the International golf superstars

in abu dhabi
By Rafael Grindlay

On a fine Winters day, the 31st of January the international superstars of golf were present to
take part in the Abu Dhabi Invitational event at the Yas Links Golf Club. Yas Links features a
Kyle Philips designed par 3-9 holes academy course. The Abu Dhabi Invitational is
recognised as one of the finest pro-am golf tournaments.The tournament was founded in
2007 by Abdullah Al Naboodah.The event was sponsored by Links Insurance and Miral Asset
Management and Gems Education.
Some of the players who partnered were: Rory McIlroy and his father Gerry, Carin Koch and
Paul McGinely.There were joined by some of the greats in golf and other sporting
fields: Darren Fichardt, Dino Varkey,Graeme Storm,Thomas Pieters, Roberto di
Matteo,Andriy Shevchenko,Matthew Fitzpatricks,Brian Lara,Trevor Immelman,Matthew
Pinsent and Thorbjorn Olesen,Carly Booth,Amy Boulden, Seve Benson,Matthew Baldwin,
Felipe Aguillar and Bryson DeChambeau an up and coming amateur.

The 18 holes were not far apart `and the golfers had to hit 280 yards long. Rory McIlroy, who
is currently number 3 in the world, played beside his Father,Gerry. Rory McIlroys 1st shot
was not too far from the first hole and he then pitched the ball onto the green and finally putt
his ball into the hole swiftly. On the 2nd hole,par 5 he had a closer shot to the hole but
McIlroys ball landed in the bush. After finding it he managed to putt his shot into the hole.
McIlroy played somewhat a fair game however was not so skillful enough to win .
Graeme Storm managed to hit his shot on to the green safely. After he managed to score
onto the green he putt his shot surprisingly well and successfully finished off the first hole.
The players final tee off ended at 4:30pm. The whole tournament proved challenging but
there were some outstanding players. There were four professionals: Thongchai Jaidee,
Matthew Baldwin,Felipe Aguilar,Alexander Levy who came equal first.The first betterball team
was Bryson DeChambeau of the USA and Ahmed Al Farooq and Ahmed Al Qubaisi of the
U.A.E.