The Iceman Stenson Cometh at 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

The Iceman Stenson Cometh at 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 17: Henrik Stenson of Sweden lines up a putt on the 12th green during the pro-am prior to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on January 17, 2018 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

EUROPEAN TOUR LEGEND HENRIK ‘ICEMAN’ STENSON CONFIRMED TO MAKE 14TH CONSECUTIVE APPEARANCE AT 2019 ABU DHABI HSBC CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY EGA

Stenson joins incredible 2019 Abu Dhabi line-up, including World No.1 Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and double ‘Falcon Trophy’ winner Tommy Fleetwood

Eleven-time Tour Winner and former Open champion Henrik Stenson has today confirmed his return to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA, which takes place on January 16-19, 2019. It will be the first of eight Rolex Series events on the 2019 European Tour International Schedule.

The iconic Swede, nicknamed ‘The Ice Man,’ is relishing the chance to get his 2019 season off to a flying start. A line-up of golfing superstars, befitting the tournament’s new Rolex Series status, stand in his way. Already confirmed in the field are back-to-back winner, Tommy Fleetwood, 19-time PGA TOUR winner, Dustin Johnson, and three-time Major Winner, Brooks Koepka, who are set to be formidable opponents.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 19: Henrik Stenson of Sweden plays his tee shot on the par 4, first hole during the second round of the 2018 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club on January 19, 2018 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

Stenson, who will be competing in Abu Dhabi for a 14th consecutive time, said: “I can’t wait to return to Abu Dhabi for one of my favourite tournaments of the year. It’s cool to have played in every edition of this tournament and experienced first-hand its growth into one of the biggest events on the European Tour with the strongest field in the Middle East.

“I’ve finished second a couple of times before and have really vivid memories of shooting 62 and breaking the course record in 2006, but eventually losing out to American Chris DiMarco. I really want my name on that Falcon Trophy and hopefully that’s going to change next January, although I’m sure there are a few players, including Brooks, Dustin and Tommy, who will have something to say about that!”

H.E. Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Henrik has been a fixture at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA for the last 13 years and we look forward to welcoming him back to Abu Dhabi. Henrik has been on a journey with us since the very start. His sustained presence signifies his enduring commitment to the tournament and he has played an important role in helping us to earn a global reputation for hosting the world’s best sporting events. He joins a line-up boasting some of the world’s best golfers and we are all looking forward to a week of spectacular entertainment and sporting prowess.”

Abdulfattah Sharaf, CEO UAE & Head of International Markets at HSBC Bank Middle East, said: “We are delighted that Henrik will once again be joining us for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA, the 14th consecutive time that he has played in the tournament. Henrik’s confirmation, alongside the recent announcements that Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and defending champion Tommy Fleetwood will all be playing in January, underlines the tournament’s place as the jewel in the crown of Middle Eastern golf. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA has long been considered a hub of golfing innovation and with many of the best players in the world starting what could be a transformative year for the sport, it will once again be a tournament not to be missed.”

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA recently became part of the prestigious Rolex Series and with a prize fund now at US$7million, is one of the premium tournaments on The European Tour.

First staged in 2006, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA is being hosted at the iconic Abu Dhabi Golf Club for the 14th consecutive year from January 16-19, 2019.

Tickets for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA can be purchased here.