Dress in red and see the Giants of Golf for free
Forget your denims and khakis, leave your black, green and pastel shirts in the wardrobe, because spectators who wear anything red to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on the third day’s play (Saturday 28 January) will be able to see the world’s top players battle it out at Abu Dhabi Golf Club for free.
The Championship’s first-ever ‘Dress in Red Day’ is a new initiative in line with the Championship’s branding and in conjunction with the corporate colour of HSBC, the event’s title sponsor. Visitors are being encouraged to don clothing in all shades of red and all manner of styles, from a simple red accessory, such as a cap or brooch, to a bold head-to-toe ensemble for the sartorially brave. The Best Dressed Lady will win a prize for her wardrobe efforts and with a DJ hitting the Championship Village decks following the day’s play, ladies cannot afford to forget their dancing shoes.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to really get into the spirit of the Championship,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager for Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the Championship organiser. “We are encouraging everyone looking for a great day out to pop on something red and come visit the Championship on Saturday. It’s a new fun addition to the tournament’s wide-ranging, family-friendly entertainment programme.”
Last year 40,000 spectators graced Abu Dhabi’s National Course to see Martin Kaymer scoop the famous ‘Falcon’ trophy for the third time in four years. Kaymer is back to defend his title but faces this year’s star-studded field including world number one Luke Donald, Major winners, Charl Schwartzel (US Masters), Rory McIlroy (PGA Championship) and Darren Clarke (The Open). as well as world number three, Lee Westwood, and Abu Dhabi debutant, Tiger Woods – a 14-time Major winner.
Photo: Will Tiger be in red?
Completing the on-course attractions, an enhanced Championship Village – the biggest yet at more than 1,200m² – will offer fans an abundance of activities away from the course. At the core of Village will be the popular HSBC Interactive Zone, where visitors can test and hone their swing and putting techniques and non-golfers can spend time in the creative area. There HSBC Children’s Zone meanwhile, will encourage kids to try golf first-hand or take part in arts and crafts activities in the Children’s Creative Zone.
Giles Morgan, Group Head of Sponsorship at HSBC, said: “The HSBC Interactive Zone is all about getting as many people as possible involved in the game. As a sponsor we have been involved in golf for ten years now and underpinning all our global programmes is a desire to grow the game at all levels. We know golf fans love a challenge and we hope the HSBC Interactive Zone provides a fun and interactive way of testing their skills in a great environment.”
The Championship is holding its first Picnic Day on Friday (27th January), where visitors can enjoy the on-course action by buying delicious food hamper all prepared fresh on-site by a team of highly trained chefs.
