Abu Dhabi: Two-time reigning champion and Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood will join world No. 3 and 19-time PGA Tour winner Dustin Johnson for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA from January 16-19.
With the tournament being elevated to the Rolex Series, the premium tournament category on the European Tour’s International Schedule, this year’s prize fund has also been swelled to whooping US$7million.
History is beckoning for Fleetwood if he can stave off the challenge from his rivals to win the title for a record-equalling third year; a feat which has, so far, only been achieved by Martin Kaymer (2008, 2010, 2011). No player has ever won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA three years in a row.
“I have had an amazing couple of years and it all really started at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA. The 2017 win was massive but then I think defending my title earlier this year was very special as it is extremely tough to do,” said the Fleetwood, two-time reigning champion.
Johnson, a former world No. 1, said: “Having played the event for the last two years, I’m really looking forward to returning. I enjoy being in Abu Dhabi and have made several friends during my visits. The golf course is one of the best and most well-conditioned. We play all-year and it always presents a good, fair test. I’ve played OK there in the past, but hopefully, this will be my year to get the win.”
