Power arrives in Abu Dhabi laughing off ‘too long’ Hero Cup trousers

Bernie McGuire
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Seamus Power (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Bernie McGuire

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After a journey of some 28 hours that included crossing the Atlantic high above Ireland Seamus Power finally arrived in Abu Dhabi laughing off that the legs of his Hero Cup trousers were too long.

Power, along with caddy Simon Keelan, checked into the on-site Westin Hotel at Abu Dhabi early Tuesday afternoon local time after departing Hawaii late Sunday night.

Power shared 25th place in the Sentry Tournament of Champions ahead of a seven hour direct from Hawaii to Dallas and then finding his way into the luxury Business Class seats for a 14 ½ hour midnight departing flight Monday night (Local US time) that touched down in Dubai at noon Tuesday (Local UAE time).

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It was then a 90-minute drive south to the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Power entered his room to find Hero Cup caps and clothing laid out for him along with other gifts and goodies plus all the information he’ll require ahead of making his debut in DP World Tour team competition, and also competing in the UAE for a maiden occasion in his career.

Then in bumping into Power within the Westin Hotel, that is acting as Hero Cup HQ as opposed to the stunning Falcon Abu Dhabi Golf Club clubhouse, the current FedEx Cup No. 1 was observed carrying a couple of pairs of trousers.

“No problem, it’s just the trouser legs are a little too long, so I am getting them changed”, he said smiling.

“It was a long flight for Simon and I but I have to say flying Emirates was brilliant.  I hadn’t flown with them before and it was just so comfortable from the time we were welcomed into their lounge in Dallas to the flight itself that was super relaxing.

“Then on arrival at Dubai as it is all just so new and so different to me while some of the architecture we observed on the drive here is really impressive”.

Seamus Power with his ‘too long’ trousers in hand & Shane Lowry (Photo @TourMiss)

One of the first people Power bumped into, and before this journalist jumped on him, was fellow Irishman Shane Lowry who had arrived just a few hours ahead of Power.

Lowry had been on the practice range before spending a short time on his putting and making his way back to the hotel, just a wedge shot from the practice facilities.

Unlike Power, Lowry is no stranger to Abu Dhabi having captured the 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in what was a harbinger to his stunning triumph some six months later at Royal Portrush.

“It was good seeing Shane as I haven’t seen him since the CJ Cup last year”, said Power.

While Power knows many in both teams this week there is a handful he does not know at all, including many players on his GB & I side such as the Scottish duo of Bob MacIntyre and Ewen Ferguson plus the likes of the English-born Callum Shinkwin, Matt Wallace and Jordan Smith.

“It will be nice seeing a lot of other guys I know and also getting to meet, and getting to know, a lot of other players here this week who I’ve not met”, said Power.

“I have  two events here in Abu Dhabi, so I’m really looking forward to the fortnight but it’s just so nice being here.  This is something else and I’ve been dreaming about coming here to Abu Dhabi ever since Luke (Donald) mentioned it to me when we were talking at the Bermuda Championship”.

And there will be three Irish in the make-up of the Hero Cup with Donald extending invitations to three victorious European Ryder Cup captains, in Colin Montgomerie (2010), Jose Maria Olazabal (2012) and Paul McGinley (2014) to mix and mingle with both sides.

“It’s great they have arranged for Paul, Jose Maria and Monty to be here, and I’m sure we’re going to hear some great stories”, said Power.

“They are Ryder Cup legends and good on Luke getting them here.”

All 20 Hero Cup players will get the first real look at the famed National course Wednesday.

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