Abu Dhabi Golf Club News
Kaymer Leads HSBC Team to victory in Abu Dhabi Pro Am
Martin Kaymer, the reigning Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship title holder, sent out a clear message to his rivals as he led his amateur team to victory in the pre-Championship Pro-Am at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on Wednesday.
The HSBC team led by Kaymer, the reigning US PGA champion and double Abu Dhabi winner, sealed first place in the Pro-Am with an aggregate score of 21-under, beating teams from Gulf News and Rolex, led by Fredrik Andersson Hed and Peter Hanson respectively, who tied for second, by one stroke.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which organises the Championship, running until Sunday evening (January 23) at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, praised the importance of giving amateurs a chance to play alongside their heroes, and its role in developing interest in the sport domestically.
Turning out as an amateur player himself yesterday, Faisal Al Sheikh, ADTA’s Events Manager, was a member of the group that played alongside 2010 Masters champion Phil Mickelson on the American’s first ever round of golf on Middle East soil.
“Mickelson is an excellent golfer,” said Al Sheikh after his match. “I thought he played really well. He knows how to entertain and engage the audience and his fellow players. And this is what it is all about; allowing aspiring golfers to connect with the sport’s best and hopefully spread positive messages to friends and family, building awareness and interest.”
World number 4, Mickelson, who carded an individual score of six-under, clearly enjoyed his return to golf after an eight-week break. “The last time I played was in Singapore in the middle of November and I was excited to have the opportunity to play here on such a wonderful golf course,” said the four-time Major winner.
“We had a good time and I hit some decent shots but you don’t really know until the pressure is on as it will be on the first day. I’m sure I’ll be a little nervous because I haven’t been in competition in a few months but I’m also excited.”
The Pro-Am – featuring world number one, Lee Westwood, and all four current Major champions taking part in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship – saw the stars turn out to amaze and entertain their amateur opponents while honing their swings and gaining a feel for the course.
“Testing the golf course today presented an opportunity for everyone to get into the spirit of the Championship,” said Al Sheikh. “It gave the pros the chance to study the course and prepare themselves mentally and physically for the real test, which is qualifying for the final round.”
The 2011 Championship offers a purse of US$2.7 million, the highest of the European Tour’s four event ‘Desert Swing’, and sees HSBC, the world’s local bank, take the role of title sponsor. It expects to attract its biggest ever spectator turnout with a substantially expanded Championship Village featuring more attractions, restaurants, cafes and competitions.
