Release date: 27th November, 2007


Ireland’s Padraig Harrington, the world number seven and Europe’s highest ranked golfer, is determined to seize the coveted ‘Falcon’ trophy and the winner’s cheque at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, played over the National Course at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, January 17-20, 2008.

Harrington – the 2007 Open Champion who finished top of the European Tour’s Order of Merit in 2006 and has finished in the top ten seven times – is poised to resume his friendly rivalry with Englishman Paul Casey, following the pair’s titanic battle in the closing round of the 2007 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

“I’m gearing myself up for Abu Dhabi which will be my first event of the year. As the first event of the year, I am flying my whole team out as with the great weather and excellent facilities it is the perfect place to jump-start my year. I know I’ll have a huge Irish following as the UAE capital is now on the Irish map since the launch of Etihad flights to Dublin. This year was great, everyone was so friendly and hospitable and I’m really looking forward to coming back,” said Harrington.

“It was a tough Championship earlier this year, especially after starting the final round in the lead, but Paul played great and was a deserving winner.

After his tied 5th finish in 2007 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, Harrington’s form went from strength to strength. The popular player shot a final round of 67 to become the first European to lift one of golf’s four majors in eight years when he won The Open Championship at Carnoustie after a four-hole play-off with Spain’s Sergio Garcia.


“Winning my first Major at Carnoustie was amazing. As a youngster I dreamt about winning the Claret Jug and to do so really has been the highlight of my career so far,” he added.