Abu Dhabi, UAE. 9th January, 2009:


Corrective eye surgery has forced colourful Englishman, Ian Poulter – the current world number 26 – to withdraw from next week’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

The Ryder Cup star is to undergo the surgery next week, ruling him out of a third tilt at the Falcon trophy.

Poulter will miss out on the opportunity to go head-to-head against the world’s best players at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, where the stellar field includes three-time Major winner, Padraig Harrington, world Number two, Sergio Garcia, world number eight, Henrik Stenson, and eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner, Colin Montgomerie.

“It is with great regret that I have to withdraw from the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship,” said Poulter.

“I have been having a problem with my vision in poor light and my doctors have advised me that I should have this surgery as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration. I am relieved that the problem can be corrected with surgery but very disappointed to miss one of my favourite events on the schedule.

“However, I’ll be back in Abu Dhabi next year for another crack at the Falcon,” added the 32-year-old.

Championship organiser, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), was quick to wish Poulter every success with the surgery.

“Ian is a staunch supporter of the championship and if we know him as well as we think, he’ll be following its progress day-by-day if only via radio broadcasts,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Major Events Division Head, ADTA. “It’s great to hear he’s planning a 2010 appearance and we look forward to welcoming him back.”