The 15th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship presented by EGA and organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) tee off at 7.20am at the picturesque Abu Dhabi Golf Club on Thursday.
The four-day championship, the first of the Rolex Series of eight in the European Tour schedule, has drawn 132 golfers vying for a slice of the increased prize fund of US$7million on offer.
First staged in 2006, the tournament has quickly evolved into one of the strongest events on the European Tour, regularly attracting the world’s elite players to the Middle East at the start of the season.
Its importance in the golfing world was elevated further last year when it took the Open de France’s slot as one of the tour’s elite Rolex Series events.
Among the star-studded field are: title holder Shane Lowry, two-time champion Tommy Fleetwood, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Bryson Dechambeau, Patrick Cantlay and Lee Hwa-tang.
In the Roll of Honour list of the Abu Dhabi Championship are; Martin Kaymer (2008, 2010, 2011), Paul Cassie (2007, 2009), Tommy Fleetwood (2017, 2018), and Ricky Fowler (2016).
The Championship Village open at 6.45am and include a variety of entertainment for the entire family along with areas designated for food and beverages.
The Championship Village will focus on wellbeing and family fun, reflecting HSBC’s global commitment to golf that encompasses all levels of the game, from grassroots to elite, and the ADSC’s drive to unite communities through sport.
Making its debut in the Village is the ADSC Roadshow: a circuit area that promotes the various championships and leagues taking place in the country in the upcoming year.
Fans will have the unique chance to connect with these events taking place in 2020, as well as demonstrate their athletic ability to friends and family
Sheikh Nahyan welcomes players and fans to Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), welcomed the elite golfers from around the world to the 15th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
The four-day event teeing off from Thursday is the first of the Rolex Series of eight in the European Tour schedule. It has drawn 132 of the world’s leading golfers vying for a slice of the increased prize fund of US$7million on offer.
Sheikh Nahyan said the success of the championship has played a major part for Abu Dhabi to be in the forefront of being a renowned international sporting venue in the world.
“The nation’s good leadership and vision, the success of this championship and the good word spread through the world’s elite athletes have also been the reason for Abu Dhabi to become a renowned destination for some of the world’s prestigious sporting events.
“We are proud of the fact the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship was elevated further last year when it took the Open de France’s slot as one of the tour’s elite Rolex Series events.
“The championship has received worldwide media coverage and promoted the city as a leading destination for sports tourism.
“Finally, may I extend all players the very best for the championship and for the visiting fans an enjoyable stay in Abu Dhabi.”
