Nicoll wins coveted Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship qualifier spot

Callum Nicoll, the club professional at the Els Club, Dubai, has clinched the coveted qualifier spot at next year’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. In perfect conditions, 30-year-old Nicoll shot a field-leading 71 – including two birdies in the last five holes – to edge out 34 other pro hopefuls from domestic golf clubs. He’ll now line-up alongside four of the world’s top 10 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club from January 17-20.

While it is unlikely Nicoll will appear in the same Championship groupings as superstars, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Justin Rose or America’s Jason Dufner, the world numbers one, three, seven and eight, respectively, the Scotsman – whose only other PGA European Tour outing came in last year’s Dubai Desert Classic – insisted he will relish competing against the giants of golf.

“I’ll treat the tournament like any other I play,” said Nicoll. “I’m grateful for the chance to qualify – it’s an amazing prize to play for and Abu Dhabi always attracts a strong field.”
In preparation for his tussle with golf’s leading lights and a notoriously tricky National Course, Nicoll, who works six-days-a-week and only plays one full round of golf per week on average, revealed he will priortise sharpening his long game.

“I didn’t hit a lot of fairways or greens out there and I had to scramble a bit. I’ll analyse the round and work on my game off the tee – everyone knows the National plays a lot tougher during Championship week,” said Nicoll. “I’ll work hard and try to enjoy the lead up to the tournament; at least now I’ve got something amazing to practice for.”

Championship tickets are available via the event’s official website – www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com – as well as online at www.timeouttickets.com. Customer service can be contacted through the ITP toll-free hotline 800 4669, or for international visitors, +971 4 444 3459. Tickets can also be bought at the gate throughout the Championship.