Abu Dhabi, UAE. 5th November, 2008


Golf enthusiasts interested in experiencing the competition from the other side of the ropes are being urged to sign up as volunteers and marshals for the fourth annual Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, running 15-18 January, 2009, at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the Championship organiser, requires 400 volunteers to fill a wide variety of roles, from marshals and walking scorers, to scoreboard carriers and leader-board operators at the star-studded European PGA Tour sanctioned event.

“The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is critical in placing the UAE capital firmly on the international golfing map and to continue making this event a global success we need the support of the local population,” said Ahmed Hussein, Deputy Director General, ADTA.

“Being a marshal represents a fantastic opportunity for all types of golf fans – not just hard-core enthusiasts - to get up-close to world-class golfers and enjoy the action from an unrivalled position.”

Chief Marshal, Jean Iggo, who has run the volunteer schedule since the second Championship in 2007, said the rewards to volunteering far outweigh the hard work.

“The beauty of volunteering is getting to watch the world’s best golfers up close and personal. It is an early start and volunteers have to be with us for five or six hours per day, for at least two days. Golfers often pass the time once their round is over by talking to the volunteers – it can be very inspiring,” she said.

In addition to receiving full training, volunteers can be assured of catering in the volunteers head-quarters and, if they work for the required minimum of two days, free passes to the other two days of the action. A Championship-branded uniform is another benefit: “It’s a fantastic Cutter & Buck designed uniform, exclusive to Abu Dhabi volunteers,” added Iggo.

Some 120 elite golfers are due to take part in the Championship, including Ireland’s triple Major winner, Padraig Harrington, and current world number three Sergio Garcia.