Abu Dhabi: Yesterday marked a memorable day for the team at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort with it playing host to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship opener and 2014 Ryder Cup Captain announcement.
“This is an exciting week for all involved at the resort,” commented John Pelling, General Manager of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. “To have the world’s greatest players experiencing the St. Regis bespoke service and hospitality through the week is a great privilege.”
“Yesterday was a remarkable day for us as we hosted the Championship opener with The Saadiyat Beach Bullseye showcasing the diversity on offer in Abu Dhabi’s golf and leisure attractions as well as the striking characteristics of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and our beautiful hotel is fast becoming the city’s new leisure address. To cap off the day the 2014 Ryder Cup Captain was announced at The Regal Ballroom marking it a truly captivating day for the world’s golf media, players and our guests alike,” Pelling added.
Ernie Else, Justin Rose, Jason Dufner and Golf in Abu Dhabi ambassador Matteo Manassero, who had earlier completed media filming in our unique spa themed Morrocan Suite with the team from CNN, got The Championship proceedings off to a flying start. A target challenge was created on the 6thgreen of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, which sits proudly on the white sandy beach of Saadiyat with the hotel as its backdrop. Professionals teamed up with sporting legends; Gavin Hastings, Gareth Edwards, Jonathan Davies and Tim Henman for a made for TV event.
Gusty winds off the Arabian Gulf added to the challenge as players were scored in a darts-inspired fashion, picking up points for closest the bulls-eye. After two semifinals and a playoff, Rose and scratch handicapper Henman, came out top winning the luxury stay at the host hotel.
Attending guests were welcomed by St. Regis Butlers, a hallmark of the brand’s uncompromising service and presented refreshments, including Arabic tea and signature drinks before the event was rounded off by the St. Regis Evening Ritual of sabering performed by a St. Regis staff. Celebrating transition from day to evening as the sun set over the 6thhole, the ceremonial bottle sabre toasted the winners as they collected their prize of a stay in a St. Regis Suite.
Justin Rose added: “This was a great way to kick of The Championship week and what an unbelievable location. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is one of the most stunning hotels we get to stay in.”
The excitement did not stop there. Later that evening, the world’s golfing media gathered in The Regal Ballroom, the resort’s events facility, for the revelation of 2014 Ryder Cup Captain – Paul McGinley.
“We had a lengthy wait for the announcement but thankfully we were well looked after by the St. Regis staff,” commented a member of the world’s golfing press.
Throughout the rest of the week, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort will continue their display of service and culinary excellence hosting the ProAm gala dinner in the expansive Regal Ballroom on Wednesday 16thJanuary as well as a series of interactive guest experiences. The resort’s dedication to the Championship has also been extended to all guests staying at the resort providing them complimentary tickets, and a chance to rub shoulders with the best players in the world while also offering special food and beverage initiatives across its various venues.
