Ernie Els ready for his debut at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
The reigning British Open champion Ernie Els has committed to participate in the eighth edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, slated to start from January 17, 2013.
The tournament will be staged at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, offering a total prize fund of US$2.7 million, to the participants.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is known for attracting some of the best players from different parts of the world each year.
This year too, the event has reeled in some prominent names including the likes of the world number one Rory McIlroy, the 14-time major champion Tiger Woods, the world number four Justin Rose and the world number nine Jason Dufner.
Els is one of the strongest additions to the tournament this season, as the South African is currently enjoying a brilliant run of form on the European Tour.
The 2012 European Tour season witnessed him recording five top-10 finishes in his 10 starts that he made. His last appearance came at the World Golf Championships – HSBC Champions, where he finished tied for the second position.
The highlight of his performances included his come-from-behind victory at the British Open. Entering the last four holes, he was trailing the leader, Adam Scott, by four strokes.
Meanwhile, when Scott faltered for four consecutive bogeys, Els held his nerves and secured the second British Open victory of his career.
He is now relishing the opportunity to make his debut in the United Arab Emirates’ capital, when he will participate in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
“I’ve played all over the world but this will be my first appearance in Abu Dhabi and I am excited,” he said
“I have been playing in the Middle East since 1994, I won my first European Tour title in the UAE and I’ve enjoyed a lot of success in the Arabian Gulf; it would be great to add an Abu Dhabi title to my collection,” he added.
Els also revealed that he will practice at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, which was designed by his compatriot Gary Player.
“The UAE is full of world-class facilities and Gary’s always telling me about his fondness for Saadiyat. I’ll definitely hit a few balls to help fine-tune my game ahead of the tournament,” he said.
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