We’re gearing up to preview this week’s spectacular Abu Dhabi HSBC Championships, taking place at the iconic Abu Dhabi Golf Club from Thursday 18 January through to Sunday 21 January.
The European Tour kicks off its lucrative desert swing with this prestigious event. Last year, Tommy Fleetwood’s stellar triumph over notable players like Johnson and Fowler set the pace for an amazing season — a journey culminating in him winning the prestigious Race to Dubai.
Expect star power from Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy, alongside nine of the world’s top twenty golfers. This championship is anyone’s chance to shine and make a strong mark in a fiercely competitive field.
Abu Dhabi HSBC Champs | Thursday 18 January – Sunday 21 January | Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Crafted by Peter Harradine and opening its doors in 1998, the Abu Dhabi Golf Course boasts a challenging 7,583-yard par 72 layout. Now in its 13th edition, players should prepare for classic desert conditions. The course is long and flat, yet intricately bunkered with exposed Paspalum fairways and quick Bermuda greens running at a Stimp speed of 12.5. The penal rough rewards precision, especially in iron play – an area where Fleetwood excelled last year with the highest greens in regulation. Rory McIlroy also ranks at the top in this stat, making for an exciting showdown.
Fleetwood returns to defend his crown against a top-quality roster. Dustin Johnson stormed to an 8-shot victory at the Sentry Tournament of Champions recently and is on a quest to avenge his narrow 2017 defeat to Fleetwood. Rory McIlroy, recovering from a tough past season, aims to reclaim his winning form and global golfing stature. South Africa’s Branden Grace, having come close at Glendower, along with Justin Rose, who ended 2017 on a hot streak, round out the field of serious contenders.
Past Winners
- 2017: Tommy Fleetwood (-17)
- 2016: Ricky Fowler (-16)
- 2015: Gary Stal (-19)
- 2014: Pablo Larrazabal (-14)
- 2013: Jamie Donaldson (-14)
To Win Outright
Dustin Johnson 5/1 | Rory McIlroy 7/1 | Justin Rose 8/1 | Henrik Stenson 14/1 | Paul Casey 18/1
Value Bets
Branden Grace – To Win 28/1, To Place 48/10
South African Branden Grace is back in form, having narrowly missed out on the national title by just three shots last week. The Middle East courses suit his style perfectly — flat and exposed with generous length that complements his prodigious driving. A two-time winner of the Qatar Masters, Grace has consistently performed well here, recording T5 and T13 finishes in the last two years. His knack for rising to the occasion in big events makes him a tempting bet for places.
Bernd Wiesberger – To Win 45/1, To Place 19/2
Though not at peak form in recent EurAsia Cup play, Wiesberger clinched a confident singles win. His powerful long game suits the Abu Dhabi layout, mirrored in his top finishes: sixth in 2015 and an impressive fourth last year. A former Open de France winner at a course similar in style, he stands as a dark horse with five top-six Middle East placements.
Dean Burmester – To Win 100/1, To Place 22/1
Burmester is an intriguing outsider at long odds. Despite a rocky start last week with a 77, his second round 67 re-energised his campaign, earning a weekend spot. His powerful ball striking and a seventh-place finish here last year, plus a strong fourth at the DP World Tour Championship, bode well for another strong showing.
The Man to Beat – Rory McIlroy – To Win 7/1, To Place 15/10
Remarkably, McIlroy has yet to clinch this title despite his Middle East dominance. His record includes 11 consecutive top-10 finishes, four wins in Dubai, and multiple close calls here, losing by just one shot three times. The Abu Dhabi course perfectly complements his aggressive game, and this could be McIlroy’s moment to reclaim his winning swagger.
Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets
