Abu Dhabi: Three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy, one of golf's most highly-rated young players, will be part of the all-star line-up at next month's Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

While the two share a bond off the course, when the two Irishmen tee off at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club National Course from January 20-23 spectators will see a battle between two of the sport's toughest competitors.

The Irish pair join an all-star field at the Championship, including Phil Mickelson (Masters champion), Martin Kaymer (PGA champion), Louis Oosthuizen (Open champion) and Graeme McDowell (US Open champion).

When they assemble in the UAE capital in January, it will be the first time all four reigning Majors champions have competed in the Middle East at the same time. They will also be joined by England's Lee Westwood, the world's number one golfer, as he attempts to collect his first coveted Falcon trophy.

Harrington and McIlroy both possess a strong desire to take bragging rights home to Ireland, just as they both hope to begin the Desert Swing leg of the European Tour with an Irish win.

"With both Rory and I coming from Ireland I've taken a keen interest in his career and have been delighted to see his meteoric progress over the past couple of years," said Harrington.

"He has had some fantastic results this year and I am sure he will go from strength to strength in the years to come.

Enormous respect

"I am looking for a fast start to 2011 and a win at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship would be the best possible way to kick off my season.

"However, with the likes of Rory, Lee, Graeme and Phil already entered, I know it is going to be tougher than ever."

Padraig's admiration for McIlroy's talent is reflected in the respect his young Ryder Cup team-mate has for him. "Padraig's three Majors titles are phenomenal and I can only aspire to one day match his achievements." said the 21-year-old Ulsterman, whose Championship best was third last year, compared to Harrington's all-time highest of fifth.

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is backed by high-profile sponsors including Saeed and Mohammad Al Naboudah Group, Emirates Palace hotel, Etisalat, TDIC, Airbus, Xerox, CNN, Gulf News and Rolex.