Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) announced that the President’s Cup star and current world number ten, American Chris DiMarco, will compete in the upcoming Abu Dhabi Golf Championship to be held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, January 19 – 22, 2006.

With prize money of US$2 million on offer, the Championship will mark the first visit of the European Tour to Abu Dhabi and has now attracted four of the top 10 players in the world. World no. 2 Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia, world no. 6, Colin Montgomerie, world no. 9 and now Chris DiMarco, world no. 10. Other international stars include Thomas Bjorn, world no. 22 from Denmark and the incomparable American John Daly, world no. 29.

Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority commented, “We are thrilled that Chris DiMarco, has confirmed his participation in the inaugural Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. His decision to come to Abu Dhabi emphasises the stature of the field, and from a player who seldom ventures outside the US Tour, gives a great vote of confidence to our Championship.”

Chris DiMarco was born in Huntingdon, New York, has had three US PGA Tour victories since turning pro in 1990 and although he did not quite win in 2005 it has been his best year on Tour finishing seventh on the Tour Money List. Even so, 2005 could have been so much better for the 36 year old who finished 2nd no less than three times.

Commenting on his participation in the forthcoming Championship, Chris DiMarco said: “As you know I haven’t travelled outside the US that often, but I’m really looking forward to coming to Abu Dhabi. With so many good players, we are going to have a great tournament and I’m really looking forward to it.”

In all, 120 players will start the Championship on Thursday, January 19. After the second round, the field will be reduced to the leading 65 players and those tieing for 65th who will play the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday, January 21 and 22.

All four rounds will be televised live to over 25 countries world wide.