Garcia’s monster desert drive
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Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia took centre stage at today’s ‘Whack from the Track’ golf challenge at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, host of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Spanish ace was invited to drive a golf ball along the longest straight of the Yas Marina Circuit, attempting to beat the long drive record of 721 yards set by Sweden’s Henrik Stenson in 2007.
But Garcia failed to make it despite a highly creditable wallop of 675 yards!
The ‘Whack from the Track’ challenge follows Etihad’s hugely successful ‘Swing from the Wing’ challenge – a long drive competition from the wing of an A330 aircraft held from 2005 to 2007 (where Henrik’s record was set) and last year’s ‘Shot from the Yacht’ in which US Masters champion Trevor Immelman hit ten golf balls from superyacht ‘Aviva’ onto a putting green in the grounds of the Emirates Palace Hotel.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “Etihad is proud to offer innovative events around its sponsorships and each year we have created a different golf challenge with one of the game’s top stars.”
Garcia said: “This is certainly one of the most fun golf challenges I have been involved in and it was a great way to prepare for the tournament. “The circuit is incredible and while I did not beat Henrik on this occasion, I do intend to do everything I can to win here in Abu Dhabi this week.”
As well as taking part in the ‘Whack from the Track’ challenge, Sergio met students from the British School Al Khubairat, who were present as part of Etihad’s “My First Golf Lesson” promotion.
Garcia will be one of the favourites to land the Abu Dhabi spoils when the 1st round European Tour action gets underway tomorrow (thurs).
