The Ras Al Khaimah Championship received a very special visitor today (Tuesday) when legendary Barcelona footballer Andrés Iniesta dropped in to see his old friend Pablo Larrazábal.
The Spanish pair were classmates at famed Barcelona academy ‘La Masia’ and with Iniesta now plying his trade with Ras Al Khaimah’s UAE Pro League team Emirates Club, the 39 year old came along to Al Hamra Golf Club to try his hand at golf ahead of the DP World Tour event taking place this week from January 25 to 28.
“We’ve known each other for 27 years since he came to Barcelona to join my school ‘La Macia’,” said Larrazabal. “He came into my class and we sat next to each other for two and a half years and became friends.
“We lost contact a little bit when he was in his first few years playing for Barcelona but we bumped into each other when he was travelling to a match and I was on my way to a golf tournament. Since then, we’ve stayed in touch and, knowing that he plays here in Ras Al Khaimah now for Emirates Club, I got in contact with him.
“We all know what he achieved in his career, and how good he was, and I wanted to show him what I do for a living so we got him here to Al Hamra for an hour or so hitting a few balls and introducing him to my job!”
The nine-time DP World Tour winner also revealed that his old pal may stop by to take in the golfing action over the weekend.
“Hopefully he’ll come to the tournament over the weekend with his family,” said Larrazabal. “We’ll see, he’s got passes but you know, he’s a very famous guy so he attracts a lot of attention. I want him to come and enjoy being in my office because we’ve enjoyed watching him in his office over the years.
Fans can enjoy free general admission to the Ras Al Khaimah Championship and can register for tickets here. Spectators can also upgrade their experience with tickets available for the Championship Chalet, which overlooks the 18th green, from AED 900, or the Clubhouse Terrace, from AED 160.
As well as watching the DP World Tour stars on the course, there’s an array of exciting activities available for spectators aside from the golf. The Championship Village is set to host a plethora of food trucks from the UAE’s favourite eateries, while fun children’s activities and live music on each tournament day will keep the whole family entertained in what is certain to be another memorable week of golf in the UAE.
