Worldwide Golf

Casey, Garcia, and Ogilvy Vie For Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Glory

TWO-time Abu Dhabi Golf Championship winner and World No. 4, England's Paul Casey, will return this January to defend his crown, in a bid to extend the impressive form that has re-catapulted him to the forefront of the golfing world.

The 32-year-old, however, will have his work cut out for him, as Spanish swing wizard and world number eight, Sergio Garcia, and Abu Dhabi debutant, Australian Geoff Ogilvy - the current World No. 10 - have also thrown their hats in the ring for the European Tour-sanctioned 2010 Championship, which runs 21-24^th January at Abu Dhabi Golf Club's sublime Par-72 National Course.

And with three of the world's top 10 golfers now teed-up, Faisal Al Sheikh, Head, Major Event's Division, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) - which organises the four-day spectacle - believes the landmark fifth edition of the US$2 million Championship will be a major boost to the emirate's growing credentials as an emerging world-class golfing destination.

"The Championship's success over the last four years has gone a long way to cementing Abu Dhabi's status as one to watch on the global golfing scene. The sport continues to form a key pillar of our long-term destination product, and will do so for the foreseeable future. We have no less than three great courses being finalised throughout the emirate and the people visiting and watching this Championship are connecting with a world-class golfing destination in the making," said Al Sheikh.

One player who knows more than most about the UAE capital is Casey, the only player to lift Abu Dhabi's coveted Falcon trophy twice: in 2007 and 2009 - the last of which kick-started a run of form where he clinched the Shell Houston Open and BMW PGA Championship. Casey is fully aware of what an Abu Dhabi win can do for a player's season. 

"The Abu Dhabi victory really gave my season a boost and helped me build momentum over the following months. As one of the first major events of the year, a good showing here can really make the difference, especially with the Majors teeing off not long after," said Casey, who is sponsored by Abu Dhabi developer ALDAR, which is behind the Kyle Phillips-designed Yas Island course, set to be the emirate's first links course.  

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And Casey - who has 11 Tour wins under his belt - is keen to become the first golfer to retain the Falcon in back-to-back attempts.

"I have strong ties with Abu Dhabi, both on and off the course, and coming here always feels like home away from home. The National is stunning and fits my game nicely and I know what is needed to win. For me, it's about doing the right preparation, getting focused during the winter break and coming to Abu Dhabi in the right frame of mind," said Casey, who carded a Championship record this year with a stunning 21-under par to hold off 2008 Champion, Germany's Martin Kaymer. 

"Being the only player to win twice in Abu Dhabi is a fantastic personal achievement. I now want to see if I can do it two years on the trot. I know the 2010 field is going to be extremely strong, and there are going to be guys out there who are hungry to win. I just need to be hungrier."

Five times Ryder Cup star Garcia, one of the youngest ever players to compete in the biennial competition, is a familiar favourite at the Abu Dhabi event, having competed in the UAE capital for the last three years. 

Adored on both sides of the Atlantic, the fiery Spaniard - the 2008 US Players' Champion and US Tour Championship runner-up - knows that securing an elusive Abu Dhabi win will be an important catalyst to his 2010 season.

"I've been playing pretty consistently over the last year but I know there's more to come. As one of the first events in 2010, everyone looks to the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship to get the ball rolling and build momentum for the long season ahead," said Garcia, who has 19 professional wins under his belt.

"The Championship is one of the most enjoyable events on the calendar. The hospitality is unparalleled, the course plays great and the competition is intense. I'm looking forward to getting out there and hitting my best."

The imposing 6' 2" Aussie Ogilvy - whose career highlights include snatching the 2006 US Open by a one shot stroke and being a triple World Golf Championships winner - is hoping his lack of Abu Dhabi experience won't be an issue come January.

"I've already heard a lot about the National Course from many of the other guys that have played there. I enjoy a fresh challenge and I'm intrigued to see what all the hype is about," said Ogilvy, who beat Casey earlier in the year to win the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona, USA.

Ogilvy, who notes golf course design as a hobby, is also relishing the opportunity to take in some of the UAE capital's latest golfing initiatives, including the Gary Player designed, Saadiyat Beach Golf Course - the Arabian Gulf's only ocean front course.

"I understand that Abu Dhabi has made some impressive strides in establishing itself as a golfing destination, and I wouldn't mind having the chance to look around. I know the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will be open to play when I'm there, so I hope to take the time to check it out."

All four days of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship will be covered live on high definition TV, reaching a global audience of over 140 million in many of the ADTA's key global markets.

The 2010 Championship formally begins on Wednesday, January 20^th with the Al-Masaood Pro-Am and Awards Gala when sponsors and their guests will play and socialise with some of the world's best professionals.