Golf fanatics are rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect of next week’s mega golf tournament. The four-day extravaganza will see the likes of Charl Schwartzel, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke swinging for glory as well as the substantial prize fund of US$2.7 million (almost Dhs10 million).
Defending champion Martin Kaymer will also be out on the course, as will the event’s biggest draw, the infamous Tiger Woods. We caught up with Australia’s Jason Day, the current world number eight to find out how he’s feeling about taking on the giants of golf in Abu Dhabi next week.
How did you start your golfing career?
As a junior, I was introduced to golf by my dad at the age of six. I had a good run as a junior and amateur and in July 2006 I turned professional. Playing on sponsors’ exemptions I made the cut in five of my first six PGA Tour events as a pro, but then didn’t make it through Q-School. I earned conditional status on the Nationwide Tour for 2007 and won my first Nationwide Tour event in July 2007 at the Legend Financial Group Classic and finished the year 5th on the money list to earn my PGA Tour card for 2008. It has been a great run since then. I’m looking forward to 2012.
Being from Australia, what is it like to play somewhere totally different like Abu Dhabi?
This will be my first time in Abu Dhabi and I look forward to visiting very much. Being an Australian golfer, we pretty much accept that we are travelling most of the year and if you don’t love it, it isn’t the profession to be in. I love travelling to new places and I have heard so many positive things about the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship from the guys on tour that I’m really excited to make my debut there in January.
You have had a very successful career for someone so young, how do you plan to win the HSBC golf tournament here in Abu Dhabi?
Well, over Christmas I had a bit of a break, but now I am working very hard on my game to make sure my game is in the best possible shape for my arrival in Abu Dhabi. It is a very tough field so I will want to make sure I am in the best possible form for the tournament.
What sort of preparations do you go through for a tournament like this?
I put in a lot of work in the gym and on the range ahead of the tournament then I will get there a couple of days early to acclimatize, get used to the time difference and play a couple of practice rounds to familiarize myself with the course. I have heard the greens are in amazing condition and as true as any we play on around the world so I will put in a lot of work on my putting ahead of the tournament.
What do you love about playing in these types of tournaments?
I love competing against the world’s best players and trying to come out at the top. As I said before, it is also very exciting to get to know a new place so I am looking forward to getting to know Abu Dhabi a little too. I’ve also heard that the Emirates Palace is pretty special.
How do you plan to beat Tiger Woods and what is it like playing against him?
I can only take care of my golf and hope that I play well enough to finish at the top of the whole field – you can’t just think about trying to beat one member of such a strong field. With Tiger having won the Chevron at the end of last year, I’m sure he will be ready to go in 2012.
What advice would you give to budding golfers?
Practice hard with goals and work with a good coach.
What other sports are you interested in?
Golf has always been number one for me – since my dad introduced me to it at the age of six. I never felt like I had to choose as all I wanted was to be a professional golfer, but I enjoy playing and watching a lot of sports – from tennis to Aussie Rules
Do you plan to do any sight-seeing in Abu Dhabi whilst you are here?
I’m looking forward to seeing the city during breaks from golf.
The HSBC Golf Championship takes place from Jan 26-29 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Tickets are Dhs50 per day or Dhs150 for a season pass, under 18s and EGF members are free. For tickets and more information visit: www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com.
HSBC Golf Championship Village
Bored of pottering from hole to hole craning your neck to see a teeny ball fly off into the distance?
Yep, we understand. Take a break and visit the Golf Championship Village, which is being expanded this year to over 1,200 square metres. The Children’s Zone gives kids the chance to try golf for themselves or less sporty types can take part in arts and crafts activities in the Children’s Creative Zone. Older kids will be able to have a go on the golf simulator or take on the putting challenge. All visitors will be able to have a free golf lesson from a professional coach, either to sharpen up your swing or learn the basics if you’re a complete beginner. Cricket and rugby activities will also be available onsite.
Dress in Red
Don’t want to pay? Visit on January 28 and dress in red (the championship’s signature colour) and you will receive a complimentary day pass to the event.
