Etihad Airways, lead sponsors of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships, has unveiled an international competition inviting golfers across the globe to Swing on the Wing.
Swing on the Wing 2007 offers golfers the chance to take part in a long drive competition, from a wing of a wide-body aircraft on the runway of Abu Dhabi International Airport. The competition builds on the phenomenal success of the 2006 Swing on the Wing challenge that saw Ian Poulter and Paul Casey compete against one another from the wing of an Etihad airplane.
Etihad’s plans were announced at a media gathering at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, venue for the 2007 Abu Dhabi Golf Championships. “The 2006 Swing on the Wing created a huge impact amongst golfers and the media, and is one of the most recognisable sporting images of the past year. Since then, Etihad has received hundreds of requests from guests asking how they could have their own ‘Swing on the Wing’. We decided to launch this ground-breaking competition to the public,” said Geert W. Boven, vice president commercial, Etihad Airways.
Swing on the Wing is set to take place at 40 top golf clubs around the globe. Members at each participating golf club will take part in a ‘long drive’ competition, and the winning player will be entered into a prize draw to win the chance of flying to Abu Dhabi for the grand final on 17th January 2007 at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Three people will be selected and flown to Abu Dhabi to compete alongside a European Tour player and long drive specialist, Paul Slater. Slater set the world record for the world’s longest drive earlier this year, smashing the ball a staggering 884 yards.
In addition two lucky people will be selected to join the final on the runway at Abu Dhabi International Airport via the website www.theswingonthewing.com.
Golf clubs participating in this promotion include Wentworth, Paris International Golf Club, Glendower Golf Club in Johannesburg, Windsor Park and Golf Club in Bangkok and Garden City Golf and Country Club in New York.
Speaking about SOTW Julian Small, general manager at Wentworth said, “We are delighted to be a lead host of Etihad’s 2007 Swing on the Wing competition. It is an exciting and innovative golf challenge, with a prize that money cannot buy.”
Players who have confirmed their participation in the 2007 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship include defending champion Chris DiMarco, Spain’s Sergio Garcia, Ryder Cup star Colin Montgomerie, and South African Retief Goosen.
As the official airline for the 2007 ADGC, Etihad will be involved in a series of promotional activities surrounding the tournament as well as flying the players, officials and their equipment to the UAE.
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