By Kent Gray
Rory McIlroy might have decided to bypass the European Tour’s early season Desert Swing by choice for the first time since turning professional in 2007, but it’s not all one-way traffic to America.
PGA Tour player-of-the-year Brooks Koepka, the world No.2, has been confirmed to return to the UAE capital for the 14th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA in the New Year
The 2018 U.S. Open and U.S. PGA Championship winner will tee it up alongside big-hitting compatriot Dustin Johnson and European Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood, who just finished the Race to Dubai season in third spot, in the Jan. 16-19 tournament which has been elevated to a $7 million Rolex Series event.
“I’m very excited to be taking part in this tournament again after such a long time away,” said Koepka who last played at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in 2014, missing the cut after rounds of 77 and 73.
“Last time I played in 2014, I was ranked 93rd in the world, so a lot has happened since that time. I’m looking forward to returning and hopefully adding my name to the impressive list of champions.
“I’ve been determined to include it in my schedule as I keep hearing from DJ, Rickie, Jordan and all the American guys what a great time they’ve had in Abu Dhabi.”
