Stars from the world of sport set to compete for charity in the second Saadiyat Beach Classic include winning Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, Ryder Cup hero and WGC winner Ian Poulter, Rookie of the Year Matteo Manassero, and two time Abu Dhabi Golf Championship winner Paul Casey
Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of tourism, cultural, and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi including Saadiyat Island and the stunning Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, will host another all-star line-up for the Saadiyat Beach Classic on Monday 24th of January.
Gary Player and TDIC will welcome Abu Dhabi favourites Paul Casey and Ian Poulter, along with European Tour Rookie of the Year Matteo Manassero, Ryder Cup winning Captain Colin Montgomerie and Ryder Cup vice captain Thomas Bjorn, in a pro / celebrity – am format. Rugby legends Victor Matfield, Gavin Hastings, ZinZan Brooke and former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke will also compete in the unique event that invites amateurs from around the UAE to compete alongside the headline players. Ladies Tour stars Henrietta Zuel and Carly Booth will also play, adding further style and elegance to the high profile charity event.
Colin Montgomerie, a long time supporter of golf in the UAE, commented: “I make no secret of my love of links golf and so I am especially looking forward to my first visit to the UAE’s only beachfront golf course at Saadiyat Beach. Abu Dhabi is becoming a world-class golfing destination, and the Saadiyat Beach Classic seems like the ideal opportunity to enjoy a beautiful setting whilst supporting local children’s charities.”
Following a hugely successful inaugural event in 2010 that raised AED 1.2m for charity and marked the opening of the Arabian Gulf’s first and only beachfront golf course, the Saadiyat Beach Classic has become a prestigious occasion in Abu Dhabi’s sporting and social calendar. Funds raised at this year’s charity gala dinner held at Emirates Palace will go directly to Emirates Autism Centre and Abilities Centre for Special Needs, as well as The Player Foundation, to ensure that children in Abu Dhabi benefit directly from this enjoyable day of golf and evening of celebrations and auctions.
Lee Tabler, Chief Executive Officer of TDIC, further added: “TDIC is looking forward to welcoming these world class players to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club to enjoy the beautiful beachfront course, raise important funds for local charities and round off a month of golfing excitement in Abu Dhabi with a fantastic day of sport and giving. I would like to thank our sponsors who have shown us significant support this year, especially our presenting sponsor, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank”.
Ala’a Eraiqat, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank commented: “ADCB is delighted to support the Saadiyat Beach Classic as it welcomes some of the world’s best sporting and entertainment figures to the capital. Maintaining our commitment to the future of Abu Dhabi, we look forward to participating in an event that not only entertains its guests but also raises awareness and funds for two very important local charities.”
The key aim of the tournament is to make a real difference to the lives of many children, whilst at the same time offering golfers and spectators the unique opportunity to rub shoulders with icons of sport and entertainment. On the evening of 24th January, TDIC will also host a black tie charity gala dinner at Emirates Palace featuring entertainment that includes a mixture of live performances from singers and artists from the Western and Arab world. Malik Jandali, one of Syria’s most versatile and imaginative musicians, is just one of the performers set to entertain guests at the prestigious event.
The evening will include silent and live auctions for a wide range of big-ticket items, donated by corporate sponsors to significantly boost the fund raising efforts. Some of the luxury items due to be auctioned include a Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Annual Passport for 2011, three specially commissioned art pieces including a piece by Rokni Haerizadeh, a couture dress made to measure by esteemed designer, Rami Al Ali, a Tiger Woods autographed personal Nike driver, a Phillippe Tournaire ‘Palace’ ring with diamonds, as well as a unique South African experience by the Gary Player Group.
Gary Player, designer of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and host of Saadiyat Beach Classic Pro-Am tournament and ball, explained: “Last year’s event saw VIPs from golf, sports, entertainment and business come together to play golf and enjoy an evening of entertainment and giving. I am always proud when golf brings people together for a good cause, and Saadiyat Beach Classic’s role in generating funds for children’s charities is fantastic. With these talented and charismatic golfers, unique auction prizes and the spectacular ball itself, I have no doubt that Saadiyat Beach Classic will see even more success in 2011.”
Managed by Troon Golf, the world’s largest golf management company, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the flagship sports facility on Saadiyat Beach, a destination that is set to become a magnet for high-end visitors and residents due to its host of exclusive and stylish 5-star resorts.
The Pro-Am tournament on 24th January is free for spectators to attend, offering fans unprecedented access to some of the world’s greatest golfers as they tackle the spectacular championship golf course at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. The course opens at 9am with the first tee off at 10am.
Saadiyat Beach Classic 2011 is presented by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. Prestige Partners are Emirates Airlines and Emirates Palace and Media sponsors are Abu Dhabi Media Company and Motivate Publishing.
Saadiyat Beach Classic www.saadiyatbeachclassic.com.