Omega Dubai Desert Classic champion Bryson DeChambeau has confirmed he will return to the emirate early next year in an attempt to his retain his title.
The American, currently ranked 11th in the world, was announced on Wednesday as one of seven major players signed up to compete at Emirates Golf Club from January 23-26.
Matthew Fitzpatrick, Ian Poulter, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood and Rafa Cabrera Bello, all past members of the European Ryder Cup team - Stenson and Cabrera Bello have won the Dubai tournament before - will contest the Dallah Trophy, while Matt Wallace, this year’s runner-up, has been also confirmed.
DeChambeau made tournament history back in January by shooting the event's lowest score - 24-under par - to seal a seven-shot victory.
“I really enjoyed my time in Dubai and to cap the week with my first international win was amazing,” DeChambeau said. “I have always spoken about how important it is for me to be regarded as a successful international player and to win around the world.
“The Omega Dubai Desert Classic was a great start and it will be an honour to return to this beautiful city and defend my title.”
Spain’s Cabrera Bello has fond memories of the tournament also following his win in 2012 and runner-up finish four years later. A former long-time Dubai resident, Stenson will seek to cap his 20th successive appearance at the event with a second victory having triumphed on the Majlis in 2007. Westwood, meanwhile, has finished second three times previously.
“We have been fortunate enough to welcome the biggest names in golf to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic for the past three decades and this year’s field promises to be no different,” said Simon Corkill, executive tournament director.
“Bryson’s victory earlier this year was as impressive as any we have seen here and to be able to announce his return alongside that of six such stalwarts of European golf is further proof of the event’s international appeal."
