Miguel Angel Jiménez, who finished in the top five in the tournament last year, is the latest player to commit to the second staging of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club from January 18-21, 2007.
The Spanish stalwart has nearly 20 years experience on The European Tour and has proven to be one of the game’s most prolific winners, having chalked up 13 victories to date.
Jiménez joins a glittering field, which includes defending champion Chris DiMarco of the United States; World Number Eight Retief Goosen of South Africa, Australasian Tour Order of Merit winner Nick O’Hern; and European Ryder Cup stalwarts, Paul Casey of England, Sergio Garcia of Spain, Padraig Harrington of Ireland, Colin Montgomerie of Scotland and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson.
“Last year I finished fifth but it was a fantastic Championship to play in,” he said. “I’ll be looking to start as strongly as I did in the inaugural Championship and keep that momentum going into my final round.
“I know the course has been improved and upgraded since last year, which is fantastic for the players and the spectators – it should lead to plenty of twists and turns during the four days and keep us all on our toes.”
Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, which owns the Championship, said: “Miguel’s return speaks volumes for the way this year’s event is viewed by the world’s top players. Men like Jiménez have played courses and tournaments the world over and for them to commit to Abu Dhabi for the second year running is a great coup for us and should help further fuel spectator interest and global appeal in the Championship."
