European Captain Padraig Harrington, previous skipper Thomas Bjørn and two-time assistant Miguel Ángel Jiménez join world-class field at Emirates GC from 23-26 January

European Ryder Cup Captain Padraig Harrington will head to the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club next January, where he will be joined by his successful predecessor Thomas Bjørn and two-time winning assistant Miguel Ángel Jiménez.

The trio of European Tour legends join an already star-studded field, which sees the return of the tournament-record setting defending champion, Bryson DeChambeau. Previous winners Rafa Cabrera Bello, Sergio Garcia, Haotong Li, Henrik Stenson and Danny Willett will also be in attendance, in addition to a bevy of other big names – including Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Ian Poulter, Matt Wallace and Lee Westwood.

The oldest tournament in the region and the longest running on the circuit outside of Europe will be played on the Majlis Course, newly crowned the best in the Middle East by Golf Digest. In addition, next year’s event will boast an exciting new event offering, with VIP Hospitality Terrace packages available to buy now, in addition to an all new ‘Tournament Town’, which will offer a first-class culinary experience and the latest in family entertainment.

Harrington will make his eighth appearance at the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic next year and, aside from arriving in the UAE in search of a 16th European Tour title, will no doubt have a busy week assessing those in early contention for one of 12 Ryder Cup berths next September – a fact that does not escape the Irishman.

“The OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic is one of our most iconic events and one I cannot wait to return to,” said Harrington, who finished in a tie for second alongside Tiger Woods at this event in 2001, two shots adrift of Bjorn. “There is a lot of golf to be played between now and Whistling Straits and, in that time, I hope to play with everyone who is in contention for the team. I can think of no better place to do so than Emirates Golf Club, so I’m looking forward it.”

Bjørn knows what it takes to triumph over Team USA, but with his experience in Paris behind him, 2020 provides a great opportunity for ‘The Great Dane’ to demonstrate how he earned that moniker. What better place than an event the 48-year old has tasted success at before having, some 18 years ago, played alongside Woods on all four days to deliver one of the event’s most iconic closing Sundays.

“I always love coming back to Dubai and the Desert Classic has so many great memories for me,” said the 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain. “To go toe-to-toe with Tiger and come out on top is not something many people can lay claim to, so it is a moment from my career that I will never forget. The Majlis Course is always in impeccable condition and it will be great to get out there again in January.”

No stranger to the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, Jiménez will make his 26th appearance at the event in 2020, stand out in which was his table-topping display nine years ago. That year he triumphed over Westwood in extra holes, some five years on from narrowly losing out to three-time winner Ernie Els, as the South African eagled the 72nd hole to win by a stroke.

“I first played in this event back in 1991, so it has been amazing to come back virtually every year and see how much the place has changed,” said the 55-year old Spaniard, who was a winning Ryder Cup Assistant Captain in 2012 and 2014. “I have some amazing memories from my visits to Dubai and my win here is a stand-out for me. I still enjoy coming out and proving I have what it takes to keep up with the young guys, so I’m looking forward to doing just that in a few weeks.”

With the four-day event set to be bigger and better than ever, now is the perfect time to book daily, season or Terrace Hospitality tickets with prices starting from AED75.

The inaugural OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic was won by England’s Mark James and has gone on to establish a roll of honour boasting some of the biggest names in golf over the past 30 years – including the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Fred Couples, Rory McIlroy, Colin Montgomerie and Woods.

To purchase hospitality, season or daily tickets, go to: www.omegadubaidesertclassic.com/buy-tickets

For more information on the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, visit: www.omegadubaidesertclassic.com

ENDS

About the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic
The OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, often referred to as the “Major of the Middle East”, is among the most highly anticipated golfing events; showcasing seasoned talent from around the world and attracting up and coming stars of tomorrow. Past champions include last year’s winner Bryson DeChambeau, Seve Ballesteros, Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett, Henrik Stenson, Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia, Jose Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez.

The 31st edition will take place from 23-26 January 2020, with much more to celebrate on and off the course. Enhancements to the F&B offer take inspiration from around the world, alongside the addition of contemporary art and live entertainment, that that will make this event a great day out for golfers and non-golfers alike.
www.omegadubaidesertclassic.com

Tournament Owner
Falcon and Associates’ remit is to respond to strategic Dubai initiatives and own/operate commercially viable world-class events that further position Dubai as an innovative and tolerant global centre of excellence. Both the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic and OMEGA Dubai Moonlight Classic are organised and promoted by Falcon.
www.falconandassociates.ae

Tournament partners
OMEGA, renowned for its innovative watchmaking, is title sponsor of both the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic and OMEGA Dubai Moonlight Classic. Through its association with many of the world’s most high-profile competitions, organisations and players, OMEGA is committed to supporting the game’s rising stars and introducing golf to a new generation of fans.

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), founding partner of the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, is the world’s largest ‘premium aluminium’ producer and the biggest industrial company in the UAE outside oil and gas. EGA’s long term support for the tournament demonstrates their corporate commitment to the socio-economic development of the UAE as well as to promoting the country internationally.

Other partners: BMW, CNN, JA Resorts & Hotels, Wasl and Emirates NBD
Patrons of the event are: Motivate Media Group, Byrne Equipment Rental and Dubai Duty Free