Excitement at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club is palpable with less than 24 hours to go until the start of the 2020 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA, that takes place between 16-19 January. Players have spent the week honing their skills on the range and in the Championship Pro-Am, and now have the chance to fulfil their ambition of lifting the iconic Falcon trophy. With the course in pristine condition the scene is set for a thrilling tournament that promises to live long in the memory.
An exceptional field is on display this week with the likes of Shane Lowry, Brooks Koepka, Tommy Fleetwood, Sergio Garcia and Viktor Hovland all competing to start the decade with a victory. Away from the golf-course, the Championship Village is a hub of excitement with a number of unique experiences on offer to guests of all ages. Whether it’s the magical mastery of the Trickshot Boys or the musical feast of the Mini Village Vibes stage, there is truly something for everyone at the 2020 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA.
Ahead of his bid to retain the Falcon trophy, Shane Lowry commented: “It was really nice to get last season off to unbelievable start here and win one of the biggest events on tour. This course, this tournament and the calibre of this field make it a difficult tournament to win. Last year, I led the whole week but found myself four behind with seven to play on the last day. I showed a lot of character, determination and heart to win that day, and hope to do it again.”
Discussing his return to Abu Dhabi, Brooks Koepka said: “I love this place. It’s always fun to get back to. The golf course is good and in amazing shape despite the rain. It’s a place I like coming to and hopefully I can play well this week.”
Fan-favourite and two-time champion, Tommy Fleetwood, commented: “This event is pretty much the best way to start the year. I’ve always enjoyed it. It throws you in at the deep end and provides a really tough test. After a few months at home it’s great to come out here where the hotels are amazing, and the weather is great. I’ve been lucky enough to have two really good years here that have catapulted me on for the rest of the year and hope the same happens again this time around.”
Sergio Garcia, 16-time European Tour winner, said: “It’s great to be back. I played nine holes on Tuesday and the course looks nice. They’ve made a few changes since my last visit and everything looks good. I’m excited to start the year in the best way possible. I feel good and so hopefully we can see some results from all the hard work I’ve been putting in.”
Amongst the golfers that have caught the eye in practice is 15-year old, English rising star, Josh Hill. Hill became the youngest winner of an official world-ranking event in October and this week had the chance to take on and better World Number One Brooks Koepka in a practice match, putting in a performance that he will hope to emulate on Thursday. Emirati amateur, Ahmed Skaik, is on also display this week and will be determined to impress in front of a home crowd.
H.E. Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “With the start of the Championship upon us I would like to express my best wishes to all competitors taking part. Excellence is synonymous with the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA and I expect this week to be no different. I would like to thank all our partners for their support up to this point and now look forward to watching four days of exhilarating golf.”
First staged in 2006, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA is being hosted at the iconic Abu Dhabi Golf Club for the 15th consecutive year from January 16-19, 2020.
Tickets for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA can be purchased here.
