The Abu Dhabi Championship began at Yas Links on Thursday under an emergency protocol for players and caddies, amid tensions linked to the conflict between the United States and Iran. The tournament is the penultimate event of the European circuit season; next week’s final stop is scheduled for Dubai.
Under the instructions given to competitors, play must stop immediately if authorities issue an alert by mobile phone or through a prolonged sound signal on the course. Players and caddies are then required to leave the course according to evacuation plans. If an alert occurs elsewhere, they must follow the guidance issued by authorities.
The two tournaments had been uncertain until the last minute because of the regional situation. The European circuit had prepared a fallback plan to stage the season-ending events at Sotogrande in Andalusia, but competition is proceeding in the UAE. Several golfers have chosen not to travel to Abu Dhabi, including Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick, Robert MacIntyre, Ryan Fox, Shane Lowry, Min Woo Lee, Ludvig Aberg, Justin Rose and Ryan Gerard.
Pep Guardiola took part in a round with professionals and amateurs ahead of the Abu Dhabi event, playing alongside his friend Tommy Fleetwood. The competition carries added significance in the season’s final stretch, with the top 70 players taking part.
Eugenio Chacarra leads the standings with 4,143 points, ahead of Patrick Reed on 3,474 and Rory McIlroy on 3,144. The three are set to play together in the opening round. Chacarra is aiming to become the third Spaniard to win the European circuit title, after Seve Ballesteros and Jon Rahm.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer the largest prize funds on the circuit outside the majors, at $9 million and $10 million respectively. The article also notes the tournaments’ sponsorship ties: Abu Dhabi-based property company Aldar backs this week’s event, while Dubai logistics company DP World gives its name to the circuit.
Sources: El País Deportes.