Goosen relishing challenge of Abu Dhabi

Two-time major winner Retief Goosen admits he is prepared for a challenging tournament when he makes his debut in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship that starts on Thursday.

The South African, who will be backed by a large number of expats from his homeland over the course of the four days, joins an impressive field at the Abu Dhabi golf club by Sheraton.

Chris DiMarco returns to defend his title after winning the tournament last year, playing alongside the likes of Colin Montgomerie and Sergio Garcia.

Enhancements have also been made to the course to ensure it will be even more of a challenge than it was last year.

But Goosen, the tournament's top-ranked player, remains unfazed by the strength of the field and the difficulty of the course.

"I know that amendments have been made to Abu Dhabi's National Course to make it more challenging - and I am ready to take up that challenge and really give it my best." he told ameinfo.com.

"I look forward to getting considerable spectator support from the many South Africans - most of them golf addicts - who now live and work in the UAE and neighbouring Gulf countries."

Meanwhile, DiMarco is keen to make up for a disappointing year overall in 2006. After winning the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 12 months ago, the only other highlight of the year was an impressive runner-up finish to Tiger Woods in the the Open.

But the American believes that with the new year also comes a fresh start and he has targeted retaining the trophy as one of his priorities for 2007.

"The start of a new year brings many new opportunities and I view the Abu Dhabi tournament as an important personal goal for 2007," he said.

January 17, 2007