European Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood has confirmed he will play in the 2019 Omega Dubai Desert Classic, reinforcing its status as the Major of the Middle East.
Fleetwood will be joined by fellow Ryder Cup stars, past and present, including Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton, Thorbjorn Olesen, Thomas Bjorn, Lee Westwood, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Colin Montgomerie, in what will be a star-studded field as the world’s best compete for the famous Dallah trophy.
Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2017 champion Garcia triumphed earlier this year as the all-time highest points scorer in Paris, becoming the most successful Ryder Cup player in history.
The Spaniard was the second Omega Dubai Desert Classic champion who then went on to win The Masters, after Danny Willett accomplished the same in 2016. In a twist of fate, both Garcia’s and Willett’s caddies were assigned the No89 – the same year the Desert Classic was born. Will lucky number 89 be victorious again in 2019?
Reigning champion Haotong Li will return to Dubai to defend his title and look to secure back-to-back wins. The 23-year-old from China became the first Asian golfer to win the event in 2018 when he beat four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy by one stroke.
Fleetwood will be one of the stellar names competing.
European Tour Rookie of the Year 2018, Shubhankar Sharma, is confirmed to join fellow UAE-based amateur Rayhan Thomas as well as Jovan Rebula, the British amateur champion and nephew of the only three-time champion, Ernie Els.
Current No1 in the Race to Dubai rankings, Aaron Rai has his sights on the famous Dallah trophy along with Rafa Cabrera Bello, Louis Oosthuizen, Eddie Pepperell, Matt Fitzpatrick, Matt Wallace and Andy Sullivan.
David Spencer, tournament director, said: “We are looking forward to ensuring that our 30th edition continues to enhance Dubai’s growing reputation as a world class golfing destination.
“The players love our tournament because they get to spend time in our dynamic and vibrant city. No doubt when the winner’s name is etched on our Dallah trophy in 2019, the tradition of greatness will continue.”
His Highness Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, from the Emirates Golf Federation, added: “The Omega Dubai Desert Classic has become one of the most famous golf tournaments in the world.
“The 2019 event will showcase the last 30 years with many stars past and present. It is a great platform for our sport and will help to encourage the next generation of golfers to our great game.”
Rory McIlroy is a two-time winner of the event.
Spectators will be able to enjoy a range of exciting new additions to the tournament for the special 30th edition, including a brand new viewing platform on the 18th green, new spectator area on the 15th hole and a redesigned tournament village.
With so much on offer, fans can take advantage of the event’s special 30th edition offer where they can enjoy a full four-day experience for only Dh250.
The 30th edition of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic will be held at Emirates Golf Club from January 24-27, 2019. Since 1989, the tournament has seen 24 different winners, including nine Major champions and 13 different nationalities.
For tournament information, tickets and hospitality packages, visit the tournament website www.omegadubaidesertclassic.com.
