Abu Dhabi Invitational to make a comeback at Yas Links

Sport360 staff 12:29 10/01/2015
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  • Clear aim: Two-time Desert Classic champion Stephen Gallacher will try to regain the Invitational trophy he won in 2009.

    The Invitational, one of the most anticipated pro-am events in the game, will make a comeback after a gap of two years.

    – Joshua White headlines for MENA Golf Tour challenge

    Last played at Yas Links Abu Dhabi in 2012, when it was won by Scotsman Richie Ramsay, it returns to the same venue this year on Sunday, January 25, as the Abu Dhabi Invitational. The tournament is being supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the host partners.

    Unlike previous years when the tournament was played over one day, the 2015 edition will be a two-day, 36-hole event, with the Pro-Am on Day One followed by an Am-Am. 

    As many as 56 pros will compete for a $500,000 (Dh1.83m) purse, while their 56 VVIP amateur partners will then play alongside 56 VIP amateurs on Day Two. The Amateur Champion will be crowned after the 36 holes. 

    One man who is relishing the event’s return is defending champion Ramsay, who won in 2012 after firing a course record 10-under 62.

    Ramsay said: “It’s fantastic to have the Abu Dhabi Invitational back on the calendar again.

    “The first-class quality of the course helps attract a high calibre of players to the field and I’ve been putting in a lot of practice over the winter to make sure that I can put myself in contention again in 2015.”

    Already confirmed to join Ramsay in the field is Ryder Cup star and 2009 champion Stephen Gallacher, Matteo Manassero, 2014 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf champion Pablo Larrazabal, Thorbjorn Olesen, Marcel Siem and Jeev Milkha Singh.

    Memories: 2012 champ Ramsay (l).

    Rising star Matt Fitzpatrick will also get his first taste of the tournament as will veteran Sandy Lyle and two young female stars, Amy Boulden and Carly Booth.

    The amateur field will be a who’s who from the business world and feature well-known sporting legends such as former AC Milan and Chelsea star Andriy Shevchenko.

    Aref Hamad Al Awani, general secretary, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Abu Dhabi Invitational at Yas Links. It has earned its reputation as one of the most prestigious and ‘must-play’ Pro-Ams in golf.”

    “We look forward to welcoming elite businessmen and golfers from around the world. With all this support we hope to be able to achieve our target of raising $500,000 for charity.”

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