The world of golf turns its attention to the 13th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship this week as Tommy Fleetwood attempts to become only the second player to successfully defend the falcon trophy. A strong 126-man field will tee up at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club with last year’s champion joined by the likes of the returning Rory McIlroy, World No.1 Dustin Johnson and three-time Abu Dhabi Championship Martin Kaymer.
Where? - Abu Dhabi Golf Club (The National Course, 7,600 yards)
When? - Thursday 18th: Sunday 21st January
TV Guide - Sky Sports Golf: 5.15pm Thursday, 7am Friday, 8.30am Saturday & Sunday
Can Tommy Fleetwood Double Up?
The previous season was a stellar one for Tommy Fleetwood who won the European Tour’s Race To Dubai, bagging wins in Abu Dhabi and France, plus a host of top-20 finishes. The Englishman has yet to add to his trophy cabinet this season, but last year’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship victor returns to the Middle East as a 22/1 shot to strike gold once again.
Fleetwood was in fine form in last year’s event, holding his nerve to win by a single shot over Dustin Johnson. He’ll be well aware that only two players have ever bagged multiple victories in the tournament: Paul Casey (2007 & 2009) and Martin Kaymer (2008, 2010 & 2011), with the latter the only back-to-back winner - something which Fleetwood will hope to replicate this time around.
Stat Attack
- Tommy Fleetwood is the defending champion.10 of the 13 editions of the tournament have been won by just a single shot.
- The tournament has only produced 2 multiple winners: Paul Casey & Martin Kaymer.
- Rory McIlroy’s one and only professional hole in one came in the 2015 edition of the tournament (scroll down for video).
- Henrik Stenson is the only player to take part in every edition, but he’s yet to strike gold.
What To Expect From Rory McIlroy?
Rory McIlroy makes his eagerly anticipated return to the tee for the first time since October’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, where he finished T63. The Northern Irishman endured a frustrating and fruitless 2017 season, plagued by injuries and a loss of form, but he’s now set to cram in the tournaments ahead of April’s rapidly approaching Masters.
McIlroy has enjoyed some excellent showings in the Abu Dhabi tournament, but he’s agonisingly never won the event, settling for bridesmaid on a whopping four occasions. The 28-year-old recently said he was hungrier than ever, and providing there are no early setbacks, it would surprise few if the 8/1 shot is in contention come Sunday.
The Man In Form: Dustin Johnson
Dustin Johnson enjoyed a stellar 2017, accumulating four tour wins, including two WGC events. The American has taken his form into the New Year, winning the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii earlier this month, and to the shock of absolutely no one he’s been installed as the 5/1 favourite for glory, having just missed out to Fleetwood last year in his tournament debut.
Only last week Johnson told pga.com that an 8-win season is well within reach:
"I definitely think I can. There's a lot of really good players out here on tour, and for me to do that, I'm going to have to play some really good golf. But I'm definitely capable of it."
The Three-Time Winner: Martin Kaymer
If you're looking for a standout name in the betting then Martin Kaymer looks a decent price at 30/1 to win for a whopping fourth time.
Kaymer's first win came 10 years ago in 2008 - his first European Tour title - when he beat the chasing pack by four shots. Two years later he claimed his second victory, before adding a third the following season, winning by a stunning eight shots.
Meanwhile, he has a trio of other top-5 finishes in the tournament.
