Robert Rocks all the way to the HSBC bank

Well, it had the lineup, the prize money, the venue and a certain man appearing who is named after a stripy animal. Yes, we are talking about the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship that finished last Sunday in dramatic fashion after Robert Rock claimed the title.

This year I only managed to get down there for a couple of the days as I was working on the new UAE Golf Online website amongst other things, but still sneaked in some viewing on the other days by watching the Abu Dhabi Sports Channel coverage.

An outstanding and impressive performance from Robert Rock, who it has to be said was not even mentioned as a potential winner in the build up.
With all the ‘Giants of Golf ‘ in town ready for business Mr. Rock was as solid as his name states and looked every bit in charge on the last days play.

Top Image: Robert Collecting the Trophy – Getty Images

Rock, who only had won 1 previous event on the tour before this win looked like he could not believe what had happened. After his last day mental battle with Tiger, who Rock said in the press conference after was one of his idols mentioning that he used to watch every event Tiger was in, right from his first victory, which only seemed to add to the whole surreal experience for him.
To put himself on such a winning stage, with this assembled field was an achievement in itself, but to play it out in style and in a calm gentlemanly manner was also special.
Right down until the press conference after Robert showed humility, gratitude and was appreciating every moment of his superb win trying to take it all in. 
Well done Robert lets hope you can push on from here and improve even further and grab that 3rd title!

Abu Dhabi and the ADTA again ‘got it right’ in Sports event organization, marketing, and product delivery, of course, Tiger helped as the crowds were the best ever. Even down to the HSBC red branding, for me gives the event a bit of a theme. It also fits nicely with the Abu Dhabi Golf Club branding which by coincidence or not is also red.

With the win back in December of Luke Donald, it has been a pleasure to witness 2 very genuine, humble and appreciative Golfers win here in the UAE. Of course, I do not know them personally, but when you speak to people sometimes you can warm to them and get a feel of their personality with only a few sentences. Both these guys are obviously fierce competitors, driven and winners and I would like to take my hat off to both.

Roll on the Classic, see you next year Tiger, what do you think?

Paul