigious event that is so successful in its support of charities.  It’s fantastic to see the Rashid Centre as the Official Charity and we are grateful to the event for their support of both the Members’ charities of choice and The European Tour’s charitable arm. We are looking forward to a great event “

The Abu Dhabi Invitational with the support of Host Partner, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Tournament Co-Hosts Abdullah Al Naboodah and Mohammed Farooq, presents golf fans with the opportunity to see some of the game’s biggest stars partner up with a global selection of VVIP amateurs in a unique, relaxed yet competitive environment.

Co-Partner and Founder of the Abu Dhabi Invitational, Abdullah Al Naboodah, commented:
“We have taken a step back over the last couple of years to look at the event from the outside and focus on the core values of why I started the event. I am delighted with the response received from all the professionals and our guests who have shown the desire to join us again for a wonderful golfing experience in Abu Dhabi.”

Unlike previous years when the tournament was played over one day, the 2015 Abu Dhabi Invitational will be a two-day, 36 hole event, with the famous Pro-Am on Day One and the Am-Am on Day Two. The 56 pros will compete for a US$500,000 purse on Day One while their 56 VVIP amateur playing partners will then play alongside 56 VIP amateurs on Day Two, after which the 36-hole Amateur Champion will be crowned.

Co-Owner of the tournament, Mohammed Farooq, added: “I have been playing golf for just three years now and I am very pleased to be able to help bring back this amazing event, along with founder Abdullah Al Naboodah, to the calendar and on a golf course which I love. The support shown by our Host Partner, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, is testament to what Abdullah created in previous years.”

The Abu Dhabi Invitational is supported by Host Partner the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Founders, Al Naboodah and Farooq Investments; Premium Partners Bentley, Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group, GEMS Education, International Petroleum Investment Company; Official Partners Luke Sport, Yas Links, Invest Africa, Hublot, Yas Viceroy; Support Partners San Pellegrino, Roberto Coin, Links Insurance Brokers, Golf Gamebook and Titleist; Media Partners Sport 360, Worldwide Golf, Golfing World and Event Partners IMG and The European Tour.

A limited number of exclusive passes to watch the action unfold at the 2015 Abu Dhabi Invitational are available by sending a request to spectate@theinvitational.com.

Caption: Dutch Football legend Ruud Gullit and Auctioneer Iain Banner at the Live Auction in 2012 at Yas Viceroy, selling a spot in the Dunhill Links Championship for $100,000. All proceeds were donated to the European Tour Players Foundation.

Show More

Related Articles

Back to top button