Abu Dhabi Golf Club primes for Championship

The club has redesigned its severe dog-leg-left 16th hole on the National Course to create a more challenging line of play for the star studded Championship field, which features many of the world's top 25 players - including defending champion Paul Casey, fellow English duo, Luke Donald and Ian Poulter, Australia's Adam Scott and Ireland's Padraig Harrington.

With water hazards bordering the right hand side of the fairway, the treeline aligning the corner of the dog-leg has been replaced with a deep, devilish bunker complex which should restrict long-hitters looking to drive the 'Tiger Line' over - or fade round - the par 4's bend from the tee.

The amendments, which also include changes to the rough to make them more penal, have led to the Par 72 National Championship course being extended to 7,500 yards - the longest its been in the event's three year history.

"We are continuously looking at ways to enhance the overall experience of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, and make the course more demanding for the players. We have seen some fantastic golf played on this course, and the amendments that have been made for 2008 will foster the tight, enigmatic golf we have come to expect from this tournament,"

said Ahmed Hussein, Deputy Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, which organises the Championship.

"We have had members from the European PGA come to inspect the course already and they are very happy with the state of the facilities! This Championship is going from strength-to-strength and this year will be no different."

The Abu Dhabi Golf Club has also undertaken a soft refurbishment of its dining experience for this year's Championship, which runs from the 17-20 January 2008. The thrust of this work is the redesign of its signature outlet, Café 37, to create a more relaxed and enjoyable setting.

In addition, and in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Municipality, the club has created a new arrival experience for all guests and spectators, with a delicate and stunning flower display, which is designed in the Championship red and white colours, adorning the meandering driveway to the iconic clubhouse.

"The aim is to continually refresh the championship experience for all involved, which means looking at elements both on and off the course. We have looked at the club's entrance, including major approach landscaping, improved directional signage, developing the dining facilities, and implementing proven Troon Golf agronomic practises on the golf course for 2008," said DJ Flanders, General Manager/Director of Golf, Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

With all four days of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship being covered on live TV and reaching a global audience of over 140 million in key global markets, the 2008 championship formally begins on Wednesday, January 16 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.

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.

See more from the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.