Dubai: Defending Champion Bryson DeChambeau, 2017 Champion Sergio Garcia, 2017 Race to Dubai Champion Tommy Fleetwood, Ryder Cup talisman Ian Poulter and up-and-coming amateur Josh Hill were joined by the official Expo 2020 mascots — Latifa and Rashid — to mark the 31st edition of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic (ODDC), which will be taking place between January 23 and 26.
The players and mascots converged on the eighth hole of the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club on Tuesday. With the iconic Dubai skyline serving as a dramatic backdrop, the strength of the Classic field was plain to see.
The 132-man line-up includes 16 of the world’s top 50 ranked players, nine Major champions with 12 Major titles between them, two former world No. 1s, six Race to Dubai winners, 25 Ryder Cup players and 11 former ODDC champs.
Despite boasting one of its strongest ever fields, the line-up was strengthened further by the official mascots of Expo 2020, Latifa and Rashid.
Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau was keen to emphasise the challenge he faced if he was to retain his title in Dubai, commenting: “Being with everyone lined up for this photo makes you realise the quality of this event and the strength of the field. I am excited to be back in Dubai with these great players and look forward to battling to retain the Dallah trophy. In the meantime, it was awesome to meet both Latifa and Rashid, ahead of this year’s Expo 2020 in Dubai.”
