History Repeating

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.

- Kent Gray

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.