World Number Seven Patrick Cantlay and two-time European Tour winner Li Haotong become the latest international icons to confirm their appearance at the 15th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA from January 16-19.
Cantlay, a former World Number One ranked amateur golfer, will make his Rolex Series debut having soared into the top ten of the Official World Golf Ranking following two high-profile victories in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
The American star will be eager to prove his prowess in Abu Dhabi against a line-up of proven champions that includes compatriot and World Number One Brooks Koepka, two-time winner Tommy Fleetwood and defending champion Shane Lowry at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
“I’m very excited to play for the first time in Abu Dhabi,” said Cantlay. “I’ve heard great things about the course, the fans and the experience as a whole. With a such a strong field this year, I’m looking forward to competing against some of the best players in the world and to try and take home the Falcon Trophy.”
Li, the first male Chinese golfer to break into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking, will be hoping to continue his record-breaking form and become the first man from China to lift the iconic Falcon Trophy.
“The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA is a tournament I love playing in,” said Li. “It is a great way to kick-off the New Year and, this year I’m looking to make it to the weekend and get myself in a position to make a run come Sunday afternoon. Even though we’ve only just finished the season in Australia, I can’t wait to see everyone again in January and get started on 2020 in Abu Dhabi.”
H.E. Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, added: “Patrick is one of the most talented young players on Tour today and we are delighted to welcome him to Abu Dhabi for the first time. Haotong is also an outstanding player and is an amazing ambassador for Chinese golf. They were both key players at last week’s Presidents Cup and I am sure they will be equally as competitive come January.”
First staged in 2006, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA is being hosted at the iconic Abu Dhabi Golf Club for the 15th consecutive year from Thursday 16th January to Sunday 19th January 2020. As part of the prestigious Rolex Series, the tournament offers a prize fund of US$7 million and is one of the landmark tournaments on The European Tour.
Tickets for the Abu Dhabi Championship presented by EGA can be found here.
