Henrik Stenson returns to the 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Eleven-time Tour Winner and former Open champion Henrik Stenson has today confirmed his return to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA, which takes place on January 16-19, 2019 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. It will be the first of eight Rolex Series events on the 2019 European Tour International Schedule.

The iconic Swede, nicknamed ‘The Ice Man,’ is relishing the chance to get his 2019 season off to a flying start. A line-up of golfing superstars, befitting the tournament’s new Rolex Series status, stand in his way. Already confirmed in the field are back-to-back winner, Tommy Fleetwood, 19-time PGA TOUR winner, Dustin Johnson, and three-time Major Winner, Brooks Koepka, who are set to be formidable opponents.

Stenson, who will be competing in Abu Dhabi for a 14th consecutive time, said: “I can’t wait to return to Abu Dhabi for one of my favourite tournaments of the year. It’s cool to have played in every edition of this tournament and experienced first-hand its growth into one of the biggest events on the European Tour with the strongest field in the Middle East.

“I’ve finished second a couple of times before and have really vivid memories of shooting 62 and breaking the course record in 2006, but eventually losing out to American Chris DiMarco. I really want my name on that Falcon Trophy and hopefully that’s going to change next January, although I’m sure there are a few players, including Brooks, Dustin and Tommy, who will have something to say about that!”

H.E. Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Henrik has been a fixture at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA for the last 13 years and we look forward to welcoming him back to Abu Dhabi. Henrik has been on a journey with us since the very start. His sustained presence signifies his enduring commitment to the tournament and he has played an important role in helping us to earn a global reputation for hosting the world’s best sporting events. He joins a line-up boasting some of the world’s best golfers and we are all looking forward to a week of spectacular entertainment and sporting prowess.”

Abdulfattah Sharaf, CEO UAE & Head of International Markets at HSBC Bank Middle East, said: “We are delighted that Henrik will once again be joining us for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA, the 14th consecutive time that he has played in the tournament. Henrik’s confirmation, alongside the recent announcements that Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and defending champion Tommy Fleetwood will all be playing in January, underlines the tournament’s place as the jewel in the crown of Middle Eastern golf. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA has long been considered a hub of golfing innovation and with many of the best players in the world starting what could be a transformative year for the sport, it will once again be a tournament not to be missed.”