Golfing superstarsRory McIlroyandJordan Spiethwill go head-to-head in a glittering threeball completed byRickie Fowlerduring the first two rounds of this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
Reigning European Number One McIlroy, who is making his first start of the season this week as the annual Desert Swing begins in the United Arab Emirates, will kick off the defence of his Race to Dubai crown at 0740 on Thursday morning in the company of Americans Spieth – the World Number One – and Fowler – the World Number Six.
McIlroy is still yet to win the coveted Falcon Trophy despite a stunning record at Abu Dhabi Golf Club with only one finish outside 11th place for the Northern Irishman in eight appearances and runner-up spots in four of the last five years.
Spieth, meanwhile, is making his first appearance in the tournament and first start in a regular European Tour event.
Elsewhere, three-time winnerMartin Kaymer, who held a commanding lead going into the final round in 2015, plays alongside the man who overhauled him 12 months ago as the German takes to the links alongside defending championGary Staland former European Number OneHenrik Stensonfrom 0750.
Three Major Champions are grouped together at 0830 as 1999 Open ChampionPaul Lawrieis joined by 2003 Masters winnerMike Weirand 2008 Masters victorTrevor Immelman, while 2014 Abu Dhabi winnerPablo Larrazabalis off at 0800 withChris Woodand 2015 Rookie of the YearByeong Hun An.
Meanwhile, three first-time winners from the embryonic 2016 Race to Dubai are grouped together at 1255 as Australian PGA championNathan Holmanjoins BMW SA Open winnerBrandon Stone and last week’s victor in the Joburg Open,Haydn Porteous.
After securing maximum points at the EurAsia Cup last week,Lee Westwoodis joined by European team-mateDanny Willettand South Africa’sBranden Gracefrom 1205, while three other winners from the team match play showpiece last week in Malaysia are back together asVictor Dubuisson, Bernd WiesbergerandIan Poulterget going from 1215.
This week making his 545th start on the European Tour, the experiencedDavid Howellwill get play under way at 0720 on Thursday morning.
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