Sergio Garcia hits 675-yard drive in Abu Dhabi

Sergio Garcia has hit a 675-yard drive in the inaugural 'Whack from the Track' golf challenge in Abu Dhabi, hosted by Etihad Airways at the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit, home of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Sergio Garcia

Sergio Garcia has hit a 675-yard drive in the inaugural 'Whack from the Track' golf challenge in Abu Dhabi.

The event was hosted by Abu Dhabi Golf Championship sponsors Etihad Airways at the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit, and Garcia was invited to drive a golf ball along the longest straight. The Spaniard was attempting to beat the Asian long drive record of 721 yards set by Sweden's Henrik Stenson in 2007.

The 'Whack from the Track' challenge follows Etihad's 'Swing from the Wing' challenge - a long drive competition from the wing of an A330 aircraft held from 2005 to 2007 - where Stenson's record was set and last year's 'Shot from the Yacht' event, where former US Masters champion Trevor Immelman took part in hitting ten golf balls from the superyacht 'Aviva' over the sea and onto a putting green in the grounds of the Emirates Palace Hotel.

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.

"I also hope that Fernando Alonso will win for Ferrari later this year when he drives in the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix."

Where next?

Betting: Abu Dhabi Golf Championship betting guide Tournament preview: Abu Dhabi Golf Championship preview Golf blog: Golf Monthly in Abu Dhabi Equipment: TaylorMade R9 SuperTri driver pictures Prizes: Win golf prizes

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