Phil Mickelson will come to the UAE in January for the HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, the tournament announced on Tuesday.
Mickelson, the current world No 4, joins a field that so far includes three of the world’s top-six ranked players, with Rory McIlory and Justin Rose – winner at the 2013 US Open – also slated to play the tournament.
Jamie Donaldson, who won the tournament last year, Luke Donald and Matteo Manassero will take part in the European Tour tournament, as well.
Mickelson, who played in Abu Dhabi in 2011, is a five-time major winner after a victory at the British Open in July.
The 43 year old said it would be ‘a great opportunity’ to play Abu Dhabi early in the year.
“I’ve wanted to return since my first time there in 2011. The golf course and facilities at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club are outstanding and the quality of the field and the good weather make it a great place to start my 2014 season.
“Abu Dhabi was a great way to kick off my season back then because it opened my eyes to new cultures and traditions – an expereince that my whole family found rewarding. Next year’s tournament is strictly about the golf for me, although my family is looking forward to visiting that fascinating part of the world again, too.
“The National seems to throw up new surprises for players each year, so let’s see what 2014 will bring. To be only the second American to win the event would be a nice accomplishment,” he said.
Mickelson most recently played at the WGC-HSBC Golf Championship in Shanghai, China from October 31-November 3, finishing 14th.