HACIENDA DEL ALAMO PRO JIMENEZ LATEST WORLD

STAR TO JOIN ABU

DHABI FIELD

Cigar-smoking Miguel Angel Jiménez — one of golf’s most colourful and well-respected personalities — is the latest world-wide star to sign-up for the European Tour-sanctioned Abu Dhabi Championship, which runs from January 17-20 at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s National Course, a Press release from the tournament organisers in Abu Dhabi reported.
Jimenez, recent winner of the Hong Kong Open title, represents the five-star Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort in Murcia on the European Tour.
In the third edition of the UAE capital’s flagship sporting event, the legendary Spaniard, who this year celebrates two decaces on the European Tour, joins a glittering field which includes defending champion Paul Casey, Australian pin-up Adam Scott (world No 7), Open champion Padraig Harrington, Scottish legend Colin Montgomerie, Swedish No 1 Henrik Stenson, and England’s fashionable duo, Luke Donald and Ian Poulter.
Jiménez, whose Abu Dhabi finishes to date include fifth place in 2006, and tied second in 2007, will be looking to go one better when he tees off in what is now regarded as the first big event on the European calendar.
“I’m excited about coming back to Abu Dhabi for a third straight year,” said Miguel.
“At 15-under, I finished just five shots off the fantastic pace set by Chris Di Marco in 2006, and I was only one shot off Casey in 2007 at 16 under. I shot a 65 on the second day and everything seemed to be running well going into the final two rounds.
“Two rounds of 68 later — and some fairly steady all-round golf — and I was standing there watching Paul Casey reach the clubhouse with his own 65 to take the win and trophy. That’s golf though, and I’m getting closer — there’s just one more step to take, which is always the hardest.

“It is a fantastic championship to play in, and I’ve competed in a few. It’s getting better every year and is now well-established as a player’s favourite on the Tour,” added Jiménez.
A total prize fund of $2 million and unique facilities make the Abu Dhabi Championship one of the most attractive tournaments on the European Tour schedule, ensuring even more world-class players will compete for the first prize of $333,330.
“I’m sure Miguel will bring everything in his arsenal to make it third time lucky at the National. His return to the UAE capital speaks volumes for the way the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is now viewed by the world’s top players. Professionals like Jiménez have played courses and tournaments in every corner of the world, so Miguel’s commitment to Abu Dhabi for the third year running is fantastic and should help further fuel spectator interest and international appeal of the Championship,” said Mubarak Al Muhari, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.
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.

+Entries for the inaugural Hacienda del Alamo Women's Winter Golf Festival (February 10-23) close on Tuesday, January 15. The Festival is made up of six competitions (2 x 36 holes, 2 x 18 holes, 2 x 18-hole team events) and is open to Lady professionals and Silver Division amateurs.

Males are welcome - to caddie or otherwise lend support to their wives, daughters or partners! Switch over to www.kirkwoodgolf.co.uk for all the details.