Star names target glory at Ras Al Khaimah Championship
Nicolai Højgaard leads an allstar field on the hunt for glory in the second edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship, taking place at Al Hamra Golf Club from Thursday.
The event rounds off the traditional start-of-year Desert Swing, with the 21-year-old having played in all three events so far, starting with the inaugural Hero Cup in Abi Dhabi, where he starred in Continental Europe's victory over Great Britain and Ireland.
“I've been really looking forward to getting back to Ras Al Khaimah,” said Højgaard.
“We've had some great events to start the year but I've been looking forward to getting back to RAK and playing this course again.
“I've seen a few changes to the course, makes it a bit more interesting and tougher. I get good memories when I'm out on the course. It was good to play 18 today and relive the moments we had. Will be trying to get some birdies the next few days.”
The defending champion recorded an impressive four-shot win last year, but he will have competition from the last player to win over the layout in the northernmost Emirate of the UAE, the recently crowned Players' Player of the Year, Ryan Fox.
The Seve Award winner kick started his stellar 2022 season with victory in Ras Al Khaimah as the Peter Harradine-designed layout hosted back to back DP World Tour events - having previously welcomed the Challenge Tour from 2016 – 2018 - and he's hoping to put the lingering effects of a stomach bug behind him in search of another strong week after a tied 20th finish at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
“I'm not feeling 100% but a lot better than I was on Monday,” said Fox.
“I woke up with a stomach bug. To be honest I was pretty happy just to finish, there were a couple of times I was close to calling it so was happy that I got it done. I had a rest day yesterday but I'm still feeling a bit under the weather, just tired and lethargic more than anything. Hopefully I should be good come tomorrow (Thursday).
“I've got great memories around here. Obviously, what happened last year, but after the finish last week just making sure I'm there or thereabouts on the weekend is the main goal this week.
“I still feel like I'm half defending, winning around the same course - I'm the last guy to win here. It certainly means something. Playing with the defending champion tomorrow as well, which will be good fun.”
Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex leader Victor Perez has fond memories of the venue after earning his playing privileges on the Challenge Tour's last visit four years ago. He's looking to round off his stint in the desert how it began, following his victorious week alongside Højgaard in the Hero Cup and his maiden Rolex Series win in Abu Dhabi.