Veteran Torrance to teach 'youngsters' a lesson at Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

Torrance joins a glittering Abu Dhabi line-up of world-class professionals, including defending champion Paul Casey; Australian Adam Scott, ranked sixth in the world; Open Champion Padraig Harrington, the world number seven; Englishmen Luke Donald, world number 17, and the flamboyant Ryder Cup winner, Ian Poulter; Swedish number one, Henrik Stenson; and Miguel Angel Jimenez - one of golf's most colourful and well-respected personalities.

Having sunk the Ryder Cup winning putt in 1985 to deprive the Americans of the trophy for the first time in 28 years, and overseen the European team's Belfry triumph 17 years later, Torrance - who has finished in the top ten of the European Tour Order of Merit list ten times throughout his awe-inspiring career - is widely regarded as one of the true greats of the game.

With a career win tally envied by many of today's younger stars, the 54 year old veteran, who recorded his first win in 1972, hopes his three and a half decade-long playing career goes full circle as he eyes his 22nd European Tour victory in the UAE capital's flagship event - which runs from January 17 - 20, 2008

"I have spoken with many of the players who have competed in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and it is something that I want to be a part of. Even at this late stage of my career, I relish fresh challenges, and I believe experience could be the deciding factor in taking the highly sought-after Falcon trophy,"

said Torrance, who is making his Abu Dhabi Golf Championship debut next month.

Receiving an MBE in 1996 for services to golf and an OBE in 2003's New Year Honours List, Torrance's recognition off the course has been as prolific as his career on it. Only fellow Scotsman and Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2008 challenger, Colin Montgomerie, has accumulated more European titles without winning one of golf's four major championships.

"It will be fantastic experience to come to Abu Dhabi next year, and I look forward to going shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the game's biggest names. It would be a great start to the 2008 season if I can add another notch to my tally," added Torrance, currently competing on the European Seniors Tour, where he has topped the Order of Merit for the last two years running.

"The confirmation that a player of Torrance's pedigree will be competing in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is a major boost for the tournament's credibility. He is a legend in his own right and a role model to many up and coming golfers here in the region," said His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which organises the championship, and Chairman, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Organising Committee.

"Spectators will be in for a real treat as Torrance has proved he is one of the best at what he does time and time again."

Tickets for the Championship are now on sale. Children under 18 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Car parking will be free during the Championship.