Spiderman swings into the capital

UAE golf fans will be treated to something different at the fifth Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, after PGA Tour star Camilo Villegas confirmed his participation alongside some of Europe's finest next month.

The world No22, nicknamed 'Spiderman' because of his unorthodox style when reading putts, rose to prominence at the 2008 British Open, when he fired a second-round record 65.

He followed that with his first and second wins on the PGA Tour – he has seven career titles overall – when he triumphed at the BMW Championship and The Tour Championship in September of last year.

Villegas finished the season seventh on the American money list and opted to take up membership on the European Tour in 2009, finishing 30th in the inaugural Race to Dubai. The Colombian is now eyeing a strong start this time round.

"I have really enjoyed playing more on the European Tour this year and I have heard a lot about the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship from my friends," said the 27-year-old. "I've been told I'll have an amazing week and we will stay in a stunning, luxurious hotel, play on a great course bathed in sunshine against a top-class field… so of course, I am looking forward to it very much.

"I already have a good idea what to expect in Abu Dhabi and I believe that my game will suit the course set up," explained Villegas, who has earned more than $10 million (Dh36.7m) since turning pro in 2004. "Whilst the fairways are apparently very spacious, I have heard that accuracy will be key to avoid trouble, as wayward drives can be severely punished by the thick rough.

"One sign of a world-class course is an impressive list of past champions, which Abu Dhabi certainly has in Paul Casey, Martin Kaymer and Chris Di Marco."

Villegas will be joined at the National Course by two-time champion Casey, new European No1 Lee Westwood, world No8 Sergio Garcia and 2006 US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy.

On his strange putting routine, Villegas added: "The 'spiderman' position developed because I wanted to get a better read on my putts and have a really good look at the line and I guess I just got lower and lower.

"I am glad the fans enjoy watching and I certainly am enjoying my improved putting results."

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