Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s fairways were yet again graced with some of the world’s best golfers at this year’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Tyrell Hatton kicked off his season in the best possible fashion by producing a dominant performance to win at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and capture his fourth Rolex Series title.
The attention of the golfing world turned to Abu Dhabi as the new 2021 Race to Dubai season got underway in Abu Dhabi, with the European Tour’s opening Rolex Series event. Many of the European and PGA Tour players kick-started their competitive year in Abu Dhabi with the hope to be crowned winner at the ‘Home of Champions’.
The hours of preparation that go into the course are incalculable and hosting the 15th staging of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship means that 365 days a year the team are dedicated to ensuring the course is at tour standard all-year round.
Commenting on the course, Cluster Director of Agronomy at Troon Abu Dhabi, Clinton Southorn said: “The build up to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship was very exciting, even though the days are longer, and the weeks seem to roll into the next very quickly, the pride we all feel gives us the adrenaline to carry on. Working closely with the European Tour creates a special environment as we are all working towards the same goal; making the year bigger, better and unforgettable.
“Everyone involved worked incredibly hard to make it the tournament possible. Although it was strange to not have spectators at this year’s event, it was amazing to see competitive golf on our fairways once again.”
As the host venue, Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s reputation is reflected in the fact that the top players flock time and time again to play the National course. Lee Westwood, the 2020 Race to Dubai Champion, returned to the UAE capital to defend his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title. Other former winners include Tommy Fleetwood, Martin Kaymer and Shane Lowry who also took on the National Course.
Joining the star-studded field last week were three members of the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) top-10: Justin Thomas (3), Rory McIlroy (4), and Tyrell Hatton (10). Following an impressive win at the 2020 Abu Dhabi Amateur Championships up and coming teenager, Arjun Gupta, also secured a spot in the 2021 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championships. Gupta followed in the footsteps of fellow competitor, Josh Hill, who became the youngest player ever to play in the tournament last year at just 15-years-old.
Francisco de Lancastre David, Cluster General Manager at Troon Abu Dhabi, commented: “Much hard work and preparation has gone into getting the golf course in great shape for the tournament last week and we were very excited to host some of the world’s very best players again last week, who will undoubtedly create more great moments for golf fans to remember.
“It remains clear that this is one of the most highly anticipated tournaments in the calendar year, as it really sets a precedent for the year to come for these players. The tournament is graced with such a competitive field each year and the team have done a fabulous job of setting up the best surface for them to battle it out on. So a massive congratulations to Tyrell on his fantastic win.”
This year’s event saw health and safety measures in place to mitigate the risk of spreading Covid-19, including no general admission of spectators at the championships.