Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship 2011: Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood part of the field
Confirmations for the final field of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship are just in.
According to the press release, the US Masters champion Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood, and Ian Poulter will be teeing off on January 20th-23rd at the Abu Dhabi Golf Course to welcome the European tour. The
circuit, which is on a thirty day hiatus, is gearing up for the New Year. The names of the final field are here and by the look of it, one can foresee what the four-day will be like.
Defending Champion, Martin Kaymer will be present in full form. The German bagged four titles including the Ryder Cup trophy, and the Race to Dubai. He will be accompanied by Graeme McDowell, who boasts the same resume except for
Race to Dubai fame.
Apart from these two Europeans, Phil Mickelson, and Lee Westwood will also be part of the battle. This rounds-up four of the top ranked veterans who will be present in Dubai for a purse of US $2.7 million. Mickelson who is considered
to be the most accomplished player of his time, with 38 PGA Tour victories poses a great threat for the rest of the players on the field. With solid iron play and soaring driving accuracy, Mickelson is ideal for the National course.
The four-time major winner is excited about the New Year and is looking forward to be greeted by fans at Abu Dhabi. He said, “The Arabian Gulf is now established as an important part of worldwide golf and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf
Championship is a centerpiece of the sport in the region. I understand the course and hospitality are among the best anywhere, so I’m really looking forward to my first trip out there.”
However, apart from revisiting the venue, the American has another goal in mind. He aims to dethrone Lee Westwood from World No.1.
The 40 year old added, “I know there is a lot of attention on the Number One World Ranking these days but, as I’ve said, if I focus on winning tournaments, the Ranking will take care of itself. The last two winners in Abu Dhabi
have done very well in the Rankings, and the strength of field here is obvious, so I’m looking forward to starting next season strongly at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.”
The players’ appearance in Dubai highlights the growth of the championship. Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), discussed this in a press conference regarding the tournament. He said that the tourism
authorities wanted the locals of Dubai to see the finest players of the golf. Thereby, names like Mickelson, Westwood, Kaymer, and Casey were invited.
The winner of the USB Hong Kong Open, Ian Poulter will compete as well for the Falcon Trophy, which he lost on his last visit. The scorned Englishman has his eyes on the title and is in no mood to give up on it. Chances are that
he will succeed in his mission, owing to his form.
The European tour is ready to welcome the seven-time winner on its circuit. Phil Mickelson will be teeing off on January 20th to open the tour. He will be joined by Westwood, Kaymer, McDowell, and Ian Poulter. Apart
from offering some premium golf, the Abu Dhabi Championship has various other attractions to offer including a competition for children, restaurants, cafes and other amusements.
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