A number of usual suspects are conspicuous by their absence but the 2019 Desert Swing still promises ample intrigue, including Tommy Fleetwood’s tilt at an Abu Dhabi title three-peat.
Milestones.
With the Omega Dubai Desert Classic celebrating its 30th anniversary and the Saudi International making its European Tour bow at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, the Desert Swing will know at least two in 2019. Count on the Oman Open at Al Mouj Golf in Muscat and the Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club producing something special too as they usually do, post the tour’s February-long detour to Australia for a pair of events and then on to Mexico City for the WGC-Mexico Championship.
Before it all, of course, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship tees off the tour’s calendar year in its traditional slot, not that the 14th edition of the Middle East swing opener was ever going to be ordinary. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council was ever going to allow its friendly neighbours to hog all the headlines.
That was assured when the Open de France lost its title sponsor and Abu Dhabi stepped up to give the tour’s eight, elite Rolex Series events a new launch pad from Jan. 16. The $4 million increase in prize money and enhanced media coverage hasn’t worked miracles; Rory McIlroy (probably), Justin Rose, Jon Rahm, Francesco Molinari and Danny Willett won’t be among the usual suspects chasing the coveted Falcon trophy, convinced all that a PGA Tour start to the year is their best path to major success in 2019.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2019-Ausgabe von Golf Digest Middle East.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2019-Ausgabe von Golf Digest Middle East.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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Tempting Entrée
INDUSTRY IDENTITIES AND A FORMER SIX NATIONS STAR AMONG THE BIG NAMES ROLLED OUT FOR THE EAGL’S SUMMER DRESS-REHEARSAL
Year of the Comeback
Tour pros of all ages are rediscovering their mojo
THE GOLF STAYCATION PERFECTED
Golf Digest Middle East’s inaugural Play & Stay is coming to Radisson Dubai DAMAC Hills and Trump Dubai
THE GENIUS OF JORDAN
HE WANTED A CONFIDENT, RELIABLE SWING. HE FOUND IT IN A CLEVER WAY
The Starter
The Nairn Golf Club
Undercover Caddie
Think you could carry a 40-pound bag for a living?
DRIVE BLAST PUTT
THREE WAYS TO RAISE YOUR GAME
Get Set - Ball-striking success starts at address
AMATEURS OFTEN STAND OVER THE BALL with their feet too wide apart. I understand the appeal—they want to feel more stable throughout the swing, and a wider stance seems a logical way to achieve that.
Take 5
It’s hot but that’s no excuse not to warm-up before every round and range session
Classic Closer
Our monthly guide to taming the region’s stroke index 1 holes has gone off-piste. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club professional Matthew Brookes heads to arguably the toughest finishing hole in Middle East golf