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Irishman Padraig Harrington, a three-time Ryder Cup winner and the 2006 European Tour Order of Merit victor, has confirmed he will begin the defence of his Merit crown at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship – at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club from January 18th – 21st. The Irishman, the current world number eight, becomes the second player in world’s top 10, and sixth in the top 20, to sign up for the UAE capital’s biggest sporting event.
He joins a sterling field of the game’s best, which includes: defending champion and USA number six, Chris DiMarco; eight-time European Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie; Championship newcomer and current World Number six, South African number two Retief Goosen; Spanish hot-shot Sergio Garcia, now eleventh in the official world rankings, Sweden’s number one Henrik Stenson and Australian Order of Merit winner Nick O’Hern. Harrington, Ireland’s number one golfer recently lifted his first Order of Merit title after ten years on the European Tour after finishing second in the 2006 final event – the Volvo Masters in Valderamma, Spain. “It was a grandstand finish,” said Harrington.
After surging up the leader board with a majestic back nine, Harrington watched fellow Ryder Cup teammate Sergio Garcia bogey the 18th hole, dropping the Spaniard out of the play-off berths and into a two-way tie for second. The finish pushed the Irishman above England’s Paul Casey in the race for top honours. “I knew Paul had been suffering with stomach cramps during the first round and to be honest I did think - despite my concerns for a close friend - it could open the door for a late challenge.
“Although my game really came together on the back nine of the last day, I was left sweating on Sergio’s final putt. Thankfully he missed it and I won my first Order of Merit crown. I’m certain the old adage of defending a title is harder than winning it will be one which resonates throughout my 2007 season, but I’m relishing the challenge and can’t wait to get started in Abu Dhabi. “I missed the inaugural event this year but the feedback from the pros on tour was that Abu Dhabi was a lush, green environment quite at odds with common perceptions of desert landscapes. Being from Ireland, I’m an outdoors man, and I can’t wait to see and experience the renowned hospitality and city for myself – it’ll be a great way to start the year,” continued Harrington.
The notoriously accurate-hitting Harrington was part of the victorious European team which tore apart the Americans to triumph 18½ - 9½ at his native K Club in Ireland earlier this year, and Championship organisers were quick to identify the quality and calibre he would bring to the 120-strong Abu Dhabi Golf Championship field. “Padraig has now won three Ryder Cups, over a dozen tournaments world-wide, and is widely recognised as being one of the game’s most consistent performers,” said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which owns the tournament.
“Padraig is in that elite bracket of golfers which are recognised globally - his participation can only be a good thing for the regional game and promoting Abu Dhabi to the world. He’s a great coup for the Championship.” A total prize fund of US$2 million and the capital Golf Club’s unique facilities make the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship one of the most attractive tournaments on the European Tour schedule and are ensuring even more world-class players will compete for the first prize of US$333,330.
The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2007 will begin with the Al-Masaood Pro-Am and Awards Gala when sponsors and their guests have the chance to play and socialise with some of the world’s best professionals. The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2007 has attracted a high profile sponsorship line up including: Etihad Airways and Aldar as Diamond Sponsors; Standard Chartered Bank, Emirates Palace and Etisalat as a Platinum Sponsors; Nissan, Airbus, Rolls Royce, Omega and Xerox as Gold Sponsors.
Tickets for the Championship are available via the official website - www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com - online at www.timeouttickets.com, via the ITP toll free hotline 800 4669 or for international clients +971 4 210 8943 and at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Tickets are priced at AED 125 for a daily pass and AED400 for a four-day pass though preferential rates of AED100 and AED300 respectively apply to UGA members. Children under 18 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Car parking will be free during the Championship.
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Caption: Harrington: Irishman Eyes Abu Dhabi title