George O’Grady, Chief Executive of the European Tour, has praised the “pristine condition” of the course on which the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship has been contested and said the tournament has rapidly established itself as one of the region’s most prestigious events.
O’Grady, who was in Abu Dhabi for the US$2 million Championship, which is owned by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), said Abu Dhabi Golf Club was “a spectacular stage for a world-class field” and thanked ADTA Chairman Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan for the vision and commitment that has created a platform for the Tour in Abu Dhabi.
Along with the region’s two other Tour events, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship has become “the bedrock of the European Tour”, he said.
“The January start to the year is viewed unanimously as being hugely successful. Ever since the European Tour visited the UAE we have been continually impressed with everything we see there,” O’Grady added. “Obviously the weather is fantastic and the golf courses are always presented in absolutely pristine condition, but what we have been most impressed with is the great strides and the overall vision for the game and the development of the game that everyone connected with golf in the Emirates seems to possess.” …
When asked what the Tour can do to increase awareness, interest and eventual participation in golf in the UAE, O’Grady said, “Very simply, by continuing to visit places such as Abu Dhabi. The presence of global superstars can only enhance the reputation of golf within the Gulf states and encourage youngsters to participate in the game.
“It’s very noticeable that in recent years we’ve had players from China, Singapore, India and Korea winning titles on The European Tour. This didn’t happen by accident. Youngsters are impressionable, and we believe that European Tour professionals make a favourable impression wherever in the world they travel.
“I have no doubts at all that, before long, we will be watching players from the likes of Abu Dhabi competing at the highest level. Who would ever have thought that a golfer from Fiji would rise to number one in the world? Watch this space.”
O’Grady has become something of an expert on the development of golf in the UAE, having first visited the country in 1987. “We first entered discussions about the possibility of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship when the Sand Championships developed about three years before the inaugural Championship in 2006,” he said.
“One is impressed at all times by the tremendous variety and quality in all aspects of the hospitality of the region. It was, however, a particular pleasure to be a guest in the Emirates Palace hotel, one of the world’s most spectacular seven-star locations.”
When asked if the European Tour considers the UAE to be a strategic, central location as golf continues to develop around the world, O’Grady said, “The UAE is stronger than a central location – it’s becoming a bedrock of the European Tour. The January commencement of the season is immensely successful in terms of all three Gulf tournaments – superb golf courses in superb condition with excellent practice facilities. We feel it’s an essential part of The European Tour.
“Abu Dhabi last year was the best first-time event I’ve encountered on the European Tour’s international schedule. We certainly feel it’s a most welcome fixture on the Tour and one that is eagerly anticipated.”
The high profile sponsorship line up for the Championship included Etihad Airways and Aldar as Diamond Sponsors; Emirates Palace hotel, Etisalat and Standard Chartered Bank as a Platinum Sponsors; Nissan, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Omega and Xerox as Gold Sponsors; Gulf News as the Official Newspaper; and Middle East Golfer as the Official Magazine.
