World class field ready for Abu Dhabi

Golfing superstars Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Bryson DeChambeau have today confirmed they will be at the 2020 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA. Taking place between 16-19 January, 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 Tommy 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, Brooks 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 Shane Lowry and Tommy 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, Ian 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, Sergio 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, Bryson 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.

Shane Lowry, defending champion and Open winner, 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.”

Tommy Fleetwood, two-time champion, commented: “The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA 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.”

Brooks Koepka, current World Number One, 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.”

Ian Poulter, a 12-time winner on the European Tour, commented: “The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA 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. I was second in 2010 and then, after a few years of below average finishes, I was tied 6th for the 2019 Championship and, but for a final round 72, it could have been so much better so I am excited to get back out there in January.”

Sergio Garcia, 2017 Masters Champion, who attended the special 2020 Championship Launch party in Abu Dhabi last night, said: “I’m very excited to return to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA. It’s been great to be back in Abu Dhabi and now I can’t wait to return in January. I have missed playing the tournament recently so I am delighted to have it back in my schedule. With the fantastic conditions, world-class golf course, superb practice facilities and a super-strong field, it’s the perfect place to kick-off 2020.”

Bryson DeChambeau, a five-time winner on the PGA Tour, stated: “I’m delighted to return for this year’s 2020 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA. It’s a beautiful part of the world with a stunning golf course to match. I relish the opportunity to test my game against so many of the best players and, as the Championship kindly gave me an invite while I was still an amateur back in 2016 and just starting out on my golfing journey, Abu Dhabi is a special place for me.”

H.E. Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Bryson DeChambeau to Abu Dhabi for our award-winning Championship. Shane’s performance last year was truly memorable and consistent with the sporting excellence that we associate with the tournament. Abu Dhabi is a global capital of world sport and the presence of players such as these only strengthens that position and reinforces our esteemed reputation.”

Abdulfattah Sharaf, CEO of HSBC UAE said: “The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA is one of golf’s premium tournaments and we look forward to another year of thrilling golf. With an unwavering ability to attract the best players from around the globe the event plays a vital role in shaping the future of golf in the region and inspiring the next generation of world greats.”

Abdulla Kalban, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), said: “This is the third year Emirates Global Aluminium has been a presenting partner of this tournament and we are proud to be associated with this landmark on the Abu Dhabi sporting calendar. As one of the largest companies in the UAE, we are fully committed to supporting the economy and local community. This great event is a wonderful way to showcase our partnership with society and our support for it is one of the many ways we make modern life possible here in the UAE.”

First staged in 2006, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA is being hosted at the iconic Abu Dhabi Golf Club for the 15th consecutive year from Thursday 16th January to Sunday 19th January 2020. As part of the prestigious Rolex Series, the tournament offers a prize fund of US$7 million and is one of the landmark tournaments on The European Tour.