Viktor Hovland is set to make a splash at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, a tournament that holds a special place in the Norwegian’s heart. The 2022 champion said: “It’s one of the most iconic tournaments on the European Tour, and I’ve always loved playing here. The atmosphere, the fans, and the course are top-notch. I can’t wait to get started.”
As he prepares to tackle the challenge of the Emirates Golf Club, Hovland has his sights set on finding his winning form and there’s no better place to test your game than on the Majlis course against the likes of McIlroy and Rahm.
“Dubai is always a great place to start the year,” he added. “The conditions are perfect, and there’s no better place to begin a new season.”
If Hovland is aiming to lift the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for a second time his game will need to be at it’s best and not work in progress. Starts from across the golfing world will join defending champion Rory McIlroy as the best field the event has witnessed in recent memory.
Star Attraction
Both McIlroy and Hovland will be battling it out against their Ryder Cup teammates Jon Rahm – with the double Major winner making his Hero Dubai Desert Classic debut – Olympic Silver Medallist Tommy Fleetwood, Rolex Series winners Robert MacIntyre, Nicolai Højgaard and Tyrrell Hatton, as well as European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald.
Major Men & Rolex Champs
Major champions in the field include Pádraig Harrington, Patrick Reed, Adam Scott and Jimmy Walker, while further Rolex Series winners Ryan Fox, Min Woo Lee, Thomas Pieters and Dubai resident Paul Waring – who triumphed in Abu Dhabi in November – will also vie for the famous Dallah trophy.
Walker Cup Stars
Amongst those making their Hero Dubai Desert Classic debuts are two-time PGA TOUR winner Akshay Bhatia, and American Amateur David Ford, who earned his place as the number one player in the PGA TOUR University Ranking.
Ford is joined by fellow 2023 Walker Cup player Preston Summerhays, underlining the HDDC’s vision of creating a pathway for young players to gain valuable experience at the highest evel.
Team Cup Stars
Further DP World Tour winners in the field include Denmark’s Rasmus Højgaard – who pipped McIlroy at the Amgen Irish Open to seal his fifth title and finished second to the Northern Irishman in the 2024 Race to Dubai Rankings.
Not to mention the rest of the of the Team Cup players who are also teeing it up in Abu Dhabi this week – Laurie Canter, Tom McKibbin, Jordan Smith, Matt Wallace, Matt Jordan, Rasmus Neergaard
