The Real Academia Española states that “achicharramiento” is the action and effect of “achicharrar” or “achicharrarse”, meaning to fry, cook, roast, or toast food until it tastes burnt. It is also used as a reflexive verb. Can a person also “achicharrarse”? Well, under certain circumstances, yes. This week in Abu Dhabi, for example, there is a more than elevated risk. It is perhaps the main difference with the date change of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a playoff of the DP World Tour that begins this Thursday with the presence of seven Spaniards.
As you know, until this year, the Abu Dhabi tournament, which joined the DP World Tour in 2006, was held in January, usually in the second or third week. The temperature difference with the first week of November is about ten degrees. Today, they were above 30 degrees, with a thermal sensation close to 40 and a more than curious humidity index. They might not fry, but the golfers this week will earn their wages with the sweat of their brow. It could be a factor during the week.
So much so that the DP World Tour was even considering allowing players to wear shorts during the four days of competition. You know it’s not something usual on the European circuit, although the measure to give the green light in extreme heat situations was approved. We’ll see what happens this Thursday, as well as in the remaining three days. At least, the possibility is on the table.
Beyond this rise in temperature, there are no major changes at Yas Links, the tournament venue. The course is in spectacular condition. It is receiving all kinds of praise these days, especially regarding the quality of maintenance. The fairways, tees, and greens are impeccable. Perhaps the latter are somewhat less firm than in previous years. There are a couple of greens, on holes 10 and 11, that have grown in size, with the addition of a small tongue at the front. Additionally, on the 5th fairway, at the drive landing area, about 290 yards from the tee, there is more space, as a dip that was previously rough has now become fairway.
Precisely, the rough might be the most significant difference compared to the last two years played on this same course. It is a bit thicker, especially away from the fairway. In other words, we could say it will penalise big escapes more harshly. There are areas where you could even lose the ball, something that was quite unlikely before.
