The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship golf tournament takes place at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club from January 19-22, featuring some of the game's biggest names making their way to the capital.
Here is everything you need to know.
What is it?
In its 12th year, the tournament has become one of the highest-ranked events on the European Tour. It marks the beginning of the circuit’s three-legged Desert Swing, with the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic played in the following two weeks.
Who is playing?
This year's line-up is another nod to the organisers' pulling power, with three of the world's top four competing at the National Course. At world No 3 Dustin Johnson (following No 2 Rory McIlory's injury withdrawal) and world No 4 Henrik Stenson. Johnson is making his Middle East debut and will no doubt draws huge crowds following a 2016 season that included his first major victory, at the US Open. Rickie Fowler is the defending champion, while reigning Masters champion Danny Willett is also confirmed.
Past champions
Fowler will seek to retain the Falcon Trophy after last year’s dramatic one-stroke victory – only the American’s second appearance in Abu Dhabi. He has some way to go to emulate Martin Kaymer, however, with the German posting three tournament wins: 2008, 2010 and 2011. Englishman Paul Casey has won the event twice – 2007 and 2009 – while Chris DiMarco, Robert Rock, Jamie Donaldson, Pablo Larrazabal and Gary Stal have one win each.
Tickets
Entry is free on Monday and Tuesday (practice days) and the Pro-Am on Wednesday. Daily tickets available for the four days of action (Thursday to Sunday) at Dh50, with four-day season tickets priced at Dh150. Hospitality packages are available, too. To buy, visit www.ticketmaster.ae. For more information, go to www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com.
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