As some of the biggest names in sport return to Abu Dhabi, including star name Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, for the annual HSBC Golf Championship on January 17-20, we have exclusive interviews with world number one McIlroy and world number seven Justin Rose and a hole-by-hole guide from the stars themselves. Even if you don’t know a sand wedge from a putter, don’t panic because there’s plenty happening around the championship for you to get involved in. All together now: ‘Fore!’
Get in for free
If you’re in town and staying in a hotel/hotel apartment during the championship you can get in for free. Proof of booking – which can include an Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship hotel voucher, a hotel reservation, room key or a payment receipt – has simply to be presented at the championship entrance.
Prize fund
This year, the players will be battling it out for prize money that comes to around a whopping Dhs9,915,000.
The final day Sunday
January 20 is the final day of the tournament and also the day the winner will be crowned. So if you want to see who lifts the Falcon Trophy today is the day!
Other players to watch out for
Aside from McIlroy and Tiger Woods, others to keep an eye out for include world number eight Jason Dufner and former world number one (and golfing legend) Ernie Els.
Don’t like golf? Don’t worry
You don’t have to be a massive fan of the sport to enjoy the tournament. We’ve rounded up a list of ace things you (and the family) can do aside from watching chaps in funny clothes smack a little white ball around
The Championship Village
Always great fun for the whole family. This year there’ll be lots of entertainment and activities including plenty of food and beverages on sale plus you’ll have the opportunity to peruse the sponsor stands such as the Nike Golf Shop.
HSBC Interactive Zone
This has been designed to cater for people of all ages and abilities plus there’ll be prizes and giveaways. The interactive zone includes:
HSBC Coaching Nets
Where you can spend ten minutes enjoying a free golf lesson from an actual professional golf coach.
HSBC Children’s Creative Zone
Arts and crafts activities to keep the little ones busy.
HSBC Photo Experience
Take away some memorabilia from the tournament by having your picture taken with one of the players. Unfortunately it won’t be a real player, but when you show your friends you don’t have to tell them that. We won’t!
Live DJ every afternoon
So once you’ve finished watching the action you can get down with your funky self. Or something.
Picnic day
Saturday January 19 is picnic day and all the best places to enjoy a spot of lunch and a slice of the golf action will be marked on the course. Anyone wearing red will get in free.
Ladies’ day
If you and your girlfriends fancy checking out some golfing action head down on Friday January 18. The best bit is that it won’t cost you a single solitary dirham! It’s free.
