The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship
Another week on the European Tour and another fabulous golfing destination!! This week we are at the first event of the “Gulf Swing” – The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.
At last year’s event the golfing world stood up and took notice as young German Martin Kaymer won in stunning fashion. Twelve months on and Martin is back to defend his title and aiming to repeat last year’s hugely impressive wire-to-wire victory. Martin’s ball striking is a definite strength and he looked in fine form this week as he geared up for the event. In addition to playing Titleist ProV1, ZM Irons and Vokey Design Wedges, Kaymer has recently added the new 909 fairway metals to his set composition and actually decides on either 909F2 13.5° or 909F3 13° based on course conditions. Having opened with a 4-under 68, at the time of writing Martin was looking likely to post another sub-par round – encouraging signs!
Titleist Tour Representative Phil Dimmock on the range working with Martin Kaymer
A strong field has assembled here for the event including the European Tour’s youngest member; Titleist Ambassador Rory McIlroy. Rory is currently in a rich vein of form that has seen him climb into the top 50 of the official golf world rankings and, in doing so, earn a spot at this year’s Masters. Rory is understandably buzzing about his upcoming trip to Augusta and, given his performances in recent events, is fully expecting to contend every time he tees it up. This confidence is understandable given that McIlroy’s stroke average so far for the 2009 European Tour season is a stunning 68.3 strokes per round – and after opening rounds of 66 and 69, this looks set to fall further! Look out Augusta National!!!
We'd all be smiling if we could hit it like Rory!
Another Titleist Ambassador in this week’s field is Englishman Ross Fisher. Ross hasn’t played since the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai back in early November and will be looking to get some early season momentum. Ross recently took time out to visit the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) in California where he spent time working with our technicians to fine tune his equipment. A 909F3 15° and 909H 19° yielded some positive results for Ross and he has put them straight into the bag for this weeks event. In addition to a visit to the TPI facility, Ross also took the time to visit the Scotty Cameron Studio and has returned with one sweet looking putter. Check out Ross’ custom Newport 2 in the photo gallery – Oh to be a Titleist Staff Player!!
A look at Ross Fisher's new flatstick. Note the fish stamping on the toe. Nice!
Robert Dinwiddie is also teeing it up for the first time in 2009 and the likeable Englishman is raring to get back to business following a hectic winter move to a new flat. Robert was keen to get his hands on some 909 product and took advantage of the excellent facilities at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club to test a 909F3 15° and 909H 19°.
Back in the swing of things. Robert Dinwiddie.
The Gulf Swing continues next week at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters and the competition promises to be intense with a number of big names making their 2009 European Tour debut at the event. 2008 European Tour Order of Merit winner, Robert Karlsson, plus fellow Titleist Ambassador and reigning Qatar Masters champion Adam Scott will both be in town and looking to contend. Scott claimed last year’s event in superb style with a final round 61 (-11) and will be among the favourites to lift the title once again.
As always, we will be working closely with the players as they fine tune their equipment needs in the run up to the event. Keep it here for updates from Qatar!
Add comment January 16th, 2009
