Golf: Khalid Yousuf to play Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
21-year-old punter Khalid Yousuf has earned his way into the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship after getting a wild card entry from the sponsors.
Faisal al Sheikh, Events Manager of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, told the press on Tuesday morning, “It is very important for us to nurture Emirati talent, and in Khalid Yousuf we have a star for the future. We all wish him well in what will be a fantastic
experience for him and for UAE golf.”
The 21-year-old is an amateur, who achieved distinction by leading the local events. He has been representing Emirates Golf Club in various tournaments and is the first local seed to accomplish a scratch handicap. Moreover, he is known for his prowess in
various international tournaments that encompasses the Pan Arab Junior Golf Championship, the World Amateur Team Championship, the Gulf Cooperation Council Golf Championship and the Dubai Desert Classic.
After savouring top finishes in several tournaments, Khalid will tee off alongside the top golfers of the world. According to media reports, all four Major winners from 2010 will appear at the same Championship. Phil Mickelson, who led the field in Augusta
National, Graeme McDowell, who triumphed at the Pebbles beach, Louis Oosthuizen, who set ablaze St Andrews and Martin Kaymer, who conquered the Gleneagles will be teeing off together.
Apart from these four veterans, the reigning king of golf, Lee Westwood, two-time winner of Abu Dhabi championship Paul Casey, the Dubliner Padraig Harrington and glitzy Englishman Ian Poulter will also be part of the 126-men field.
In presence of such master crafters, it is easy to say that no amateur will stay nailed to the ground. Despite that, Yousuf will test his luck. Commenting on his contention, the Emirates golf prodigy said, “It’s an amazing opportunity for me to be playing
at this tournament and a wonderful feeling to know that I am representing my country. I never thought I would be playing against so many legends of the game at the age of 21.”
The 2.7-million-dollar worth tournament kicks off on 20 January, 2011 at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
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