CHAMPIONSHIP SPECTATOR NUMBERS HIT 25,000
Praise received from all corners for Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

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Abu Dhabi, UAE. 20th January 2008
Spectator numbers for the third annual, US$2 million Abu Dhabi Golf Championship - the European PGA Tour curtain raiser - have broken previous records with attendance figures upwards of 25,000 for the four day event.

Despite adverse weather conditions in the build up to the event, spectators have flocked to watch a star studded field featuring over a third of the world’s top 25 names, as they compete for top honours and the chance to take home the coveted ‘Falcon’ trophy.

With defending champion Paul Casey, Australia’s Adam Scott (8), Ireland’s Padraig Harrington (9), Swedish number one, Henrik Stenson (16), and the English trio of Luke Donald (18), Ian Poulter (22) and Lee Westwood (23) generating much of the pre-Championship hype, the sensational form of young German Martin Kaymer – who has emerged as one the European Tour’s hottest talents this weekend – has only added to the spectator appeal.

As well as 23-year old prodigy Kaymer – 2007’s European PGA Tour Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year – another bright young star, Rory McIlroy, the 18 year old Northern Irishman who shot to global fame with a stellar opening round of 68 in last summer’s Open Championship at Carnoustie, has also wowed the Abu Dhabi galleries.

“The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship continues to go from strength-to-strength, a fact clearly reflected by the number of spectators attending this flagship event. With an elite field of the world’s best and most promising stars battling it out on the stunning National course, as well as diverse visitor experiences off the course, we were expecting 2008 to break new records,” said Peter German, Executive Tournament Director, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship – which is organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

This year’s Spectator Village is a treasure trove of family activities, with competitions and games galore. The UAE’s national carrier, Eihad, are offering a pair of return tickets to Beijing as part of a putting challenge, where would-be Kaymers have to sink the ball in any of the airline’s global destinations. Aldar has something for motorsport fans with a full size F1 simulator, which has proved to be a hit with kids and adults alike. And for a relaxing cultural experience, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority has the Cultural Tent – where guests can sip Arabian tea and watch traditional falconry.
 

Over 25,000 spectators have flocked to Abu Dhabi’s flagship sporting event

 
 

Praise for this year’s Championship has been pouring in with the UAE’s local Emirati population attending in record numbers.

Abu Dhabi national, Abdul Rahman Salem, said: “The organisers have made this event a huge success for the three years I have been coming. This is an event you can’t miss; it’s the best golf event in the Middle East.”

And fellow countryman Khamis Mohammed, added: “The course is a bit of a challenge, which makes the game more exciting for the players and for us to watch. This is one of the best live sporting events I have been to.”

And the Championship has also attracted a host of international spectators.

Steve Adams from Australia said: “I really want to catch a glimpse of Adam Scott – he is a legend back home. This is my first day here but everything looks top class.”

Mike Ritz from the United Kingdom added: “The weather is beautiful and the Abu Dhabi Golf Club is the perfect choice for such an event. They couldn’t have picked a better time to hold this event in Abu Dhabi.”

In addition to the Championship’s record attendance, all four days of the event are covered on live TV, reaching a global audience of over 140 million in key global markets for Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

The Championship is part of ADTA’s ongoing strategy to raise the international awareness of Abu Dhabi as a world-class leisure, business and tourism destination by utilising sports and events as promotional vehicles to generate world-wide awareness of the UAE capital.