Rory McIlroy, world number one, and Tiger Woods, number two, will meet for the first time this year in this week’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship HSBC, which starts on Thursday. Under the watchful eye of a camel, Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, runner-up in last year’s tournament in the emirate, and Woods, 14-time major winner, will also have to contend with another tough nut to crack, England’s Justin Rose, ranked No. 5 in the world.
The three are some of the big names in a top-notch lineup that will battle at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club for the $2.7 million first prize in this tournament organized by the Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism Authority.
McIlroy said, “I get a special feeling when I play in the Emirates and really enjoy the flavor of the local culture. I always receive a warm welcome in the Middle East, which is becoming an increasingly important destination in the world of golf.”
Woods, who finished tied for third in last year’s tournament, said: “My season starts here and I’m really looking forward to it.The line-up competing in Abu Dhabi s is world class and it’s going to be a tough week. Whoever wins is going to have to play very well.”
Rose agreed, saying, “This is my debut in Abu Dhabi, but I’ve heard a lot about this event from the other players on Tour and I’m hopeful of having a good start to the year.”
In addition to McIlroy, Woods and Rose, Ernie Els will play this tournament for the first time, while Jason Dufner, world number nine, will also make his debut in Abu Dhabi. With three wins in the trophy, Martin Kaymer will be fighting for his fourth title, while Paul Casey will try to achieve his third victory in the tournament. Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke and defending champion Robert Rock are other contenders.
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