Next year’s OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic will deliver a sprinkling of early season star-dust on the Majlis as the likes of Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood and past champion Sergio Garcia have all confirmed to play.
Taking place for the 32nd time, the 2021 tournament will once again be held on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club where Morikawa – current World No.7 and reigning US PGA Champion – will make his debut.
“I’ve been told that the Majlis course is a fantastic setting and I can’t wait to get there and see it for myself. This year has been a memorable one for me on the golf course and I’m excited to see what 2021 has in store,” said the Californian, who won a maiden Major title in August at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.
Known as the ‘Major of the Middle East’ the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic has seen the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Seve Ballesteros and Ernie Els emerge triumphant and Morikawa is eager to touchdown in Dubai, looking to win his first overseas title and join the illustrious list of past winners.
“When you look back at some of the players who have won the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, you realise that it is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world and I’m looking forward to trying to add my name to the roll of honour,” – Collin Morikawa
Former U.S. Open winner Rose will make his first appearance at the tournament since 2009 when he finished runner-up to Rory McIlroy – which was the Northern Irishman’s first career victory on the European Tour – while Fleetwood will be teeing it up in the event for the 10th consecutive year.
“I always look forward to starting my season in the Middle East and Dubai with its history is a popular tournament in that swing. There are so many great winners of the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic and I would love to be one of them one day,” said Fleetwood, winner of five European Tour titles and the Race to Dubai in 2017.
Also in the field is current World No.10 Tyrrell Hatton, who has enjoyed a superb year with a breakthrough victory on the PGA Tour at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and his biggest European Tour title to date at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in October.
Defending champion Lucas Herbert will be primed to try and follow in Stephen Gallacher’s footsteps and become the second player in the event’s history to win back-to-back titles while 2017 winner Garcia is delighted to be returning to a tournament he clearly enjoys.
“I love coming to Dubai and obviously having won there I have great memories to look back on,” said the Spaniard. “It’s one of my favourite events – the course is always presented beautifully and is a fair test. I’m proud to be a part of the tournament’s rich history and would love to create a little bit more by becoming a two-time winner.”
OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann mirrored the golfers’ enthusiasm, saying: “As title partner and passionate supporter of golf around the globe, we’re delighted to announce this line-up of world-class players and we look forward to seeing how the competition unfolds in this spectacular setting, especially in a year when so many great sporting events have had to postpone or cancel.”
The dates for the tournament are January 28 – 31 and attendance will be for invited guests only.
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