Community teed up to support Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

Some 400 volunteers are needed as marshals, walking scorers, scoreboard carriers, leaderboard scorers and other roles at the Championship, which will run from January 17-20, 2008.

'The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is one of the emirate's flagship sporting events and is critical in placing the UAE capital firmly on the international golfing map,' said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

'This event is all about the community and the entire cross-section of nationalities which make up the people of the UAE. To continue making this event a global success we need the support of the local population, from hard-core golfing enthusiasts, to those interested in helping out their community.

'Being a marshal represents a fantastic opportunity for veteran golf fans, and beginners alike, to get up close and personal with world-class European PGA Tour players, the best professionals in the game.'

People signing up for a half day, whole day or full duration service will receive free entry to the four-day Championship. While scheduling preference will be given to volunteers who can work a minimum of two shifts, all interested volunteers can get involved.

Volunteers will receive pre-Championship training, free parking during the tournament and have access to a special 'volunteers' tent' with food, refreshments and live television coverage. With top golf clothing company Cutter and Buck appointed Official Apparel Supplier to the Championship; volunteers will also receive a stylish, Championship-branded apparel kit.

In addition, a week after the tournament - Sunday, January 27th - volunteers will get the chance to play in a 'Volunteer Golf Day;' a complimentary round of golf on the Championship course only seven days after the world's elite work their way round the 18-holes.

Jean Iggo, Chief Marshal, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2008, said:

'This is an unparalleled opportunity for the UAE's seasoned golf fans and beginners to play their part and get 'inside the ropes' in a world-class European PGA Tour event on their own doorstep.'

'It really is the best possible way for any aspiring golfer to help their own game by being right next to the world's current crop of great players. While the responsibilities are important, it's really a lot of fun.'

Some 120 European Tour players are due to take part, including defending champion Casey, in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2008 providing a stunning breadth to the field of the world's best ranked professionals.

The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2008 has attracted a high profile sponsorship line up including: Etihad Airways and Aldar as Diamond Sponsors; Standard Chartered Bank and Emirates Palace as a Platinum Sponsors; Nissan, Airbus, Rolls Royce, Omega and Xerox as Gold Sponsors, Gulf News as Official Newspaper, Radio 2 as Official Radio Station, Middle East Golfer as Official Magazine and Cutter & Buck as official merchandise.