THE 2015 Abu Dhabi Invitational to be played at Yas Links on Sunday (January 25) is not only renowned for its colossal charity fundraising it has also earned itself the reputation of being one of the most prestigious Pro-Ams in golf due to the luxury and lifestyle image of the tournament’s supporters.
Abdullah Al Naboodah, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Invitational, began the charity fundraising and luxury lifestyle theme of the event when he launched the tournament back in 2007 in Dubai and this has been continued with the tournament now supported by Host Partners Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Al Naboodah and Farooq Investments.
The luxury goods sector have again come to the support of the 2015 Abu Dhabi Invitational to carry on the tradition in fine style, with IMG now managing the tournament along with James Bowring, who has been directing the tournament since the inaugural event.
The Official Car and Premier Partners does not get more prestigious than Bentley, courtesy of Al Habtoor Motors and a Bentley GT Speed will be the Hole-in-One prize on hole 8 where Retief Goosen scored an ace back in 2012 when the tournament was last held, at Yas Links.
Premier Partners, the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, have also put up an amazing prize for a hole-in-one at the stunning 17th hole with a sleek Sunseeker Manhattan 53 luxury yacht.
Hublot Watches are donating a18 caret gold King power watch for the charity auction at the Gala Dinner, which is guaranteed to attract enormous attention. Hublot watches were presented to winners Ricardo Gonzalez and Anders Hansen at the Invitational in 2008. Hublot will also provide a 360 halfway deck area between holes 9 and 18 for the players and VIP guests to rest between nines!
Jeweller to the stars of Hollywood, Italian designer Roberto Coin has hand-made the trophies in Italy for the four competition champions – Pro, Pro-Am, Amateur and Am-Am. Representing Roberto Coin at the Abu Dhabi Invitational at Yas Links is the glamorous ambassador for the brand, Jessica Kahawaty.
One of the longest-hitters in amateur golf in the Middle East, Jay Varkey, will be playing in the famous Pro-Am while many of the pupils, parents and teachers from his top-class GEMS schools will be involved at the event in various roles.
The International Petroleum Investment Company, formed by Abu Dhabi in 1984, is one of the four Premier Partners who are also playing a prominent part in the tournament.
The magnificent Yas Viceroy on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is an Official Partner, which will welcome industry leaders, celebrities, business leaders, sports stars and guests from all around the globe, to one of the most luxurious hotels in the Middle East. Tour Professionals and VIP guests will stay at Yas Viceroy, which is also the venue for the Gala Dinner.
The volunteer marshals, caddies, scorers and ball spotters will stand out from the crowd during the event thanks to Official Apparel Sponsor Luke Sport providing complimentary stylish polo shirts.
The eye-catching British brand has produced a course-ready collection designed in consultation with their stable of professional golfers which includes Mark Foster, Matthew Nixon and Steve Webster who are all playing in the event
As well as providing free polo shirts to volunteers at the event, Luke Sport will also be stocked in the Yas Links Pro Shop – a first for the region.
On behalf of the Official Charity for the event, Ahmed Hashim Khoory, Founder of the Rashid Pediatric Centre, welcomes the 2015 Abu Dhabi Invitational, saying:
“I would like to thank the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Founders, Partners and organisers of the tournament who were keen to support our cause through the event. Their support in helping us strengthen the social awareness of the disabled is very much appreciated.”
The Abu Dhabi Invitational is supported by Host Partner the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Founders, Al Naboodah and Farooq Investments; Premium Partners Bentley, Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group, GEMS Education, International Petroleum Investment Company; Official Partners Luke Sport, Yas Links, Invest Africa, Hublot, Yas Viceroy; Support Partners San Pellegrino, Roberto Coin, Links Insurance Brokers, Golf Gamebook and Titleist; Media Partners Sport 360, Worldwide Golf, Golfing World and Event Partners IMG and The European Tour.
