Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton will be joined at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship by fellow former winners Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Lee Westwood as the latest star players set to arrive at Yas Island for the opening Rolex Series event of the 2022 DP World Tour season, from January 20-23.
The quartet will be joined at Yas Links Abu Dhabi by their Ryder Cup teammates Viktor Hovland, Ian Poulter and Bernd Wiesberger and their 2020 Captain Padraig Harrington. Former Masters Champions Adam Scott and Danny Willett also return to the UAE, with 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson looking to add another victory in the desert to his impressive resume.
Hatton became just the second player to claim four Rolex Series titles after a flawless performance in Abu Dhabi last year which saw him overturn the overnight lead of four-time Major champion Rory McIlroy to clinch a four-stroke victory.
The world No. 22 will defend the Falcon Trophy at Yas Links, where Northern Irishman McIlroy will tee off his 2022 season and recently crowned DP World Tour No. 1 and two-time Major champion Collin Morikawa will make his Abu Dhabi debut — the duo having already committed to back-to-back events in the UAE.
“Abu Dhabi was a crucial win for me in January,” said Hatton, a two-time Ryder Cup player. “It was my sixth Tour victory, and I was incredibly proud to join such an illustrious list of champions. It was without doubt the perfect start to my 2021 season. I’m excited to defend my trophy at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. It’s great to be at a new, world class venue and I know it will be a fantastic week with a stellar field.”
“I always love starting my season at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and that is reflected by my results there down the years,” said two-time winner Fleetwood. “It is set to be a great week at Yas Links, which is a great venue worthy of an event of this stature.”
Lowry added: “I’m really looking forward to starting my season in Abu Dhabi once again. I obviously have very fond memories of this event and there is always a great vibe as the year gets underway with great weather, a strong field and a lively atmosphere among the fans.”
“I can’t wait to get to Yas Links as it hosts the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship for the first time, said two-time Rolex Series winner Westwood. “It’s a course I really enjoy and hopefully that, along with the memories of my win in Abu Dhabi in 2020, can help me put in a strong performance and put myself in contention come Sunday.”
Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome back our defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, along with our most recent tournament winners Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Lee Westwood to the 17th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
“As we move our distinguished Championship to Yas Island for the first time, we are looking forward to showcasing the magnificent Yas Links golf course, the incredible facilities on offer for players and spectators alike, plus the stellar field of world class golfers kicking off an exciting year of sport in the UAE.”
Get your free general admission tickets for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship via Ticketmaster.
