Sports | Saturday 17 January, 2015 12:49 pm |

Fashion, fun and fresh talent were the themes on day two of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, as thousands turned out for ‘Ladies Day’, teed off by Ladies European Tour starlets Mel Reid and Carly Booth.

The players hosted an exclusive ‘Ladies Day’ golf clinic at the stunning Yas Links Abu Dhabi, which saw 40 women – and a 10 year-old girl – show off their putting and driving skills.

“It’s great to be able to give back to the game,” said Booth. “Mel and I did our best to help everyone out individually so that they could take something away from the experience and apply it to their own golf.”

“I love Abu Dhabi – the facilities are second to none and it’s just a fantastic place to get your season started,” said Reid, who regularly trains in the capital.

The professionals gave their best tips and tricks on the driving range and putting green, punctuated with demonstrations and even an unexpected spot of gymnastics from Booth. However, the attention was almost stolen completely by the clinic’s youngest participant, Chloe Trinh.

The Abu Dhabi-based junior, who has been playing since she was three and is currently ranked number one on the Emirates Golf Foundation Order of Merit in the girl’s under-18 division, was excited for the opportunity to take part in the clinic.

“It was really fun to meet the pros,” said Trinh. “My favourite part of the day was the putting with Mel because that’s the part of my game that I most want to improve and she gave me good advice.”

Off the course, spectators enjoyed ‘Ladies Day’ fun of a different kind with thousands of female fans gaining free entry into the event. The Championship’s ‘Best Dressed’ competition saw Hello! Middle East’s Negar Ghodstinat crown Claire Combalucier as the winner of the competition, as well as an all-inclusive trip for two to San Francisco courtesy of Etihad Airways and St. Regis Saadiyat Island.

The Championship Village is set to be awash with tournament red tomorrow, with the return of family-favourite ‘Splash of Red’ Day, where anyone wearing red will pass through the gates for free.

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship 2015 is presented by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and runs at Abu Dhabi Golf Club from until 18 January.  Tickets and are still available via the event’s official website – www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com  at AED50 for a daily pass and AED150 for a four-day pass. Guests staying at any Abu Dhabi hotel over the Championship period enter free.