Koepka headlines star-studded field
Defending champion Lowry to try to make it two in a row in Abu Dhabi
World No. 1 Brooks Koepka, two-time champion Tommy Fleetwood lead a start-studded field for the 2020 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, scheduled to be held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club from January 16-19.
Defending champion Shane Lowry will be looking to record back-to-back wins here after his thrilling one-shot victory over South African Richard Sterne in January kick-started an unforgettable season for the Irishman.
Winless on the Tour since 2015, the Falcon Trophy victory proved to be the turning point for Lowry, who went on to clinch his first Major with The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in July. Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Bryson DeChambeau are among the others to provide a huge depth to the field.
Fleetwood, a 2018 Ryder Cup hero, returns with the aim of becoming only the second person after Martin Kaymer (2008, 2010, 2011) to win the tournament three times. Fan favourite Fleetwood will be looking to build on his superb play-off victory at Sun City and should feel confident of putting in a strong performance on a course he knows so well, having claimed consecutive victories in 2017 and 2018.
Current world No. 1 and 2018 US PGA Tour Player of the Year, Koepka will be looking to start his season off on a high note after three months on the sidelines with a knee injury. “It was great to return to Abu Dhabi earlier this year for the first time since 2014. Having last played there as a Challenge Tour graduate, I was able to return as a Major champion and enjoy all the support of the amazing fans.
Amazing memories
“I love getting back out there on the European Tour and I am delighted to be returning to Abu Dhabi this January. The tournament attracts many of the best players in the world, it’s on a world class course, has beautiful weather, so I think it is the perfect place to start the year after a longer than expected
time away from the game due to injury,” the American said in a press release.
Fleetwood said: “The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is definitely one of the most popular tournaments among the players and a personal favourite of mine. Having won the Championship twice, I feel very at home on the National Course and I hope I can take advantage of that again in January.”
Lowry said: “I have amazing memories of my time in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. The manner in which I won the Falcon Trophy was a real catalyst for me and gave me a huge confidence boost going into 2019. I have no doubt about what an important part the victory in Abu Dhabi played in helping me go on to win The Open that summer.”
Former world No. 5, Ian Poulter finished T-6 last year Championship and should feel confident of putting in another strong performance in his fifth consecutive appearance at the tournament.