AL MUSHARREKH RELAXED AND READY TO FLY UAE FLAG 26 - January 2012

Abu Dhabi, UAE. Wednesday 25th January, 2012: Ahmed Al Musharrekh, the UAE’s top ranked national player, is quietly confident about taking on the world’s best golfers in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, which starts today (Thursday 26 January).

 The Emirati golfer, 21, who secured an invitation to contest the event from Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the Championship organiser, revealed patriotic pride will fuel his bid to compete against the ‘Giants’ of the game on the National Course.

“I am actually really relaxed about the whole thing and just enjoying the atmosphere here,” said Al Musharrekh. “I don’t want to let any pressure take over and I really want to enjoy the opportunity of competing with these players. I’ll hopefully go out and play some great golf.”

Al Musharrekh, who is looking to turn professional this year, said he has been energised by the support of the players - including Australian young-gun Jason Day - who have wished him luck in the Championship. Seeing his boyhood hero Tiger Woods on the practice range has also driven his desire to make the UAE proud.

“I was on the practice range with Tiger and it felt nice to be there practising with one of the greats of the game. It’s something you dream about as a kid. Suddenly he is there practising with you and it was a great feeling, a big deal for me. Playing in this Championship is not just about me, it’s about the UAE and the nationals who play – or who may be encouraged to play - golf.”

UAE residents can cheer on their local hero when he tees off from the 10th hole at 1.20pm on Thursday and from the 1st hole at 9.00am on Friday. The Emirati amateur will play with South African duo, Michael Bothma and Keith Horne.