Reigning US Masters Champion Phil Mickelson of America has confirmed he will make his Middle East debut at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship from January 20-23.
The news now means the tournament, which at US $2.7 million offers the richest prize purse of The European Tour’s winter ‘Desert Swing’ series, has three of the world’s top four golfers signed up.
England’s Lee Westwood, the new World Number One, and defending champion Martin Kaymer of Germany, the World Number Three, have already earmarked the emirate in their early-season schedules, whilst Paul Casey, a two-time winner and the World Number Seven, will return to Abu Dhabi’s National Course in January bidding to lift the coveted Falcon Trophy for a record third time.
One of the most celebrated and accomplished players of his generation, in recent years Mickelson has led the World Ranking charge against his compatriot Tiger Woods, the former World Number One, before the ultra-consistent Westwood usurped both men at the end of last month.
With a career total of 38 PGA Tour victories, including four Majors, Mickelson’s accurate hitting and smooth iron-play is well suited to the National Course and the 40 year old, three-time Green Jacket winner will be a front-runner to become the first American to lift the Falcon Trophy since Chris DiMarco won the inaugural event in 2006.
“The Arabian Gulf is now established as an important part of worldwide golf and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is a centrepiece of the sport in the region,” said Mickelson. “I understand the course and hospitality are among the best anywhere, so I’m really looking forward to my first trip out there.”
With local galleries anticipating another tense shoot-out for the Abu Dhabi title in just over two months’ time, Mickelson revealed he is eager to use the event as a springboard to reignite his own pursuit of Westwood’s place at the head of the World Ranking.
“I know there is a lot of attention on the Number One World Ranking these days but, as I’ve said, if I focus on winning tournaments the Ranking will take care of itself,” said the seven-time European Tour champion. “The last two winners in Abu Dhabi have done very well in the Rankings, and the strength of field here is obvious, so I’m looking forward to starting next season strongly at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.”
With other leading players expected to join Mickelson, Westwood, Kaymer and Casey in the field in the line-up weeks, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the championship organiser, believes the emirate’s rapidly-developing credentials as a major international sports destination are delivering an increasingly impressive depth of field.
“We have consistently targeted and attracted players of the highest calibre because we want our galleries to be exposed to the best the world has to offer,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, ADTA.
“Players of Phil’s stature reserve their diaries for only the most prestigious tournaments, so his choice of Abu Dhabi for his regional debut is testament to the championship’s growing maturity.
“This year sees our most impressive field yet to go alongside an exceptional prize fund. Golf fans attending the championship and those watching around the world will, once again, see a feast of the finest golf.”
Last year, Mickelson won the WGC-HSBC Champions by one shot in Shanghai. In 2011, he hopes to mimic his success at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
“Phil has been a wonderful champion at the WGC-HSBC Champions but he’s also been a wonderful entertainer too,” said Giles Morgan, HSBC Group Head of Sponsorship. “He will bring to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, along with his great golf, an even better spectator experience.
“He shows his appreciation to the fans, both out on the course but also around the clubhouse, where he is generous with his time and attention. He will play a significant role in assisting us help the UAE’s golf fans and sports fans in general enjoy their time at the tournament even more.”
With designs on attracting the championship’s biggest ever spectator turnout, ADTA has promised a substantially expanded Championship Village with more ‘away from the course’ attractions, restaurants, cafes and competitions and fans able to find out more about the emirate’s expanding golf facilities.
