World’s best to descend on capital for Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

Golfing superstars Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Bryson DeChambeau have on Tuesday confirmed they will be at the 2020 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA.

Taking place between Jan. 16-19, the tournament is the first of eight Rolex Series events on the 2020 European Tour international schedule.

Lowry will be looking to record back-to-back victories at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club after his thrilling one-shot victory over South African Richard Sterne in January kick-started an unforgettable season for the Irishman.

Winless on the Tour since 2015, the Falcon Trophy victory proved to be the turning point for Lowry, who famously went on to clinch his first Major victory in The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in July.

Two-time Falcon Trophy champion and 2018 Ryder Cup hero Fleetwood also returns, with the aim of becoming only the second person after Martin Kaymer (2008, 2010, 2011) to win the tournament three times.

Fan favourite Fleetwood will be looking to build on his superb play-off victory at Sun City and should feel confident of putting in a strong performance on a course he knows so well, having claimed consecutive victories in 2017 and 2018.

Current World Number One and 2018 US PGA Tour Player of the Year, Koepka, will be looking to start his season off on a high note after three months on the side-line with a knee injury. With former winners Lowry and Fleetwood also confirmed, Koepka will have to be at his Major-winning best to overcome a field awash with the world’s best players.

 Former World Number Five, Poulter, finished T-6 at last year’s Championship and should feel confident of putting in another strong performance in his fifth consecutive appearance at the tournament. The popular 16-time European Tour winner and Masters Champion, Garcia, will be making his first appearance at the tournament since 2014. The talented Spaniard recently won the KLM Open in September and will be hoping to claim a win in Abu Dhabi against such a stellar field.

Having missed the tournament in 2019, DeChambeau returns to the iconic Abu Dhabi Golf Club with a point to prove. With five PGA Tour victories, DeChambeau will be eager to make his mark in the Middle East.

Lowry said: “I have amazing memories of my time in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. The manner in which I won the Falcon Trophy was a real catalyst for me and gave me a huge confidence boost going into 2019.

“I have no doubt about what an important part the victory in Abu Dhabi played in helping me go on to win The Open that summer. The course in Abu Dhabi is always in perfect condition and the fans create a great atmosphere, I can’t wait to get back there again in January to compete against so many of the world’s best players and, hopefully, defend my title.”

Fleetwood commented: “The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is definitely one of the most popular tournaments amongst the players and a personal favourite of mine.

“Having won the Championship twice, I feel very at home on the National Course and I hope I can take advantage of that again in January. The crowds help create a very special vibe too with a great mix of local support and fans from all around the world and of all ages.

“I’ve grown to love playing in Abu Dhabi and I think that shows in my recent results, so fingers crossed I can get myself in contention again this year.”

Koepka said: “It was great to return to Abu Dhabi earlier this year for the first time since 2014. Having last played there as a Challenge Tour graduate, I was able to return as a Major Champion and enjoy all the support of the amazing fans.

“I love getting back out there on the European Tour and I am delighted to be returning to Abu Dhabi this January. The tournament attracts many of the best players in the world, it’s on a world class course, has beautiful weather, so I think it is the perfect place to start the year after a longer than expected time away from the game due to injury.”

 Poulter commented: “The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is a tournament I’ve really enjoyed playing. The weather is perfect, the hotels and restaurants are excellent, and the National Course is always in tip top condition.

“Over the years I have both come close to winning and missed by a mile which frustrated me as I definitely think this course suits me well and it is a title I would love to win.”