Abu Dhabi Invitational raises huge sums for charity

The Abu Dhabi Invitational, held on Sunday at Yas Links, not only produced a stunning spectacle of golf, it also raised in excess of US$500,000 for charitable causes.

Darren Fichardt claimed the individual professional title, whilst the pairing of Thongchai Jaidee and former Argentina footballer Gabriel Batistuta scooped the team prize at the prestigious Pro-Am; but charity was the real winner at the star-studded event, which also featured World Number One, Rory McIlroy.

“The money this tournament raises for charity is fantastic,” said Fichardt.

“There are a lot of charities that need help out there in the world, and we’re glad to be able to give something back. The huge support that this event gets from Rory, sports celebrities like Dwight Yorke and Gabriel Batistuta, and big businessmen is breath-taking, and if it helps raise money for good causes that’s wonderful.”

At the centre of the charitable efforts of the event was Official Charity, the Rashid Centre for the Disabled, a local organisation providing quality education and therapy services to children with special needs. The Rashid Centre will receive significant funds to continue the event’s charitable legacy in the UAE.

Over US$400,000 was raised through a live, silent charity auction at the red carpet Gala Dinner, which took place at the Yas Viceroy after play had finished. Among the most popular lots was a portrait painted by a resident ‘speed artist’ of Sandy Lyle, to which the two-time Major Champion added a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a round with him at Augusta National prior to this year’s Masters Tournament. The fabulous prize fetched a winning bid of $115,000.

In addition, a quarter of the event’s US$500,000 prize fund will be awarded to the chosen charities of winner Fichardt and joint runners-up Jaidee, Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Ross McGowan via the charitable arm of The European Tour, the Tour Players Foundation.

David Park, The European Tour’s Charity Executive, said: “The Abu Dhabi Invitational is not only a wonderful event for the players to compete in, but also for the work it does for charities both in the UAE, supporting the Rashid Centre for the Disabled, and also internationally, with its support of the Tour Players Foundation.

“We’re very pleased that the event was such a success from a charitable perspective. The amount raised is fantastic, and we look forward to being involved in the event again in the future.”