In a rallying call to golf enthusiasts across the UAE, the organisers of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship – to be held at the capital’s National Course at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club in January next year – are urging the community to get solidly behind 2007’s inaugural PGA Tour as volunteers.
Some 400 volunteers are needed as marshals, walking scorers and leader board scorers and for other roles at the Championship, which will run from January 18-21, 2007.
“The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship will set the pace for the 2007 European
Tour and is also the biggest sporting event in the emirate, placing the UAE capital firmly on the international golfing map,” said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, which owns the Championship. “This is a major community event and one which deserves the support of the entire cross-section of nationalities, genders and ages throughout the emirate and the wider UAE.”
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. Each volunteer will receive the latest Championship Cutter and Buck apparel kit with the company having been appointed as Official Apparel Supplier to the Championship.
Volunteers will receive pre-Championship training, free parking during the tournament and have access to a special ‘volunteers’ tent’ with food, refreshments and television. In addition, a week after the tournament – Sunday, January 28th – volunteers will get the chance to play a complimentary round of golf on the Championship course.
Jean Iggo, Chief Marshal, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2007, said: “This is an unparalleled opportunity for seasoned golf fans, and beginners alike, to play their part in a world-class European PGA Tour event, and get up close to the best professionals in the game.
“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.”
Andy Perry, a member of the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, who volunteered as scorer at this year’s inaugural Abu Dhabi Golf Championship has whole-heartedly recommended the opportunity.
“It was great to be ‘inside the ropes’ and up close to some of the world’s best golfers. I enjoyed the scoring and was close enough to even find out what the best players say under their breath when they hit from a fairway bunker to greenside bunker!”
Some 120 European Tour players are due to take part in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2007 providing a stunning breadth of field, including some of the world’s best ranked professionals.
Confirmed participation to date has come from Chris DiMarco, the reigning champion who will defend his title; Spain’s Sergio Garcia, currently world number eight who will be looking to better this year’s third place Abu Dhabi finish; Ryder Cup star Colin Montgomerie, looking to lift his eighth place Abu Dhabi 2006 result and the world’s current number six, South African Retief Goosen, who will make his Abu Dhabi debut.
Volunteers can register for Championship service by logging on to: www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com/volunteers.asp
