Abu Dhabi Sports Council has announced the participation of six world champions in the 15th round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, which will be held under the auspices of Emirates International Aluminum Company, from 16 to 19 January next, in the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
The list includes former champions Shine Lowry, twice crowned Tommy Fleetwood, Brooks Copca, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Bryson Deschamps.
The Abu Dhabi tournament has been held annually since 2006 and last year rose to the Rolex series, one of the leading tournaments of the European Golf Tour, with prizes of up to $ 7 million.
The announcement was made during the ceremony held by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, which was held yesterday at the Shangri-La Hotel.
Former champions Shane Lowry are looking to win another successive title at Abu Dhabi Golf Club after beating South Africa's Richard Stern last January, while the twice-winged Falcon Cup champion returns in 2017 and 2018 and the 2018 Ryder Cup champion Tommy Fleetwood. With the goal of winning the tournament for the third time, to be the second player to achieve this achievement, after Martin Kimer succeeded in winning the title three times, in 2008, 2010 and 2011.
World number one Brooks Kopka is looking to open his season and compete with former winners Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood. Former world number five Ian Poulter is confident to deliver a strong performance in his fifth consecutive tournament. Sergio Garcia, the 16-time European Tour winner, will make his debut since 2014, finally winning the KLM Open in September.
After missing the tournament in 2019, Bryson Deschamps returns to Abu Dhabi Golf Club with hopes of winning the Middle East.
Aref Al Awani said: “We welcome champions Shine Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood to participate in one of the most important international golf tournaments in Abu Dhabi, after an exceptional season presented by Shine during the past year to suit the level and importance of this tournament. Participation Abu Dhabi's position as a global capital hosts major sporting events and events, and attracts the world's brightest stars.
He added: “We are delighted with the presence of world-class stars in the tournament, which is one of the most important tournaments in the agenda of Abu Dhabi Sports, confirming the importance and status of the global event for the stars of the game, and will see more details about the participants in this tournament, which will inevitably enhance Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of global sporting destinations.
“Abu Dhabi Golf Championship (HSBC), one of the most exceptional golf tournaments, attracts the best golfers in the world, making it even more important,” said Abdul Fattah Sharaf, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bank in the UAE. The championship and its role in shaping the future of golf.
Tommy: The tournament is very popular
Twice winner Tommy Fleetwood has confirmed that the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, one of the most popular tournaments among players, is one of his favorite tournaments.
“I have won this tournament twice and I feel at home at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club,” he said.
He added: «The tournament is characterized by great atmosphere, and the presence of large numbers of fans of different age groups».
Shine: The winged falcon is a turning point
“I spent a special week in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, and the support I received was great, the feeling of winning was indescribable, and I enjoyed with my family all that this charming city has to offer,” said Shane Lawrie, the title holder. Abu Dhabi is a real turning point for me, which has raised my confidence and led me to play hard to win the Open this summer. ”
“The Abu Dhabi stadium has a great atmosphere and I look forward to playing it again in one of the most powerful tournaments.”