Golf enthusiasts across the UAE capital should make sure they step up their training in the next few days as they stand a chance to win a money-can’t-buy opportunity of playing with one of the stars of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship next week in the official championship Pro-Am.

Some of the world’s best golfers will descend on Abu Dhabi for the January 16 to 19 championship and in the lead-up to the event, between January 9 and 13, there will be five red balls hidden at five driving ranges across the capital.

Those lucky enough to find one of these red ball in their bucket will each win a pair of Championship Oakley sunglasses. But that’s not the full story.

One of the five red ball winners will be chosen at random to win a place in the official Championship Pro-Am competition on January 15.

The winner can get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play 18 holes with the likes of ‘Super Swede’ Henrik Stenson, five-time Major winner Phil Mickelson, world No6 and former world No1 Rory McIlroy, reigning US Open champion Justin Rose, Luke Donald, world No10 Sergio Garcia, three-time Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer, or reigning champion Jamie Donaldson.

If that’s not enough of a reason to hit your driving range this weekend, we’re not sure what is.

And if you are at the championship, watch out for UAE’s favourite golfer Stenson, as he tries to win the one tournament that has eluded him in the Desert Swing.

The world No3 will be hoping to carry his hot form from last season to the present one.

Stenson, who finished second twice, in 2006 and in 2008, and holds the championship course record with a 62 during his 2006 near-miss, said: “There’s a Falconsized gap in my trophy cabinet that I’d dearly love to fill – not just because of the 2006 and 2008 near misses but also because I can become the first player to complete the sweep of Gulf titles.

“The National course gets a bit tougher each year and the Championship has become one of the most coveted on the Tour, so it would be great to tee off the season in style by winning here.”

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways are offering their Etihad Guest members free entry to the Championship, along with a companion. All they have to do is show their Etihad Guest Card at the entrance and they can get to watch the stars up close at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Spectators can also stop by the Etihad Airways stand in the sponsors village to enter competitions to win golf holidays courtesy of Etihad Holidays and some great golf prizes.

What: A chance to win a spot in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Pro-Am

Where: Red balls hidden in five driving ranges across Abu Dhabi

When: January 9 to 13, 2014

Information: Log on www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com