Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Beach Golf Clubs have confirmed the dates for the major Tour events they will play host to in 2019.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA returns to Abu Dhabi Golf Club in January, whilst there’s a new date in the calendar for the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open on the Ladies European Tour at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. These events, bolstered by the Gary Player Invitational, mean that there’s a feast of golf for fans and Abu Dhabi to look forward to at the start of 2019.
Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open – January 10-12, 2019
The Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in partnership with the Ladies European Tour, are set to host the third Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open. This event marks a milestone event in the women’s golfing calendar, as it was the first-ever ladies professional golf event to take place in Abu Dhabi.
Last year, the tournament was held in November during which a field of 126 Ladies European Tour players competed over the stunning, Gary Player designed ocean-front course at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. The format next January will be different to previous editions, with a new, shortened 54-hole Pro-Am format.
Gary Player Invitational – January 13, 2019
The Gary Player Invitational in the United Arab Emirates was first launched in Abu Dhabi and historically has been the first leg of the 2019 GPI global series of world-leading charity golf events. Past events have been hugely successful, not just in terms of a world-class experience and high-profile Tour Professional participation, but also in raising funds for charity.
A star-studded cast of golf professionals and celebrities will join Gary Player in 2019 at Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Beach Golf Club over two days, to celebrate a ‘Union of Golf and Giving’.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA – January 16-19, 2019
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA is often deemed the unofficial start to the European Tour, with a prize fund of around $2.7m drawing in big names every year.
Last year, eight of the world’s top 20 took part, leading to another thrilling championship. Next year’s event is predicted to be no different, as Tommy Fleetwood will be looking to secure his third consecutive title at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Commenting on the major events, Ed Edwards, general manager at Abu Dhabi GC and Saadiyat Beach GC, said: “These three events are driving Abu Dhabi forward, not only as a golfing location, but also a fantastic destination with lots more on offer visitors, and we are excited to witness the drama that they promise this year. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA has been highly anticipated over the last eight months, as everyone is excited to see if Fleetwood can make it three in a row. It will not be an event to miss.”
He added: “The Fatma Bint Mubarak Ladies Open should also not be overlooked, as it is at the forefront of growing golf in the UAE, and has caused a spike in Emirati ladies golf because of the quality of the event. With the Gary Player Invitational to follow, the early season events in Abu Dhabi will certainlygive golf fans a lot to look forward to.”