They happen so rarely that many of us can reel off rain showers as if they were historic events. Take the storm that brought Abu Dhabi to a standstill in March when torrential rain, winds of up to 126 kilometres per hour and a dark, threatening sky created a flood on social media as well as the city’s streets.
The view of the fairway on the first round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship was also less than fair on January 15, 2009, when rain and hail halted play for more two hours.
Star players on the European Tour, visiting Abu Dhabi’s prestigious golfing tournament, could have been forgiven for expressing surprise that grey clouds and falling temperatures had followed them from home.
Huge hail stones blanketed the course to dramatic effect but English golfer Paul Casey mastered the elements and went on to win the tournament.
This year’s golf championship gets under way next week, from Thursday to Sunday, with Northern Irish legend Rory McIlroy among those hoping to win the Falcon
Trophy – and hoping that rain will not stop play.
This is Abu Dhabi Golf Club not Wimbledon’s All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club after all, but you should never say never.
For residents and farmers, still awaiting spring showers, a drenching downpour is very welcome at any time of year.
* Clare Dight
