HSBC to sponsor Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

HSBC is the new sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, boosting prize money by US$500,000 (Dh1,836,575) to $2.7 million, organisers said today. The increased purse bucks a trend in the UAE, which has seen prize money hit by the economic downturn. The Dubai World Championship, for example, has cut its prize money by 25 per cent to $7.5 million. Organisers expect five of the world's top 10 golfers will compete at Abu Dhabi Golf Club from January 20 to 23. They confirmed today that last year's winner Martin Kaymer will play, along with English duo Paul Casey and Lee Westwood. "This partnership ushers in a new era for the championship and golf in Abu Dhabi," said the head of Abu Dhabi's tourism authority, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan. "It is in many ways a coming of age for the championship and for Abu Dhabi's ambitions as a credible golf destination."