Bryson DeChambeau and five other players to watch out for at the Dubai Desert Classic

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  • Bryson DeChambeau

    Ahead of the start of the Dubai Desert Classic on Thursday, we look at six players who could sparkle around the Majlis Course.

    Do you agree with our choices?

    BRYSON DECHAMBEAU

    Age: 25

    Last three tournaments: T12-7-T10

    The world number five enjoyed a majestic 2018 campaign, with four PGA Tour wins including two FedEx Cup Playoff events in a row. On the back of two top-10s in Hawaii in recent weeks, the California native will be looking to build on his strong performances of late in the UAE this week.

    LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN

    Age: 36

    Last three tournaments: 1-T7-4

    The South African, who finished fourth in Abu Dhabi last week, continued his promising start to the new year following his win at the SA Open earlier this month and his T7 at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in December. With his overall game in fine fettle, the 2010 Open champion has the chance to clinch a maiden win in the Emirates this weekend.

    MATT FITZPATRICK

    Age: 24

    Last three tournaments: T34-2-4

    The five-time European Tour winner has been consistently talked up as the next big thing in golf. At just 24, the Sheffield man has buckets of talent and has shown quality form around the Majlis in the past, with a T5 finish in 2017. Clinical recent displays in Hong Kong and Singapore should give Fitzpatrick the confidence he needs to challenge at the top of the leaderboard.

    RAFA CABRERA BELLO

    Age: 34

    Last three tournaments: T18-T6-T11

    The Dubai resident has shown quality form around the Majlis course in the past, winning in 2012 and finishing second in 2016. Despite not making the European Ryder Cup team, the Spaniard had a sublime 2018, making the cut in all four majors, including a stunning final round 64 to finish in a tie for tenth at the PGA Championship. He has the skills to win at Emirates Golf Club. Holding out for 72 holes will be the challenge for the Las Palmas man.

    SERGIO GARCIA

    Age: 39

    Last three tournaments: T18-T6-T11

    The 2017 champion looks to have turned his form around in recent months after a disastrous 2018 where he missed a staggering seven cuts. However, since the Ryder Cup in October, he has won at the Andalusia Masters, finished second at Sun City and secured three top-10s in five starts. Returning to a course where he has flourished in the past, the Spaniard will be eager to prove that his disappointing season was a blip on his radar.

    THOMAS PIETERS

    Age: 26

    Last three tournaments: T18-T6-T11

    The Belgian is on form and has finished in the top-20 in each of his last five tournaments, including a victory in the World Cup of Golf in November with compatriot Thomas Detry. Although the 27-year-old has struggled with his game management around the greens of Emirates Golf Club over the years, his power and accuracy should parachute him into contention on this occasion.

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