If ladies ever wanted a reason to invest in a new outfit then attending the second day of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is just the ticket.

That particular day of the popular championship – Friday, January 17 – is ‘Ladies Day’ and among the various female-friendly initiatives on offer is the prize of a free holiday to Thailand for the most stylish spectator.

The annual event returns this month as the UAE capital hosts the second European Tour tournament of 2014, which will take place from January 16-19.

Among the participants are European Tour Golf of the Year Henrik Stenson, former world No1 Rory McIlroy and British Open champion Phil Mickelson.

But on the Friday, they won’t be the only ones looking to catch the eye. Ladies Day has become an integral part of the golfing showpiece and the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), who are the event organisers, and title sponsor HSBC, have planned an exciting day of womenonly activities.

Ladies will be granted free entry on as well as receiving a complimentary drink.

Thousands of women attended last year’s Ladies Day as many set their sights on the ‘Hello! Middle East Best Dressed prize’.

Ladies are being encouraged to dress to the nines as this year’s stylish winner will take home an all-inclusive trip-of-a-lifetime for two to Bangkok, courtesy of Championship partners Etihad Airways and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island.

Fashion scouts will be out and about looking for ladies who exude their own sense of personal style, glamour and confidence.

Meanwhile, for those ladies who enjoy playing the game itself – and are members of an Abu Dhabi golf club – there is the chance to tee off the day and pick up a few tips from six-time Ladies European Tour champion Catriona Matthew, who will hold a special clinic at Yas Links golf club in the morning.

The 44-year-old Scot will offer her expertise, giving female players the opportunity to learn from a proven winner on the women’s circuit.

Matthew, who also has four LGPA victories to her name, was a winner at September’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

Ladies wanting to attend the golf clinic must hurry as only 75 places are available, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to female members of Abu Dhabi’s golf clubs. Members should contact their club managers for further details.

Tickets for the Abu Dhabi Championship and packages are available via the event’s official website – www.abudhabigolfchampionship. com – as well from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.ae).

The cost for a daily pass is Dh50, while a four-day pass will set you back Dh150. Guests staying at any Abu Dhabi hotel over the Championship period can enter free. Plus don’t forget, if you are of the fairer sex then you go free on January 17.

And with a new public Sky Box having been built overlooking the 17th green, ladies can sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere, whilst enjoying the golfing action.

What: Ladies Day

When: January 17, 2014

Where: Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championships

Contact: Visit the website www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com or log on to their Facebook/Twitter pages.