World No. 2 Dustin Johnson will make his tournament debut next year at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, where he will headline the field along with the likes of Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson.
Johnson, the reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year, was announced as one of 12 players who have confirmed their appearance for the Jan. 19-22 event at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
“I’m really looking forward to it and pleased to have the opportunity to play in Abu Dhabi,” Johnson said in a release. “I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard really good things about the golf course from Rickie (Fowler) and Rory who tell me I’m definitely going to like it, and about Abu Dhabi itself so I’m really excited about going.”
The 2016 edition of the tournament boasted the strongest European Tour field outside of the majors, and next year’s field will be just as stout. Joining Johnson will be McIlroy, the reigning FedEx Cup champ who has been a runner-up four times in Abu Dhabi. Stenson will return as will Masters champ Danny Willett, giving the tournament three of the four major winners from 2016.
Fowler won the event last year in what remains his most recent worldwide victory, and he’ll also return to defend the title.
“Abu Dhabi was a high point for my 2016 season along with competing in the Olympic Games and being on the winning 2016 U.S. Ryder Cup team,” Fowler said. “Coming out on top against the strongest field on the European Tour was as good a start as anyone could aspire to.”
Other player commitments announced Tuesday include Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Thomas Pieters, Branden Grace, Thongchai Jaidee, Thomas Bjorn and Alex Noren.
