Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
With the countdown under way to the return of the DP World Tour Play-Offs in the UAE next month, the spotlight turned to Abu Dhabi on Tuesday as officials and players gathered at the Louvre Abu Dhabi to mark the occasion.
The Play-Offs, now in the second year of the revamped format of the erstwile European Tour, will begin with the 20th Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship from November 6 to 9 at Yas Links, followed by the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai a week later. The two-event finale will determine the winner of the season-long Race to Dubai title.
Defending Abu Dhabi champion Paul Waring joined the launch celebrations, recalling his memorable victory at Yas Links earlier this year. “Winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship was one of the most memorable moments of my golf career,” said Waring.
“Having two back-to-back Rolex Series events to close out the season in the UAE was incredibly exciting, especially now that I’m based here. Although I won’t be competing this year due to injury, I’m really looking forward to watching the action unfold.”
The anniversary edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship will feature the top 70 players from the top rankings, with the field later cut to 50 for the Dubai finale.
Among those confirmed are reigning Race to Dubai champion Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, and Ryder Cup stars Ludvig Aberg, Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, and Robert MacIntyre.
Among those in attendance along with Waring were Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council; General Abdullah Alhashmi, President of the Emirates Golf Federation; Ismail Sharif, Regional Director of Dubai Golf, and DP World officials Richard Bunn and Daniel Van Otterdijk.
Speaking to Aletihad, Al Awani said the Play-Offs reinforce the capital’s growing stature as a world-class sporting hub. “We are delighted to welcome the world’s best golfers to Abu Dhabi and Dubai as part of the DP World Tour Play-Offs,” Al Awani said.
“The 20th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship highlights the incredible growth of golf in the UAE and our nation’s success in hosting major international tournaments. Hosting this milestone event also allows our local players to take inspiration from the presence of the world’s top players.
“It also promotes tourism with the event along with other attractions at a location such as Yas Island reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global sporting and travel destination, offering a world-class experience for both players and fans.”
McIlroy secured a Dubai double last season, winning the DP World Tour Championship for a record-equalling third time and claiming the Harry Vardon Trophy for a sixth time, matching the late, great Seve Ballesteros’ tally.
