Henrik Stenson will continue his record of playing in every Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, presented by EGA after the former British Open champion confirmed his participation in the 2019 tournament.
Stenson, 42, has twice finished runner-up at the National Course - at the inaugural tournament in 2006 and again in 2008 - but he is yet to get his hands on the Falcon Trophy, despite holding the course record, 62.
The world No 25 from Sweden will be aiming to make it 14th time lucky when he tees off alongside the likes of world No 1 Brooks Koepka, former US Open champion Dustin Johnson, and defending two-time champion Tommy Fleetwood, all of whom have confirmed their places at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
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Read more:
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Dustin Johnson and Tommy Fleetwood confirmed for 2019 Abu Dhabi return
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“I can’t wait to return to Abu Dhabi for one of my favourite tournaments of the year," Stenson said in a statement released on Monday.
"It’s cool to have played in every edition of this tournament and experience first-hand its growth into one of the biggest events on the European Tour with the strongest field in the Middle East.
“I’ve finished second a couple of times before and have really vivid memories of shooting 62 and breaking the course record in 2006, but eventually losing out to Chris DiMarco.
"I really want my name on that Falcon Trophy and hopefully that’s going to change next January, although I’m sure there are a few players, including Brooks, Dustin and Tommy, who will have something to say about that.”
A two-time Race to Dubai champion, former FedEx Cup winner, Olympic silver medallist, and a three-time Ryder Cup champion, the crowning moment of Stenson's career so far took place at Royal Troon in 2016 when he won his first major title at the British Open.
Competing head-to-head with American Phil Mickelson in one of the greatest duels in golf history, Stenson shot the joint-lowest Sunday score at a major tournament - 63 - as well as the lowest aggregate score in any major championship - 264 - to clinch the Claret Jug.
Should Stenson end his wait for a first Abu Dhabi title, it will hold even greater value than in past tournaments, having been upgraded to a Rolex Series event which also includes an increased prize fund of $7million (Dh25.7m).
The 2019 Abu Dhabi Championship is the first European Tour event of 2019 and will take place January 16-19.
To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.ae.
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If you go...
Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).
