UAE capital tees up for biggest Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

Preparations are reaching fever pitch as both returning stars and first timers face changes to the rough which make them more penal, and the lengthening of Par 72 National Championship course to 7,500 yards - the longest it's been in the Championship's history.

'This year's field is breathtaking and constitutes a level of competition we have not seen on the National Course. In just a short time, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship has established its reputation as a world-class event, and has become a flagship vehicle in exporting the Abu Dhabi name to a global audience,'

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.

'We are continuously refining the entire golfing experience, both on and off the course, and this year we have seen strategic improvements to meet this prerequisite. The Championship has gone from strength-to-strength and we expect 2008 to be the best to date.'

The 2008 Championship field includes defending champion Paul Casey, the world number 21; Ireland's Padraig Harrington (8), who - following the pair's titanic battle in the closing round of the 2007 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship - is poised to resume his friendly rivalry with Casey; Northern Ireland's Ryder Cup hero Darren Clarke; Henrik Stenson, the Swedish number one who finished second and eighth in the first two Abu Dhabi Golf Championships; and Scottish maestro Colin Montgomerie, who has amassed 39 Tour victories in his 20-year career.

Speaking about his return to the Championship, current holder Casey said: 'My 2007 win was an important milestone for me and the perfect way to start the year. Abu Dhabi will hopefully successfully kick-start my 2008 season and I can't think of a better place to do it. The reception I received last year was incredible and I look forward to trying to defend my title and hope the fans will bring me as much luck as they did last time.'

And many of the world's best, including Ian Poulter (22), the flamboyant Ryder Cup winning Englishman; Australian dynamo Adam Scott (7); wonder-kid, Rory McIlroy, the 18-year-old Northern Irishman who shot to global fame with a stellar opening round of 68 in last summer's Open Championship at Carnoustie; and English duo Luke Donald (17) and Lee Westwood, the current world number 23, will be competing for the first time in the UAE capital with an eye on the US$2 million purse and the coveted 'Falcon' trophy.

Speaking on his Championship debut, Scott - widely regarded as the natural successor to golfing legend Greg Norman - said: 'Where better to start the year than in Abu Dhabi? I'm looking forward to hopefully getting my hands on the 'Falcon.' I know Padraig Harrington fancies being the first Irishman to lift the trophy but, rest assured, I'll bring everything in my bag to make sure the 'Falcon' goes Down Under.'

With the Championship expecting upwards of 25,000 spectators, the opening Al Masaood Pro-Am, kicks off activities at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club on Wednesday 16th January. In the Championship's first taste of action, amateurs compete alongside a Who's Who of A-list stars who between them have won majors, Ryder Cup events, numerous Tour titles, several European Tour Order of Merit winners and a host Rookie of the Year recipients.

Each player will not only be vying for the first prize of $333,330, or a share of the total purse, but also the chance to win free rooms for life at Emirates Palace Hotel and a Nissan 350Z - the prizes for making the Championship's first hole-in-one. The luxury Abu Dhabi hotel and premier car manufacturer are among an elite list of event sponsors, which also includes Etihad Airways and Aldar as Diamond Sponsors; Etisalat and Standard Chartered Bank as Platinum Sponsors; 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, AME Info as Official Media Partner and Cutter & Buck as official merchandise.

Course enhancements designed to make it tougher for the pros - and more exciting for spectators - include the revamped severe dog-leg-left 16th hole which creates a far more challenging line of play. 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.

Meanwhile spectators can tune into Championship radio - a specific FM radio channel delivering live ball-by-ball commentary, player interviews and analysis from an international broadcast team.

Streamed live on a dedicated frequency, FM 95.6, and via the Championship website -www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com - the information-packed audio is broadcast from a central studio-based production team, with fairway contributors relaying the action back to the studio.

And spectators at this year's highly anticipated Abu Dhabi Golf Championship are in for an added treat as three of the most well respected names in jazz, rhythm and blues, Jimmy Thomas, Michael Roach and Angela Brown, are set to light up the stage with four breathtaking shows after daily play ends.

Children under 18 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Car parking will be free during the Championship.